Phibbs, Garnett Ersiel

Garnett Ersiel Phibbs, born on October 12, 1922, died on October 29, 2009 in Charlotte, NC. Garnett was born in Clinchfield, VA.

He earned degrees from Bridgewater College and Yale University Divinity School and was ordained in the Church of the Brethren. His professional life was given to controversial passions of social justice, civil rights, church/state relations, women’s choice, homelessness, gay rights, community relations, poverty, sexual ethics, AIDS, public policy, refugees, migrants, public schools, and prison rehabilitation in Trenton, NJ, Toledo, OH, Los Angeles, CA and Charlotte, NC. Garnett was a volunteer fireman, the founder of Charlotte Interfaith Network for Gay & Lesbian Equality. He helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity in Mexico and New England.

Garnett is survived by sons Gerry Phibbs of Glendale, CA, David Phibbs of Santa Clarita, CA, Bob Phibbs of Coxsackie, NY and two grandchildren, Matt Phibbs of San Francisco, CA and Erin Kelly of La Crescenta, CA, sisters ;Alma Heisey of Palmyra, PA; Deane Myers of Mt. Airy, MD and Marie Ashley of Seaford, VA.

A memorial service will be held Sat. Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. at Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, 3501 West Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Garnett’s name to Time Out Youth, a non-profit organization for at risk youth, at 1900 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205.

Graveside services will be held Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in Oakwood Cemetery, Pulaski. Everyone is asked to meet at Bower Funeral Home, 1631 Bob White Blvd, Pulaski to leave in procession at 1:00 p.m.

To send online messages to the family, visit www.bowerfuneralhome.com