Phillis Rebecca Mendoza

Phillis Mendoza left this world on September 17, 2023, in search of her next adventure at the age of 75. A proud mother of 4 children, she had 2 boys of her own when she met the love of her life, Dan Bozeman, and welcomed 2 daughters. Phillis was known as Esposa, Keebler, Sissy, Aunt P, Ma Phillis, Granny P and many more to those who loved her, and she enjoyed them all. Phillis was many different things to different people, but you could always depend on her caring nature and her straightforward approach to life. You never needed to wonder where you stood with her, she was honest, forthright, earnest, tenacious, wise and insightful. There are not enough adjectives in the English language that could properly sum her up.

Phillis is survived by her husband Joseph Daniel Bozeman “Dan” and their children; Son, Timothy S. Scheetz along with his children Merritt Hoppe and husband Jonathan, Cheyenne Lightfoot, husband Christopher, her son Xander Fowler, Zara Scheetz, and James B.O. Scheetz. Son, James N. Scheetz and wife Jennifer Scheetz with their children Timothy T. Scheetz, wife Hannah and their son James A. Scheetz, Miranda Liedl, husband Thomas and their daughter Charlotte. Daughter, Kimberly Martin along with her children Joseph Bozeman, Nathaniel Pletcher, and Laila Pletcher. Also, their grandson, Jonathan Wade, son of their late daughter, Andrea Wade with husband Keith. Phillis was preceded in death by her brother David and sisters, Theresa and Christina. She is survived by her remaining siblings Barbara, Laurie, Benjamin, Delores, and Marcela.

Phillis was born on April 30, 1948, to parents Benjamin and Andelisia Mendoza in Cheyenne, Wyoming under rainy skies, which according to her American Indian heritage was a sign of renewal and oncoming change. She was both of these things and more. The oldest of nine children, she grew up poor and from humble beginnings where she learned invaluable lessons that she would carry with her for the rest of her life, shaping her into the strong woman we all love and respect.

Phillis’ life started in Wyoming and ended in Florida. She made homes in many other places along the way, including Hawaii, Washington D.C., South Carolina, Virginia, and Italy. Beyond the places she lived, Phillis loved to travel with her beloved husband, and they found great adventures. Their home is a kaleidoscope of images and artifacts from those travels. Phillis started her 40-year Federal Career as a fingerprint technician with J Edgar Hoover’s FBI and advanced to several managerial positions in the U.S. Navy Security and Intelligence Communities.

Phillis had many Hobbies and passions in life that would bring her joy. In her younger days, she played tennis and even played in tournaments. She had a green thumb and was very accomplished at raising her plants even lending her time to others for theirs. She had prized African Violets and loved her Orchids. Phillis enjoyed creating beautiful cross stitch needle work pieces that adorn her walls and those of family and friends. She was competitive at games. She loved playing Cribbage with anyone who did not mind losing to her over, and over again. Later in life, while in her 60s, you could find Phillis hiking mountains with her grandkids, exploring the Amalfi Coast in Italy, perusing the rugs in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, or hopping on a train in Chattanooga Tennessee Mountains. In all of her various activities and adventures, Phillis found time to go back to school and earn her Associate’s Degree. She had an inquisitive mind and a voracious appetite for knowledge as evidenced by the multitude of books she and Dan collected. If she did not know something she would ask, research, and learn about it. She was a woman of many interests and Talents. Her greatest interest first and foremost was always her “Dear” husband Dan.

Phillis is someone who will not be easily forgotten. She lived her life to the fullest and was an inspiration to those who she was close to. She taught her family how to be strong and in times of adversity would say, “this too shall pass.” She died as she lived, Fearless!

To honor Phillis' memory, the family is holding a celebration of life on Saturday, October 14th from 11 am to 2 pm. at Club Continental, 2143 Astor St, Orange Park, FL 32073.

There will be a second celebration in Virginia Beach, VA on October 28th at The Westin Town Center.

The family invites those who knew Phillis to attend and celebrate her life. They ask attendees to wear bright colors and dress Florida casual.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or to the Salvation Army.

Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.