Phyllis Louise Lofton

Phyllis Louise Wright Lofton entered this world on June 30, 1964, in Ocean Springs, MS ('Cross the Bayou) and gained her wings on December 9, 2024, in Newport News, VA. She was the beloved and cherished wife of 34 years of Mr. Rickey Lofton. Together they raised four children, Don (Dade), Dominique, Derrick, Denisha, and gained a god-daughter Latisha, who all deeply love her and continue her legacy, as well as her grandchildren Phillip, Patiance, Ezra, and Mark. She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings; sister Sheilah Sutton (Carlton) in NC, brother Sammy Wright in WA, niece/sister Valerie McClelland in WA, sister-in-love/sister Essie Hunter in MS and brother Freddie Hunter in CA. Phyllis is also treasured by many relatives (one living aunt, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews) in Washington state, California, and Mississippi. Her in-laws/in-loves who treasured her as well are Eric McNeal "Neal" (Barbara) Williams, Otis "O-Dogg" (Robin) Williams and Raymond "Randy" (Audrina, predeceased) Williams and Lenard Earl Gary. Friends, more like family: Gwen, Claria, Denise, and a large host of other friends and classmates.
Phyllis joins in rest her mother, Annie Louise Wright, father Chester Arthur, sister Annette Barnes, brothers Carl Hunter, Michael Payton, Gregory Payton, and her twin, Phillip Wright.
With an extensive family tree and a family consisting of both blood ties and bonds formed from the heart, Phyllis' reach was as far as it was wide, and she was cherished deeply and will be missed by so many. Phyllis moved with the family from Mississippi to Seattle at age 16 as a High School junior, where she graduated and will always be a Garfield High School bulldog for life (B4L), Class of 1982. Seattle is also where she met her lifetime love, Rickey, and the two were inseparable, moving with the Navy from Seattle to San Diego, and eventually to Virginia.
Among Phyllis' most significant accomplishments was raising her four children, whom she held as her pride and joy. Even amidst the challenges life brought her way, Phyllis never wavered in her compassion for others, especially her family. She continued to support her family and extend a helping hand to anyone in need. She never faltered in caring for her loved ones more than she did for herself.
Even with responsibilities of taking care of her family, Phyllis continued to give and help others. She served as a Band Booster mom from 2014 to 2018 in support of her son Derrick. She enjoyed helping plan family reunions and family trips, like Biloxi or Myrtle Beach and most recently she visited New York city for the first time! Phyllis supported 14 years of husband's 24-year Navy career and his current 20-year career with the Newport News Naval Shipyard. She loved watching her favorite shows, especially reality shows and the Walking Dead, and keeping her nails done in the latest style.
Her life served as a testament to the Father God himself; Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Phyllis was the walking epitome of Christian faith and love. She exuded God's light in how she lived her life; she always had a kind word. She would talk to anyone, whether at a Wal-Mart or on Facebook; she never met a stranger! The loss of Phyllis Lofton is deeply felt by her immense family and all those who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched. May she rest in God's eternal peace.
A Celebration of Life for Phyllis will take place on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 4:00 PM at Smith Brothers Funeral Home, located at 545 East Mercury Blvd., Hampton, VA 23663. Those wishing to pay their respect and celebrate her life are welcome to attend. Flowers and/or expressions of love and encouragement can be sent to: The Lofton Family, 809 Olive Drive, Newport News, VA 23601.
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