Mrs. Betty Yonce Jackson

Betty Dunwoody Jackson, daughter of Thelma Ruple Yonce and Eugene Martin Yonce, was born on August 30, 1930 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Better known as B, she was a woman who lived life to the fullest. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 42 years, W.D. “Bill” Dunwoody, her husband of 19 years, Thomas “Tom” Maxie Jackson, Sr., and her sister Mary Ann Pendarvis. B is survived by her children, W.D. “Woody” Dunwoody, III, Jeanie Dunwoody Larson (Larry), Dorothy “Dottie” Dunwoody Shearer (Ken), Beth Dunwoody Corontzes (Zach); grandchildren Brittany Fulton Moran (Jamie), Anna Corontzes Smith (Bryson), and Natalie Corontzes; great-grandchild Kevin Moran; her stepson Thomas “Tommy” M. Jackson, Jr. (Cynthia); and step-granddaughter Keeley Jackson; as well as nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. B had a beautiful singing voice that she delighted in sharing with her community. She was a graduate of Orangeburg High School, where she was the lead soprano in the school musical productions, and she was a music major at Winthrop College. B also sang in the Winthrop College Choir, the Columbia Choral Society, and the Arpad Darazs Singers; she joyfully responded with a “yes” to requests for singing at numerous weddings, funerals, and organizational functions throughout the state. Always devoted to her local United Methodist Church, B grew up at Saint Paul’s UMC in Orangeburg, spent 32 years as a dedicated member of Asbury UMC in Columbia, and then participated faithfully at Trenholm Road UMC for her remaining years. At every church home, she remained firmly committed to singing in the choir for an impressive span of more than 80 years, beginning when she was 12 years old. With a generous heart and giving spirit, B let her light shine throughout the years in many different capacities, always drawing on her great love of music. B did volunteer work at Baptist Hospital in music therapy, with the Ronald McDonald House, and Family Promise of the Midlands. She also volunteered at the Veterans Hospital, leading a sing-along on Saturday mornings, and she began a Wednesday Night Supper tradition at Asbury UMC. At Trenholm Road UMC, she was proud to have been a children’s choir assistant for many years, as well as a faithful singer in the Sanctuary Choir. B was a vivacious lady who had a wide circle of friends and never met a stranger. Her zest for life included many hobbies, such as dancing (shag), travel, and anything Gamecock. She and her husband Tom were devoted Gamecock fans who attended many of the Gamecock Athletic events along with their tailgating crew. Kind, friendly, and warm, with the most infectious laugh and brightly twinkling blue eyes, B had a way of making everyone feel welcome in her presence. With a spiritual gift of helping others, no matter how big or small the task, her love of Christ was evident in the way she treated everyone she encountered. A service to celebrate her life will be held at 3 o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, July 9 at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, 3401 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC, 29204. The family will receive guests in the Church Dining Room following the service, and they request that memorials be made to the Music Ministry of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church or to the American Cancer Society. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

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Mrs. Betty Yonce Jackson

August 30, 1931 - July 6, 2024