Betty R. Tripp

Betty Reece Tripp of Columbia went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 12 at the age of 92.

Betty was born and raised in the upstate of South Carolina but moved to Columbia in 1967. She was the daughter of the late O.J. and Addie Reece, and she was the last surviving child of (8).

She spent her life dedicated to her family, and was always involved in her children’s sporting teams, dance recitals and Brownie Scouts. Her biggest delight was enjoying God’s beautiful world. She loved homemaking, and most of all baking and sharing with neighbors and friends. One of her greatest joys was making someone feel special. She took great pride in her home, and she had a love of beautiful flowers and working in her yard.

For 25 years she was in medical practice office management. She was an honorary lifetime member of Charleston Medical Managers. She also served on the Medicare Advisory Board of Columbia.

For many years she was an active member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church and the Lamp Lighters Sunday School Class. For 13 years, after her retirement in 1999, she was Food Service Director for Riverland Hills Baptist Church where she served approximately 25,000 meals per year. Her love for people was apparent to all, and God was the center of her life.

She found great joy and fulfillment in her roles as a mother, Oma, Mema, and aunt. She is survived by three of her children, Jim (Terry) Tripp, Chuck (Kelly) Tripp, and Beth Wilhide; nephews Ronnie, Jerry, Ricky and David Reece, Wayne Reece, and niece Yvonne Reece Almeida; nine grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, James E. Tripp, oldest son Mike Tripp, son-in-law Scott Wilhide, and grandson Chase Tripp.

The family would like to thank Three Oaks Hospice for their care, as well as family friends Bunnie Calore and Melanie Meade for their loving friendship and presence in Betty’s life.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, August 23 at 2:00 pm at Temples-Holloran Funeral Home. Friends and family will be received from 1:00-2:00, with the celebration of life immediately afterwards. Burial will follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens.

Temples-Halloran Funeral Home proudly serves the Tripp family in their time of grief.