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Phillis Jean Nelson was born on April 17, 1954, to Burnie and Rejean Ragsdale Nelson, in Brunswick County, Virginia.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the St. Matthew’s Baptist Church and remained a faithful member until her health began to fail. Phillis received her education in the Lunenburg County Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1972. After graduating, Phillis moved to the District of Columbia and began her work life. Phillis met and married Ronald Chatman on August 9, 1974.

Phillis moved back to Kenbridge a few years later and became the first black teller at Central Fidelity Bank. She loved people and worked as a caregiver to many. Phillis was an avid reader. She was a woman of great intelligence. Music gave her joy and this joy was passed to her three children, Tracy, Michelle and Enel.

During the afternoon of May 26, 2020, Phillis Jean Nelson Chatman, went home to be with the Lord.

Phillis was preceded in death by her parents, Burnie and Rejean Nelson, her grandparents, Sidney and Laura Ragsdale and Mrs. Daisy Nelson.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Tracy C. Laester (Brendon) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Michelle Mosby of Fort Washington, MD; a son, Enel Nerestant, III of Kenbridge, VA; her grandchildren, Tristyn, Alexa, Bakare, Amirah, Josiah and Jonah. Three sisters, Barbara Shell (Cecil) of Kenbridge, VA, Ramona N. Allen of Laurel, MD and Laura Yvette Terrell (Anthony) of Clinton, MD; four brothers, James H. Nelson (Jacqueline) of Washington, DC, George C. Nelson, Kenbridge, VA, Eric B. Nelson (Hope) of South Hill, VA, and Larry J. Nelson of Kenbridge, VA. Two uncles, Sterling Ragsdale (Constance) of Washington, DC, and Edward Wilson, Kenbridge, VA, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Graveside services were held Sunday, May 31, 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Kenbridge, VA with the Rev. Kevin A. Robinson, pastor.

S.P. Jones and Son Funeral Home served the family.