Phylisha Coles

Waterbury-

Introduction

Good afternoon, family and friends. Today, we gather to celebrate the life of Phylisha Juanita Coles, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. 

Early Life 

Born on October 24, 1967, in Suffolk, Virginia, Phylisha lived a life rooted in love, family, and service to others. Her sudden passing on September 9, 2024, at the age of 56 has left a deep void in our hearts, but her memory and legacy will remain with us forever.

Education

Phylisha’s early years were spent in Waterbury, Connecticut, where she went through the Waterbury school system, eventually graduating from Kennedy High School in 1985. Education was important to Phylisha, and she later pursued classes at Naugatuck Valley Community College, always striving to learn and grow.

CAREER

For 35 years, Phylisha worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, dedicating her professional life to public service. Her passion for helping others was evident in her leadership as the union president of the AFSCME Local 562 for three years. In this role, she fought for the rights of her colleagues with strength and compassion, always putting others before herself.

Family Life & Memorable Moments

Phylisha’s family meant everything to her. She was the glue that held everyone together, always eager to host family gatherings and attend important moments, no matter how small they may have seemed. To Phylisha, no event was insignificant if it involved family. She had an incredible way of making every moment feel special, whether it was a holiday, a birthday, or just a casual get-together.

Every summer, she would pack up her children, Demetre and Arie, and make the trip down south to visit family, never missing a holiday or an opportunity to be with her loved ones. Her presence was felt at every gathering, where she naturally took charge and made sure everything ran smoothly. Phylisha was, in every sense, a natural leader who brought people together, embodying the true meaning of family.

HOBBIES

Phylisha also had a love for travel. Whether it was a trip down south to visit family or exploring new destinations, she was always ready to go on an adventure. And she did it all in her signature style—always looking impeccable in her waterfalls and heels, a reflection of her vibrant spirit and love for life.

And we can’t forget Phylisha’s competitive side, especially when it came to spades. She and her husband, Mark, were nearly unbeatable, winning game after game at family events. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with, both at the spades table and in life.

SURVIVED BY

She is survived by her loving parents, Lycell and Beulah Johnson; her devoted husband, Mark Coles; her cherished children, Demetre and Arie Coles; her brothers, James Riddick and Derrick Johnson (Jodi); her sisters, Tyra Maxwell, Kimberly Humes, and Terri Johnson; her sister-friends, Melinda Blanchard, Monique Garner, and Sherie Jones; her godchildren, Ashley Tomlin-Surrey, Taylor, and Ayanna McDaniel, Ethan Garner, and Dante Hurdle; her godmother Gwen Douglas and godsister Shauna Douglas; 5 brothers in-laws George Coles, Perry Coles, Garry Coles, Greg Coles, Dwayne Coles, and 3 sister in-laws Wanda Coles, Darlene Coles, Tanya Coles; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lessons and Legacy 

Phylisha is now reunited with one of her fathers, James Riddick and her brother Lycell Johnson Jr., but her legacy continues through those she leaves behind. As we honor her today, let us be reminded of the legacy she leaves behind and the profound impact she had on our family. Phylisha was a shining example of what it means to love unconditionally, serve wholeheartedly, and live life to the fullest. Though her physical presence may have left us, her spirit remains engraved in our hearts and memories.

Special thank you to Doctor Juan Diego Holgiun, Lali Ortiz, and his team. We are forever grateful for all their compassionate care and love for Phylisha over the years. God bless you all.

Closing Thoughts

Your light will forever shine within us, You’ve shaped and molded your children and other family members. As we celebrate your life, we are reminded of the profound impact you've had on all of us. Thank you for gracing our lives with your love and strength.

Rest in peace, Phylisha. You will be forever in our hearts.