Mrs. Betty Humphreys

Betty Bellinger Humphreys, wife of Robert Edward Humphreys, Sr. (Col. USAF, ret.) died peacefully at home May 17, 2021. Eldest daughter of Bessie Lee Blackwell and Harry O’Bannon Bellinger, she was born in Asheville, NC on December 2, 1932. She grew up in Columbia and attended Columbia City Schools, graduating from Dreher High School in 1950. She received both Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of South Carolina. As the wife of a military officer, she enjoyed 26 years living in various parts of the US and in several countries abroad, Philippines and Europe. She became adept at quickly setting up home again and keeping her family on an even keel as they all adjusted to a new location. After her husband’s retirement from the United States Air Force, they returned to Columbia. Betty was a high school science teacher in Lexington School District 5 before retiring in 1995 to enjoy life at Lake Murray for 18 years. She and Bob moved into Columbia in 2004. Betty enjoyed all USC Sports, University Associates, Theater, Columbia Art Museum, and Riverbanks Zoo. Betty was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, First Families of South Carolina 1670-1700, the Ann Pamela Cunningham Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and Colonial Dames. She was a long time devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Betty is survived by her husband, two daughters: Harriett H. Begg (John Wahl) of Irmo, Susan H. Opsahl of Irmo, two sons: Robert Edward Humphreys, Jr. (Elizabeth Sharp) of Vienna, VA, Edgar Carlisle Humphreys (Michelle Nix) of Atlanta, GA. In addition, she is survived by two sisters: Duncan Bellinger Lewis (William R) of Pebble Beach, CA and Edith Bellinger Campbell (Bruce) of Saluda, NC; four beloved grandchildren: John Wahl Begg, Jr. (Aimee Fowler), Elizabeth Begg McBride (Jason R), Madeline Elizabeth Humphreys, Robert Edward Humphreys, III, two cherished great-grandsons, Jacob Willis Ervin and Jaxton Begg McBride, and two cherished step-great-grandchildren Trent McBride and Harlee McBride. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Joan Humphreys Smith. The family would like to extend special thanks to her many caregivers, Agape Hospice, and Solutions for Living at Home for their loving care. Interment will be held 3 o'clock, in the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Columbarium on Saturday, May 29, 2021. Friends are invited to call on the family between 5 and 8:00 o'clock, on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Begg, 1811 Salem Church Road, Irmo, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Cathedral Foundation, 1100 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201; St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1487, Irmo, SC 29063, or to FSH Society, 450 Bedford St., Lexington, MA 02420.

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Mrs. Betty Humphreys

December 2, 1932 - May 17, 2021