Diane Phillips

Diane Marie Phillips, 72, of Bauxite, Arkansas passed away June 3, 2021.  She was born February 18, 1949, in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Dr. William Watkins Christeson and Rose Mary (Haynie) Christeson.

Diane retired from the Red Cross after working over fifteen years organizing blood drives.  She had a compassion for helping others.   Diane was full of love and had a huge heart.  She helped raise many children who weren’t even hers-most were her children’s friends.  Diane was a talented, creative artist whose works included paintings, flower arranging, candle making, wreaths, and many more crafts she enjoyed creating.  Fishing was a favorite hobby and she enjoyed both catching the fish and eating them.  The lake was Diane’s happy place where she enjoyed spending time with her family.  She was a bit feisty and was the only one her children stated who could look at you with a smile on her face, but make you feel terrible for the mistake you just made.  Diane was the glue that held the family together.

Preceding Diane in death are her husband, Gary Elwyne Phillips, Sr.; her parents; son, Benji Pearson; grandchild, “Little Al” Pearson; and brother, William “Bill” Christeson.

Diane leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Rosemarie Kyle of Bauxite, Arkansas; two sons:  William “Bill” Christeson Pearson and wife Windy of Benton, Arkansas; Gary Elwynn Phillips, Jr. and fiancé Morgan Cochran of Bauxite, Arkansas; eight grandchildren:  Torey, A.J., Louis, Justin, Bill, Jakob, Gavin, and Bella; many great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Bulloch and husband Victor S. Bulloch, III of Little Rock, Arkansas; brother, Michael Christeson of Little Rock, Arkansas; and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends who love Diane and will miss her always.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.