Phyllis Y. Hamilton, travel consultant

THERE WEREN'T too many destinations in the globe that Phyllis Y. Hamilton didn't visit in 40 years as a travel consultant.

There were, of course, the usual European countries and Caribbean cruises, but she also took in the exotic sights of the Middle East and Africa.

She saw the pyramids along the Nile, Jerusalem's holy sites, the crowded markets of Nairobi, the Ivory Coast and other locations, most often guiding a tour group, but also on her own and with her husband.

Travel, in other words, was a consuming passion.

"Travel was not only her occupation but also her avocation," said Crystal Hamilton, her daughter-in-law.

Phyllis Yvonne Hamilton, a fashionable, effervescent woman fond of dances and parties, died Saturday after a lengthy illness. She was 72 and lived in Wynnefield.

"Phyllis was a striking and prideful woman," Crystal said. "She was statuesque with the most beautiful smile and sparkling eyes.

"You would often have heard her described as 'sharp' because of the impeccable, fashionable way she always dressed."

The Caribbean cruises she hosted were lavish and memorable events, and you could picture her joining in the fun with her irrepressible enthusiasm and joy of living.

She didn't understand homebodies. "She encouraged everyone she knew to travel and take vacations," her daughter-in-law said.

Phyllis always took along a camera. She left hundreds of photos of her trips, many of which have been shown to family and friends over the years and some of which will be displayed at her funeral.

Phyllis was born in Philadelphia to Hugh and Celestine Wilkinson and raised in West Philadelphia with a sister and three brothers. She graduated from West Philadelphia High School.

She married Walter M. Hamilton in 1956. He died in 1992. They often traveled together during his lifetime.

Their home in Wynnefield was also the site of many get-togethers of family and friends because Phyllis, an outstanding cook, loved to entertain. And she and her husband were not the last on the dance floor.

"Phyllis commanded attention with her engaging smile, dancing eyes and vivacious, fun-loving personality," Crystal said.

"She was popular and well-known partly because of her professon, but mostly because of her personality. Suffice it to say that she was a very special person."

She was a member of Yokette Frontiers International, a social organization.

She is survived by her son, Parris Dino; a sister, Gloria; a brother, Maurice, and a grandson, Daxx. She was predeceased by two brothers, James and Bernard.

Services: 11 a.m. today at the Wood Funeral Home, 56th Street and Girard Avenue. Burial will be in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd. *