Wendell Phillips

Obituary For Wendell Phillips

Wendell Fitzgerald Phillips, affectionately known as “Pooh,”entered this world on February 21, 1964, as the only child of Rev.Wendell Harrison Phillips and Dorothy Allen Phillips. At six months old, his family moved from Rochester, New York, to Baltimore, Maryland, where his father co-founded Heritage United Church of Christ. Wendell spent his early years alongside his father, working at the church, assisting in the bookstore, and
later campaigning with him for a seat as the State Delegate for the 41st district. These experiences laid the foundation for Wendell's life's journey.

Wendell was proud of his education, which spanned both publicand private institutions. He attended Gilman School in his early years and graduated from Baltimore City College in 1982, where he showcased his basketball skills and comedic talents, forging lifelong friendships. He briefly attended Dillard University in New Orleans, enjoying the experience so much that he often joked he forgot about the academic part of school. He
eventually completed his education at Morgan State University in Baltimore.

Following in the footsteps of his father, uncles, and grandfather, Wendell became a third- generation member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Morgan State University. There he met the love of his life, Ruth Gilliam, who would later become his wife.

With a natural inclination towards politics, influenced by his father and Aunt Yolanda Caraway, Wendell's charisma, attention to detail, and diplomacy became hallmarks of his career. Before diving into politics, he explored stand-up comedy in Baltimore and even appeared in the film "Meteor Man” as a “Golden Lord.” His avid love of music led him to teach himself how to play guitar, as a teenager, and started a band in high school. He was also the DJ at all church and family gatherings. Hearing his comedic commentary as he spun tunes was always a joy. In 1998, following in his father’s footsteps, Wendell was elected and served as the State Delegate for Baltimore’s 41st district. That same year, he and Ruth were married. Together, they welcomed their first child, Clarke Leigh Gilliam, in November 1999, and their second child, Logan Allyn-Marie, in November 2007.

In 2007, Wendell’s journey took him and his family to Greensboro, NC, where he served at three universities in the UNC System. He started at North Carolina A&T State University as the Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Community Outreach and Special Projects, later becoming the Director of Government and Community Relations. His political acumen helped the university build significant connections. After seven years, he joined North Carolina Central University as the Chief of Staff, serving from 2014-2017. Wendell cherished his time there, deeply valuing his relationship with the late Chancellor Dr. Deborah Saunders-White. In 2019,
he was called to Fayetteville State University, eventually becoming the Vice Chancellor of External Affairs & Military Relations and later the Chief Federal Relations Officer until his passing. Throughout his career, Wendell was a passionate advocate for access to higher education, gaining many colleagues who became like family.

Obituary Wendell Fitzgerald Phillips

In Greensboro, under the mentorship of the late Rev. Dr. Howard Allen Chubbs of Providence Baptist Church, Wendell answered the call to ministry (finally after several missed calls). He delivered his initial sermon and was ordained as a Baptist minister. He taught Sunday School,
sang in the choir, and cherished his church community.

Wendell’s greatest role was as a husband to Ruth and a father to Clarke and Logan. He often joked about being outnumbered and broke by the women in his life, but he relished being the fun parent. Between work, preaching, co-facilitating a podcast and being a listening ear to many, Wendell made YouTube videos, cracked jokes, and played video games with his daughters, while
providing them a foundation of love and kindness.

In November 2022, Wendell was diagnosed with a challenging cancer. He faced this journey with courage, supported by family and friends. The outpouring of love and support from their church community, friends, and various organizations touched him deeply. Wendell transitioned peacefully on May 24, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.

Wendell is predeceased by his father, Rev. Wendell Harrison Phillips; mother, Dorothy Allen Phillips; aunt, Shirley Ann Harris; uncles, Rev. Drs. Porter Phillips Jr., W. Sterling Cary, and Channing Phillips; aunts, Marie Phillips, Dorothy Bobo Phillips, and Bertha Nixon Phillips; sister-in-law Gloria Gilliam Boone (Calvin) cousins, Claudia Douglas, Dorothy Prude, Theron
Tucker, and Kenny Hooks.

He leaves behind his cherished wife, Dr. Ruth Gilliam Phillips; daughters, Clarke (24) and Logan (16); mother-in-law, Gloria Gilliam; sister-in-law, Yvonne Hill; aunts, June Hooks, Yolanda Caraway, Marie Cary, Velma Phillips, and Jane Forrester; uncles, Treadwell Phillips and Rev. Dr. F. Allison Phillips; cousins, Karen Hooks, Kelly Hooks, Yvonne Cary, Denise Cary, Patricia
Cary, Sheilah Peterson, Tracy Phillips, Jill Nesbitt (Derrick), Rev. Stephanie Phillips, Rev. Adrienne Phillips, Jerilynn Payne, Cheryl Phillips, Denise Mitchell, Alyson Fletcher (Terry), Keith Hooks (Cheryl), Kevin Hooks, W. Sterling Cary II (Countess), Channing Phillips, John
Phillips, Jerryl Payne (Rev. Brenda Payne), Deryk Phillips (Angel), and a host of more cousins,
church family, and friends.

Wendell's legacy of love and dedication will be cherished by all who knew him. His courage will
never be forgotten. And his absence will leave a hole in our hearts.

Funeral will be held Thursday, June 6, 2024 12pm New Zion Missionary Baptist Church 408 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Greensboro, North Carolina. 11:30am Visitation. Burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery Baltimore, MD.