Dorethea Dukes Phillips, 83, of Columbia, SC, passed away on April 9, 2016. She was born in Greeleyville, SC to the late Doris Evans Dukes and Ila McCants Dukes.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Keith B. Phillips. Keith and Dorethea met in Columbia while Keith was stationed at Fort Jackson, and later married while he was a student at The University of South Carolina. They moved to Florida and then Alabama, before settling back in Columbia in 1976. Dorethea retired from GMAC in 1992, in time for the birth of her granddaughter whom she loved dearly.

Dorethea is also survived by two daughters, Melissa Fritz (Wayne) of Columbia, SC, and Helen Joyce Brown (Henry) of Hailey, ID; granddaughter, Walker Fritz of Charlotte, NC; and step-grandson Cooper Fritz (Katie) of Idaho Falls, ID; two sisters, Margaret Shirlaw (Ron) of Florence, SC, and Annette Kirby of Kingstree, SC; two brothers, Heyward Dukes (Carolyn) of Columbia SC, and Bobby Dukes (Toby) of Kingstree, SC; brother-in-law, Jim Easler of Greenville SC; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Will Easler of Greenville, SC; and her brother-in-law Jimmy Kirby of Kingstree, SC. Family was an important and large part of Dorethea's life. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and mother in law.

Dorethea was an active member of Shandon United Methodist Church, the Joy Sunday School Class, and she sang in the Celebration Choir. She was involved in many areas of church life and if there was a role to volunteer or lead, she did not hesitate, including the Altar Guild and United Methodist Women. Dorethea led the project to re-decorate the Church Parlor and served on the committee to renovate the Sanctuary. She directed weddings at the church for over 15 years and was named United Methodist Woman of the Year in 2006.

Dorethea was a member and former President of the Symphony League, a member of the Shandon Book Club, Pine Garden Club, bridge club, Saraband, and Spring Valley Country Club. She was a wonderful hostess and enjoyed cooking and entertaining. Dorethea will be well remembered for many good dishes, particularly her banana nut bread. She had a green thumb, appreciated a pretty yard, and had a talent for arranging fresh flowers.

Dorethea loved to go and do, and lived a full active life. She was a good friend to so many and she will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held 2 o'clock, Wednesday, April 13th, at Shandon United Methodist Church, with The Rev. Dr. Michael L. Guffee, Sr. officiating. Inurnment will take place in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends following the service in Wesley Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be made to Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street Columbia SC 29205. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.