Phyllis Walker Obituary (1940 - 2017) - Toronto, ON - Toronto Star

Phyllis Walker

1940 - 2017

Phyllis Broome WALKER

Teacher, storyteller, enameling artist, former radio host and Grandma Ella on Treehouse TV

Passed away peacefully on May 30, 2017. Predeceased by her parents Adolphus and Esmie Walker (nee Cushnie), husband Bill, siblings Carlton, Patricia, Aubrey, Ivor and Donavon. Much-loved sister of Trevor (Merle), Dorien (Len), Lansford, Miles (Jacqui) and Linda (Clive). She will be missed by her many cousins, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at Jerrett Funeral Home, 6191 Yonge Street, North York (south of Steeles Avenue), on Monday, June 5th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will follow in the chapel at 4:00 p.m. Private Cremation to take place at Forest Lawn Crematorium. If desired, memorial donations may be made to P.A.C.E. Canada (www.pacecanada.org) or Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (www.sicklecellanemia.ca). Online condolences may be made at

jerrettfuneralhometoronto.ca

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published in Toronto Star on Jun. 3, 2017.

MEMORIAL EVENTS

No memorial events are currently scheduled. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by

Jerrett Funeral Homes

6191 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M2M4K4

Plant Memorial Trees

Memories & Condolences

Add a photo

Get email updates for this page

Posting Guidelines FAQ

42 entries

November 7, 2017

I was sitting and and reminiscing about my grade 4 teacher Phyllis Walker. She was absolutely amazing. Not only was she a great teacher, she was an outstanding activist and a lovely woman. Words cannot describe the love I have for her. She is honestly the greatest teacher to ever live. She taught me about racial inequalities that people of colour face on a daily basis, which sparked the activist inside of me. She truly believed in her students and it saddens me to hear about her death. This great soul will truly be missed. My deepest condolences.

Nirujan Paramakurunathan

Student

June 30, 2017

Phyllis,
Thanks for sharing your beautiful stories with our children, you will be greatly missed.
Rest in Peace.

Debby jordan

June 13, 2017

Sincere Condolences

Joe Renda

June 12, 2017

i will always remember your warm smile, the many stories, and words of encouragement. wherever you're i know they will be laughing with you.

kwanza, toronto

kwanza m

June 12, 2017

Aunt Pam will be missed dearly by her nieces and nephews, may she rest in peace.

Jennifer Clarke

June 5, 2017

My sincere condolences to the family of Phyllis.
She was an amazing woman with a wealth of knowledge and fun to be around.
Her laughter and jokes will live on. Thanks for all for the beautiful hairstyles back in the days when black hairdressers
were hard to find.
May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Jennifer Watts & Family
Brampton, Ont.

Jennifer Watts

June 5, 2017

On behalf of Storytellers of Canada- Conteurs du Canada, I send sincere condolences to Phyllis' family, colleagues and friends. Phyllis was a long time member of SC-CC with an impressive profile on our directory of her artistry as a storyteller. I had the opportunity to hear Phyllis tell Anansi stories in Toronto and was enthralled by the stories and charmed by the teller. She will be remembered for her positive approach to life and for actively promoting the importance of storytelling and story listening.
Dinny Biggs, SC-CC President, June 2017

June 5, 2017

I thought I would always run into Phyllis on the street telling a tall tale. Her laughter could light up a room. She was a contemporary of my mentor in the arts, the late Ayanna Black. We will miss Phyllis' presence in the Black and wider arts community. May she rest in Power.

