Phyllis Madden Emmons Black, age 90, died peacefully on January 9, 2026, in Sun City Center, Florida.

When recently asked to choose one word to describe her, Phyllis’s grandson, Mac, answered without hesitation: Connector. Wherever she went, Phyllis found a thread that linked her to others. For example, she might discover that she once babysat for the children who lived across the street from your great aunt — back in 1949 — and she always seemed to find, in any crowd, someone who had graduated from her alma mater, Ohio University. She was also a natural helper. Phyllis knew exactly what someone needed, often before they knew it themselves. These were her enduring gifts: connection and care.

Born on April 3, 1935, in Huntington, West Virginia, Phyllis Ann Madden was the daughter of Donald and Freda (Boynton) Madden, whose family roots trace back to Brattleboro and Bellows Falls, Vermont. Her father’s sales career required the family to move every few years, so Phyllis grew up calling many places home, including Indianapolis, Indiana; Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, Ohio; and Madison, New Jersey. These early experiences fostered her adaptability, curiosity, and ability to make friends wherever she went.

She graduated from Hughes High School in Cincinnati in 1953 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Ohio University on February 1, 1958. That same day, she married Donald E. Emmons, and they set off to begin their married life in California. Phyllis taught Home Economics at Lennox High School and Western High School in Anaheim before their daughter, Sharon, was born in 1960. In 1963, the family relocated to Minneapolis, where they welcomed their son, Robert.

In the fall of 1967, they moved to Burlington, Vermont, where Phyllis taught Home Economics at Essex Junction and Milton High Schools. Sharon and Robert remember these years fondly and feel blessed by the time spent enjoying Vermont’s lakes and mountains as a family. Phyllis set a powerful example by always finding time to play, despite the demands of her work and the responsibilities of caring for her children and her home.

In 1973, Phyllis joined the faculty at Champlain College, where she taught Fashion Merchandising for 19 years. She inspired a generation of students by blending high standards with encouragement and wisdom. Her teaching extended beyond the classroom to include internships and an annual trip to the fashion capital of New York City. Beyond preparing young people for careers, Phyllis taught them how to carry themselves as professional adults. During this time, she earned a Master’s degree in Education from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont.

Phyllis retired from Champlain College and moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where she married Edward J. Black in 1993. Together, they cruised throughout the Caribbean for five years while living aboard their 42-foot sailboat, Andiamo. In the early 2000s, they settled in Sun City Center, where Phyllis established a new career as a professional organizer and founded her business, Clutterchasers. For two decades, she helped countless people bring order, clarity, and calm to their homes and lives.

After Edward’s passing in 2007, Phyllis found love again with Harold “Harry” Hintz. Introduced by a matchmaker who recognized how complementary they were, Phyllis and Harry became a great team, traveling the world and adoring one another every single day. In 2018, they moved to Freedom Plaza, where they enjoyed the companionship of many wonderful friends.

Phyllis was quick with a joke, loved to laugh, and brought warmth and lightness wherever she went. She was always up for an adventure — even joining her grandsons for a ride on Disney World’s Space Mountain on her 90th birthday.

Phyllis is survived by her beloved partner, Harold L. Hintz; her devoted children, Sharon Roy Wallen and Robert Scott Emmons (wife Rhonda); her precious grandchildren, Thomas Donald Stark, Olivia Madden Emmons, MacArthur Scott Roy, and Jason Scott Emmons; her niece, Katherine Kirkendall Chlystun, and nephew, William Kirkendall; and her four grandnieces, Keri Ann Chlystun, Colleen Chlystun, Kaitlyn Kirkendall, and Kendra Kirkendall.

She will also be deeply missed and joyfully remembered by many dear friends and loved ones.

The family is very grateful to the many caregivers who brought comfort and smiles during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’s memory may be made to, www.Champlain.edu/give , to the Phyllis Emmons Black and Edward J Black Endowed Scholarship Fund at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, a cause that reflects her lifelong commitment to helping people live their best lives.

A service to honor Phyllis and her amazing life will be planned for the spring.