Date of birth: 04 May 1937
Date of death: 04 Jun 2025

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Burial Information

Section 07 (Click Here for Section Map)
Cemetery: Beth El Cemetery
Plot:
Status: Occupied

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Veteran Information

Branch: MS NATL GUARD
Rank: ARTILLERY OFFICER
Military Notes: In 1960, Phil joined the Mississippi National Guard, entered OCS at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and was commissioned an artillery officer.

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Notes

Philip Raymond Cohen

July 4, 1937 – June 4, 2025

With deep sorrow and loving memories, we announce the passing of Philip Raymond Cohen, who left this world on June 4, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Lexington, Mississippi, Phil lived a life filled with purpose, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to family, community, and knowledge.

Phil is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sally Stein Cohen. He was the proud father of Samuel Cohen (New Orleans, LA), Jeffrey (Stephanie) Cohen (Charlotte, NC), and Sarah (Elad) Cohen-Corcos (Tel Aviv, Israel). His cherished grandchildren, Asher, Emery, Barak, Ayala, and Eytam, brought him immense joy. He was also a beloved brother to Sylvia Lynn Benenson (Dallas, TX). He is preceded in death by his parents, Ephraim and Jocelyn Cohen.

A graduate of Tulane University, Phil pursued a life of service and leadership, proudly serving in the United States National Guard. He was an active and respected member of several organizations, including the Rotary Club, the Masonic Lodge, and Temple Beth El of Lexington. His contributions to these communities reflected his enduring belief in generosity and camaraderie.

In 1975, Philip took over the family clothing store, Cohen’s Department Store, a cornerstone of the Lexington community founded by his grandfather in 1900. Phil ran the store for over 40 years until its closure in 2017. At the time, Cohen’s was among the oldest family-owned businesses in the state of Mississippi. Through his years behind the counter, Phil got to know everyone in town, always making an ordinary shopping trip into a meaningful conversation.

Phil found joy in golf and spent countless peaceful hours on the course, savoring the challenge and tranquility of the game. His love for books was boundless—he was an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity, especially when it came to history. His passion for learning and storytelling made every conversation with him an enriching experience. He also treasured his Tuesday night poker games, where friendship, strategy, and laughter made for some of his most cherished moments.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Lexington. Arrangements are being handled by Southern Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil's memory may be made to the Institute for Southern Jewish Life, Henry S. Jacobs Camp, or Friends of Odd Fellows Cemetery, organizations that reflect his love for history, community, and Jewish life.

Phil lived a life full of wisdom, warmth, and integrity, leaving behind a legacy that will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.

Holmes County Herald (Lexington, Mississippi)
June 12, 2025, vol. 67, no. 24, pg. 2

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Family Members

Parents
Ephraim Cohen
1901–1986

Jocelyn Stern Cohen
1910–2000

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Biography

Born in Lexington on the 4th of July 1937, Phil grew up attending Lexington public schools. After graduating from Lexington High School in 1955, Phil attended Tulane University in New Orleans where he graduated in 1959 with a BS degree in Economics. The following year he joined the Mississippi National Guard, entered OCS at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and was commissioned an artillery officer. In 1964 Phil joined Bache & Co. and worked as a stockbroker in San Antonio, Texas for ten years. In 1975, Phil returned to Lexington to take over Cohen’s Department Store, a family business founded in 1900. He is married to Sara Ann (Sally) Stein of Greenville, Mississippi. They have raised three children in Lexington. In 2017, Phil closed Cohen's Department Store, and he and Sally continued to reside in Lexington where they enjoyed retirement.

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