Betsy Ann Pheil

Pheil, Betsy Ann 79, was born August 3, 1941 in St. Petersburg, FL to Harvey William Pheil and Winifred Stoner Walker. Betsy died peacefully December 29, 2020 in her Gulfport home after fighting a long battle with cancer. The history of the Pheil family in the local community goes as far back as the early 1880’s with the Pheil Hotel and Theater on 4th Street and Central Avenue. Betsy’s grandfather, Abram C. Pheil, former mayor of St. Petersburg, was the first passenger of the 1914 first flight of the first commercial airline (Benoist) in history that traveled the bay from St. Petersburg to Tampa. Betsy and her twin brother Bill were the first cesarean born twins at Mound Park Hospital (now Bayfront Hospital). Betsy was a graduate of Northeast High School. She made her debut in 1961 and was a member of the 1962 Sun Goddess Court. She worked at the St. Petersburg Chapter of the American Red cross and was a co-owner of the Don CeSar gift shop when it first opened. Growing up in St. Petersburg, bicycling around St. Pete Beach and later tooling around town with her best friends in her yellow ’53 Chevy named “Myrtle Belle,” Betsy was a true child of sand and sun. Her smile and laugh usually turned a good time into a fabulous time, and she brought happiness to everyone who knew her. Betsy cherished the local sports teams and rarely missed a game played by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rays or Lightning. She was extremely proud of the accomplishments of her family and often made sure they knew it. Betsy was a champion of the underdog and always stood for justice. Her kindness and generosity were unmatched, and she had a unique way of making everyone feel special. She had a precious southern charm and would greet people with terms of endearment such as “Bless you” or “Sweet Pea.” Betsy also loved history, and her talent in museum display and exhibition kept her in close contact with the local community. She volunteered many hours at the St. Petersburg Museum of History where she was a member of the Board of Trustees, as well as other Florida history museums, while working with G&A Museum Exhibition and Consultation services. She also was a board member of the Friends of Fort De Soto, Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, Junior League of St. Petersburg, Friends of Egmont Key Alliance, and Professional Addiction Services (P.C.A.S.). Betsy also served on sailboat race committees for Pass-a-Grille and Treasure Island Yacht Clubs. All those who loved her will never forget her passion for her community, her willingness to listen, and her enduring friendships. She is survived by her twin brother Bill Pheil, niece Jennifer Otero (Lou Otero) of Timonium, MD, nephew Walker Pheil of Gainesville, cousins Tommy Pheil Sr., Tommy Pheil II. (Regina Pheil), Scott Pheil (Joanna Pheil) of St. Petersburg, FL and cousins Peter Pheil (Wendy Pheil) of Ruby, SC and David Pheil (Carlyn Pheil) of Ashville, NC. A celebration of Betsy’s life will be held online with Zoom later. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Rescue Gifts: gifts.rescue.org or Give Now to Help Change Lives: mercycorps.org