Rosetta Phillips-Peeples
Rosetta Phillips-Peeples, 75, of Jacksonville, Florida, formerly of Lake City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, with her husband of 36 years, Dave Peeples, by her side, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Known as “Sissy” to her family and many childhood friends from Lake City High School, she was a Laker cheerleader, voted “Miss Sophomore,” and remembered for her infectious laugh and beautiful dimples.
Rosetta was baptized and was a longtime member of Main Street Baptist Church in Lake City (now Rocky Top). Following her 1967 graduation from Lake City High School, she enjoyed a long career as a medical records transcriptionist. She was a proud member of the American Association of Medical Transcription (AAMT) and retired from the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenny Phillips and Christine Disney Phillips of Lake City.
She is survived by her husband and caregiver, Dave Peeples (U.S. Navy, retired) of Jacksonville; sister, Becky Phillips Parker (Ron Parker) of Lake Norman, North Carolina; niece, Christy Cupp Ward (Brian Ward) of Nampa, Idaho; nephew, Alec Cupp of Knoxville, Tennessee; great-nephews and great-nieces, Tyler Ward (Alexis) of Colfax, Washington; Grace Ward (fiancé Sandy Agrawal) of New York City; Jennifer Ward (Almat Yeraly) of Kazakhstan; Jonathan, Sarah and Daniel Ward, all of Nampa; and Rylee Cupp of Knoxville.
Per Rosetta’s wishes, she was cremated and no services are planned. A gifted pianist, her husband will place her urn on her beloved baby grand piano, which she played daily until her illness prevented her from doing so.
As her illness progressed and communication became difficult, her husband shared that the only words she would utter were “Where’s Papaw?”—the affectionate name all the grandchildren used for her father, Kenny “Papaw” Phillips. The family takes comfort in believing her father was near her in those final days, gently leading her home to the waiting arms of her mother, Christine.
A lover of Southern gospel music, Rosetta found peace as her husband surrounded her with her favorite hymns during her transition. The family expresses gratitude for the many prayers, messages, and the compassionate hospice care provided in Jacksonville.
Rosetta “Sissy” is now at peace, free from pain, with her infectious laughter ringing through heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4