Florence V. Beaty

Florence “Flo” V. (Willis) Beaty 85, of Steelton passed peacefully on March 1, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Margaret (Smith) Harris and the late Fred and Viola Willis.

Florence was born in Washington D.C., graduated from Notre Dame Catholic Girls High School and the Chester Hospital X-ray School. Flo worked for a short period of time in the medical field as an X-ray technician and was later able to embrace her love of children as a daycare provider. She retired as a Supervisor from United Parcel Service (UPS) after 26 years of service.

Flo was raised Catholic and came to Christ as an adult. She was a faithful member of The First Baptist Church of Steelton, where she served on the Usher Ministry, Ladies Auxiliary, and Deaconess Ministry; she was also a member of the Senior Citizens Guild and The Capital Area Music Association (CAMA), all of which she attended until her health no longer permitted. She had a love for gospel music, especially mass choirs, and in her early days she played the piano and accordion by ear.

Flo was a wiz with technology and fixing things in and around the house, a real “Rosie the Riveter”, who could switch it up at a moment’s notice and go glam, especially via her most vibrant and favored shade, the color orange. As an avid sports fan, Flo cheerfully rooted on her favorite teams, the Philadelphia Eagles, Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball and South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball. She attended the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Basketball Tournament, which she did for 37 years. She also liked watching tennis, golf, softball, track and field, the Olympics and many other sports.

Known for her beautiful penmanship and excellent culinary skills, Flo’s potato salad, meatloaf and salmon cakes were her most requested foods. Most importantly, she loved spending time with family and friends.

Flo was married for 47 years to the late Eartha David Beaty Sr. She leaves to celebrate her life her children Michele J. Chilton, Errick D. Beaty (Melissa), siblings, Arlene Kellam, Barbara Jean Murray (Kenneth Lee), grandchildren, Christopher J. Chilton Sr. (Erika), Alexis Torres, Mila J. Beaty, great-grandchildren, A’amylie Torres, Journey L. Chilton, Christopher J. “C.J.” Chilton Jr., and a host of other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.

From childhood into late adulthood, Flo endured many challenges, including to her physical body, but it didn’t stop her from helping others or bringing a smile to those around her. Her laugh brought joy to others; and her love for those who knew her had no bounds. If there was something you needed or anything she could do for you she would. She will be lovingly missed.

Services will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025, at The First Baptist Church of Steelton located at 1850 S 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104, with the viewing from 9:30 am-10:30 am with the funeral service to follow. Burial will follow the service at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.