"Today she dances with angels."

Mary Kitt Bethea Best, 76, beloved wife of Johnny Best, of Galivants Ferry, passed away at her home Tuesday, April 23, 2024 with her husband and daughters by her side. She was born in Mullins, South Carolina on December 4, 1947, the daughter of the late David Kitt Bethea, Sr. and the late Mary Florence Edwards Bethea.

Mary Kitt dedicated her life to her family and her community. She spent over thirty years working for the Department of Social Services in Dillon, a job that she loved and didn't want to leave. She found though that in retirement, she was able to spend more time pursuing her other interests including baking, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and talking on the phone to her many special friends.

While her professional life was important to her, she always prioritized her family. She was a loving wife to Johnny, her husband of fifty-three years, and a dedicated mother and grandmother to their children and grandchildren that brought so much joy to her life. One of her favorite ways to spend time with them was to visit Fred's, her favorite local restaurant. She spent many hours in her favorite corner booth drinking her sweet tea and being doted on by the employees there.

A member of Rehobeth Community Church, Mary Kitt found solace and strength in her faith. This faith allowed her to face her Alzheimer's diagnosis and subsequent journey. Her family finds solace in knowing that she has found ultimate freedom from her illness and is now sheltered in the arms of Jesus.

In addition to her parents, Mary Kitt was predeceased by a grandson, Jacob Tanner Williamson and a special brother and sister-in-law, Billy Joe and Thalia Best.

She is survived by her husband, Johnny Best; daughters, Melissa Kitt Best Williamson and her husband, Gary and Paula Bethea Best, all of Galivants Ferry; a grandchild, Reagan Kitt Williamson; a brother, David Kitt "Swift" Bethea, Jr. (Eleanor) of Dillon; nieces and nephews, Leah Hollifield (Jon), Doyle Best (Katherine), Tink Bruton (Cheryl), Anna Phipps (Travis), Jenna Bruton; several great-nieces and great-nephews, and a sister-in-law, Donna Best Hartmayer (Warren) of Galivants Ferry.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Meares Funeral Home in Mullins. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 25th in the sanctuary of Rehoboth Community Church in Galivants Ferry with Reverend Mark Player and Reverend Adam Work officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

If you would like to remember Mary Kitt, the family suggests that donations be made in her memory to Rehoboth Community Church, 2775 Barnhill Road, Galivants Ferry, South Carolina 29544.

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

Meares Funeral Home is honored to serve the Best family.