Obituary of Phyllis F. King

Phyllis F. King, 76, of Haines City, FL, passed away on October 2, 2023, at The Club at Lake Gibson in Lakeland, FL. She was born on July 3, 1947, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Edward King and Edna Lovell. Phyllis made the sunshine state her home in 1987 after moving from Trujillo Alto, PR, she dedicated 27 1/2 years of her life as a purchasing clerk for Disney World, retiring in 2013 and following her retirement, she continued to contribute to her community by serving as a crossing guard for the Polk County School Board for 5 years until her retirement in 2022. Her outstanding commitment and selflessness were recognized in 2020 when she was awarded Volunteer of the Year for all Polk County Middle Schools. She was of the Baptist faith.

Phyllis cherished spending time with her family, was an avid reader and she admired the beauty of flowers. Her love for volunteering extended beyond her professional life, as she generously devoted her time to various school activities. Known for her warm and welcoming nature, Phyllis was a friend to everyone she encountered. She was vibrant, strong-minded, and fiercely independent. Her outgoing personality meant she never met a stranger, and it was an honor for many to have had her in their lives. Phyllis was Disney’s #1 fan, with Winnie the Pooh holding a special place in her heart as her favorite character. Her favorite color was blue.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Edna. Phyllis leaves behind to cherish her memories, her daughters, Ivette Matos of Lake Ronkonkoma, NY and Faye Matos and husband, José Ortiz of Haines City, FL; sons, Israel Martínez of Puerto Rico and Justino Lebrón and wife, Olga of Kissimmee, FL; sister, Ginger Rogers and husband, Edward of Montverde, FL; grandchildren, Matthew Racanelli and Jaleisya Tucker; nieces and nephews, Debra and Charles Parraga, Anthony and Rosie Matos,Vinny Matos, Liza Perlow, Angel Matos, Leslie Crockett; and her lifetime best friend, Lourdes “Tita” Santiago.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, FL, a reception will immediately follow. The family will be receiving friends and family at 1:00 p.m.