Mary Alice Phelon

Mary Alice Lockhart was born at 10:50 am to Hattie Mae Lockhart and Samuel Lafayette Lockhart on September 25, 1939 in Alton, IL. Mary Alice attended Alton High School and later attended Jackson State University in the nursing program.
 
Mary Alice met her husband, Wash Phelon Sr., in 1966 at a local restaurant in St. Louis, MO. They married on June 20, 1967 and went on to have 5 boys, Wash Jr., Lafayette, Antonio, Marcus and Michael. The union was ultimately blessed to have a baby girl and aptly named her Joy.

She enjoyed family, friends and more importantly a commitment to Christ and the power of prayer. She was well known for cooking for the community and the church and was especially revered for her homemade sweet rolls and desserts.

In her 80 years of life, Mary modeled what it meant to be a person of faith, love, prayer and fasting. She made sure her children attended church with her and saw Christ through her life. Mary loved sharing God’s word through song and scriptures to those in need and she was well known for her world-famous hugs. She regularly visited assisted living homes to share God’s word through songs of encouragement. Mary was an active member of Amazing C.O.G.I.C in Jackson, MS under the leadership of Pastor Marcus Butler. She sang alto with the Southern Mississippi Mass Choir, that later recorded a live album with the Rev. Richard “Mr. Clean” White. (Where I’m Going, It Won't Hurt Anymore). In her later years, she attended Spirit of Faith Church in Jacksonville, IL under the leadership of Rev. Paul and Pastor JoeAnna Caldwell. Although her voice was weak, her prayers never wavered and her face always lit up with love to greet others.

Mary’s legacy of fasting and prayer will continue through the young men whose lives are transformed at The Outlet, where she helped Michael birth the vision. Her legacy can be heard through songs written and composed by Lafayette, Wash Jr. and Antonio Neal, an award-winning recording artist. Her presence will continue to be felt through the gift of fellowship and service where Marcus and Joy are gifted with healing and making those around them feel welcome. This legacy will live on through the lives of all she touched as they continue to spread the love of Jesus Christ.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Hattie Mae Lockhart and Samuel Lafayette Lockhart, two brothers; Darnell Lockhart and Lafayette Lockhart, and one sister; Doris Jeffries.
 
Mary Alice Phelon transitioned to heaven on January 13, 2020 at the age of 80, surrounded by family and friends. She leaves to celebrate her homegoing her loving children, Wash Phelon, Jr., Stafford, VA,  Lafayette Phelon, Atlanta, GA, Antonio (Sharra-Lisa Marie) Phelon, Memphis, TN, Marcus Phelon, Glen Burnie, MD, Michael (Rikeesha) Phelon, Springfield, IL, and Joy Thomas, Sterling, VA; 5 brothers, Sam (Juanita) Lockhart, St. Louis, MO, Roscoe (Nancy) Lockhart, Rockville, MD, William Lockhart, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Neal (Rhonda) Lockhart, Darnestown, MD, and Charles (Cassandra) Lockhart, Chicago, IL;  2 sisters JoeAnna (Paul) Caldwell, Houston, TX, and Frances Johnson, Alton,  IL. She is loved by 7 grandchildren, Antonio Jambri Phelon, Antonio Christopher Phelon, Summer Breeze Phelon, Kingston Michael Phelon, Mary Lauren Phelon, Kyree Johnson, Marcus Rashad Phelon, Andrew Jackson-Godson, Atlanta, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral Services Saturday January 25, 2020

Ruby Funeral Services & Chapel

1520 East Washington Street

Springfield,IL 62703

Minister Samuel Lockhart Officiating

Visitation:9:00am-10:00am

Service:10:00am-11:00am

Interment

Private 

In Lieu of Flowers send donations to Ruby Funeral Services & Chapel,

1520 East Washington Street, Springfield,IL 62703