Elizabeth “Betty” Joel Phillips Holladay left this earthly life with her family gathered around Aug. 30, 2021.

Heartland Funeral and Cremations of Comanche has been entrusted with her funeral arrangements. The family will greet friends and family 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, at the funeral home. They honor her life in a graveside service in the Zephyr Cemetery on Friday, Sept. 3, at 2 p.m. with David Duree officiating. Condolences can be left for the family at heartlandfuneralhome.net.

Elizabeth Joel Phillips was born Nov. 2, 1931, in Haskell, Texas, to Fred T. And Ruth Phillips. She attended Water Valley Schools and Hardin Simmons University, where she was active in volleyball and softball. She graduated in May 1953 with a Bachelor's of Science degree, and moved to Imperial, Texas, where she taught school for 30 years. Her last 18 years she taught kindergarten, her favorite. She retired in May 1992.

After she retired, she and Jr. enjoyed many fishing trips and good times with their grandsons. Betty married Grover Cleveland Holladay, Jr., on Nov. 25, 1953, in Water Valley, Texas. He passed away on Feb. 27, 2010.

Betty is survived by daughter Freddie Murphy (Joe) of Comanche, Texas; sons Joel W. Holladay (Brenda) of Post, Texas, Kerry D Holladay of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Thomas C. Holladay (Kerri) of Odessa, Texas; grandchildren Brandon Holladay of Waller, Texas, Matthew Duree (Rachel) of Austin, Texas, Sammy Duree (Kayla) of Odessa, and Brian Holladay (Sarah Grace) of Lubbock, Texas; great grandchildren Cole Holladay of Waller, Cade Holladay of Waller, Matthew Duree of Austin, Noah Duree of Austin, Grover Duree of Odessa, Hudson Holladay of Lubbock, and Joseph Ramirez of Honolulu.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Grover “G.C.” Holladay, Jr.; and parents Fred and Ruth Phillips.