Betty (Keitt) Cooper

Mrs. Betty Keitt Cooper, 82, of Orangeburg, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, in her hometown.

Born on July 24, 1942, in Orangeburg, Betty was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Janie M. Strock Keitt. She remained deeply rooted in her community throughout her life, cherishing the bonds of family and faith that defined her journey.

Betty was a loving mother to her children: Beth Creech (Steve) of Neeses; Ronnie Youmans, Jr. (Pamela) of Leesville; Shantell Shuler of Orangeburg; and Rhonda Cain (Travis) of Orangeburg. Her legacy continues through fifteen beloved grandchildren—Dana Gartman, Ronald Gartman, Jr. (Amanda), Christopher Gartman (Ashley), KC Jackson (Brandon), Stephanie Coker (Jeremy), Meagan Coyle (Ryan), Michael Youmans, Whitney Simmons (Weston), Camille Thoma (Jonathan), Gabriel Gonzalez-Acevedo (Katelynn), Tia Young, CW Shuler, Jr. (Miranda), Hailey Cail (Cody), Nicholas Cain (Paige), Tori Cain—as well as twenty-four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She is also remembered with love by her sisters Frances Durr (Herman) and Marie Houp. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Ann Mitchell, Dot Mount, Bobby Keitt, Leonard Keitt, Elwood Keitt and a grandson, Michael E. Gartman.

Betty found immense joy in being known as “Granny” and “Grandma Cooper.”  She loved to pay visits to all of her family and friends.

A woman of deep faith, Betty loved reading and studying her Bible. Her spiritual devotion was a guiding light throughout her life. She also enjoyed walking outdoors and had a special fondness for animals—especially dogs—who brought her comfort and companionship over the years.

A funeral service honoring Betty’s life will be held at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel in Orangeburg on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel, 1012 Whitman Street. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 A.M. prior to the funeral service.  Dr. Billy Hurst will be officiating.  Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens, 4830 Columbia Road, Orangeburg.

Memorials may be made in Mrs. Betty’s memory to the American Heart Association at P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.