It is with deep sadness that we, Procurement Services, announce the passing of our dear colleague, Phyllis Burton. Phyllis passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2021. We were notified by Phyllis' brother, Christopher, and our department has mourned the loss of our dear friend ever since. Tina Lowenthal, our Director, said "Phyllis was one of the last employees in Purchasing Services that was here when I arrived thirty five years ago. Caltech has lost a true treasure ."

Phyllis began working for Caltech in 1979. Her 42-year tenure at Caltech is nothing short of an exemplary career. If our memory serves us right, Phyllis, was the Buyer/Contracting Officer for Chemistry and Biology for the last 40 years. So many of her customers have reached out to us paying their respects and telling us just how much she meant to them. One customer of Phyllis', Jesse Flores, Division Facilities Operations Manager, called to see if the rumor of her passing was true and said, "Caltech has lost a true gem. It is a sad day for the Institute." Phyllis was so loyal and dedicated to her customers and that carried over to them in a big way. So much so, that in 2017, Phyllis was awarded the Thomas W. Schmitt Annual Staff Prize Award for her service over the years. That was a very proud day for Phyllis, her family, and her work family (Procurement Services). From that day on we would sometimes tease Phyllis that she was the 'rock star' in our department. The truth is that Phyllis' absence will be felt for years to come, both professionally and personally.

Phyllis is survived by her mother Virginia, her son Thomas Tolliver, her daughter Laurel Tolliver, her son-in-law Chi Tong, her two grandsons, Ladarius and Larelle (ages 12 and 9 - Laurel's sons), and her two brothers, Donald and Christopher. The family is planning a private family ceremony for Phyllis at Rose Hills in Whittier in the coming weeks. On a positive note, Laurel, Phyllis' daughter found out that she is expecting her 3rd child two weeks after Phyllis passed away. If you knew Phyllis, then you knew just how proud she was to be a grandma to her two grandsons. The boys lovingly called her 'Grammy'. Laurel's future child will be no different. Phyllis will be the best guardian angel to those children, and we wish Laurel a healthy pregnancy.

We have received so many calls and emails from campus asking if we were planning anything for Phyllis and/or her family. We decided that there is no better way to assist the family at this time then to start this Go Fund Me Campaign for Phyllis' family. Please, if you can donate, big or small, no amount is too little, to the Burton/Tolliver family, we feel that is the greatest gift that we can give them. Please share the link with your fellow colleagues as well. The family is so grateful that we care so deeply for their mom/sister/daughter, Phyllis. The proceeds will be directed to Phyllis' daughter at the families request.

Thank you on behalf of Procurement Services! Your love and support for Phyllis' family means a lot to us.