Phyllis Nelson, a life so wonderfully lived and a heart so deeply loved, was born in Kingston, Jamaica on January 13^th 1945. She came to England in 1992, hoping for a better life for her and her children, finding a home with her grandson in Kent Street, Plaistow.

Phyllis used to work as a dress-maker, and a support worker in a nursing home in Mile End. She retired and became a community volunteer worker.

She was a phenomenal woman: a mother, grandmother, wife, friend, and a community builder. Passionate about community activism, she was involved in many local projects, events and groups.

The list of activities and groups she supported was extraordinary: Stratford East Singers choir at Stratford Theatre; Agewell Drama Group at the Caribbean Centre; Editor of Newham Street Life Magazine; Active Newham; Citizens Assembly; Quadrille Dancers; Member of African Caribbean Centre in Plaistow; Super Choir at Beckton; Leap of Faith; Older People’s Reference Group; Mellow mental health group. Phyllis was also a devoted member of Agewell Drama Group.

Her favourite pastimes included gardening, singing, dancing, drama and travelling. She would leave her home to water the plants at the Caribbean Centre, not far from where she lived, on the Barking Road E13.

Phyllis was also a devoted member of Agewell Drama Group and she had a major part in an upcoming show for Black History Month in October 2021.

Shortly before her death Phyllis realised a line from her script was taken out and three days before she passed away, she made a point that she wanted it to be put back in. It read: “OUR FAITH WILL GUIDE US”. The group will dedicate the play in memory of Phyllis.

Phyllis’s death came as quite a shock to everyone in the community, especially as she had recently recovered after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit ward in Newham Hospital with COVID-19.(January 2021) She will be greatly missed in the community. Our empathy goes out to her and her family, in England, Jamaica and America.

Phyllis will be greatly missed by her family, friends and everyone who knew her. May her Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.

Newham Council planted a tree at Greengate Park, Plaistow, not far from where she lived.

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