Glace Lawrence

June 5, 2017

Phyllis your earthly light is gone out, you are now the brightest light shinning on us all. You were an inspiration us, your love for children, youth, the not so young and old will live on in us. Your footprints will be larger than life. Miss you already. What a life! You were one of kind. Enjoy your eternal rest. Rev. Eleanor Scarlett

Rev. Eleanor Scarlett

June 5, 2017

Phyllis was not only regally beautiful, but the power of her presence was undeniable, however her real power was in her ability to communicate with all ages, her loyalty and trustworthiness. What a Woman!!
I am fortunate to have known her - Rest in Peace
Marva Ollivierre (Toronto)

June 3, 2017

Someone told me the Indians believe a person dies twice. First when they stop breathing, and Secondly when people stop talking about him/her. You my friend and sister-in-law, will break that theory. You will be talked about for a very long time. You lived, loved and I dare say even died, your way. Your work here is done, Rest In Peace.

Jacqui Walker

June 2, 2017

Phylis was a beautiful person and a captivating storyteller. When she told Anansi stories she was representing a diverse international culture. I'm grateful to have her CDs so I can keep listening to her.

Nick Miceli

June 2, 2017

How can this be? She was so energetic, always telling an Anansi tale, participating in festivals, being a part of the audience for many events, leading fellow teacher retirees on long walks, doing 1001 things that needed doing ... how can she no longer be with us? Wherever she is now, she's probably still doing 1001 things and bringing joy to whomever she can.

I miss her already.

Lorne Brown

Coworker

June 1, 2017

To Aunt Pam,
We will always have the memories of the times that we have shared .... the laughter, the tears, the advise and the total uniqueness that defines you ..... We will miss you but your spirit has been ingrained in our hearts and your stories will continue to be told....Always... Karen, Oliver, Elena, Nicole, Philip, Nathalie and Zoey Coutrier

Karen Coutrier

June 1, 2017

Phyllis, you've left an indelible mark on this earth. No doubt your presence will be felt soon enough in the other world! Can't keep a good woman down!

Eunice O'Mahony

June 1, 2017

Phyllis: Once someone meets you, s/he cannot forget you. I will miss you, I met you a few times and every time, you let something for me to remember.
Rest in Peace now, your work is done.

Jacqueline Jean-Baptiste

June 1, 2017

Dear Phyllis, may your spirit continue to tell stories and delight young people (and old) across the universe and beyond! Thank you for being your brilliant, vibrant self. May you rest in peace.

Clare Nobbs

June 1, 2017

Every time I hear an Anansi story I think of you. The last memory I have of you is telling me how rare the telling of the Anansi stories were when you first came to Toronto. Now they are told by quite a few people. The seeds you planted grew Phyllis. They grew. One of the teller, one for the listener and one for the person who heard.

Susan Boucaud

Susan Boucaud

June 1, 2017

Dear Phyllis,
I miss you already. The genuine you that we all loved. The kindness, the service you gave to our community and the many conversations to encourage others to reach for the stars. Thanks for being you. I'll cherish the jewelry you made and always remember that you were here. Rest in Peace. Walk Good.

Valarie Steele

June 1, 2017

Thanks for sharing your life through your stories. You will forever live long in our memories and hearts. You were a true inspiration to our community.

June 1, 2017

I am so sadden to hear of the passing of this raconteur. Go make some stories and provoke much laughter among the ancestors now

Rhoma Spencer

June 1, 2017

"Dear Phyllis,
I knew you for a short time, you will be missed. 'Your work is done, you have been set free, rest in peace.' song by Aron Wright, Rest In Peace."

Barbara Schreiner-Trudel

June 1, 2017

What a way mi gwaan miss uunuh stories aunty! Dance a sweet sweet Pocomania when uunuh reach inna yawd wid Papa God, de angels and ancestors. And give Miss Louise a big hug and kiss fi all ah wi 'bout ya so..

June 1, 2017

Oh Phyllis, in such a short time, you reached into my heart. you taught me to make "Sorrell" and made sure I said it your way. We chanted Nam Myoho Renge Kyo together with Norma, Norma and SunMee. We partied with Lillian and hung out at Ellington's. Dear Phyllis, you will not be forgotten. Honey Novick Toronto

Honey Novick

June 1, 2017

Phyllis telling Anansi stories at a fundraising walk for Hope for Rwanda's Children's Fund, High Park, Toronto

Paul Wilson

June 1, 2017

Oh, Phyllis. We will miss your bright smile, your exuberance, and masterful story telling abilities. Am sure you are telling stories to the little angels in heaven. Rest in Peace.

