Betty Jo Wickline Phillips, lovingly known as Momma Bet, found her wings on Feb 25, 2024 at the age of 95. Born August 6, 1928, she was the oldest daughter of Luther and Vesta Cassity Wickline and a proud lifelong citizen of Mullens, WV. She was married to her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Clifford Charles “Sonnie “ Phillips Jr. for 52 wonderful years. Valuing family above all, they had two beautiful daughters, Sunny Suzann and Terri Lea, who were the stars in their universe.
When she wasn’t with her husband or girls, you could find her at Rose Floral flower and gift shop, which she owned and operated for almost 50 years. Designing flowers, planning weddings, and making the town beautiful with her best friend and younger sister Willa “Tubby” Wickline Witt, was her gift to the city she loved. You would often find her closet friends lounging in the back of Rose Floral holding court, telling funny stories, and cooking food.
With her black hair and ice blue eyes, Betty Jo was always stunning, but her outward beauty paled in comparison to her inner beauty. She was civic minded and believed in giving back to her community and state. She was an active member in the American Cancer Society, Wyoming County campaign manager for several state and local political candidates, state FTD officer, and lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mullens.
In her retirement, Betty Jo kept the roads hot traveling with her husband and members of the Senior Friends program. Enjoying multiple cruises and bus trips, she proudly earned the nickname “Betty Go.” Always supporting her grandchildren, Momma Bet would be found cheering loudly at various sporting events. In addition, she enjoyed eating lunch with her friend group, the Golden Girls, giving her the opportunity to dress up, putting on her sparkly earrings and signature bangle bracelets.
She will forever be cherished as our Queen B, icon and matriarch of our family.
Betty Jo was preceded in death by: her parents Luther and Vesta Wickline, sister and brother-in-law Tubby and Joe Witt, brother-in-law Richard “Dick” Phillips, husband Sonnie Phillips, daughter Sunny Sue Bell, best friend Betty Jack Farmer and grandson Jarrod Smith.
Those continuing her legacy on earth include: daughter Terri Lea (Barry) Smith, four grandchildren: Jamie (Ashley) Lusk, Jeremy (Kristen) Smith, Cassidy Smith and Taylor Smith. Four great grandchildren: Alec Lusk, Lincoln Lusk, Rylie Smith, and London Smith. Nephew Mike (Kelly) Witt, grandnephew Ian Witt. Son-in-law Terry Bell. And, sister-in-law Diane Phillips.
Near the end of life she was provided loving care by Cindy Adkins, Lynn Reilley, Cathy Webb and Nancy Newsome of whom she considered family.
Pallbearers for her services included: Taylor Smith, Barry Smith, Jeremy Smith, Jamie Lusk, Alec Lusk, Lincoln Lusk, Mike Witt, and Ian Witt
Celebration of Betty Jo’s wonderful life will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church of Mullens located at 1024 Howard Ave. Mullens, WV. The viewing is from 12:00-2:00 with the funeral to follow.
In lieu of flowers, Betty Jo would appreciate donations to the City of Mullens Foundation, PO Box 266 or the First Presbyterian Church of Mullens, PO Box 806.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com
The family of Betty Jo Phillips is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home, Mt. Hope.