Mary Ferguson Phillips

Born Mary Elizabeth Ferguson on March 18,1927 , to Dr. R.M. and Verna Ferguson of Attalla ,she attended Etowah High School and Judson College.

She married Preston Thomas Phillips ,Sr. of Attalla on October 2,1949 ,moving to Gadsden in 1961.

She is survived by her three children, Preston Thomas Phillips, Jr. ( Charles ) of Bridgehampton, NY, Richard Ferguson Phillips ( Beverly) of Birmingham, AL ,and Mary Elizabeth Day ( George) of Gadsden, as well as twin granddaughters who were the joy of her life, Julia Claire Day and Elizabeth Brooke Day .

She is also survived by her brother Dr. Richard M. Ferguson,Jr of Ft Payne, AL, as well as several nephews and nieces.

She was predeceased by her parents , R. M. and Verna Ferguson ,her beloved husband Preston , and sister Maureen Ferguson Gill.

In 1967, Mary was among the first women recruited by The Alabama Farm Bureau Insurance Co.(now ALFA), and became one of the most successful and distinguished insurance agents in the state of Alabama during her 38 year career.

She was a long standing member of The First Baptist Church of Gadsden, as well as a member of The Antiquarian Society of Gadsden. She was a founding patron of The Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts .Her grace ,caring nature, and generosity were the hallmarks of her life. She was a celebrated cook and baker who filled her home with an extended family of friends, and their children and grandchildren in addition to her own.

The visitation at Collier Butler Funeral Home is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, February 20th from 5:00-7:00, with funeral services the following day, February 21st at noon, in the Sanctuary of The First Baptist Church of Gadsden .There will be no visitation the day of the funeral service.

Pallbearers include Dr. Richard L. Ferguson, Sr., Sam B. Pollock III, Dr. Webb Sledge , Benjamin Campbell, Wesley H. Sutton ,Ricky Ray .

Interment at Forrest Cemetery will immediately follow the funeral service .

The family requests that donations be made in Mary's memory to either The First Baptist Church of Gadsden or Big Oak Ranch.