Early Life and Family

Marian Ernnease Phillips was born on August 21, 1954, in St. Stephens, Alabama, to (Deacon) Mr. Ernest Lee Phillips and (Pastor) Evelyn Marie Phillips. Raised in a loving and devoted Christian household, Marian’s life was deeply rooted in faith and family values. She transitioned after complications of a short illness.

Spiritual Journey

Marian accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very young age, and her relationship with Him was evident to everyone who knew her. She shared messages of love, hope, and peace about God’s word on Facebook, reflecting her unwavering devotion. Marian’s love for the Lord was profound, and she depended on God for guidance and hope throughout her Christian journey. Reading daily devotions was a cherished part of her life.

Church Involvement and Character

 Growing up in a Christian home, Marian and her siblings attended church every Sunday at Sonlight Baptist Church. She sang in the children’s choir and in her adult years served on the usher team. Later, she became a faithful servant at her brother’s church, Holy Ghost Ministries, and joined Solid Rock Ministries, her mother’s church, where she served as a minister and praise team leader until her mother’s passing. Marian continued to attend her brother’s church house until her health declined. She enthusiastically set up displays and arrangements at every church she participated in, always carrying God’s word in her heart. Marian was known for her style and grace, dressing elegantly for Sunday service and exemplifying class in every way.

Education and Career

Marian attended Cleveland Public Schools and ran track in her high school years and excelled as an art student with remarkable creativity. She was respected by her peers for her maturity and grace. Marian enjoyed writing and worked at May Co. After graduating from high school, she attended Brabazon School for modeling and spent a year at Carver Park School of Nursing with two sisters, training as a Nurses Aid/LPN. She also worked in her father’s customers’ homes, providing domestic services, and spent many years at Suburban Healthcare & Rehabilitation, formerly Suburban Pavilion Will Care, and Warrensville Developmental Center until her retirement.

Principles and Family Values

Marian embodied the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman, striving to live out those values daily. She shared the good news of Jesus with many and treated everyone with love and respect. She believed strongly in doing everything with excellence, a value she shared with her siblings, instilled in their family home. She was a model child and adult, never finding herself in trouble. Marian was a prayer warrior, devoted to praying for others and maintaining a loving family environment. Her family was taught to love each other, knowing that family remains constant.

Sibling Relationships and Personality

Marian Known as “Big Sis,” loved her siblings and she was the leader and her siblings listened attentively to her words. She loved to dance, sing, and hum, and her loud, infectious laughter brought happiness to those around her. She enjoyed playing board games, always striving to win and funny movies and shows, always seeking moments that made her laugh out loud.

Culinary Talents

Marian was an exceptional baker and cook, learning recipes from her mother, renowned as the “Best Cook Ever.” She cooked for her parents and eight siblings, ensuring everyone was well-fed. Her cakes from scratch, such as chocolate, coconut, and peach jelly, and her banana pudding were favorites. Marian’s sweet potato pies, cole slaw, potato salad, and bread pudding were also highly acclaimed.

Family Legacy

Marian was a devoted wife to Pierre Bates and a great mother to their children. After God, her family was her top priority. She taught her children the Bible, took them to church, and instilled in them a love for God. Marian’s love for her son Javon and daughter Ciara was unwavering, and she defended and cared for them wholeheartedly, fulfilling her motherly duties with dedication.

Legacy and Survivors

Marian departed this life on May 24, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, (Deacon) Ernest L. Phillips Sr. and (Pastor) Evelyn M. Phillips.

She leaves to cherish the memory of her legacy, her children: Javon P. (Monique) Bates, son and Ciara E. (Byron) Dismon, daughter. She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Javonna Bates, Gabbrielle Sealey, Azaria Macklin, Domonique Williams, Na’kia Rhodes, Triniti Dismon, and Malachi Dismon; and two great-granddaughters: Nay’Lani Rhodes and Sevyn Rhondes.

She is also survived by eight siblings, all of Cleveland, Ohio: Four sisters — Connie V. Robinson, Mona Lisa Cohen, (Apostle) Evelyn M. (Reginald) Butler, and Nicole (Willie) Berry

and Four brothers — (Dr.) Ernest L. (Pastor Sandra) Phillips Jr., Anthony D. (Zenada) Phillips Sr., Victor J. (LaTisha) Phillips, and (Pastor) Romero C. (Pastor Cherron) Phillips Sr.

Marian is further survived by her uncle, Alfred (Sylvia) Bolden, and three aunts: Shearon (Donnie) Wintson, Claudia Bolden, and Annette (Zaid) Turner, all of Cleveland, Ohio.

She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends across Ohio, Michigan, and Alabama. The bonds she shared with her loved ones were deep and enduring, and their presence brought her great joy throughout her life.

Marian’s memory is celebrated with joy and gratitude, knowing she has entered the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.