Betty Jean Phillips (Née Burks)

Betty Jean Phillips (née Burks) was born on March 21, 1941, in Dothan, Alabama, to the union of Ben Burks Sr. and Equila Burks. Her early years were filled with joy and love as a young girl growing up in Alabama. In the 1950s, the family relocated to Trenton, New Jersey, where Betty continued her education, attending Trenton grammar schools and Trenton High School. A determined and ambitious woman, Betty put herself through nursing school, graduating from the Trenton School of Nursing as a registered nurse. She was baptized at the Church of Christ on North Clinton Avenue in Trenton, where she was a faithful and devoted member and where she met and marry her husband, the late Clarence Edward Phillips Sr. Betty and her husband moved to Washington, D.C., where Clarence Sr. attended and graduated from Howard University. Their first son, Clarence Phillips Jr., was born on January 9, 1966. The family then moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where Clarence Sr. earned a master’s degree in architecture from Yale University. On December 28, 1970, their second son, Stanley Boyd Phillips, was born. Betty dedicated over 30 years of compassionate service as a registered nurse at the Veterans Hospital in West Haven, Connecticut. Her loving and gentle care touched the lives of countless veterans and their families. Together with her husband and their children, Betty was an instrumental member of the Gem Street Church of Christ, helping with the transition from its earlier roots at the local YMCA to its current location. The Phillips family remained deeply committed to their faith and congregation. Betty was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clarence Edward Phillips Sr., and her brothers: Grover, Eddie, Charles (the late Doris Ann), Ralph Sr., Ben Jr., and John Martin.

In January 2025, Betty fell ill and courageously battled declining health until her peaceful passing on the evening of July 25, 2025, while in hospice care. She leaves to cherish her memory sons Clarence Phillips Jr. of West Haven, CT, Stanley Boyd Phillips (Christie) of Jacksonville, AR, grandchildren Clarece Phillips (Camillo Robledo) of Windsor, CT, Christopher Emmanuel Phillips of Hartford, CT, Ayanna Yvette Phillips of Maumelle, AR, Liana Collette Harris of Charlotte, NC, great-grandchildren: Caliyah Robledo of Windsor, CT and Cyrus Phillips of Hartford, CT. Betty also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends from Trenton, NJ; Cincinnati, OH; Florissant, MO; Michigan; Japan, and beyond. Betty Jean Phillips lived a life of faith, service, and devotion, her legacy continues through the family and community she so lovingly nurtured.

A Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Colonial Funeral Home, 86, Circular Avenue, Hamden at 11am. Viewing in Colonial from 10am-11am. Burial will follow at Beaverdale Memorial Park. Condolences may be expressed at www.colonialfunerals.com.