Prelude
Processional
Prayer of Comfort
Scripture Reading
Musical Selection
Pastoral Remarks
Words from Family and Friends
Acknowledgments
The Life and Legacy of Wayne Phillips
Musical Selection
Eulogy
Final Viewing
Recessional
Wayne Phillips
A Brooklyn native through and through, Wayne lived all across the borough, moving from East New York to Bedford-Stuyvesant to Crown Heights and later in life to Flatbush to Kensington and to Canarsie. Wayne spent his early childhood days with his mother, Bernice Phillips, his late grandmother Jessie Phillips (whom he affectionately called “Mommy”), his younger sisters, Alisa Phillips and Mona Phillips, and a host of aunts and uncles, including his uncle, Derek Phillips, whom he called his brother and one of his best friends.
Wayne attended Boys and Girls High School in the early 1980’s during which time he worked as an intern at Chubb & Son Insurance Company. As fate would have it, one day while working in the mailroom during his internship, a fellow co-worker joked that Wayne looked, behaved, and spoke exactly like his brother-in-law, and persuaded Wayne to meet him. Reluctantly, Wayne agreed to meet his co-worker’s brother-in-law and his life was forever changed, as that was the day that Wayne met his father, Lanny “Marty” Dillard.
Wayne Phillips was born on June 5, 1964, in New York City.
Marty introduced Wayne to his late brother
turned best friend, Lanny Dillard, his late sister Monique Dillard, and his sister Dorene Fagan. Though they met later in life, their bond was inseparable, and Wayne instantly gained a new, loving family.
and would have been celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary in August of 2023.
Wayne graduated high school in 1983 and met the love of his life, Wanda, in 1984. What was an immediate infatuation and admiration turned into a lifetime of love.
Wayne and Wanda were later engaged in 1986 and wedded in August of 1988. Wayne and Wanda renewed their vows in August of 2013
Through their blissful marriage, they welcomed their daughter, Imani, who was the light of Wayne’s life and whom he raised with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering support.
Wayne embarked on a successful career with Con Edison, where he worked for 32 years until his retirement in 2021. Wayne was also a proud brother of the Masons. He was a member of Antioch Lodge #66 F&AM (Prince Hall Affiliated) for over 5 years, being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 2017. He was appointed to Senior Steward
of Antioch Lodge #66 in 2018, Senior Deacon in 2019, and Junior Master of Ceremonies in 2020.
in-love, Qadir Forbes; and granddaughter, Iva Forbes.
Wayne is also survived by his mother, Bernice Phillips (Allen Love); mother-in-law, Shirley Ann Lyde; father-in-law, Charles Lyde (Mamie Lyde); his siblings, Mona Lawrence, Alisa Phillips, and Dorene Fagan (William “Ouie” Fagan), his uncle whom he referred to as his brother and one of his best friends, Derek Phillips (Maria Phillips), and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, god-children, cousins, and loyal friends.
Throughout his life, Wayne was a pillar of strength and a constant source of inspiration to those around him. He was known for his kind heart and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Wayne was also known for “keeping it real” and would often share his famous words of wisdom “straight talk, straight understanding.” Wayne was an avid storyteller and he had a passion for reading and history, which he enjoyed pursuing in his free time. Wayne also loved exploring the latest tech gadgets and gizmos and would always bring home something new and unique to share with his family. For a man of few words, Wayne spoke volumes, providing wisdom and guidance to many. Although Wayne only had vision in one eye, a fact not known to many, he never lost sight of the important things in life. Wayne led a purposeful life and was a devoted husband, dedicated father, loving son, cherished uncle to his nieces and nephews, and loyal friend to many.
Wayne leaves to continue his legacy, his wife, Wanda Phillips; daughter, Imani Forbes; son-
Wayne was predeceased by his father, Lanny “Marty” Dillard; brother, Lanny Dillard; and sister, Monique Dillard.
Wayne’s passing is a significant loss to all who knew him. His memory will be deeply cherished and his legacy will live on forever.
In Wayne’s words, “thank you for coming, goodnight and God bless.”
“I feel blessed because I had a son like Wayne. He was a wonderful person, a wonderful father, a wonderful brother, a dedicated husband, and a wonderful son. He was wise, supportive, and protective of his family. We became so close, and he became one of my best friends and a confidant."
“TO MY MAIN MAN, the friendship, brotherhood and family bond we shared was REAL EASY! No. 1 We both came from strong roots. No. 2 We always put family first. No. 3 We both were attracted to THE GAME / THE STREET LIFE. Wayne A.K.A Uncle Weezie, had a way of making everyone he encountered FEEL SPECIAL. The memories and our conversations will always be remembered. He once told me ‘Don’t ever be afraid of dying, be afraid of not living.’ Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.”
“So Amazing was the song that played on his wedding day to the love of his life, Wanda. The first verse of the song describes their life together — ‘love has truly been good to me, not even one sad day or minute have I had since you’ve come my way.’ Almost 35 years later and still ‘so amazing.’ Wayne was a role model, he was honorable, and strong. Wayne had a sense of purpose, and he took responsibility without being asked. He is the epitome of integrity, guarded by an immaculate moral compass.”
My entire life you’ve been my source of peace and comfort so I want to take this opportunity to be that consolation for you. I want you to know that you can rest peacefully. Despite the deep pain and sadness that I will forever feel, you’ve well prepared me for this moment. You raised me to be a soldier and I understand the assignment. I’ll be okay, I’ll make sure that Mommy is okay, and together, we’ll make sure that Iva is great. She’s going to be tired of me talking about her grandfather all of the time, but it’s important that she understand that she is the legacy of the greatest man I’ve ever known.
There are a few things that bring me strength and comfort during this time.
The first is that even in your physical absence, you remain my guiding light. You had a doctorate degree from the School of Life and your wisdom knew no bounds. From identifying the red flags in all of the boys that I crushed on in high school to helping guide me through my career, marriage, and preparation for motherhood, there is nothing on which you didn’t advise me. I’ve already coined the phrase “What Would Wayne Do?” and as I continue to navigate this journey called life, I will forever lean on your guidance.
The second is that I have no regrets. Often when people pass, those who know and love them begin to think “I wish I had called more” or “I wish I told him I loved him more.” I have no such wishes. We never missed a conversation. You’re the only person I could talk to for hours about everything and nothing. We never held back an “I love you.” Not just in words, but in action. As a kid, you tucked me into bed every night and told me the story of Esmeralda countless times. As a grown, married, woman, you continued to spoil me endlessly, bringing me my favorite meal just because it was Tuesday or driving me to the Bronx and sitting in the car for hours while I got my hair braided, because you didn’t want me to drive alone. You poured everything that you had into me and I made it my mission in life to one day return the favor. I feel peace knowing that you have no doubt that I loved you beyond measure.
The third is that you lived. You loved. You danced. You didn’t fear death. You had an admirable appreciation for life. You were content. You were deeply grateful for the abundance in your life. You left this earth a happy man.
Finally, during one of our many random conversations we talked about the concept of love. You told me that there’s the love that you have for a partner, like the endless love that you have for Mommy, but there are also people in your life whom you may be fortunate to develop an inexplicable platonic connection with. You told me there were three people in your life with whom you felt you shared that special love —your grandmother, Mommy, your brother, Lanny, and me, your forever baby girl turned dear friend. I pray that you’re reunited with Mommy and Lanny.
I love you forever.
Until we meet again,
P.S. Long live Biggie and Wayne
#WPhillips #Blacklove
“It’s so amazing to be loved” Love,
