Betty Prillaman Tappan, 87, passed away on Monday, August 16, 2021, at home, surrounded by her loving family members.  She was a native of Bassett, Virginia, and had been a resident of Newport News since 1942.

Betty was employed at the Newport News Shipyard in the “Atomic” Department and later went on to work at the Newport News School Board Office as an administrative assistant, from which she retired in the early 1990s.  She was an active member of Temple Baptist Church and a member of the Beta Sigma Fi Sorority.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon R. Tappan, siblings, Garland Prillaman, Tense Horstman, and Paul Prillaman.  She is survived by her sons, Curtis, K. Tappan (Nina), Bruce D. Tappan (Tara), Clifford Prillaman (Barbara), and Robert Prillaman (deceased); five grandchildren, Kenneth, Raven, Lauren, Jeff, and Ericka; four great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Charlotte, Beau and Dolly, sister, Nita Clark (Steve), sister-in-law, Rose Prillaman; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family thanks and appreciates the neighbors that have been there for her over the years.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Baptist Church, with Pastor Wes Taylor officiating. The CDC highly recommends masks for inside gatherings.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.