Making fried pies 362 days a year, Mama Phillips leads a Bell Buckle tradition
After the recent winter weather, we wanted to check in with a friend who thrives on personal connection. We knew she didn’t like being away from her work.
There are a few people who refer to her as Nancy Phillips, but most know her by a different name.
“Call me Mama,” smiled Mama Phillips.
On a stop to BlueBird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor in Bell Buckle, Mama Philips would love nothing more than to get you a fried pie.
“One day a man said, ‘How in the world do you eat a whole pie, holding it in your hand?'” she laughed. “First of all, I know you’re not a Southerner! Peach, apple, cherry, blueberry cream, banana pudding. Anything will stand still long enough, I’ll put it in a pie!”
On this visit, we caught Mama Phillips before time to open. Son Billy said she’s here making pies 362 days a year.
“She typically takes Christmas Day off, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Day,” he said. “The key is Mama’s hands are never idle.”