Minerva Marie Phillips

HER LIFE STORY Minerva Marie Smith Duker Phillips, affectionately known as Bitsy, entered this world on November 2, 1938, in Chester, PA, born to the late Rothwell Newman and the late Frances Marshall Smith. She was later welcomed into the loving arms of the late William Henry Duker Sr., and the late Reba Elizabeth Duker through adoption. She received her golden crown on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at home surrounded by family. Minerva exchanged vows with her beloved soulmate, Hubert Harold Phillips, Sr. on April 23, 1966. Their bond was inseparable, as they traversed through life’s journey together, sharing adventures in travel, joys in shopping, and devotion to gospel events. Minerva ardently supported Hubert in his singing engagements with the 5 Stars and the Sensational Stars. Minerva was a dedicated member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Georgetown, MD for over sixty (60) years. She embodied her faith through active participation. Minerva’s love and devotion to the Lord shone through every aspect of her life. She contributed her talents to various church activities, serving as a vital member of the “Gospelletts” female group, the senior choir and president of the worship committee. She was always available for words of encouragement or a comforting prayer; always accessible with just a phone call. She received her education within the Kent County Public School System, where she excelled as her class treasurer and proudly represented Garnett as one of the twenty-five Black females. Her college years were divided between Swarthmore, PA, where she pursued a degree in Business Administration and Princess Anne, MD. Minerva embarked on her professional journey in 1955 at Tolchester Beach Amusement Park in Chestertown, MD. Breaking barriers, she was the first Black employee in several stores in Chestertown, including Fox’s Five & Dime, where she commenced her tenure in October 1963. Her employment journey spanned across diverse roles until her retirement in 2020 from Upper Shore Aging in Chestertown, MD. Minerva's heart overflowed with love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she cherished dearly. Any time you would have a conversation with her she always mentioned her grandbabies. In her leisure time, she delighted in watching classic TV shows such as Matlock, Perry Mason, Good Times, and Golden Girls, Joel Osteen, and Jimmie Swaggart’s choir and praise team. Minerva meticulously gathered tidbits of vital information, snippets from newspapers, and cherished photographs, evolving into a true connoisseur of knowledge. She also took pleasure in line dancing, crocheting, eating crabs, and cherishing moments spent with family. • She was preceded in death by: her parents, Rothwell Newman and Frances Marshall Smith; her adoptive parents, William Henry Duker, Sr. and Reba Elizabeth Duker; sister, Eloise Brooks; husband, Hubert Phillips, Sr.; son, Emmons Brown; brothers, James Brodie and William Duker, Jr.; sister-in-law, Carolyn Brodie; brother-in-law, Robert Brooks; nephew, Shawn Brodie; daughter-in-love, Ramona Walley and son-in-love, Charles Phillips. She leaves to cherish her memories: her caring and devoted daughter, Kathleen Murray of Dover, DE; daughter-in-law, Lucille Brown of Cheswold, DE; 4 daughters-in-love, Portia Turner (Ronald) of Chestertown, MD, Hope Cotton of Chestertown, MD, Rosemary Johnson-Eaton (Curtis) of Newark, DE and Benita Harris of Fairlee, MD; 2 sons-in-love, Hubert Phillips, Jr. (Jolly) of Stevensville, MD and Ronnie Phillips (Val) of Newark, DE; 5 Granddaughters, Tiasha Brown of MD, TiShawn Brown of Cheswold, DE, Cameika Boyer of Dover, DE, LaToya Brown of Cheswold, DE and Shaneika Boyer of Dover, DE; 9 great grands, MyKiah Driggus, Ameria Boyer, JKhai Driggus, MyKhala Driggus and Londynn Whipple, all of Dover, DE, Nalani Bhatti and Skylar Smith, both of Cheswold, DE; Tiasha’s (3) children; 8 Goddaughters, Ursula Massey, Antoinette Barrett, Edna Briscoe, Sheila Lively, Beverly Lively, Kia Lomax, Lori Perry and Megan Pinder; 1 Godson, James Phillips, Jr. (JR) and a host of nieces, nephews, additional family members and friends. Sorrowfully Submitted ~ The Family

Minerva Marie Phillips

November 2, 1938 - April 3, 2024