Mr. Jesse Phifer III

Mr. Jesse Phifer III departed this life on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Toledo, OH, at the age of 77. He was born to Mr. Jesse Phifer, Jr. and Ms. Lucille Richardson on November 1, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio. Jesse joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church at an earlyage, where he served as a junior deacon. A member of the Libbey High School Class of 1966, he was active in wrestling, football, ROTC, and choir. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in Physical Education and Health Education and was initiated as a member of the Epsilon Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He later earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Pennsylvania. His career as a social worker was an extension of his belief in caring for “the least of these”, including juveniles placed at risk and older adults. He served as Clinical Supervisor for Older Adult Services at the Zepf Center and later as a Psychiatric Social Worker for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, among other roles before retiring in 2009. A devoted member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, he served in many capacities, including Sunday School instructor. Ordained as a Deacon in 2003, he later served as Vice-Chair of the Deacon Board and was recognized for his dedicated service to the Kingdom of God. Some of his greatest joy came from visiting the sick and shut-in members and offering communion on first Sundays. Beyond his dedicated service through work and church, he gave generously of his time to the community. He served as President of the Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), supported planning of the Annual Boys to Men Conference, and was a Connecting Link in the Toledo, Ohio Chapter of the Link’s, Inc. He was honored with the Outstanding Father and Distinguished Father awards from the Toledo Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. He also enjoyed martial arts, racquetball, and literature. He will be remembered for his love of older adults, sense of humor, and sensitivity to the needs of others. He has been lovingly reunited with his parents; sister, Sherri Lynn Blount; brothers, James E. Reynolds, Charles W. Reynolds and Horace Reynolds; and daughter, Olivia I. Phifer. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. B. Janelle Butler Phifer, daughters, Jessica Y. Brooks (Sean), Victoria I. Phifer Gyebi (Kofi); sisters, Anna L. Davis (Gail), Eloise Warner; brothers, Joe Reynolds, Sr. (Beatrice), Milton Reynolds, and Nathan Shepherd (Valerie); aunt, Pearl Bingham; nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, Malik, Sherod, Aaron, Peyton, and Makaila Brooks, Zuri and Cairo Gyebi; numerous friends and colleagues in the Toledo community and beyond.

Mr. Jesse Phifer III

November 1, 1948 - June 18, 2026