Betty Ward Staggs

Spartanburg, SC- Betty Ward Staggs, 88, loving wife of the late Charles Edwin Staggs, died Saturday, January 19, 2019 at White Oak of North Grove. Born November 6, 1930, she was the daughter of the late James Hayden and Priscilla Andrews Ward. Before leaving her home, she resided at Walden Circle in Spartanburg for almost 60 years. Prior to her declining health, she was an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. Betty was a graduate of Boiling Springs High School and worked in retail, primarily as manager of Rayless Department Store in downtown Spartanburg. Betty is survived by her daughter, Terri Staggs Thrailkill and her husband, Fred, of Spartanburg, SC; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Mason Fields and her husband, Jeff, of Spartanburg, SC and Walter Benjamin Mason, III and his wife, Susan, of Greenville, SC; three great grandchildren, Bolen and Mason Fields and Walt Mason; and a sister in-law, Joan Ridings of Spartanburg, SC. In addition to her husband of 57 years, she was predeceased by two brothers. The family wishes to express special thanks to Kathy May, her caregiver for over 10 years, and to the staff of White Oak at North Grove for their loving care. A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 23rd, 1:00-1:45PM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 2:00PM, officiated by Reverend Rob Gouge and Reverend Monty King. In remembrance of Betty, memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Cemetery Fund, 842 Mount Zion Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303.