Mildred

Phillips

Mildred Elzada (Hope) Phillips was born July 10, 1920 in Latty, Ohio. She was the youngest of five children born to the late George and Estella (Turner) Hope.  Her siblings who preceded her in death were:  Beatrice, Hazel, George Jr., and Naomi.  Mildred departed this earthly life at the age of 96 on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at the Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.  She was surrounded by her loving family.

Mildred was a life-long member of the Latty Zion Baptist Church where she learned to love people and to be of service to the Lord and to her community. She served as a deaconess, was pianist and choir director of the church's music ministry, worked as a member of the Missionary Circle, and organized and chaired various Sunday school and religious programs presented by the church.  She was a proud Christian who served people in the community, and loved to count as her friends those of many faiths and races.

Mildred graduated from Latty High School and earned honors and letters playing the forward position on the girls' basketball team. On a few occasions, a young man by the name of Alvin received permission from Mildred's parents to drive her to the basketball games.  Not surprisingly, on New Year's Day 1941, she married the love of her life, Alvin Edgar Phillips, and to that union four children were born:  Constance (deceased), Sandra, Gloria, and Alvin Eugene.

Their years together were long, full, and blessed; and their community outreach was wide. After raising her children, Mildred became a licensed practical nurse and lovingly cared for her patients at the Paulding County Hospital.  She and Alvin drove the Meals on Wheels van for the Paulding Senior Center and took time to visit those who were confined to their homes.

Mildred had a passion for reading and learning. Her life-long residence in—and knowledge of—her hometown enabled her to co-author the book entitled Latty Village; 100 Years, 1881-1981. She was a life member of the Paulding County Historical Society, and provided necessary documentation for the Genealogical Society to recognize her as a direct descendant of a Paulding County Pioneer.

She loved her family, but clearly was the first to "tell you like she thought it was-or should be!" As an "agent for change" in the community, her efforts within the NAACP during the civil rights era helped break down segregated walls in the county so that her children and others had better opportunities.  Alvin was the quiet one behind the scenes; Mildred was the voice.

Mildred (Aunt Moie, Grammie) Phillips is dearly loved and will be greatly missed, but she leaves a lasting legacy of a faith-filled and blessed life. She will be fondly remembered by daughters, Sandra (Isaiah Joe) Lapsley, West Bloomfield, MI; Gloria (Ralph) Miller, Jr., of Louisville, TN; and her beloved son, Alvin Eugene (Viola) Phillips of Toledo, OH.  She also leaves to cherish her memory, brother-in-law, James Phillips of Lima, OH; sister-in-law, Marlyn Faye Miles of Columbus, OH; 20 grandchildren; 25 great-grands; 11 great-great grands; special nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family members and friends.

Please join us in celebrating the legacy of this warrior who touched all of us in some special way 11 AM Saturday, February 4 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH. There will be visitation from 10 AM until time of services on Saturday.  Mildred will be laid to rest in Middle Creek Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Grover Hill following services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Mildred's name to the Middle Creek Baptist Church c/o Sandra Lapsley.