Reverend Frances M. Phillips

With profound sadness and an unwavering hope in the resurrection, we announce the peaceful passing of Reverend Frances Mae (Moore) Phillips. Born on May 17th, 1954, in Wilson County, North Carolina to Janie Lee Moore Townes, Frances was a beacon of light to all who knew her.

Frances’s journey through life was marked by her steadfast faith and commitment to service. She attended Baltimore public schools and proudly graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1972. Her thirst for knowledge led her to Baltimore Community College where she earned a degree in Business Administration in 1983. She continued her education at Towson State University, graduating with a degree in Clinical Psychology in 1988.

From an early age, Frances accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and was baptized into a life of devotion. In 1981 she joined Mount Zion Baptist Church where she found not just fellowship but also her calling. Her work as a Christian counselor began with crisis intervention as a hotline counselor before transitioning into full-time employment at Mount Zion Baptist Church as Director of Pastoral Care and Family Life Ministries.

In May 2005, the church community that had become her extended family witnessed Frances's ordination into ministry—an acknowledgment of the divine work that had always flowed through her actions.

Frances’s academic pursuits did not end with theology; she graduated from the University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Social Work in 1996 and became a licensed social worker within Maryland State five years later. Her certifications were numerous including crisis intervention counselor (1990) and certified mental health counselor (2003), reflecting not only expertise but also passion for aiding those grappling with life's challenges.

Her love story is one that began alongside Goldie Phillips—her high school sweetheart whom she married on May 19th, 1973—and flourished throughout their lives together bringing forth two beloved children: Goldie III and Yolanda.

Reverend Phillips lived worshipfully every day; Sundays were spent praising God within the sanctuary walls while weekdays were often dedicated to prayerful communion with Him anywhere, she could find solace. A gifted teacher, Frances found joy studying scripture deeply and sharing its wisdom during Bible study sessions.

Her nurturing spirit extended beyond spiritual guidance; it was evident in how fervently she encouraged others to uncover their purpose towards reaching destiny's doorstep—a mission grounded by love for people around her especially cherished moments with children and grandchildren who brought immense joy into her life.

Frances adored beauty—in nature’s elegance or human-made artistry—and this appreciation spilled over into every aspect from gardening flowers which mirrored heaven's palette or marveling at aesthetic pleasures whether they be clothes or cars—each held special significance for their creator’s craftsmanship which reflected God's own artistry back onto His earthbound canvas.

Above all else stood one book on top—the Holy Bible—the greatest book ever written according to our dear reverend; it guided every step along this earthly pilgrimage now concluded yet eternally beginning anew through Christ Jesus our Lord who now holds our beloved servant close until we meet again beyond veil’s parting breaths where no goodbyes are spoken only welcome home refrains resound forevermore.

We bid farewell knowing full well that while we mourn our loss here on earth Heaven rejoices welcoming home one of its most devout angels.