Betty Littley Obituary

Betty Jo Whitt Littley, 98, wife of the late of Paul B. Littley, Jr., passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025, with her daughters by her bedside. Born in West Liberty, KY, she was a daughter of the late Bernard and Lydia Walsh Whitt. Betty was a guiding light throughout her life and was known to have lived a life rich in compassion, creativity, and love. A dedicated music teacher, she inspired countless students throughout her career, sharing her passion for music, educating those young minds fortunate enough to learn from her. She would start every piano lesson with a word of prayer. Betty Whitt received her undergraduate degree from Morehead State College (now University) and wrote the music for the Alma Mater, which is still sung by many today. She received her master's degree in music from Bob Jones University, where her early experience in pedagogy laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to music education. It was there, while a junior faculty member, that she met and married the love of her life, Paul Littley, flutist and founder of the woodwind department at Bob Jones University. For many years, she felt there was a need for an early children's piano method book. In her last 20 years, drawing on her experience, she developed the music book Wake Up Fingers which would get them ready to start piano. She really loved puttering around in the backyard, tending to her plants, which still thrive to this day. She was a woman of great faith and throughout her life she and her beloved husband Paul used their music in service of the Lord. Betty was a dedicated member of Faith Baptist Church, where her faith and kindness touched the lives of many in her community. She was a loving wife and a devoted mother; her family was at the center of her heart, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She fervently loved and ceaselessly prayed for her country. She spent her later years in Greenville Post Acute, where she was a beloved member of a vibrant community. The family is so grateful to her many friends, workers, and Wren Hospice for their love and care of Betty. The family would also like to express their appreciation to all of the many friends, former students, and church members who have stood by her over the years, visiting her, sending cards, flowers, and encouragement. Betty was a beloved mother to daughters, Sherry Littley (Tony Belcher) of Nashville, TN and Marcia Littley (Phillip Church and children, Sebastian, Anton, and Alejandra) of Miami, FL; and many nieces and nephews. She took such joy in being the step great-grandmother to four year old Aspen Church. In addition to her parents and loving husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Mildred W. McClain-Hubbert, Ivis Clair W. Terrell, and Jean W. Zachem. A Visitation will be held Friday, September 5, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown, followed by the Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Burial will be in Montoursville Cemetery in PA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church, 500 W. Lee Rd. Taylors, SC, 29687 or Wren Hospice Greer Office 955 W. Wade Hampton Blvd Suite 3A Greer, SC 29650. WEBSITE Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Betty with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory"