Michelle Phillips Sharif was born on March 21, 1958, in New Haven, Connecticut to Charles and Gladys Phillips. She was the fourth of six children. She peacefully transitioned on February 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
As a lifelong New Haven resident, Michelle was educated in the New Haven public school system. After graduating from Richard C. Lee High School in 1976, she began her career at the New Haven Housing Authority. Michelle was the second longest serving team member in the agency’s 86-year history, with 47 years of continuous employment. She was affectionately known as “The Boss” because she was knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive to her colleagues and residents.
Michelle’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving daughter, supportive sister and the best aunt ever. She opened her heart and home fully to her nieces and nephews and often played the role of mother. To know her was to love her because within that tough exterior there was a heart of gold. She was a sophisticated lady. Decorating was her purpose and fashion was her passion.
Michelle was known to speak her mind, she said what she meant and she meant what she said, but she always came from a place of love. She was never shy about telling you “This is what you’re gonna do “as she proceeded to give the advice and direction that only she could give. She had a magnetic personality and everyone loved being around her and she will be missed.
Michelle leaves a host of family members and friends to cherish her memory. She is survived by her mother Gladys Phillips, brother Charles Phillips (Doreen), sister Sheila Tyson (Freddie), sister Sandra Phillips, her two God children Mckinley and Mark George, her former spouse Gurashi Sharif, as well as a host of nieces and nephews aka her children.
She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Charlie and Blanch Miller, her father Charles Phillips, Brother Steven Phillips, Sister Winifred Phillips, and nephews Laron, Lavias and Tremont Phillips. May she Rest in Peace.
A celebration of Michelle’s life will be held Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:00am at New Trinity Temple COGIC, 285 Dixwell Ave., New Haven, followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven. Family and friends may view at the church from 10:00-11:00am.
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To my aunt Gladys & my cousins Charles, Sheila & Sandra. We know this it a very difficult time for you all. However, remember you had 67 years of pure joy with the daughter & sister you loved. When Jesus was on earth he gave us a glimpse of what he will do very soon for those we lost in death when he resurrected Laz’arus John 11:1-44 Michelle is merely sleeping for now, Ecclesiastes 9:5,10 , but soon you will see her again. Psalms 37:10,11,29. For now remember the good times you had together and the joy of being together again. Our sincere condolences.
Shell I’m so lost for words right now I know our God makes no mistakes but it’s sometimes hard for us to accept.Im going to miss you Gurl the other day I was home worrying about you then I heard. Something say michele ok then I kinda got myself together….Sleep well Shell..love you Priscilla 😘 .I’ll always remember all the good times
To the family. I know your hearts are full and the grief is hard, but remember that God is always on your side. God doesn’t put to much on you that anyone can’t handle. My prayers go out to you all. I have been knowing the family for many years. Knowing Michelle was a pleasure being in her presence. She always will greet you with a lovely smile. Yes, she will be missed but always leaving a deep memory within your heart. The last time I’ve seen her she never changed, she was the Michelle that I always knew growing up in Brick city (Hamilton street projects). The word say absent from the body and presence with the Lord, now there’s another Angel watching over you all. Remember the good times and take it one day at a time this will help you for a while. No one knows the day or time that someone will be comment saying good bye. My heart is heavy and I too feel your pain just hold on and everything will be okay. Much love to you all. We all what we have.
I remember when I came home one time to visit my mom. You invited me to join you and your family on the Green to the live jazz concerts. We had a blast. Rest in peace my big Sister. 🙏🏿🙏🏿😢
Michelle will be truly missed. Sending my deepest condolences to the family. God bless.🙏🏽
My sincere condolences to Michelle’s family.
Every thing that was said here in her obituary was so true. She was no nonsense, but oh so loving. Her other favorite line was “it is what it is”As I say this I’m smiling through my tears.
I know I speak for many, we are going to miss you.
Love you dearly, Fabienne
🙏🏾❤️ my dearest friend, sister ,OG (original girl) I’am so grateful you have been apart of me and my family’s life. We will carry in our hearts forever and certainly will be missed. Rest in peace j, well done here on earth. I know you will continue your work in heaven😇. God Bless You Diane George & Family
My condolences and sympathy to Shelia Tyson and family, also the Phillips family.
May God bless you with his Mercy and Grace in your time of sorrow.
Martha Gant & Family
Sending love hugs and comfort to the Phillips family. Michelle was not only my best friend she was my work date, my mentor my protector and my confidant.
The lessons I learned from Michelle were well worth the person who gave them “she said what she said” and that was that!!!
I will love you to infinity Michelle…there will be no other “Boss”and sister/friend like you💔💔#brokenhearted.
To know Michelle was to love her. R.I.,P. My friend to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
My dear friend Michele; I remember all the fun we had, in the hallways in Franklin street, we’d laughed until the tears came rolling out of our eyes. You fought a good fight, you kept the faith. 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Sending condolences to Phillip’s Family: My neighbor over at Frances Hunter Dr always wearing 😊pleasure talking with her.During her employment with New Haven Housing Authority she’s always given a helping hand to all the residents. They are given a rest resources and helping them if she didn’t know the answer to the questions that they had to let’s find someone that did Michelle loved to dress and was always outgoing. She had a beautiful talent of decorating.and would always be there helping family members now going home with family and friends may her soul RIP🙏🏽💕
Condolences pouring out to the Phillips famiy: Michelle was the most loving person you could meet. Her infectious smile can light up any room when she enters it. Take your rest Michelle, God got hom a great one
My sincere condolences to the loved ones of our dearly departed sister. Such a beacon of light she lived to be humble, grateful, and helpful to others. Words are not match to the living memories of her. The scripture describes what GOD feels for a person like Michelle.
Psalms 116:15 NIV
[15] Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.
To the family, Words of sympathy feel inadequate in expressing grief and sorrow for your loss of Michelle. Sending a warm embrace, my prayers and all my love during this sad time.
I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve known her for a long time. Such a nice and helpful person. Michelle always had a smile on her face that if you was having a bad day it would turn your day around. Shelia hang in there and I’m praying for you and your family. Love you
Patricia Davis
My dear Michelle, you are missed. I thank God for the last few moments we shared. Your spirit will shine on, my friend. The memories are still vivid and the love still strong. Rest in eternal peace. My most sincerest condolences to the Phillips family, from me and my daughter Lysette.
Michelle you will forever be in my heart and in my thoughts it was a pleasure to have you as a Sister/Friend they times we’ve spent together on various vacations and together is priceless. I miss your presence already. But your spirit will always be with us. Love You💕💕💕
My Sincerely Condolences and Prayers Michelle was Beautiful Woman , she gave so much Love
We will always carry the Love in our hearts
Rest my beautiful Sister Always our Sister in the Daniels Family Mother Gloria Daniels and Family
You will always be in my heart.
Rest in peace.
Rest In Peace Michelle, you will truly be missed. Thank you again for all your help and talks we had, Love ❤️ Celeste.
My Deepest Condolences to the Phillips Family.Wishing you peace and comfort in these difficult days. May God Bless the Family. Doris and Earl Harris
Condolences to the family. Michelle was a beautiful, nice, kind young lady and will be missed. God bless this family🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾⚘️