Lora Deane Mann Phillips
Lora Deane Mann Phillips, age 89 of Christiansburg, soared to heaven on October 13, 2026. Lora (“Deane” to many) was born April 1, 1937 in Pearisburg, VA to Glendon and Virginia Mann.
She spent her life loving God, growing her faith through scripture reading and prayer, and loving and serving others. She lived by Christ’s Greatest Commandments: Love God, and love one another.
She was predeceased by her parents, her infant son, her twin sister, Jean (Howard) Carr, her “little” sister, Carolyn Peery, a nephew and a niece, aunts and uncles and a multitude of Mann cousins, many whom she stayed close with over the decades.
Lora was a devoted wife, mother, loyal friend, and homemaker extraordinaire. She was a talented craftsman and stained-glass artisan, and an incredible seamstress and costume designer. She loved writing, reading, music, quilting, gardening and a host of other gifts and talents she was blessed with. She graduated Greenville High School in 1955 and married Riley, her high school sweetheart, in 1956. They made their home in Baltimore, MD until 1968 when they moved with their four daughters to Rockbridge County, Virginia. Settling in Christiansburg in 1978, she and Riley joined Christiansburg Church of the Brethren, where Lora later became secretary for 10 years. Lora and Riley enjoyed life under the sugar maples they planted at Avery Lane for nearly 50 years.
Left to treasure her memory is her husband of 70 years, Riley Phillips, and her four loving daughters: Cindy (Tony) Brewer, Judi (Josh) Simpkins, Kathy (Mike) Kenley, and Jenny Phillips, as well as her beloved 11 grandchildren: Ashley, Phillip, Emily, Lew, Chris, Paige, Drew, Steven, Josh, Kelsey, Taylor. Also surviving are many great- and great-great-grandchildren, and special cousin, Mescal Booth of Lindside, WV, whom she loved like a sister, her church family and many lifelong friends. The family would like to thank Medi Hospice staff, and Love by Hope for caregivers over the past two years. A special thanks to Ebony for her devotion and care of Lora.
A Celebration of Lora’s Life will be held Sunday, October 18, 2026 at Christiansburg Church of the Brethren. Visitation begins at 2pm and the service will follow at 3. Burial will be on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 1pm at Keaton Cemetery in Greenville, WV.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Christiansburg Church of the Brethren, 310 S.Franklin St., Christiansburg, VA 24073.
