Elizabeth J. Davis

Early in the morning hours as the sun was coming up on August 8, 2020, our Heavenly Father called home one of his sweet children. Elizabeth Jean White Davis (Betty Jean) passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Elmira, NY, on September 15,1945, Betty Jean was the daughter of John W. and Betty S. White. She is survived by her husband, Mike Davis, her son, D. Gregory Crump (Janet), her daughter, Rebecca D. Baker (Jay Stein), and her grandsons, Thomas and Jacob Baker. She is also survived by her sisters, Lola Richbourg (Calvin) and Theresa Reeves (Randy). Betty Jean was predeceased by her parents, a son Charles G. Crump, and her brother, Billy White.

As an Eau Claire HS Shamrock, Betty Jean was selected as Miss Flame during her senior year for her beauty and gorgeous auburn hair. Her high school art teacher saw how artistic Betty Jean was and encouraged her to pursue her drawing talent. She also had a beautiful singing voice and participated in the school’s chorus. After her high school graduation, Betty Jean enrolled in the Lily Hardin Nursing Program, where she completed two years of study. She left nursing to get married and raise a family. During her time here on this earth, Betty Jean enjoyed working at Colonial Life Insurance and especially her time working for the University of South Carolina.

As a child, Betty Jean mastered the art of crocheting from the teachings of her mom. This was just another example of her artistic talents. Throughout the years, her family and friends were the blessed recipients of many treasured crocheted gifts from doilies, afghans, scarves, hats, and table cloths. Even during her final months of dealing with bone cancer, Betty Jean was hoping to finish Christmas gifts for her children and sisters.

She was passionate about her faith and being a part of St. Andrews Road Church of Christ. More than anything, Betty Jean enjoyed being with her family. She adored her two grandsons who called her Bambie and delighted in spoiling them as much as she could. She loved those two boys to the moon and back. Despite being quite ill, she absolutely loved attending the wedding of Greg and Janet a year ago, and became overjoyed when Becky and Jay recently became engaged. Betty Jean loved her extended family, especially when a niece, nephew, or grand nieces and nephews were born. She was one of the first “aunts” to hold them, and she never forgot anyone’s birthday. Betty Jean was truly loved by her whole family. An avid Elvis fan, Betty Jean enjoyed traveling with her husband and daughter’s family, especially a memorable trip to Disney World and times at the beach. She and Mike loved attending Christmas gatherings, BBQs and cookouts at Lola’s farm and eating out at various local restaurants.

The family would like to thank Sherry and Dave Pyle for their many visits and cookies, and the health care workers for the care and compassion during Betty Jean’s illness. We especially appreciate the care of Dr. Mohamed El Geneidy, her oncologist, as well as her nurse Graylyn, and her hospice caregivers, Kathy and Sylvia, and Betsy, her home health aide.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, 820 W. Dunbar Rd., West Columbia, with interment to follow at Southland Memorial Gardens. Mr. Gary Hoss, preacher at St. Andrews Road Church of Christ, will perform the service. The family will receive visitors at 1:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be nephews Jesse Richbourg, Bear Richbourg, Joey Reeves, Josh Williams, JJ Richbourg, and Anderson Richbourg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the South Carolina Oncology Associates, 166 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210.