Pastor Lamar D Phillips

 “To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which was planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Again, death has invaded the rank of the Tabernacle International Ministries.  It has carried away not only a Mighty Man of God, a true warrior, an overcomer, a loving husband, amazing father, grandfather, nephew, brother, uncle, godfather, cousin and loyal friend, but a man of God who heeded the scripture working diligently in many capacities of the ministry for the edification of the Body of Christ.

Pastor Lamar Darnell Phillips knew that Christianity did not exempt one from death, but that it ensured triumph over death. On Thursday, September 19, 2019, Lamar pulled off mortal and put on immortality as he transitioned to his heavenly home surrounded by his loving wife and family at Emory University Hospital in Decatur, Georgia.   

Pastor Lamar Darnell Phillips, affectionately called, “Lamar” by his family and close friends was born on October 18, 1969, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to the late Jerry Reynolds and Joyce Ann Phillips. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Jerry and Joyce Ann, his loving maternal grandparents, Eugene and Louise Phillips, his beloved paternal grandparents Rev. Harry and Minnie Reynolds, two uncles, Harry Reynolds Jr., and Larry Phillip, one aunt, Louise Wooden-Brown and one brother-in-law, James “Darnell” Allen.

 At an early age, Lamar accepted Christ as his Personal Savior and was baptized at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.  In 1997, he re-dedicated his life to Christ as an adult and was baptized under the leadership of his beloved grandfather, the late, Rev. Harry Fletcher Reynolds Sr.   

Lamar was formally educated in the Benton Harbor Area Schools and was proud to obtain his General Education Diploma from Lake Michigan College in 1998.  

On July 14, 2001, Lamar married the love of his life, Christie (Allen) Phillips, and together they raised their blended family.  Thirty-three years of love, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, til death they did part. 

Upon moving his family to Atlanta in 2006, Lamar again, re-dedicated his life to Christ as evidenced by him uniting in fellowship with the Tabernacle International Church under the leadership of Apostle Fritz and First Lady Lisa Musser. 

At the Tabernacle International Church, Pastor Lamar became an Administrator, Facilitator of “Celebrate Recovery” for 5 years, leader of several “Men’s Bible Studies” and activities centered around the love of Christ and creator of the non-profit called “Circle of Change” which focused on mentorship of young men.  In 2012, he attended Tabernacle International Church School of Ministry where he was ordained as an Apostle under the Begin Again Ministry in 2017.

Lamar was a true family man, mentor, and giver and always had a way with his words especially for young men and women as it related to life’s experiences and overcoming obstacles.  He had such a great sense of humor and was always known for being the best dressed and the life of the party. 

His favorite pastimes were shopping, reading, attending sporting events, listening to music, dancing and watching his beloved Chicago Bears.  Lamar cherished his family and loved spending quality time with his grandchildren.  He especially loved hanging out with his eldest grandson X’Zavier and if you saw Lamar out and about you probably saw his grandson following close behind.  He will truly be missed by those who loved him.

Pastor Lamar will forever be remembered in the hearts of his loving wife and best friend, Christie Phillips whom he honored and adored; (4) loving daughters:  Erica, Ann, Kayla and Jasmine;  (2) special children, Sia Burton and Larry Harden Jr.; his two beloved siblings, Shontae (Laura Butler) Phillips and Dominique Phillips;  godson, Josh Malone; (3) grandchildren, X’Zavier, Timothy and Erielle; a special niece, Skylar Phillips; (2) loving aunts, Minnie Sims and Diane (Isaiah) Newson of Benton Harbor, (3) sisters-in-law, Roberta Allen, Shanita (Keith) Freeman, Dahletha (Terry) Armstead all of Atlanta, GA, Lorraine Young of Flint, MI, Karima (Jimmy) Cunningham of North Carolina, Carol (Thomas) Turner of Grand Rapids, MI; (2) Mark Allen and Tyrone (Jamie) Allen both of Benton Harbor; Special Brothers in the Gospel, Pastor Calvin (Lisa) Edghill, Lance (Lashay) Holder and Bashir (Dread) Drayton all of Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.  And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain” Revelations 21:4

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