Betty Lillian Phillips

God looked out over His universe and saw that the world needed one of His angels. Our Father, who is all-wise and omnipotent, sent Betty Lillian Phillips to earth to make a difference in His people's lives and be a loving, shining light to her family. When Betty fulfilled God's promise as intended, God gently touched her shoulder and whispered, "Well done, my child.” While a patient at St. Michael's Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey, on August 21, 2023, she was called from labor and gently led back home to heavenly rest in the loving arms of God. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Daron Michael Edward Phillips; her brothers, Waymon Lester and James Alfred Phillips; and her sister, Jeannette Phillips Roberts.

Betty Lillian Phillips was born on September 25, 1940, to the late Walter Turner and Julia Mae Elijah Phillips in Grady County, Georgia. She was educated in the Grady County Public Schools and graduated from Washington Consolidate High School in Cairo, Georgia. Always a loving and caring person, Betty worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in East Orange, New Jersey, for thirty years as a Nursing Assistant, where she provided kindness and compassionate care to the men and women who served this country. After retirement, Betty served on the Board of Directors of High Park Gardens. Her diligent service to her community was unmatched. She was unwavering in her commitment to serving the 460 families of High Park Gardens. Prior to becoming a member of the Board of Directors, Betty served on several committees and the volunteer Security Patrol at High Park. Her mission and goal were always to help her neighbors at High Park Gardens.

Her love for the Lord was not happenstance. She was always eager to learn about God from an early age.

Church was not just a building to Betty it was a part of her life. Upon moving to Newark, NJ Betty became a member of First Baptist Church of Nutley, NJ, under the leadership of Reverend Lawrence Roberts. After many years there, she then became a faithful member of Grace Temple Baptist Church until her passing. Betty enjoyed attending church functions, shopping, traveling, and chatting with family members and friends. Most of all, she loved her family and enjoyed spending time on the family farm in Georgia and cooking delicious meals. We give honor and glory to our Lord and Savior for the many years we shared her life, and the memories we made and shared will live in our hearts.

A life well lived, and her love will forever be cherished by her sisters, Martha Phillips of Washington, DC and Valieree P. (Paul) Johnson of San Francisco, California; her brothers, Arnold (Betty) Phillips of High Point, North Carolina and Walter (Christine) Phillips of Waxhaw, North Carolina; her Uncle, Goldie (Patricia) Ross of Fort Pierce, Florida; her two Goddaughters, Teasla Reynolds and Zenobia Jackson, and her Godson, Aaron Jackson; granddaughter, Maya Phillips, and two great-grandchildren, Myaalah Phillips and Myion McCray; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

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