Louise (Phillips) Cagle

“Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest.“  Psalm 55:6

Mrs. Louise Phillips Cagle was born on January 7, 1926 to the late Bennie and Senora Phillips in Moore County, NC; she ascended on her heavenly journey on August 27, 2018 at Brookshire Nursing Facility in Hillsborough, NC,      

Mrs. Cagle moved to Durham, NC In the mid 1930’s, where she continued her education at Lion Park Elementary school where she was the captain of the Safety Patrol. She later moved to New York where she worked for a while. Mrs. Cagle moved back to Durham where she reconnected and married the late Ernest L. Cagle, a young man she knew from childhood in Southern Pines, NC. she then spent the rest of her life giving and doing for her family, friends and neighbors.

Mrs. Cagle’s church affiliation began at Oak Grove FWB Church during her early days. She joined Bell Yeager FWB Church in 1986 and was a long time member.

Mrs. Cagle was a long time resident of McDougald Terrace Housing Development where her status as an exemplary citizen and resident was acknowledged many times by award presentations from Durham Housing Authority. She was one of the mothers that always lend a helping hand to any neighbor in need although her resources were often limited. She worked diligently to help keep the neighborhood a place of safety for all residents. She was the neighborhood cook with her buttermilk biscuits, strawberry kool aid cake, sweet potato, fried pies and banana pudding (which no one could duplicate). She was also the neighborhood babysitter when needed and a 2nd mother to many. She also was active in the Civil Right Movement in the 60’s.

During her time, Mrs. Cagle also received a personal letter from President Obama in 2014, 2001 she received a personal letter from Congressman David Price for her lifetime of service to her family, friends and community, Dec. 12, 2001, Mayor William Bell issued a Proclamation honoring Mrs. Cagle and proclaimed Dec. 29, 2001 as “Louise Phillips Cagle Day, 1993 Congressman Melvin Watt sent a personal letter announcing and congratulations for receiving Mother of the Year.

Mrs. Cagle is survived by her 10 children, Elaine, Edward, Earnestine, Deborah, Vanessa, Belinda, Ernest Jr., Cathy, Reginald, and Albert; 1 sister, Catherine Gay; 24 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 9 great great grandchildren, 6 great great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was also preceded in death by brothers Eddie, Raymond, Benny and Archie; sisters Ada and Gwendolyn; granddaughter Sherra Elem.

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