Ella Louise Dedman Phillips

Ella Louise Dedman Phillips passed away May 15, 2022 at the age of 67 after a long illness through which she battled valiantly.  Louise Dedman was born October 17, 1954 in Lexington, Kentucky and grew up in central Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio.  As a youngster, it was apparent that Louise was gifted in language and numbers, and she had a devilish sense of humor.

Louise met her soulmate, Gregory C. Phillips, the summer after high school graduation.  The two corresponded for a year as she traveled on a mission.  When Louise returned to Lexington, the two began dating and were married July 18, 1975.  They had 47 wonderful years of partnership.

Louise and Greg had three children, Isaac, Daniel (who died at birth), and Jessalyn.  Jessalyn also preceded her mother in death in 2011.  Louise loved her children with all her heart and was very proud of their talents.  While raising her children, Louise went to college part-time for eight years to earn a bachelor’s of accountancy degree from New Mexico State University with a 4.0 GPA.  She also pursued creative writing in college; she had a poem published in an academic journal alongside a poem by William Stafford, one of her favorite poets.  After graduation, Louise joined an accounting firm and became a licensed CPA. Louise enjoyed shooting pool, playing cards, talking with her friends, winning at Scrabble, reading books, listening to music with good lyrics, and arguing (in fun).

She was preceded in death by two children and both parents, Dixon Everett Dedman and Freida Jean Marshall Dedman.  Louise helped her father and siblings as much as she could throughout her life. She is survived by brothers Dixon, David and Dale, sister Jeanine, husband Greg, son Isaac, and many adopted friends.  We all loved her madly.

Louise’s life will be celebrated privately during a graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery, Dry Ridge, Kentucky.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Jessalyn Kai Phillips Fund to support Opera, Arkansas State University Foundation, 2626 Alumni Blvd, Jonesboro, AR 72401.