Philip M. Baptiste Jr.

1931 - 2023

Philip M. Baptiste, Jr., age 91, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023, in the embrace of his son, Philip M. J. Baptiste, III. A retired Executive Director of Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), he was educated in the New Orleans Public Schools at Joseph A. Craig Elementary and McDonough 35 High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Dillard University of New Orleans and a Master of Social Work from Atlanta University School of Social Work. Born on October 16, 1931, into the lives of two parents that tirelessly worked for meager wages, it led him to a lifetime of servant leadership to the citizens of New Orleans. He stated there was a time when "the greatest role models for our youth were parents and, my parents would sit down with me at the dinner table talking with Black Folks philosophy." With achievements and accomplishments that are extensive and too numerous to mention his guiding philosophy in life was "to establish, create and discharge so that others can benefit." Philip was a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., as well as the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. In addition, he was a member of St. Gabriel The Archangel Roman Catholic Church in New Orleans and St. Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church in Snellville, GA. He was preceded in death by his father Philip M. Baptiste, Sr., mother, Rosetta Murphy Baptiste, brother John Richard Baptiste, nephew Michael Johnson, sister Dorothy Baptiste Johnson, and wife Nell G. Baptiste. He leaves to cherish his memory sons Philip M. J. Baptiste, III and Ronald Patterson, as well as a host of relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Service on Friday, July 7, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel The Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 5029 Louisa Dr., New Orleans, LA 70126, Fr. Tony Ricard, Officiating. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Resthaven Memorial Park, 10400 Old Gentilly Rd., followed by a repast at the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, 732 N. Broad St., New Orleans, LA 70119. In lieu of flowers, Memorial gifts may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center (https://www.splcenter.org). Due to COVID-19, everyone attending is encouraged to wear masks and adhere to social distancing. Professional arrangements entrusted to Majestic Mortuary Service, Inc., (504) 523-5872.