Katherine "Clair" Norma Phillips

With heartfelt sadness and profound gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of our beloved Katherine Norma Phillips, affectionately known as "Clair," who departed this life on June 7, 2026, at the age of 88.

Norma was born on January 4, 1938, in St. Catherine, Jamaica, to the late Ina Reid and Norman Kelly. As the eldest of ten children, she naturally embraced a nurturing role and became a source of strength, wisdom,and love for her family throughout her life.

In 1967, Norma migrated to New York in pursuit of greater opportunities for herself and her family. There,she built a meaningful life rooted in hard work, faith, and devotion to others. She later retired to Florida in 1999, where she continued to enjoy the blessings of family, friendship, and service.

Norma dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She worked at Cobble Hill and Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, where she served in the Labor and Delivery Department. Through her compassionate care and dedication, she assisted in the delivery of countless babies—including many members of her own extended family. Her coworkers appreciated her warm spirit, generosity, and the delicious home-cooked meals she often shared. She was known not only for her excellent work ethic but also for her kindness and willingness to help anyone in need.

A woman of deep faith, Norma was a devoted member of Faith Center Church. She loved praising God, studying His Word, and continually growing in her understanding of the Bible. Her faith guided her life and provided comfort, strength, and hope to those around her.

Outside of her work and ministry, Norma found great joy in gardening, maintaining her beautiful home, and traveling. She loved seeing the world through cruises and church group trips, creating cherished memories and friendships wherever she went.

Norma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rowland Phillips, who passed away in November 1992; her daughter, Verna; and her siblings, Madge, Jem, Precious, and Sonia.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving children: Errol, Chris, Rowland Jr., and Ricky; her siblings: Shirley, Barbara, Beverly, Bernard, and Winsome; along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and countless friends whose lives she touched through her love and kindness.

Norma's legacy is one of faith, service, generosity, and unconditional love. Her gentle spirit, infectious smile, wise counsel, and caring heart will forever remain in the memories of those who were blessed to know her.

As we celebrate her life, we find comfort in God's Word:

Ecclesiastes 3:1–8

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from

embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

Today, we rejoice in the memory of our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend. Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate the remarkable life she lived, the faith she carried, and the love she shared so freely.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Forever Loved, Forever Remembered, Forever Missed.