Our beloved classmate, died on August 3, 2011 after a long illness.

From the Washington Post: Phyllis Jeanne Warfield-Watkins, 68, of Mount Airy, died on Thursday, August 4, 2011, at Frederick Memorial Hospital, Frederick, MD. Born January 30, 1943, in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Mildred Cooper and John R. Warfield, Sr. She is survived by her former husband, Ronald R. Watkins; three sons, John A. Watkins (Tara), of Olney, MD, Donald W. Watkins (Wendy), of Columbia, MD, and Dean A. Watkins (Kathy), of Mount Airy, MD; eight grandchildren, Shannon Hughes, Kyle Moore, Heather Watkins, John Rollins, Ciara Watkins, Devyn Watkins, Abigail Harwood, and McKendree Watkins; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Phyllis was born and raised in Montgomery County and graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, class of 1961 and later graduated in 1963 with a degree from Wesley College, Delaware. She had a deep love for the beach and enjoyed time spent with her family and friends. She retired in 2007 from Intracel Corporation as a Patent Coordinator. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by one brother, John R. (Jack) Warfield, Jr.  

As many perhaps most of you know, Phyllis was what we've long called "the heart and soul" of the Class of '61.  She was our historian and our cheerleader.  Without her dedication, 50 years and six wonderful reunions would never have happened.  She loved this class with a generosity of spirit that should be recognized by each of us.  She wouldn't allow any public acknowledgement during her lifetime, but we can now say without reservation:  Thank you, Phyllis.  Without your devotion, we would not be gathering in Bethesda this October. 

 She kept saying she just couldn't attend our 50th Reunion, but her son told us that a few weeks ago she told him she wanted to be there, if only briefly, with the classmates she loved so much.