Mary Jane Grayson Phillips was born in 1949 in Culpeper County, Virginia. She was born to a single mother who worked as a housekeeper. Mary attended George Washington Carver Regional High School, a segregated public school for Black children, which was shuttered when Virginia finally moved to integrate its schools in the late 1960s. She graduated from Rappahannock County High School in 1968.

Mary struck out on her own as a young woman and moved to Washington, DC, where she made her life. At age 20, she was briefly married, and in later years spoke of her estranged husband only to joke that “Mr. Phillips wouldn’t mind” if she stayed out late. While Mary never had children of her own, the family she created for herself in Washington was expansive. With her big spirit and husky voice, Mary made friends wherever she went. She was a beloved nanny to many families and became a part of every family she touched. 

Mary had encyclopedic knowledge of football and was devoted to the Washington football team through all its ups and downs. She read the newspaper daily, did all the puzzles, and was hopelessly committed to playing the lottery. She never learned to drive, but could get just about anywhere on the bus. 

Mary was honorable, reliable, and hardworking, but she never took life too seriously. She had a wry sense of humor, a quick wit, and strong opinions that were all her own. Mary was deeply loyal but fiercely independent and rightfully proud of the life she made for herself. Life threw her many obstacles, which she overcame with sheer will and determination to succeed.

Mary is survived by many friends and many children she helped to raise. She was loved by all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.