Dr. Jeanette Collier Phillips, a former University of Mississippi teacher and co-owner of the Oxford Eagle, died Tuesday evening, according to her family.

She and her husband Jesse Phillips —who passed away in February 2016 — once co-owned the Oxford Eagle.

During her career at Ole Miss, Dr. Phillips served in all professional ranks as well as chair of the Department of Home Economics. She received numerous honors, including Outstanding Teacher Award, the University of Mississippi; Outstanding Teacher Award, School of Education; Magnolia Award; Mississippi Dietetics Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession of Nutrition; Leston L. Love Award for Outstanding Service in the Area of Students; Teacher of the Year Award; and Mortar Board. She also was initiated into Omicron Delta Kappa, an honorary fraternity, which recognizes the highest degree of service, leadership and scholarship at the university.

From 1974 to 1982, Dr. Phillips was involved in research in Women’s Studies, Fun Way to Teach Nutrition, The Role of Women in Business, The Relationship Between Nutritional Knowledge and Eating Habits of Selected College Students, and Nutritional Education Curriculum Materials.

In 1991, Dr. Phillips and others accepted the challenge and responsibility of building an institute for child nutrition professionals. Through her tenacity and vision, she led the lobbying effort to locate the National Food Service Management Institute at the University of Mississippi. In honor of her years of service and her accomplishments, the street that passes in front of the Institute was named Jeanette Phillips Drive to create a lasting reminder of her contributions to the University of Mississippi, the State of Mississippi and our nation’s children. In 2013, Dr. Phillips was honored with a distinguished service award for her accomplishments at the Centennial Celebration of the Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management at Ole Miss.

Beyond her teaching career, Dr. Phillips was the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors for the Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce from 1974-77. Along with her husband, Jesse, she owned and operated Jeannie’s Hallmark Shoppe and Rebel Press Office Supply Co. for decades, while balancing her teaching career.

A native of Kewanee, Mississippi, she graduated from Blue Mountain College in 1953 and earned her master’s degree in Home Economics from Ole Miss in 1954, followed by her doctorate from Ole Miss in 1973.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, June 16, 2017 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Oxford Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11 a.m. until service time in the area adjoining the atrium at First Baptist Church. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

A complete obituary can be found here.