Laverne Mamie Phillips

Mrs. Laverne Mamie Phillips, age 92, a resident of Lakeland formally of Auburndale went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Good Shepherd Hospice Lakeland surrounded by family. Ms. Phillips was born December 4, 1933, in Lakeland, Florida to Walter and Nellie (Norman) Hodge. She was a lifetime Polk County resident and graduated from Auburndale High School. She was a member for over 50+ years at the First Baptist Church in Polk City, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and volunteered for the church in many ways. Laverne was a homemaker and helped in the office of WR Martin Construction for over 20 years. She enjoyed baking, gardening, helping others and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; 2nd husband – Carl Tallmadge Phillips; son – Curtis Lynn Martin; daughter – Toni Marie Hunton; brother – James Hodge; 3 sisters – Mary Lyons, Peggy Gary & June Thornton and grandson – Jonathan. Laverne is survived by her loving family, son – Bob (Rhonda) Martin; 10 grandchildren – Jereamiah Trevor Martin, Sarah Deshell Powers; Naomi Nicole (Luke) Ostberg, Justin (Amanda) Jacobs, Melissa (Ken) Martell, Cody (Donna) Martin, Joshua Martin, Amanda (Joel) Vanderhieden, Brian Coleman & Ivan Puskey; 31 great grandchildren – Brooklyn, Maddie, Graham, Roselyn, Ethan, EstherJane, Ezekiel, Sophia, Olivia, Melina, Meliha, Kenneth, Melkyla, Shane, Makayla, Brooke, Nathan, Jason, Alden, Bethany, Amber & Heather. Funeral services will be held 11am Tuesday, July 7th at the First Baptist Church, 212 Hamolia Avenue, Polk City. Visitation will be held before the service from 10-11 at the church. Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park.