Phoebe Thorne Birmingham

Phoebe Thorne Birmingham, 97, passed away surrounded by family on May 6, 2025. Born on February 3, 1928, in Wilkinsburg, PA, Phoebe was the beloved daughter of John and Louise (Reinecke) Thorne. Phoebe married her love, the late Rev. William “Bill” G. Birmingham on September 1, 1951, in a double wedding with her sister Carol. She is the dear mother of Carolyn Birmingham of Jackson, MS; Joan Black (Terry) of Chesterland, OH; Susan Westerfield (Paul) of Tampa, FL; and the late David T. Birmingham; the dear grandmother/“Gramzie” of Emily Birmingham, Meika Penta (Mike), Christopher Black (Kelly), Rebecca Black (Matthew Stankus), Kelley Black (Lee Witt), Lauren Westerfield, Sarah Westerfield Kondeati (Anthony), and Caitlin Westerfield; the dear great-grandmother/“Gramzie” of eleven; the dear sister of the late Carolyn “Carol” T. King, the late Marianne “Mannie” T. Wright and the late John “Jack” R. Thorne.

Phoebe graduated from Chatham University and taught kindergarten at Roxboro Elementary School for 20 years prior to her retirement in 1993. She was a dedicated kindergarten teacher who inspired generations of students with her wisdom and kindness to everyone around her. She loved seeing the children’s expression as they caught onto a new concept. One of her priorities was making school and learning a positive experience for each child. Despite her retirement in 1993, she remained a teacher to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always demonstrated the importance of a positive attitude.

Her interests included sewing and smocking dresses for her daughters and granddaughters, knitting, painting, copper enameling, reading, walking, gardening, orchestra music and appreciating the beauty of nature. Phoebe loved to bake and established a family holiday tradition with her cinnamon topped kuchen pastry. She cherished the many gatherings with extended family over the years at the family farm, known as Happy Holler, in Berlin, PA as opportunities to build close family relationships. Annual family vacations with Phoebe and Bill were always month-long camping trips throughout the USA and Canada with Phoebe being the planner and navigator who ensured there were plenty of kid-friendly places to go, things to do and of course, books to read.

Phoebe had an unwavering commitment to the people in her life and a deep love of family that she carried throughout life with grace, determination, and an open heart.  She always wanted to be a helper that put her needs second.  She faced life’s many challenges with a resilient, resourceful, and selfless attitude.

Flowers will be gratefully accepted, but for those who would rather make a contribution in her name, please consider the Arthritis Foundation, PO Box 96280, Washington, DC 20077 or the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, 13815 Coit Rd., Cleveland, OH 44110.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 28th at 11am in Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Hts., OH 44118. A recording of the entire service will be posted on this web page at a later date.

Phoebe loved bright cheerful colors, and anyone who would like to wear colorful attire to the service is encouraged to do so.

A luncheon for all guests will be provided after the service.