Monique C. Parnell Phifer

Monique Crissandra Parnell-Phifer was born to Carolyn Howard Parnell and William C. Parnell, Jr., July 10, 1966, in Washington, D.C. Monique, who was affectionally referred to as “Moski” by her beloved father, lived in the D.C. area for the first two years of her life, before Bill and Carolyn moved to Detroit, MI, with their bright and curious Monique in tow. Monique's affinity for reading, her social graces and her leadership skills were characteristics that many admired. By the time she reached the third grade, her family had moved to Southfield, MI, where she attended Southfield Public Schools until graduating from Southfield High School in 1984. After graduation, Monique entered Howard University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy in 1990. During her tenure at Howard, Monique developed friendships with students from around the nation, forging bonds that would brightly color and deeply enrich her life for many years to come. Attending Howard in her father Bill's footsteps was, in Monique's view, not simply a collegiate experience. To Monique, it was more of a higher calling and an essential gateway into her soul. She always felt that her journey to Howard University, colloquially known as "The Mecca," illuminated her path, unlike any other institution could have done. Monique remained in the nation's capital for another ten years, after graduating from Howard University, further acquainting herself with the city of her birth. She began her professional career at Giant Foods, where she became the company's first African American female pharmacy supervisor. During this time, Monique was invited to the White House where she, along with others, met with Vice President Al Gore to share her pharmaceutical expertise. During her tenure at Giant, she was a trailblazer, accelerating through the ranks to manage over 25 pharmacy locations throughout Northern Virginia. In 2000, the year after the sudden passing of her beloved father, Monique returned to Detroit to be closer to her mother where their already strong love affair as mother-daughter blossomed into something even more special. Adding to that, Carolyn married Maynard Stansbury giving Monique an even greater blessing. Maynard lovingly carried the “baton” of fatherhood embracing Monique as the daughter that he always wished for. In 2001, Monique met Drake Phifer and the two kindred spirits wed in June of 2006. They created a wonderful life together, always finding time for family and friends. They enjoyed collecting art, listening to music, talking politics, and simply enjoying one another. Their union created many friends from around the globe. Drake and Monique traveled together often, both domestically and abroad. Their extensive travels took them throughout the continental U.S., including Hawaii. They also enjoyed trips to Asia, the Caribbean Islands, Europe, and Northern Africa. They most recently experienced a pleasurable, and fun-filled trip to the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. Monique enjoyed skiing, photography, music, art, and film, and she was an awesome cook. Traveling to Mexico and various other island destinations with her mother as well as making her annual trek to Martha's Vineyard with her Howard comrades gave her much joy. Monique was a charter member of Empowerment Church, where she expressed devotion to the four ships: Fellowship, Stewardship, Worship, and Leadership. As Worship Leader, her regular rotation of leading services on the first Sunday of the month was something to which she looked forward to and deeply cherished. She was the co-chair of the Women's Ministry and co-chair of the Church's first Prayer Breakfast. She was a crusader for Christ, and she believed in the Golden Rule -- do unto others as you would have them to do unto you. Following in her Mother’s footsteps, in 2008 Monique became a member of her beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She recently celebrated her ten-year anniversary as one the 63 J.E.W.E.L.L.S. of the Southfield Alumnae Chapter. In addition to the many community service projects that she worked on, she was especially proud of her work with the Arts & Letters Committee. She also worked tirelessly on may other committees and events. She was a staunch supporter of the Torch of Wisdom Foundation, Inc. In 2013, Monique was inducted into the Great Lakes Chapter of Links, Inc, and recently became Vice President and Chair of Membership, and she was excited about her role mentoring new inductees. Her other community involvement included a five-year tenure as President of the Howard University Alumni Club of Detroit. She also served as Vice President of the Detroit Chapter of The Moles, Inc. and as a member of the organization’s National Budget and Finance Committee. In 2017, Monique co-chaired its 2017 National Conclave in Detroit, hosting more than 600 members from around the country. It was Monique’s leadership and organizational style that had members walking away saying that the Detroit event was "simply outstanding" and one of the best conclaves they had attended in years. Other club and civic affiliations include the Exchequer Investment Club, the Gourmet Girls, The Dolls, Inc., and K.A.R.M.A.A. At the time of her transition, Monique worked as a Regional Vice President for BriovaRx Specialty Pharmacy. She was the first and only African American promoted to this position and was the highest ranking African American within the company. Monique did everything with vigor and focus. She made everything she touched better. There was no such thing as half-stepping with her! Her leadership style was one that made natural and willing followers. She was one who saw tasks to completion without complaint. She was a strong, courageous, and poised team player, always seeing the good in her teammates and always inspiring the best from them. From faith to work and fun to family, Monique lived her life fully, and past the proverbial margins of the page. Monique developed long-lasting friendships with ease, and no one would ever know that she considered herself to be shy. Loved ones had various terms of endearment for Monique; she was “Shrimpy” to her Godsiblings, “Mo-Phif” or “DJ Monie-Love” to the Par-Tay-Crew; “Mo” to her countless friends; and “MP-Squared” to a chosen few and “G-Mo” to her beloved godson. She was the consummate organizer/entertainer, with skills rivaling notables such as B. Smith and Martha Stewart. Monique's life, summed up in a few words was about elegance, exuberance and excellence. Monique will always be remembered fondly and will be profoundly missed. She leaves to cherish and to continue her legacy: Husband Drake Randolph Phifer; Parents Carolyn H. and Maynard Stansbury; Aunts Willie Mae Peacock, Lula (Charles) Lowe; Edwina A. Watkins, Yvonne Richardson and Josephine Logan; bonus siblings Dr. Debra Jordan (Charles), Wanda C. Parnell, Marcus, Michael and Brian Stansbury; Godchild Harper Ryans; Godparents Robert and Vera Toliver; Godbrother Kevin Ellis; Godsisters: Shenell and Selene Tolliver; Father and Mother-in-law Attorney Randolph and Priscilla Phifer; Sister-in-law Dr. Tara Blackshear; and Grandfather-in-law William David Broughton, Nephews: Lyndon Jordan, Akinyeme and Afi Blackshear, in addition to a substantial host of loved ones, including close and distant relatives, sisters/girlfriends, brothers/male friends, adopted aunts/ uncles, club members and many, many others. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Torch of Wisdom Foundation, Inc. PO Box 2787 Southfield, MI 48037 Memo: In Memory of Monique Parnell Phifer Call (248) 327-6815 Howard University Development Alumni Relations Department 3rd floor 1851 9th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Memo: In Memory of Monique Parnell Phifer (202) 238-2430

Monique C. Parnell Phifer

July 10, 1966 - August 30, 2018