Ruby Belle Phifer (Lansing & Atlanta)

Ruby Belle Robinson Phifer departed this life on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge, Georgia at the age of 91 years. She was born on August 23, 1929, in Lovejoy, Georgia to Frank and Etta (Askew) Robinson.

She devoted her life to Christ at an early age and joined Merrill Chapel United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. Ruby relocated to Lansing, Michigan in 1952 and became a member of Collins AME Church which was later renamed Trinity AME Church. She served on various church organizations including Willing Workers, Laymen’s Organization, and Senior Saints.

Ruby married the love of her life, Mr. Elmer L. Phifer, Sr. on April 5, 1958. As a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she enjoyed raising her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time with family and cooking. She was a giving person always seeking to serve others first.

During her career, Ruby has worked in various capacities including house cleaning, working at Arbaugh’s Department Store as an Elevator Operator, and Ingham Medical Center as a Technician in the Central Supply Unit from 1970 until her retirement in 1988.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer L. Phifer, Sr.; two daughters, Catherine S. and Brenda M. Phifer; parents, Frank, Sr. and Etta Robinson; sister, Clara Mae Pittman; brothers, Arthur J., Solomon D., Howard J., Frank, Jr., and Robert Lee Robinson.

She leaves to cherish her memory, five sons, Cornelius Robinson, Elmer Phifer, Jr., James (Lisa) Phifer, Myron Phifer, all of Lansing, Michigan, and Michael (Jamie) Phifer of Union City, Georgia; one stepson, Burrell McGee of Lansing Michigan; 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Thelma Carter and Priscilla Stokes; sisters-in-Christ, Geneva Jones, Joann Monday and Earline Yarbrough; special daughter, Deborah Wilford of Lansing Michigan; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.


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