Phyllis Almeta McQuirter

1957 - 2025

Phyllis Almeta Hodge McQuirter was born on October 12, 1957, the sixth of eleven children to Edwin and Hazel Simmons Hodge. She spent her formative years in Clinton, Mississippi, where she accepted Christ at Holy Ghost Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorage of Reverend James Washington, Sr.

She attended Clinton/Hinds County schools and began to develop a lifelong dedication to education and personal growth. Driven by an interest in beauty and personal care, Phyllis pursued studies at Utica Jr. College in Utica, Mississippi, ultimately earning her cosmetology certification. In the fall of 1976, Phyllis married Dwight McQuirter. Together, they raised two sons, Joel Antoine and Phillip Gregory. Their journey as a family was marked by both joy and sorrow, as they experienced the loss of their son Jason Antonio in 1977. In August 1979, the family embarked on a new chapter by relocating to Saginaw, Michigan. This move offered Phyllis the opportunity to further her professional development, as she completed formal training in interior design. Through this specialized education, Phyllis was able to hone her creative skills and expand her expertise, allowing her talents to flourish in new and meaningful ways. In 1987, the family relocated once more, settling in Franklin, Tennessee.

This move opened new opportunities for Phyllis, who joined Sears and applied her talents to the creation and assembly of store displays. Her keen sense of design and attention to detail quickly became apparent in her professional work, where she consistently impressed colleagues and customers alike. Phyllis's passion for interior design extended beyond her workplace and was beautifully manifested in her own home. With each holiday season, she transformed her mere living space into a vibrant and inviting showcase, demonstrating her remarkable creativity and skill. Her ability to blend color, texture, and theme created memorable experiences for family and guests, who admired her unique style and artistic touch. Phyllis's exquisite taste was evident not only in her surroundings but also in her personal appearance. She took great pride in expressing her own beauty and presence, always presenting herself with elegance and grace. Additionally, her passion for collecting was shown through her phenomenal collection of black dolls, a pursuit she had maintained for fifty years. This collection reflected both her appreciation for artistry and her commitment to honoring cultural heritage.

Since 2007, she spent her days and nights with her faithful and loving companion C. Richard Smith.

Those who knew her understood that she placed great value on the relationships she built. Her dedication to those she cared about was never given lightly; it was earned through trust and mutual respect. Once Phyllis committed herself, her support was unwavering-especially for her children, who could always rely on her steadfast love and loyalty.

Phyllis Almeta McQuirter peacefully passed away at her home in Antioch, Tennessee on Wednesday afternoon, October 22, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and accomplishment. She is survived by her life partner, Richard Smith; her sons, Joel of Fort Worth, Texas, and Phillip of Rochester, Michigan; her grandson, Kiondrae of Temple, Texas; and her granddaughter, Maliyah of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; her God son, Kedrick Redeemer of Yorba Linda, California; her God Daughter Dedrya Bullock of Murfreesboro, TN. Her family also includes her brothers, Charles Hodge of Jackson Mississippi, and Jeffery Hodge of Long Island New York; her sisters, Sandra Hodge of New Orleans, Louisiana, Barbara Wheaton, Melody McDonald, Clincy West, and Constra Hodge, all of Jackson, Mississippi; and her bond sister, Aretha McQuirter of Jackson Mississippi. In addition, she is remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who mourn her passing and celebrate her life. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Edwin and Hazel Hodge, as well as her brothers, James, Joel, and Audice Lee. Their memory, along with hers, will remain in the hearts of all who loved them.

To those who knew and loved Phyllis a.k.a "Phyllossy":

You already know she was a woman of incredible style, impeccable taste, and a vision for every occasion. So, it should come as no surprise, she had a vision for her final farewell.

In her memory, we ask that you join us in honoring her life and legacy with over one thousand fresh pink roses.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing via the links:

http://paypal.me/pinkrosefarewell

https://cash.app/$Pinkrosefarewell

~ With love and gratitude!

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Phyllis Almeta McQuirter, please click here to visit our sympathy store.