Issuu

Celebration A Celebration of Life

On Monday, December 17, 2018, Ralph Phillips, 75, of Forrest City, Arkansas succumbed to cancer at his home while surrounded by loved ones. On Sunday, September 12, 1943, Ralph Cornelius Jawaye Phillips was born in the great city of Forrest City, Arkansas. His parents Ulon “KC” Phillips, Sr. and Ophelia Bell Phillips, and also siblings Florence Lee Fuller, Scenjon Larry Phillips Sr., Girtha Jean Phillips, Joy Rozena Phillips, and Kenrick Bernard Phillips, proceeded him in death.

Ralph was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1961.

In pursuit of happiness, he left Forrest City and moved to Chicago, Illinois and enrolled in Chicago Art Institute. I know you didn’t know he was gifted in the arts! Here’s proof of his artwork. He later met his beautiful wife, Mary Alice at the Chicago Children’s Memorial Hospital. She was a gorgeous model and always dressed to impress. He instantly fell in love with her beauty. With his charm, he put all efforts in motion, and the rest is fifty-four years of history. From this union, two children were born, Randall Christopher (Leslie) and Veronica Patrice Phillips. He was truly a family man.

Y’all know he would drive anywhere! He made sure his family and friends traveled the country from coast to coast. He believed in building relationships with family and friends. He never met a stranger, and his work ethic was superb! He invested many years at General Electric/Hot Point, Chicago. They decided to move the plant to Alabama, and he and his wife decided to try moving out of state. They moved to Jackson, Mississippi, but he wasn’t content with living there and decided to return home to Forrest City with his family. His father worked at Airtherm and spoke up for him, which allowed Ralph to become employed and worked there for thirty-six years. Ralph also started a credit union for his co-workers.

As you know, he was always working or doing something for someone. He went back to school to obtain the proper credentials to repair appliances. It was essential to do things correctly! He was a long-time trustee and church treasurer. He taught many how to be financially stable, showing them how to own property, maximize money, and most of all save.

A stickler for being on time, he was never late for an appointment. In fact, his strict regimen was so disciplined that he maintained a fixed routine daily, especially breakfast. He is known as the “The Biscuit Man.” Many may have remembered him making homemade biscuits and salmon croquet with Delta Cane syrup on Saturday and definitely on Sunday. He also leaves to cherish loving memories; his two children, and grandchildren, Jamelle, JayNe’, LaZerek, Israel, Jewyl, and Sasha, his god-grandchildren, Danny, Desmond, Trenzall, Darrel, Raven, and Jazzalyn, brothers; Ulon Phillips, Jr., Adair Phillips both of Memphis, sisters; Gloria Durr of Memphis, and Althea (James) Jordan of Forrest City, brothers-in-law; Silas Fuller of Chicago, Arthur (Toni) Brown of Oakland, CA, Sandy Brown, Jr. and Matthew (Charlie Mae) of Braxton, Mississippi., sisters-in-law; Bertha (Roscoe) Johnson of New Hebron, Mississippi, Roberta (Mickey) Davis of Braxton, Mississippi.

To all that knew him, he was unique, caring, hilariously funny, and touched the lives of so many people. He was truly “Honest Abe.” Taking pictures, videography, and listening to music are amongst his favorite hobbies. He always had genuine love for family and friends, church family, community, and special family friends Lee, Jearl, Jr. Murray, Edgar and Mae. All of you are a part of his life and legacy!

Service

rder of S ervice

Reverend Louis W. Ford, Eulogist

Reverend Michel Morgan Salem, Master of Ceremony

Processional

Scripture Reading:

Old Testament..............................Reverend Roy Coleman Good Shepherd Haynes

New Testament..............................Reverend Calvin Smith Walnut Grove, Marianna, AR

Prayer....................................................Reverend Willie B. White Mount Tabor, Wynne, AR

Song...........................................................The Majestic Wonders Expressions:

As A Friend............Minister Jearl Meabon, Sr.

Family......Pastor Jeanetta Perry of Milwaukee Family & Friends...........................(1-2 People)

Song.................................................................The Gospel Four

Words of Encouragement.......................Reverend Pernell Brown

Poplar Grove M.B. Church, Forrest City, AR

Song.......................................................................Dave Burrows

Acknowledgements........................................Veronica & Randall

Song................................................The Voices of Thunder Salem

Eulogy.....................................................Reverend Louis W. Ford

Closing Prayer.......................................Reverend Napalia Grace Pilgrim Rest, Forrest City, AR Recessional

He’s only gone on ahead of me, and not just left me behind. Although you can’t be with me right now, You will live on in my heart and mind.

The day will come when we will meet again

On Heaven’s distant shore, And the two of us will walk hand in hand Together forever more. I will celebrate your life as long as memories last, you will always stay in my heart. “I Thank You!”

Your Loving Wife, Mary

~Acknowledgement~

The family wishes to express our deepest appreciation for your many acts of kindness during our time of bereavement. Thank you for your prayers, your love and support. May God continue to richly bless and keep you in our prayer. Special Thank You: Elite Home Care and Hospice

Salem & Rev. Louis W. Ford, Trustees

Nathaniel Murray

Lawrence Flemmings

Leodis Williams

Rev Odell Haggins

Rev Willie B White

Happy Dayers

Jolly Elders

Cousin Faye McLaurin

K. Dexter Ford

Myrtle Ann Jamison

Poplar Grove