Elsie Naomi Huffman, “Kitty,” 79, of Inverness, passed away on January 1, 2024, at Vitas Hospice in Lecanto, Florida, from broken heart syndrome, after losing her beloved husband and love of her life “Bill” only thirteen days previously. Kitty was born in Hendricks, West Virginia, on October 6, 1944, to the late Herman Ray Phillips Sr. and Elsie Naomi Foster Phillips.
Kitty met her late husband “Bill” in Pensacola, Florida, in 1969, where she worked, and Bill was stationed in the Air Force. From the day they met, they were inseparable for 54 years. Kitty worked various part-time jobs but was a homemaker for most of her life. She enjoyed spending time with her son Billy, his wife Mirabelle, and her beloved husband Bill at their home in Inverness and Cabin in Ozello. Kitty also enjoyed doing puzzles on her computer, playing Cribbage with her husband, Bill, and communicating with family and friends on the phone and Facebook.
Kitty was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. There was nothing she would not do to help them, or anyone she knew, or even someone she had only recently befriended. Kitty had never met a stranger in her life. She also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, William Acton Huffman III (Billy), and wife, Mirabelle, whom she adored as much as her husband Bill did; her daughter Laura Bello, son in law Brian Bello, son Steven Crane; grandchildren Charlotte, Michael, Lillie, and Vianna. Stepdaughter Barbara Dubay, and grandchildren Clarissa and Jason. Kitty also leaves behind sisters Maude Thomas, and Birdie Lane and brothers Ray Herman Phillips and Leon Phillips.
In addition to her parents and husband Bill, Kitty was preceded in death by her son Phillip Crane, sisters Maryann, Betty Jo, Helen, Hermilla, Juanita, Vicky, and brother Dwight and stepsons David Huffman and Billy Joe Huffman, and special friend Marie Hicks, and their family’s beloved dog “Bitsy.”
Kitty also leaves behind several nieces and nephews in Lancaster, KY., and Jacksonville, FL.
A gathering for family and friends will be held Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness. The procession to Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell will leave the funeral home at 1:15 PM for burial.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local humane society. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Cremation Care 3075 S. Florida AVE Inverness, FL 34450.
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