Tributes

Betty was born, well, sometime in the last century, but would never tell anyone her age. She once said she would write her age in Roman numerals on her birthday cake, but when she did, she still took off ten years. She was one of four daughters of Mattie York and John Pinkney Mills, Jr. Her husband (Warren Phillips) and three sisters, (Margaret Schuette, Shirley Mills and Barbara McDonald), all predeceased her. Betty married Warren Phillips when they were young, and they celebrated sixty-three years of a beautiful romance, until Warren died in 2009. Theirs was truly a marriage made in heaven, and was an inspiration and joy not only to their four children, but to many of their friends and family. Betty began her career right after marriage working for the district office of Chevrolet, and later moved on to work for A. G. Odell. Odell was the architect for many historical buildings in North Carolina, including the Charlotte Coliseum and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Building in Chapel Hill. She continued to work in the architectural industry as Business Manager for Ferebee Walters & Associates. She worked for them in comprehensive financial management for over 16 years, and was a corporate officer when she left. As part of her work with Ferebee Walters, Betty operated the original version of CFMS software, developed by Harper and Shuman. She was so adept at this operating system that they hired her as an independent consultant to install the system in architectural and engineering offices around the country. She maintained her consulting business, either full or part time, for almost twenty years. In 1987, she joined Warren at Shelving Systems, a company he founded in 1980. She held a corporate position there, including being responsible for accounting and marketing, until she retired in 2008. Betty had a love of life, and inspired all who knew her. She truly loved learning, whether it was mastering a new computer system, bettering her golf swing, studying the Old Testament or teaching at the college. She went back to school after her children were grown and earned three degrees, including her MBA. She graduated Summa Cum Laude at Queens University, was the President of the first New College Student Government Association, and created their bylaws. She was also the originator and editor of the first NEW COLLEGE newsletter, "Nightlife". During her college years, which were conducted while she worked full time, she acquired many accolades and completed various certificates in computer-based programs. She was also awarded the Dr. Naomi Albanese MBA scholarship. Betty was an avid golfer and a charter member of Cedarwood Country Club. She and Warren played in several couples’ clubs. In fact, although Warren was an excellent golfer, Betty shot a hole-in-one before he did! Although Betty attended Covenant and Sardis Presbyterian churches for much of her life, her true church family was Quail Hollow Presbyterian, where she was a member for over 30 years. During the course of her lifetime, she taught both youth and adult Sunday School classes, and served as an elder. In 2012, her daughter published the book, "My Mother, Milton Berle - The Life and Laughter of Betty Mills Phillips". It is a charming and loving tribute to Betty’s life and to her lifelong sense of humor. Betty adored her family, and supported her children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. Among those left to cherish her memory are her four children: Donna Wood; Nancy Chalmers and her husband Craig; Buddy Phillips; and Patricia Bober and her husband William. Her grandchildren include Philip Bober and his wife Amber, Chelsea Bober, Benjamin Bober, Anna Bober, Brooke Phillips, Brittany Phillips and her partner Dani Taylor, and Charlie Chalmers and his wife Michelle, who are expecting Betty’s first great-grandchild in January. She also has numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Her family will never forget her incredible legacy, and will think of her tenderly every day. Our grateful thanks to CMC Hospice of Union County and to her loyal and devoted caregivers, both private and through Bayada Home Healthcare and EULA Home Care. We are thankful for these kind and compassionate women who became our extended family during her illness. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, 8801 Park Road in Charlotte, on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, 8801 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the Phillips family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Tributes

Betty Mills Phillips

November 7, 2016