Wilma Phillips

Wilma Francesca Phillips (née Richins) was born December 3, 1937 in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. The daughter of Iris Patrick and Unus Richins, Wilma grew up in Port of Spain. She always spoke fondly of her childhood, describing how much she enjoyed spending time with her siblings, her mother, her father, her nearby aunts and uncles, and visits with her dear grandma Minnie.

Wilma married and had two children, Debra and Curt, whom Wilma loved deeply. When she divorced, Wilma moved to Brooklyn, New York where she worked as a nurse, first at Beth Israel Hospital and then at Brookdale Hospital. Her years in New York were fun and always social, marked by dinner parties, boat rides, bus rides and shopping. Wilma loved to host and had people over often. She loved to play mas and would often travel to Trinidad for Carnival and Toronto for Caribana. As her friends and family would often say, Wilma loved to have a good time.

She also loved her family, and during her time in New York, her daughter, son and mother all lived with her at some point. Then in 1989, Wilma moved to Port St. Lucie, FL to be closer to her daughter’s family while her son and his family traveled with the military. She adored her grandchildren, near and far, and would spend as much time with them as possible.

Port St. Lucie was quieter than New York, but Wilma loved it, quickly developing a close knit group of friends and becoming heavily involved in her church. Her friendships and church relationships would stay with her throughout her lifetime. When she retired from nursing she remained active by running a small daycare in her home. The kids she watched would often capture her heart, and she remained very close to many of them even as they grew up.

Wilma loved many things – cooking, baking, gardening, listening to calypso music or gospel music, etc. But most of all she loved people. She loved laughing and joking with all those around her. And that is what we will miss most.

Wilma is joining her beloved daughter, Debra Edwards, is survived by her cherished son Curt Philipps, and will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws, siblings, nieces, nephews, friends and family that will always hold her dear in their hearts.

A visitation will be held Tuesday November 15, 2022 from 10 AM to 11 AM with a Funeral Service to start at 11 AM at the Haisley Funeral and Cremation Service Tribute Center 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34984. Burial will follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery at 2PM.