Elizabeth Elberta Tillett

A native of Norfolk, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Rose Marie Edwards. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Stephen V. Edwards Jr., Daniel B. Edwards; her daughter, Theresa Brechtel; and her husbands, Robert Linville and William Tillett.

Bootsie graduated from Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, Va. She went to work for the government in Norfolk, Va. She retired from civil service after 25 years. She served at the Navy Fleet Intelligence Center and the Army Corps of Engineers Office of Counsel as a legal secretary.

She cherished spending time with her family and close friends. For many years, she held season passes to Busch Gardens, where she loved riding the rides, watching the shows, and visiting Christmas Town with her daughter, grandchildren, and her best friend, Kay. She also held season tickets to the Chrysler Theater musicals each year and loved getting dressed up for dinner and a show with her niece, Stephanie.

Bootsie had a passion for travel. She visited Hawaii and Alaska with friends and traveled to Australia with her brother Stephen. She also treasured annual trips to Disney World with her mother. Some of her happiest memories came from the annual cousins’ trips to Chicago, Atlanta, and Florida.

Bootsie was the family caretaker — a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her granddaughter, Jessica Bailey; her grandson, Joseph Bailey; and her great grandchildren, Raighlynn Marie, William, Ethan, and Tessa Briley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 2 pm; 601 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BrightFocus Foundation in support of Alzheimer’s research.