Phyllis M. Green

September 20, 1949 — May 17, 2025

Mount Vernon

Phyllis Merita Green was born on September 20, 1949, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late James and Lorraine Hicks. As the eldest of six children, Phyllis naturally stepped into a role of strength, guidance, and leadership—qualities that would shape the rest of her life and leave a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

After graduating from Bensalem High School, Phyllis pursued higher education at the esteemed Howard University, laying the foundation for a life defined by determination, grace, and purpose. During a visit to New York, she was introduced—through a cousin—to the man who would become the love of her life, Lymas “Butch” Green Jr. That chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Together, they built a warm and loving home in the Bronx, NY, where they raised their two beloved children, Tracy and Lymas III (“Butchie”).

Phyllis was deeply committed to her role as a mother. She poured her heart and soul into raising her children, grounding them in love, wisdom, and unwavering support. Yet even while devoting herself to her family, Phyllis built an extraordinary career in the banking industry. With resilience and professionalism, she rose through the ranks to become Assistant Branch Manager at Freedom National Bank—the first and largest Black-owned bank in Harlem, NY—where she left a lasting mark as a leader of excellence and integrity. She continued her professional ascent at other financial institutions, ultimately retiring as Vice President of North Fork Bank.

Phyllis was a woman of many facets—an extraordinary mother, sister, grandmother, friend, and mentor. She had an innate sense of responsibility, always ensuring that the right thing was done and that everyone around her was cared for. She never missed a birthday or a special occasion, and she had a rare ability to make people feel seen and remembered. Her presence was steady, her heart generous, and her standards high.

She will also be remembered for her effortless style and glamorous spirit and “getting an outfit” for every and any occasion. Fiercely independent, Phyllis had a deep appreciation for Black excellence, the finer things in life, education, and, above all, time spent with family. In her later years, she discovered a newfound love for travel—embracing new places, experiences, and the joy of adventure with the same curiosity and elegance that defined her life. She was the reigning “Jeopardy!” queen, and an avid New York Times crossword puzzler—done in pen, not pencil. A testament to her confidence, intellect, and unwavering commitment to whatever she set her mind to.

Phyllis Green’s legacy is one of resilience, elegance, love, and empowerment. She lived with purpose, led with compassion, and inspired everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Green-Murray (Rodney); her son, Lymas L. Green III (Jamila); and her cherished granddaughter and namesake, Phyllis Green. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Hicks-Lynch; her brothers, Steven Hicks (Laura) and Douglas Hicks (Joyce); her special nonagenarian aunt, Catherine Pugh (Aunt Kitty); and her best friend since seventh grade, Leslie Fletcher.She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is loved deeply and will be missed profoundly by her entire family and all who had the honor of being part of her life.

A celebration of Phyllis’s life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home, located at 64 Lincoln Ave., Pelham, NY, on Friday, May 23, 2025, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, located at 50 Jackson Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706.

 For more information or to leave a condolence, please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.