Bennie T. 'Monk' Phillips, 65

NEWARK - Bennie T. "Monk" Phillips of Newark passed away of natural causes on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, in Christiana Care-Christiana Hospital, Newark. He was 65.

He was the son of the late Exaner Phillips.

Bennie, or "Monk" as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was a former member of Pilgrims Ministry of Deliverance Church, Georgetown, under the pastorship of Apostle Ivory Hopkins.

Upon relocating to Northern Delaware, he became a member of The Shekinah Ministries of Newark, where he served faithfully under the pastorship of Pastor Frederick Purnell.

Mr. Phillips was self-employed as a builder/contractor, who specialized in residences, schools, bridges and places of business.

In addition to his strong religious convictions and work ethics, he was dedicated to his family. They will always remember how he provided and cared for them, and how he wanted the best that life had to offer for them.

Mr. Phillips will also be remembered for his love and enjoyment of music of all kinds, guitar playing and boxing, but nothing can ever beat the love he had for his wife, Margaret, and his family.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Phillips was predeceased by a son, Gregory Cannon.

In addition to his wife, Margaret, he is survived by two sons, Anthony Oliver of Oxford, N.C., and Bennie Lee and wife Marisol Phillips of Newark; two daughters, Brenda and husband Michael Menella of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Cassandra Phillips, with whom he resided, of Newark; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerry and wife Ann Phillips of Georgetown; two sisters, Beatrice and husband Ronny Jones of Newark and Renee and husband Michael Wynn of New Castle; one uncle, Milton "Blake" Phillips of Georgetown; one aunt, Honga Tillman of Kinston, N.C.; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be noon Saturday in St. John's 2nd Baptist Church, Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, where friends may call two hours prior.

Pastor Frederick Purnell will deliver the eulogy and Apostle Ivory Hopkins will officiate the services.

Floral deliveries will be accepted from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Interment will be in the church cemetery following the services.

Arrangements by Deborah E. Harris-Nock Funeral Services, Greenwood.