Mother Letha Phillips was born on December 22, 1928 in Sydney, Florida to the late Luke and Mattie Governor. She was called home into the presence of the Lord on June 27, 2024.

She became a Christian at a very early age and God blessed us with her presence for 95 beautiful years. Through her love, life, and legacy she will remain in the hearts, minds and souls of many. She was the Matriarch of our family.

Mother Phillips graduated from Marshall High School. She began her career at the Colonial Hotel and Bell’s Café. She later worked at the Dixie Café before working with Hillsborough Country Board of Commissioner for 7 years until she retired. For hobbies, se enjoyed ceramics, fishing, cooking, and traveling.

She served faithfully at First Born Church of the Living God as a Deaconess until led by God to join By Faith Ministries, under the pastorate of the late Bishop Eugene and Elder Willie Mae Ellis. She was a faithful member of the outreach ministry and her testimonies were: “Proud to transition.”, “God’s not dead!” and I’m ready!”

She was preceded in death by her husband: Henry Phillips; children: David Dunson, George Phillips, Sr., Katie Traylor, Henry Isaac Phillips; goddaughter: Daphine Honors; grandchildren: LaAndrew Phillips and Devon Phillips.

The memory of Mother Phillips, a woman held in the highest regard by friends and family as an inspiring and precious gift from God, will continue to refresh the hearts and memories of her 3 faithful children: John D. Phillips, Quentine Hinton (Roland), Mattie Johnson; siblings: Julia Williams, Luke Governor, Jr. (Mother Sarah), Leroy Governor (Karen), Elder Willie Mae Ellis, Mother Iretha Young; son-in-law: Augustus Traylor, 27 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.