Mary Willis Phillips

1941 - 2018

Mary Willis Phillips obituary, 1941-2018

BORN

1941

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

300 Saint Mary's Street

Raleigh, North Carolina

Mary Phillips Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 21, 2018.

Mary Elizabeth Willis Phillips of Raleigh, NC passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2018 surrounded by her family after a courageous, extended battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born in Birmingham, AL on July 26, 1941, to the late Mary Frances Romano and Ernest Linwood Willis, Jr., Mrs. Phillips grew up in Summerville, SC. She was a graduate of Ashley Hall and the College of Charleston.

She met her husband Richard while working at West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company in Charleston, SC. Once married, the couple moved to Raleigh, NC and then spent the next 50 years making their home in Grenoble, France; Tuxedo Park, NY; Mobile, AL; and Cincinnati, OH, ultimately retiring to Raleigh, NC.

"Sistee" to her friends and family was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved working in her magnificent yard and gardens, hosting her friends and family at the beach, and driving back and forth across the Southeast with one of her many beloved dogs riding in the front seat next to her.

Most of all, she enjoyed being "Grand." From dyeing Easter eggs and making gingerbread houses with her grandchildren to attending all of their birthday parties, she never missed a moment to share her love with them.

As the grandchildren got older, she relished taking them on wonderful trips abroad and cheering them on at various sporting and school events.

She was a best friend and confidant to many, always ready to listen with an open ear and heart. She had a special gift of making anyone in her presence feel special and welcome. A graceful warrior, she lived each day with resiliency and hope.

She is survived by her adoring husband of 51 years, Richard Busbee Phillips; her two children, Romy Phillips Graham (John) and Richard Busbee Phillips, Jr. (Brooke); grandchildren, Clarkson Graham, Harris Graham, Busbee Phillips, Bennett Phillips, Bryce Phillips, and Brock Phillips; and her faithful dog Sadie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Ernest Willis and Arthur David Willis, as well as her sisters, Carolyn Willis and Ceil Willis.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to her caregivers who provided her and the family with assistance and compassion.

The family will receive visitors at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., in Raleigh on Friday, January 26th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dorchester Paws, formerly known as Frances R. Willis SPCA, 136 Four Paws Lane Summerville, SC 29483 or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD, 21741.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Phillips

Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory.

What is your first memory of Mary?

Share a favorite memory you have of Mary.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Mary.

Describe a time when Mary made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Mary?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Mary.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Mary.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Mary.

What is something you learned from Mary?

Not sure what to say?

3 Entries

January 24, 2018

William R.(Billy) Ehney

Sistee and I were elementary school classmates (before she transferred to Ashley Hall). I actually learned to ride a bicycle on her bicycle at her house during one of her birthday parties. We kept in touch until I graduated high school and left Summerville to pursue a career in the USN. Its sad to loose a classmate and friend, but not has hard as loosing a family member. It sounds like she never really changed from the Sistee I knew, and was a wife/mother/grandmother who left many wonderful memories. May God give you strength and comfort through this difficult time of loss.

January 24, 2018

I worked with Sistee at West Virginia Pulp & Paper in the 1960's. Since I lived in Summerville, Sistee and I rode to work together. She was a lovely person, friend to everyone. My sincere condolences to Richard and the family. Linda

January 24, 2018

Elizabeth

Extending heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort to the Willis and Phillips families. May the hope and promise of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. John 11:24,25

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Mary Phillips's name

Memorial Events
for Mary Phillips

Jan

26

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605

Funeral services provided by:

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605

How to support Mary's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary Phillips's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more