Elizabeth Lott Hammond

A memorial service for Betty will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 16th, 2023 at Dunbar Funeral Home Chapel on Devine Street with a reception to follow. A private burial service will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Newton Lott and Hamilton Lott. A graduate of Dreher High School, she attended the University of South Carolina and received her bachelor’s degree from Winthrop College. With each employment, Betty was of service to others, first as a teacher, then as a food director at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, and finally aiding others prepare their taxes at April Tax.

As a child, Betty enjoyed spending time with her cousins and siblings. She loved riding her horse, Cream Puff, had fond memories of The Lott Pond, and summers at Murrells Inlet. Betty grew up worshiping at Shandon United Methodist Church with her family. Through the years, she was active at St. Martin’s in the Fields Episcopal Church, teaching Sunday school, serving on many committees, contributing as a part of the altar guild, leading church retreats and delving deeply into her study of The Bible. She was a member of the Assembly, Tarantella Club, and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Betty loved to travel, both internationally and exploring her country with her husband, family, and friends. Her favorite holiday, by far, was Christmas. Her love of Christmas shined brightly through her decorations and the joy of finding that special gift for a loved one. Betty loved to work puzzles, watch the many birds that flocked to her yard, and read novels, and enjoying her South Carolina sports. Her favorite hobby was playing cards. She and her husband Mike were in multiple bridge clubs. “She was the partner you wanted,” recalled a friend. But her greatest joy in life was being a mother and watching her grandchildren grow through the years. She was extremely proud of them and spoke of them often. As a mother she took the time and energy to cultivate her children’s unique interests in horses, football, and music. She believed that finding your special place in life was an important value.

Surviving are her two daughters, Elizabeth (Connie) LeConte Thackson (Stuart) of Eden, North Carolina and Katrina (Katie) Hammond Hanson (John) of Lexington, North Carolina; son John William Ripon Pope III of Ninety-Six, South Carolina; beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth Thackston, Emily Thackston, William Thackston, Mikell Hanson, William Pope, Colby Pope, and Hampton Pope; brother Hamilton Lott, Jr.(Barbara) and sister Kathy Garrick (Frank); nephew Kevin Sheppard, nieces Candice Sheppard, Elizabeth Lane, Ginny Lott, Betsy Lott, nephews Matthew Garrick and Christopher Garrick and niece Carrie Waller. Betty was preceded in death by her sister, Gaye Lott.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Susan Black for her support over the past four years, the staff at The Palmettos, and family members, especially Kathy Garrick and Candice Sheppard, for helping Betty when in need.

In the spirit of Betty’s love of animals, memorials may be made to Final Victory Animal Rescue (810 Bryson Road, Columbia, SC 29205), for her aid to those in need, Sister Care (1820 Morlaine Road, Cayce, SC 29033), and for her love of children, St. Jude’s Research Hospital.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.