Darnell Lamont Phillips

Darnell Lamont Phillips was born, December 22, 1974, in Los Angeles, California to Reverend Carnal Phillips and Floretta Phillips. Darnell spent his early years growing up in Los Angeles. He graduated from Ontario High School. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Mt. San Antonio College. Over the years, his career advanced to working at United Parcel Service, better known as UPS, and California State University San Bernardino.

Darnell was an avid sports enthusiast! He enjoyed wrestling, basketball and arcade games. His favorite TV series and actor was the A-Team with Mr. T. He would walk around talking to people like Mr. T. He enjoyed traveling with his family and outings to amusement parks. He loved to generate smiles from people.

Darnell’s journey was one defined by faith, family, and an unwavering belief in the power of a fresh start. His story took a meaningful turn at Cal State University San Bernardino, where he met his future wife. The two married in 2003 and began building a life together in Riverside County, a home eventually filled with the joy and laughter of their three children: Jonathan, Aliyah, and Ashton.

While life brought seasons of adversity that eventually led to a separation in 2013 and divorce in 2018, Darnell’s story did not end with hardship. Instead, it evolved into a period of personal ministry. Transitioning from his career at UPS, Darnell found a new calling behind the wheel as a driver for Uber and Lyft. For Darnell, these weren’t just rides; they were opportunities to witness to others, sharing his faith and spirit with every passenger he met.

Though he faced the uphill battles of a "life reset" and declining health, Darnell never lost his anchor in God. He walked through his final chapters with immense gratitude, often expressing how blessed he felt to have the steadfast support of his ex-wife, his brother Darrel, and a close circle of family and friends.

Above all else, Darnell’s heart belonged to his children. He was their biggest fan, whether he was debating who was the superior cook with his youngest son, laughing over comedy skits and movies, or beaming with pride while watching his daughter play basketball on television. He took immense joy in every milestone his children achieved, leaving behind a legacy of love and a testament to the fact that faith can weather any storm.

Darnell accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He attended the church his father, the late Reverend Carnal Phillips, pastored at Ajalon Temple of Truth Baptist Church, Compton, California and Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Ontario, California. From the spiritual guidance of his father and mother, Darnell grew a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Later he advanced at Breakthrough Church of God In Christ, under the

leadership of Bishop Charles Gibson to receive his ministerial license.

Darnell was a devoted husband, father, and brother. He is preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Carnal Phillips and Floretta Phillips. Darnell leaves to cherish his memories: his children, Jonathan Phillips, Aliyah Phillips and Ashton Phillips; mother of his children, Janell Phillips; his brother, Darrell Walker; sister, Flolena Hunter; uncle, Rozell Jones; niece, Michelle Henley; great-nieces, Alyssa Henley, Bria Baker; nephews, Darrell Walker, Jr; and

Darnell Baker; great-nephews, Draison Baker and Micah Baker; and a host of family, friends and loved ones.