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BORN
1930
DIED
2025
Bette Phillips Obituary
January 31, 1930 - January 25, 2025
Bette Phillips passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, just a week short of her 95th birthday. She was surrounded by family at the home of her son in East New Market, MD.
Bette was born in 1930 to Edgar and Dana Quillen in Waynesboro, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Sydnor Phillips, Jr.; and is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Kim Phillips; daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Mark Allsteadt; her grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Connor Allsteadt, Cameron Allsteadt, Carson Allsteadt, Elijah Phillips, Michael Forsythe and Allyssa Forsythe.
Bette started a career in fashion when she graduated from college, working as a buyer for Miller and Rhoads. She loved making and modeling her own clothing and was proud to have won a sewing machine at her first competition.
After asking a friend to find her a tall, handsome, rich man to marry, Bette was introduced to James Sydnor Phillips, Jr. (Syd) and fell in love. She decided two out of the three required traits would do and married him on April 8, 1956.
Bette was a devout Christian and a long-time member of Third Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia. Her most memorable quality was her love of the Lord, which she enjoyed sharing with others. She had an infectious, often uncontrollable laugh, that brought great joy to her family, even when causing a few little accidents. She also loved to sing and hum, bringing joy to all but one of her family members. And she loved a good piece of dark chocolate, which after finding empty wrappers, was apparently the only food allowed during fasting.
Bette loved sitting by the window in her Richmond home of 40 years enjoying the beautiful yard full of birds, trees, flowers, and an occasional deer. Per her request, she will be buried next to her husband, Syd, in Richmond, Virginia on a date to be determined in the spring when the azaleas are blooming.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Third Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia.
Memories and Condolences
for Bette Phillips
1 Entry
Dena Nelson
February 4, 2025
SO thankful to have known and prayed with Bette, first connecting with her over 30 years ago now.... Such a woman of faith, compassion and generosity! She is rejoicing with her Savior in heaven, and continues to pray from there, with the love and joy of the LORD!
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