Born in Boston, Phyllis Gallant lived in Flint and Sylvan Lake, Michigan, and in Whittier and Goleta, California, before moving to Blanco. She married Francis Wharram in 1934, their daughter, Joanne, born in 1939. She lost Fran in 1964. Remarried, she lost second husband, Art Gallant, in 2002. The oldest of four children, Phyllis lost her brother, John Shayman, and sisters, Rene and Betty. Gifted musically, Phyllis sang in church choirs and choral groups and after provided piano accompaniment.