Mr. Corey Phillips

Mr. Corey Alexander Phillips was born in Saginaw, Michigan, April 4, 1969. He was called home October 12, 2023 at the age of 54 years. Corey was the son of Lavada Baniel and Willie Phillips. He and his loving wife raised six sons. He was the grandfather of more than 20 lovely grandchildren. Corey attended Heavenrich Elementary, St. Mary’s Catholic and Nouvel Catholic Central High Schools where he graduated with the Class of 1987. During his youth he loved to play football, basketball and baseball. He was baptized in 1981 at the age of seven years and later became a member of the Kappa League. Corey was well-known for excelling on the basketball court throughout his life, winning and leading Nouvel Catholic Central to their first ever State Championship. He went on to Indiana Purdue University before transferring to Delta College where he led them to their first ever, National Championship. He then went to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy where he also played in intramural sports. He set scoring records playing in basketball leagues on the USS Enterprise. Corey had become known for coming out on top when facing adversity especially in sports. An underdog, a fighter, a true warrior who never let quitting be an option. He would always say, “As long as there is time on the clock, there is a chance”. He extended his service to the federal government working at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital and the Department of Veteran Affairs. He then continued living out the rest of his life being an unconditionally loving father, grandfather, brother, mentor, coach, trainer, friend and a genuine good person. Throughout his years Corey had many accomplishments. He was Basketball All State, Top 5 in Five Star All American Camp, Saginaw News Dream Team 1987, Honorable Mention Pre-Season All American, inducted into the Saginaw Hall of Fame and much more. He had put in over 30 years of service with the Department of Veteran Affairs and just under a decade with the Department of Defense in the Navy. Corey Phillips aka “Pops” was an inspiration to his family, friends and even others around the neighborhood. Everybody knew and loved “Pops”! He was seen as a father to those who didn’t have one. If you were around him he cared about you and would pass his knowledge and wisdom to you. If one was willing to listen and learn he was willing to pour his heart into you. “Pops” wanted the best for everybody and never wanted anybody to struggle. He was always there to motivate people to be better. Corey not only enjoyed playing sports, he enjoyed watching and coaching as well. He coached boys’ basketball at South Middle School and Arthur Eddy Academy. He watched all sports including obviously basketball, football, baseball, boxing, softball, track and field, and even tennis. ESPN was always playing on his phone or TV. Corey was the biggest fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines and always supported the Maize and Blue. He also enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, and the Detroit Tigers, playing his video games and had to have the latest and greatest Madden. His favorite athlete was Magic Johnson, favorite color was red, favorite place to be was around his family. Corey loved his kids but his grandkids definitely stole the show when they entered the room. Corey adored each and every one of his grandchildren more than anything in the world. It is well known that he will continue watching over his friend and family. Corey Phillips aka “Pops” and “B-Pa” may you rest peacefully, fly high, you will live forever in our minds, hearts and spirit. Last but not least, Hail to the Victors! GO BLUE! Mr. Corey A. Phillips leaves to cherish his memory his life long devoted and forever family, Regina Phillips; six children, Jamaar Gilmer, Marcel Gillmer (Sophia), Maurice Gilmer (Latisha), Marcus Gilmer (Stephanie) Corey, Phillips, Jr. (Laquesha), Jaylan Phillips (Ondreana); grandchildren, Aalaja, Layla, Thalaya, Maurice, Jr., Jorden, Quinn, Nevaeh, Markayla, Marcus, Jr, Markell, Ni’Asia, Shacori, Corey III, Violet, Cartier, Lavontae, Jayla, Santiago, Carter, Courtney, Coreiauna, Issac, Gracie and Derrick Rodriquez; sisters, Valencia Mitchell, LaShondria Carson and Jojuaniis Carson; brother, Philip Phillips “Bo”; mother-in-law, Gwendolyn Gilmer and father-in-law, Fred (Rochelle) Gilmer; sisters-in-law, Desiree Perkins and Svea Phillips; brother-in-law, Thurman Perkins; four nieces; seven nephews including a special nephew, Douglas Phillips, Jr.; honorable mothers, Doreen Leek and Brenda Beverly; honorable sister, Jennifer Leek Booker; honorable brothers, Paul and Craig Leek; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends including special friends, Corey Ward, Larry Walker, John Banda, Steve Bell, Alton Wicker, Mary Uloth, Nancy Baird, Holly Cooper, Danielle Dale, a host of family friends and teammates. Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his parents, Lavada Baniel and Willie Phillips; grandson, Jacoreion, brother, Douglas Phillips grandparents, Addie Phillips and Cora Lloyd-Phillps; aunts Vivian (Lee) Doss, Daisy Thrower, Effie Bryant, Catherine Coleman, Mary McDaniel and Virgie Duckett, Sr.; uncles, Frank Baniel, Sr. and Willie Baniel; honorable father, E. Paul Leek; friend, Brian Morgan. The family would like to express a special thanks to Covenant ICU, staff, Daveda Quinn and Brenda Doss extended family member. Family hour 2:00 PM Friday, October 20, 2023, at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, Michigan 48607, with funeral service commencing at 3:00 PM Pastor Delwin Tatum will officiate. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

Mr. Corey Phillips

April 4, 1969 - October 12, 2023