Agnes Wynne Phillips

FORDYCE. Agnes Wynne Phillips, 96, died in her sleep at home on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Hers was a long life, well lived. She traveled the world with her husband, Colonel (US Army) James Harry Phillips, Jr. (deceased 2017), and three sons, making homes in more than twenty assignments before retiring to Fordyce, Arkansas in 1986. There, she, and her husband revived the home in which she was born, creating and managing a bed and breakfast inn, the Wynne-Phillips house. Together, they transformed the home into a site of historical significance, ensuring its legacy as part of the National Register of Historic Homes. Respect for the past, its challenges and its heroes were themes throughout her life.

As a young woman, Agnes graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. At UA, she met and married the love of her life, James Harry Phillips, Jr. Together, they dedicated their lives to family and service, creating community wherever they went— from Fort Benning, Georgia to Karachi, Pakistan. In her home she emphasized learning, appreciation of art and a love of music which was manifested by her devotion to the piano and her beloved Chopin Nocturnes. But a deep love of her hometown and reverence for family history brought them back to Fordyce. An active member of the Colonial Dames and Daughters of the American Revolution, Agnes had a passion for history and storytelling that was inspiring. Together with her husband, she was the driving force in the founding of the Dallas County Museum, 221 N. Main St., Fordyce, for which she acted as director, curator, promoter, and fund raiser, giving much of her considerable energy to educational programs for children. The Fordyce News-Advocate published her weekly column, “Notes from the Dallas County Museum” from 1995 to 2020. Each entry highlighted the area’s rich history, its people, their families, and accomplishments. Her own extended family, their many contributions and adventures excited her and brought her joy.

She was the daughter of the late Agnes and Thomas Duncan Wynne, and youngest of their seven children. She was predeceased by her sister Annette and brothers Douglas, Thomas, Hal, Frank, and French Wynne all of whom served in the military during WW II. Agnes is survived by her sons, James Harry Phillips, III and wife Susan Wesley Phillips of Little Rock, Raymond Wynne Phillips, M.D., and wife Marian Levy Phillips of Naples, Florida, Douglas Allen Phillips, and wife Lani Guilmette of Buena Vista. Her grandchildren are Sarah Catherine Phillips Gutierrez and husband Jorge Gutierrez, Rachel Dean Phillips, and husband Joshua Bregy Saltman, Elizabeth Phillips Sanford and husband Joseph Allen Sanford, Jr., M. D., Laura Rose Phillips PhD, Douglas Allen Phillips, Jr., and wife Michelle Tate Phillips. She lived to know and enjoy seven great grandchildren.

“A life well lived is vital art, that will not from this world depart . . .”

(DESTINY by Agnes Gill Wynne)

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18 at the Methodist Church in Fordyce at 10 AM and a graveside service will follow at Oakland Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Dallas County Museum (PO Box 703, Fordyce, AR 71742). Arrangements are with Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net