PHYLLIS L. BRINKMAN

Phyllis Louise (Tillman) Brinkman was born July 13, 1927, on a farm southwest of Clarion to Vera Mechem and Ray Tillman. Phyllis died Dec. 9, 2024, at the Meadows Assisted Senior Living Community in Clarion, at the age of 97. There were nine children in the Tillman family. Her sister Bonnie and brother Burgess survive her. Phyllis’ world view was shaped by the Great Depression, and she was a proud member of the Greatest Generation.
Phyllis graduated from Dows High School and attended Ellsworth College earning her teaching credentials. She taught in rural schools, including one-room schoolhouses, for six years. She substitute-taught or worked as a teacher’s aide in surrounding grade schools for decades.
Phyllis married Kenneth Brinkman in 1946. They had three children Kurt (Nadia), Brian, and Susan (Kevin). She has three grandchildren: Heather (Ben) Brinkman Lent, Ashley (Dan) Brinkman McClure, and Lauren Kuss; and five great-grandchildren: Liana, Jackson, and Brennan Lent and Gabriel and Roman Mendoza. She is predeceased by Brian, Ken, and Kevin.
The Brinkmans moved from Dows, to Gilmore City, in 1968 where Phyllis continued teaching. She taught Sunday School and Bible School at the Methodist Churches in Dows and Gilmore City for 50 years. For many years she led Story Hour at the Gilmore City Public Library and is remembered fondly for her lively storytelling.
Phyllis was at her core, a teacher. She made learning fun. She never demeaned children and considered teaching them a privilege.
A memorial service for Phyllis will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025 following the regular church service at Faith United Methodist Church, Gilmore City.