Phyllis Karesh Tanenbaum

Phyllis Karesh Tanenbaum, of Charleston, passed away in Atlanta, GA on February 26, 2016 at 89 years of age, surrounded by her family. Phyllis was born in Charleston, SC April 19, 1926. She graduated from Memminger High School at the age of 16, and attended the College of Charleston, the University of Georgia and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She was a founding member of Synagogue Emanu-El.

Phyllis was the daughter of Alex and Leslie Feinberg Karesh, who predeceased her. Her brother, Stanley Karesh, DDS (Charlot) also predeceased her. She is survived by her sister, Sandra Karesh Schwartz of Atlanta.

On June 26, 1946, she married Louis Myer Tanenbaum, who called her "Dreamboat" for 65 plus years before he predeceased her three years ago. She was his partner in the truest sense of the word, raising their children together, sharing successes and struggles, and working beside him in Lesser Tanenbaum and Louis Tanenbaum Stores for Men and Women, where her sense of fashion and her warm heart were essential elements of their success. She was the proud mother of three children, Mark Tanenbaum (Darlene) and Alan Tanenbaum, all of Charleston, and Rose Tanenbaum Haber (Mike) of Atlanta, GA. She was the proud grandmother of Jeffrey (Allison) Haber and Erin Haber (soon to be married to Ethan Bagen) of Atlanta GA, Karen Tanenbaum of Washington, DC, David Tanenbaum of Atlanta, GA, Abigail Tanenbaum of Charleston, Alexis Tanenbaum Mansson (Michael), Leslie Tanenbaum MacAlister (Logan), Daphne Dupre Arthur (Jamie Woody), all of Charleston, and Allison Arthur (Brian Upesleja) of Jackson Hole, WY. She was also the great grandmother of Eva Forester Mansson and James Tanenbaum Mansson of Charleston, Sutton Louise Haber of Atlanta, and Peyton Ruth MacAllister of Charleston.

When Phyllis learned she had a terminal illness, she said "No tears. I want to die surrounded by my happy family. This is a sign your dad misses me." She was a wonderful, loving mother and person.

The funeral will be 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the graveside in Emanu-El Cemetery, Maryville. If you were at Lou's funeral, you'll understand: Remember to bring a raincoat! Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.

The family will receive friends at the home of Mark and Darlene Tanenbaum on Sullivans Island following the service until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, on Monday from 1:00 till 7:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Atlanta at the home of Rose and Mike Haber.