Mary Jean (Phillips) Johnson

Ms. Mary Jean Johnson was born on November 11, 1948, to James Artis Phillips and Almeeter Ellis Phillips in Metter Georgia.  She departed this life on Friday, December 20, 2024.

Mary Jean attended the public schools of Candler County, Georgia and was a 1966 graduate of  Lillian Street High School.  At an early age, Mary Jean professed Jesus Christ as her Savior and joined Thankful Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully as an usher. Later in life, she became a member of  Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, in the Aline Community, under the leadership of her son, Reverend Jay Phillips.

Mary Jean was employed by the Candler County Board of Education as a secretary. She relocated to the North where she worked for the New York Red Cross as a secretary and as a bank teller in New Jersey. In the winter of 1976 she returned to Metter, Georgia and resumed employment with the Candler County Board of Education as a secretary at Metter High School. Mary Jean was well known for her ability to speed type and her beautiful penmanship. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Reverend Jay Phillips, and  four siblings, Marion Phillips, Leo 'LC' Phillips, Tommie Joe Phillips, and Theartis Phillips.

Mary Jean leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, LaJaunta Phillips and Trevor Phillips; a caring daughter-in-law, Beverly Phillips, one brother, Melvin Phillips; five grandchildren, Rashad Mincey, Deontre’ (Samantha) Ross, Kourtanne’ Mincey, Nicole Coney and Jabin Phillips, nine great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Bobbie “BJ" Phillips, Sarah Phillips and Margaret Phillips; three special friends, Ruth Ann “Sate” Burke, Joyce Jordan, and Lear Nelson; a special aunt, Laura Bryant; special sibling, Mildred Grant, Fannie Donaldson, Hezekiah and Evelyn Campbell, Larry and Brenda Gould and several cousins, and friends.

The Staff of Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to support and serve the Phillips/Johnson family with Dignity, Respect and Integrity.

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