Betty G. (Harris) Pattillo, 93, Altoona, went to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday at Golden LivingCenter-Hillview after a long illness.
She was born in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., daughter of William Henry Sr. and Sallie (Ivey) Harris. She married Monford W. Pattillo on Aug. 4, 1941, and he preceded her in death on March 3, 1969.
To this union there were eight children: Monford "Monte" (Peggy) of Altoona, the late Ivan, Sally Witherspoon (John) of Flint, Mich., Cathy Brawley (Eugene) of Altoona, Marianne of Canton, Ohio, the late Grady, Debbie Jenkins (David) of Laurel, Md., and Kevin of Altoona.
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Betty is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Courtney, Anthony, Brent, Camie, Cirsten, Shon, Devin, Shayne, Selina, Kendal, Kyla, Derrick, Tyson and Katelynn; 32 great-grand children; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Roxie (Maharshal "Bonnie") Thomas of Altoona; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins; and a family friend, Charles DuPree.
She was preceded in death by six brothers: Walter, Roy, Gaten, Prince, Dick and John; and three sisters: Gendolyn, Mary and Effie.
Betty had numerous occupations while raising her children. She worked at Head Start for Dr. Laura Downing, the Altoona Hospital Center for Mental Health Services under Dr. Cho and Blair County Green Thumb and volunteered at Keith Junior High School. She was very active in her church, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, serving as church clerk, president of pastor's aid and missionary of the Sallie Harris Memorial Missionary Ministry and on the usher board.
Betty belonged to numerous organizations, including the NAACP, Women of Color and Women of Excellence, and was a daughter of the Arandale Elks Lodge 184. She was an excellent speaker and loved to recite poetry. She would have you laughing, crying and shouting Amen when she spoke. She spoke for Rabbi Burt Schuman and numerous other organizations for Black History Month. She was a proud, beautiful woman and was loved by all.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, and from 11 a.m. until the noon funeral service Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Fifth Avenue and 22nd Street, Altoona, the Rev. Dr. Calvin C. Edmonds officiating. Committal will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