Bert and Paula de Ronde (Burlington, ON.)

Paula de Ronde

June 1, 2017

We only met once....but had a great connection....walk in power my friend....Jan Wade

Jan Wade

June 1, 2017

we met for a short time...but you had a powerful presence and you donated your talents to 'World Jazz For Haiti"....easy sailing dear Phyllis ...I will not forget you

George Koller

June 1, 2017

Our sincere sympathy to Phyllis' family.

It was a pleasure and Blessing to have known Phyllis and to journey with her for many years. She was an inspiration to our family and will be deeply missed.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Lyn & Eric Williams & family

June 1, 2017

Such a vibrant, open and expressive woman. I will never forget how Phyllis cared about life, stories, and love. I shall always treasure the enamel pendant she made me, with a quote of mine she loved. "We never have to lose love, if we choose to love." Phyllis certainly will be missed. My deepest condolences to her family and close friends.

Heather Whaley

June 1, 2017

I loved hearing your stories, old friend, and you're probably making God laugh with your stories about Anansi.

Dan Yashinsky

Friend

June 1, 2017

Walk good my friend! Thanks for the times we spent together. Let your light shine on forever.
God bless. Rest in eternal peace. Love always, Heather Bubb.

Friend

June 1, 2017

an amazing woman passionate about her teaching career passionate about storytelling

pat bisset

Friend

June 1, 2017

Condolences from myself and family to the family of Phyllis Walker. She served this community brilliantly. May she Rest In Peace.

Philip Mascoll (St. Ann, Jamaica and Toronto)

June 1, 2017

A smart, funny and caring person. She will be missed. May she Rest In Peace.

Barbara Track

June 1, 2017

I am very sad to hear of the death of Phyllis Walker - one of the best Anansi storytellers I knew. Never put off visiting and spending time with your family and friends - I had her on my calendar to go visit in June. My condolences to Linda and the rest of family... May she rest in peace.

Maxine Bailey

May 31, 2017

My condolences to the family and friends of Phyllis. She was a great entertainer, educator, and story teller. She was a woman of grace, charm and principle. Rest in peace: "Jack Mandora, me no choose none."

Jennifer Walcott

May 31, 2017

Phyllis: I will miss your warm laughter and our wide-ranging conversations. The world has lost a great teacher, artist, storyteller, and beautician. Your soothing dulcet tones brought Anansi alive for thousands of children including my Ashlee who refused to sleep at night if she did not hear the tape of her "Auntie Phyllis" telling another Anansi story. You have fought the good fight and left the world a better place for it. Rest in peace, my friend.

Verlyn Francis

May 31, 2017

Phyllis Walker was a person for whom I have always had the highest regard. She was always a multi-faceted and multi-talented person as evidenced by her broad range of interests. She could be feisty and ready to put on boxing gloves but this was all part of her persona and fascination. I shall dearly miss my good friend.

Stanley Israel Shier

May 31, 2017

To my beloved Auntie:

Even though we did not spend as much time as we should have together speaking and laughing - the time we did spent was most valuable to me. You were fun and I must say I learned more about me than I wanted to.

Rest in peace

One day like "we will see each other again"

This is how I will always feel about you!

Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don't remember me at all.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Mark Walker

May 30, 2017

May the family and friends of Phyllis find comfort over sadness by remembering her tenacity towards penal punishment. Rest in peace. Gone, but not forgotten.
Dr. E. Pearson

May 30, 2017

My condolences to the family. You have lost a loved one and the Jamaican- Canadian community has lost a vibrant spokesperson. May her soul rest in peace.
Erma Collins

Advice & Support

How to Offer Condolences

Funerals During COVID-19

Grief: What to Expect

Funeral Flower Etiquette

View All Advice & Support Articles