TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Blaenavon woman, who helped to champion her hometown and country despite emigrating to the USA in the 1980s.

Beryl Hazel Phillips died aged 70 in her adopted hometown of Reno, Nevada but returned to Wales for her funeral at the Moriah Evangelical Baptist Chapel on Tuesday, October 10.

She was buried at the cemetery on Varteg Road, near to the town where she was born – Talywain.

Born in the Pontypool village after the Second World War, Mrs Phillips grew up in Garndiffaith and moved to Blaenavon following her marriage to her husband of 49 years, Ken.

“Beryl started her career working at Doncasters Blaenavon Ltd, moving in 1974 to become an executive for BBC Wales in Cardiff,” said Mr Phillips.

“In 1980, following a move with her family to York, South Carolina, USA, she became the city of York co-ordinator for Keep America Beautiful - Clean Community System.”

Mr Phillips added that volunteer work played a key role in his wife’s life.

“In Wales, she was the mayoral consort of the Mayor of Blaenavon in 1980 and she served on the board of the Arthur Jenkins home in Blaenavon, and she was a member of the Ladies Loyal Order of Moose in the USA.

“Following our move to York, South Carolina, Beryl continued her volunteer work, giving even more of her time away.

“She was the president of the Literacy Council for York County, appointed to the advisory boards of both York and Rock Hill hospitals.

“Later she was a member of the Lioness Club, York Rotary, and the ladies section of Philanthropic Lodge 32 AFM.

“While living in South Carolina, she became a master gardener, a master waste educator and was recognised by the governor of the state of South Carolina as one of the 10 more influential women in York County,” said Mr Phillips.

Despite moving to America almost 40 years ago, Mrs Phillips retained an interest in the affairs of Blaenavon.

“In 1993, she arranged, with huge community help, to bring the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir to York, organising accommodation for them with the people of York - which was a sensational experience for her and the choir,”said Mr Phillips.

After moving to Reno in 1999, Mrs Phillips retained her interest in helping the community and kept an interest in knitting and flowers.

“In 1999, following the move to Reno, she continued her volunteer work at St Mary’s Hospital, working in the neonatal baby section photo department, where she remained for more than eight years,” said Mr Phillips.

“Beryl was an exceptional knitter and for many years made magnificent items for her family and friends and later hats for the newborn babies in the hospital.

“She was also passionate about flowers and gardening, which was reflected in the vibrant array of colour around the home.”

She is survived in the USA by Mr Phillips, her daughter Marcia and son-in-law Bill and grandchildren Rhiannon and Owen.

In Wales, Mrs Phillips is survived by her brother Angus Harrison, his wife May and their daughter Melanie and son-in-law David and their daughter Annie.