Phi Mu - University of Mississippi

I n search of a home away from home at Ole Miss, Mary Liddell Smith '46 found just what she was looking for in Phi Mu. Originally from Learned, Mississippi, Mary joined Alpha Delta Chapter in 1946 to find a community. Attending college nearly three hours from home had its challenges, so Mary knew she needed to find a group to associate with. When she was initiated into Alpha Delta Chapter, Mary had no idea that she would be the beginning of three generations of Phi Mus in her family. Mary's daughter, Deborah Smith Freeman '71, joined Phi Mu at Ole Miss aer witnessing the positive impact it had on her mother. From there, Deborah's two daughters, Annabeth Freeman Wyatt '98 and Lana Claire Freeman '99, joined Phi Mu as well. "Phi Mu was very small compared to what is now," Mary shared. "e entire sorority at Ole Miss was about 50 or 60 women." For Mary, the opportunity to learn about each woman in Phi Mu was a gi: "It was important to me to be in a smaller group where I could associate with everyone." While Mary was busy getting to know her sisters, she decided to take on a larger role as Chapter president. "If you were going to be Chapter president, then you took the reins," Mary said. "It was good [working with] sisters who helped me learn how to lead." e skills Mary gained, such as learning from others, As Time Passes, Love As Time Passes, Love for Phi Mu Persists for Phi Mu Persists Mary LiddeLL SMith '46 CheriSheS her MuLtigenerationaL Bond with aLpha deLta ALPHA DELTA HOUSE CORPORATION P.O. Box 1237 Oxford, MS 38655 Address Service Requested P H I M U F R A T E R N I T Y A T O L E M I S S pursuing a position of authority, and facing challenges of the unknown, would remain prevalent for years to come. During her years at Ole Miss, Mary met her husband, William "Bill" David Smith. Bill grew up in Houston, Mississippi, and joined Phi Delta eta at Ole Miss, which is how the two met. When Mary and Bill graduated, the two settled down in Houston, where they placed roots and began their lives together. In no time, Mary found love in watching her family and career grow. "I taught eighth grade math for 29 years, and I loved every minute of it," she shared. Mary has celebrated many successes in life, including a rewarding career as well as a loving, and growing, family; but she has also faced heartbreak: "I lost my son three years ago from cancer, and I lost my husband two years ago," Mary shared. "I feel fortunate to have a son that lives here in Houston with me where I can watch our family grow, and I'm thankful to have spent 70 lovely years with my husband." Mary's advice to active members and younger alumnae is simple: "Stay with your sisters, create a bond, and continue strengthening that bond." Although over 70 years have passed since Mary was an active member of Phi Mu, she still looks forward to strengthening the bonds with her sisters. One of her sisters from Rayville, Louisiana, Sarah Aycock omason '42, calls her and they catch up on their Ole Miss days together. "Many of the sisters I was with at Ole Miss are no longer alive, but it's a gi to look back on the past relationships and to have the opportunity to strengthen ongoing friendships," Mary shared. In addition to staying connected with sisters, Mary's daughter and granddaughters also help her stay connected. Annabeth, Mary's granddaughter, served as Alpha Delta's Chapter president 52 years aer Mary did. Although years have passed since Mary was in Phi Mu, her family's legacy lives on. "It's nice having them involved. We get together to talk about everything, and I love seeing the path that Phi Mu is forging," Mary added. To connect with Mary, you can reach out to her daughter, Debbie, at debbiefreeman4@yahoo.com. Back row, from left: Debbie Smith Freeman '71, Lana Claire Freeman Morgan '99, Annabeth Freeman Wyatt '98, and Mary. Front row, from left: Mary Beckett Morgan, daughter of Lana Claire, and Mary Liddell Wyatt, daughter of Annabeth. Mary was recognized as "Most Beautiful" at Ole Miss during her collegiate years.

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