Phyllis Thompson Hyatt

Mrs. Phyllis Thompson Hyatt was born February 10, 1943 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She was the youngest of two children born to the late Willette Anthony Thompson and John Thompson, Jr. She departed this life at Levine and Dickerson Hospice House at Southminster in Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Phyllis was educated in the Rock Hill public school system. She was a proud graduate of “The Emmett Scott High School” Class of 1960. Phyllis went on to further her education at Friendship Jr. College where she earned her Associate’s Degree. After graduating, she went on to Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, where she received her Bachelor of Education Degree.

Mama was an educator in the Rock Hill School District No. three, serving York, Gaston, and Lancaster County schools for many years.

After leaving the teaching profession, she embarked on a career at M Lowenstein & Sons/Springs Mills as a communications specialist until her retirement. Growing up, Phyllis was a member of New Mount Olivet AME Zion Church. After several years, Phyllis joined Foundation AME Zion Church to be with her husband James where she served as a Deaconess and Life Matron member of The Women's Home & Overseas Missionary Society (WHOMS). Mama was married to the love of her life James William Hyatt and they were inseparable for 61 glorious years; they were never apart. Nothing could separate them but death. When you saw one, you would see the other. That's why we call them King James and Queen Phyllis (The old Testament version).

She was a giver and the family go-to person. She would always allow friends and family members or anyone she could help to stay in their home, as well as help them financially or whatever she could do to help to make their lives easier. This was our Mother. Phyllis took pride in being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Rock Hill Alumni Chapter where she was very active until her health would no longer allow her to be involved. Phyllis was a member of Living Beauty Temple #709 Daughter of Elk and it does not stop there. Phyllis was a life long Civil Rights Champion as a member of the Rock Hill “City Girls” where she contributed in moving The Rock Hill Civil Rights movement forward during the 1960’s through peaceful protests with the Friendship Nine.

Along with being preceded in death by her parents, she is also preceded in death by her brother, Mr. John, W Thompson (JW). She leaves to cherish her loving, precious memories, daughters, Mrs. Vangela Witherspoon (Wade), Mrs. Angela T Caldwell (Chris - deceased), Mrs. Carol Roseboro (Darrell), and a special niece, Mrs. Angela Smith. Two first cousins who were like her sisters, Mrs. Elsie White Springs and Mrs. Cornetta Wilmore. Six sister-in-law‘s, Mrs. Judy Thompson, Mrs. Louise Frank, Mrs. Nell Frank, Mrs. Evelyn Hyatt, Mrs. Joyce Talford (Dorian), and Mrs. Evelyn Robinson (Gary). Grandchildren, Mrs. Christian D. Bennett (Alfred), Mr. Emanuel C. Freeman, Ms. Christal A.Caldwell, Mr. Gervase L. Caldwell (Yolanda), Mr. Earl Campbell Jr., Mr. Rupert Campbell, and Ms. Carlissa Mundale. Mama leaves seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear relatives.