Betty Williams Obituary

Georgetown:

Betty Louise Williams entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 20th, 2016.

Betty Williams was born January 11, 1929 in Georgetown, South Carolina, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Henry Williams, Sr. She is survived by: her brother, Carl Sampey Williams of Dublin, Georgia; and two sisters-in-law, Miriam Thames Williams of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and Bobbie Finley Williams of Avon, Connecticut. She leaves twelve nieces and nephews who loved her: Debby Jeter, Cliff Williams, Cindy Peper, Jeff Williams, Laurie Wallace, Bruce Williams, Jan Jones, Mark Williams, Dana Roccasecca, Mandy Post, Scott Williams, and Mae Yates. She is predeceased by: her sister, Onie Williams Yates; and her two brothers, Dr. Clifton Lide Williams and John Henry Williams, Jr.

Ms. Williams graduated third in her class from Winyah High School in 1946. After graduation she worked in the Georgetown County Auditor's Office and Treasurer's Office until 1951, when she was hired as Deputy Clerk of Court. In 1974 Ms. Williams was appointed Clerk of Court by Governor John West at the recommendation of the Georgetown County Legislative Delegation. She then ran for re-election in 1976 and was re-elected each succeeding election without opposition. She was instrumental in making the Georgetown Clerk of Court Office among the most efficient and effective in the state. When Ms. Williams retired as Clerk of Court in 1996, Georgetown honored her by dedicating the Harborwalk Festival '96 to her and declaring "Betty Williams Day". She was an exemplary public servant in Georgetown County for 50 years. Even after her retirement she stayed on in the Clerk of Court Office for 6 months to assist her successor in order to ensure a smooth transition. Employees who worked for her admired her dedication and compassion and described her as a "meticulous by-the-books person with a heart".

During her years of public service Betty Williams was an inspiration to many career women. She was a member of the South Carolina Association of Clerks of Court and Registers of Mesne Conveyance and held many offices, including president. Additionally, she was a member of the Georgetown Business and Professional Women's Club, where she served on several committees and held the office of president. Ms. Williams was selected as Career Woman of the Year for 1976-1977 in recognition of her leadership and dedication to the business community.

Aunt Betty, as she was affectionately called, was blessed with many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, as well as great-grand nieces and nephews. She shared her sense of humor and her quiet strength with her family and her gentle sense of calm was always present at every family celebration.

Perhaps Betty Williams' greatest accomplishment is her legacy of faith and trust in Jesus Christ. She was a longstanding member of the First Baptist Church of Georgetown, where she was a member of the Ruth Sunday School class. She served on numerous church committees. Ms. Williams was an example to others of how to live a Christ-centered life. She was selfless and humble, always putting others' needs and wants before her own. Betty Williams truly lived an exemplary life of service; service to her family, service to her community, and service to her church and her God.

Funeral services will be eleven o'clock Friday morning, August 26, 2016, at First Baptist Church with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Ted A. Sherrill. Interment will be one-thirty Friday afternoon in Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to First Baptist Church 219 Cleland St. Georgetown, SC 29440.

Sign a guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com

The funeral arrangements are by the Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home.