Mary Cox Phillips
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Mary's obituary
Mary Cox Phillips
March 17, 1940 – November 9, 2025
Mary Cox Phillips was born on March 17, 1940, in Petty, Texas, to Clyde and Lois Cox. She passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Mary is survived by her three children and their spouses—Blake Phillips; Ashley and Tony Sansalone; and Adam and Joli Phillips—as well as her two beloved granddaughters, Chloe and Isabella Sansalone. She also leaves behind many precious nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years and the love of her life, David Phillips.
The youngest of six children, Mary grew up on a cotton farm in North Texas before the family moved to Dallas in search of new opportunities. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School, where she joined the drill team and proudly marched in the very first Cotton Bowl Parade. During these years, she also met her lifelong best friend, Pat Dearing (now Pat Anderson), beginning a friendship that endured more than seven decades.
Mary went on to attend North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas), where she met the man who would become her lifelong partner, David Phillips. Together, they shared a beautiful journey full of love, laughter, and adventure. Along the way, they formed deep friendships that became like family. They welcomed their first child, Blake, in 1966, and later their daughter, Ashley and youngest son, Adam. Through every chapter of their lives, Mary remained grounded in her unwavering faith in God, guiding her family with strength, grace, and love.
Professionally, Mary enjoyed a long and successful career in property management and real estate. Yet her most cherished accomplishment came later in life, when she and a devoted group of friends founded Place of Hope in Rockdale, Texas—a pregnancy center dedicated to supporting young women and men navigating the challenges of parenthood. As Executive Director, Mary poured her heart into this mission, helping countless families and leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service that continues to this day.
To know Mary was to feel joy, kindness, and unconditional love. She was a natural optimist and a “do-it-yourselfer” who never shied away from a challenge. Her creativity shone through in everything she touched—whether quilting, painting, decorating, or setting a stunning Thanksgiving table, Mary infused every detail with care and beauty. She taught those around her to find joy in life’s moments, to lean on faith in hard times, and to love deeply.
A celebration of Mary’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Aledo United Methodist Church, 100 Pecan Drive, Aledo, Texas 76008. Fellowship and light refreshments will follow at the Sansalone home, 112 Solano Circle, Aledo, Texas 76008.
At a later date, Mary’s remains will be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Mary’s spirit will continue to shine brightly in all who knew and loved her.
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