Louvinia Edna Phillips

LOUVINIA PHILLIPS’ HOMEGOING CELEBRATION Louvinia Edna Schoolfield Teagle Phillips, lovingly known as Mama Lou, was born to the late Mattie Schoolfield and Robert Teagle in Stockton, MD on December 12, 1920. At the amazing age of 103, she peacefully departed this life and received her eternal reward on November 4, 2024 at her home with her daughter. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, the late Hester and Isaac Teagle, and grew up with her first cousins. Martha Bivens, Elizabeth Robinson (twins), Dorothy Spence, Florence Purnell (twins), Emma Burton and Fred Purnell who were more like siblings (preceded her in death) as well as Wanda Melton (Harlan) of Capitol Heights, MD. While she attended school, she taught her “brother” Fred Purnell, who was unable to attend because of farm duties, to read and write. Mama Lou received her education in the Worcester County School system having had her classes in the historical Sturgis One Room School. In her young life, she was an avid athlete participating in volleyball, running track and holding the position of catcher on her softball team. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Oscar Mason and was blessed to expand her extended family with children who preceded her in death, Esther Bagwell, Ella (Snooks) Schoolfield and Charles (Hoss) Collins. She was again united in holy matrimony by the late Reverend Isaac Jenkins, Sr. to Howard Phillips who preceded her in death after six months of marital bliss. Louvinia began her Christian walk at an early age and joined Macedonia Baptist Church in Pocomoke, MD under the leadership of Reverend R. L. Jackson, Bishop Isaac Jenkins, Sr. and now Pastor Jermaine C. Scott, Sr. She became President of the Gospel Choir and held the position for seventy years. She was the last surviving member of the “original” Gospel Choir who have now welcomed her home in celebration with the Heavenly Gospel Choir. She was also a member of the Missionary Circle, Back Home Club and Pastor’s Aid. Louvinia was an active, dedicated and faithful servant until God called her home. She celebrated and rejoiced in church the day before her passing. After living and working in Delaware and New York, providing care for babies and their families, she returned to Pocomoke City where she became a certified foster parent through Wor-Wic Tech Community College. She mentored and was a foster parent for over twenty-five years. She also became a certified nutritionist and was employed with the SHORE UP! Inc. Project Head Start beginning in May 1971 where she made meals for generations of children. Before her retirement from SHORE UP! Inc., Louvinia had been employed by them for nearly thirty years. One neighbor shared the sentiment, “Mama Lou raised a whole town.” She was an active member with the Pocomoke Senior Center. She enjoyed making blankets and pillows for the less fortunate who often included the homeless, babies and seniors. “Mama Lou,” who was affectionately given this moniker by her “niece” Evette Bivens-Curtis, would visit nursing homes regularly to hand out lap blankets or just to sit and talk with a resident who might not receive any visitors. While she was able to drive, she assisted others in getting to church, doctor’s appointments and even helped with shopping. She was a quiet person who ministered in her own way. She was slow to accept praise, never wanting to draw attention. Louvinia leaves cherished memories with: her two daughters, Donna Belote of Pocomoke, MD and Elizabeth Phillips of Fort Washington, MD and three grandsons, James Layne, Tyrone Crippen and Jarron Crippen. She had an amazing bond with her nieces, Evette Bivens-Curtis (Walter) of Westover, MD and Flora Ann Priester of Pocomoke, MD, cousin, Malinda Tull of Unionville, MD, and her play daughter, Elizabeth Marshall of Pocomoke City, MD and a host of relatives and friends. In addition to previously mentioned loved ones, four brothers preceded her in death: Levin Teagle, Philip Teagle, Robert Teagle and Benjamin Teagle. The late Bishop Isaac Jenkins, Sr. best described the services of Mama Lou by stating, “She is unshakable and remains faithful to all that she has dedicated herself to and is a role model for the ladies of our day.”

Louvinia Edna Phillips

December 12, 1920 - November 4, 2024