Betty Jean Smith Willoughby, 86, widow of Jimmy Livingston Willoughby, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 3rd, at home with her family lovingly by her side. Betty was born in Marion County on November 22, 1937, the daughter of the late Wade Ernest Smith and the late Marie Atkinson Smith.

Betty was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and a Godly caring woman who spent most of her life thinking of others. She served others humbly, generously, and graciously. She always surrounded herself with her family and friends, which is where she felt most comfortable and loved. She was a wonderful cook and loved gathering her family together for dinner. Betty was a dedicated member of Cedar Creek Baptist Church. She will certainly be missed by many.

In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband of fifty-seven years, Jimmy Livingston Willoughby, two brothers, Ernest and Herman Smith, and one sister, Mary Alice Cox.

She is survived by her son, Dale Willoughby and his wife Sherry of Nichols.; two grandchildren, Dr. Channing Willoughby and his wife, Courtney of Greer, Candace Shelley and her husband, Sidney of Nichols, five great-grandchildren; Mary Hannah, Elizabeth and Channing Dale Willoughby II of Greer and Kennedy and Karmen Shelley of Nichols; a brother, Marvin Smith of Mullins; sisters-in-law, Sally Lou Willoughby of Nichols, Judy Martin of Charleston, and Clara Smith of Mullins; and two special nieces Tammy Sarvis and Polly Elliott, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Cedar Creek Baptist Church in Nichols at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 6, 2024 with Reverend Maxie Hardee and Reverend Dale Willoughby officiating. A committal service will follow at Cedar Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the sanctuary one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Cedar Creek Cemetery Fund, c/o Tony McCrackin, 8340 Raintree Lane, Nichols, South Carolina 29581.

The family would like to thank Betty's caregiver, Marjorie Adams, for the incredible patience, love and care shown to her over the past months. Also, to Patriot Hospice for the care and comfort you gave to Betty, as well as the insights and emotional support shown to the family.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.

Meares Funeral Home of Mullins is honored to serve the Willoughby family.