Phyllis J. Dolphin's Obituary
Phyllis J. Dolphin, age 89, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born on April 19, 1936 in Allegan, MI to Phillip and Velva (Bear) Daniels. Phyllis lived a life marked by quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved.
A true Proverbs 31 woman, Phyllis led with a servant’s heart in every season of her life-whether caring for her family, supporting her church, offering kindness to friends, or faithfully showing up in her work. She was known for her humility, compassion, and her remarkable ability to see the good in others. Her steady presence and gentle spirit touched countless lives.
Phyllis was a devoted member of the Grand Haven Church of the Nazarene, generously sharing her gifts in many ministries. She served on the church board, teaching Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, and assisted with the funeral service team-always with grace, warmth, and a quiet willingness to help wherever needed. Outside the church she blessed the Grand Haven Public Schools community through her many years in the food service program. She had so much love to give, she and her husband became foster parents and she showered those under her care with the same love and devotion as her own family.
She found joy in the simple beauty of God’s creation, tending her garden and flower beds, with care that made them flourish-known for all their beauty and for being impeccably free of weeds.
On September 16, 1961, she married James Dolphin, and together they shared 41 years of marriage until his passing on December 31, 2002.
SURVIVORS include two daughters, Sherry (John) Simpson of Dexter, MI and Char (Carlos) Seise of Grand Haven, MI; six grandchildren, Emmanuel Ocasio Reyes, Carlos Ocasio Reyes and Greysha Cabezudo, Tanner (Samantha) Jacobs, Sawyer (Natalie) Jacobs and Alexis (Shawn) Wagner; three great grandchildren, Keira Wagner, Julian Jacobs, and Yarieliz Rodriguez; sisters, Kathie (Darrell) Hull and Jackie Hassevoort; sisters-in-law, Billie Daniels and Agnes Daniels; and brother-in-law, Russell Rinckey. Phyllis was also preceded in death by her daughter, Monique Dolphin; sisters, Donna Rinckey, and Pat Daniels, and brothers, James Daniels and David Daniels
SERVICES for Phyllis will be celebrated 3 PM Friday, December 26, 2025 at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave. Grand Haven, MI 49417 (616) 842-6100. VISITATION with the family will be two hours prior to the service, from 1-3 PM. Burial will take place at Lakeshore Cemetery.
You are invited to join the family following the services in The VanZantwick Chapel Family Center for some of Phyllis' favorite dinner items.
Memorial Contributions in Phyllis’ name to Grand Haven Church of the Nazarene or Love in Action Homeless Youth Program will be appreciated.
Share memories with the family online at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Phyllis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Phyllis?
Share a story where Phyllis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Phyllis you’ll never forget.
How did Phyllis make you smile?
