Obituary
Elizabeth (Betty) Jane Phillips, 96, was reunited with her beloved husband, Oren Burton Phillips Sr. on March 11, 2020. She was an artist and conversationalist who loved statement jewelry and fashion. With her hair never out of place and always donning her signature pink lipstick, Betty was ready to pose for any camera. She spent her final years living in the Carriage House in Oxford, FL, playing Bingo, winning Monopoly money, becoming head cheerleader for Wii bowling, and making friends – who endearingly lined the halls to say goodbye just a day before she passed.
Born on Nov. 28, 1923 to George C. and Ester (Greene) Hackman in Wilmington, DE, Betty was an only child. Her family grew considerably when she married Oren, the second oldest of seven, on May 23, 1941. The young couple moved from the city to Bear, DE to a large property they lovingly called “the farm.” There they raised two children, Oren Burton Phillips, Jr. and Lindy Jane Phillips Smith. Over the years, “the farm” would also be home to their treasured horses, cats, and dogs. The couple was active in Middletown Pony Club. Once their kids were grown, they took on a new venture and opened a small gift shop along the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. Painting was a hobby they shared, creating art on canvas, birdhouses, and even clothing. In the early ‘90s, they built a new home and moved to Cape Coral, FL.
Betty is survived by her children, Oren (Judy) Phillips, Jr. and Lindy (Reinald) Smith; the grandchildren who affectionately called her “Babbie”: Ashley (Doug) Rivers, Kelsie (Kyle) Hayduk, and Derek (Kim Beckeman) Smith; and four great-grandchildren: Gavin, Logan, Emerson, and Hattie.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating in her name to Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Mariposa Way, The Villages, FL 32162.
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