Betty Gale (Hopper) Thomasson

Rock Hill, SC – Mrs. Betty Gale Hopper Thomasson, 74, peacefully passed away Monday, July 1, 2024, at Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House holding
the hands of her loving children.

After fighting a 10 year battle with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, she spent her last week of life surrounded by her immediate family, close friends and relatives near and far. Betty Gale, affectionately known as Gale, was the widow of the late Gary Ernest Thomasson. Together, they shared a 43-year marriage before his passing in 2020.

Born on July 6, 1949 in Gaffney, SC, Gale was the daughter of the late Howard Lamar Hopper and Betty Louise Martin Hopper.  Preceded in death are her brothers Howard Lamar Hopper, Jr. and Ted Marty Hopper in which she shared a lasting bond and missed terribly.

Gale is survived by her three children: Daughters, Mara Hope Hardee (Keith) and Tara Noelle Thomasson and Son, Jonathan Gary Walker Thomasson (Tiffany); 7 Grandchildren: Savannah, Ethan, Owen, Coleton, Ree, Palmer and Beckman; 3 Great-Grandchildren and Sister, Nancy Hopper McLachlan (Monty). Her best friend, Teresa Mattox was an inspiration and loyal friend until the end.

Gale graduated from Rock Hill High School and was a proud Veteran of the United States Navy.  She strongly advocated for working mothers and returned to college while her children were in grade school. She received her B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology and immediately persisted to continue a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling, all from Winthrop University.  After graduation, she worked toward certification to serve as a Licensed Medical Social Worker. Gale professionally served in both the private and the public sector throughout York County for 35+ years and continuously gave her time and attention to those in need. She set the example of hard work and determination and has left a lasting impression with her family and community to strive for new heights. While opinionated, she was a caring, charitable, giving and loving mother.

Memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

A private memorial will honor her legacy by immediate family members at a later date.

Whitesell Funeral Home is serving the family.