Mary Verner Philhower

Mary Verner Campbell Philhower passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026 after a brief illness. She was 93, and as youthful as anyone half her age. Her beautiful smile and striking blue eyes reflected her warmth and ability to find fun at every turn. She had a joyful, lighthearted spirit and loved to laugh. She was inclusive by nature and truly never met a stranger, welcoming everyone with warmth and kindness.

Mary Verner was born in Greenville, South Carolina on September 25, 1932. She lived most of her youth in Clemson, South Carolina and was a lifelong Clemson Tiger fan. She attended Calhoun Clemson High School and graduated from Winthrop College with a BS in Business Administration. Upon graduation, Mary Verner worked as a secretary at Clemson University. Later she moved to Atlanta, Georgia to work at the 3rd Army Headquarters. She met her future husband, Louis Philhower, while he was a graduate student at Clemson University, a meeting that began a lifetime of love and partnership.

Mary Verner married Louis Stout Philhower, Jr. of Williamsburg, Virginia on January 26th 1957 at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church in Clemson, South Carolina. She was selected as bride of the month by Anderson Independent Newspaper and because of this, they were given a week's honeymoon to Sarasota, Florida.

The newlyweds moved to Macon, Georgia where they made their lifelong home and were married 68 years.

Mary Verner loved playing tennis, traveling, dancing, gardening, and reading prose and poetry. Mary Verner had a deep and abiding love for God's word and found great joy in studying Scripture alone and with dear friends in her Bible study group. Her First Presbyterian Church and Canterbury Sunday school class were the foundation of her community. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her constant joy.

Mary Verner faithfully served on the Salvation Army Board for many years, and alongside her husband Louis, managed the Macon Exchange Club food booth at the Georgia State Fair, roles that reflected her generous spirit and love for her community. She was a member of the Suburban Garden Club. A lifelong automobile enthusiast, she was a proud member of the Oldsmobile Convertible Cutlass Club and delighted in talking about all makes and models of cars with anyone who shared her interest.

Mary Verner is survived by her son, Andrew Campbell Philhower (Gabriel Ceballos) of Atlanta and daughters: Amanda Oswald (Bob) of Savannah and Melissa Jones (Bruce) of Macon, grandchildren Laura Kate Mathews(Brooks), Louis Oswald (Rachel), Betsy Jones (Christopher) and six great grandchildren, Rhett Samuel Mathews, Molly Kate Mathews, Sophie Melissa Jones, Summer McKenzie Jones, Sally Campbell Jones, Louis Samuel Oswald, and Charles Major Oswald, her brother, Thomas Alexander Campbell, Jr. of Clemson, SC and many nieces and nephews. Her husband, Louis, preceded her in death December 19, 2024.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank "Mrs. Mary's" companions and caregivers. These angels on earth are Carolyn Waters, Ivy Adjabeng, Bridgitt Clements, Brenda Crayton, Ella Mahone, and Shirley Jones.

A private burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery. The memorial service will be February 10th at noon at First Presbyterian Church 682 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia 31210. Visitation will follow in the church fellowship hall. Snow's Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, has charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church.