Philipia Cherry

Philipia McElveen-Cherry aka (Phil or Snoota) was born on November 6, 1945, in Lynchburg, South Carolina to Charlie McElveen and Ardria White-McElveen. She graduated from Eastern High School in 1963. After graduating High School, Philipia moved to New York and worked as domestic/personal chef until she returned to SC. While in New York she got married and gave birth to her 2 sons Alphonso Cherry and Detrick Cherry. She set out to teach them the skills that she perfected. Both of Philipia’s sons are skilled chefs. Her children remember her as one who loved hard, and who encouraged them to pursue their goals. In addition to being an amazing cook, Philipia was accomplished at sewing and crocheting. Both she and her mother often made originally designed clothing from patterns that she created. Mother and daughter would often dress alike in those creations. Philipia was a caring individual who loved her family. Philipia returned to SC in 1992 to be closer to her mother as she was aging. She became a dedicated full-time caregiver to her mother for many years until her own health began to fail in February of 2020. In 2002 Philipia completed her certification from the National Headstart Step Training Program and became a certified Pre-K teacher. She was an active and dedicated member of the St Johns United Methodist Church where she served faithfully until her health failed. Philipia departed this life on September 1, 2021, at McLeod Regional Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her parents Charlie McElveen and Ardria White-McElveen. She was also preceded by her brothers Charles (Harold) McElveen, and Maurice Mc Elveen. She leaves to cherish her memories: her sons Alphonso Cherry of Lynchburg, SC and Detrick Cherry of Lynchburg, SC; two grandchildren, Alphonso Julius Council of Brooklyn, NY and Anthony Johnson of Columbia SC; a special friend, Carol Brown of Lamar, SC; three nieces, Lovetta Ervin (Robert) of Lynchburg, SC, Makeba Dixon (The late Deacon Pearlie Dixon) of Timmonsville, SC, and Tamara McElveen of Columbia, SC; along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.