Mary Alice (Leslie) Phillips

Mary Alice Phillips, of Goodlettsville, TN, passed away peacefully February 6, 2021. She had a full life of 87 years. Mary Alice Phillips was born at her Prestonsburg, Kentucky, home to parents, Gerald Graham Leslie and Maman Gunnel Leslie on June 26, 1933, the oldest of four siblings.

An intelligent and wise woman, Mary Alice attended Berea College with her brother, Gerald, from 1953-57. From a line of educators, Mary Alice was encouraged to obtain her Master’s Degree. Mary Alice began her fulfilling career as a 4th grade teacher in 1958. She married Frank Phillips from Scott County, Tennessee, in 1959, and was a patient, doting wife until his death in 1989. Mrs. Phillips enjoyed working with children and served as a school librarian for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools for 30 years, and retired from her rewarding career in 1994. She was also involved with the Order of the Eastern Star. Social and active throughout her life, and in her later years, Mary Alice enjoyed travelling to Florida in the winters and was an avid card-player at local senior centers in New Smyrna Beach and Goodlettsville, TN. Her loss is felt by many.

Preceded in death by her mother and father, Maman and Gerald Leslie, her husband, Frank Phillips, and nephews, ‘Little Dickie’ Leslie, Gerald John Leslie, and cousin, David Banner, she joins them in Heaven.

She is survived by her loving family: her brothers, Gerald Graham Leslie of Kentucky and Dickie Leslie of Florida, sister Marti Leslie Shelton of Florida; her son: Richard Lloyd Phillips of Nashville, TN, grandchildren Amber and Joey, and many loving nieces and nephews. Future generations to come are enriched by the good life Mrs. Phillips lived.

A graveside service will be held at the Leslie Family Cemetery in Prestonsburg, Kentucky where Mary Alice will be laid to rest next to her husband and parents Saturday. A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later time.

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