Phyllis I. St. John, on Thursday, December 8, 2011, a beautiful spirit was called home to be with the Lord. This spirit was lovingly known as Phyllis St. John. Phyllis was born January 28, 1936 and was a blessing to her family and friends for 75 years.
Phyllis was the fifth of six children born to Richard and Iris May Ottey on the Canal Zone in Panama. She attended Paraiso Junior-Senior High School. Phyllis subsequently received her Associates Degree in Social Work from Kingsborough Community College after immigrating to the United States in 1960. She was a housewife and devoted mother of eight who later became a Bilingual Eligibility Specialist for the Department of Social Services. Those who knew her well would describe Phyllis as bold, caring, sassy and generous. She would give people her last. They would also say "Phyllis knew how to whine up boy!"
Phyllis lived in New York for over 25 years and retired to Tampa, FL, her final earthly residence. She went on to her heavenly home due to Alzheimer's related complications. Phyllis is survived by her siblings Olga and Sylvia; children Mario, Guillermo (Riley), Richard, Roberto, Danette, Althea and Angela along with their significant others; son-in-law James; grandchildren Fatimah, Mario Jr., Kyanna, Keith, Ellis, Roberto Jr., Dareus, Mujhid, Kyara, Kyler, and Tamesha; granddaughter-in-law Ana; great grandchildren Mario Esteban, Zaire, Olivianna, and Talia; former husband and in-laws Alvin, Iza, Ladylease and Irene; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins along with her best friend Clara Lambert. Phyllis is predeceased by her matriarch aunt Sarah; parents Richard and Iris May; siblings Norma, Ruthilda, and Kenneth; daughter Marisa and nephew Fitzroy. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 10 AM-Noon at MacDonald Funeral Home, 10520 North Florida Ave, Tampa, Florida.
A Homegoing service, officiated by Father Hugh Chikawe, will follow directly at noon at the funeral home. Interment to take place at Sunset Memory Gardens, 11005 North U.S. Highway 301, Thonotosassa, Florida.Thereafter, the repast will be held at Caribbean Delites Island Grill located at 2920 East Busch Boulevard, Tampa, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Phyllis St. John.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, love, words of encouragement and support during this period of grief and loss. Special recognition goes to the St. John-Kearse Family (Danette, James, Kyara, Kyler) for their dedication, commitment and care of Phyllis during her battle with Alzheimer's. We would also like to acknowledge Ms. Tenisa Jones and Ms. Christiana Nwagbou for going beyond the call of duty in providing exceptional care to Ms. Phyllis.

"ENTRUSTED INTO OUR CARE"
MacDonald Funeral Home