"Enter Into My Joy, Servant….Well Done!" The beautiful, loving life of our beloved Mother, Mrs. Geneva Phillips Oglesby, affectionately known as "Mama", was called from her earthly home on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at Hospice and Palliative Care Center, when an angel of God took her bright and cheerful spirit to her heavenly home in a land free from sickness, pain, and sorrow.

Daughter of the late Pete and Ida Borders Phillips and their last surviving child, Mother Geneva was born on April 6, 1913, in Rutherford County, NC. She was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Hosea Oglesby, who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents and siblings, she was preceded in death by two daughters, Lillie Victoria Bynum and Alice Wilkins; and two sons, Odell Oglesby and Thomas "TC" Norris.

Mother Geneva loved and supported her church faithfully until her health failed. She was the oldest church member, having served faithfully as a member of the Martha Missionary Board and Seniors Ministry. Mother Oglesby was the last living member of the original "Spiritual Choir." Outside of church, she was a self-taught seamstress and a retired cook of the K&W Cafeterias.

Mother Geneva leaves to cherish many fond and loving memories two sons, Graham Norris of Gaffney, SC and William Oglesby of Woodbridge, VA; four daughters, Ida Bell Haynes (West) of Gaffney, SC, Brenda and Debra Oglesby of W-S, NC, and Leneva Rainey (Sylvester) of W-S, NC, her devoted and loving caregiver; one daughter-in-law, Henry Mae Oglesby of W-S, NC; a devoted granddaughter reared as a daughter, Delores Lowery (Edward) of Kernersville, NC; two grandsons reared as sons, Odus Oglesby of Arlington, TX and Larry Oglesby (Marlo) of Fayetteville, GA; a devoted grandson, Michael Rainey of Hopewell, VA; five generations that extended through great-great-great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Mother Geneva was a source of encouragement, love, joy, and inspiration for her family and friends. We loved her, but God loved her more, and she will be greatly missed. She left a legacy of love and respect for all that found themselves in her presence.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Nathan Scovens officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1pm on Wednesday at the Church.
The family can be contacted at the home her daughter, Leneva Rainey at 5041 Wrangler Drive W-S, NC 27101.
Special thanks to Somerset Court at University Place and Hospice and Palliative Care Center staff for the services provided.