Willard M. Jefferson-Phillips (Marainey) was born on August 30, 1937 to William P. Jefferson Sr. and Willard M. Jefferson in Athens, Texas. She attended Fisher Elementary and Fisher High School. Willard (Marainey) was a member of the basketball team and a drummer in the band. She enjoyed playing the piano and in her spare time, she played dominoes and would beat just about everyone while smiling and talking trash. Willard was an active member of the Fisher High Alumni. Most of all she loved God.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late James Albert Currington on April 8, 1961. Later in life on June 8, 2008 she married her longtime sole-mate Caldwell Phillips.

At an early age she became a member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Wilson. In addition, Willard (Marainey) worked for Curtis Mathis and after its closure she begin to do what she loved best which is cooking. She was employed as a cook for Hickory Log, Green Oaks Nursing home, Athens Nursing Homes, Park Highland Nursing Home, West Place Nursing Home and the Cannery. She was well known for hot water cornbread, duck dressing and German chocolate cake. Everyone in Athens knew where to get a good home cooked meal. The residents and customers loved her cooking as well.

Willard (Marainey) was called home on November 4, 2022. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, William P. Jefferson Sr. and Willard M. Jefferson, Grandparents, James Howard and Sally Howard, Two husbands, James Albert Currington and Caldwell Phillips, Two brothers, William P. Jefferson Jr. and Joe W. Jefferson, One daughter Eddie Elizabeth Williams, Three great granddaughters Aniyah Lowe, Serenity Lowe, Alexus Williams, Two nephews Le Marcus Jefferson and Rodney H. Jefferson.

Willard (Marainey) leaves to cherish her memories: One Sister, Callon Hannah, One and only son, William J. Jefferson (Velma) of Frankston Texas, Five daughters Vanessa Royall (Curtis) of San Diego, Ca., Ruby Nell Kiser (David) and Brenda Lowe of Dallas, Texas, Deborah Ray (Jerry) of
Athens, Texas and Georgia Gordon (Robert) of Frankston, Texas. Four granddaughters, Deyondela Royall of Providence Village, Texas, Natalie Taylor of Arlington, Texas, Porscha Ray, of Athens, Texas and Emory Lowe of Federal Way, Washington. Ten grandsons, Curtis W. Royall Jr., Gregory Jordan and Ki Jefferson of Dallas Texas, Erick D. Jordan of Seattle, Washington, Derrick L. Williams, of Larue, Texas, Jason Jordan and Eric Ray of Athens, Texas, Tyrone Ray and Garrick Ray of Timpson, Texas, and Wesley Warren of Frankston, Texas. Twenty-three great grandchildren and two great great-granddaughters, and a host of other relatives and friends.