Elizabeth V Williams

Elizabeth "Betz" V. Williams, 71, died Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, in Fort Mill, S.C. She leaves behind her husband of 50 years, John, three grown daughters, four grandsons and extended family. Betz was an honest, sensible, straight-talking native of Lancaster, Penn., with a dry wit and a way of sneaking simple acts of tremendous kindness to those around her. The petite redhead, then known as Miss Valenteen, attended Cornell University in the early 1960s, where she pursued a double major in english and economics and caught the eye of her future husband. After marrying in 1966, John's investment career would take the young couple to New Jersey, Long Island, Boston, Florida, and, in 2007, to their semi-retirement home in the Baxter Village community of Fort Mill. Her family was everything to Betz. She always put their needs before her own, displaying a vigilant attention to detail over the years and a deep sense of personal responsibility in making everyone's days more special. Christmas shopping started 364 days in advance. She watched, listened and worried over giving her girls the one thing they most wanted or needed - and she succeeded. For her own part, a box of chocolates of any kind was the perennial favorite gift. Professionally, Betz spent the past 20 years using her attention to detail and passion for great service to build a travel business. Her focus was on small craft sailors and their families, and she was proud to send thousands of clients across the world to fulfill their dreams of competing in world class competitive events. Betz herself was happiest at the beach, walking barefoot in the sand to the music of the waves. She was most at peace there; she let herself relax. After a recent trip to the ocean, surrounded by her whole family, Betz declared it the best vacation she'd ever had. At home, Betz always kept flowers growing on her porch, adding beauty to the neighborhood for its own sake. Inside, her home was an oasis of hospitality, a place designed for visits - especially at Christmas. She was a doting grandmother, on hand daily for homework afternoons with Jackson and Tyler and eagerly anticipating every visit with little John and Eric in Pittsburgh.

In addition to her grandsons and husband, John Jackson Williams, Betz is survived by her daughters Erin Brutzman, Holly O'Connell and Cameron VandenBerg, their respective husbands, Christian, Joe and Dirk, her brother's children, J.D. Valenteen and Meg Valenteen Yezzi, and Meg's three children, Scott, Kristin and Amanda. Mrs. Williams was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Reba Valenteen, and her brother, Walter Valenteen.

A private memorial service will be held on October 15th, 2016 at 3pm for family, friends and neighbors at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill (2049 Carolina Place Drive, Fort Mill, SC). Immediately following the service, the family will be hosting a drop-in at Baxter's Village Hall (3387 Richard's Crossing, Fort Mill, SC).

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to American Heart Association or DAV: Disabled American Veterans Charity

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.palmettofh.com

The family is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Mill, SC

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