Funeral services for Juanita I. Smith Phillips, 62, of Lufkin, will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Shafer Funeral Home in Lufkin with Bro. Ken Donahue officiating.

          Juanita was born on March 29, 1963, in Hereford, Texas, to Frank Whitehurst and Nellie (Collins) Whitehurst, and died Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at her residence.

          Juanita was of Baptist faith. She loved spending time with her family and cooking for them, especially around the holidays. Juanita enjoyed playing the piano.

          She is survived by her husband of 6 years, Randal Wayne Phillips; daughter, Jennifer Mettlen of Lufkin; daughter and son-in-law, Cassandra and Thomas Kent of Blue Springs, MO; daughter, Channing Sellers of Humble, TX; Ryleigh Kent, Lee Palafox, Michael Edmondson, Danielle Edmondson, Gabriel Edmondson, and Hailey Hayes, among other grandchildren; parents, Frank and Nellie (Collins) Whitehurst; and brothers, Billy Whitehurst, Les Whitehurst, and Jess Whitehurst.

          Juanita was preceded in death by her first husband, David Mettlen; and sister, Teresa Jo Phillips.

          Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Shafer Funeral Home in Lufkin, prior to the funeral service.

          Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.