Elizabeth Gainey Bickelhaupt Hunt

Elizabeth “Betsy”, beloved wife of Donald Lee “Donnie” Hunt, passed away on August 16^th, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late Katherine Ladora Croft Gainey and John DeLoy Gainey, Jr., and sister to the late John DeLoy Gainey, III.

She graduated from Marathon High School in Marathon, Florida and Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. She received her master’s degree from Converse College in Spartanburg.

Betsy taught at 1^st Presbyterian Church’s Child Development center from 1989-1991, and in 1991 became a District 7 employee working at Z.L. Madden Elementary, Cleveland Elementary, and Park Hills Early Learning Center until her retirement in 2013. She loved teaching and had a great impact on many children in our area.

She is survived by her husband, Donnie, the love of her life, and her loving children, Caroline Bickelhaupt Majors (Matt), James Allan Bickelhaupt (Delane), Brooke Bickelhaupt-Splawn (April), and stepson, Ryan Lee Hunt. She was blessed with grandchildren, Caitlin Elizabeth Majors, Grayson McLeod Majors, Payton Lane Majors; and step grandchildren, Andrew Coleman Hunt, Ansley Letitia Hunt, and Grantham Culver Hunt. Last but not least, she is survived by her dog, Luna, who was just as much part of the family as the others listed above.

Betsy loved early morning walks with Donnie, who always called her Elizabeth, and Luna. She delighted in feeding the wildlife and taking in the fresh air with those she loved. On Saturdays after their walks, she often enjoyed a Meyer Lemon and Blueberry French toast or the New Orleans crepe from Mon Amie.  She also loved gardening and took delight in tending to her plants and flowers. She always wanted to ensure her family was taken care of. Sometimes that meant knitting us scarves to stay warm, and sometimes that meant writing her obituary for us, long before her passing (she just wrote the facts- we have added more of what made her who she was to us, knowing she would understand).

The family will receive friends at the home for storytelling and a celebration of life on Saturday, August 20^th from 2p-4p. A private family service will be held at a later date.

In remembrance of Mrs. Hunt, memorial contributions may be made to the Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303 or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 950 W Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.