LDS Scene

LDS Woman Named Woman of the Year

Sister Phyllis Brown Marriott, a member of the Kensington Ward, Washington D.C. Stake, has been named 1974 Mother of the Year. An active Church member all her life, she was raised in Ogden, Utah, but has lived in the Washington, D.C., area since her marriage to Russell S. Marriott in 1939.

The mother of three sons, Russell S., Jr., 31; Douglas, 28; and Philip, 25, Sister Marriott says living close to the Church has been the factor that has helped her the most in raising her family.

“If your children know you are interested in them, if they have a feeling of individuality, of not being lost in the family, and are raised with the gospel, then they are pretty safe,” Sister Marriott said. She also stressed the importance of the family home evening program.

Sister Marriott currently teaches the Relief Society Cultural refinement lessons in the Kensington Ward. Prior to this, she served as ward and stake MIA president for many years, a calling that earned her the name “Auntie Phyl” among young people in the area.

Sister Marriott stressed the importance of parents being an example to children.

“You have to stay close to the Lord. Follow the principles of the gospel and try to make them a part of your life and the lives of your family,” she said.

During the coming year, Sister Marriott will make speeches and public appearances in her new role as Mother of the Year.

Three other LDS mothers were also represented among the 52 contestants for the national title. Mildred B. Jarvis of the Mesa First Ward, Mesa Arizona Maricopa North Stake, was named to represent Arizona. Utah’s Mother of the Year was Florence T. Britsch of the Orem Second Ward, Orem Utah North Stake. Representing Washington was Lora Magnusson, a member of the Spokane First Ward, Spokane Washington Stake.