Bettie P. Huntington's Obituary
To the world, Bettie Ree Phillips-Huntington was simply a devoted wife and mother. But, to her family and close friends, she was so very much more than that. Bettie began her amazing journey on August 5, 1946 in Bienville, Louisiana. She was one of 11 children born to the late Carl and Allie B. Phillips, however, when she arrived, she did not arrive alone. Bettie and her twin brother, Bobby, came into the world together and remained extremely close throughout her life. As a youngster, Bettie was out-going and fearless. She sought out excitement and the very best life could offer at every opportunity. Many of her youthful adventures and escapades are now both humorous and legendary, as many of her siblings will attest. Eventually, however, she grew up to become a stunningly beautiful young woman who would go on to live a remarkable life. In 1952, Bettie, along with her parents and siblings, relocated to San Diego, California. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1965, and continued her education at San Diego City Community College. During this time, she met Frederick McCoy and they were married in 1972. The young couple lived in Chicago, Illinois for a short period of time before relocating to Oakland, California. To this union was born the pride and joy of Bettie’s life, their son, Jelani McCoy. It would be impossible to honor Bettie’s memory without mentioning her love and adoration for Jelani, in whom she held so much pride – not only because of his career accomplishments, but because he grew up to become a wonderfully devoted father and husband. In that, she held immense pride and admiration. After several years, her marriage to Mr. McCoy ended, however, they continued to remain friends and supportive co-parents of their son. Soon thereafter, Bettie and Jelani rejoined her family in San Diego, where she would soon meet Charles Huntington. Bettie and Charles were married in 1999 and their love for each other was readily apparentBettie was also a career woman, having worked for numerous companies during her life, including the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Home Fed Bank, Sweetwater Water District, Avanir Pharmaceuticals and the San Diego Convention Center. She was a very active member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church; she sang in the Sanctuary Choir, attended Sunday School, was a member of the Usher Board, and served on the Pastor’s Appreciation Committee. Bettie was also very active in sports for many years. She loved playing softball and was a very talented player who often found herself on the winning team. Everyone who knew or loved Bettie also knew that she was a passionate defender of her beliefs and loved ones, and did not hesitate to “right any wrong” she perceived by speaking out against it. She was always honest and genuine; if she was happy with you – you absolutely knew it, but if she was not happy – you soon found that out too. Her laughter was hearty and contagious, and she had a wonderful sense of humor. On Sunday, August 7, 2017, Bettie was unexpectedly called home. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: husband, Charles Huntington; son, Jelani McCoy (and his wife, Joana); stepchildren, Charles, Jr., Terrell, Kenya, Terenice and Anjanlyn (she is preceded in death by stepson, Kwame); grandchildren, Jelani, Jr. and Keiko; sisters, Dorothy (and her husband, James Arthur) and Johnette; twin brother, Bobby (and his wife, Darlene); sister-in-law, Clara; her lifelong sister/friend, Judy Johnson-Clark; numerous nieces and nephews, and many other loving family members and friends to celebrate her legacy of life. Bettie was taken from us too soon. We, her family and friends, grieve deeply for her loss, but we will always be grateful for, and will never forget, the time and incredible experiences we shared with her.
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