ST. GEORGE, Utah--Mary Morris Phoenix, 82, passed away December 22, 1998 at the St. George Care Center.
She was born June 2, 1916 in St. George to Morton and Mollie Lund Morris. She married John J. Phoenix, Jr. in St. George. He preceded her in death.Mary was reared and educated in St. George, graduating from Dixie High School and Dixie Jr. College. She also attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Stanford in Berkeley, California and the University of Utah. She received a degree in History and English. Her intent was to pursue a law degree after receiving a degree in Elementary Education. She taught school for a short time in St. George and later married Jack Phoenix, a well known Standard Oil Distributor. Together they raised their family in St. George. After Jack died, Mary continued her school teaching endeavors. She taught English and Drama at Dixie High School until retirement. Mary had a special talent reaching those students who needed special considerations.
Mary had been very active in community and public affairs. She was co-chairman with Ellis Pickett of the St. George Centennial, past President Ladies of Elks, Rotary Anns, Lady Lions, and 1st President of Alice Louise Reynolds Club. She later took an instrumental part in the Red Hills Readers, where she wrote and directed many scripts for their productions. She was also responsible for the Tuesday night programs at the St. George Tabernacle for many years.
Mary was a literary enthusiast. She wrote many pageants and a weekly newspaper column, "Dixie Diary," in the Spectrum for many years. She loved History, particularly the Pioneer Heritage of St. George and Southern Utah. She was considered an authority on Southern Utah History.
Mary was a recipient of many awards and was Outstanding Women of the Year for: BPW, Chamber of Commerce, BPOE, Rotary and recognized many times for her outstanding service to the arts and education. She was one of a kind and had a special way of making people feel good. She was a good Democrat, intelligent, entertaining, friendly and kind. She loved all her students and will be dearly missed by friends and family.
She is survived by her son, John Phoenix of Las Vegas, NV; sister-in-law, Jean Morris of Bakersfield, CA; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Bill and brother, Robert Morris.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 28, 1998 at 2 p.m. at the Spilsbury and Beard Mortuary, 110 South Bluff, in St. George. Friends may call Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. and Monday one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the St. George Cemetery under the direction of Spilsbury and Beard Mortuary, St. George, UT. 673-2454.
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