Obituary Listings

Phyllis Irene Allshouse died peacefully on July 21, 2020. She was 91 years old. Phyllis was born on August 1, 1928 in Pontiac, Michigan to Gerry and George Jonesthen of Purdy street in Birmingham. She lived in the Birmingham area her whole life. She was married to Melvin E. Allshouse there in 1950 until his death in 2008.

Phyllis was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church on Maple Road in Birmingham, dating from the time when the church was located in downtown Birmingham. She sang in the choir for many years after being drafted to fill a shortage of altos while she was still in High School. She also played in the bell choir and volunteered during the rummage sale.

Alto is often the harmony line and family can recall her singing harmony around the house to such groups as the Beatles and Elvis. So musical was she, that she paid no attention whatsoever to the lyrics.

Phyllis was a homemaker during her child rearing years but worked as a Secretary for General Motors before she had children. She took shorthand and was able to type on the old pre-electric machines. After her sons became older, she worked as a secretary for Teleflex Corporation as well as Barry Door and several Temporary services. It was an adjustment converting to electric machines but Phyllis won several Spelling Bee’s so she was like having a spell checker before computers.

Phyllis was a valued volunteer not only at Church but in the neighborhood and with area schools and many other activities. When Melvin and Phyllis were not volunteering someplace, they enjoyed relaxing at their cottage on Hubbard Lake.

Phyllis is survived by her two sons Robert of Troy, Michigan and Richard (Dinah) of Austin Texas. Phyllis is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Dalin and Derek, her dear brother, Don Jones of Wheaten, Illinois, several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, volunteer, and friend. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.