Anderson, SC - Elizabeth Byrd Fant (Betty) of Anderson peacefully slipped away to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ on March 20, 2014. Betty was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Charles W. Fant, Jr. who passed away December 7, 2013. She is survived by her two children, Betsy Jones (Greg) of Charleston, SC and Charles Fant, III (Jill) of Anderson, SC. Betty boasted of her four grandchildren and two great grandchildren (to whom she was affectionately known as “moremama”): Chase Jones (Colleen) and son Callan of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Sara Whitfield (Adam) and son Stafford of James Island, SC; Chas Fant (Amy) of Boston, MA and Bethany Moore (Nate) of Jacksonville, FL.
Mrs. Fant was born March 14, 1927 the daughter of Edward and Evelyn Hughey Byrd. She graduated from Kingstree High School, attended Coker College and later graduated from Winthrop College. Her senior year at Winthrop she was in the May Court and was Honorary Cadet Colonel at Clemson College (“Sweetheart of the Corps”) in 1949. Upon graduation, she moved to Anderson to work as the full time nutritionist for Anderson Memorial Hospital. She met Charlie Fant that year and they were married November 12, 1949.
Betty was a (lifelong) member of the First Baptist Church of Anderson, serving others in many roles at the church. She was a Circle Leader, Co-Chaired the flower committee for many years, and taught a singles Sunday School Class with her beloved husband Charlie. She attended the Church’s Bible Study and a Woman’s Community Bible Study for over 25 years.
In the Anderson Community, Betty was a member of the Junior Assembly, several Garden Clubs, and a sewing club. She delivered Meals on Wheels for many years, and mentored students at Calhoun Street Elementary School. Betty was an avid gardener, and loved cooking for her family.
The family will receive friends at the home at 2702 Bellview Road on Saturday from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Anderson at 307 Manning Street.
In lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1178, Greenwood, SC 29648 or Wilmary Housing Ministry, Wilmary Apartments, 223 E. Benson Street, Anderson, SC 29624.
Sullivan-King Mortuary, www.sullivanking.com