Phyllis Delores Joseph, a beloved mother, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on March 4, 1936, to Frank and Theresa Wilkinson in Hollywood, Maryland. Phyllis leaves an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Phyllis spent 84 years in Hollywood, Maryland, where she created a home filled with laughter and love. She spent her final years at Asbury in Solomons MD. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1954 and after working in the family store for many years, she spent 20 years as a security officer.
In 1954, Phyllis married Johnny Joseph at St. John’s Church. Together, they embraced a life filled with precious memories, laughter and the joys of family. Phyllis found great happiness in simple pleasures of life such as playing cards, spending time at the beach, golfing, playing softball or cheering on the Washington Nationals.
Phyllis is survived by her sons, Mike (Adria-deceased) of Suffolk, VA and Joe (Beth) of Kitty Hawk, NC; daughters, Beth (Doug) Walton of Fairfax Station, VA and Margie (Steve) Gateau of Lusby, MD; 8 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Theresa Wilkinson; husband, John Joseph; son, Johnny Joseph; and siblings, Dot Barclift, Tookie Hayden, John Wilkinson and Frankie Sullivan.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM with Rev. Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Joe Walton, Joe Joseph, Anthony Walton and Alex Garrison.
In lieu of Flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary’s, Hollywood Rescue Squad or Solomons Rescue squad.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Services
Visitation: Monday, August 17, 2026 9:00 am - 11:00 am
St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church
43950 Saint Johns Road
Hollywood, MD 20636
Mass: Monday, August 17, 2026 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church
43950 Saint Johns Road
Hollywood, MD 20636
Interment: Monday, August 17, 2026 12:15 pm
St. John Francis Regis Catholic Cemetery
43950 Saint Johns Road
Hollywood, MD 20636






Aunt Phyllis will be greatly missed! We can take comfort knowing that she is now at Peace in Our Heavenly Fathers arms!
Beautiful Lady I remember her and Johnny working at Leonardton Supermarket They loved life and their family to the fullest.
What a Wonderful Lady Phyllis was for sure. Remember her and Johnny so well from The Leonardtown Supermarket. The Whole Family were such Great people. R.I.P. Lovely Lady.
Aunt Philly will be missed by all that loved her.
She was beautiful, kind,loving and always there for everyone
She will always be cherished by everyone who knew her.
She was a great Aunt, she never grew old, her heart was solid gold and she will never be forgotten.
Aunt Philly will be missed but she leaves us with so many fond and fun memories we can look back on. Rest in eternal peace with mom Aunt Philly.
Many fond memories of Mrs Joseph when we were growing up. She was my mom, Mary Ann Jarboe’s, maid of honor. Prayers for the family.
Prayers to the Joseph family. She will be missed. Jim and Mel Dumas
My condolences goes out to the Joseph family. Mrs. Joseph was such a sweet lady. So sad to hear the news of her passing. May she rest in peace.
Oh gosh, so sad to hear of Mrs. Joseph’s passing. She was a second mother to us Lynches growing up on Half Pone Point. My special memory is having her show me how she made yogurt the old-fashioned Lebanese way, as I was discovering all the new foods in college. She had such a laugh, was a wonderful icon of my youth. My heart goes out to all, but in particular my dear old friends Michael, Joe, Beth, Margie, and of course my sidekick John.
I am a cousin..one of many. Sorry for your loss…sorry St. Mary’s County has lost that smile…that personality. We ALL need more Phyllis in our lives.
We are so sorry to hear of Phyllis’s passing. She was my best friend in high school and we hung out a lot. We have so many good memories together. My children and her children were best friends at school at St John’s. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. Sending hugs and prayers for the family during this difficult time. Love, Mary Lou Bassford.
Joe, Beth, and family. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom . You will be in our prayers for comfort and healing in the days ahead.
I’m so sorry to hear the passing of Phyllis. She was such a fun loving person. I have so many fond memories her. We worked together in the Security Office for many years and shared so many great laughs together. Those who knew her will sincerely miss her. Sending much love and prayers.
I knew the Joseph family from the late “60s thru the 70s. John and I were close friends. I have so many great memories, golfing/snow skiing and much more. They always made me feel like I was a part of their family. Maybe the “kids” still remember me. Phyllis was always the glue, keeping things organized and running smoothly. I wanted them to come visit me in Hawaii but Phyllis would never get on a airplane. I am sad knowing she is no longer with us but rest assured, she will never be forgotten….. William (Bill) Lyon
I’m so sorry for your loss. Phyllis was an amazing lady. She was kind hearted and always had a smile on her face. I will always remember her and Johnny when they ran the store in Leonardtown and I would go there after school to get a penny candy treat and coke when my mom worked for Paul Bailey and Will Broms. Good times!! Keeping the entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all the family and friends. Mrs. Joseph became Phyllis to me over the years. I treasured the opportunities to be around her laughter and love of life. She is loved and will be so very missed!
Soo sorry we couldn’t be there with you today, Phyliss was a joy to be around, our prayers and thoughts are with you!
Kay Norris D’Esposito says….
To the family of Phyllis ,
I was so sorry to miss the service today. Phyllis was such a delight to see. She and Johnny were two of the wonderful people who made living and shopping in Leonardtown so nice. They never failed to smile and greet everyone with kindness. I know how much you will miss Phyllis but no doubt, you are so grateful that she was a part of your life. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Sincerely, Kay