Obituary of Mildred Lenora Oliver McPhee

Mildred (Millie) Lenora Oliver-McPhee, the only daughter of the late John Oliver and Annie Mae Jefferson was born on April 10, 1928 in Tallahassee, Florida. Her mother died when she was 5 years old. She was raised by her late grandmother Momma Sherpard and Aunt Paralle Philpot-Webb; 3 cousins who were like siblings Alice Pope, the late Wilbertine Philpot and Howard Philpot. Mildred received her education in the Tallahassee School System. She retired from the New York Metro Area Postal Union, after 30 years of service in November 1988. She continued to work as a Home Health Aide from 1989-2006. Even when she retired she dedicated her life to helping others.

She met the late William “Bill” McPhee Jr. at the age of 15 yrs. old in Washington D.C. and they were married on October 1st 1955. They were a true United States Army Family. They traveled to many places that they called home; Japan, Massachusetts, Panama, New York, Virginia, and finally New Jersey. Out of this union she gave birth to 5 beautiful children plus raised 5 additional ones. She loved them and raised them all as one big beautiful family (4 girls and 6 boys). They were happily married for 52 years until Bill departed his life on February 7, 2002. Mildred believed that a “Village” was her family, “God Given” or “God birth/born” family is very important.

Mildred was an active member of the “Christ the King Catholic Church for many years, while residing in N.Y. for over 30 yrs. She was a devoted Christian and devoted her life to serving others in several capacities.  

Mildred was a Past Worthy Matron in the “Order of the Eastern Star”, “Daughters of Isis”. She completed all 7 degrees in the Order of the Easters Star. Before she became a “Star”, she was in many Social Clubs and she never took “no” from any of the “children (hers or not)”, everyone was going to her dances no matter where they were at. She loved her family and always was willing to open her doors to anyone who needed assistance. There was no one that did not know Momma, Mommy, Nana, Mama McPhee, whatever you called her, she always answered with “LOVE & UNDERSTANDING”!

Mildred took ill but never stopped caring for her family. Her grandson’s Sean, Mark Jr., John, Ronald Jr., Donavan, Kobe and Kia knew that she told them they were Kings (Kings In Training K.I.T.). While her granddaughters Shakira, Kayecia, Kiara, Chantell, Charlette are to know they are “Queens” (Queens In Trainings, Q.I.T). She also told this to all those she adopted. She believed life is game that we are winners in. She always was telling somebody; “You are Once A Woman and Twice A Child” & “God is Good, Good is Great”…….these was words you always heard from her.

Mildred is no longer suffering or worrying. She is with all those who preceded her: William “Bill” McPhee Jr; Cornelius {Sonny} McPhee; and she leaves to cherish her memories her beloved children: William “Billy” {Deborah} McPhee III, N.Y.; Foster “Skip”{Michele} McPhee, NY; Robert “Bobby” McPhee from Bronx, NY; Mark {Shantee} McPhee from Baltimore, MD; Charles “Chuckie” {Christal} McPhee from Raleigh, NC; Robert{Michelle} Tinner from Queens; Ermintrude “Bunny” McPhee-Phallay from Bronx, NY; Sharyl McPhee from Charlotte, N.C.; Robin Tinner from Queens, NY; Donna {Ronald} McPhee-Spencer from Sicklerville, N.J. .

She leaves behind several grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, host of nieces, nephews, and two beloved cousins, and wonderful friends.