Rose Murlen Phillips

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” — Psalm 116:15

On November 12, 2025, God welcomed home His faithful servant, Mother Rose Murlene Phillips. After 91 blessed years, she exchanged labor for her eternal reward and entered the peace promised to the faithful.

Born January 1, 1934, in Honey Grove, Texas, Rose was the ninth of twenty-one children in the Chaffin household, including five cousins raised as siblings. Growing up in such a large, close-knit family shaped her compassion, her resilience, and her lifelong love for unity.

Rose received her early education in Honey Grove ISD. After graduation, she moved to Tyler, Texas, where she completed her vocational nursing training and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). She began her career at the Tuberculosis Clinic in Tyler, gaining foundational experience that would pave the way for a meaningful journey in healthcare. She later relocated to Dallas and continued her calling at Baylor Hospital, serving faithfully and with dedication for 35 years. After retiring from Baylor, she continued her work in nursing homes across Dallas, including Silver Leaf and Southaven, offering comfort and dignity to all she cared for.

Rose accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Honey Grove, Texas. Her early faith remained a steady foundation throughout her life. After settling in Dallas, she later united with New Life Baptist Church, where her gifts matured into decades of committed service. She served with distinction as President of the Women’s Mission, Church Secretary, and Head of the Music Ministry. She loved playing the piano, lifting spirits, and encouraging heartfelt worship. She also ministered joyfully with her family gospel group, The Chaffin Singers, cherishing every opportunity to serve God through song.

Alongside her nursing and ministry work, Rose worked as an independent Stanley Products representative. Her warm, genuine nature made her a natural, and her home was always filled with Stanley favorites — especially her beloved “Cool-a-Ped,” which she proudly shared with family and friends.

Rose lived a life centered on faith, family, and service. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, working crossword puzzles, and spending time with her loved ones. She was the matriarch, the encourager, and the steady presence whose love held generations together.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Michael Phillips, Darrell Phillips (Jennifer), and Chandra Allen (Lavelle); grandchildren, April Phillips, Edwin Dobbins, CaDarius Phillips (Ebony), Damon Dobbins, Trovor Phillips, Anferne Allen, Bryce Allen, and Zarian Phillips; great-grandchildren, Taylor Phillips, Aarone Ndiaye, Amina Ndiaye, Dmorian Dobbins, Kmarya Dobbins, Jujuan Dobbins, Lauren Dobbins, Lauryn Allen, and Aiden Dobbins; brothers, Leroy Chaffin Jr. (Seattle, WA), Porter Chaffin Sr., and Wesley Chaffin (Devoice); sisters, Willie Jewel Shaw (Wichita Falls), Joanna Bizor, Betty Cross, and Myrtle Alberty; her  sisters-in-law, Doris Chaffin and Sue Chaffin; brother-in-law, Bobby Person; special niece, Oneatha Bizor, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and love ones.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, D.R. Phillips; her parents, Lerroy and Oneatha Chaffin; her daughter, Lajuan Dobbins; her stepson, Lucius Ray Phillips; her grandson, Chandlor Allen; her brothers, Marvin Chaffin and Charles Chaffin; her sisters, Allie Mae McNeal, Helen McConnell, Marie Burton, Beulah West, Estella Person; sister-in-law, Doris Chaffin; and the cousins raised as siblings: Jean Hunt, Calvin Carter, H.D. Harris, Justina Ingram, and Pete Chaffin.

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