Mary Phillips Brown

Mary Phillips Brown age 92 of New Bern died peacefully at home the 4th of July. Mary led a full active life until the end. She had retired from a rewarding teaching career and really enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She volunteered in many civic, church and Womens's Club activities and liked traveling, reading and playing games especially bridge.

The daughter of the late Roger and Leona Phillips of Warsaw she was born June 30, 1932, in Grifton NC, Mary grew up in Penderlea and Warsaw NC. After graduation from East Carolina College, she married Philip Brown. They and their three daughters made their home in Raleigh and later in New Bern. Mary was a longtime member of Garber Methodist Church.

Mary is survived by her daughters Judy "Beth" Nicely of Asheboro NC and Allison Byrd of Long Boat Key, FL. She is survived by two brothers HC Phillips and wife Judy of Miami and Bob Phillips and wife Ladonna of Wilmington, and her sister-in-law Barbara Phillips of Nashville, NC. Her grandchildren Brooke Amerson Hand, husband Jimmy Hand, and Nichole Amerson Devinney. Grandsons Kyle Byrd, Ryan Byrd and his wife Mary. Great granddaughters Taylor Marie & Madison Grace Hand and River Devinney. She is preceded in death by her husband Philip Brown, daughter Janet Amerson, parents Roger and Leona Phillips, sister Loyce Boyette and brother Roger Lee Phillips.

Celebration of life service will be held at Garber Methodist Church at 2:00 PM Thursday July 11th. Reception to follow.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Mary Phillips Brown.