Bettye Creech Cecil

Spartanburg, SC- Bettye Creech Cecil, 87, of 139 Fernbrook Circle and North Litchfield Beach, passed away peacefully with her children beside her on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Bettye was the eldest daughter of the late Douglas and Margaret Creech, and the wife of the late Kent Cecil of Spartanburg. Kent and Bettye were united in marriage on June 10, 1950. He preceded her in death on September 6, 1996. They were married for 45 years. They were united, not only in marriage and the raising of their five children, but also in their entrepreneurial endeavors. She is survived by her children, Oliver Cecil (Teresa) of Spartanburg, SC, Dean McCoy (Russ) of Columbia, SC, Jeni Feeser (John) of Beaufort, SC, Doug Cecil (Julie) of Spartanburg, SC and Sarasota, FL, and Beth Cecil (Isabel Forbes) of Spartanburg, SC; nine loving grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one sister, Jayne Townsend of Charlotte, NC; and many nieces and nephews. Her beloved cat, Kally, who was her constant companion and great love, also survives her passing. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Faye Bennett. Bettye loved the beach and spent most of her later years at the beach home designed and built by her architect husband. All of the “locals” loved to see Ms. Bettye come in with her sparkling smile. She enthusiastically supported local businesses as much as possible. Many family gatherings were held at her beach home with loads of laughter and story-telling. Bettye received her early education in Charlotte, NC and began her undergraduate studies at Limestone College in Gaffney, SC. After her marriage to Kent, and five children later, she finished both her undergraduate degree (Physics) and graduate degree (Masters in Teaching) at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC She taught Science at Evans Junior High School, as well as, Spartanburg High School for several years, teaching three of her own children, much to their chagrin. She and her husband, Kent, created a successful and well respected family business that included 17 Long-Term Care Nursing facilities, two Assisted Living facilities, and four Retirement Communities in North and South Carolina. Her position as owner of White Oak Management, Inc. was an honor and joy for her. Bettye was a pioneer in the field of long-term healthcare, particularly in the field of Activity Professionals. She was the founder of the South Carolina Healthcare Association’s Activity Directors’ Organization and the South Carolina Activity Professionals Association, and is a charter member and past President of the North Carolina Activity Professionals Association. She and Kent, early on in their work in long-term health care, traveled to Denmark and Switzerland, where together they researched senior care and then used those findings to improve the quality of life of countless senior adults. Bettye gave countless hours of community service to many organizations: The American Association of University Women (AAUW), having served as President of both the Spartanburg and State Chapters, and The National Association of Activities Professionals in both the North and South Carolina Division, from which she received numerous honors, awards, and distinctions. Through her philanthropy, Bettye generously supported causes near and dear to her, as well as those of her children and grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the staff at Mary Black Memorial Hospital, 3rd floor, Spartanburg Regional Hospital, North Tower 6, and the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home for their unwavering support for our mother during her stay with each of them. Funeral services will be Monday, March 5th, 3:00PM at First Presbyterian Church Spartanburg in the Chapel, officiated by The Reverend Joanne Hull. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. In remembrance of Bettye, memorials may be made to Clemson University, Nursing Program, P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, South Carolina 29633; Hatcher Garden, P O Box 2337, Spartanburg, SC 29304, or to the charity of one’s choice.