Phyllis Johns Washington

She attended Robert E. Lee High School and graduated from the Jacksonville School of Technology. She was married to James Edward Washington Sr. (Eddie) for 46 years, and he preceded her death in 1992. Phyllis was brought up in a Christian home, attending church so it isn’t hard to believe that this is where she met her future husband and love of her life, Eddie (James E. Washington Sr.) She was playing hymns on the piano, and he was a visiting associate pastor. She brought up her children in the church also. She was a faithful and prayerful person. She was a member of Murray Hill Baptist Church, sang in the choir with the Glory Singers, and volunteered at the church. Phyllis was a devoted daughter, wife, and mother. She loved sewing and made clothing for all occasions for her family throughout her life. She liked to work on her houseplants and plant flowering trees and plants in the yard. One of her most prized flowering plants, was her tall poinsettia bush that grew for years outside the dining room window. She took piano lessons as a child and played at recitals, church, Sunday school, and at home, especially during the Christmas holidays. Family was an integral part of her life, and she shared her love of food and southern cooking by preparing dinners for birthdays, holidays, and Sunday dinners. She cherished those memories with her family. She retired from Southern Bell, where she worked for 32 years as an Assistant Engineer. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, a charitable organization that services local communities.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Washington Sr.; son, James Edward Washington Jr.; sisters, Shirley Dean and Kathy Collins.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Shirley Valbuena and husband Julian, and Debbie Rankin, and husband Hugh; grandchildren, Trey Peters, William Peters and Anna Waterman, J.J. Peters, and Jessica Washington; great grandchildren, William Jr., Tyson, Wyatt, Emma, Damian, Olivia, Beau, and Atlas; nieces and nephews, Allison Collins, Amie Williamson, Susan Danford, Cheryl Page, Michael Dean, and Mitchell Dean.

Our family would like to thank all the staff at Taylor Care Center and Community Hospice for all the care and compassion they provided to our loved one.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32205. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Riverside Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Murray Hill Baptist Church, 4300 Post St. Jax. FL 32205.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the WASHINGTON family.