“The Lord bless thee and keep you: The Lord make his face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers 6:24-26.
Mrs. Mary L. Martin Phillips, 91, of Watauga, passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at her home peacefully surrounded by generations of family and loved ones. She was a long-time resident of Carter County, having traveled the world as a military spouse, and loved the mountains of East Tennessee. She was a graduate of Boones Creek High School and attended Steed College, Johnson City.
Mrs. Phillips was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church for over 40 years until her health declined. She was proudly employed for 21 years with the Department of Human Services before retiring in 1993. Mary had a sharp wit and always filled a room with laughter.
She was the daughter of the late Jesse Martin Sr. and Fannie Isenberg Martin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arville Phillips, retired military; son, Dennis Luther Phillips; sister, Alice “Goose” Estepp; and brothers, Arthur Lee Martin, Jesse Martin Jr. and Clinton Russell Martin.
Those left to cherish Mary’s memory include daughter, Angelia Birdsong; sister, Judy Ann Kenney; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many close friends and family.
Funeral services for Mary L. Martin Phillips will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, November 3, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with her grandson, Brother Dave Weill, officiating. Music will be provided by Gina Collins, soloist, and Adrienne Nickerson, pianist. Interment will follow at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Robert Smitley, John David Nickerson II, Frank Richardson, David William Weill III, David William Weill IV, Eddie Combs, Russell Johnson, Mark Waters and Mark Collins. The family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers who provided such wonderful care in Mary’s final days, Amedisys Hospice, Ruth Lewis, Roe Sizemore, Oreon Millard and Joyce Blevins. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. The family will be receiving guests at their home Friday evening to enjoy a meal and to celebrate the life of this woman of extraordinary strength and character. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Phillips family.