The Rev. Theorphlis Marzetta Borden
1934 – 2026
The Rev. Theorphlis (Top) Borden, the first Black woman ordained to the diaconate in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, died on Saturday, January 17th.
Deacon Top was an influential leader in and beyond the diocese, deeply connected to the communities she served. She served several Southern Ohio congregations as deacon: Trinity Episcopal Church in Hamilton, Ascension and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Wyoming, and at her raising congregation, St. Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church in Lincoln Heights. She was a close friend and colleague of our former presiding bishop, the Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, and served as deacon of the table at his consecration at the National Cathedral in Washington DC. A detailed family obituary is available as a PDF, and will be available soon at this link.
In 2025, Deacon Top’s family established a memorial fund in her honor. Click here to learn more about Top’s legacy and to give to the memorial fund in celebration of her life and ministry.
Please hold her family and friends in your prayers as they grieve and remember her life, especially her three children—Stephen, Cheryl, and Robert; her grandchildren—Jonathan, Martina, Dawn (Meshach), and Dana; her great-grandchild, Xander; her sister, Robbie; as well as countless other nieces and nephews, godchildren, and friends.
Funeral Details
Wednesday, February 4th at 11 am
The Rt. Rev. Kristin Uffelman White, 10th Bishop of Southern Ohio, will preside and the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, will preach.
Clergy are invited to vest and process (choir dress with white stoles).
A visitation with the family will precede the service from 10-11 am.
Christ Church Cathedral
318 E 4th St,
Cincinnati, OH 45202
cincinnaticathedral.com
Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity: We give you heartfelt thanks for the good examples of all your servants, who, having finished their course in faith, now find rest and refreshment. May we, with all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have perfect fulfillment and bliss in your eternal and everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. – BCP, pg. 503
