Obituary of Phillip L. Mumford

Philip Luis Mumford was born on January 21, 1956 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philip was the only son of the late Harvey and Evelyne Mumford. Philip was educated in the Philadelphia school district. He graduated from John Bartram High School's Motivation Program for gifted and talented students. Philip showed true talent. At the age of ten, Philip taught himself how to play the drums. He crafted and designed his own drum set. His talent and passion for music convinced his parents to invest in the purchase of new drums. He was so elated that he began to share his talents with family, friends and neighbors. As an adolescent boy, he played the drums routinely. Seldom would a day pass without hearing the sound of beating drums coming from home. he was know as the "Mumford Boy". He played the drums for various community organizations and also performed in local bands. He often talked about plans to form his own band and travel the world. At the age of eighteen Philip was stricken by a chronic illness which disabled him. His dream and plans to become a drummer was no longer a realistic goal for him to achieve. Despite his limitations, Philip continued to pursue other areas of interest. He attended Lincoln Tech. Auto Mechanic School and became a Mechanical Technician. He worked at Sears, Scotties Auto Repair Shop and Pep Boys in Philadelphia, for several years. He also worked as an assistant clerical aid at University City High School and ushered at the Annenberg Center of the University of Pennsylvania. He developed an interest in data entry and was trained in computer programming. Staff and administrators were impressed by his skills. He was so proud of his many accomplishments, especially in the areas of computer and graphic designs. Philip was a member of the Chestnut Place Clubhouse for over twenty years. This was an advocacy program for individuals with Mental Health Disabilities. He loved being involved with the publication of the Clubhouse Newsletter. Philip often provided feedback to various funding resources about the positive effects the program had on the members. Philip traveled to other states to promote the Clubhouse Model. He also was a volunteer worker for the Philadelphia office of Mental Health doing clerical work. Philip was initially a member of Crucifixion Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pa., along with his family. Later he attended Mt. Zion A.M.E. church with his family. He Confessed Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. Philip enjoyed writing plays and poetry. He loved graphic design and making signs. He loved music and encouraged his nieces musical interests in violin, guitar and singing. Philip loved coffee, chocolate and apple pie. He loved conversations with his nieces and nephews and family gatherings. He was proud of their education and career accomplishments. He loved taking trips and hanging out with his eldest niece "Toni". Philip was kind, helpful, and very loyal to his family. His family loved and devoted their lives to his care. His most famous saying to his family was "Remember that I love you." Philip leaves to cherish his memory: Three sisters and their spouses: Cynthia Mumford-Jackson (Herbert), Harvette Mumford-Brown (William) and Mia Wade-Voorhees (Jawahl). Four nieces: Antoinette "Toni" Mumford, Evita Oldenburg (Mark), Genevieve Brown and Ivanna Wade. One nephew: Jonathan Wade Jr. along with a host of cousins, family and friends. Loving Submitted The Family