Phyllis Lee Brooks, 82, of Sun City Center, FL, passed away Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023.
She was born Dec. 2, 1940, in Litt Carr, KY, to William and Nolda Mullins (nee Sexton).
Phyllis spent the first years of her life in Kentucky; the memories of her childhood and her connection to her family’s heritage never left her heart. She moved to Michigan and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1958. She then attended Wayne State University, but left prior to finishing her degree to pursue a career with Construction Association of Michigan. She worked there 42 years, serving in a variety of roles and achieving rare success for a woman in a male-dominated industry. Her loyalty to her career and the countless colleagues and friends she made throughout the years was an honor she earned and deserved. It was evident in speaking to all those she worked with that she had earned their admiration and friendship, and that the feeling was mutual. She spent more than 40 years living in the Grosse Pointe communities, first in the City of Grosse Pointe and later Grosse Pointe Woods.
After retiring, she was blessed to further a close bond with her mother, Nolda, and along with her sister, Judy, the three of them spent several precious years together reconnecting and enjoying each other. Later in life she split her time between Lupton, MI, where she and Ron spent many beautiful summers together in their cottage on Sage Lake, and Sun City Center, FL, where the two of them reconnected with old friends and made many new ones.
Phyllis passionately Died February 23, 2023
enjoyed the written word and could always be found with a book nearby. She enjoyed cooking as well and spent endless hours researching and nurturing a recipe before sharing her creation with others. She loved nature and tending to her garden. Any time she was presented a new plant or flower, joy spread across her face.
Above all, Phyllis had a devotion to her family and worked tirelessly to maintain the bonds that fray when families spread apart or when the busy world makes it difficult to stay connected. The love she and Ron shared kept them both afloat through difficult times and they were seldom parted as they gave each other what they needed each passing year. To her grandchildren, she was known as “Grammie,” and there was no greater joy than the look on the kids’ faces when they were told they were going to see Grammie. She had an unwavering curiosity and patience with them and they responded to her with a love and affection that was a great gift to her late in her life.
She will always be remembered by those who loved and admired her. Her love and friendship will be missed but never forgotten.
Phyllis is survived by her loving husband, Rolan “Ron” Brooks, with whom she spent 53 wonderful years; her son, Stephen Brooks and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Brooks (nee Hanlon); and three adoring grandchildren, Eleanor, William and Charlotte.
She also is survived by her brother, Mitch Mullins (Susanne), and many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends. She was predeceased by her parents, as well as her dear sisters, Judy LaFeir (Joseph) and Patricia Mullins.
The family plans to hold a memorial service this summer on a date to be determined. Memories may be shared at everloved. com/life-of/phyllis- brooks/.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sun City Center Emergency Squad at sccems.com/ support-us/
