Lena Phillips

Sis. Lena May Phillips affectionately known as ¨Sug¨ went home to be with the Lord June 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Lena was born on September 14, 1942 in Dale, Arkansas to the late Richard Whaley Sr. and Lessie Whaley (Brunson). She confessed her love for Christ at an early age. Lena recently united with Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, MI, under the leadership of Pastor Carlton Lynch.

Lena ¨Sug¨ Phillips was the third oldest sibling of 9 children.   The family resided in Chicago, Illinois where Lena received her formal education and graduation honors.   In 1968, Lena reloated to Benton Harbor, MI where she met and married Arthur Phillips in 1987.    Lena was a hardworking woman and held full-time jobs Auto Specialist and Pemco Die Casting. After 22 years of service, she retired from Pemco.  In addition to her impeccable work ethic, Lena was an amazing cook and enjoyed cooking for her family.  Her relaxation time included fishing and watching Track & Field….she was a “Champ Blue Gill Catcher”!   Our family will always remember her as the ‘Nationwide Weather Lady’…. Whenever there was threatening weather alerts….she called family and friends all over the United States!  

While Lena was a natural mother of four children, she was also a mother of many. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children:   Sonia McAfee, Lesley (Tony) Terrell, and Janice (Alvin) Pargo, all of Benton Harbor, MI., Tracy (Nikki) Whaley, Yolanda ¨Lisa¨ Bogan of Kansas City, MO.  God  Children:   Kim (Thomas) Jordan-McMullin and Shelia King of Benton Harbor;  Step-Children:   Raheem Hasan, Nate, Michelle and Danny Carter all of Benton Harbor;  Siblings Frankie Whaley, Lee Whaley, Laddie Whaley, and Shirley Harris of Blytheville, AR.;  Grand Children: Monique Whaley, Quacy Timmons, Robert Whaley, Lorenza Pargo, Venique (Edarius) Miller, Donmicka Johnson, Sanehi Johnson of Benton Harbor, MI. Danielle Purnell of South Bend, IN. Candace King, Diani Whaley and Jalen Holley of Kansas City, MO.   She was blessed with 22 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren;  Her favorite cousin Charlene Robinson; Her favorite grandchild is every one of those named above; and lifelong friends Bertha Yancey and Norma Veal.  

Lena was preceded in death by her parents Richard Whaley Sr. and Lessie Brunson, husband Authur Phillips, siblings:  Minnie Caruth and Vivian (Lloyd) Jones, Richard Whaley Jr., grandchildren Joi Whaley, Tahir Whaley and Kenya Valentine.

Lena will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her and experience her love. Let us not forget the gift we were given for 82 years, the laughs, the comforting, and the unlimited love she shared.  Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

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