Elizabeth M. Portiz

A long time resident of West Oak Lane, Philadelphia, Elizabeth (Betty) was born on May 12, 1937 in North Philadelphia to parents Gracie Bell Phillips and Charles Williams. As a graduate of Kensington High School, Betty went on to establish a long career in the clerical field working for the City of Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Police Department for over 35 years.

Betty was a devoted supporter of Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan's Purse and a senior member of the former West Oak Lane Church of God under the noted Reverend Horace W. Sheppard Sr. She enjoyed travel, arts & crafts, hearing and discussing Christian, political world event topics and spending time amongst family.

She was preceded in death by Matthew Phillips (brother), Richard Eugene Phillips (brother), Gracie Johnson (mother) and Helen Holley (sister). Betty is survived by Kevin Phillips (son), Samantha Portiz (daughter), Charles Phillips (brother), Jacqueline Martinez (sister) and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A private interment was held on Tuesday, October 5 at Whitemarsh Memorial Park. A celebration of life memorial will be held in the coming weeks at Willow Grove Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child (www.samaritanspurse.org).