Ms. Phyllis Olivia “Phyll” Reynolds, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 1:10p.m., at Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, where she was surrounded by her loved ones.“Phyll,” as she was affectionately known, was born on August 15, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Ruth Thomas Jacobs Reynolds and the late George Reynolds.
Phyll discovered her faith at an early age when she attended and joined Alleyne Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. She served on the Junior Choir and Young Adult Usher Board for many years. Phyll began her education in the public schools of Philadelphia and excelled as an honor student. Upon graduation from Overbrook High School in 1976, she attended Millersville University, where in 1980, she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Immediately upon graduation, Phyll began work as a special education teacher with Elwyn School until 1986, when she began her illustrious career with the Philadelphia Police Department. She rose through the ranks from Officer to Detective, and after 32 years of service, she retired in 2018 with the rank of Sergeant. Phyll played an active role in her community. She volunteered with numerous organizations, specifically with those that involved children and youth services. In 1977, Phyll became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Phyll was blessed with one son, Tyler Christian, whom she adored. She truly enjoyed all facets of her life. She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister, and a special aunt. Phyll was the epitome of love as she shared it with all her family and friends. Phyll especially enjoyed cooking, shopping, gardening, dining at fine restaurants, traveling with family and friends, and attending family gatherings. She also enjoyed attending Broadway shows and watching TV shows and movies. To know Phyll was to truly love her. She was preceded in death by her three older brothers, Reynold “Joe Pete” Thomas, Stanley P. Jacobs, and Clarence Jasper.
Phyll leaves to cherish her precious memories: A devoted son, Tyler C. Reynolds (Tiana) of Philadelphia, PA; One brother, Andre “Shorty” Reynolds of Philadelphia, PA; Four nieces, Reinell Thomas-Myers (Jerome) of Charlotte, NC, Andrea Reynolds-Smith and Lanae Burns of Philadelphia, PA, and Toi Reynolds-Johnson of Charlotte, NC; One nephew, Clarence Jasper, II of Philadelphia, PA; Three sisters-in-law, Evia Thomas, of Orangeburg, SC; Cornell Jacobs, of Greensboro, NC and Blanche Jasper of Andalusia, PA; One Granddaughter, the apple of her eye, Tessa R. Reynolds of Philadelphia, PA; Special Cousin, Cassandra “Sandy” Coulter and her Children of Philadelphia, PA; Loving life-long friends, Elva “Bunny” Overton, Sharon Seaborough and Kevon Baldwin all of Philadelphia, PA and a host of loving grand nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends whom she loved dearly and who dearly loved her.
All are invited to gather, remember and celebrate Phyll’s life on Tuesday September 26th at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6711 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19135 (between Unruh & Knorr Sts.) You may visit and comfort Phyll’s family during her visitation from 10:00am-11:30am. There will be a words of remembrance service with eulogies at 11:30am in the funeral home, followed by a tribute to Phyll by the Philadelphia Police Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Phyll’s memory to Overbrook High School