Mary Phillips Wells
September 10, 1936 ~ July 18, 2021
ROCKY MOUNT - Mary Phillips Wells, age 84, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Born in Wilson County, NC on September 10, 1936, she was the daughter of the late James Thurman Phillips and Lossie Price Phillips. She was also preceded in death by eight sisters and brothers.
Mary with her husband Talmage owned and operated One Hour Koretizing Cleaners in Rocky Mount until their retirement. She served as a Nash County Commissioner, representing the citizens of the county with pride and compassion until her passing. Mary was an enthusiastic, loyal, and dedicated member of the Democratic Party. She participated actively in numerous civic, community, and government organizations over the years. Service to her community was a core belief for Mary. She will be remembered by many for the positive impact she had on their lives both professionally and personally.
Mary was a person of strong faith. As a longtime member of Dortches Baptist Church, she served in many capacities and was the churches first female deacon. Her church family was very dear to her. The family is at peace knowing that after a life well lived, she is enjoying her just rewards in Heaven.
First and foremost, Mary loved, supported, and cherished her family. She was a dedicated and much-loved wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 65 years Talmage; brother, Ed Phillips (Janice); sons, James Wells, Royce, and David; daughter, Tammy Wells Davis(Bob); grandchildren, Keely Johnson(Alan), Matt Wells, Nicole Polk (Daniel), Nicholas Wells, Daniel Wells, Jessica Wells (Michael), Josh Wells (Carin), Chris Wells(Joe), Stephen Davis, and Jeffrey Davis (Delynn); and great-grandchildren, Quinton Davis, Peyton Polk and Annistyn Johnson.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Mary's life will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Dortches Baptist Church, 4776 Dortches Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Pastor Phillip Barton officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, July 23, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Dortches Baptist Church Family Life Center.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Mary's memory to Dortches Baptist Church, 4776 Dortches Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Dortches Baptist Church Family Life Center
4776 Dortches Blvd.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Friday 7/23, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, July 23, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Dortches Baptist Church Family Life Center.
Service
Dortches Baptist Church
4776 Dortches Blvd.
Rocky mount, NC 27804
Saturday 7/24, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
A Funeral Service to celebrate Mary's life will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Dortches Baptist Church, 4776 Dortches Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Pastor Phillip Barton officiating.
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Saturday 7/24, 3:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Sending love and prayers to Mary’s family from the Nash County Democratic Women. Mary was dedicated to public service and doing good work for our county and beyond. We appreciate all she did. We will miss her terribly.
Mrs. Wells was always so thoughtful and knew everyone. She was so faithful to all of her family and the boards she was on. Including TPWDB and UCP Boards. She will be surely missed. Please let Ray and I know if we can do anything. Love Amy and Ray Brown
Condolences goes out to the entire family. I had the privilege to work with Mrs. Wells over the years. A true and dedicated servant. Eccles. 3
In memory of Mary Phillips Wells, Verna Gail Proctor lit a candle
To the Family of Mary Wells… I am saddened to hear of Mrs. Wells transitioning, she was a sweet hearted person, friendly and kind to all. We met through UCP about 12 years ago as I became mayor of Enfield, being the new kid on the block, Mrs. Wells welcomed me right in with the family. We will surely miss her at the meetings but now God has work for her to do with Him now, so we have to accept His call and know that He makes no mistakes. The family will be in my prayers, that God will bless you every day and keep you in His care. Best regards, Barbara Simmons
In memory of Mary Phillips Wells, Paul Armstrong lit a candle
Mary Alice touched the lives of countless others in many special ways and especially those of us who knew her through membership in Business and Professional WomenNorth Carolina. She demonstrated her leadership ability as she progressed through the ranks to ably serve as the 20032004 State President. I was honored to serve as her Parliamentarian and loved her dearly. Fond memories of times we shared together will be remembered always.
I am saddened by the loss of such a great lady, and I feel honored and blessed to have known such a wonderful person. Mary has been a cherished friend of mine for over 25 years and she has inspired me, and supported me, countless times. Her love of family and her many, many friends and her dedication to Rocky Mount and North Carolina are unsurpassed. Sending love and prayers to Mr. Talmage and the Wells family. I will never forget Mary’s spunky outlook on life, her gift of working with people and her true commitment to make this world a better place. She has certainly succeeded! I will always miss your laughter and your friendship, dearest Mary! You may not have known it but you made a huge impact on my life and I will do my best to carry your legacy of caring forward.. Much love, Karen and Chris Crockett
Mary Alice was a very special lady and we are so happy she was in our lives. She and I went up the ranks of Business & Professional Women boards and we often met to discuss issues. For years, Doug met with her at a BPW conference for a drink together – became a tradition with them. Like others, I was always impressed that she ran her businesses so efficiently through good and bad times. I remember when Mary Alice went into politics and I helped with her first campaign. We also remember attending their 50th wedding anniversary party. So many memories. She will always be in our hearts. Sending our love, thoughts and prayers to Mary Alice’s husband and family.
