Mary Phoebe Enders Willis

WILLIS, Mary Phoebe Enders, 102, died Wednesday, January 21, 2009. She was born in Catonsville, Md., April 4, 1906, the daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther Enders and Grace Hubner Enders. She completed and was certified by the Sargent School of Physical Education in Boston, Mass. In 1926, Miss Enders left Baltimore, stating her intention "to teach her way around the world." Her first stop was Fredericksburg, where she accepted a position teaching physical education at Mary Washington College. She completed and received her B.S. degree in physical education from MWC and continued to teach there until 1933. On June 20, 1931, Miss Enders married Jere M.H. Willis, then mayor of Fredericksburg. She remained a resident of Fredericksburg until her death. Raised a Lutheran, upon her marriage Mrs. Willis became and was for many years a member of the Fredericksburg Baptist Church. She later became an active member of St. George's Episcopal Church and served on its vestry. Mrs. Willis served from 1944 to 1952 as a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia. She was an active member of the Mary Washington College Alumnae Association, serving as its president and receiving its Distinguished Alumna Award. Mrs. Willis was an active member and served as treasurer of the Fredericksburg Branch of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. She was a member and served as treasurer of the board of trustees of the James Monroe Museum. She was a longtime member of the Fredericksburg Literary Club. Mrs. Willis was predeceased by her husband of 53 years. She is survived by her five sons, Judge Jere M.H. Willis Jr. and his wife, Barbara, of Fredericksburg, Dr. John C. Willis and his wife, Frances, of Niceville, Fla., Dr. William W. Willis and his wife, Louise, of Saddlebrook, Ariz., Mark C. Willis and his wife, Jo Love, of Fredericksburg, and Joseph G. Willis and his wife, Suzanne Hall, of Richmond; 15 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be conducted in Confederate Cemetery at 12 noon Thursday, January 29, with the Rev. James C. Dannals officiating. The family requests that expressions of sympathy be contributions to St. George's Church Restoration Fund, 905 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.