Phyllis L. Cantrell

Born in Providence, Rhode Island on January 22, 1937, Phyllis was the daughter of the late David C. Brown and Frances T. (Prout) Brown. Phyllis was a graduate of Hope High School and worked as an executive administrative assistant for the State of Rhode Island for almost 30 years.

Phyllis loved the Lord deeply, and her favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.” She was an active and devoted member of Allen AME Church in Providence for more than 15 years. During her years of service, she was a member of the Usher Ministry and served as Administrative Assistant to the Rev. Dr. Marlowe V. N. Washington. Phyllis lived in Ellenwood, Georgia, from 2004 to 2022, where she was active in local senior centers and became well known for her exceptional talent and creativity in quilt making. Most recently, she was a member of the Tabernacle of Praise Church International in McDonough GA.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter Debra L. (Jones) Christal, sons Reginald Jones II (Jewell), Steven R. Jones (Monica), her sisters, Carolyn J. (Brown) Isom, Ruth (Brown) Berry, and Meredith (Brown) Connors and brother Robert Brown. She was preceded in death by her brothers Leroy Prout, Fredrick Brown, Eric Brown and sister Ellen (Brown) Mark. Phyllis leaves to celebrate her memory, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Phyllis was very special to a host of nieces and nephews and many others that she touched throughout her life.

She will be missed by all who loved and knew her.

Her visitation and funeral will be held Monday, September 14, 2026 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the PONTARELLI-MARINO FUNERAL HOME, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence followed by a service in the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in North Burial Ground Cemetery, 5 Branch Avenue, Providence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phyllis’s memory to Hope Hospice at www.hopehealthco.org.