Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

January 27, 2023

Anne Merrill Philips

Anne was born on November 14, 1935, to Lonnie Van Dyke Merrill and Heloise Murphy Merrill in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from high school in Chicago, she went on to study history at Duke University.

Throughout her life, Anne was dedicated to her family.  She was a tireless supporter of her children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings, and reveled in their passions and accomplishments. She believed strongly in the virtues of hard work and giving back to the community, and she ensured that those virtues were passed down to her loved ones. 

A Charlotte resident of 65 years, Anne devoted her life to many civic causes.  She excelled at fundraising for institutions close to her heart. Blessed with a keen eye for design and decor, she was often called on by the Charlotte Symphony, Opera Carolina, and the Mint Museum to bring beauty and style to their events through her God given abilities most notably in her extraordinary flower arrangements. She shared all her talents throughout the community via events such as The Antiques Show, the opening of the Discovery Place and at Charlotte Country Day School.  

A woman of deep faith, Anne cherished services at Christ Episcopal Church, bringing joy to her fellow parishioners through the glorious Sunday hats she adored. In addition to supporting her community and family, that which brought Anne the most joy was her garden. Throughout her life, she toiled for her flowers, sharing their colorful beauty with all.

Survivors include two sons, W. Burt Philips IV and wife Molly V. Philips of Charlotte, NC and Jeffrey M. Philips of Charlotte, NC; two daughters, A. Merrill Philips of Washington, DC, and Elizabeth Philips Minick, and husband Jeffrey S. Minick, of San Francisco, CA; seven grandchildren Scott, Stukie, Nicholas and Natalie Philips, John Feldman, Jack and William Minick; sister, Heloise C. Merrill and brother Lonnie Van Dyke Merrill Jr.

A memorial service will be held Friday March 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, N.C. In lieu of flowers, any memorials and gifts should be made to Christ Episcopal Church or The Mint Museum.  

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.