Bettye Louise (Garlington) Williams

Bettye Louise Garlington Williams, affectionately known as “Bettye Lou,” 77, of 509 Washington Street, Abbeville, SC, departed this life on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Self Regional Healthcare, Greenwood, SC. She was born in Abbeville to the late James Ostell and Sylvia Florene Harkness Garlington, Sr.

Bettye was a faithful member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church where she served as a secretary, missionary, and vacation bible school teacher. She was a high school graduate of JS Wright High School. Bettye obtained her Undergraduate Degree from Benedict College, and her Master’s Degree from Clemson University. She then began her career as an elementary school teacher. Bettye devoted over 30 years of her life educating in the Abbeville School District.

Bettye met the love of her life, Harry Williams, and on December 27, 1968 they became one. From this union of 55 years came two beautiful children. Bettye touched the lives of so many people. She loved being an educator, mother, and grandmother, and it was her pleasure being able to educate her children and family. Her legacy will forever live on through the hearts of everyone she has touched.

Bettye leaves to cherish her precious memories her beloved husband, Harry Williams; one son, Harry (Cenitra) Brandt Williams of Abbeville, SC; one daughter, Keisha Williams of Atlanta, GA; one brother, Horace (Bettye Mae) Garlington of Abbeville, SC; one sister, Charlotte Walker of Abbeville, SC; four grandchildren, Kylan Williams, Braylon Williams, Kinsley Williams, Kori Williams; one God-son, Corey (Natale) Burton of Greenwood, SC; two God-children, Carson Burton, Aspen Burton; her fur baby, Jax; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Bettye was preceded in death by her parents, James Ostell Garlington, Sr., Sylvia Florene Harkness Garlington; one brother, James Ostell Garlington, Jr.; and one sister, Doris G. White.

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