Kathleen "Betsy" Byford

A student of life and education, she graduated with a degree in English from Mary Baldwin College in 1968 and was granted an extended honeymoon in Greece by the US Navy after her marriage to her husband of 56 years, Walter Bruce Byford.

As her children grew, she balanced work and volunteerism, serving in roles at various boards and PTAs in her children’s schools, culminating with her service with Bruce as founding members on the Parents Council for The Citadel. She also gave back to her own college, serving as a member of the Parents Council, Alumni Board and Advisory Board of Visitors.

Professionally, what began as a part-time job led to her being Director of Visitor Services for Textile Hall, host to what were at the time some of the largest textile shows in the world. When work took her and Bruce to Raleigh, NC, she found rewarding work in a pharmaceutical technology start-up, working directly with one of the company’s founders, as well as in the role of office manager.

When not working or supporting her children’s dreams, Betsy loved to travel with Bruce. Trips across the US and Europe were always highlighted by train travel. Her favorite country to visit was Bermuda, while her favorite city was London.

She is predeceased by a son Walter Andrew Byford (Andy) and her parents, Morris and Elizabeth (Betty) Kenig. She is survived by her husband, Walter Bruce Byford, her children, Dr. Anne M. Byford and Peter Bruce Byford and his wife Elizabeth Jennings “Jenn” Byford; two grandchildren, Anna Katherine Byford (19) and Peter Kenig Byford (17); as well as her sister, Dr. Patricia Anne Kenig Curd and her husband Dr. Martin Curd plus numerous cousins on both sides of the family. She is also survived by her faithful dog, Mac.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:30pm on September 14th at Open Hearts United Methodist Church in Greenville, SC after a private interment ceremony at Church of the Redeemer Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, Betsy asks that memorials be sent to St. Francis Cancer Center, 104 Innovation Drive, Greenville, South Carolina 29607.