The sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Buckhannon was full this afternoon. Full of people who had come to celebrate the life of Phyllis Coston. Although only 4’11” tall, Phyllis was one of the great Giants. People came to express support to her husband, Herb, and to share stories of how this wonderful woman had impacted their lives. They came to honor her teaching, her sense of humor, her tenacity. They came to honor her faith and the way she lived it and shared it. Many mentioned how much they loved seeing Phyllis and Herb out walking and talking together on campus.
However, this week West Virginia Wesleyan has lost not just one, but two of the Giants. Phyllis Kohl Coston died on March 25, and Dr. Robert Chamberlain on March 29. They are both prime examples of why I am compelled to keep working on DreamersAndGiants. Their stories must be collected, organized, preserved, and shared.
Dr. Chamberlain‘s service will be at noon on Thursday in the very same place. Both of these wonderful people have been very active members of First United Methodist Church. He served as the college physician and team physician at West Virginia Wesleyan for fifty years. He has cured many and comforted many. I can only imagine what new stories I will hear on Thursday.
Please click on their names to learn more about them. And, while you are there, you may discover that there have been many Giants walking the pathways of the West Virginia Wesleyan College campus through the years. Each has made their mark. Each has impacted lives. Each has stories!
Paula Lowther McGrew ’78