Etta Phifer

Etta Rebecca (Burwell) Phifer, daughter of Claiborne and Etta Burwell, was born on March 9, 1905 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life on April 28, 2009 after a lengthy illness.She received her education at Colored High School in Baltimore, Maryland graduating on June 23, 1922. Etta continued her education at Howard University and graduating Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude in 1926.Upon completion of her education she taught in the Baltimore City Public School System at Booker T. Washington Jr. High School teaching seventh grade English. Later she taught at Fredrick Douglass High School teaching English and French.Etta Burwell Phifer was initiated into Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in the spring of 1925 at Howard University. Upon her return to Baltimore she affiliated with the Epsilon Sigma Chapter, now know as the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter. Etta was the fifth president of the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and her term of office was 1929-1930. She was a dedicated member and was active in several committees especially the Scholarship Committee and others that involved young people.In December1930, Etta Burwell joined a group of fifty fun- friends in New York City to celebrate the Christmas holidays. These “Golden Girls” decided it would be a fine thing to get together as an ongoing group for purely social gatherings. Since they were all going to school in the Northeast, they decided to call themselves the Gay Northeasterners. Etta became, then, a founding member of the group which now includes twelve chapters in ten states and Washington, D.C.The Baltimore Chapter of the Northeasterners organized in September 1948. Etta was a founding member of this chapter in addition to being one of the original Golden Girls. The Northeasterners subsequently added charitable undertakings to their social endeavors. Etta participated actively in the group even when she was well into her nineties. The Northeasterners will remember Etta for her quite genteel manner, graciousness, and her wonderful flair for style.Etta Phifer, Theresa Weaver and Audrey Norris founded The Baltimore Chapter of The Links, Incorporated in September, 1948. Etta served as the first secretary of the chapter and later served as the third president of the chapter. She was a platinum member of the organization (fifty years of service) and was the oldest member of The Links in the eastern area. Sshe was a very dedicated member and enjoyed cooking and entertaining members in her home. Etta was the last living organizer of the Baltimore Chapter of the Links, Inc., a premier African American Women’s Service Organization.Etta Phifer was an initial depositor and supporter of Advance Federal Savings and Loan since 1957. She also served on the Advisory Board of Advance Bank from 1957 for several years.On December 25,1935, Etta married Dr. Theodore D. Phifer who preceded her in death on November 30, 1996.Etta made numerous friends wherever she went and will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew her. She was always a true friend and devoted family member.She leaves to mourn: her devoted cousin, Edith E. Young; two godchildren, Stephanie Cole Hill and Sanders Russell; many cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of loving friends.

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Etta Phifer

March 9, 1905 - April 28, 2009