Mary Alice was such a mentor to so many women all over not just North Carolina but the entire country! She will be sorely missed!
Mr. Wells, Bob, Tammy, Dave, Royce, & family, I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers and sympathy are with you during this difficult time. It has been an honor to know Mrs. Wells and I always enjoyed seeing and talking to her. She always had a smile and acted like she was glad to see me. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. May God bless you and comfort you and give you peace and strength when you need them most only He can give. Thank you for sharing her with me all of these years. Cheryl Ann Landin
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
No amount of words can express the pain that you are going through. We are sending you love and prayers and hope you are able to find strength during this dark time.
I have many, many fond memories during our softball days. Prayers for all of you.
My sincerest sympathy to the Wells family. She lived well, loved much, gave unselfishly and now rests with her Lord.. May we one day meet in the eternal world.
Your Legacy will be a road map for generations to come; you served well, you loved indulgently, and you stood your grounds adamantly bringing Truth to Power. Thousands loved you for being the amazing wife, mother, colleague, business owner, advocate, politician, and Mighty Woman of God who spoke it like it was and made no apology for the Truth. Democrats and Republicans respect you and love you for all that you did for Nash County. No one can fill your shoes but what a challenge to at least try.
to the family of Ms. Wells I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Mary’s passing; she was a fine lady who was loved and admired by many. My prayers are with you and May God give you peace in the days ahead
Talmage and Kids, we are keeping you all in our prayers. She will truly be missed.
My condolences to the Wells family.
Condolences to Mary’s family.
Mary was a strong supporter for the Nash County Miracle Park at Coopers. We all appreciated her dedication to the youth programs for Nash County. She also was a special friend and will be missed.
In memory of Mary Phillips Wells, Rocky Mount NCWorks Career Center lit a candle
My heart is with you, Talmedge and the entire family of Mary Alice . She was a inspiration to me over our years of service to BPW. Always one to encourage us to be our best, her determination for getting things done for her community earned her the respect of many. She will be missed..
Mary Wells will be greatly missed. She was a friend and mentor to me. She always strived to be the best of the best as a public servant. Rest In Peace. Brenda Hill Pollard Durham, NC
So sorry to hear about Mary Alice. Had a lot of fun with her in BPW. Praying for comfort for all of you Jane Hedgepeth
In memory of Mary Phillips Wells, Delores B. Lawrence lit a candle
To Mary’s husband, Talmage, and their sons, daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mary was a wonderful, kind, compassionate, intelligent person whom we are proud to have called our friend. My years thus far in the Business and Professional WomenNC were enriched by Mary’s presence. May she rest in peace….we will miss her enthusiasm and fun loving spirit. Linda and Ed Karolak Durham, NC
To Mary’s husband, Talmage, and their sons, daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mary was a wonderful, kind, compassionate, intelligent person whom we are proud to have called our friend. My years thus far in the Business and Professional WomenNC were enriched by Mary’s presence. May she rest in peace….we will miss her enthusiasm and fun loving spirit. Linda and Ed Karolak Durham, NC
To Mary’s husband, Talmage, and their sons, daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mary was a wonderful, kind, compassionate, intelligent person whom we are proud to have called our friend. My years thus far in the Business and Professional WomenNC were enriched by Mary’s presence. May she rest in peace….we will miss her enthusiasm and fun loving spirit. Linda and Ed Karolak Durham, NC
To Mary’s husband, Talmage, and their sons, daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mary was a wonderful, kind, compassionate, intelligent person whom we are proud to have called our friend. My years thus far in the Business and Professional WomenNC were enriched by Mary’s presence. May she rest in peace….we will miss her enthusiasm and fun loving spirit. Linda and Ed Karolak Durham, NC
To Mary’s husband, Talmage, and their sons, daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mary was a wonderful, kind, compassionate, intelligent person whom we are proud to have called our friend. My years thus far in the Business and Professional WomenNC were enriched by Mary’s presence. May she rest in peace….we will miss her enthusiasm and fun loving spirit. Linda and Ed Karolak Durham, NC
Oh the adventures we had together because I could never say no to Mary Alice. She will be sorely missed.
Oh the adventures we had together because I could never say no to Mary Alice. She will be sorely missed.
Oh the adventures we had together because I could never say no to Mary Alice. She will be sorely missed.
If ever there was a pillar of strength and grace, it was Mary Alice Wells. I am forever blessed by her friendship and mentorship. Whether it was her work, her interests or her family, she did it all in the finest fashion and as a role model to us all. My condolences to Talmadge and family.
May this light always shine in memory of you to honor you for the wonderful work you have done and for the friends you have made to guide us and direct us in the days ahead. RIP until we meet again.
In memory of Mary Phillips Wells, Charlene Whitley Wynne lit a candle
In memory of Mary Phillips Wells, LaShawnda Washington lit a candle
Blessing to the family 🙏🥀
My thoughts and prayers are for Talmage and Mary’s family. She was such a vibrant and caring person, willing to give her all for those things she cared about. The world is a better place because she was in it. Susan Benton Wilson
My condolences to Mary’s family.