Phyllis Chamberlin

Phyllis M. Chamberlin ended her long and well-lived life on February 12, 2013. Born on February 28, 1922, Phyllis was raised in Redford and lived her entire life in the Detroit area. After high school, her first career phase was with Michigan Bell Telephone Company. Later she spent 20 years as a secretary with several employers before retiring in 1987. Phyllis married James Chamberlin in Sept. 1943 during Jim's flight training for the Army Air Corp., and prior to his being assigned to the European Theatre in World War II. She and Jim were both proud of being members of the "Greatest Generation." Their marriage union was to last well over 60 years together. After moving to Royal Oak in the early 1950's, Phyllis raised 4 children - Jeff, Bruce, Carolle and Gary - in the golden post-war years of opportunity. She loved to be 'out there' and among people. Early days included a neighborhood bridge club that kept life-long friends and neighbors close-knit. She loved to square dance, was an avid follower of live theatre and opera, and ushered at Fisher Theatre for decades. She enjoyed movies and made it a point to see each of the academy award nominated films every year. Ever loyal to the Detroit area, she was a huge Tigers fan to the end, and loved following her "boys of summer." She'd often venture down and scalp tickets to a game at Tiger Stadium. Many family memories were made at Camp Dearborn and on camping vacations all over Michigan, the Midwest and East Coast. A later yearning to see the world led to extensive travel including Europe, the entire breadth of Canada, Africa and the Far East. Phyllis loved fast cars and owned a series of them -Mustang, Camaro, Firebird. Never one to sit still, she played on a volleyball league and roller skated well into her 70's. A generous woman, she and Jim opened up their home as a residence to exchange students from Japan and Africa long before it became more common with today's overseas study programs. An essential foundation in her life was her faith, and her 50 year active membership with the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak. Phyllis was preceded in death by her mother Gertrude, father William, husband Jim, daughter Carolle, sister Jeanne, brother William, and daughter-in-law Deborah. She is survived by sons Jeff Pam Chamberlin of Sunset Beach, NC; Bruce Kathy Chamberlin of Duncanville, TX; Gary Chamberlin of Rockford, MI; grandchildren Christopher Allison Chamberlin, Marc Lauren Chamberlin, Alex Chamberlin and Kelly Chamberlin; great-grandchildren MacKenzie, Alexis, Jenna and Kyler.
Memorials in Phyllis' memory may be made to the Beaumont Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, or to the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, Michigan. A visitation reception will be held on Wednesday February 20, 2013 from 4 - 7 PM at Wm. Sullivan & Son, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067, with a Memorial Service with Inurnment to be conducted at the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak at a later date. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.