Betty Pope Carter

Betty Pope Carter, 91, passed away Monday, March 17 in Greenville. A beloved mother, "MeeMaw," and friend, she was well known for her love of the Lord, tennis, gardening, playful personality, and charitable heart. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, family, and fun.

Born August 26, 1933 in Centre, Alabama, Betty was the first-born of the late JC and Selma Pope. Her amazing work ethic was born in the cotton fields of Alabama where she worked as hard at keeping her brothers in line as she did at picking. She graduated from Cherokee County High School and later worked as a telephone operator for Alabama Southern Bell and then as a secretary at Polymer Industries in Greenville. Her passion for cooking led her to open her own catering company, Delectable Edibles, where she provided numerous meals for paid events and often donated to many gatherings as well. She was a member and active servant of Taylors First Baptist Church since 1967.

While her first love was her late husband of 52 years, Charlie N. Carter, she discovered her second love of tennis at age 40. She went on to captain multiple teams, leading many players decades younger than she. She won her last match on the court at the age of 80. A true sports enthusiast, she also played basketball, volleyball, bowling, and roller skated.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charlie; her son, Tim Carter; her parents; and brothers Jerry and Doug Pope.

She is survived by her daughters Aliesa Carter Gilstrap (husband Ken) of King, N.C. and Stacey Carter Massengale (husband Mike) of Simpsonville. She is also survived by her grandchildren Emily Carter Melson (Jimmy) and Ben Carter (Annie), Justin Gilstrap (Laura) and Griffin Gilstrap (Heather), Cameron Massengale (Andrea) and Chandler Massengale, and great-grandchildren Olive ("Ollie") Vanderhyde, Logan and Gavin Gilstrap, and Harper, Paisley, Skyler, Elisha, and Willow Gilstrap.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 4 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. in the chapel of Taylors First Baptist Church, 200 W Main St. Taylors, SC 29687. A memorial service will follow in the chapel at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cops for Tots of Greer, a charity she passionately supported for many years. She proudly participated with the charity and was thrilled to attend one last time in December of 2024.

Betty will be remembered for her faith in Jesus Christ, her servant's heart, her love and dedication to family and friends, her fanatic love of Alabama football, and her wicked tennis serve.

She was the best "MeeMaw" in the whole wide world.