Loretta Hughett Phillips McGuire

April 11, 1938  –  February 20, 2025

Loretta Hughett Phillips McGuire, age 86, stepped into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Her faith was anchored in knowing that “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. Loretta was a cherished member of First Baptist Church in Huntsville.

Loretta was born in the Gennett community (Bull Creek) of Scott County. She developed a love of basketball during her days at Norma School where she played and was a lifelong devoted Vols and Lady Vols fan. Loretta was a career educator for Scott County Schools earning her B.S. from Cumberland College and M.S. from Tusculum College. She spent 30 years teaching children in Norma, St. Fork, Capitol Hill, and Huntsville Elementary. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. In retirement, Loretta loved golf, making many friends and memories on courses along the way. She was an avid reader, a devoted mother, and beloved grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, Emmett C. and Marcella Hughett; mother and stepfather, Reeda Patton and Ernest Rector; spouse of 36 years Austin C. Phillips; spouse of 10 years John McGuire; siblings Phyllis Rector Marlow and Lorene Hughett Rollins.

She is survived by her loving siblings, Murrell Hughett, Kay Peavyhouse, Deniece Daniels; her devoted children, Gaya Rector Phillips (Ossie), Tony Phillips (Debbie), Sonja Rogers (Andy); her adoring grandchildren, Clay Rector (Heather), Grant Rector (Jera), Scott Rector (Melissa), Seth Rector (Tristin), Sam Phillips (Brandi), Daniel Phillips (Kristina), Sarah Monroe (Daniel); her treasured great-grandchildren, Ashton Evans (William), Alex Rector (Emi), Caleb Rector, Olivia Rector, Caden Rector, Wyatt Rector, Dylan Rector, Eli Rector, Avery Rector, Brylee Rector, Abram Rector, Brody Phillips, Anna Rector, Tristan Phillips, Adelyn Rector, Emery Rector, Stevie Monroe, and Desmond Monroe; her precious great-great grandchildren, Sarah Evans, Grant Evans, and Levi Evans; and many other family and dear friends.

While we are sorrowful in these earthly moments, our hearts are comforted knowing that “the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 11:00am until 1:00pm at the Chapel of Four Oaks Funeral Home in Huntsville, 2889 Baker Hwy. Huntsville TN 37756. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor Ashley Ellis officiating and music provided by First Baptist Church Choir of Huntsville. Burial will follow at Carson Memorial Cemetery in Oneida. 

Pallbearers will be her dearly loved grandchildren; Clay Rector, Grant Rector, Scott Rector, Seth Rector, Sam Phillips, Daniel Phillips, and Sarah Monroe. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Huntsville Building Fund, 3281 Baker Hwy, Huntsville, TN 37756.

You may share your love and support with the McGuire Family on her tribute wall at www.fouroaksfuneralhomes.com

Four Oaks Funeral Home of Huntsville is honored to serve the family of Loretta Hughett Phillips McGuire.