In Loving Memory of Charkay Marie (Phillips) Suiters
July 31, 1958 – August 2, 2026
Charkay Marie (Phillips) Suiters, 68, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on August 2, 2026, leaving cherished memories with her family, friends, and the New Port Richey community she loved. Her life was marked by her hard work, faith, compassion, and dedicated service to others.
Born on July 31, 1958, in Sarasota, Florida, Charkay was the beloved daughter of Roy William Phillips, Sr. and Ernestine “Penny” (Gay) Mott. A lifelong resident of New Port Richey, she was deeply connected to the community and remained active in the causes and organizations closest to her heart.
Charkay married Christopher Joseph Suiters on February 15, 1996, in Avon Park, Florida, and together they were blessed with two sons, Caleb Christopher and Cameron Edward Suiters. Christopher went to be with the Lord on July 6, 2013.
A 1976, graduate from Gulf High School and began her career in the banking industry. In 1978, she attended Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, where she completed her associates degree. After returning to the New Port Richey area, she continued working in banking before becoming an assistant with Tropical Realty (Prudential Tropical Realty). She later devoted her career to nonprofit service, working for the American Cancer Society, Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, West Pasco Habitat for Humanity and then The Children’s Home. While at the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, she was instrumental in helping make the annual Chasco Fiesta King and Queen Coronation Ball a tremendous success. During the final nine years before her unexpected passing, she worked for Florida Cancer Specialist as a patient services specialist, where she compassionately supported patients fighting cancer.
She is survived by her sons, Caleb Suiters and Cameron Suiters, both of New Port Richey, Florida; her brothers, Roy W. “Bill” Phillips, Jr. (Joy) and other brother Bill Phillips (Patti); Bobby Suiters, Donny Suiters (Riza), Johnny Suiters, Mark Suiters, Vicky Suiters Breto (Estelio), Ted Suiters (Denise), Terry Suiters (Kelli), and David Suiters; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Christopher Suiters; her father, Roy William Phillips, Sr.; her mother, Ernestine “Penny” Mott; and her stepfather, Edward Mott.
Those who knew Charkay will remember her bright light and a loving friend. She had the gift of making others feel welcome, and she never met anyone who was not simply a friend she had yet to know.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered, and her family takes comfort in knowing she has joined Christopher in heaven.
St. Joseph Hall
St. James the Apostle Catholic Church
Phi Delta Kappa Banquet Center
Caleb Suiters
August 6, 2026, 3:41 pm
You were the best mother a son could ask for. Cameron and I could always count on your unconditional love and support. We miss you and Dad deeply, but because of the wonderful way you raised us, your memory will always live on through us. I love you mama!
Lisa Spiller
August 6, 2026, 4:58 pm
The world has lost an incredible life. Her beautiful smile ,soul , and her spirit will leave a hole in our hearts. Charkay you have left too soon .You will always be loved and never forgotten .RIP my friend. XOXO .Cameron and Caleb you were blessed to have such an amazing person to call your Mother , My thoughts are with you during these times of sorrow .Lisa Spiller
Kristi Theurer
August 6, 2026, 6:20 pm
You were a shining light in our community, always involved in helping others. Your many years as a member of Junior Service League are a testament to that. I am so fortunate that we got to spend time together with our monthly Supper Club. You were an angel on earth, and I know you are amongst the angels in heaven. Until we meet again, fly high, my friend! 💕 Kristi
Pat Ashworth
August 6, 2026, 6:42 pm
Charkay you will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to know you and be your friend. Nobody but you will understand what I say now. “Phil” will be there welcoming you to heaven, I love you
Pat ashworth
Lori Mai
August 6, 2026, 6:59 pm
We were neighbor’s to the Suiter’s for many years, (watching our children grow up to be young adults now),breaks my heart to hear of Charkay’s passing, she was a beautiful soul, and we will miss seeing you downtown on the weekends, being the social butterfly you were, we will all miss you dearly, RIP Charkay, Our Condolence’s to the family.
Pete and Wanda Detlefsen
August 6, 2026, 8:50 pm
Charkay, you were a bright light for your friends, your teachers and everyone else that knew you. To your family Pete and I wish for you to honor her memory by “doing good works.”
Ven Rodriguez
August 6, 2026, 8:58 pm
With deepest sympathy,
I am truly saddened and shocked by the loss of such a wonderful coworker. Charkay brought kindness, compassion, and warmth to everyone around her, and it was a privilege to know and work with Charkay. Her beautiful spirit will always be remembered, and she will be deeply missed.
