Jeanette Lynn (Onyango) Phillips

Jeanette Lynn Onyango Phillips, 53, of Rock Hill, SC passed away peacefully on December 16, 2021. She was born in Portland, ME on March 9, 1968, the daughter of the late George A. Onyango and Sharon Husic. Jeanette was raised in Maine by her grandparents, Wendall and Winona Easter. At the age of three, Jeanette relocated to the Washington, DC area with her mother, who cared for her from that point forward.

Jeanette pursued her education at the Rochester Institute of Technology in NY, where she met her husband, Russell. There, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Printing Management. She and Russell wed in Brooklyn, NY on October 18, 1991. Their family quickly grew with the addition of their daughter, Alexandria, in February, 1993. Jeanette and Russell began their service to their God, Jehovah, and were baptized together in July, 1993. They were blessed with the arrival of their daughter Tara in July, 1995.

When the cold weather and deep snow became too much, Jeanette and her family moved to the suburbs of Charlotte, NC in 1999. Jeanette had a successful career as a project manager for Bank of America and other corporations, where her talent for clear communication and organization was evident. These skills translated well to her renovation projects as she and Russell transformed old houses into modernized homes to sell or rent.

Jeanette was a faithful Jehovah’s Witness for over 30 years. Her deep relationship with her God was evident in her devotion to her faith, family, and many friends. She was a wonderful wife and mother who was kind, loving, and generous to all. Many will testify to the positive impact she had on their lives.

Her appreciation for God’s creation was shown in her love for animals. Some of her pets included a ferret, dogs, fish, and lizards; and she loved hummingbirds and other wildlife. Jeanette also enjoyed traveling, as shown in the many family photos of their wonderful vacations together.

Four years ago, Jeanette met her half brothers and sisters from Kenya for the first time. This led to much joy in Jeanette’s life. She was privileged to be at her brother Charles’ wedding in 2019. Her bond with her newly introduced family was an unexpected blessing that was reinforced over the past couple of years. Jeanette enjoyed sharing her bible-based faith with her new-found family.

Her warm and kind demeanor always attracted people to Jeanette. She will be sorely missed.

Jeanette is survived by her husband Russell Phillips; daughters Alexandria Phillips Wilson (Anthony) and Tara Phillips; grandchildren Harmony, Annaleese, and Bronson, all of Rock Hill, SC; mother Sharon Husic (Mike) of Morganton NC; sisters Tekina Gear and Molly Onyango; brothers Herman Gear III (Kayla), Willis Onyango, Ray Onyango, and Charles Onyango.

He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.

REVELATION 21:4