Mary L. Phillips, 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on August 7, 2026. She lived in Kingsport, Tennessee with her daughter, Pamela, and her grandson, Joshua. Being surrounded by family was a gift that brought her comfort and joy, and her family was grateful for the time they were able to share with her.
To know Mary was to know what it meant to be loved unconditionally. She was a loving and nurturing soul who spent her life putting the needs of others before her own. She was the person you could always depend on—the one who would be there when you needed her, who somehow always knew what to say, and who could make things feel a little better simply by being there.
Mary greeted everyone she met with a huge smile and a big hug. That smile was a reflection of the warmth she carried in her heart, and her hugs had a way of making people feel welcomed, loved, and at home. She had a gift for making people feel special simply by being herself. Those who knew her will remember not only the things she did for them, but the way she made them feel when they were with her.
And no matter what life brought her way, Mary never lost her sense of humor. She could find a reason to smile or make someone laugh even during difficult times. Her ability to bring lightness and laughter to those around her was one of the many things that made her so special. Her family will forever treasure the laughter they shared with her and the joy she brought into their lives.
Mary was a wonderful aunt as well. She loved her nieces and nephews and made them feel like they were an important part of her life. Her caring nature extended far beyond her immediate family, and she had a way of making those around her feel loved, accepted, and always welcome.
Mary found joy in the simple things in life. She loved to cook and garden, and both brought her a special kind of happiness. Her kitchen was a place where love was shared, and her garden was a place where she could nurture something and watch it grow. These simple pleasures reflected so much of who she was—patient, caring, generous, and always finding ways to bring beauty and comfort to those around her.
Mary had a quiet strength about her. She didn’t need to ask for recognition or attention. Her love was shown in the countless little things she did for the people around her. She gave freely of herself, never expecting anything in return. Her family knew that no matter what life brought their way, they could always count on Mom.
Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy and the most important part of her life. She treasured the time they shared and took great pride in watching her family grow. The love she poured into her family will continue to live on in the generations she leaves behind.
Mary was also a dedicated and accomplished professional. She retired after a successful career as the Financial Controller for Harris Wholesale in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her strong work ethic, intelligence, dependability, and commitment were qualities that defined her throughout her life.
She is survived by her sister, Carol A. Light; her daughter, Pamela L. Bates; her grandsons, David A. Osborne and Joshua M. Craddock; and her great-grandson, Logan I. Osborne.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry M. Phillips, Sr.; her son, Harry M. Phillips, Jr.; her parents, Elsie and Thomas Light, Sr.; and her brothers, Thomas Light, Jr. and John H. Light.
For her daughter, Pamela, saying goodbye to her mother is more than saying goodbye to a loved one—it is saying goodbye to the person who had been a constant source of love, comfort, strength, laughter, and reassurance throughout her life. There are no words that can truly express the emptiness left behind when a mother is gone. But there is also comfort in knowing that the love between a mother and daughter never truly ends.
Mary’s hands may no longer be there to hold, her voice may no longer be there to comfort, and her presence may no longer fill the room, but her love will remain—in the hearts of her family, in the lessons she taught, in the memories they share, and in every life she touched.
Her family will carry her with them always. They will remember her kindness, her selflessness, her strength, her gentle spirit, that beautiful smile, the warmth of every hug she gave, the laughter she shared, the meals she lovingly prepared, the flowers and gardens she carefully tended, and the love she gave so freely to her family.
Mary was deeply loved. She was deeply cherished. And she will be deeply missed.
The family will receive friends 11:00am-1:00pm on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Gilliam Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap, VA. The service will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Ben Harding officiating.
Burial will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens NJ
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Phillips’ family.
To view the obituary and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.