Newburgh - Phyllis Jean "Lady J" Walker-McAllister, a longtime resident of Beacon and Newburgh, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh Campus. Phyllis was 62.
The youngest child of the late William and Mamie Walker of Beacon, she was born July 12, 1947 in Beacon, and is survived by her husband of 45 years, The Rev. Nelson McAllister, Pastor of The Calvary Full Gospel Family Church of Newburgh; five children: Monet L. Walker, Charles N.X. McAllister, The Rev. Jason A. McAllister Sr. (Vanessa) of Newburgh, Phyllis G. McAllister-French (Pastor TK French), and Markus A. McAllister I (Gi-Gi) of Baltimore, MD; ten grandchildren: Xavier, Jason Jr., Markus II, Zemira, Aaron, Niaya, Jordan, Tatianna, Gianna, and Tabitha. She is also survived by her siblings: The Rev. William T. Walker (Ruthie) of Pensacola, FL, Frank D. Walker (Martha) of Beacon, Dorothy L. Walker of Greensboro, NC, and Katherine A. McCray (Michael) of Wappingers Falls; uncles, Raymond Hayspell and Ellis Hayspell of Broadnax, VA; aunt, Marie Hayspell of Paterson, NJ; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Inclusive of being survived by these loved ones, she will be missed by many children of the community who called her "Miss Jean."
She was a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy and received an Associates of Theology degree from the Newburgh Bible Institute and completed three years of Business at Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh. Phyllis retired from IBM, East Fishkill, in 1994. She worked for the Glenn E. Hines Boys & Girls Club R.E.A.C.H. program at North Junior High School. She served as Sunday school teacher, counselor, and head of the Women’s department in her church, poll inspector for the Newburgh Democratic Committee and Newburgh PTA.
Jeannie was a woman who loved God and people as her life was dedicated to her God, her family and anyone who needed encouragement. She will be missed and her name, "Lady J", will be etched in the archives of time as a woman of character, conduct and commitment to her faith.
Visitations were held Tuesday, December 8th, from 9-11 a.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 76 First St., Newburgh. Funeral service followed at 11 a.m. at the church with Interment in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center’s "Miles of Hope" Program.
