Phyllis “Joy” Sutherland, devoted Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt and Friend passed away suddenly

on November 12, 2023 at the age of 74 in her hometown of Baldwin, NY with her family by her

side.

Phyllis Lawrence was born on August 17, 1949 in Spanish Town, Saint Catherine Jamaica, to

Dorothy Collins and Robert Lawrence. She was the 2 nd oldest of five children. After attending

Camperdown High School in Kingston, Jamaica, Phyllis worked as a clerk in a beauty shop

where she met her husband and love of her life, Gilbert Sutherland, who worked at the same

cosmetic shop as a maintenance worker in 1968. They were married on February 21, 1970, at a

small ceremony in Kingston, Jamaica and then followed their dream to emigrate to the United

States and settled in Queens, NY. She became the parents to two wonderful children, Gilbert Jr.

and Kimberly.

Phyllis loved hosting family gatherings and holiday get togethers at her home for family and

close friends, where she would love to reminisce and tell her stories. Although not formally

trained, she was an excellent and talented cook whose recipes were requested by many. A stay-

at-home Mom for most of her life after her children were grown, she ventured out to work as a

Home Health Aide in a Hospice Center for over 10 years. Phyllis was a strong woman, even

feisty at times, but also had a generous heart and a wonderful gift for giving. She cared deeply

for everyone around her and touched the lives of many with her unwavering spirit and boundless

compassion for others.

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband, Gilbert Sr., son, Gilbert Jr., daughter Kimberly and all

her beloved siblings, nieces, nephews, godchildren and other family members and caring friends.

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