Mary Frances Philby's Obituary
Mary Frances Philby, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Schuyler County Nursing Home in Queen City, Missouri, at the age of 97.
Born in Schuyler County, Missouri, on November 23, 1928, Mary was the daughter of Walter Scott Burnett and Clara Marie (Lyberger) Burnett. She graduated from Lancaster High School with the Class of 1946, where she formed lifelong friendships that she cherished throughout her years.
Mary's life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and faith. She married Bob D. Dotson, and later, Emmett James Philby on August 30, 1991 in Moulton, IA. After Emmett's passing, she met Jerry Johnson, and they shared companionship until his passing. All of whom shared in her unwavering commitment to family and community. Mary ran her own successful dry-cleaning business, Star Cleaners, touching countless lives with her attention to detail and caring spirit.
A devout Christian, Mary served as a Deaconess and Elder at the Christian Church of Moulton, where she offered her time, wisdom, and leadership for many years. She was also an over 50-year member of the Royal Neighbors, past president of the Christian Women's Fellowship (C.W.F.), and treasurer of the Christian Church. In addition, she served on the board of the Crossline Community Center in Moulton, contributing to projects and initiatives that improved the lives of those around her.
Mary was a steadfast presence in her community, always lending a helping hand, a listening ear, and a kind heart. Her faith in God, her family, and her community were the pillars of her life. Whether leading church activities, organizing community events, or supporting her neighbors, Mary's legacy is one of kindness, service, and unwavering devotion.
Those left to cherish Mary's memory are her daughter, Barbara (Ronald) Martin; two granddaughters, Bobbi (Daphne) Geery and Tracy (Paul) Marshall; her grandson, Mike Martin; step granddaughters, Laura Foster and Lindsay Foster; step grandson, Robbie Wright; great grandchildren, William (Mekala) Marshall, Joshua (Kym) Marshall, and Grace Martin; step great granddaughter, Lauren (Mike) Finocchiaro; great-great grandchildren, Maveryk Markshall, Romyn Marshall, Jadah Cook, Tatum Marshall, and baby girl Marshall on the way; as well as many extended family members.
Mary was preceded in death by her husbands, Bob Dotson and Emmett Philby; her companion later in life, Jerry Johnson; her parents, Walter and Clara Burnett; her daughter, Patricia (Ron) Dorsey; two step-daughters, Georgia Mae (Carl) Carlson and Elizabeth Gae Wright; her brothers, Walter Jr.(Wynona) Burnett and William Burnett in infancy.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM, Monday, March 2, 2026 at the Christian Church in Moulton. Burial will take place at IOOF Cemetery in Lancaster, Missouri at 1:30PM. Visitation will take place Monday, March 2, 2026 at the Moulton Christian Church, with the family greeting friends from 10:00AM-11:00AM. Memorials may be written to either the Moulton Christian Church or Crossline Community Center and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Philby Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?