Rev. Phillips Tribute Book

Rev. Jeannette J. Phillips

With love, from your Sun River Health Family.

I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired I don’t feel no ways tired, I’ve come too far from where I started from.

Nobody told me that the road would be easy, I don’t believe He brought me this far just to leave me.

I’ve been sick, I don’t believe, But God brought me, He brought me this far.

I’ve been in trouble, I don’t believe, But God brought me, He brought me this far.

I’ve been friendless, I don’t believe, But God brought me, He brought me this far.

I’ve been lonely, I don’t believe, But God brought me, He brought me this far.

Please don’t leave me, I don’t believe, Don’t leave me, Jesus – He brought me this far.

Don’t leave, I don’t believe, Don’t leave me, Lord – He brought me this far.

I don’t believe that God would bring me this far, I don’t believe that God would bring me this far just to leave me.

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Curtis Burrell

“This tremendous woman’s love, compassion, and grace were a blessing to us all for ninety beautiful years. She fed our spirits when we were down and provided joy and hope when we needed to be revitalized. With God’s help, we will continue on our journey with Jeannette as our guide.”

Anne Kauffman Nolon, MPH Sun River Health Chief Executive Officer

“I’ve been blessed to have loved, known, and worked with Jeannette for almost fifty years. Her commitment to the health center movement and caring for so many people fueled our board’s energy. Her life of service has been an inspiration to me, and her friendship has been a gift.”

Hon. Alan Steiner Sun River Health Board Chair

“G-d appears when you are least expecting it, pay attention – there is beauty all around us.

Thank you, Jeannette.”

Jim Sinkoff, MBA, CPA Sun River Health Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

“Rev. Phillips reached out to every person, and so she knew who was listening because she listened. Her words would find the heart of the matter and the heart of every person in the room, every time.

She spoke to our hearts no matter our background, our history, or what we might be facing that day. She spoke to our hearts and saw the best in us.”

Allison Dubois, MPH Sun River Health Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President

“The themes woven throughout so many stories about Rev. Jeannette Phillips remain constant – themes of great vision, compassion, caring, sharing, dedication, and spirituality.

She lived an extraordinary life, caring for all those around her. She never stopped giving of herself, even in her last moments on earth.”

Nancy Piper Jenks, MS, CFNP, MFTM RCPS, FAANP, Sun River Health GeoSentinel Site Director

“My condolences to the Phillips family.

Thinking of the big void that The Founding Mother The Reverend Jeannette J. Phillips will leave at Sun River Health and the community at large.”

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

Sonia Simpson, MD Site Medical Director Sun River Health Poughkeepsie

“The world has lost an incredible life.

You have our sincere condolences, our deepest sympathies, and our unending love from the Goshen site.”

Maria Solis Medical Assistant Sun River Health The Alamo

“I just want to send my condolences to the family and friends of Rev. Jeannette J. Phillips. May she rest in peace. You will always be remembered for your kind, loving words and dedication to Sun River Health.”

Paula Dosiak Medical Assistant Sun River Health Marilyn Shellabarger

“I met Mrs. Phillips when I joined the staff of Sun River Health in 2015.

A visionary leader, an articulate speaker, and a truly funny woman – I was awed. Mrs. Phillips and our other Founding Mothers changed Peekskill forever, and then proceeded to change so many other communities as a result of their dedication to the mission of accessible, affordable health care.”

Amanda Moody, MPH, CPBA Sun River Health Vice President of Project Management

“The Rev. Mrs. Phillips lived a truly remarkable life and impacted countless lives along the way, including mine. It was the example she led every single day, up until her last, that is the ultimate walk of a leader.”

Emily Fetterhoff Sun River Health Director of Communications & Planning

“Every moment with Rev. Phillips felt important, because you never knew when she would say something else you would always remember.”

Todd Dorman Sun River Health Chief of Communications

“There are no words that can express the gratitude I have for having been in close contact with Rev. Phillips. She was always a beacon of positivity and strength! She will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. I take comfort in knowing that God has one of His best soldiers closer to him!”

Jeaneé Tyndal Sun River Health Manager of Real Estate and Development

“I always remember that every time I saw her, she would always stop me and say thank you for taking such good care of the patients and always putting them first. She was a remarkable woman, and I will miss seeing her smiling face and kind works.

This is a very big loss for me and the entire company. She will be greatly missed.”

Phyllis Smith Prenatal Care Manager Sun River Health Beacon

“This picture was created by our Genesis patients years ago. It was framed and presented to our very own Rev. Jeannette J. Phillips by the patients at a Genesis conference in Newburgh. Her love for the Genesis Department and patients continued to stand out, as you can see by the warmth of these words.

“Mama Phillips always attended our Genesis events and did what she always did best by starting our programs off in a word of prayer and words of encouragement to our HIV positive patients to never give up!”

Karen Grey Prevention Coordinator Sun River Health Jeannette J. Phillips

“Your memory will live on forever, in all the lives you touched. With your kindness and love, your strength and happiness, you became part of such a big community, helping others who needed it most. It is a sad day for Sun River Health. Heaven gained another angel, and we will all remember you.

Rest in peace, Rev. Jeannette J. Phillips.”

