Marion Dianne Phelps

Marion “Dianne” (Ford) Phelps, age 87, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, November 13th. Beloved wife of Howard for 61 years. Loving mom of Gregory and Julie. Cherished grandmother of Samantha. Sister-in-law to the late Frances (late C. Edward) Detroyer, Donald (Elaine) Phelps and dear cousin of Jean (late Richard) Weber and the late Jeannette (late John) Ovens. Dianne graduated from Western High, Detroit in 1952 magna cum laude having served as Secretary of her senior class. She returned to Western High to teach English, Public Speaking, Drama, and Radio Speech for 9 years. She received her Master’s degree from Wayne State University and later taught at Madonna College, finishing her career in South Lyon at both the Middle and High Schools. In April of 1960 Dianne married Howard James Phelps at Military Avenue United Presbyterian Church of Detroit. After Howard served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict while Dianne was buried in coursework to earn her BA, so they did not begin dating until one year before they were married. Dianne’s faith was important to her, attending Sunday school and worship from age 5 she received Christ in her heart in her early 20’s. She taught Sunday school to preschoolers, junior high and high schoolers as well as directed VBS at Military Avenue. At Ward Church of Livonia where she and Howard became members after moving to Redford (later Livonia), she helped develop a Mission emphasis for grades 1 through 6, appealing largely to children of families who remained for 3 hours on a Sunday morning. She was a member at Ward for 53 years and she was very active. She enjoyed singing in the Choir, playing piano for classes, events and filling the “mall” area with beautiful music between services. She treasured many friendships that came out of Ward as they were family. Dianne would step in wherever there was a need. Volunteering along with her Husband for the International Christian Education Association for over 50 years. She was most organized and relied upon because of all her studies and experiences. As Dianne is filled with joy at this time in the presence of her Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ our Lord we will continue to miss her presence here on earth and look forward to the hope in Glory of being together again. A Visitation will be held at the R.G.& G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd, Livonia on Monday, November 22, 2021 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM. Please share a memory of Marion on her tribute wall.