Phyliss Ewell

Phyliss Rochelle Ewell was born to the late Ruth Ewell and Raymond Scott on August 5, 1951 in Pittsburgh, Pa.  She was raised in the Beltzhoover section of Pittsburgh by her mother and the late James Ewell until the untimely loss of them, when she moved to the Hill District to live with her Aunt Esther.

She subsequently went to school in the Hill District, attending Schenley High School, and earned her GED in 1971.  She was affectionately known as “Ms. Phyl” and she loved looking out for and caring for others.  She was blessed to be able to be in a field that allowed her to engage her passion, spending her career as a Personal Health Assistant/ Nursing Assistant; she began this career as a Nursing Assistant at Ursuline Support Services in Squirrel Hill.    Along with her employment, she found other ways to give back; she was a loyal volunteer with the Salvation Army for their annual fundraising for Christmas campaign – She could often be seen around the community making collections.  She was also actively involved in the fraternal order—the Eastern Stars which she loved being a part of.

Ms. Phyl had two children, she, herself, was the youngest born in her family and had a great love for and was excited about living.   She was the life of the party; she loved music, dancing, and just “enjoying life.”  She had a great sense of humor but was known for being a “straight shooter.”   She found joy in her family, especially taking road trips, and had a great fondness for the Pittsburgh Steelers, BUT she always supported the football games of her grandchildren.

She loved the Lord, and that love and trust in GOD carried her through.  She held on to His unchanging hand; and was the Mother of the church, Divine Restoration Church,  founded and pastored by her son, and was everyone’s Nana.  She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 siblings: Donald Ewell, Dorothy Vereen, William Ewell, and Leonard Ewell and one grandchild Brashaun Green.   Nana was called from labor to reward on November 19, 2022.  She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Rochelle (Ewell) Jackson, a son, Eric (Sonia), one sibling, Laura Degounette,  7 grandchildren; Brittney Jackson, Brenndan (Charisse) Green, Breon Green, Eric Ewell Jr., Nathaniel Ewell, Josiah Ewell, and Malachi Ewell; 6 great grandchildren; Ramiyah Demery, R’Mahni Demery, Roman Green, Bella Green, Cartier Green and Miraj Demery..And a host of friends and heart connections. Her loss will take a lot of laughter, joy and love from our hearts –but the memory of her precious life will be there forever.

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