Phyllis Clara East was the longtime Executive Secretary to the General Manager and Board of Directors of Ocean Pines.

Born in Chateauguay, New York, East was the youngest of 12 children. She met her husband, James (Jim) W. East, in 1962 and they married the same year. In 1980 the couple and their four children moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

East was hired on Sept. 8, 1980 in the ECC Department as secretary to the general manager, at the time Art Warren. She was promoted to the position of Executive Secretary in 1984 and worked under nine different general managers: Warren, Tim Stoner, Ralph Lashley, Tom Cetola, Glen Duffy, Curt Allison, Dave Ferguson, Tom Olson, and Bob Thompson. She was among the first to organize, maintain and preserve Association records and information.

Ocean Pines Association dedicated the Phyllis East Room in the Community Center in 2011, in honor of her 30 years of service. She was named as a “Precious Gem” of Worcester County by the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines in 2010.

In addition to their six children, East and her husband spent their leisure time doting on their grandchildren at a summer residence on the Nanticoke River. East was a member of the Berlin/Ocean City Moose Lodge and the American Legion Post #123 Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading, camping at Sandy Hill Campground, and spending time with family and friends.

According to those who knew her, East had a vast knowledge of the history of Ocean Pines, and many depended on her for information – from staff, to volunteers, Board members, and people throughout the community.

East passed away at her home on April 4, 2012. She was 72 years old.