Obituary of Mary Alice Phillips

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 4:00-6:00pm at Benefield Funeral Home, and followed by a memorial service on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 10:00am at Benefield Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Randolph County Animal Shelter (RCAS).  Contributions may be made by check to 104 Animal Shelter Road, Wedowee, AL 36278, or at www.randolphshelter.org.

Mary Alice passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 22, 2023, surrounded by loving family and caregivers.  She is survived by George (Jack) Phillips, brother Dennis (Deborah) Lovvorn of Pine Hill, daughters Debbie (Rob) Haylock of Dunedin, Florida, Sherry (Davis) Cracroft of La Jolla, California, and grandchildren Tommie Rachael Holt, Mary Beth Bilder, Calvin Bilder, Rebecca Haylock-Arrington, Ryan Haylock and great grandchild Madison Axson.

Mary Alice Phillips was born in Newell, Alabama on December 26, 1936, and grew up in the Pine Hill Community.  She graduated from Woodland High School and subsequently worked for  GE, Lamar Manufacturing and Playtex.  In 1957, Mary Alice wed Jack Phillips, childhood friend and love of her life and settled in Hogansville, Georgia to begin a new chapter.   Eventually, the family made Fayetteville, Georgia their longtime home as base for Jack’s Delta Airlines career and raising their two girls.

Mary Alice and Jack enjoyed 65 years of marriage as partners, lovers and best friends.   Anyone who knew them as a couple could see the deep and enduring love they shared. Mary Alice’s life pleasures included travel adventures, gardening, sewing and cheering on her girls in each and every one of their endeavors. She enjoyed many jobs along the way, including stints as an Avon Lady, Fruit Grower and Seamstress. 

Mary Alice was happy to return to Randolph County for retirement life, where she and Jack enjoyed 27 years on Lake Wedowee.  She delighted in fishing and jet skiing and took full advantage of all that lake life offers.

Such a sweet lady, always with a smile and contagious humorous spirit, Mary Alice will be sorely missed by all.