Mary Frances Handford

Mary Frances Philpott was born on January 7, 1932, in Notasulga, Alabama. She was the eldest of three children born to the union of Clarence Philpott I and Sallie Mott Philpott. After the passing of their mother, Mary and her brothers, Clarence Philpott II and Ralph Philpott Sr., moved to Florida to live with their father and his wife, Barbara Philpott. Mary spent the remainder of her childhood in Winter Park, Florida, and attended Hungerford High School in Eatonville, Florida. Mary was deeply committed to education and worked tirelessly to ensure her children had a strong foundation for success. She was a devoted mother to her three sons and a loving mother figure to many others, nurturing and guiding those she treated as her own. Mary had a loving and welcoming spirit, and her kindness endeared her to everyone she met. To her, there were no strangers—only friends she had yet to know. Her home was a place of refuge and comfort for many over the years, including one guest who later became the King of the Southeastern Province in Nigeria, Africa. After retiring, Mary continued to pursue her passions, including reading and gardening. She nurtured not only people but also her yard, which she filled with vibrant flowers, pineapple bushes, and fruit trees such as mango, papaya, and plum. Her love of growth reflected the care she poured into both her plants and her relationships. A devout Christian, Mary faithfully served her church in many capacities. She was an active member of Heritage Lamb, worked in the soup kitchen, and served on the usher board. She also lovingly tended to the church’s plants, with her favorites being the Christmas poinsettias. Mary was preceded in eternal life by her parents, Clarence Philpott I and Sallie Mott Philpott; her stepmother, Barbara Philpott; three brothers, Clarence Philpott II, Ralph Philpott Sr., and Claude Philpott, Sr.; one sister, Betty Philpott; and two sons, Bernard Greene and Jimmie Greene. Mary’s memory will forever be cherished by her son Edward Greene (Brinda) of Somerville, Alabama; her brother Robert Philpott (Lee) of Florida; and her daughter-in-law Peggy Greene (Jimmie) of Florida. She leaves behind granddaughters Tesha Greene, Latoya Greene, Vanessa Greene, and Utahara Greene; grandsons Marcellus Greene, Carlos Greene, Derrick Greene, Edward A. Greene, and Brandon Toliver. She also leaves to cherish her memory those she raised as daughters, Belinda Dixon and Sherry Donaldson; her surrogate daughter, Dorothy West; and those she reared as sons, Lorenzo Payne Sr. and Tereck Taylor. Mary’s legacy continues through seventeen great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Mary’s love, generosity, and faith will remain an inspiration to all who knew her.

Tributes

Mary Frances Handford

January 7, 1932 - December 25, 2024