Jessica (Phillips) Sturdivant

Jessica Phillips Sturdivant, 44, passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson.  Funeral services are 2:00 P.M. Monday, November 24, 2025, at Greenwood Delta Funeral Home with Rev. Ben Butler and Rev. Ricky Reece officiating.  Interment will follow in Black Hawk Cemetery.  Visitation is from noon till service time Monday.

Jessica was born to Gary and Michelle Miller Phillips in Greenwood.  She was a graduate of J. Z. George High School and attended Holmes Community College, studied art at the University of Southern MS, and studied Culinary Arts at MS Delta Community College.  While at Holmes she sang in the school choir and had the privilege of singing in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and at Big Ben in London.

Cooking was her passion, and she won several national culinary awards for her cooking.  She was nicknamed “Jet” for her speed and proficiency while working at Nola’s in  Indianola.  She has a number of her own personal recipes that are currently being used in several local delta restaurants.  She spent 14 years as chef for Websters in Greenwood.

Jessica loved camping, spending time at the beach, was a member of Black Hawk Methodist Church. But most importantly loved her daughter and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her parents, Gary and Michelle Phillips of Coila; a daughter, Ayla Sturdivant of Grenada; two sisters, Dorothy Swafford (Dale) of Itta Bena, Ashley Thomas (Michael) of Coila; two brothers, Gary E. Phillips, Jr. (Natalie) of Keller, TX, Evan Phillips of Coila; nieces and nephews, Gibb Thomas (Eowyn), Ashton Thomas, Isabella Thomas, William Phillips, Cora Phillips and a great-nephew, Thatcher Thomas

Pallbearers will be Ashton Thomas, Michael Thomas, Lucas Sparks, Thomas Welsch, Doug Everett, Kenny Jones, Lewis Jones, Jr. and Jasper Welsch.  Honorary pallbearers are Matt Gnemi, Nathaniel Sturdivant, and John Stewart

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , St. John’s Methodist Church or the Charity of donor’s choice.

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