Phyllis Elsa Greaves

Phyllis Elsa Greaves (Orford), 107 years young of Ocala, Florida passed away peacefully with her nephew Bruce at her side on October 6th, 2025. Phyllis was born on November 17th, 1917, in British Guiana (now Guyana), South America to Herman Edgar and Helena Josephine Orford. She was the second of four siblings, Irma, Leyland and Yvonne (Barney), who preceded her. Her Aunt Stella, sister of Helena, who lived in Ontario, Canada and with whom she was very close, passed on May 30th, 2013 at the age of 104 years young. Aunt Elsa’s former years after graduation from Saint Joseph High School and attending business school in Georgetown, British Guiana, lived in Mackenzie, British Guiana, with her parents, where she met her husband Hyaline Greaves, when they both were employed by the Demerara Bauxite Company in that city. Hyaline took her hand in marriage on January 9th, 1946. Her husband of 61 years passed away on March 27th, 2007. One of Aunt Elsa’s community services was being a Cub Scout mistress in MacKenzie, when she met Lady Olave St Clair Baden-Powell GBE, the first Chief Guide of England in the 1960s, when she visited British Guiana. Auntie Elsa met Queen Elizabeth II, while she also visited British Guiana in the 1960s. In her latter years, Phyllis and Hyaline, who was an Electrical Engineer, migrated to the USA in the 1970s and eventually took up residence in Ocala, FL in 1989. Phyllis was always eager to learn. She and Hyaline, along with Barney and Leyland took computer classes at Ocala Community College Center. Aunt Elsa was born a Roman Catholic and a devoted one, who went to church on a regular basis, and said the rosary three times a day. She was a Homemaker for most of her life. She was known for her generosity; she gave to a number of charities including Unity and St. Jude’s. She was also known for her fashionable appearance and the amazing stories about the enjoyable life, that she shared with Uncle Hyaline, which included travelling to several countries and taking cruises around the world on vacation. She also enjoyed a life-long passion for gourmet cooking, gardening, shopping, and decorating for the Christmas holidays. Family gatherings will always be remembered, especially when she served her favourite and delicious roasted lamb, fresh salads and spectacular desserts. Aunt Elsa was a phenomenal person, and she aged with grace. She was sharp as a tack with a great sense of humor. She never liked her age to be disclosed, even though she was reminded repeatedly by her relatives and friends that she should be proud of her age. Phyllis is survived by nephews and nieces, Michael Ashley, Orin Ashley, Howard Ashley, Shaun Ashley, Christian Ashley, Mariam Ashley, Yvette Isaacs, Garth Isaacs, Bruce Orford, Roger Orford, Lesley Orford-Boyd, Mark Orford, Bryan Orford, Richard Vanwest-Charles, Laura Charles-Blackman, Jackie Charles-Franklin, Wendy Charles-Blackman, Keith Charles, Dolly Canterbury, Dawn Canterbury, Vickie Canterbury, Orin Canterbury and Roger Canterbury. She is also survived by great and great great nephews and nieces, and lots of friends. Nephews, John Charles Ashley, Albert Isaacs, and great niece, Rashida Orford preceded her. Phyllis will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in eternal peace. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Unity and/or St. Jude’s in honor of Phyllis Greaves.

Phyllis Elsa Greaves

November 17, 1917 - October 7, 2025