Mary Gaskins Phillips

Born July 29, 1932, she was a dedicated pastor's wife for over 30 years and loved her family dearly. She was a woman of short stature with a big personality. To know her was to love her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Rev. Jack Phillips Jr.; father, Thomas Whitford; and mother, Carthine Ireland Gaskins.

She is survived by her children, Shirlene McKeel and husband Tommy, Judy Jones and husband Rhody, Clarence "Buddy" Phillips III, all of New Bern; brothers, Thomas Gaskins of Reelsboro, Ray Earl Gaskins of New Bern; sister, Shirley Richardson of New Bern; grandchildren, Thomas McKeel, Christina Tripp, Tricia Harker, Jeff Jones, Lisa Hacker, Connie Roberts; great-grandchildren Lauren Barnett, Lindsay Bennett, Logan Bennett, Chase Harker, Hayley Harker, Kaitlyn Hargett, Marissa Hargett, Emma Hacker, Aidan Hacker, Carly Hacker, Sophie Jones, Pete Steponkus, Katie Roberts, Jason Roberts; great-great grandson Ryan Barnett; and many nieces and nephews who she also loved.

She was a member of Faith FWB Church of New Bern where she was former choir director.

Visitation will be at Cotten Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3 with funeral services following at 8 p.m. with the Rev. Dwayne Boyd officiating. Burial will be Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. in Faith Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Faith FWB Church, 250 Sandhills Rd., New Bern, NC 28560

Online condolences may be made to the Phillips family at cottenfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.