Phyllis Carolyn Washington, 62, of Southington, CT passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at home. She is now resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord. Phyllis was the daughter of the late George and Olivia (Brown) Washington. She was born on her father’s birthday, in New Britain, CT on October 1, 1955. Phyllis attended local schools and graduated from Pulaski High School in 1973. She earned her B.S. degree in Sociology from Central Connecticut State College in 1977. Phyllis began her career at the OIC Center in New Britain and later dedicated thirty-two years to her college alma mater, working in several departments until her retirement from the Philosophy Department in 2015. She was a faithful servant of the Lord. Phyllis was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Hartford and had served on several committees. She had a beautiful spirit, heart, and welcoming demeanor. Phyllis made many lifelong friends throughout the campus, her community, and everywhere she went. She had a warm word and friendly smile for everyone. Phyllis was a good listener and had a gift for making others feel special. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to email jokes to friends and family. Her great joy in life came from helping others. Phyllis was a selfless, loving caregiver to our mother. She lived a humble life and never wanted to have attention focused on her. Although she suffered from lymphedema for many years, Phyllis never complained. She was very giving of herself.
Phyllis is survived by her adored niece Olivia Carr of Hebron, CT, nephew Alex Carr of Newington, CT, and ‘furry’ nephew Billy. She and her sister Lynn Washington of Southington, CT who were constant companions. Phyllis also leaves to cherish her memory her sister Althea (Alex) Carr of Hebron, CT, her devoted brother Arthur Washington, her uncle Russell Roper of Charlestown, WV, her aunt Joan Doores of Amissville, VA. and a host of cousins.
Homegoing Celebration for Phyllis will be held Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 11 a.m. from the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Ave., New Britain, CT. Committal service and final resting place will be in Fairview Cemetery, 120 Smalley St., New Britain, CT. Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Directions to funeral home – I-84 east or west, exit 37 (Fienemann Rd) right off exit – one mile down on right. To extend condolences to the Washington family or to share a memory of Phyllis, please visit shakerfuneralhome.com.