Connie Sue Phipps, 64 of Wheelersburg passed away Saturday, November 7, 2015, at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She was born June 28, 1951 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Oral Patton Maggard and Delphia Bell Adkins Maggard. Along with her father, she was preceded in death by her brother, Roger Dale Maggard; and sister, Beth Ann Maggard.

Connie is survived by her husband of forty years, Darryl Gene Phipps, and only daughter, Amanda Sue (Benjamin) Cook. She leaves her mother, Delphia Maggard, and four siblings: Ophel Maggard, Charles Steven (Kathy) Maggard, Michael Maggard, and Sherri (Tim) Moffatt. Her husband's family also survives her: Virginia Phipps, Merryn (Terry) Weaver, Robin Phipps, and Dwayne (Tami) Phipps. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins will also miss her.

Connie graduated from Wheelersburg High School in 1969, and then from The Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, TN with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English in 1973. In 1984, she obtained her Master's degree in Special Education from The Ohio State University.

Connie was a beloved educator. She began teaching in 1973 at Welch Christian School in Columbus, Ohio. She then taught special education for thirty years at the Vern Riffe School, where she also directed the traveling choir and music program, and coached cheerleading. In 2005, Connie accepted a position with the South Central Ohio ESC, teaching special education at Bloom Vernon Elementary. She retired from teaching in the spring of 2013, after forty years of service. Connie sincerely loved the classroom, and strived to make sure each child knew they were important. The friendships made throughout her teaching career were near and dear to her heart.

Connie loved her family unconditionally. She was a wonderful wife and admired mother. She was a loving daughter and caring sister. She brought joy to her family's lives each and every day. She shared how much she loved them with her words and with her actions. Connie was kind, generous, humble, courageous and gracious. She claimed her family as her greatest blessing; they will miss her beyond measure.

Connie cherished her friends, whom are many. She spent her time enjoying life with those closest to her, and was known for her bubbly personality and cheerful spirit. Her smile was contagious.

Connie loved music and singing. Her voice was beautiful. She loved to travel, and especially enjoyed beach and mountain vacationing. She loved to laugh, and her stories are priceless.

Above all, Connie loved the Lord. She was saved at VBS at the age of eight, and lived the rest of her life as a happy and joyful Christian. She was a member of Sciotodale Free Will Baptist Church. She directed the choir, played piano, taught Sunday School and VBS, and was extremely involved missionary support. Connie truly had a servant's heart. She was a living testimony. Her unwavering faith was an inspiration to all those her knew her. Her greatest desire was that her loved ones spend eternity together with her in Heaven. The last words of wisdom she shared before departing were: "Follow God. Follow God. Follow God." She will be remembered for her unconditional love and kindness, her heart of gold, and above all, her triumphant faith.

Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015 at the Sciotodale Free Will Baptist Church, with pastors Dan Widdig, Freddie Dutton and Aaron Reed officiating. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Franklin Furnace. The family will receive friends from 4 until 8p.m. on Tuesday at the Swick-Bussa-Chamberlin Funeral Home in Wheelersburg and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the Church. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Evangelistic Outreach at 299 Ohio Avenue, New Boston, Ohio 45662. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.swickbussachamberlin.com.