Mary Elizabeth Phelps, 85, departed this life on December 8, 2013 at South Hampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Virginia following many health complications. She was born on June 26, 1928 in Washington County, NC to the late Roy Dixon and Annie Hines Dixon. She was educated in the Washington County School System and was a homemaker and a devoted mother. She was united in holy matrimony on November 5, 1945 in Plymouth, NC to the later John L. Phelps, and to this union twelve children were born. They all love and cherish her memory. She joined First Zion Grove Baptist Church at an early age. After her marriage she moved to New York and joined Mount Sinai Baptist Church where she served as an usher, Deaconess, and member of the Pastor Aid Committee. Upon returning home to North Carolina and her home church First Zion she remained a faithful member until her death. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. John L. Phelps. She is survived by her children, Willie (Barbara), Joyce (Lee Toney), Fred (Gloria), Barbara (Jonathan), Dorothy (Reggie), and Charles (Karen), all of New York, Karen (Norris), Shirley (Rick), and John Lee, Jr all of Virginia, Frankie and Debra of North Carolina, and Ronnie of Georgia. 34 grandchildren, 85 great grandchildren, 2 great- great grandchildren, her niece, Ann Dixon Chesson, three great nephews, Tyrell, Tyrese, and Horace Dixon and a host of cousins and friends. Lifelong friends, Mattie Garrett, Ruth Patrick, Mandy Midgett, and Goldie Phelps. Mary was also preceded in death by brothers, Leroy, Johnnie (Shorty), and Raymond Dixon. Affectionately called "MAMA" by her family and friends, she will forever be missed and will continue to live in the hearts of all who loved her. Funeral services were 1:00PM December 14, 2013 at First Zion Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Wayne Welch, pastor, Minister Dawnette Phelps, officiating. Burial followed in First Zion Grove Cemetery