Phyllis A. Colbert

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Phyllis Anthanett Colbert, who was called to heavenly paradise on February 8, 2025. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and matriarch, Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and dedication that will forever inspire all who had the honor of knowing her.

Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on March 8, 1944, Phyllis was the fourth of seven sisters and an exceptional student and leader from an early age. A proud 1962 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School in Port Arthur, she participated in the National Honor Society, Drama & Theater, Tri-Hi-Y Community Service Club, and Forensic Club, and was crowned Miss Lincoln Homecoming Queen for the 1961–1962 school year.

She went on to pursue higher education at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Continuing her pursuit of academic excellence, Phyllis earned dual Master of Arts degrees in Management and Leadership and Human Resources Management from Webster University in 1982.

Phyllis devoted 35 years of her life to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher, leaving a lasting impact across the country and overseas. Her teaching career began in Monterey, California, at Monterey Peninsula Elementary (1966–1967) and Pacific Elementary (1968–1970). She later continued her teaching career in Virginia at Fairfax Villa Elementary (1970–1975), in Killeen, Texas, at Sugar Loaf Elementary (Killeen ISD, 1976–1979), and internationally at the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Pirmasens, Germany (1984–1989). After returning to Texas in 1990, Phyllis became an esteemed educator at Spring Meadows Elementary in San Antonio, Texas (Judson ISD), where she served on the Campus Advisory Team, Behavior Management Team, and as a member of the Judson Teachers Association until her retirement in 2006.

Her dedication to education and unwavering passion for fostering growth in her students earned her numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Educator Award (1994–1995), her most coveted honor, Teacher of the Year (Judson ISD), and recognition in the 2005–2006 edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers, honoring the nation's most respected educators.

Beyond the classroom, Phyllis was a God-fearing prayer warrior whose faith guided every aspect of her life. A woman of many talents and passions, she was an accomplished ceramic artist and painter, a plant lover, an enthusiastic world traveler, and a voracious reader. She found joy in exploring new places, engaging in deep conversations, and sharing her wisdom with those around her.

To cherish her memory, Phyllis leaves behind her devoted husband of 58 years, Charles Ray Colbert; her loving son, Marcus Craedel Colbert; treasured granddaughter, Je'Miere Monai Colbert; great-grandchildren, Liam Jeremiah and Jendaya Renee; and her beloved sisters, Naomi Irene Decuire, Gertrude Sirella Hayes, Marjorie Elizabeth Walker, and Eva Gale Bobino. She will also be deeply missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, several in-laws, lifelong sister-friends, education colleagues, and generations of former students whose lives she touched.

Phyllis is now reunited in eternity with her father, Herbert W. Walker; mother, Maude Devall Walker; sisters, Lois Marie Seals and Herbie Jean Grant; and her precious grandson, Lyndon Craedel Colbert.

Her legacy of love, faith, and knowledge will continue to live on through those she nurtured, guided, and inspired. While our hearts are heavy, we take solace in knowing that she has earned her eternal rest.

May she rest in peace, forever in our hearts.