Rev. Dr. F. Allison Phillips

Dear friends and family,
In lieu of flowers, we humbly request monetary donations to offset home healthcare expenses to aid and comfort our dad over the past several years. We hope to lighten the financial burden on his long-term caregiver and the love of his life-our mom, Velma Phillips.
With love and gratitude,
Denise (Saidah) & Alyson
On January 5, 1937, Rev. Dr. F. Allison Phillips, affectionately known as "Al," was born to Rev. Porter Phillips, Sr., and Dorothy Phillips in Brooklyn, New York. He was the youngest of six children-Porter Jr., Marie, Channing, Treadwell, and Wendell. Following in the footsteps of his earthly father and three brothers (Rev. Porter Phillips, Jr., Rev. Channing Phillips, and Rev. Wendell H. Phillips), Al answered his Heavenly Father's call to preach the gospel in 1963.
Al grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, then began his pursuit of higher education at Virginia Union University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He later earned two master's degrees-Master of Divinity in 1967 and Master of Sacred Theology in 1975. His final degree, a Doctor of Ministry, was conferred upon him in 1981 by the New York Theological Seminary.
Before entering the ministry, Al demonstrated a strong dedication to the well-being of others. In the late 1950s and turbulent 1960s, he served as Director of the Garrison Boulevard Community Center and worked with gang members through the YMCA in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, Al also contributed to the Council of Churches of Greater Washington. These experiences were incubators of a proclivity for community outreach and the cornerstone of a lifelong dedication to the service of others.
Rev. Dr. F. Allison Phillips retired from the ministry after 30+ years with the United Church of Christ (UCC). At the time of his retirement in April 2003, Al had served as the Executive Associate of Justice and Witness Ministries since 2000. In the six preceding years, he held the position of General Secretary for the American Missionary Association (United Church Board for Homeland Ministries).
For 23 years, Dr. Phillips served as a local church pastor, shepherding the Congregational Church of North New York UCC in the Bronx (1971–1982) and Mt. Zion Congregational UCC in Cleveland (1982–1994). He was steeped in the love and traditions of congregationalism, subsequently earning the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus from Mt. Zion.
Rev. Dr. F. Allison Phillips's sermons were known to leave his congregants uplifted and encouraged by the Word. Every message was delivered through the power of God, who gifted him with a compassionate, sensitive, and humble spirit. On many occasions, Dr. Phillips became so full of the Holy Spirit that he'd choke on his words-tears streaming down his cheeks.
On a lighter note, Al's family eventually discovered the emotional displays from the pulpit were the result of a "tear-up gene" inherited from his father-known as "The Weeping Prophet." Again, following in his father's footsteps, Al was dubbed "The Crying Preacher" during his time at Mt. Zion.
Rev. Dr. F. Allison Phillips's lifetime of leadership is well-documented, earning him numerous accolades and awards, including the United Black Christian Leadership Award, the Harambee Leadership and Service Award, the Inter-Seminary Theology Education for Ministry's Teaching Award, and a listing in Who's Who in Black America in the Religion category.
While the above-listed awards, positions, and accolades are notable, the greatest title earned on this earth was "husband". On October 12, 1967, Velma Carr took his name in a ceremony officiated by his brother, Rev. Porter Phillips, Jr. Who knew that such a cold day in Buffalo, New York would lead to a life-long union, overflowing with warmth? Velma was the love of Al's life, selflessly serving as his caregiver for decades; and living out her vows for nearly 57 years, " in sickness and in health until death do us part."
Al knew he had a gem of a wife, even in the late stages of Alzheimer's when he was unable to care for himself. From his favorite chair, he'd often call out to her from the living room, "Vel. Vel!! VEL!!!" escalating in volume until he heard her response. Once certain his bride was in earshot, he'd say "I love you" or would thank her for taking such good care of him.
Monday, September 9, 2024, when Al breathed his last, God saw fit to ensure Velma was lying right beside him. Spending their last moments together with her head on his chest when he went on to glory.
Another one of Al's greatest joys in life was spending time with his daughters and their families. Despite the decline in cognition and mobility, he found the strength to savor these moments, routinely shocking everyone with a quick-witted wisecrack out of the blue! Al also enjoyed many years of impromptu family singalongs, from Motown to gospel classics; traditional Christmas carols to Mariah Carey's remakes! And in the family's Christmas Eve tradition, the annual recitation of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" in the funniest voices possible-Al enjoyed himself tremendously, laughing alongside his family.
Al leaves behind his wife, Velma; two daughters and their significant others, Saidah Denise Mitchell (Akil) and Alyson Fletcher (Terry); and siblings, Marie Cary and Treadwell Phillips. His six life-giving grandchildren are also left to mourn their beloved Grandpa: Jason Mitchell, Janell Robinson, Jamal-Akil Marshall, Akilah-Marie Marshall, Kamran Craig, and Kristian Craig-along with his great-granddaughter, Aubree Robinson. Countless others left to mourn Al's loss are his goddaughters, Tracy Phillips and Cheryl Phillips; brothers-in-law, Walter Carr, Jr. and Darryl Carr; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. https://link.edgepilot.com/s/e70f9be8/XHZZUKfjHUuXYWspyn7xWA?u=https://booklet.victorydesignsohio.com/phillipsrevdrfletcher