Ruth Ernestine Phillips

Ruth Ernestine Phillips, of Worton, MD passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the Chester River Hospital Center, with her daughter at her bedside, after a short illness. She was born on September 14, 1927, to the late George W. and Cora Mae Warner of Sandy Bottom, Chestertown, MD. After graduating from Garnett High School, she moved to Philadelphia, PA to live with her Uncle Eddie and Aunt Nora Warner. While there, she attended school and was employed by Dr. Beauchamp, and his wife, as a nanny for their children. She was the last surviving member of the Penn Maryland Gospel Singers, who traveled across the states to sing. She loved singing and loved the Lord. After returning to MD she had a son, Craig Commodore. She met and later married James Phillips on January 22, 1966; together they had 2 children. She was as member of St. George United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She loved reading the bible, Our Daily Bread and singing songs from the United Methodist Hymnal. Ruth worked 30+ years for the late James and Susan Harris of Chestertown, MD. She cared for her family, her home and had a love for children; whereas she babysat for children in the community of Worton Point and other family members. She enjoyed doing hair, was an excellent seamstress/cook; known for her crab imperial, lemon, chocolate and coconut cakes, and her homemade sweet tea with lemon. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, George L. and Stanley Warner, sister Gloria Brown, and granddaughter, Kenisha Commodore. Ruth is survived by her husband of 58 years, James Phillips; sons, Craig Commodore (Arliss) and Aaron Phillips; daughter, Lisa Butler (Rodney); God-son Haamid Talib (Keia); stepdaughter, Angie Ringgold (Steve); stepson, Nathaniel Phillips; sisters, Barbara Warner, Janice Miller, and Edna Phillips; brother, Edward Warner (Patricia); grandchildren: Shakir & Yasir Talib, Andre, Lamonte & Lanisha Kennard; great grandsons, Justice Wilson and TyKee Bryant; and two step-great granddaughters, Everlee and Alicia Kennard; Aunt-in-law, Josephine Phillips; brother/sister-in-laws, Garrison (Catherine) Phillips, Alma Hutchins, Robert (Jean) Phillips, Medford (Joyce) Phillips, Dwight (Delores) Phillips, Denise Jones, and Brian (Denise) Phillips; special nieces, Tonika Phillips and Carol Phillips-Thomas; a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be held on Saturday, February 24 at 12:00 pm at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Worton, MD, where friends and family may visit two hours prior, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Interment to follow at St. George UMC Cemetery in Worton.

Ruth Ernestine Phillips

September 14, 1927 - February 13, 2024