Betty B Cook

Betty found the love of her life while her family was stationed in North Charleston, South Carolina. She made Charleston her home and married Gillie Cook in June 1955, remaining devoted to him until his untimely passing in May 1979.

Betty was a woman of great warmth, deep love, and boundless energy. She had a profound love for her family, babies, and animals—passions that defined much of her life. For many decades, she lovingly cared for infants in the nursery and taught young children in Sunday School at Deer Park Baptist Church. Her family fondly imagines her now, joyfully caring for the babies in heaven alongside her dear friend, Juanita Stephens.

Betty’s hands were rarely still. She had a green thumb and a joy for gardening, a sharp mind that led her to own and operate her own tax business, and a lively spirit that could never be contained. She was a proud member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), and in her free time, she enjoyed reading, word puzzles, and especially ballroom dancing—a passion she pursued with great enthusiasm.

A talented cook, Betty created countless cherished memories around the dinner table with her delicious meals and homemade desserts. She also loved to travel, particularly on cruises, and often shared her adventures with those she loved.

In 1982, Betty met Harvey Davis at Arthur Murray Dance Studio, where their shared love for dancing blossomed into a beautiful partnership. They later married and spent many happy years dancing and traveling together—taking a remarkable 31 cruises before Harvey’s passing in April 2024.

Betty was also known as the "pet mom" during her time in assisted living in Seneca, SC. She found joy in caring for the resident bunnies and guinea pigs, feeding them carrots each day, and delighted in visits from cardinals, eastern bluebirds, and hummingbirds at her feeders. Her heart truly lit up when a baby came to visit—especially sweet little Madi.

Betty was a graduate of North Charleston High School and Trident Technical College.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Gillie Cook and Harvey Davis; her parents, Helen and Clifford Ryan, and Ashby and Carrie Barbee; and her sisters, Barbara Dawson and Doris Brady.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Debbie Tyner (Tommy) and Benny Cook (Lisa); her grandchildren, Ross Tyner, Grace Cook, Emily Cook, Jennifer Martin, and Amanda Lipscomb; her great-grandchildren; her half-sister Martha B. Waltz (Daniel) and half-brother Thomas Barbee (Gail); brother-in-law Ed Brady; and numerous nieces and nephews with whom she shared a close and cherished bond.

To honor Betty’s love for animals and children, the family asks that donations be made to any local animal shelter or to Shriners Children’s Hospital in her memory.

In celebration of her vibrant spirit, the family kindly requests that guests wear something red, Betty’s favorite color.