Stephanie Rivera Sun River Health Patient Care Advisor

“I have a quick story of my first encounter with Rev. Mother Phillips. When I went to my new hire orientation in July 2015, I was prepared to hear about medical benefits and a quick company history. What I was not expecting was being moved to tears by hearing the story of how the company I was working for was founded. I was so impressed and moved by the fact that one of the

Founding Mothers took the time out of her day to meet our small group in-person to talk about our company and what it meant to her for us to be part of this family. She explained our mission statement and told us that it was written on the back of our ID badge. She told us that when we wear our IDs to remember that the mission statement would be close to our hearts. I remember leaving orientation feeling proud to have been chosen to be part of such a wonderful company. I will always remember Rev. Mother Phillips and hold her close to my heart.”

Eneida Sierra Sun River Health Executive Assistant

“My deepest sympathy for her family and the members of her community, I have to confess, being around her always made me feel welcome and with a big sense of belonging. She always had a kind word and good advice. She will be missed.”

Cristina Cedeno, Patient Navigator Sun River Health Dover Plains

“It is very sad, the news about her passing.

I had the opportunity of meeting her in person back in April 2023. She was very sweet and seemed to be happy for being at the Planetree event with us. My heart is certainly broken.”

Grecia Mena, Patient Navigator Sun River Health New Paltz

“I wish to send my condolences to Mrs. Phillips’ family. I cannot express what I am feeling at this time. Her caring ways I will always remember forever. May the gates of heaven open to receive her, and may she be gone but not forgotten.

Until we meet again.”

Romi Domoulin, Patient Navigator Sun River Health Beacon

“Absolutely the best day of my ten years at Sun River Health was the day Rev. Mrs. Phillips presented me with my Planetree award! Her dynamic personality and dazzling smile will be missed by the entire organization.”

Deborah Ortiz Senior Patient Representative Sun River Health Poughkeepsie

“You will be missed. Thankful for all your hard work and dedication. Rest in eternal peace.”

Tonia Whitted Patient Representative Sun River Health Poughkeepsie

“I worked for Sun River Health in the early years; Hudson River Healthcare, and even back when our name was Peekskill Area Health Center. Mrs. Philips taught me so many life lessons too, way too many to mention, but ones that hold me together to this day.”

Cindy Clark former Sun River Health employee

“As a 15-year-old Echo student, I got to work with Reverend Phillips for the whole summer. Rev. Phillips embodied dedication, not to herself, but to her family, friends, community, and, most importantly, to God. Her love and kindness were known by everyone.”

Tyler Salvato Former Sun River Health Echo student

“Reverend Phillips led a life marked by hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the Peekskill community. Her light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts and minds of all who were so fortunate to know her.”

Kathy Hochul Governor of New York

“Jeannette’s contributions to the state of health care in New York will be felt for generations.”

Kirsten Gillibrand United States Senator

“From her advocacy for community health care, to her devotion to her faith ministry, Reverend Phillips was driven to serve her community in any way she could.”

Letitia James New York State Attorney General

“Rev. Jeannette was not just a leader within our community, but a beacon of light and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she may no longer be with us in person, her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the positive changes she brought about in our community.”

Congressman Michael V. Lawler

“Rev. Phillips has been in my life since I was a little girl. Up until the Monday before she passed, she has always whispered in my ear, she has always led me in the right direction, and she has led this community. If there is nothing else said today, her work speaks for her.”

Vivian C. McKenzie Mayor of the City of Peekskill

“I often refer to Rev. Phillips as Mother Phillips. She was Mother Phillips to all the churches, the clergy, the networks, the businesses, the government. Was she not the Mother of the community?”

Rev. James Perry Pastor, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Peekskill, NY

“Rev. Phillips took her flight talking to God on behalf of others. What a way to go – caring for other people.

May we live the way she passed.”

Rev. Gary L. Colter, Pastor Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Peekskill, NY

“The Rev. Jeannette Phillips was a faithful, dedicated member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Through her own personal ministry of kindness and humor, she uplifted one and all. Her love for the New York Conference, and, more importantly, her love for the church was shown through her loyalty and willingness to share with others.”

Rev. Milton Stubbs New York Conference A.M.E. Zion Church

“Rev. Jeannette Phillips was a person who was filled with joy despite all the circumstances she had to deal with. If you sat down and had a conversation with her, you would be a different person by the time that conversation was over. She stood her ground as a preacher and was not ashamed of the Gospel. Let’s continue, my brothers and sisters, to carry on the legacy she left behind.”

Presiding Elder Isidor Branch,Sr. A.M.E. Zion Westchester District

“As past President of the Peekskill Area Pastor’s Association, I had the opportunity to work with Rev. Phillips for about eight years.

Rev. Phillips chose to live an extraordinary life. She served with a spirit of excellence, a spirit of faith, and a spirit of resilience. We celebrate the life of a Queen Mother today.”

Rev. Stephany Graham, Pastor Hanover Presbyterian Church Wilmington, DE

“I don’t have much to say today because the eulogy has already been preached. To speak to Rev. Jeannette Phillips’ life, all I have to do is look out at everybody here. Countless people I’ve spoken to this past week have said, ‘She got me my first job. I worked at the health center for her.’ Do you see what kind of blessing she has been, to where she opened up opportunities for people who may not have had another? That’s who she was.”

Rev. Robert A. Kilpatrick II, Pastor Park Street A.M.E. Zion Church Peekskill, NY