Phyllis Virginia Newman, was born on May 30, 1941, to the late Charles Kent, Sr. and Etta Mae (Hendrix) Kent, in Wilmington, Delaware. She transitioned this life peacefully at Wilmington Hospice Care on June 15, 2023.

Phyllis was raised during her early childhood years in the homes of her father Charles and stepmother Mabel and her foster mother Julia Pritchett. 

Phyllis received her early education in the public schools of Wilmington (Bancroft) and attended Wilmington High School. After high school she married Victor Newman Sr. and from this union four (4) children were born. After the resolution of this marriage, her work and family life began. She was never a stranger to hard work; starting in the retail business beginning with Braunstein’s; climbing uphill to work at Kennards for nine (9) years and then eventually elevating her career to begin working at Hercules for 20 years until her retirement.  

Phyllis was a past matron of Star Bethlehem Chapter No. 8 of St. Matthews Grand Chapter INC. Order of the Eastern Star-Prince Hall Affiliated, State and Jurisdiction of Delaware. She was also a member of Suakim Court No. 54, Daughters of Isis of Wilmington, DE. 

Phyllis enjoyed going to church so much she became a member of Bethel AME of Wilmington, DE on May 6, 2001. With just being a member, which was not enough, she joined the usher board as well. Her favorite past time was online shopping, going out to eat at restaurants and watching her T.V. shows (True blood and Sex in the City, etc.)

Phyllis was preceded in death by her father Charles Kent Sr., stepmother Mabel Kent, her brothers Vincent and Stuart Kent, a sister Cynthia (Kent) Brown, foster sister Barbara (Pritchett) Walker and foster mother Julia Pritchett.

Phyllis leaves to cherish her memory: four (4) children: only daughter Carol, sons Victor Jr. (Butchie), Anthony (Tracy) and Robert (Jacquelyn).  Twelve (12) grandchildren: Eria, Hakim, Derrick, Marques (CA), Latasha, Tonnesha, Kyle, Adrienne, Robyn, Tariq and Refka (GA) and Brittany (GA). Numerous great and great- great grandchildren; two brothers Charles (Tiny) Kent Jr. (D.C.) and Donald Kent (NY); three (3) sisters: Audrey Stallworth (NY), Katherine (Kent) Ojebuoboh, and Frances Blackmon (NY); a foster sister: Julia (Shuggie) Pritchett; devoted cousins: Renee and Milton Harrison (NC); In addition, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins and her beloved friend Sheila Marlow.