Phyllis Elaine (Lavender) Mickens

Phyllis Elaine Mickens was born March 19, 1948 in Montgomery, West Virginia. A resident of Columbus, Ohio for approximately 41 years, she was a former member of Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith (Brentnell) and, most recently, had been attending New Birth Christian Ministries. She had a special place in her heart for the elderly and the physically challenged. She dedicated her career and time to those often forgotten. Phyllis retired from Columbus Developmental Center for the Mentally Challenged, and went on to work for First Community Village, St. Rita’s, and Columbus West Park. She also retired from Columbus City Schools after approximately 17 years of service as a childcare attendant – caring for and educating high school students with multiple disabilities. On January 25, 2015, Phyllis departed this earthly life while at her residence. She was preceded in death by her father, George E. Lavender, mother, Geneva Harper, sister, Julie Render, grandson, Marcel M. Mickens, and great grandsons, Warren W. Wood and Sydney W. Wood. She is survived by her children, Thomas E. (Gwen) Wallace, Debora K. Wallace-Wood (Steven Sr.), Cecil C. Mickens, Jr. (Monique), and Phillip A. Mickens; grandchildren, Steven Jr., Justin, Ciera, Toiyon, Gianni, Moene, Matthew, Manuel, Micahia, and Macali; extended grandchildren, Keith, Kenya, Shotkenna, Shottuan, Sauny, and EJ; great grandchildren, Taylor, Justin Jr., Samya, Akilah, Steven III, Eva, Yohaness, Layla, Holly, and Zoe; sisters, Loral, Lois, Julie, Linda, Innis, Gina, Ida, Betty, Alice, Toni, Stephanie, Amy, Regina, Avis, Denise, and Rose; brothers, Fred, Wayne, Ocie, Keith, and George; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.