Phyllis Marie Hollingsworth

Phyllis Marie Hollingsworth was born on February 29, 1956 to William and Doris Hollingsworth in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Shortly after her birth the family relocated to Southern California where Phyllis lived most of her life.

Phyllis was a vibrant, caring person who loved life and travel. From a young age she enjoyed outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and rock hunting and continued those interests into her adult life. She loved animals and had a true affinity for marine animals such as dolphins and whales.

Phyllis attended Barstow High School and received her nursing degree from her father’s alma mater, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. After college she returned to California where she began her nursing career at Barstow Community Hospital. After a few years she took a position at Huntington Memorial Hospital where she spent over 30 years, retiring in 2019. Nursing was Phyllis’ true calling, and she demonstrated her loving care on and off the job.

Phyllis accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior at a young age and continued her relationship with him her entire life. One story that her co-workers at Huntington Memorial Hospital often share is how she initiated a daily prayer group that continues to this day. Phyllis asked her co-workers to pray with her at the beginning of each shift to prepare them for the day with God’s guidance.

Phyllis enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She had a gift for bringing people together and her varied interests allowed her to have a wide variety of friends from all walks of life. Phyllis skied in the winter and went on house-boat trips in the summer with her ski club. She coordinated annual events such as white water rafting and New Year’s Day dinners. She was also known for her famous yearly pre-Thanksgiving dinners. She would host all her friends and family that were in town each year. By the end of these evenings, you were sure to have enjoyed great food, met a new friend or two, and were looking forward to the next year's celebration with Phyllis.

Travel was another great love for Phyllis. When she graduated from college she took off on her own and explored Europe, the first of many adventures. She has travelled throughout the world to places such as the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and other destinations. One of the most memorable trips she took was a nursing mission trip to Tanzania. She spent several weeks helping the people of Tanzania and engaging her true passion for travel. Although she never had the opportunity to, she always dreamed of returning one day. In the last few years, she made yearly trips to one of her favorite places, Hawaii, with her sister Pam and brother-in-law George where they made many lasting memories.

Phyllis departed this life on March 12, 2021. She leaves behind her sister and brother in-law Pamela & George I. Addison III; niece Kayce Addison; nephew Preston Addison; stepmother Louise Addison; godbrothers: Michael and Fredrick; god sister: Claralyn; sisters from another mother: Rita, Lori, Teri, Gail, Camile, Mona; godsons: D’Metre, Desmund, Dante’; goddaughters: Kelly, Cassie, Michelle, Racheal, and Demetria; and a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends who will deeply miss her.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date and will be shared when finalized. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to The Aquarium of the Pacific at https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/