Mary (Polly) Winters Phillips Acker, or "Marmee" to her grandchildren, peacefully passed away on July 1st at her home in Stuart, Florida. Polly was born on April 21, 1931 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. After high school, Polly attended and graduated from Duke University. There she met Joe Richard Phillips whom she married in 1953. Together they had four children and lived primarily in Simsbury, CT until their 1976 move to Florida. Polly later earned her MBA from Florida Institute of Technology and became licensed as a CPA - achieving her lifelong dream. Following Joe Phillips' death in 1989, she met and married Dr. Joe E. Acker of Knoxville, Tennessee. She always joked that she "loved the name Joe so much she just had to marry another Joe". They spent the later years of their lives traveling the world, keeping up with Bible study and spending time with their two families. Joe Acker died in August 2016. Polly enjoyed her time playing the piano, gathering for bridge with her friends, watching old movies, working in her garden, shopping, and eating out. Throughout her life, she was a guide and support for her family, always encouraging both her children and grandchildren to pursue higher education, music and to believe in Christ and the power of prayer. She will be missed at the dinner table in Meadows of Dan, Virginia where her mountain house served as a gathering place for the Phillips' family. Polly is survived by her children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, likely her proudest achievement and greatest treasure. Daughter Linda Bassett (Bob) with grandchildren, Jonathan Bassett, Ryan Bassett (Caris) and Kristin McGee (Craig) and great-grandchildren Maddy McGee, Lindsay McGee, Avery Bassett, Briggs Bassett and Paxton Bassett. Daughter Jennifer Halbert (Richard) with grandchildren Chris Halbert (Alicia) and Michael Halbert (Aimee) and great-grandchildren Griffin Wilkens, Jack Ayres, Theo Halbert and Cora Halbert. Son Joe R. Phillips, Jr. with grandchildren Angela Phillips, Julie Phillips, Hailey Phillips and Joe R. Phillips. Daughter Mary (Polly) Meyer (Chris) with grandchildren Anne Link, Emma Link and Clara Link. Polly also leaves behind Joe Acker's children Joe Acker, Jr. (Faye), John Acker (Carol), Janet Fox (Dan), Judy's husband Donnie Mitchell, and Julia's husband Gordon Van Moll. Judy Mitchell and Julia Van Moll passed on ahead of Mom into eternity. Mom has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the Acker family side. Each was a blessing in her life. Polly's brother, Lieutenant Colonel Albert (Al) C. Winters, Jr. predeceased her. Polly will be missed by her sister-in-law Mary-Marie Winters and her nephews Neal Winters (Lisa) & Paul Winters (Anita) and their families. Polly will also be missed by her sister-in-law Toby Phillips and numerous nieces and nephews on the Phillips side of the family. Our family would like to thank Champion Health Care, the agency that so carefully selected caregivers for Mom these last 2 years of her life, allowing her to remain in her home until the end. Our family and Mom were especially blessed when Champion sent us Beverly Palmer, who so lovingly cared for Mom. Beverly rose each day to meet Mom's needs and comfort her. Almost any time of day, Beverly was right at Polly's side. The family could not have asked for a more loving and patient caregiver, an angel. A viewing and service honoring our Mom was held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Stuart, Florida earlier this month. Mom will be buried next to our Dad, Joe R. Phillips, at Forsyth Memorial Park in Winston Salem, North Carolina at a later date. If anyone wishes to make a donation in Polly's name, the family asks that the donation be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Stuart, FL. Polly's faith in Christ was strong. We take comfort knowing she is in the presence of God.