Carolynn Phillips Brashier

Carolynn Phillips Brashier, 76, passed away on December 12, 2025, at her vacation home on Lake Hartwell in Townville, South Carolina, a place filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories with family and friends.

Born December 7, 1949, in Greenville, South Carolina, Carolynn was a proud lifelong Carolinian. She graduated from Carolina High School in 1968. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Cecil “Cebo” Phillips and Clara Ophelia Stephens Phillips.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Kenneth L. Lineberger. She is also survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Donna Brashier, who had always been her whole world; her son-in-law, Giancarlo Trezza; and her cherished grandchildren, Gabriel Trezza, Phillip Tate Brashier, Aubrey Claire Brashier, and honorary granddaughter Vanesa Santiago Leon, who all filled her life with pride.

Carolynn is also survived by her sister, Maxine P. Seeger, and her husband Bill; her brother, Morris W. Phillips; and her best friend and chosen sister, Patty Kay, whose friendship she deeply treasured and held close to her heart.

Carolynn retired as a Lead Legal Assistant with the Social Security Administration, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. She approached her career with integrity, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. She believed in fairness, organization, and advocating firmly for those who depended on her expertise. Her work ethic was a reflection of who she was: dependable, thorough, and unafraid of hard work.

Originally from Greenville, Carolynn and Ken moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1992 before eventually settling in Charleston, South Carolina, where she lived for the past 19 years. Being part of her daughter and grandchildren’s daily lives was very important to her.

In April 2025, Carolynn was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. She faced her illness with remarkable strength, determination, and honesty. She endured chemotherapy and other life-extending treatments, never losing her sense of humor or her sharp opinions, before succumbing to the disease a short eight months later. Even in illness, she remained fiercely herself.

Carolynn loved people, and to many she was simply known as “Granny” or “Donna’s Little Momma.” Her heart was generous, and she knew no strangers. She lived a life that was both well-lived and well-traveled. She went places she once never imagined she would see, and she did so with excitement and curiosity. Traveling on many adventures alongside her daughter, Donna, she explored destinations throughout the United States, Europe, and South America. Along the way, she formed friendships with people from all walks of life, collected fun stories, and created memories that her daughter will treasure forever.

Carolynn was many things. She was strong-willed, opinionated, and a fiery natural redhead who never apologized for knowing her own mind. She was loving, unfiltered, loyal to the core, and protective of those she loved. She stood up for family, friends, and even strangers if she believed they were being wronged. She was always up for a new adventure, loved board games, genealogy, shopping, and enjoyed always being on the go.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral or formal service. She believed presence mattered most and that time together should not wait for loss. To honor her, reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while but has been on your mind and really catch up.  You never know who may be suffering in silence.  Give yourself grace and let go of anger.  It’s a burden no one should carry.