MARSH-JARVIS, Reverend Mother Phyllis Marilyn

Whitney Pier

The angels in Heaven are singing with joy today, Sunday, June 6, 2021, as they open up their gates to welcome home one of their dedicated servants, Reverend Mother Phyllis Marsh-jarvis of Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia. Born on January 21, 1948 in Annapolis Royal, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Eleazer and Violet Muriel (Moore) Marsh. Reverend Mother or ‘Ms. P’ as she was so lovingly known, carried the passion of the word deep within her heart. Her true love was sharing her gifts of guidance and the Lord with her beloved St. Philips African Orthodox Church Community in which she had the pleasure of ministering since October 2015, after answering her call to faith, being ordained in 2015. She took over as Rector of St. Philip’s African Orthodox Church upon the retirement of her mentor, the late Archbishop (Patriarch) Vincent Waterman in 2016. Community Giving was the “blessing” Reverend Mother gave to the many community boards and agencies that she served over the past few years. Giving back is something she did without hesitation or remorse. Her love for fellowship and community action was something she was dedicated to until her passing. She was instrumental in starting a seniors activity program at St. Philips, served as a board member past and present on the Community United for Black Education, The African Nova Scotian Service Provider Network, Aids Coalition, Whitney Pier Outreach, Health Association of African Canadians – Provincial Liaison, Facilitator of Dialogue of Peaceful Change, Lay Leader Chronic Disease and Self Management Program, Champlin for the Whitney Pier Legion Branch 128, KAIROS and served as an ongoing community advocate and support. If Reverend Mother wasn’t sharing her wisdom with community organizations, local charities or government agencies through her African Heritage Month Talks she was developing health programs, and working on her next Christmas Concert, Easter Vigil or enjoying the young voices of her Sunday School group. Her words were contagious. Her life was lived with kindness, giving and in the loving spirit of the lord. “Church is not the building, it’s us the children of God. God loves us unconditionally let us love one another the same”. God Bless. Rev. Phyllis leaves behind her son, Tyrone, whom she loved dearly; his father, Gerald Moe; siblings, Gardner (Annabelle), Halifax, Mona, Halifax, Gordon, Ontario, Marlow, Preston, Willoughby Jr. (Collette), Dartmouth, Aletta (Allison), Preston, Regina (Manuel), Halifax, Claudia, Dartmouth, Sandra (Allan), Preston, Jaunita (Earnest), Preston, Virginia, Dartmouth and Darlene, Ontario; as well as a large extended family. Besides her parents, Phyllis was predeceased by Bill and Leah. As per her request, Phyllis has been cremated. Due to Covid, a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rev. Phyllis may to be made to St. Philips African Orthodox Church, Whitney Pier. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, home care and VON who looked after Phyllis in her time of need. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. Online condolences can be forwarded to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com.