Philis Deen

Philis Barbara Deen of Florence Street, Kingston died Thursday, May 15, 2008 at Kingston Hospital. She was 75. She was born in Jamaica, West Indies on September 11, 1932, a daughter of the late Moses Carter and Doris Maud Porter. Formerly of Jamaica, England and West Africa, for thirty years Philis resided in Spring Valley. She was a certified nurse at the Nyack Hospital for many years. She was a dedicated mother and friend to her two children. Philis had a passion for life and did not want to let go. She was a world traveler as well as an avid gardener, and it shows at her home. Philis was talented with the piano and in her early years, a cross country runner in London. She had a passion for knitting beautiful sweaters for family and friends and enjoyed the bible, specifically Psalm 23. She has lived in Kingston since 2003. Her husband, Ola Taju-Deen, died previously. Surviving are two children, Fatima Deen and her partner William Christensen of Kingston, Karim Deen and his wife Pernilla of Nyack, NY; one sister Verona H. Gentry of Anchorage, Alaska; one grandson Joshua Deen; many nieces and nephews and her loving sausage dog, Peanut. Other relatives who are left to mourn Aunty-Beryl and husband Reginald Francis of Canada; Eshter Douglas of Jamaica; Barbara Francis of Jamaica. Uncle Keith and wife of Jamaica. Great Neice Maia; great nephew Ravi of New Mexico; many first and second cousins. Reposing at the Simpson - Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Friday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. A candlelight service of remembrance will be conducted at 7:30 PM. Graveside services, by Rev. James Childs, will be at 11:00 AM Saturday at the Montrepose Cemetery.