Hattie Mae Phillips

Hattie Mae Phillips was the first child of thirteen born on November 11, 1932 in Montgomery, AL to Midlee and Viola Curtis (both preceded her in death). She was also preceded by four of her siblings; James Edward, Pearl, Alex and Maggie. 

She attended Lovelace School in Montgomery, AL. In 1944 the family relocated to Cleveland, OH seeking a better life. She then attended Kinard Middle School, later graduating from John Hay High School in 1948. 

Her journey of faith and service continued in Cleveland, Ohio at Common People Baptist under the leadership of the late Pastor L. R. Lanier. It was at this location that she met the love of her life,  Charlie Phillips and on June 25, 1949, they united in holy matrimony. This lasting bond continued for 53 years until the Lord called Pastor Phillips home. To this union, ten children were born, two preceded her in death, Nathaniel and James Edward. 

She joined the Mt. Gillion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. W. I. Engram where she served until her husband planted and organized in 1953, the Phillips Temple Missionary Baptist Church. She was a quiet, yet strong source of support to the ministry. 

In 1990 she joined the 2nd Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Cleveland, OH under the leadership of her seventh son, Pastor David E. Phillips. In 1995 she became a charter member of The Refreshing Springs Ministries, Cleveland, OH as her son began to plant and organize a new ministry. Continuing her role as a supportive and dedicated member she served on the Mothers Board and offered assistance in any way that she could for the advancement of the kingdom's mission. She was dutiful in the preparation of the Lord's Supper. 

She loved her church family and her Pastor. 

Mother Phillips was a member of the Union Missionary Baptist District Association's Minister's Wives under the leadership of the late Moderator Edward D. Small. She faithfully attended the Ohio Baptist State Convention. She was a dedicated and loving mother, a great cook, a domestic genius, a loyal friend and counselor, and a confidant to many. She loved her family and all of her children. She was a woman of grace and style. 

After her last two children graduated from high school, she worked as a Dental Hygienist Assistant for Dr. J.O. Clark, DDS. 

She departed this life on November 13, 2022, two days after her 90th birthday. She leaves to mourn and celebrate her life and legacy, eight sons; Teri Phillips of Euclid, OH, Alphonso Phillips (Patricia) Painesville, OH, Ronald Phillips (Nirmala) of Cleveland, OH, Pastor Michael Phillips (Valerie) of Kansas City, MO, Ernest Phil- lips (Tonya) of Euclid, OH, Pastor David E. Phillips of Euclid, OH; and two daughters, Krissia Hardy of Cleve- land, OH and Patricia Phillips of Willoughby Hills, OH. 

Siblings, Joseph Curtis of Atlanta, GA, Willie Curtis of Cleveland, OH, Steven Curtis (Brenda) of Bedford Heights, OH; Calvin Curtis of Garfield Heights, OH, Viola White of Bedford Heights, OH, Dorothy Bryant of Cleveland, OH; Elnora Duval, Cleveland, OH; and Kathleen Mitchell, Cleveland, OH; 22 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

A public viewing will be held 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday, December 2, 2022, at Refreshing Springs Baptist Church, 11101 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022. 10:00 AM Wake and 10:30 AM Service at Greater Friendship Baptist Church, 12305 Arlington Road, Cleveland, OH. Interment will immediately follow to the Cleveland Memorial Gardens, 4324 Green Rd, Cleveland, OH.

Face Mask Will Be Required For Viewing And Funeral Services.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Hattie's memorial wall.