Cora Anne Shillinglaw Phillips

Cora "Anne" Shillinglaw Phillips, a beloved mother, and grandmother, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, at the age of 85. Born on September 21, 1940, in Asheville, NC, she spent her formative years in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place that held her heart throughout her life.

Anne's journey took her to California and Texas before she returned to her cherished home in the mountains of Asheville in 1984. A devoted stay-at-home mom, she also briefly worked as a cosmetologist and office receptionist, always balancing her professional endeavors with her commitment to her family. Her warmth and love for her family were evident to all who knew her, shaping a nurturing environment for those around her.

She is survived by her daughter, Michele Martin, and her husband, Allen; her grandchildren, Brooke Sluder, Tristan Sluder, and Justin Martin; her great-grandson, Jackson Sluder; her brother, Robert Shillinglaw; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will remember her fondly.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Tracy Shillinglaw and Cora "Cordie" Estelle Knighten Shillinglaw Kuykendall; her daughter, Jennifer Lynn Sluder; and her brother, James Henry Shillinglaw and his wife Helen.

Anne's life will be celebrated during a visitation on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the Chapel of Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home, located at 1428 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806. A private graveside service will follow at Green Hills Cemetery with Rev. Lisa Hartzog officiating. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation online at helpfightra.org

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Anne's family.