MaryAnn Phillips

03/06/2001

MaryAnn L. Phillips, 62, of 1094 Boiling Springs Road, Spartanburg, S.C., formerly of Pittsfield, died Tuesday at home after a long illness. Born in Pittsfield on Feb. 19, 1939, daughter of the late Leon E. and Virginia Triani Ditore, she attended local schools and was a 1956 graduate of Pittsfield High School. She also graduated from Sherwood Music School in Chicago, where she obtained certification to teach piano. During the 1960s, Mrs. Phillips worked as an executive secretary at GE. She taught piano privately for many years up to a few months before becoming ill. She also was affiliated with the Pittsfield Community Music School and completed a piano course with Virginia Ranti, a prominent music teacher in Pittsfield. She was a member of Restoration Church in Spartanburg and Christian Assembly Church in Pittsfield. In August 1983, she was ordained a minister in Bible doctrine through New Life in Christ Church in Fort Mill, S.C. She was very active in her ministry throughout the East Coast, teaching and speaking at engagements and television broadcasts, and led music ministry and theatrical productions for children. While in Pittsfield, Mrs. Phillips was one of the first to host inner-city children during the summer months under the Fresh Air Program and had volunteered at various community soup kitchens. She enjoyed theater, classical music and reading. She leaves her husband, Hector Dwight Phillips, whom she married May 27, 1960; a daughter, Rebecca M. Darby of Mansfield; a son, Dwight L. Phillips of Spartanburg, and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 from DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, with the Rev. Dean Nowotny, pastor of Christian Assembly Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Pittsfield Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Saturday from 1 until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials donations may be made to St. Francis' Hospice of Greenville, S.C., or to Gibbs Regional Cancer Center, both in care of the funeral home.

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