Betty leaves behind a legacy of service, rooted in her Christian faith. A faithful witness, she pursued and excelled in two service-based professions, first as a nurse and then as an educator. Upon retirement she embarked on her professional volunteer career, including service through Church, community organizations, and professional organizations. But what she enjoyed most was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She was a loving, humble, gracious soul, from whom we learned selfless love, service and compassion. We were blessed beyond measure to call her Mama, Nana, sister, and friend.
Betty was born April 13, 1924 in Columbia to Claire and Doty Rhoad. She was a graduate of Duke University (nursing) and the University of South Carolina (education), and through her prolific reading was a lifelong learner. She was also the recipient of several service awards, which made her humble heart uneasy. She was an active Church member everywhere she lived, including helping to plant two new churches. For the past 35 years she was a member of Shandon Presbyterian Church.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Edward Charles Lilly; and daughter, Claire Lilly Boxt. Left to cherish her memory are three children: a son, Edward Charles Lilly, Jr. (Sheila); and daughters, Doty Lilly Cheezem (Paul), and Candy Lilly Barrett (Danny); and her greatest blessings, her grandchildren, Jason Boxt, Rabbi Erin Boxt (Batya), Bekki Boxt, Kelley Beck (Bruce), Dr. Wendi Lilly Bare (Blake), Susan Yates (Scott), Scott Fulmer (Dana), Reverend Katie Barrett Todd (Mason), Matthew Barrett (Katy), Bear Cheezem (Elizabeth); and numerous great-grandchildren. Her legacy of service is realized in the professional callings of her family, including education, clergy, and medicine.
The family wishes to express our thanks and gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at the Columbia Presbyterian Community, particularly in Jasmine Place, for their loving and professional care of our Mama. They were a great comfort to our family and we are blessed to know them.
A memorial service to celebrate the life and witness of Betty Lilly will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. The family will greet friends following the service. There will be a livestream of the service starting at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021 on Dunbar Funeral Home – Devine’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DunbarDevine.
In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to the Columbia Presbyterian Community, 700 DaVega Drive, Lexington, SC 29073 or Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201.
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