October 30, 1934, to August 14, 2021
Mary Lee Rouse Phillips, age 86, passed away peacefully among family at her residence on Saturday, August 14, 2021.
She was born October 30, 1934, in Duplin County North Carolina to the late Leslie Rouse and the late Mary Ward Rouse. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Curtis Phillips, 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
She is survived by her two sons, Tim and wife Mary of Fuquay Varina, NC, and Vic and wife Celina of Huntersville, NC. Ms. Phillips’s surviving grandsons include Trevor Phillips of Wilmington, NC, and Hayden Phillips and Hunter Phillips of Huntersville, NC. Ms. Phillips has one surviving brother, Vernon Rouse and wife Helen of Kenansville, NC.
Ms. Phillips attended James Walker Hospital School of Nursing in Wilmington, NC where she completed her ASN and received her Registered Nurse pin. She worked as a dedicated nurse for many years in hospitals, private practice, and industry settings. She enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, spending time with and keeping in touch with family, meeting new people and learning new things. She was a long-time loyal member of the First Baptist Church of Clayton, NC. She chaired various church committees multiple times over the years including WMU and the women’s book club. She formed many special neighborhood relationships over the years that she truly cherished; some even considered her the “mom” of the neighborhood.
The family would like to pay a special tribute to Mrs. Cathy Shuman who faithfully, selflessly, and lovingly cared for both mom and dad during their later years in life spanning a period of over 23 years of care, companionship, friendship, and genuine love. Mom and dad both considered Cathy a member of our family and we do too. The family would also like to thank the home health care company for providing quality health care workers during a very challenging period of employment. We are very grateful for all the ladies who stepped up to assist and provided care for mom during her later stages of life.
Family visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, August 17, 2021, from 6:00–8:00 pm at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, NC.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Clayton, NC on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at 11:00 am. A brief graveside service will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.
Flowers are appreciated and charitable contributions can made in her honor to the Dr. A Curtis Phillips and Mary Lee Phillips Scholarship Endowment at the Johnston Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 2350, Smithfield, NC 27522; or First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 35, Clayton, NC 27520.
McLaurin Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Phillips family.
