Winston Anthony Phillips

 REFLECTIONS ON A LIFE WELL-LIVED 

The angels from heaven came for Winston Anthony Phillips on January 4, 2021, at 11:48 am under the care of Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Va. His devoted wife, Cassie Jean Lartigue-Phillips and loving daughter, Jewel Renee’ Robinson were by his side as he made his transition from earth to glory. 

Winston was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on December 25, 1941, to the late Bertram and Dorothy Davis Phillips. He was the sixth (6) child of twelve (12) and the only male in the first six. He was baptized into the Christian faith on March 28, 1979, at Joshua Baptist Church, Greenlawn, New York by Reverend Robert Hamilton. He renewed his Christian commitment in April 2006 at Shiloh Baptist Church, Yorktown, Virginia, under the leadership of Rev. Barbara Lemon. He was a dedicated servant at the church in the following ministries: Chairperson, African American Affairs, Men of Discipline, Traffic Control, and Angel Food Network, respectively. Winston’s business acumen and impressive knowledge base led to his installation to the Trustee Ministry on September 5, 2010, where he served faithfully until his failing health prevented him from doing so. 

Winston was a staunch proponent of educational achievement and consequently attended Queens Royal College, Trinidad and Tobago; College of Insurance, New York, New York; and Manhattan Community College, New York, New York. His distinguished employment career included positions as a Benefits Analyst with Revlon, Inc. and Corporate Benefits Manager at Avis Rental Car Systems. His efficiency and competence as Corporate Benefits Manager led to the promotion of Vice-President of Corporate Benefits at Avis World Headquarters in Garden City, New York. 

Some of his cherished moments were taking care of the landscape around his home, listening to mainline Jazz, and sharing stories about his family and their achievements, especially his children and grandchildren. Winston encouraged the young and mature adults alike with his philosophical perspectives and life stories. His attention to young people made an indelible imprint in and out of the Christian realm as he reminded them to “be the best that they could be and not to take life for granted.” He and his dedicated wife of almost 43 years, Cassie, brought two (2) families together; his two (2) and Cassie’s three (3). The word, step, was a foreign concept to the family and was never uttered in the household. He loved each of his children unconditionally. Winston and his love for music were virtually inseparable. He would share that love and appreciation for music, especially Jazz, by creating CD’s for family and friends or simply by generously offering CD’s to persons as gifts. 

Winston leaves to cherish his precious memories, his wife Cassie Jean Lartigue Phillips, three (3) sons, Rev. Dr. Darryl W. Robinson, Bertran Ronald Robinson who preceded him in death, Nigel Anthony Phillips; two (2) daughters Jewel Renee’ Robinson and Nichelle A. Hutson (Clarence); six (6) sisters and one (1) brother. Gracie Bonval, Maureen Phillips, Cheryl Phillips-Collins, Deanne Phillips, Wendy Phillips, and Donald Phillips all of Trinidad, and Marilyn Carter (Rawl) of Decatur Georgia; twelve (12) grandchildren, six (6) great-grandchildren. A special aunt Rita Davis of Brooklyn, New York who watched him grow up to be the man he became. His oldest niece of Stone Mountain, Georgia: Belverly Belgrave. He also leaves five (5) brothers in law, Herman, Elder Homer, Roland, Robert, Casey Sr.; three (3) sisters in law, Lessie, Delma, and Annette, a host of nieces and nephews, four (4) god-sons and four (4) god-daughters and a host of children he mentored. 

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at Whiting's Funeral Home.  Due to the current health pandemic, only 50 people may be in attendance with facial coverings and social distancing required.  Facebook Livestream will be available at the start of the service.  Mr. Phillips may be viewed from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service on Wednesday.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011. whitingsfuneralhome.com

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