Phyllis A. Doolittle

Phyllis Ann Fratesi Doolittle of Columbus, Mississippi, met her Lord and Savior at the age of 70, on Sunday, January 16, at 11:44 pm at Clay County Medical Center.

Phyllis, daughter of Phillip and Bonnie Fratesi, was born on August 30, 1951 in Indianola, Mississippi.  She was the youngest of 4 children and adored her parents and siblings (Brenda, Camellia, and “Bubba”).  She grew up attending First Baptist Church and graduated from Indianola High School in 1969.  She was proud to be a Mississippi “Delta girl” and Indianola gave roots to a lifelong treasure of friendships and the biggest, most fun-loving extended family you ever did see!  After high school, Phyllis moved to Jackson, Mississippi and attended Hinds Community College where she was a high-stepper.  It was there that she met Sterling Doolittle, the absolute love of her life.  They were married on January 10, 1971,  both at the age of 19.  On March 21, 1975, they welcomed their daughter into the world, Amanda Clare Doolittle.  She was, and remained, the absolute joy of her mother’s life.

It’s hard to describe Phyllis’ life without including Sterling.  They were an unbreakable team in all that they did. They loved serving others together and always had fun in the process.  Along with Sterling, Phyllis spent years helping with the youth at Calvary Baptist Church of Starkville, MS, and Immanuel Baptist Church of Columbus, MS.  They moved to the Mississippi Sherriff’s Boys Ranch in 1982 where they were houseparents to a group of boys that they grew to love as their own. Many friendships were made in these precious places. Phyllis was involved in many ministries through the years at First Baptist Church in Columbus, MS.  She always used her talents to minister to others as she was an amazing cook, decorator, organizer, and event planner.  These talents led her to owning 2 successful businesses.  Above all, she poured every ounce of energy she had into being a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and friend.

Throughout her adult life, Phyllis dealt with many physical struggles.  Her journey was difficult and her burden very heavy.  However, if you knew her, you knew that her trust was solid in her Savior. Strength is what He gave her.  Everything about her life pointed others to Jesus.  She was selfless, brave, kind, giving, determined and strong.  She was an encourager, adventurous, fun and lighthearted (like her mother) and punctual (just like her daddy).  As described by her dear friend, Janet Fred, Phyllis “fiercely” loved her family and friends.  Above all she loved her Savior.

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Sterling Doolittle, daughter Mandy Caston (Neil), granddaughter Madison Caston Wright (Zach), grandson Sterling Caston,  a son to Sterling and Phyllis, Clint Bell, granddaughter Erin Bell Taylor, grandson CJ Bell (Celeste), mother-in-law Joan Doolittle, sister Brenda Loveless (Al), sister Camelia Card, brother Phil Fratesi (Amy), brother-in-law David Doolittle, sister-in-law Debbie Boone (Don), five nieces, six nephews, and a multitude of treasured family and friends.  Phyllis was preceded in death by her loving father Phillip Fratesi, beloved mother Bonnie Fratesi, and father-in-law Earl Doolittle.

Phyllis’ celebration of life will be on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Columbus, Mississippi.  Visitation will be from 9am-11am.  Service begins at 11am.  Graveside will be held at Eupora Cemetery in Eupora, Mississippi, at 2pm.  Pastors, Shawn Parker and Kevin Cuthbertson will be officiating. Music will be led by Bobby and Judy Sanderson. Pallbearers are CJ Bell, Greg Caston, Tracy Caston, Phil McClellan, Jon Wilcox, and Donnie Wright.  Honorary Pallbearers are Ethan Boone, Silas Boone, Alan Doolittle, Jackson Fratesi, Bill McClellan, Khan McClellan, David Ikard, Lee Kracker, Darvin Fred, Herbert Caston, Bobby Douglas, Al Loveless, Phil Fratesi, Don Boone, and David Doolittle. Memorial Gunter Peel in Columbus will handle all arrangements.  The family would like to thank Craig Summerford, Funeral Director, and friend. Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.

The family would also like to express their gratitude to Phyllis’ healthcare team (both past and present), their First Baptist church family, and the army of prayer warriors who have faithfully stood with Phyllis and the family for many years. Please know that your prayers have been answered in countless ways, giving our precious “Meme” strength to live out her calling for the Lord. She certainly did it well and has received her ultimate healing and reward! Praise be to God.

One name sums up Phyllis’ life … Jesus.  Written in her beloved Bible, above II Corinthians 4:16-17, she wrote “Upon my death … this is what I live by daily”.

“That is why we never give up.  Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in The Lord is growing every day.  These troubles and suffering of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long.  Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessings upon us forever and ever.”  II Corinthians 4:16-17