Betty Gordon-Elliot, teacher

Betty Gordon-Elliot, 62, a teacher and guidance counselor in Philadelphia schools for more than 30 years and a neighborhood activist, died of a heart attack last Friday, March 18, in the home in Point Breeze where she grew up.

Mrs. Gordon-Elliot graduated from South Philadelphia High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Cheyney University and a master's degree in counseling from Temple University.

She taught primary grades at the Crispen, Arthur, and Smith Schools in Philadelphia. From 1985 until retiring in 2006, she was a guidance counselor at Key School, Thomas Middle School, Audenried High School, and South Philadelphia High School.

Mrs. Gordon-Elliot served on the boards of the Direct Truth Anti-Drug Coalition in Philadelphia, the Point Breeze Federation, and Diversified Community Services in Point Breeze.

She was so familiar in the neighborhood and always so willing to lend a helping hand that she was affectionately nicknamed "Mayor of South Philly," said her daughter, Davita Bey.

An accomplished organist and pianist who began studying music at age 7, Mrs. Gordon-Elliot was director of music at Tasker Street Missionary Baptist Church. She also served on the church's usher board and scholarship committee.

Mrs. Gordon-Elliot was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sororities and the National Association of University Women.

For 24 years, she was married to David Elliot, with whom she had two children. He died in 2001.

Besides her daughter, Mrs. Gordon-Elliot is survived by her parents, Matthew and Eva Gordon; and a son, David.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at Tasker Street Missionary Church, 2010 Tasker St., Philadelphia. Visitation will be from 8 to 10 a.m., followed by a sorority ceremony. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery, Yeadon.