Betty Jones Obituary

Betty Reid Jones, age 98, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026. Born in 1927 in Chesnee, South Carolina, she was the daughter of Samuel Dolphus Reid and Louise Jean Reid.

Betty was a graduate of Chesnee High School and went on to attend Furman University. In 1947, she married Dr. William Esley Jones, Jr., beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in devotion, family, and community. Following their marriage, she began her career as a school teacher in Charleston, South Carolina while her husband pursued his medical education.

In the early 1950s, Betty and Esley settled in Greenville, South Carolina, where they raised their children and became deeply involved in their community. Betty was a proud and active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Women's Medical Auxiliary, Wildewood Garden Club, the Carolinian Debutante Club, the Greenville Country Club, and many other organizations. She brought energy and enthusiasm to all she did, whether on the tennis court, at the bridge table, or through her many social and charitable commitments. Just as important to her as these activities were the friendships she cultivated over the years. Betty treasured her friends deeply and maintained lifelong bonds marked by loyalty, laughter, and genuine care for others.

Later in life, Betty discovered a remarkable talent for watercolor painting, creating works that reflected her appreciation for beauty and her keen eye for detail. She especially cherished time spent walking the beaches of Fripp Island and Islamorada, Florida, places that brought her great joy.

Betty was known for her quick wit, strong will, and tenacious spirit. She faced life's challenges with determination and grace, including a courageous battle with colon cancer, which she overcame with characteristic resilience.

She is survived by her brother, Dr. Sammy Reid; her daughters, Sherry Trotter and Carol Baker (Baxter); her grandchildren, Andrea Baker, Stephanie Kellahan (Jamie), Logan Brown (Samantha), Lauren Baker (Nicolas), and Samantha Sternberg (Alex); and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. William Esley Jones, Jr.; her sister, Patricia Ramsey; and her son, William "Bill" Esley Jones, III.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to Emerald Gardens of Greenwood for their compassionate care over the past six years, and to Hospice of the Piedmont for their support and comfort during Betty's final days.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont 408 West Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646, or to a charity of one's choice.

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