Betty Jean Eckels

Betty Jean Eckels, Born April 21, 1931 in Hendersonville, North Carolina entered into eternal rest peacefully, surrounded by family members on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 in Fort Mill, South Carolina after a long and wonderful life.  A daughter of Robert Brownlow Smith and Blanche Elizabeth Jones (Smith) of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Betty was predeceased by her sisters, Norma Irene (Jo) Smith (Fisher), Margaret Anne Smith (Strickland), Nancy Carole Smith and Mary Jane Smith (Horner). She is survived by nephews, Robert Lawson (Bob) Horner (Lisa) of Charleston, South Carolina, James Hugh (Jim) Horner, Jr. (Martha) of Rock Hill, South Carolina, stepson Richard Harrison (Rick) Eckels of Memphis, Tennessee, granddaughter Amanda Eckels Goetze also of Memphis, Tennessee.

After High School, Betty attended Spartanburg General Hospital School of Nursing where she was Vice President of her Graduating Class in 1952. Betty lettered in Basketball, was a member of the YWCA, served as a cheerleader, was in the Glee Club, was very active in the SCSNA (SC Student  Nurses Association), was the Literary Editor of the Little General (Spartanburg General Yearbook)   and was selected as “Most Likely To Succeed” by her Classmates. Betty followed the footsteps of her older sister Norma (Jo) by attending Spartanburg General School of Nursing and was also followed by sisters, Jane and Margaret. Betty was loved by all as evidenced by all the wonderful notes written by classmates, friends and staff in her yearbook. After Graduating from Spartanburg General School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse, Betty attended Duke University School of Anesthesia where she graduated as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, (CRNA). Betty practiced anesthesia for eighteen years including a term at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte North Carolina. While working as a CRNA, Betty attended a conference where many professionals showed their products that were associated with the medical profession. It was at a conference in Florida that Betty met the love of her life, Ted. Betty and Ted were married on June 20, 1969.  They had a wonderful life together residing in Greenwich, Connecticut until Ted passed away and Betty moved to Athens Georgia to be near her sister Margaret. She then later moved to Charleston, South Carolina to be near family members and lived in Charleston for five years until moving to Rock Hill, South Carolina. Betty was well known for her always happy and lighthearted disposition. She loved music and enjoyed playing the piano and singing with her sisters. She was also very kindhearted and shared her and Ted’s success with many charitable organizations.  Betty had the unique ability to light up a room when she entered with her endless excitement and enthusiasm.