Francis Sheffield Phillips

On April 19, 2021, Francis Sheffield Phillips, 92, a United States National Guard Veteran of Forest Hill, MD passed away, at his home, as he wished. Born to the late George Barclay Phillips and Mary Zora Phillips, he was the beloved husband of the late Mary Archer Phillips; devoted father of Robert F. Phillips, David B. Phillips & his wife Patty, and Lori A. Van Valkenburg; cherished grandfather of Rachel P. Koziol & her husband Josh, Jesse R. Phillips & his wife Katie, Michael J. Steinmiller, Samuel L. Van Valkenburg, Caitlin M. Phillips, and Garrett S. Phillips; adored great-grandfather of Mackenzie P. Koziol, Mary R. Koziol, Jamison R. Phillips, and Lincoln M. Phillips; dear brother of the late Florence Regal (Frank), Gladys Bessey (Murrell), G. Howard Phillips (Kate), and Kathleen Eichelberger (Damon); predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Patricia Wilson Phillips and his-son-in law, Mark E. Van Valkenburg.

He was also preceded in death by the following members of the Archer Family; loving son-in-law of Francis Trainor Archer & Alice Elizabeth Archer (nee Monks); treasured brother-in-law of Adelaide Coale (Hanson), Margaret Rutledge (Wilbur), Winfield Archer (Irene), Lillian Scheppelmann (Martin), and Rhoda Abshire (Harold).

Sheff was born and raised in Forest Hill, MD and became a permanent resident of Harford County. He attended and graduated from Jarrettsville High School in 1945. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Mary. They started a family and raised 3 wonderful children together. Alongside his brother Dick, he started his long-term career at John K. Ruff Inc. Sheff began as a residential carpenter and ended his work over seeing various large commercial and educational projects, retiring in 1990. He was a devoted member of William Watters United Methodist Church where he served on various committees over his lifetime. He cherished his church family who knew him as the Candy Man and the Apple Man. Sheff had apple and peach trees that he nurtured for many years. Along with caring for his trees, he was an avid gardener for his vegetables and especially his beloved rose bushes. Sheff was a Baltimore Orioles fan, going to games  and listening to them on the radio. Also, he loved the Baltimore Colts. Most of all, his most cherished moments were spending time with his family and friends.    

Family and friends will honor Sheff’s life at Evans Life Celebration Home- 3 Newport Drive (Rt. 23 & Rt. 24), Forest Hill with a Receiving of Friends on Friday. April 23, 2021 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM.  A Memorial Service will be held privately. Serving as Pallbearers; Jesse Phillips, Michael Steinmiller, Samuel Van Valkenburg, and Garrett Phillips; Honorary Pallbearers are Joshua Koziol, Edward Coale, Stephen Trout, Frederick Phillips, Joseph Brown, Dirk Scheppelmann, John Abshire, Carroll Cox, and Richard Smith. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the William Watters Memorial United Methodist Church -1452 Jarrettsville Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084.  

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