Phillmore Whylie Stewart

Thomas and Amy Stewart joined hands and hearts on the beautiful island of Jamaica. The eldest son from their union, Phillmore Whylie Stewart, was born in Falmouth, Trelawny on November 13, 1941. According to the Stewart Family tradition, the eldest boy was designated “The Pioneer.” Phill took his role as the eldest seriously and even in his older years was quick to give a word of counsel. He was the family historian and maintained connections with birthday wishes, anniversary greetings and calls just to say hello. He was known as a man who took the straight and narrow path, yet was jovial and ready to crack a joke. He was the uncle who taught table manners, yet had no fear of wearing short shorts on the soccer field.

Phillmore attended Duncans and Falmouth All Age Schools in Trelawny and Windsor High School in Kingston. He was very active in sports and represented his school in the long jump and high jump competitions. Even in the academic arena, Phill showed leadership and was elected Head Boy (President) of the student body at Windsor High. After high school, Phill completed tertiary education at the College of Arts, Science and Technology in Jamaica and later at UCLA in Los Angeles, California. His affinity for numbers led him to pursue a career in accounting. He worked for the Revenue Department of the Office of Collector of Taxes in Jamaica and upon emigration to the United States, Phillmore continued in the accounting profession. He worked for Reeds, Farris and Lewis and then with Parsons Corporation until his retirement in 2008.

In 1970, Phillmore embarked upon married life with Olga Hill. Although the marriage ended, from this union, two beautiful daughters were born - Suzette (Adirah) and Sharlene. Phillmore found love once again with his union to Yvonne Pink in 1983. It is a love that endured until he breathed his last breath.Their marriage was blessed with a third beautiful daughter, Christina. His role as Dad involved being an assistant coach and referee for the American Youth Soccer Organization, the league for which Christina played. He did his best to be at recitals, games, graduations and other special events. He gave the best hugs and his fervent love could be felt as he held you close. When he couldn’t attend an event in person, his love was expressed to his daughters and grandchildren in cards and heartfelt letters.

Phillmore was a man of great faith and it is this faith that helped him overcome the many challenges he faced in life. Each morning, he led his wife, Yvonne, in daily devotion. To his faith, he added works in the community showing concern for the well-being of his neighbors. In Los Angeles, Phillmore served his church as a greeter, bookkeeper and servant to the elderly and shut-in. In Ocala, he was a regular delivery driver taking meals to sick and shut-in members of his community. He also volunteered with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. Since 2016, he has been a member of the CollegeRoad Baptist Church in Ocala where he served as a deacon and participated in Bible Study groups. Phill was a board member of the Ocala Chapter of Gideon International, which oversees the distribution of Bibles around the world. He also sat on the board of the radio program “The Bible Speaks” which is run under the umbrella of Harvest International.

Along with his work in the community, Phill had several interests that kept him busy. He was an avid historian and was fascinated with timelines, geography and global events. He had an atlas which he readily referred to when planning road trips, comparing it to GPS suggested routes. His love of sports continued, though now he was more of a spectator. He was intentional about making sure his cable provider had all his favorite sports channels. Phill was also passionate about herbs and natural remedies. He took great pride in his garden where he grew sorrel, ginger, thyme, rosemary, peppermint and trees such as pomegranate, soursop and avocado.

To cherish his blessed memory, Phill leaves his wife of 38 years, Yvonne; his daughters Adirah (Suzette), Sharlene and Christina; son-in-law Elliott; grandchildren Yeshayah, Kadmiel, Adoniyah, Kristina, Christian, Elliyah and Suri (his grandson Nicholas preceded him in death); siblings Kelvin (Vin), Paul and Clairol (Clair); a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, other relatives and dear friends. Phill, Daddy, The Philosopher, The Pioneer - these are just a few of the monikers by which he was known. At 6’ 3”, with his reputation for integrity, Phillmore Whylie Stewart stood tall among men, literally and figuratively, and his gentle presence will be sorely missed.