Mayo "Carver" Phillips

MAYO CARVER PHILLIPS was born July 27, 1944 to the late Fred and Maxie Bell Phillips of Mullins, S.C. Mayo Carver was the fourth of nine children from their union. On Friday, April 19, 2024, Mayo answered the call, in his home, surrounded by his loving wife and devoted son.

Mayo Carver Phillips was baptized at an early age and joined Ellen Chapel church, where he served as an officer for many years. In 1998, he founded Cornerstone Church in Mullins where he served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Bible Study teacher until his health declined.

Mayo Carver graduated from Palmetto High School in Mullins, South Carolina in 1962. After high school, he attended Voorhees College where he received his Associate degree. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Saint Augustine University. In 1983, Mayo Carver received his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of South Carolina. Mayo continued his postgraduate studies at Coastal Carolina University and Winthrop University.

Mayo Carver, affectionately known as “Coach Phillips” was a stern but passionate and energetic teacher, mentor, and coach. He was a dedicated teacher in the Horry County School district for over 27 years. Within his 44 years of teaching, he also taught in the Marion County and Marlboro County school systems. In addition to his teaching, Coach Phillips was head coach of Tennis, Cross-Country, Track and Field and the coach of the B-Team for Green Sea Floyds. He was also the coach of the girls’ and boys’ basketball team for Brittons Neck High School. He was known for his favorite sayings, “Put that thing on em” and “Run til Jesus Come.” Throughout his coaching career, many championships were won under his leadership. 

Mayo served on various organizations such as the Future Farmers of America, Holiness Church of America, NAACP, Palmetto Alumni, SC High School League, and as a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Inc.

Mayo was the “Center” of his family, always willing to lend a helping hand and a listening ear. He was known for his sense of humor, funny jokes and stories. He loved traveling across the country, gardening, spending time with his family, and spreading his love of the gospel. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by one brother Lacy “Bubba” Phillips, and two sisters, Jean Phillips-Gray and Patricia Phillips.

Mayo leaves to cherish fun memories are his wife of 33 years, Maggie Phillips; two children, his daughter Dr. Takeshia Niday of San Diego, CA and his son Councilman Mayo Christian Phillips of Mullins, SC. Four grandchildren, Sydney and Brooks Niday of San Diego, CA, and Mahalei Phillips of Mullins SC, granddaughters; one grandson, Micah Phillips of Mullins, SC. One sister, Dr. Freddie Bell (Ulysses) Cooper of Salt Lake City, Utah; three brothers, Leon (Cleo) Phillips, Maceo (Linda) Phillips, and Leo (Sandra) Phillips of Mullins, SC; four sisters-in-law, Rev. Edna (Herbert) Bethea of Latta SC, Lois Ford of Dillon, SC, Dr. Arlene (Roosevelt) Wallace of Darlington SC, Tina Phillips of Jamaica, NY; one brother-in-law, Robert (Barbara) Johnson of Florence, SC. Four special friends: Ms. Pearl Edwards, Mr. Vernon Perry, Dr. Frank Godfrey, and Mr. Jerry “Butch” Temoney. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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