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Celebrating the life of

Marya Snell Phillips

July 18, 1940 - July 09, 2024

Marya Snell Phillips

Marya Snell Phillips, 83, of Savannah, GA, died peacefully Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Marya was born July 18, 1940, in Atlanta, GA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William E. (Billy) Phillips; her parents, Weis & Frances Snell; her sister, Janice Goldberg; her beloved son, Chuck Phillips; and her beloved grandson, Brian Parker.

Marya married her high school sweetheart, Billy Phillips, in 1958. Without a doubt, her ultimate purpose and goal in her life, and her most treasured accomplishment, was being the best mother ever for her four children (Chuck, Chris, Cathy, and Craig), whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her brother-in-law Donald Goldberg, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carolyn and Tarver Edwards, her daughter Cathy Parker (Pat), her sons Chris Phillips (Cindy) and Craig Phillips (Traci); her grandchildren, Sarah Goodwin (Wright), Elizabeth Broullire (Matt), Will Phillips, Emily Parker, Chas Phillips, and Connor Phillips, and her great-grandchildren Charlie and Claire Broullire, as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Marya was raised on Tybee Island and was always very proud of growing up as an early Tybee full-time resident.  She was a 1958 graduate of Commercial High School.  After raising her children, she decided to start college at the same time as her children.  She attended Armstrong College and received a degree in social work.  She worked for a number of years as a social worker at St. Joseph’s Hospital before taking “early retirement” to enjoy life, or as her children called it, piddling.

Marya loved the Lord and was very active in the early church life at Southside Baptist Church, and then at Isle of Hope Baptist Church after her family moved to Isle of Hope in 1970.  She lived on Isle of Hope until moving to the Ogeechee River in Richmond Hill in 1988.  She was very active throughout her life in many different bible studies and other “women’s groups” activities with all her church lady friends.  She was always proud to have instilled her deep faith and belief in God in her children.

By all accounts, Marya lived a full, happy, loving and joy-filled life. She continued to laugh and sing until the time of her death. She brought joy to everyone around her. She was always kind, giving, loving, spirit-lifting and was known for sharing her love, joy, time and talents with everyone. She was a loving and great wife, mother, grandmother and friend to so many and she will be deeply missed by all her family and friends. The family would like to give special thanks to those who provided such good care to her over her final years, especially acknowledging Keith Munger and his excellent staff at Spanish Oaks Retreat, who so lovingly and compassionately cared for her.

Visitation: Thursday, July 11, 2014, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Fox & Weeks Funeral Home – Hodgson Chapel. Funeral Services: 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2014, at Fox & Weeks Funeral Home – Hodgson Chapel.; Service Officiant will be her friend, Rev. Billy Miller. Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to The Chuck Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.

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So sorry to see this. Marya was such a kind loving Lady. Have not seen her in a while,but I asked about and thought about her often. I know her family will miss her deeply. My love and prayers for all of you.

- ELSIE Evans, Savannah, Ga.31410

So sorry to hear of the passing of Marya I was a close friend of her Sister Janice. I miss her too. Marya was the sweetest & caring person I have ever met. Always Positive thinking. Will surely be missed! My Condolences to her family.

- JoAnn Wallace, Savannah, , Georgia

So sorry to hear this. What a sweet lady she was.

- Belinda Sue Hagins, Savannah, GA

So sorry about Marya she was one of my best friends and we traveled a lot together we always enjoyed the good times prayers for the family glenda claxton

- Glenda claxton, Sav, Ga

Remembering the great times we had through the years. Marya was a good friend to everybody. Loved her.

- Delaine Sumner, Savannah , Georgia

My thoughts and prayers for the family of this lovely lady. I have many fond memories of her and Billy and indeed the entire family from when I served in the staff at Isle of Hope Baptist Church. Lovely family and I give thanks for knowing them.

- Benjamin Rodney Poole, Jacksonville, Florida

My thoughts and prayers for the family of this lovely lady. I have many fond memories of her and Billy and indeed the entire family from when I served in the staff at Isle of Hope Baptist Church. Lovely family and I give thanks for knowing them.

- Benjamin Rodney Poole, Jacksonville, Florida

Sending love and prayers to the family. Mayra was always such a lovely person, always with a smile!

- Regina Wilson, Savannah , GA

I met Marya in the 8th grade. She was one of the most sincere and sweetest people I ever met. We remained close to graduation. Our class actually closed Commercial as the last class. Later we reconnected being in the same church for a number of years. And during later years we enjoyed spending time and traveling with a few times with she and Billy.

- Anita Salter Bragg, Savannah, GA

Chris, Cathy & Craig, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mom. She was such a sweet and caring friend. She will be missed. My prayer is that y’all find comfort and strength in knowing that she is in heaven with her loved ones and has been made whole. What a reunion that must have been. With deepest sympathy, love and prayers to all.

- Lynn Wells Troughton, Savannah, GA

Cathy and Pat I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t ever remember not seeing Mrs. Phillips that she didn’t have a smile on her face. Cathy your mother was one of the kindest people I ever met. May she Rest in Peace.

- Raleigh M “Butch” Ward, Richmond Hill, GA

Sending our deepest sympathies to the family. Marya was one of the nicest people I've ever met. She will be greatly missed.

- Denise Cowart-Rahn, Bloomingdale, Ga

Chris, Cathy, Craig, your mother was a wonderful friend for sixty plus years. My heart is broken!

- Betty Ann Brooks, Savannah, Ga

my heart is broken again dear marya has passed to be with billy--i have a broken arm or i would be there to get a hug from everyone--you are in my heart and prayers always

- Tommie Patrick, Savannah, Georgia

I was one of the blessed ones to be in a Bible study with Marya. She had such a sweet spirit and loved studying Gods word. I look forward to seeing her again.

- Holly Weeks Geriner , Savannah, Georgia

Chris, Cindy and family our sincere condolences to all. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May God bless you.

- Mac & Brenda Salter, Savannah, GA

Marya was a true southern lady! My mother, Janice and Marya are rejoicing in heaven with all of their loved ones. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Phillips family and friends. God Bless.

- JoAnne Warman, Richmond Hill, Georgia

To the Phillips family, please know that we care and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Collins Family: Randy, Helen, Brian '90, Kevin '92, Caleb '09, Jacob '16, Daniel '19, Savannah, Georgia

We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family. Marya was such a sweet person and we know she will be deeply missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

- Nancy Rowland & Marilyn Florie, Savannah, Georgia

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Mrs. Phillips was my first teacher at Grove Park Kindergarten. She made such a lasting impression on me with her kindness and beautiful smile. May she Rest in Peace.

- Brian O'Neal, Savannah, Georgia

Growing up on Tybee, I have such fond memories of Marya and the Snell family as members of the Chapel-by-the-Sea Baptist Church when it was still located in Fort Screven. Sending my sincerest sympathy to the Phillips family for your loss. May the Angels look over all of you.

- Cheryl Clark Solomon, Islamorada, FL

Dear Cathy, Craig, and Chris, We were heartbroken to hear about Mrs. Marya's passing. Steve just recently retired and we chose to move back to this area. I just told him a week ago that I was going to see where your mother was living and go see her. She was a treasure. She's with Mr. Billy and my mom, Alicia McGrath, doing the Irish Jig with the Angels. Blessings to you all, Debbie Caldwell

- Debbie Caldwell, Hardeeville, SC

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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