Phyllis Therese Babb, lovingly referred to as “Grannos” by her grandchildren, died on April 20, 2016 at the age of 91 in Rockledge, FL where two of her children now reside.
Phyllis was born in La Brea, Trinidad, but was a longtime resident of Brooklyn and a die-hard Mets fan. She was a loving mother to her 3 children Cherrie, Rhonda, and Michele. Being a woman of faith, starting each day on her knees with a prayer was a part of her daily routine. It was important that Phyllis instil good Christian values to her children.
After completion of her Nursing program in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Phyllis became a registered nurse and midwife. She migrated to The United States with her husband Awbrey, and obtained her Bachelor’s from St Francis College in Health Care Administration. Phyllis then worked for more than 40 years at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital (which later became Interfaith Medical Center). As an OR nurse and supervisor of ambulatory surgery, Phyllis was well liked and well respected by her colleagues.
Phyllis was the source of support for her family, friends and community. For many of her family members, she was the roadmap to The United States. Although she migrated, she never forgot her roots. Through her efforts many in the community were able to obtain US citizenship.
If it was one thing Phyllis was especially known for, it was her sense of style. Always impeccably dressed, the term diva was bestowed upon her. To say she was a “fashionista” ahead of her time, would be saying the least.
She is lovingly remembered by her children Cherrie, Rhonda and Michele; sons-in- law Lambert, James, and Robert. Her grandchildren Nia, Imani, Sadiya, Akil, Sekou, Jami, and Essien; great grandchild Arielle. Bonus grandchildren Avril, Kyle,
Brandon, Charisse, Antuanette, Azrien, Azaria and Kevyn.
She is survived by her sister Sheila as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and friends who became family.
She was predeceased by her loving and affectionate husband, Awbrey and her siblings Carlton and Lorna.