Mary Elizabeth Williams McPhail Ehlig

Beth McPhail Ehlig died peacefully on January 17, 2021, at age 92. Beth was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was raised in Baytown by her loving parents Morton and Isabel Williams with a special attachment to her beloved grandfather, Pa Jones. An active member of Faith (previously First) Presbyterian Church for more than 70 years, Beth married Sammie McPhail in 1947 in the original church building on Defee Street.

Together they had three children, Ray McPhail (Margaret), Susan McPhail Wittjen (Gaddis), and Morton McPhail (Suzanne), grandchildren Beth, Christopher, Alex, and Matthew, and great grandchildren Tristan and Hazel and were married until Sammie’s death in 1986.

Beth later married Hollis Ehlig, a fellow congregant, and through him was blessed with six more adult children, Christine Ehlig Economides, William Ehlig (Margaret), Peter Ehlig (Susan), Holly Ehlig Bartlett, Lillian Ehlig Wilson (Alan), and John Ehlig (Karen), 12 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. They were married until Hollis’ death in 2007. Beth worked as a secretary for GCCISD for more than 25 years. She lived a life filled with love, faith, and family, and despite illnesses, hurricanes, and floods, she always felt blessed and was more concerned about others than herself.

Burial services will be held at 2:30 pm on Monday, January 25th, outdoors at San Jacinto Memorial Park (14659 East Fwy.). Attendees are asked to wear masks and observe social distancing. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church of Baytown or to DePelchin Children’s Center in Houston.