Phillis D. Greene

On March 12, 1960, in Houston, Texas, Theadore and Darla Greene brought a  beautiful baby girl into this world and named her Phillis Denise. Before her first  birthday, the family packed up and moved out west. Phillis was raised in  Compton, California and always excelled both academically and socially. She  graduated from Compton High School in 1978 where she was captain of her  cheerleading squad and consistently made the honor roll. After graduation she  joined her oldest sister at San Jose State University. 

After a brief tenure with the U.S. Postal Service, Phillis embarked on a pioneering  career with Amtrak. She began as a hostess and quickly advanced to the roles of  Conductor and eventually Engineer, becoming one of only two women Engineers  in her area and one of a few across the nation. Phillis continued her work on the  rails for more than 30 years — moving from Southern California to New Mexico  before finally landing in Texas, where she finished the ride as a Safety Manager.  Her trailblazing spirit and dedication inspired many, particularly other Black  women in her field, whom she regularly mentored and supported. 

Phillis's faith was a cornerstone of her life. Baptized at Mount Hebron Missionary  Baptist Church in Compton, she remained a lifelong follower of Christ. Her  unwavering commitment to her faith was evident in her daily life, as she lived by  the teachings of John 3:16 and Psalm 23. At the time of her passing, she was a  devoted member of the New Birth Community Baptist Church congregation. 

Though Phillis was not blessed with children of her own, she embraced the role of  a fun-loving, dependable, and caring godmother and aunt. She showered her  friends' children, nieces, and nephews with unconditional love, devotion, and  support. Known as the "FUN aunt," Phillis enjoyed taking the kids to amusement  parks, bowling, skating, and movies. She was always willing to play games with  them and always wanted to make sure they enjoyed her time with her. 

On May 23, 2024, Phillis transitioned from this earth and was preceded in death  by her mother, Darla Greene, and nephew, Carlos Greene. She leaves to cherish  her memory: a significant other, Richard Barnes; father, Theadore Greene of Giddings, Texas; four sisters, Sheryl Blue of Houston, Texas, Sandra Harvey (Lee)  La Plata, Maryland, Sonya McClelland (Brian) of Oak Hills, California, and Carla  Greene of Long Beach, California; two brothers, Lonnie Greene (Marsha) of Detroit  Michigan, Danny Greene (Ida) of Olympia, Washington; and a host of aunts,  uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. 

Phillis Denise Greene's life was a testament to the power of faith, love, and  dedication. She touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew her.

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