Mary L. “Lou” Phillips

Mary L. “Lou” Phillips, 72, of Anna, died at 4:06 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Herrin Hospital in Herrin.

She was born on Dec. 15, 1939, in Enfield, the daughter of Timothy Lawrence and Viola Hopper Lawrence.

She married Garry Phillips on Feb. 11, 1961, in Vienna. He survives.

Other survivors include three daughters, Timara Kessler of Cobden, Christel and Jim Prater of Anna, and Nikki and Brian Craig of Anna; eight grandchildren, Tara McFarland, Lacy McFarland, William Hopkins, Tori Hopkins, Dale Prater, Nolan Prater, Payton Craig and Noah Craig; two sisters, Ruth Ann Payne of Flora and Nancy Lawrence of Neoga; a brother, Joe Lawrence of Fredericktown, Mo.; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Garry Lynn Phillips; and two brothers, Jim Lawrence and John Lawrence.

She was a 1958 graduate of Enfield High School. She had been employed as an executive secretary. She had also worked as a shipping manager and was involved in the Howard Hughes Glomar Explorer project.

She was a member of Faith Community Church in Anna. She liked all types of hand crafts, especially crochet.  She was an avid reader and liked writing poetry, gardening and photography. 

A memorial service was conducted Saturday, Feb. 25, at 3 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.  Pastor Bon Reynolds and Pastor Richard Reynolds officiated. Interment was in Taylor Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Faith Community Church, 101 Apple Ln., Anna, Ill. 62906.