Phyllis Jean Swinson Travis

Phyllis Travis, 88, was born to Carl and Gertrude Swinson on November 3, 1935, in Richmond, VA. She fell asleep in death on December 3, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Alvin Travis, son Terrence Orlando, daughter Sherry Elaine Taliaferro, grandson Avren Travis, and siblings Winsor, Carlene, Carl Jr., and Joyce. She is survived by her son Alvin Tyrone (Toka), daughter Shelly Ilene Carol (Robert Ross), son-in-law Gregory Taliaferro, sister Yvonne Jewell, sister-in-law Theodore Wilson, nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Phyllis graduated from Armstrong High School in 1953. She was one of the top actresses in her drama class and a soloist in the school choir. While in High School, she met the love of her life, Alvin, and they were married on May 24, 1956. Their union lasted 49 years until he died in 2006.

Although she was offered an opportunity to pursue acting as a career in high school, she chose a career in nursing. She graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and worked in various aspects of nursing, but she loved labor and delivery the most. She was incredibly proud of the fact that she was able to help deliver her niece Stephanie and her grandson Michael. However, when abortion became legalized, she transitioned to another field of nursing. She was nominated as the nurse of the year and selected for a trial period as the first black nurse to work at MCV. In addition, her exceptional nursing skills allowed her to care for her husband upon his diagnosis of ALS.

Sometime after the loss of her son, she got a knock on her door by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jehovah’s promise of the resurrection that she could see her son again was among the most cherished truths. She never gave up, even when her husband said, “Don’t teach that mess to my children.” Her response in her well-known feisty fashion was, “Ok, I will teach it to MY children.”

In 1969, she was baptized along with her mother. She aided several people in the truth, including her no longer opposed husband. They pioneered together for 13 years, teaching their children and many others. She was able to attend Pioneer School with her daughter, Shelly.

She was faithful to the end and continued to share bible truths with the hospital staff and her caregivers. The scripture in Acts 15:14, which says, “HE will take out a people for his name.” convinced her that this was the truth. She often recanted a conversation with her father as a little girl when she saw Jehovah’s name in his old army Bible. She asked him, “Who is Jehovah?” and he replied, “He is the GOD of the Jews.”

Phyllis enjoyed watching and feeding the birds, singing, reading the Bible, observing the trees, and caring for her dog, Trudi, of 15 years. She will be remembered for her faithfulness and her generous heart.

Additional Information
To view the memorial on Zoom, please get in touch with Jimmy at (804) 218-9009.

Acknowledgment
The Family acknowledges with grateful appreciation all expressions of kindness, love, and support you have given during their bereavement.