"Lord you know you've been good to me."

Earlean E. Philpot departed this life and entered her eternal rest on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Auburn Village, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born May 1, 1943, in Auburn, Alabama to Cleopatra and Eddie Stroud Sr.

Earlean confessed her faith in Christ and was baptized at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Tuskegee, Alabama.  On July 9, 1958, she married General Philpot and they relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana in May 1966.  She would later unite with St. John Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor James W. Bledsoe, where she was an active member of the Senior Choir and a former member Order of Eastern Star Queen Esther Chapter #3, until her health began to fail.

In her younger years, Earlean sang with the Evening Lights Gospel Group. She also nurtured and loved numerous children that were entrusted to her for childcare.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and four brothers, Eddie Stroud Jr., Charles Stroud Sr., Calvin Stroud Sr. and Walter Stroud Sr.

Earlean will forever sustain a place in the hearts of her loving, caring and devoted husband of 58 years, General Philpot.  Their union blessed them with two sons, Curtis (Brenda) and Carlton “Dee” and two daughters, Linda and Karen “Ree-Ree”.  Her family is grateful to God for the blessing He bestowed upon them through the gift of her love.

In addition to her beloved husband and children, Earlean leaves to mourn her passing 16 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren. She is also mourned by her sisters, Mary Lois (Jerome) Wilson and Juanita (Harold) Paskins; sisters-in-law, Louise Wilson and Annie Florence Wilburn, as well as by her brother, Willie (Brenda) Stroud and brothers-in-law, Jewel (Linda), Ernest Jr., Eddie (Evelyn) and Willie Philpot.  The loss is also felt by a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.  They will all cherish her memory.  In time, their sadness will be replaced with joy and laughter as they share with one another the many things Earlean did and said.

Mother Earlean will be laid to rest in Highland Park Cemetery

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