Letitia Ann ("Teta") Phillips

Letitia Ann Barner-Phillips, (affectionately known as Teta or Tish), transitioned on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Kindred Hospital Northland in Kansas City, Missouri. 

She was born on July 13, 1967 at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City, MO., to the parents of Arthel “Junebug” Barner Jr. and Ferrel Faye Murphy-Barner.    

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Clara and Arthel Barner Sr. and maternal grandparents, Errie and Ollie Murphy.  Four nephews: Gregory Coleman Jr., Brian Mitchell Jr.-Bey, LeBaron Jackson Jr., and Kyrie David Brown. 

Letitia was educated in the KCMO School District.  She participated in various extra-curricular activities, including, Drill Team, Pep Club, Pom Pon, and R.O.T.C., while attending Southeast High School where she graduated in 1985.  She worked for De La Salle High School for over 20 years and for a short time as a supervisor at an area Dollar Tree.  Teta was baptized at an early age at Bowers Memorial C.M.E Church, where she sung in the choir and participated in many church activities under the spiritual guidance of her “Aunt Tinnie.”  

Letitia loved to hang out with her family and friends.  She enjoyed cooking many dishes.  During family functions she was the designated person to bring her specialty, spaghetti.  Tish adored children, loved people, and never met a stranger.  Her personality was such that, if need be, she would give anyone the shirt off her back.  With her candid approach she did not hesitate in “keeping it real” no matter the conversations, circumstances, or topics.

Letitia leaves behind to cherish her memories: one daughter, J’Trene’ Barner and one son, Eric Phillips II.  Her dad, Arthel “Junebug” Barner Jr., and mom, Ferrel Murphy-Barner (Floyd). Four sisters: Karla “Breezy” Murphy-Arnold (James), Kyra “DeNean” Brown (David) of Lee Summit, MO., Gloria Taylor of St. Louis MO., and Bobbie Taylor Mitchell-Bey (Brian) of St. Louis MO.  Two brothers: Kerry Greenwood of Texarkana AR., and Ramo’n Douglas Johnson II (Angie) of San Antonio, TX.  Seven nieces: Kennedy Duncan, Kelsea Brown, Kyndal Brown, Kariah Brown, Simeka Simpson, Brannisha Mitchell-Bey, and Taylor Washington.              

Seven nephews: Sherman Williams III, Kirby Grigsby, Samuel Simpson Jr., Samir Simpson-Bey, Bobby Mitchell-Bey, Alphonso Dixon Jr., Ramo’n Johnson III and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; including three special friends, Darin Kamradt, Gayle Lee, and Gaba Collins. 

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