“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” – II Timothy 4: 7-8 Patsy A. Phillips was born on February 19, 1930, to the late Bettie Bell and Vie Lee Traylor. She was a native of LaGrange, North Carolina where she graduated from the Lenoir County Public School System. She later met the love of her life, Elmer Lee Phillips, also a native of LaGrange, North Carolina and they were married in 1953. God favored Elmer and Patsy with a loving marital partnership that lasted 68 years. They were blessed to produce four beautiful children: one daughter, Patricia Phillips; three sons: Abdul L. Aswad aka Alvin Ray Phillips, Jimmie Phillips, and Elmer L. Phillips. Patsy and her family relocated from North Carolina to Norfolk, Virginia where she pursued a career in cosmetology. Upon completing her training, Patsy obtained her license as a state Board Certified Cosmetologist and began her career as an independent beautician  at Carmen’s Beauty Salon. Patsy was known for her warm personality and generous hospitality. Patsy was actively involved in the community civic league and various church ministries at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. For a period of 19 years, she served as First Lady alongside her husband, Pastor Dr. Elmer L. Phillips at New ST. Mark Baptist Church. Patsy was a loving, caring God-fearing woman who made everyone feel welcome with her infectious smile. One of her favorite expressions was “treat other people the way you want to be treated.” Patsy is predeceased by her mother, Bettie Bell, and father Vie Lee Taylor; a son Jimmie Phillips, six brothers and four sisters. Patsy leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Rev. Dr. Elmer L. Phillips, Sr.; one daughter, Patricia Phillips-Otero; two sons, Alvin Ray Phillips-AKA- “Abdul Aswad”, Elmer L. Phillips, Jr. (Jennifer) and one stepson, Keith Edmonds; one sister, Elizabeth Gibbs; one brother, Aaron Taylor, a special niece, Mary Elizabeth Arnold; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and god children and a host of other relatives and friends