Phyllis Topping Powers

Phyllis Marie Topping Powers was called home on June 29, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Nicknamed "Pinky," she was born on February 8, 1939 to Alice Jacobsen Topping and Alfred White Topping. She and her three brothers grew up on the family potato farm in Sagaponack, New York and graduated from Bridgehampton High School.
Phyllis married the love of her life, James Robert Powers, and together they raised two children in Huntington, NY. For 14 years Phyllis was an office manager/dental assistant for a dental practice in Greenlawn, while simultaneously earning a bachelor's degree in business management from the State University of NY, as well as becoming a certified paralegal through Adelphi University. She worked as a legal secretary and paralegal for the Home Insurance Company for nine years before moving to Melbourne, Florida in 1990 after Jim retired from the Suffolk County Police Department. Phyllis earned her Community Association Manager license in Florida and worked briefly for the Viera Company until she became the office manager at her beloved church, Pineda Presbyterian. She retired from this position in 2003 to care for her husband until his passing in 2007.
Phyllis was always active in her community. She was a member of the Genealogical Society, and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), Ketewamoke Chapter in NY where she volunteered for many years, including a term as the chapter regent. Upon moving to Florida, she transferred her membership to the Abigail Wright Chamberlin chapter in Melbourne. She also served as a canvasser with the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections. Her greatest joy however came from her volunteer service to the church. Phyllis was an ordained elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church USA; a youth and adult Sunday School teacher; a member of the Christian Education Committee; a member of both Lydia and Dorcas Circles; a member and former moderator of the Presbyterian Women; and a vacation bible school teacher. She was most passionate about the Stephen Ministry Program and trained to become a Stephen Minister and ultimately a Stephen Leader, training others to become Stephen Ministers.
Phyllis was a "grandma on the go," always present and involved in the daily activities of her children and grandchildren with arms wide open and a heart that had no boundaries. She was a friend to all who knew her and became known to many as "Grandma Phyl." She will be forever cherished in the hearts of her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 50 years, James; her brother, Thomas Topping; and her brother and sister in law, Alfred and Laurie Topping.
Phyllis is survived by her son Shannon Powers, his wife Allison; daughter Marsha Raynor and her husband Kenneth; grandchildren Ryan, James, Katherine, and Christine; her goddaughter Jenn Chopping; brother Robert Topping and his wife Glenda. Phyllis also has many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as her loving and devoted friends, including her lifelong friend Mary Lou Hildreth Leonard.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 19 at Pineda Presbyterian Church, 5650 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, FL 32940, followed by lunch in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pineda Presbyterian Women (PPW) to aid in their various mission projects.
Phyllis will be interred at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Blvd., Calverton, NY 11933, with a Memorial Service at 11:30 am on Friday, August 15, 2025.