OBITUARY: Joyce Ann Phillips

Joyce Ann Phillips, 86, of Washington, Utah, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 17, 2026 in St. George, Utah.

The second of three children, Joyce was born August 28, 1939 in Mesa, AZ to Vaughn and Jean Burton (nee Grigg). It wasn’t long until she met Willard in Henderson, NV and was married in the spring of 1955. Later, they were sealed in the St. George Temple.

Willard and Joyce had three children and they traveled the world together as he served in the Air Force, with Panaca always feeling like home. Throughout her life she worked in the cafeteria at the Grand Canyon, was a florist in Abilene, TX, and a school cafeteria lunch lady in Panaca, NV. After Willard retired, they worked at the laundromat in Yellowstone National Park.
Joyce was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her church callings included indexing, working in the library and the temple, along with serving in various presidency positions.

‘Joyful One’, as she was often referred to by Willard, had a certain curiosity with life and the things around her. Everything had patterns and textures and was worth noticing. She loved taking pictures of the sky and clouds during all of her travels, thinking it to be a constant ever-changing mural. She was always excited to show her family all of her pictures and share the stories of her life. Other things she enjoyed included: knitting, crocheting, sewing, needlepoint, diamond art, coloring with pencils, watercolor painting and baking.

Joyce adored and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and made everything fun for them. She taught them what it means to stir vigorously when making cream puffs, how to preserve the garden harvest, and taught the proper way to make the bed with no wrinkles. Other times she’d host sleepovers that included “Anne of Green Gables” movie marathons and share “Happy Juice” (apricot juice that the kids thought looked gross).
She loved taking the simple things of life and creating fun.

Joyce is survived by her 3 children: Sheila (Mark) Willingham, Glen Phillips and John (Voniece) Phillips; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; along with her brother, Lee (Christy) Burton and sister, Sharon (John) Carducci.
She is preceded in death by her husband and parents.

A viewing will be held Friday, July 31 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. MST at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 860 Fairway Drive, Washington, UT 84780. A graveside service will follow at the Washington City Cemetery, 300 Park View Drive, Washington, UT 84780.