​Sister Phyllis Crudup Bryant, 79, of 1140 Meadow Sage Lane, went to be with her Savior on January 5, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Herbert Crudup and Vannie Henrietta McCoy. She was the third of 10 children, and was predeceased by her sister, Susan Crudup. Her siblings include Herbert Marshall Crudup (Neptune, NJ), Connie Whitfield (Chesapeake, VA), Karl Crudup (Beverly, Neptune, NJ), Rita Armstrong (Howard, San Antonio, TX), Charlotte Crudup (Chesapeake, VA), Janet Lovick (San Antonio, TX), Andrew Crudup (Theresa, Chesapeake, VA) and Van Richard Crudup (Chesapeake, VA).

​Sister Phyllis grew up in the South Hill neighborhood of Chesapeake, Virginia and was a lifelong member of New Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church.  She served as steward under Rev. James Johnson, and would work within the church as a lay minister, in the Senior Choir, in Sunday School, Chaplain of the Women’s Missionary Society and Pastor’s Aid.

​Sister Phyllis had a love for education from a young age and went on to graduate George Washington Carver High School as valedictorian in 1960. She went on to graduate cum laude from Virginia State College (Norfolk Division) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education in 1964. While an undergraduate, Sister Phyllis pledged the Epsilon Theta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in 1963. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Mass Communications from Norfolk State University in 1976. She had further studies at Old Dominion University and the College of William and Mary, and earned certifications in grantsmanship, planned giving, donor relations, direct giving and marketing. Other honors earned by Sister Phyllis included induction into Golden Key International Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta International Honor Society and Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

​Sister Phyllis spent most of her professional career in education, serving as an English teacher at Booker T. Washington High School, Lake Taylor High School, Floyd E. Kellam High School and Norfolk State University. She also spent several years as the owner and manager of Algier’s Restaurant and Lounge.

​ Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was her loving role as a mother to 3 sons – Anderson Lee Benson Jr. (Linda-Little Rock, AR), Charles Pendelton Bryant, III (Arlington, TX), and Herbert Barco Bryant (Virginia Beach, VA). She was also the beloved grandmother of Alexis Julianna Bryant (23), Charles Pendelton Bryant, IV (17) and William Solomon Bryant (11). She leaves a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Her love for education and knowledge has manifested itself in several degrees and certifications being earned by her children, grandchildrenand extended family.

​Sister Phyllis retired from the Division of University Advancement at Norfolk State University in 2008. She was very proud of her contributions to the Crudup family college of choice – her beloved Norfolk State University. Her work to help create the Norfolk State University Retirees Association (NSURA) and help its growth was a testament to her love for education and knowledge.

​Sister Phyllis loved the Lord, and her Christian journey was aided by a special connection with and guidance from Reverend Christian Joseph Savage in her later years at New Mt Olive A.M.E. Church. He affectionately referred to her as “Mama Phyllis” and was a great comfort to her in her last few years. Her favorite scripture was Philippians 3:12-14, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” To her children, she was Ma, Mama or Mommy, and the most supportive and loving person we ever knew. Her presence will always be felt, but she will be missed immeasurably.