Arlinda M Phills

Arlinda M Phills peacefully departed this life on July 10th, 2026 at home in Orlando, Florida at the age of 93. She was born on May 29th, 1933 to Annie Pearl Williams and Herbert Wilson in Clanton, Alabama. Arlinda grew up on her grandparents’, Hattie Bell Williams and Robert Williams, farm where she learned the importance of God, family and community.

As a teenager, Arlinda migrated North to Chicago, where she graduated from nursing school to become an LPN. While working at Hines VA Hospital, she met her first husband Curtis Miller. Shortly after the arrival of their first son, Derrick Terrell Miller, they relocated to Queens, New York. There the couple welcomed their second son, Norman Keith Miller, into the world. They lived happily together until Curtis Miller tragically passed away on December 25th, 1962.

On May 27th, 1967, Arlinda married her husband Otto Phills. They had two children: Reginald Phills and Darryl Phills. Arlinda went back to school and became an RN. She worked faithfully as a nurse, earning many accolades for service and advocacy until her retirement in 1996.

Following their retirement, Arlinda and Otto moved to their beautiful home located in Orlando, Florida. There she enjoyed hobbies like line dancing, swimming, tennis, community theater, singing in the choir, Zumba, bridge and traveling. It was also there that she discovered her favorite activity of all: hosting Camp Grandma every summer for her beloved grandchildren.

Arlinda always strove to help others. So it is no surprise that she dedicated herself to many charitable causes. Arlinda became involved with the American Cancer Society, where she spoke to people newly diagnosed about her own experiences and what to expect. She volunteered with the Black Nurses Association providing free health screenings for the public. She was also a part of the Sisters Network, Relay For Life, Hale House in Harlem, N.Y. and more.

In 2006 at age 73, Arlinda completed the Susan G. Komen 60-mile walk for breast cancer. In 2008 she and her long-time best friend, Rose Lee, knocked door to door to campaign for Barack Obama. Arlinda lived a life of love, faith and service. Her legacy is one of kindness and a love for learning.

Arlinda was preceded in death by her siblings: Herbert Wilson Jr, Yvonne Hill, Robert (Bob) Wilson, Rufus (Rudy) Wilson, Calvin Wilson, Ella Thrower, and Anthony Wilson.

Those left to cherish Arlinda’s precious memory include her four beloved sons: Derrick Terrell Miller, Norman Keith Miller, Reginald Phills (Joshua), and Darryl Phills (Renee); and two daughters: Allison Phills Morris (Lenox) and Debbie Dopwell.

Her legacy lives on through her grandsons, Derrick Miller Jr., Malik Maxwell; her six granddaughters, Desiree Morris, Lerissa Morris, Kai Miller, Layla Phills, Jordan Phills, and Kalani Miller; her two great-granddaughters, Micheala Miller, Malia Maxwell and Dreu Miller; and her great-grandson, Derrick Miller III.

She also leaves behind her siblings, Ada Jean Williams, Rosetta Wilson (Michael); sister-in-law Estela Wilson, Diane Wilson, brother-in-law Orlando Thrower; her lifelong friend and sister, Rose Lee; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held at Faith Church Orlando, 9307 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32825, US, on July 31, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on July 31, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Graveside Service will take place at Chapel Hill Cemetery, 2400 HARRELL RD, ORLANDO, FL 32817, US, on July 31, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm.