Betty was born on June 19, 1927, to Gladys and Roy T. Rumsey and grew up in Texarkana, Arkansas. She found restful peace in the early morning hours of December 2, 2008, in Austin TX. After a lengthy illness, her soul took flight the night Jupiter, Venus and the Moon aligned. She was pre-deceased by her parents and a brother, Roy T. Rumsey Jr. of Texarkana AR. She is survived by her sister Dorothy Bakie of Birmingham AL, devoted daughters Elizabeth Phillips, Debra Ellen Phillips, Dianna Dee Arnold and son-in law Robert Arnold, all of Austin, granddaughter Kia Hugghins of Italy TX, three great-grandchildren, two nieces, two nephews, cousins, and former husband Whit Phillips Jr. of Dallas as well as grand nieces and nephews. Betty graduated Arkansas High School then Texarkana Junior College. She worked as an executive assistant for Texas Hospital Association, Boon-Chapman and Allstate Insurance. She was a member of Allandale Baptist Church and Great Hills Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was also a member of St. David's Ladies Auxiliary, The Gullett, Lamar, and McCallum schools' PTA, Heritage Guild of Heritage Society, The Admirals Club, The Headliner Club, and The Women's Architectural League of Austin, a group in which she had many friends.. Betty was a very beautiful, giving lady possessing elegance and grace, who always opened her loving heart and home to any and everyone. She was a wonderful mother to her girls, and loved unconditionally as a surrogate mother to others in need. Betty appreciated art and nature, cared deeply for animals, and possessed a gift for music and dance. She touched many in her life and some knew her as BJ. Her smile, intelligence, common sense and meticulous spirit showed in her many ways of working with and caring for others. BJ was inspirational in her determination to overcome challenges and she had a great talent for listening. BJ's valuable light shines in all those she loved and who loved her. We will keep all of those sweet memories of her near and dear to our hearts.   The family invites you to join them in a "Celebration of Life" gathering on 10 January 2009 from 1pm till 4pm at the home of the Phillips Family at 4301 Malaga Drive in Austin Texas. The family would also like to thank the numerous family friends whose love and support made them part of our unique extended family, as well as Heritage Duval Garden, New Hope Manor, VistaCare and Angel Heart Hospice for the loving care provided to her during her later years. Below are a few kind words and memories from some of the many people Betty touched in her life. The family cherishes and welcomes all contributions of your own special moments or photos with BJ, and we ask you to please send to bj@db33.com or write to: The Phillips Family 4301 Malaga Dr Austin Tx, 78759 THANK YOU! - The Phillips Family