Mary Ruth Phillips Goins

Originally from Shelby, NC, she was the daughter of Gladys and Savannah Camp Phillips. She was the widow of Jerry Goins. Mary and Jerry were high school sweethearts and had been together 62 years before his passing in 2019. She called Jerry “My Rock”.

An avid tennis player, she was known for her love and dedication to the sport. She was a beloved and 40 year member of the Easley Tennis Club/Marion Harris Courts. There she served as secretary/treasurer for 20 years. She was one of the biggest promoters of the club and would do anything she could to support it. Mary was employed by the South Carolina Tennis Association, a part of the U.S. Tennis Association. There she held the office of District League Coordinator for the state of S.C. for over 25 years. With 16 local leagues and 20,000 players, it was the 2nd largest league in the South East. In 2010, Mary was awarded USTA Southern, Marilyn Sherman Spirit Award. This prestigious award honored the recipient for overall excellence in league management. Mary loved her tennis family, and the S.C. players knew her simply as “Mother Mary”.

Her passion for tennis was only overshadowed by her love for her family. Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Sherry Goins Harmon and her husband David; her grandson Brandon and his wife Maria Jose and her great grandchildren.

Mary was predeceased by her son Jerry Douglas “Doug” Goins, Jr.

A visitation for Mary will be held Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive, 311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607. A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 11:00 am at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, donate3.cancer.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Goins family.