Mrs. Philicia A. Green

In Loving Memory of Philicia A. Green A Legacy of Education, Adventure, and Ancestry Philicia Green, a woman of profound grace, intellect, and curiosity, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of service and a storied family history. Born in Ellis, Kansas, to the late Augustus and Nellie (Griffin) Anderson, Philicia was the fifth of six children. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Leonard William, Olivia Augusta Anderson (Williams), James Elbert Anderson and Vivian Anderson. She is survived by her youngest brother, Augustus Anderson, Jr. Philicia’s journey from the plains of Kansas to the heart of Denver was marked by a tireless pursuit of knowledge. After attending school in Ellis through 1950, she moved to Denver in 1951, graduating from the historic Manual High School in 1953. Her career was a testament to her heart for others; she first served as a Licensed Practical Nurse after graduating from Denver Health in 1963. However, her passion for literature and mentorship eventually led her to Metropolitan State College, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1967. Philicia’s career as an educator spanned several decades and touched countless lives. In a beautiful full-circle moment, she first returned to her alma mater, Manual High School School, to teach English. She later continued her mission of shaping young minds at Aurora Hills Middle School and ultimately concluded her distinguished teaching career at Aurora Central High School. On July 3, 1959, Philicia married the love of her life, Virgil Osborne Green. Together, They built a life defined by adventure and shared joy. Their decades of marriage were filled with travels across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and numerous trips to Europe. Among all their travels, Yellowstone National Park held a special place in their hearts—a sanctuary of nature they returned to often. Philicia was preceded in death by her beloved Virgil on July 20, 2010. In her later years, Philicia became a dedicated steward of her family’s history. She took great pride in tracing her roots back to Georgetown, Kentucky, where her grandparents, Joseph and Amanda Griffin had lived on the Penney Plantation. She often shared the powerful story of how they migrated to Nicodemus, Kansas, in 1876 as pioneers who turned a $5.00 purchase of 160 acres into a foundation of freedom and opportunity for the generations that followed. Philicia Green will be remembered as a bridge between the past and the future—a woman who honored her ancestors by living a life of excellence, travel, and education. She leaves behind her brother Gus (Ruby) Anderson, niece Helene Ward, and nephew William (Debbie) Mays, niece Yvette Anderson, and nephews Gregory (Robin) Anderson and Gary (Sherri) Anderson, along with a host of grand, great grand, and great great grand nieces and nephews

Mrs. Philicia A. Green

May 31, 1935 - January 1, 2026