Mrs. Bertha Lee McGrant Phifer, 75 of Charlotte, peacefully departed her earthly body on Thursday, January 20, 2022. She was born on June 15, 1946, to the late John Henry McGrant and Estelle Robinson McGrant in Charlotte, NC.

Bertha was educated in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS).  She graduated from West Charlotte High School in 1964.  Bertha, and her graduating class, pioneered in integration within CMS.

On May 1, 1971, Bertha married her sweetheart-David Lee Phifer, Sr.  They added three children to their union.  For over half a century, they celebrated their marriage and devotion to one another.  She was constantly pampered with home cooked meals, vacations, and shopping expeditions.

In 1996, Bertha gleefully retired from Lance, where she worked for twenty-eight years.  She commemorated her retirement with one of her favorite past-times, a seafood feast.  Her family and friends gathering to honor her years of labor became a fond memory she cherished forever.

Bertha was a faithful believer and lover of Christ.  As a member of Steele Creek AME Zion, she devotedly served as an usher, stewardess, and sang on the Camp Meeting Choir.  She was a member of Class 7 under the leadership of Sister Alberta Barnette.  And was an active member of the Golden Years Club until her health declined.

Lovingly known as Mama Bert, Bertha was a beloved mother and grandmother.  There was nothing she wouldn't do for her children and grandbabies.  She treasured their every achievement-she kept every award, report card, and school picture.  While her children were school age, she participated in the PTA.  As they became active in sports, she and David attended nearly every game.  This continued as their youngest son went to college and played football at North Carolina Central University (NCCU).  During NCCU's home games, Bertha would gather her grandbabies to travel along with her and David.  Bertha was fervently present for every milestone in her children and grandchildren's lives.  Her love and support were incalculable.

In addition to her parents, Bertha is preceded in death by one brother, John H. McGrant, Jr.; and one sister, Dorothy M. McGrant.

Bertha is survived by her loyal husband, David L. Phifer, Sr,; three children, Sharon Leake (Walker), David Phifer Jr. (Vanessa), and Merrill Phifer of Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren, LaKeshia McCoy (Marcus), LaKendra Phifer, Jamarious Phifer (Charlotte), and Jazmine Phifer (reared in the home) of Charlotte, NC; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two sisters-in-law, Johnsie McGrant and Carolyn Osborne (Dyrrle) of Charlotte, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousin, and friends.