Phyllis M. Schmarje-Butler

Phyllis Margaret Schmarje-Butler, the only child of the late Minnie and Burches Robinson, was born on September 16, 1941, in Baltimore, MD. On Monday, September 16, 2024, at Northwest Hospital in Randallstown, MD, Phyllis was called home from labor to reward and rest. She was 83. Phyllis received her education in the Baltimore City Public School System, culminating at Douglass High School. In 1958, Phyllis proudly gave birth to a son, Montell Robinson, and soon afterwards, began working at Johns Hopkins University to support him. It was at Johns Hopkins University where Phyllis met her first husband, Walter Schmarje. The couple married in 1962, and after Walter’s honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1963, they moved to CA where it was legal for mixed race couples to live. While in California, Phyllis was a contestant on The Price Is Right! She made it all the way to the Showcase Showdown and won both showcases. Phyllis also continued her education, finishing with high honors at UCLA. Phyllis next attended the American School of Dance, where she excelled at Jazz Dance. This love of dance led Phyllis to perform in several shows, including some in Las Vegas, under the stage name “Phyllis Saxon”. Rounding out her professional education, Phyllis studied cosmetology at the Marinello School of Beauty in CA, ultimately opening her first salon. Phyllis returned to Baltimore in 1984, briefly taught cosmetology classes, and opened her second salon - Dunn’s Beauty Salon. In 1992, Phyllis remarried to George H. Butler, a 21-year (SFC) U.S. Army veteran and U.S. Post Office retiree. Phyllis was very talented and very creative; she enjoyed playing board games, cards, tennis, and traveling. Phyllis loved to cook and entertain, and often hosted the majority of her family’s holiday dinners, always making sure to include everyone’s favorite dishes. Phyllis adored dogs,but more importantly, she cared very deeply for people, as witnessed through the care, custody, and support she provided to Dorian Faison from his infancy to her passing. Left to cherish Phyllis’ memory are: three aunts, Gertrude Frazier, Alethea Tyler, and Angela Tyler; first cousin once removed, Frances Johnson; cousins, Cynthia Scott, Danny Tyler, Neal Tyler, Arthur Garner, Allan Garner, Ivy Garner, Ervin Garner, Saretta Frazier, and Christopher Guy; a host of second and third cousins; Dorian Faison; family friends, Sylvia and Vernon Buchanan; supportive and loving in-laws, neighbors, and friends.

Tributes

Phyllis M. Schmarje-Butler

September 16, 1941 - September 16, 2024