Phyllis “Phy Phy” Esterese Thomas
Phyllis “Phy Phy” Esterese Thomas, 61, went home to be with the Lord, on October 3, 2021, surrounded by her beloved brothers and sisters.
She was a 1978 graduate of Brainerd High School. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree from UTC, Dec. 18, 1985.
Phyllis was preceded in death by parents, Ernest and Mary Burrell Thomas; two brothers, Ernest Earl and Jonathan Mark Thomas; sister, Ernestine (Andrew) Hughley and both grandparents of her father and mother, and Uncles Fred Burrell and James Booker.
Left to cherish her memories are sisters, Gloria (Leroy) Griffith, Florence Stanley, Portia, and Cynthia Thomas; brothers, James (Ruth), Fred, Joseph Thomas, all of Chattanooga and Darren (Crystal) Thomas of Nashville; uncle, James Burrell (Georgia); aunt, Zenobia Booker; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends dear to her, Brenda Vickers, Janet Ditzer, Jeffery Lewis, and W. Algernon Rice.
Phyllis was a member and Elder of Renaissance Presbyterian Church. She was commissioned by the Session of Renaissance to Minister Social Work for the congregation and the Westside Community. She started and directed the Christmas Stocking Ministry, which provided Christmas joy to many Westside families. The ministry enlarged to include Tommie Brown Academy, Calvin Donaldson Elementary, Battle Academy and 2nd District Daycare.
Supported by area churches, Presbyterian Church USA, and Toys for Tots the ministry continued to grow. She was also a member of Kids on the Block. She worked continuously in the Children’s Ministry of the Church to provide support for the youth of the Westside Community assisting with Vacation Bible School, After School Literacy Programs and Summer Camp programs after VBS ended. Her tireless efforts were only halted due to the pandemic.
Phyllis’ graduation from UTC opened up opportunities for more disabled students and began the University’s awareness of making the campus handicap accessible under the American Disabilities Act. She was a Riverbend volunteer from 2001-2017.
Phyllis retired from the State of Tennessee after 20 years of service as a Food Stamp case manager. Her entire life she sought out ways she could help someone else. Our Lord and Savior has given her rest and she is truly missed, but we know she is in a better place.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to the Renaissance Presbyterian Church for the Children’s Ministry.
A memorial service will be held Monday, Oct. 25, at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel of the funeral home.
Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.