Geneva Philpot

Geneva Philpot, age 85, passed away with her family by her side at her home in Mishawaka. Geneva was born August 24, 1940, in Tellico Plains, Tennessee to the late Manie and Maimie (Nediffer) Bell. She worked for over 60 years caring for others as a Nurse’s Aide.

She is survived by her children, Tiny “Red” Johnson of Mishawaka, Sandra Hogan of Louisville, Kentucky, and Brenda (Ronnie) Branum of Mobile, Alabama, and her brother Clyde Bell of Kokomo, Indiana. Affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Mamaw Neva,” she is also survived by the grandchildren she adored, Misty (Mike Hardy) Johnson of Climax, Kentucky, Julie (Jim) Copenhaver of Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, David (Melissa) Johnson of Mishawaka, Elizabeth (Mike) Nichols of Pique, Ohio, Tamara Givens and Ashley Diamond, both of Louisville, Kentucky, and Christopher Haynes of South Bend, along with 13 great grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Philpot, her son, James Bond, and her siblings, Clifford, Jesse, Claude, Joe, Clinton, Glen, Jeanette, Geraldine, Arlene and ErmaLee, as well as her grandchildren Jason Foster, Jeremy Haynes and James “Cookie” VanWinkle.

Geneva enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and had many interests that reflected her spirited personality. Whenever she found a penny heads up, she would slip it into her shoe for good luck. She enjoyed spending time outdoors in her flower gardens, as well as hunting, camping, fishing, playing cards and BINGO. She was also a collector of Precious Moments figurines and was extremely fond of Cadillacs, especially her canary yellow Coupe de Ville that she drove for many years. Always one to enjoy a bargain, Geneva loved finding new-to-her treasures at local thrift shops.

She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell jokes to make others laugh, often playing pranks and practical jokes on her family and friends. Always in style, Geneva enjoyed coordinating her purses and shoes with her daily outfits. She was generous, took great pride in her home, and kept it spotless for her family. Geneva loved cooking meals for her family and she never slowed down. Never one to mince words, Geneva spoke her mind and told it like it was.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to her 6:00 pm Celebration of Life service on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home in Mishawaka.

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