Marchita J. Phifer

Marchita J. Badger Phifer, age 72, of Greenville, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 at Miami Valley North Hospital in Dayton, OH.

She was born on July 14, 1952 in Orangeburg, SC to Geraldine Glover Badger and the late Athaniel Badger.

Marchita was a wonderful woman full of love, light, and laughs. She was known for her caring and motherly spirit, so much that she was affectionately called grandma by neighbor children. Marchita enjoyed learning, teaching, and helping others. Until she retired, she was a librarian at Coastal Carolina University and a proud Delta Sigma Theta member. She also loved to sing and perform. Her ultimate favorite thing to do was to spend time with or talk with her family , siblings, kids, and grandkids. Even though she is no longer here in spirit, she will always be remembered as a free thinking, smart, beautiful, jazzy at times but overall caring mom, daughter, sister, grandma, and friend. We love you now and forever.

In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by her husband, Jeffrey Phifer; brothers, Athaniel Badger, Jr. and Larry Badger; and sister, Candy Badger Chadwick.

She is survived by two daughters, Ayo M. Phifer of Ohio and Azia A. Phifer of Ohio; her mom, Geraldine Badger of Greenville; brothers, Greg Badger of Englewood, Ohio, Michael Badger of Trotwood, Ohio, and Anthony Badger of Greenville; seven grandchildren, Daquan Phifer, Ranesha Vereen, Marco Phifer, Zuri Phifer, Zaria Phifer, Xavion Phifer, and Zaniya Phifer of Conway, South Carolina; 8 great grandchildren; 6 nephews; 6 nieces; and a whole lot of cousins and friends.

"When I think of love, I think of you

Everyday wasn't sunshine and parades

but we always made it through.

The comfort of your tone, and the softness in your embrace.

The affirmations of hope while sitting face to face.

The telling of my mishaps

yet inviting me back to help badge a wound

The nights of uncertainty

The talks of how I care for you.

The laughs of entertainment

the bubbly smile of seeing a friend

The wild stories heard just to keep us wrapped in.

They all made up the pieces of my heart

in human form now sitting above

They all made up you the mother I will forever love."

-Azia P.

A visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 PM on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus.

A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.