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Betty Jean Taylor
Jun 22, 1946 — Oct 21, 2026
Columbia,
Betty Jean Taylor
Betty Jean Taylor, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following multiple complications following a successful surgery in August.
Born in Florence, South Carolina on June 22, 1946, she was the daughter of Annie Bell Hewitt and Robert L. Taylor.
Betty graduated from Winthrop College with a B.A. in Elementary Education. After teaching in Columbia for two years, she attended Emory University and graduated with a Master’s degree in library science.
She returned to Columbia and worked as an Elementary Librarian at what was then Watkins Elementary School. She later worked as a readiness teacher and Reading Recovery teacher. Following her retirement, she worked as a First Steps Librarian at the Richland Library.
Betty loved visiting Edisto Beach, her precious cocker spaniels, reading and playing her ukulele. She was especially fond of spending time with her dear friends, whether having lunch or dinner at their favorite spots, playing cards, or just enjoying one another’s company. She had a wicked sense of humor and a sharp wit that often kept her friends laughing uncontrollably.
Betty treasured the many friendships she formed during her years of teaching. She held a special place in her heart for The Merry Molars, The Library Girls, her ukulele buds and her Emory friends with whom she celebrated every year at Edisto.
She is survived by her best friend for over 50 years, Margaret Hill and her childhood friend of over 70 years, Gwen Smythe. She is also survived by her cousins, Chris Power, Donna Montrose, Karen Hewitt Hagan (Tommy) and Sandra Boineau (Buddy) all of Charleston, SC; Alvin Hewitt (Robin) of Florence and Ross Thames (Shay) of Asheville, NC.
In accordance with Betty’s wishes, there will be no formal services held, but rather a casual celebration of her life will be held and will be announced at a later time. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.
Memorials may be made to The Edisto Island Open Land Trust, P.O. Box 1 Edisto Island, South Carolina 29438.
Born in Florence, South Carolina on June 22, 1946, she was the daughter of Annie Bell Hewitt and Robert L. Taylor.
Betty graduated from Winthrop College with a B.A. in Elementary Education. After teaching in Columbia for two years, she attended Emory University and graduated with a Master’s degree in library science.
She returned to Columbia and worked as an Elementary Librarian at what was then Watkins Elementary School. She later worked as a readiness teacher and Reading Recovery teacher. Following her retirement, she worked as a First Steps Librarian at the Richland Library.
Betty loved visiting Edisto Beach, her precious cocker spaniels, reading and playing her ukulele. She was especially fond of spending time with her dear friends, whether having lunch or dinner at their favorite spots, playing cards, or just enjoying one another’s company. She had a wicked sense of humor and a sharp wit that often kept her friends laughing uncontrollably.
Betty treasured the many friendships she formed during her years of teaching. She held a special place in her heart for The Merry Molars, The Library Girls, her ukulele buds and her Emory friends with whom she celebrated every year at Edisto.
She is survived by her best friend for over 50 years, Margaret Hill and her childhood friend of over 70 years, Gwen Smythe. She is also survived by her cousins, Chris Power, Donna Montrose, Karen Hewitt Hagan (Tommy) and Sandra Boineau (Buddy) all of Charleston, SC; Alvin Hewitt (Robin) of Florence and Ross Thames (Shay) of Asheville, NC.
In accordance with Betty’s wishes, there will be no formal services held, but rather a casual celebration of her life will be held and will be announced at a later time. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.
Memorials may be made to The Edisto Island Open Land Trust, P.O. Box 1 Edisto Island, South Carolina 29438.
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