To Cameron and Caleb, my heart goes out to you during this incredibly difficult time. May you find comfort in the love of family and friends, strength in the cherished memories of your mom, and peace in knowing how deeply she was loved and admired. But most importantly how much she loved and adored both her sons.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you comfort, peace, and strength in the days ahead.
Love,
Ven Rodriguez
Bev and Hank Coleman
August 6, 2026, 9:20 pm
Charkay was kind and sweet and always smiling. She loved life and especially her sons…Caleb and Cameron. She will continue to live on in so many hearts and great memories shared with all who knew and loved her. You are all on our mind, in our hearts and in our prayers. Rest in Peace Charkay.
Gigi D. Evans
August 6, 2026, 10:18 pm
Charkay, you have a kind heart and will be so missed in our loving community. Prayers are for your family and all of us who called you friend. ggd
Craig Engle
August 7, 2026, 2:37 am
I would like extend my sincere condolences to the family, Charkay was a beautiful and kind lady, she will deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Rest in peace my friend.
Deborah Storck
August 7, 2026, 2:45 am
“I am stunned and saddened by the loss of my dear friend Charkay. She had a heart of gold, and her kindness and cheerful demeanor were always the highlight of my day when we’d spend time together. Her friendly smile, lighthearted conversation, and loving friendship were a blessing to me, and I’m sure to many others whose lives she touched. Charkay will be missed until we meet again in heaven. May the beautiful memories of Charkay bring her family comfort during this difficult time.”
Adam Shoemaker
August 7, 2026, 11:55 am
Our community has lost another angel, thank you for all you have done over the years. May your family hold tight to all the memories they hold! Peace and blessings to your entire family.
Adam Shoemaker
Michael Dauphin
August 7, 2026, 3:03 pm
What a great lady, we meet in elementary school and she was such a kind person and was a friend. She will be missed by anyone who met her . RIP sharky as we use to call her in school. She was a great friend. You had so much more to do and taken way too early.
Kurt J. Conover
August 7, 2026, 7:04 pm
I’ve known Charkay for decades… she always had a cheerful smile whenever I saw her and was always a such a pleasure to talk with. Her presence in our community will be missed.
Prayers of healing & peace for her boys, brother Billy, her many close friends.
Losing our loved ones is the most challenging part of life.
RIP Charkay.
W Wayne Bostic
August 7, 2026, 11:49 pm
I knew Charkay though her brother Bill, Jr and a sporting clay charity event she handled flawlessly with the West Pasco Habitat many years ago.
She was a delightful lady, upon meeting her the first time, you would thought, she was an old friend.
My condolences & prayers to her family, especially Bill, Jr who always spoke so highly & often of her.
Diane Smith
August 10, 2026, 12:29 pm
It’s unbelievably hard to believe you are not here. That I won’t run into you downtown. How crazy is this!!!! To Caleb and Cameron I’m so sorry for your loss. The memories you’ve made will be comfort and peace for you as time goes by. To Bill & Joy and the Suiter family my condolences. It’s tough to loose a loved one, but take comfort in that she was loved by so many.
Diane “Smitty” Smith
Julie Arnette
August 11, 2026, 4:18 pm
Charkay, we met in 1973 when I moved to NPR, and from that moment on, we were inseparable. You were my dearest and most beautiful friend. You always had that special light within you—a warmth and radiance that made you so unforgettable. I see that same beautiful light and special shine in your wonderful sons, and it brings me comfort knowing that a part of you lives on through them.
I love you, Chark, and I miss you more than words can say.
Cheri Grey
August 12, 2026, 5:16 pm
Thank you for your lifelong friendship. It all started when we were majorettes at Gulf Jr. You were always an example of kindness and compassion. May you rest in the palm of God’s hand.
Richard Balkcom
August 13, 2026, 6:52 pm
Simply a lady who gave us such warmth, caring and goodness all around this community. We are sadden by her passing but now have gain an angel forever.
Cherish the wonderful memories.
God Bless Charkay.
Carlene (Teague) Pruett
August 16, 2026, 1:20 pm
I met Charkay when Hudson High joined Gulf High while our school was being completed. She was so warm and loving / though I’ve not seen her in years this has deeply saddened me. Sincere condolences for all her family and friends.
I hope to see her again.