Phyllis Ann Marks, 86, of Willards, MD, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 9, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 6,1938 to Olen Derrickson Jones Sr. and Amanda Elizabeth Clayville Jones in Powellville, MD.
Phyllis graduated from Pittsville High School in 1956. She enjoyed school and playing any sports she could with her brothers. Phyllis was a lifetime Orioles fan and a Ravens fan. Some of her favorite days were spent at the beach with her girls and gardening. Phyllis loved to read Danielle Steel and any political non-fiction she could find.
Phyllis retired from TidalHealth in June 2010 with 49 years of service. She was a candy striper at Peninsula General Hospital (now TidalHealth) during her summers of high school. Phyllis attended Baltimore City Hospitals School of Nursing in Baltimore, MD and graduated in 1959. She worked there until 1961 when she returned home to begin her career at Peninsula General Hospital. She practiced nursing in several departments but once she found the cardiac care floor that is where she remained for the duration of her career. Her love of the patients and her extraordinary bedside manner made her a legend as well as a mentor to everyone she worked with.
Phyllis will be lovingly remembered by her daughters: Renee’ Elizabeth Benson and Valerie Benson Owens (Keith); her granddaughters: Amanda Elizabeth Manning, Olivia Ann Owens, and Lara Marie Owens; and great-granddaughter Khloe Raye Manning. She also leaves behind her brothers Olen “Chubby” Jones (Loretta), Morris Jones, Richard Jones (Terri), Lane Jones (Diane), as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by the father of her children, Glenn E. Benson, her second husband, Samuel J. Marks, her sister, Gertrude J. Wilkins and brother-in-law, Charles “Buddy” Wilkins.
Phyllis was an extraordinary mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She always had a smile, a hug, and a kind word to brighten your day. A kinder, gentler woman you will never meet again.
A graveside funeral service will be held Sunday, February 23,2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Church Cemetery on Mt. Pleasant Road in Willards, MD. Rev. Paul Sherwood will officiate.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Chesapeake Manor Assisted Living for their care and kindness. They treated mom so well and we appreciate their help and guidance over the last four years.
In lieu of flowers, please make any contributions in memory of Phyllis to the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Fund, c/o Heather Dennis, 36508 Mt. Pleasant Road, Willards, MD 21874.
Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com to share caring words and stories with the family.
