PLATT, Sallie A.
Kalamazoo
On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Sallie Ann Platt, age 88, passed away at her residence at Vineyard Assisted Living, in the presence of her children, Susan, Mary and Jim. Sallie and her twin sister, Jean were born February 15, 1935, to parents, Winfield Church and Helen Grace (McCarty) Glenn, welcomed by their older brother, Robert Glenn. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her husband and two nieces.

In 1952, Sallie graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and promptly began work at Michigan Bell Telephone Company as a Telephone Operator. She eventually assumed a clerical position, working alongside her sister. After a short courtship with James “Jim” Platt following their introduction in December of 1953, he proposed to Sallie on May 1, 1954, and they were united in marriage on May 27, 1955.

Sallie left Michigan Bell in 1956 due to the impending birth of her first child. She and Jim would go on to have a total of three children together; Susan (Jim) Centilla, Mary (Steve) Deneau and James Winfield (Laura) Platt. She was enthusiastically dedicated to supporting her children as they completed school by helping with extracurricular activities as a leader in the West Main Elementary School PTA, Mother Study, Girl Scouts, and as a lunchroom assistant. She was resourceful, creative, and loved to sew.

As an avid and talented bowler, Sallie was a member of the 600 club and played every Thursday night for years, achieving a high game of 277! Sallie was an integral part of Jim’s hobby with the Civil War 19th Michigan Volunteer Infantry group. She orchestrated camping trips, sewed costumes, and made sure everyone had just what they needed for the many adventures they took as a family. After her children were grown, Jim and Sallie had many opportunities to travel, including several visits to Hawaii, an Alaskan cruise, and a trip to Australia and New Zealand.

Becoming a grandmother for the first time in 1977, Sallie began the most fulfilling journey of her life. She and Jim had eight grandchildren; Justin, Angie, Elizabeth, Adam, Rachael, Kayla, Devon, and Aliya, and twelve great grandchildren; Kayla, Cameron, Noah, Aydan, Gavin, Zaden, Allison, Alyza, Marek, Tayson, Legend and Jeymari. Sallie had the greatest ability to make each grandchild feel the most special. She was not a material person, rather she felt the best gift she could give was spending time playing games, baking cookies and banana bread, and making pies (especially apple pies) with the help of her grandkids! During their visits, Sallie spoiled her family with homemade peanut butter on toast, and fried eggs with bacon. She attended their hockey games, football games, band performances, dance recitals, and cheer competitions. She loved birthday celebrations, Christmas gatherings, pool parties and potlucks – any opportunity to spend time with family. There are many precious memories of quality time spent with Sallie, but her most memorable quality is the abounding love she gave to her loved ones.

Sallie was a dedicated and faithful Christian, generously helping others in any way she could. She was a Sunday School teacher at Simpson United Methodist church early in her spiritual journey, and later served as the secretary at Westwood United Methodist church. She also served on the Older Adult Council, which brought her closer to older members of the church to tend to their needs. She loved to help organize dinners and luncheons and cherished her time in Bible Study. It was extremely fulfilling for Sallie to assist anyone in need. She later became a member of Stephen Ministries, which allowed her to further support people in need. In the last months of her life, she was unable to attend church in person, but welcomed the company of her granddaughter, who helped her view the live stream.

Sallie was memorable for her love of others and desire to know she made a difference in the lives of others. She wanted her family to share her love of God, and she always found teachable moments to impart her faith to those searching for guidance. She even provided transportation to a church member who could not otherwise get there safely. Sallie was the epitome of a selfless person who cared for others beyond words.

Participating with her sister and cousins as a member of the Lucinda Hinsdale Stone Chapter of DAR, Sallie held the position of Chaplain for a period of time.

She appreciated the love and spiritual support of her friends at Vineyard, where she lived for the past four and a half years. In her final journey, Sallie weathered the challenges of a fall in September. With the loving assistance of the staff at Vineyard Assisted Living and Centrica Care Navigators Hospice, she made a valiant effort to get back on her feet, succumbing to a weakened body, her strong spirit fighting to the very end.

In accordance with her wishes, Sallie has been cremated. On Sunday, February 4, 2024, a visitation with family and friends will take place at 1:00 pm with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 pm at Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006. Sallie will join Jim at Fort Custer National Cemetery in a private ceremony in the near future. Memorial contributions may be made in Sallie’s name to Westwood United Methodist Church.