Verna Mary Rose Phillip

Verna was born on the beautiful island of St. Kitts, West Indies to the late George and Esperina Phillip on January 14th, 1945. She attended the Molineux-Estridge Government School for her early education. After graduation, she then attended typing, shorthand, and bookkeeping schools. She also studied sewing in her oldest sister Humie’s sewing class. Verna gained her first employment opportunity at the Charlie Daniel Grocery Store as a sales clerk, cashier, and was successfully promoted to Supervisor.

In 1967, Verna migrated to St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands in search of a brighter and progressive future for herself and her family. Her goals included the pursuit of higher education and a professional career. She obtained her High School Equivalency Certificate and an Associate Degree in Accounting from the University of the Virgin Islands. Verna’s employment experience included working for Gov. Ralph M. Paiewonsky, Former Governor (1961-1969) of the United States Virgin Islands; James King Construction, where she worked as a bookkeeper for 14 years; Bolero Gift Shop; and Banco Popular, formerly known as First Pennsylvania Bank, in the Accounting/Insurance Department, where she retired after 34 years of employment.

Verna dedicated her life to serving the Lord and worked heartily to “render a good service to the Lord”. She became a member of the Memorial Moravian Church in 1970 by letter of transfer from the Estridge Moravian Church in St. Kitts. For 53 years, she was a faithful servant and leader who served tirelessly in many capacities within the Memorial Moravian Church: Women’s Fellowship President, Board of Elders (Formerly Helpers Board) Secretary, the Sanctuary Committee which included preparing the altar with the liturgical vestment on Sundays, Senior Choir Secretary and Treasurer, Church Council Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Member of the Senior Choir, Helping Hands, Adult Bell Choir, Christian Education Committee, V.I. Women’s Board, the Soup Kitchen, and the Board of Stewards. Verna lived her life knowing that her strength came from the Lord and that all things are possible if you believe!

Verna received many honors and accolades for her faithful service to the Lord, her dedicated community service, and her strong commitment to her profession. To name a few awards, she received the “Best of the Best” Award from Banco Popular, Sparks Youth Group Honoree as spearheaded by Senator Judith Gomez, Women’s Fellowship “Woman of the Year”, and was recognized as one of the honorees at the 2019 Memorial Moravian Gospel Choir’s “A Resilient People” Luncheon.

Verna was truly resilient, devoted, loyal, steadfast, and very passionate. She was a dedicated mother whose love language was acts of service. This led to her doing everything possible to ensure her children had the very best and were given every opportunity to be successful and productive members of society. She role-modeled and emphasized the importance of education. Most importantly, she ensured that her children continued on the path of knowing and serving the Lord. Her generous and charitable acts were often kept private, however, she gave with a cheerful heart to family, friends, and anyone in need. She did everything with enthusiasm and to achieve excellence to glorify her Heavenly Father. Her favorite affirmation was, “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!”

Verna is preceded in death by her son, Steve, Sr.; grandson, Steve, Jr; siblings: Cynthia, Walter, Yvonne, Robert, Marvin, and Theresa; and her niece and nephews: Regan “Bobby”, Jacqueline, and Nigel.

She is survived by her two children and their spouses: Brian and Cheryl and Jasmine and Joseph; brothers and sisters: Humie, Neville, David, Patricia, and Julian; Grandchildren: Ja’Vern, Malyke, Akyjah, Emmanuel, Chakeyna, Debraun, Bobby, and Brianna; Great-Grandchildren: Amyiah, Steve III, Geniquah, Dominic, Kylah, Madison, Meena, Madden, Cayden, and Caylei; 34 Nieces and Nephews; many Grandnieces and Grandnephews; numerous Cousins, including Margaret Gilbert and family, the Phillip, Lawrence, Liburd, and Huggins families in St. Kitts and Nevis, and the family of the late Margaret Smith in Tortola, British V.I.; and Special Friends: Berenice Jonas, Althea Azille, Estellita Petersen, and Monique Richards.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, at 5:00 pm at Fred Hunter’s Hollywood Funeral Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL.

The family of Verna Phillip wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate Medical and Healthcare teams of NewYork Presbyterian and Cleveland Clinic FL. We would also like to thank Reverend Dr. Cortroy Jarvis, our Memorial Moravian Church Family, Pastor George and Joyce Bedford, Reverends Eulencine and Dion Christopher, our Miami Church Family, and Fred Hunter’s Hollywood Funeral Services team. We especially extend great appreciation to our family and friends for your heartfelt love and support during this time. We thank you all!