Phyllis Lee Brooks, 82, of Sun City Center, FL, passed away on February 23, 2023. She was born on December 2, 1940 to William and Nolda Mullins (nee Sexton) in Litt Carr, KY.  

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Rolan Brooks, Ron, with whom she spent 53 wonderful years; her son Stephen Brooks and his wife Dr. Elizabeth Brooks (nee Hanlon) of Grosse Pointe, MI, and three adoring grandchildren: Eleanor, William, and Charlotte Brooks. 

She is also survived by her brother, Mitch Mullins (Susanne) of Sun City Center, FL, and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends. She was predeceased by her parents, as well as her dear sisters Judy (Joseph) LaFeir and Patricia Mullins.

Phyllis spent the first years of her life in Kentucky, and the memories of her childhood there 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 the Construction Association of Michigan. She would work there for 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 to the countless colleagues and friends she made throughout the years was an honor she earned and deserved, and 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.

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, sharing a wonderful time together after Ron joined her in retirement.

Phyllis passionately enjoyed the written word, and you could always find her with a book nearby. She enjoyed cooking as well, and would spend endless hours researching and nurturing a recipe before sharing her creation with others. She loved nature and tending to her garden, and any time she was presented with a new plant or flower you could see the joy spread across her face. 

Above all, Phyllis had a devotion to her family, and would work 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 with each passing year. To her grandchildren she was known as "Grammie", and you would never see any greater joy than the look on the kids faces when you told them 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, and her love and friendship will be missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sun City Center Emergency Squad.

The family will be holding a memorial luncheon from 12p-4p on June 23rd, 2023 at the Watermark Bar & Grille, 24420 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.

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