Jean began her professional career as a junior high school teacher in Prince George County, Virginia. After a year, Jean relocated to New York and began working for IBM. After law school Jean began her legal career as a labor attorney with a three year stint with the Ford Motor Company and then continued her legal career with Reynolds Metals Company and Alcoa. She rose in the corporate ranks to the position of vice president and retired as vice president of human resources from Integris Metals. In 1986, Jean was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, 71st House District and served with distinction until 1998, always running unopposed. Among her numerous awards and public service includes Co-Chair, Governor Warner’s PASS Initiative; Outstanding Legislator Award Virginia Interfaith Center; NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award
Lillie Mae (1950) was the president of her high school class and graduated from Dixie Hospital School of Practical Nursing in 1958. She retired from Langley AFB Hospital in 1994 where she was often recognized as the Civilian of the Quarter. She served as chairperson for the Licensed Practical Nurse group. She was instrumental in the hospital receiving an outstanding rating from the Air Force Health Services Management Inspection Team. She was selected as the 1st Tactical Fighter Wig Surgeon Civilian of the Year. Ms. Jones served 2 terms as the President of the Phenix Plus 50 Group and served two terms as the President of Phenix Alumni Association. She has been recognized by the Hampton Alumnae Chapter; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and citations from Zion and Queen Street Baptist Church.
Sarah is a 1960 graduate of Phenix High School and received her B. S. Degree from Hampton Institute, a Masters Degree from George Washington University and a Doctorate from Clark Atlanta University. Since 1982 she has had a distinguished career with the Federal Government. In 1982 she was a Country Director for the Unites States Peace Corps serving in Africa. She then held positions with the United States Department of Health and Human Resources; United States Department of State; the National Council of Negro Women; International Affairs Consultant, National Security Council; and currently works for the United States Agency for International Development – Africa Bureau. Her diverse career included being the Chief US Negotiator, Japan, for the return of refugees to Cambodia and Nicaragua.
Dr. Whittaker was an outstanding student athlete at Phenix in the classroom and on the basketball court and football field. He served as senior class president for the Class of 1968. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Dr. Whittaker received a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis and a doctoral degree from the University of Delaware. He was the first African American football player to receive the University of Wisconsin’s Ivan B. Williamson Award for outstanding scholastic-athletic ability. He joined the University of Delaware in 1983 and has risen from Director to Assistant Dean of the Learner College of Business to the current position of Assistant Provost in 2003. Dr. Whittaker has received numerous honors and awards for his exemplary community service and work in higher education administration. He supports the Y. H. Thomas Community Center and the Aberdeen Civic Association.
Fuzzy (1957) received a B/ S. Degree from Hampton Institute and a Masters from Manhattan College. Walter was best known for his great athletic skills in basketball. He played for the Baby Pirates at Phenix from 1952-1957. It was there he gained much popularity and fame for being the best all time player in the history of the school. At Hampton Institute he broke the all-time scoring record. He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Capitols to play professional basketball, but was required to accept the military draft. He served in the U.S. Army where he played basketball and was a one-man scoring machine. After his tour of duty he played in the nationally acclaimed Rucker Professional Basketball Tournament in New York, and the Eastern Professional Basketball League.