Obituary – Mary Lou Phifer

Published 11:58 am Thursday, February 6, 2025

Mary Lou Phifer was born on Aug. 11, 1930, in Greenville to the late Major and Bertha Smith Albritton. She married J.C. Phifer, Sr. in August 1951. At an early age, she accepted Christ and joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. In later years she became a devoted member of St. Francis Missionary Baptist Church and attended faithfully until her health declined. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star – Queen Elizabeth 278. She also served as President of the Senior Missionary Society and was a member of the Senior Choir.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband J.C. Phifer Sr., children — Johnny Joe Phifer, Eugene Robinson, Isiah Major Albritton and Bertha Phifer Hamilton; sister Meazola Womack, son-in-law Deacon Jim Willie Maye Sr. and son-in-law Henry Hamilton. 

She leaves to cherish her memory seven children:  Jimmie Albritton (Cindy), Grant, Florida; Alma Jewell Maye, (Jim Willie Sr.) Greenville; Annie Hamilton (Johnny), Greenville; J.C. Phifer, Jr., Greenville; James E. Phifer (Tena), Northport; Robert Phifer (Ronica), Greenville and Timothy Phifer, Greenville; a daughter-in-law, Margaret Albritton; 31 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and a loving niece — Lessie Maye, Rochester, New York. 

Funeral service was held on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Saint Francis Baptist Church Greenville. Burial followed in the Churchyard Cemetery; Rev. Aaron Bennett, officiated and Hudson Funeral Service directed.