Mrs. Elizabeth "Betty" Clarke Benedict, 67, of Columbia, died Friday, July 25, 2014. Born May 23, 1947, in Roxboro, NC, she was a daughter of the late James Edgar Clarke Sr. and Lessie Brandon Clarke. A graduate of the original Columbia High School, Ms. Betty had given over 30 years of service as an employee of Bell South. She was a member of Spring Valley Baptist Church, who enjoyed spending time with her family playing cards, and watching old movies. As a 16 year cancer survivor, Ms. Betty was a member of a cancer support group at Palmetto Health Baptist.

Betty is survived by her husband of 45 years and high school sweetheart, Jerry Benedict of Columbia; daughter, Tammy Meetze (Lee); grandchildren, Austin Meetze, and Ashley Meetze; sisters, Carol Bradley of Blythewood, Kathy Powell (Jim) of Columbia; brothers, Tommy Clarke (Frances) of Blythewood, Donnie Clarke (Rochelle) of Irmo, and James Clark, of Lexington.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2014, 3 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Dr., Columbia, with The Rev. Dr. Robert Winburn officiating. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 2 o'clock. There will be special honorary seating for her fellow employees of Sothern Bell. Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Koman for A Cure, Attn: Donor Service, P.O. Box, 650309, Dallas, TX, 75265-0309, or to the American Heart Association, 190 Knox Abbott Dr., Ste. 301, Cayce, SC, 29033.