Carolyn Virginia Phillips

Carolyn Virginia (Thompson) Phillips, 73 passed away to eternal life on Sunday, October 17, 2021. A visitation will be held at the FUNERAL HOME (515 Center Street, Lake Geneva, WI) from 10-11a.m. with a services at 11a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lake Geneva. Lazarczyk Family Funeral Homes - Steinke Chapel of Lake Geneva, WI is proudly serving the family. THE ESSENCE OF CAROLYN Carolyn Virginia (Thompson) Phillips was born to Tyree H. and Louise Means Thompson. She entered this world on July 9, 1948, at Provident Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. In 1957, the Thompson family which now included her younger sister, Gwendolyn, left Chicago and relocated to Lake Ivanhoe, WI, when Mr. Thompson accepted a position as a Presser at a Lake Geneva area dry cleaner. Following the move to Wisconsin, the family joined Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church in Delavan, WI where they were active members. Carolyn attended Lake Geneva Public Schools and graduated from Badger High School. Married in 1965, Carolyn and husband Romero Buggs, Sr., moved to Milwaukee where they welcomed three children, Romero Ramon, Cynthia Louise, and Ericka Lynette. Carolyn made the decision to return to Lake Ivanhoe, living within blocks of her parents so that her children could grow up close to family and long-time family friends. As a single parent during this time, Carolyn served as both a Brownie and Girl Scout Troop Leader at Central Elementary School for her daughters, while also being the ultimate fan and "Number One" cheerleader at her son's baseball games. It was during this time that Carolyn met and married McKinley E. Owens, Jr. of North Chicago, IL who preceded her in death. Together the couple had one daughter, Kenya Carolyn Owens. Carolyn attended Gateway Technical College, completing the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program, and began a career working with geriatric and dementia patients at Lakeland Nursing Home and Lake Geneva Manor. She later returned to Gateway and studied Court Reporting. Always a devoted daughter, she faced her father's progressive illness by assisting her mother with his daily care until his death in 1989 and cared for her mother until she passed away six months later in 1990. On July 11, 1998, Carolyn married Melvin Phillips. Over the years her health declined, and in 2018 she and Melvin relocated to Columbia Heights (Minneapolis-area), MN where they were able to enjoy regular visits and quality time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. On Sunday, October 17, 2021, Carolyn unexpectedly departed this world, leaving family and friends heartbroken by her loss, yet finding comfort in their faith. Carolyn was a woman of faith, strength, and compassion. She had an unwavering belief in God. Carolyn was a straight-forward woman who was not afraid to speak her truth. Her love for her family and friends knew no bounds. She loved to dance. She loved to laugh. She loved a good party. She loved life and lived it on her own terms. Those left to keep her memory alive include her husband, Melvin R. Phillips; children, Romero R. Buggs, Jr., Cynthia L. Buggs, Ericka L. Moses, and Kenya C. Owens (Peter Fonk) and Romond Buggs & Family. Grandchildren: Kayla Peterson-Steele (Marcel, Sr.), Kiera Peterson, Kassidy Owens, Mahommed Moses, Pharoh Reich, Razan Moses, Haden Reich. Great-grandchildren, Tahir Peterson, Marcel Steele, Jr. Her Sister and Family: Gwendolyn, Gregory, Matthew, and Rebekah Jones. Her Brothers: Philip Wayne Lanton and Mickey Lanton. Her Aunt Carmen Patton, a host of Cousins, In-Laws, Extended Family and Friends. She loved you all more than you will ever know. In loving memory of Scotty Thompson and Rickey Lanton. John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Service Details. Visitation When Monday, October 25th, 2021 10:00am - 11:00am Location Lazarczyk Family Funeral Homes - Lake Geneva Chapel Address 515 Center Street LAKE GENEVA, WI 53147 Service When Monday, October 25th, 2021 11:00am Location Lazarczyk Family Funeral Homes - Lake Geneva Chapel Address 515 Center Street LAKE GENEVA, WI 53147 Interment When Monday, October 25th, 2021 11:00am Location Oak Hill Cemetery - Lake Geneva Address 1101 Cemetery Road LAKE GENEVA, WI 53147