Deaconess Mary Gertrude Watkins McPhail affectionately known as Tiny was born January 17, 1944, in Farmville, VA to the late Isaac & Mary Watkins. On Monday, February 26, 2024, Tiny answered her call from her heavenly father and slipped peacefully at Lakeside Health and Rehabilitation in Richmond VA.

Tiny began her education at Prince Edward School in Farmville, VA until the school was closed due to segregation. She completed her education in Caroline County and graduated from Union High School in 1964 which is now known as the Caroline Community Center. Tiny was employed by Keller Ladder for many years, Mr Fuel and she was a caregiver.

Tiny joined First Mt Zion Baptist Church and served faithfully until her health began to fail. Tiny's love for singing allowed her to sing with various groups including The Gospel Pearls, The Messengers, Inspirational Choir, Heaven Bound Mass Choir and the Community Choir.

One summer Tiny came to Caroline County for a visit and decided that she wanted to stay and finish her education. The late William Jeter & Bernice Jeter allowed Tiny to live with them and their 9 children and was raised as one of their own.

Tiny was united in Holy Matrimony to the Late Robert McPhail on June 16, 1973. Although Tiny and Mack did not have any children together, she embraced his children as her own.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, 4 biological siblings Gracie Mayfield & Frances Marshall, Walter & Charles (Sonny) Watkins and her adopted sisters and brothers George, Mary B, William (Billy) Louise, Kirk, Truett and Gladys (Beck) Jeter and Daisy (Dee) Broaddus.

Tiny leaves to cherish her memory her son, Cebron (Nikki, daughter-in-law) Mercer of Richmond, VA; Twana Gayney, North Carolina and Phyllis Spearman, North Carolina; grandsons Little Cebron (Nicholas) Mercer  and DeJon Mercer; great-granddaughters Skylar (Bo-Bo) Mercer, Sparta, VA and Sky Gayney of North Carolina; adopted brother Arthur Earl Jeter, Sparta, VA; brothers in law Clarence Marshall, Baltimore MD, James Marvin (Gloria), Wade, NC & Gerald McPhail (Althea) Norcross, GA; sisters in law Julia Jeter, Tappahannock, Pertrilla McPhail, Fayetteville, NC, Viola McPhail, Houston, TX & Barbara McPhail  Philadelphia, PA. and a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly,  and other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at First Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 17065 Seals Road Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

There will be no repast after the service.