Tuscaloosa Civic Icon, Community Pillar Mary Ann Phelps Dead At 93

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The family of Mary Ann Peak Phelps says the beloved Tuscaloosa civic leader and dedicated volunteer died Friday at her home.

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She was 93.

"Mary Ann found joy in her grandchildren and their lives, and she was immensely proud of each of them. She loved playing bridge with close friends," her obituary says. "She was known for her love of all animals, especially dogs, and she was an accomplished cook who enjoyed hosting and cooking for family and friends. One of her favorite things was knitting or needlepointing as she sat by a fire with her dogs."

Phelps' family says a visitation will be held at noon Thursday, Aug. 21, following a family service at Tuscaloosa's First Presbyterian Church.

A native of Eufaula, Phelps moved to Tuscaloosa in 1956 after earning a degree from Auburn University and went on to teach math and science in local schools before devoting much of her life to civic service.

Phelps held leadership roles over the years with the YMCA, Junior League, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the League of Women Voters, and the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk Committee, among many others.

In terms of a lasting legacy, Phelps was recognized in 2002 when the Tuscaloosa Parks and Recreation Authority (PARA) named the Mary Ann Phelps Activity Center on Rock Quarry Drive to honor her 27 years on the PARA board and foundation, including a term as chairman.

Her civic involvement also extended to healthcare organizations such as the West Alabama Rehabilitation Center and Hospice of West Alabama — where she was a founding board member.

As part of the DCH Foundation, Phelps co-chaired the capital campaign to fund the construction of the Manderson Cancer Treatment Center. Opened in April 2009, the $39 million facility is DCH Health System's biggest capital project to date.

For her efforts, Phelps earned numerous accolades over the decades, including Tuscaloosa Civitan Club Citizen of the Year, United Way Volunteer of the Year and the Alabama Parks and Recreation Society Service Award.

The Community Foundation of West Alabama also presented Phelps with its Pillar of the Community honor in 2011, alongside other local legends who have since passed, like Gary Fitts and Jack Warner.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, attorney Sam Moore Phelps, and her parents, Mary and Floyd Peak.

Sam Phelps, who also received the Pillar of the Community award in 2005, practiced law in Tuscaloosa County for more than 45 years and organized his own firm: Phelps, Jenkins, Gibson, and Fowler.

Sam Phelps also served on the DCH Healthcare Authority Board of Directors from 1973 until 1999, including more than two decades as chairman.

According to her obituary, Phelps said her husband, who passed away in 2011, “continually reminded [her] of the civic rent we all must pay.”

Survivors include her son, Scott (Carroll); three grandchildren, Sam Taylor Phelps (Lauren), Ann Phelps Hill (Rudy) and Paul Chandler Phelps; and five great-grandchildren.

Phelps is also survived by her brother, Al Peak, and sister, Martha Grant.

Her family says memorials may be made to Mason’s Place All-Inclusive Playground through the PARA Foundation, First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa or the DCH Manderson Cancer Center.

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