Mary Lou Phillips Bains, 81, passed away on October 4, 2015, at home. Mary Lou was born January 29, 1934, in Newport News, to Daniel Marrow Phillips and Amonette DeMott Phillips. She graduated from Newport News High School, in 1952, and from Southern Seminary in 1955. Mary Lou was a teacher in Newport News until she had children, at which point being a loving mother became her primary focus. As her children grew in age she returned to the public school system as a substitute teacher in Hampton and was a resident of Hampton, VA for over 50 years. Having been raised in a large family including multi-generational relationships and extended cousins, Mary Lou carried the lesson of the importance of family into her family. She was especially devoted to her husband, son, three daughters, grandchildren, and extended family. Mary Lou was a caring woman, thoughtful and kind- always making sure that those around her were taken care of, and she will be greatly missed. Mary Lou was preceded in death by both her parents; and her husband, Richard. Mary Lou is survived by her son, George Daniel Bains and his wife, Renee; daughters, Elizabeth (Beth) Bains, Maria Peters and her husband, Gary, and Victoria (Tory) Bains; grandchildren, Kristopher Peters, Jonathan Peters, and Danielle Peters, Melissa Shepherd and her husband, Field, Andrew Bains, George Everett Bains, Chelsea Bains Chavis and her husband, Justin, Patrick Bains; as well as her great-grandchildren Addison and Aiden Chavis. Mary Lou also leaves behind her brother, Daniel Marrow Phillips Jr. and his wife, Alice; her sister, Porter Booker and her husband, Marshall; her sister-in-law, Nancy Jane Bains; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to thank Virginia Oncology Associates, Dr. Paschold and his staff, and Williamsburg Internal Medicine, Dr. Parikh and his staff for their compassion and caring of Mary Lou in her fight with cancer. Also Gentiva Hospice, especially Steve and Kim for their care and guidance during her time of need. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. A service celebrating Mary Lou's life will follow at 2 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VA Living Museum; or The Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg. R. Hayden Smith will be in charge of the arrangements.