Keith Maurice Phillips "Lil Keith"

On March 14, 1983, Keith Maurice Phillips blessed us with his presence. Born to Denise Michelle Phillips, he was the light of her life and the apple of her eye. He wrestled his last match on Monday, December 2, 2019 and joined his mother in heaven. Keith, affectionately called “Lil Keith”, was a student at the Millet Learning Center and a graduate of the Saginaw ISD Transitional Center in 2009. He was a joy to be around, full of life and laughter.

Lil Keith was an avid fan of wrestling and an expert on the sport. He could tell you any and everything about wrestlers and the WWF, dating back to the 1980s. Besides watching wrestling and drinking ‘Brisk Lemonade’, he enjoyed going to St. Mary’s of Michigan Guardian Angels Respite and participating in the daily activities.

Lil Keith believed in looking his best at all times. His main priorities were looking good, smelling good, wearing his jewelry and keeping “church money” in his pockets. As a faithful member of Gideon Christ Community Church, he was always prepared to give. Lil Keith loved going to the barbershop weekly and getting his hair cut. In fact, he watched the barbers so closely that he learned to cut his own hair and kept his own hairline crispy. In his pastime, he enjoyed his weekend visits to his favorite cousin’s house. He was well known and loved in the community and would have a conversation with whomever he met.

Above all, Lil Keith was a family man. He loved his family intensely and unconditionally. There was no denying the special bond and affection he had for his beloved grandmother/caretaker/protector, Frances Davis. The two of them shared something special that cannot be captured in words, but it was a joy to witness.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 declares “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” Today is our time to say see you later, but we look forward to the time of our great reunion with you, Lil Keith. Thirty-six years was not enough time in our eyes, but in God’s eyes, your time was complete. We are forever grateful for the time God loaned us Li’l Keith and we will continue to celebrate his life until we meet again.

Lil Keith was greeted in heaven by his mother, Denise Michelle Phillips; great-grandparents, James and Beatrice Jones; and cousin, Eric Flowers.

Lil Keith’s life will be honored and celebrated by his cherished grandmother/mother, Frances Davis; uncles who were more like brothers, Keith D., Ivan E., Tyrone Phillips; aunt, Anita Johnson “Auntie Nette”; great-aunt, Wanda Jean Flowers; great-uncle, Pastor Melvin Hill; cousins, Damarcus, Nicholas, Ashley P., Deshae’, Kimeya, Tyrone Jr., Ashley C., Angela, Keith Charles, Darius, Ivan Jr., Ana, Deshaun, Jayla, Jaleah, Amari, Kayden, Sahir, Kaydon and Danielle; godmother, Sherelle Johnson; godparents, Terry and Carolyn Pruitt; godsisters, Dena Pruitt Austin, Dawn Pruitt Granberry and Dana Pruitt Wadley, who has been his best friend/side kick since they both were a few months old; favorite cousins, Gloria Israel, Dorothy, Angela and Tory Jones; many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to express gratitude to Covenant Cooper CVICU, Nurses Sarah, Leigh and David, Dr. Lee Murskyj, Dr. Matt, MMR Staff, Saginaw Township Police Department, STARS Bus System and Ascension St. Mary’s Guardian Angels Respite & Adult Day Services.

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