On Friday, June 28, 2024, God called upon a trusted and anointed servant, Mr. John A. Phillips. Jr. John was born in Pineville, North Carolina on October 18, 1931, to his parents, John Albert and Adline Phillips. At an early age, he became a member of China Grove A.M.E. Zion Church with his parents and five sisters, Beatrice, Everhart, Dorothy Adams, Virginia Adams, Nancy Holmes, and Mary Ann Stitt. His parents and all of his sisters preceded him in death.

John was a faithful and devoted husband to his late wife, the angelic Maggie Lee Phillips. He leaves behind five children, Leverne (Levern) Clifton of Mooresville, NC, Ruby Falls, Darlene Phillips, John Thomas (Angela) Phillips, and Curtis Phillips, all of Charlotte, NC.

Settling in their Grier Heights community in Charlotte, NC, Mr. Phillips lived as God's soldier by leading, guiding, protecting, and giving wisdom to any soul he touched. You would see him riding down the street waving at every person, left, and right, like he was the Mayor in a parade. That drove his wife crazy.

"Jone", as his close family called him, worked since he was eight years old, learning many trades. He laid down bricks, worked at the Cone Mill in Pineville with his late wife, and served as the custodian to Sheriff Gary McFadden in Mecklenburg County until he retired, just to name a few. He found peace working with his hands, especially in his beautiful home garden.

His legacy consists of his five children, nine grandchildren, and thirty-seven great-grandchildren. He leaves two sisters-in-law, Grace Adams and Luvenia Long; one brother-in-law, Marshal (Lizzie) Long. He also leaves six nieces, six nephews, and countless extended family members who felt as if he was their only father figure.

If you knew "Chocolate Thunder", you have witnessed his spontaneous high kicks in the air or a nudge with his big fist, which would hurt, as well as his little side run and dance with a contagious giggle.

As he closed his eyes and finally rested, surrounded and comforted by family at Mercy Hospital, God took his hand and said "Well done my good and faithful servant."