Bro. Mavous Phifer

Bro. Mavous Phifer

Bro. James Mavous Phifer, 91, of Cairo, MS, died Sunday, March 6, 2016, at Tishomingo Manor Nursing Home. Bro. Mavous was a member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and was a U. S. Army veteran. He was a Baptist minister for 54 years, and served at several churches in Tishomingo County. He was also a lifelong carpenter, and enjoyed visiting with his church members.
As a young man growing up in rural Tishomingo County, MS, Mavous Phifer accepted the Lord and began his journey serving his Lord and Master. It was on a hot August night in 1956 when Bro. Mavous received another calling, the call to become a preacher. He surrendered that day to that calling and preached his first of many sermons at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Tishomingo County. Following God's leadership, Bro. Mavous went on to pastor at four churches: Roland Mills 1959 - 1961, Temple Baptist 1961 - 1984, Jackson Camp Baptist 1984 - 2002, and ending his pastoral years where he had begun 50 years earlier at Shady Grove from 2002 - 2008. What a great legacy!
Bro. Mavous attended Southeastern Baptist College. There he studied and grew in his love and knowledge of God. In Genesis 2:18 the Bible reads, “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone, I will make him a help meet for him.” On March 15, 1953, Mavous married his wonderful help meet. Geraline and Mavous labored in the field together. The Lord blessed this union for 64 years before calling Bro. Mavous home. We give thanks for giving Geraline the strength to lovingly care for him to the very end. Bro. Mavous shared that love and knowledge with all he met, performing 123 baptisms. Many loved and admired Bro. Mavous because of the life he lived. He held 178 funerals providing comfort and encouragement from the word of God. He joined 53 couples in marriage always stressing the importance of putting God first and foremost in their new life together.
It was in 1969 that Bro. Mavous visited the Holy Land. There he saw many sights and wonders mentioned in the Bible. He spoke of visiting Jacob's Well and the Mount of Olive where he overlooked the cities of Jerusalem and Bethany. He described the Mount of Temptation as two hills one with tall green grass and the other bare and dry. He said as he stood and preached God's Word, he could see those places he was fortunate enough to have explored.
Bro. Mavous realized the need for service and faithfulness. He was dedicated to his churches and its members, showing God's love through visiting homes and hospitals. He was there through their struggles and trials. He was there in their times of joy and laughter. He practiced what he preached.
Bro. Mavous demonstrated the need for service throughout his lifetime. He served as Clerk for the Harmony Association for 40 years, and Treasurer for the Encampment for 25 years.
In closing, Bro. Mavous would want the words he used many, many times to be repeated, “God is so good. Give of your time. Give of yourself. We can never outgive God!”
Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, at Forked Oak Baptist Church, officiated by Bro. Mike Smith and Bro. Rick Johnson. Interment will follow in Forked Oak Cemetery. Pallbearers include Gerald Glidewell, Joe Glidewell, Danny Smith, Jason Cole, Ronnie McCombs, and Mike Smith. Honorary pallbearers include William “Skip” Schmock, Tony Strickland, Rusty Cole, Gene Barnes, Bob Belue, Jimmy McDougal, Tommy McDougal, and Sammy McDougal. Visitation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. until service time at the church on Tuesday. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Geraline Phifer of Cairo; a sister-in-law, Juanita Phifer of Clinton; special family friends, Tony and Cindy Strickland of Cairo; two special nieces, Anita Parker of Clinton, and Janice Cole of Cairo; and several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Doshie Parsons Phifer; and a brother, Melvin Phifer.
Memorials may be made to the Forked Oak Cemetery Fund by calling Cindy Strickland at (662) 462-5605.