Millicent Daphne Pearl Jamison Sommerfeld, 82, passed away October 29, 2015 in her home following her final battle with Parkinson's disease.
Daphne was the second child born to John Jamison and Pearl Louise McGee Jamison in their beautiful Ferndale home born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland on October 18, 1933. She and her brother Desmond were best friends. Even though they were born 14 months apart, they were reared like twins. They began school together while living in the Isle of Man and then in England. Daphne was always an exceptional student and a hard worker. Even though she began school a year early, she and Desmond also skipped a grade because they were so advanced. Her mother liked to quiz and help them at home. These early years hold many happy memories for Daphne.
Daphne also has two half-brothers and two half-sisters from her father's first marriage. They were always kind to Daphne and Desmond, acting more like aunts and uncles because of the difference in age.
Upon returning to Northern Ireland, Daphne's family lived in Belfast. She was such a good student that the headmaster visited her parents in their home asking them to allow him to adopt her, and assuring them that he would see to it that she'd receive all the opportunities and advantages that such a gifted child could receive. Of course, her parents would not hear of giving up their precious wee girl.
Another part of Daphne's education was to learn about the early missionaries of the gospel of Jesus Christ, both those who had preserved the gospels and those who had become martyrs for the truth. As a young child, these sacrifices touched her deeply, and it was her desire to also be a martyr for the truth.
Daphne loved parades and followed the band from Belfast to Lisburn when she was quite young. Her older sister Muriel asked her what she was doing so far away from home and gave Daphne the bus fare to see her back home again.
Daphne was an excellent swimmer. She and her brother enjoyed swimming in Loch Neagh and at Port Rush. Many of our own family day trips and vacations including swimming.
It was Daphne's early dream to become a nurse, but her mother did not want her exposed to all the illnesses of that day. So Daphne went to business school and became a secretary at the tender age of fifteen.
When Daphne was sixteen years old, the missionaries came to their door. Her mother invited them to come in. Daphne was the first one to decide to be baptized.
Her father was not keen on the idea. He was a well-learned man, having travelled far abroad in World War I and with his work; and, what he knew about the American Indians entering into the Americas did not coincide with what the missionaries were teaching. He didn't listen to the lessons, and he told Daphne that she wouldn't be getting baptized.
But one day when the missionaries were visiting in their home, they asked her father directly, "Mr. Jamison, what do you think of Daphne getting baptized?" His answer was, "Sure, it's her own choice." Daphne jumped at this chance given her and said, "Good, I will be baptized next Sunday." And so she was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Irish Sea. The tide was low, and she had to walk far from shore for the water to be deep enough.
Daphne was baptized on 1 April 1950, and her associates at work told her that she was the biggest fool of all; but Daphne knew that she made the correct decision. Soon her mother and her brother were also baptized.
At 18, she immigrated to Oregon where she worked as a secretary. The Hill family, who had a son that served as a missionary in Northern Ireland, sponsored her. She remained close to the Hills ever since as an integral part of the family, and she especially had a strong bond with Father Hill.
Daphne's Uncle William loaned her the money for her journey to America. Because of Daphne's strong work ethic, she paid back that loan as quickly as possible.
Soon she moved to Salt Lake City, where she lived in one of the upper rooms on the east side of the Beehive house, which was a boarding house for young women at that time.
She had a friend that was from Germany who invited Daphne to attend a German dance with her. It was there that she met Werner Sommerfeld. He knew that he wanted to marry Daphne from that first meeting. After the dance, Werner took her home in a taxi; and then he walked home, not having enough money for bus fare.
Werner and Daphne loved to dance and were great dancers. I remember them getting ready of the Gold and Green Balls put on by the church. Dad looked sharp in his blacks and bow ties. Mom often wore sparkly dresses and glittery shoes. They had style.
Werner and Daphne courted for a year and then were married in the Salt Lake Temple on 30 August 1954. They honeymooned in Saint George visiting some of the wonderful canyons near there. Daphne was amused at Werner's frustration when they got a flat tire. When they returned from their honeymoon, they only had $5 between them.
Werner and Daphne were blessed with seven children. They always put their children's comfort and interests ahead of their own. They dressed well and always looked beautiful and fancy, but owned very few clothes. They preferred to do nice things for their children, giving them many wonderful opportunities. Their sacrifices reflected the things which they held most dear: the church and their family.
The family resided in American Samoa for two years, from 1965 to 1967. Werner worked for the government in construction during that time. Werner and Daphne were a great strength to the church there. Daphne was happy to again be near an ocean, and we children learned to love the beach.
Daphne helped Werner establish his own business in 1972, acting as office manager. Together they built a good company and they were very generous to their employees. Daphne also used this opportunity to teach her children bookkeeping and receptionist skills, allowing us to have a personal income during our teenage years.
Daphne graduated with the highest honor of summa cum laude from The University of Utah with degrees in Russian and German. She taught high school Russian and German for several years. Daphne and Werner served missions in Armenia, Ukraine, and Russia. Daphne and Werner also served together in the Salt Lake Temple. Both Werner and Daphne worked hard between missions and following them to still have income to serve again. Daphne continued as a substitute teacher during these time periods.
Daphne loved life and enjoyed adventure. Those who know her well, know that she is both a prim and proper lady as well as a feisty and determined adventurist. It is because of her strength and determination that I personally had the courage to try things for myself: things like diving off the high dive when we went to Saratoga or Homestead; and things like cliff jumping on the Green River.
Oh how we will all miss our dear friend, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Oh how I will miss my best personal exemplar and teacher. I know that our hearts will be heavy many times in the days ahead because of the loss of her physical companionship; but, I know that she will still be with us, both attending to our comfort and prodding us to be our best.
I am so thankful that she and my Dad were able to visit family in Ireland just this past February, as she felt the importance of attending her cousin Billy's funeral. She and Billy were always so close. And I'm glad that she has family from Ireland here to wish her well in her new heavenly abode. Ireland was always in her heart. Always, always, always.
Werner and Daphne recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. Werner always called Daphne his beautiful, young bride. Mom was so reluctant to leave Dad. Truly their relationship was sweet and sanctified. Their missions together truly made them one. Dad was so gentle and caring in attending to Mom's needs in these final years and especially in her final days. He is a man of such strong faith and fortitude; but, I pray that family and friends will remember my Dad, and call and visit him often.
Farewell Mom. I'm glad that you could be received into heaven by Jesus, who called you, saying, "Daphne, it's time to come home." I'm glad that you could be greeted by your father and mother, your daughter and son, your grandson, and myriads of family members and friends. May your rest be sweet and your joy be full. We love you.
Daphne is survived by her husband Werner, her brother Desmond, her children Steve (Cindy), Sheila (Mark), Heidi (Bob), (Melinda), Jon (Vanessa), Suzanne (Chris); 25 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her children Kathy and Ed and grandson Robby.
Werner and family would like to extend their warmest thanks and deepest appreciation to Rocky Mountain Hospice for the special care extended to Daphne. Werner also would like to thank family, friends, neighbors, and ward members for their service and love to him and all our family.
Funeral services will be held 12:00 Noon, Saturday November 7, 2015 at Olympus Hills Ward, 4176 S. Adonis Drive (3930 E.) with a viewing prior from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. There will be a visitation on Friday November 6, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple.
