Phyllis C. Collier

Newport, RI - Phyllis C. Collier, 50, of 30 Toppa Blvd., Newport, RI, died Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at home surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with chronic illness. Born in Newport, RI on April 25, 1957, she was the daughter of Gloria M. Andrews Collier of Newport, RI and Ernest Collier, Jr. of Norfolk, VA. She was also the granddaughter of the late C. Norvida Andrews and great-granddaughter of the late Cornelius ?Sheely? Andrews. Phyllis graduated in 1975, with national and state honors, from Rogers High School, Newport, RI. She attended Northeastern University, Boston, MA and Roger Williams College, Bristol, RI. She worked as a physical therapist assistant at the Newport Naval Hospital, a case manager at Newport Community Health Center, an analyst at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport, RI, and a senior management analyst at Aquidneck Management Associations, Ltd., Middletown, RI, until her illness finally forced her to retire in 1989. She was quick to lend a hand when needed. She served on the Trustee Board and as a youth mentor at Community Baptist Church, tutored G.E.D. candidates in the Visiting Nurse Services? Young Parents Program, served as an assistant coach for the girl?s basketball team at the Newport Boys and Girls Club, and supported fund raising efforts at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. Phyllis was a great cook and enjoyed gardening and crafts of all kinds. She especially loved to make jewelry and personalized cards for her friends and family. Her loving memory will long be cherished by her parents as well as her sisters, Brenda Collier-Brown and her husband Dennis of College Park, GA, and Toni D. Collier of Newport, RI, her brothers Ernest Collier III and his wife Gwendolyn of Philadelphia, PA and Robert T. Collier of Newport, RI, nieces and nephews, Dennis Brown Collier of College Park, GA, Ernest Collier IV, Christopher M. Collier, Dejon Lewis, Latona English and Shakeena English all of Philadelphia, PA and Xena Collier of Newport, RI, and numerous other family members and friends. Phyllis indomitable spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her. A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, at 11:00am, in Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, Newport. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, from 4-8pm, in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI and the Community Baptist Church, Newport, RI.