Betty Waites Walker

Betty Waites Walker died to this life on September 22, 2024 at age 97. Born July 4th, 1927, Betty was the daughter of William Douglas and Ellen Branham Waites. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Steve Lewis Walker; brothers, William Douglas Waites, Jr. and Millard Eugene Waites; and nephew, Millard Eugene Waites, Jr.

Upon graduation from Columbia High School, Betty attended The University of South Carolina and later The University of Tennessee. In the early years before leaving Columbia, she worked for the Chief Attorney of Veteran's Administration and volunteered at the Veteran's Hospital. Later Betty worked for the Staff Judge Advocate and the Adjutant General at Fort Jackson. From 1953 until 1954, Betty lived in Tokyo and worked for a medical laboratory that did research work throughout the Far East. She also worked for the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission that did research on survivors of the atomic bomb and their descendants.

After moving to Nashville, TN in 1959, Betty became very involved in the community by volunteering, serving on numerous boards and organizing special events and galas. In addition to her community service, Betty became associated with Caldwell Travel and for many years conducted group tours to countries all over the world. She was one of the founders of CABLE, a business and professional women's club, and later she owned and operated her own business called Betty Walker Tours.

Betty would often say that the best part of her life began when she met and married Steve Walker, her husband of 41 years. Through her business, they were fortunate enough to travel all over the world. On one amazing trip while visiting the Holy Land, Betty and Steve were baptized together in the River Jordan.

An active member of Belle Meade Methodist Church, Betty will be remembered for her strong faith and devotion to family. She will also be remembered for her kind and loving ways and her fierce loyalty to friends. Betty, who was also referred to as "BeBe" by her family, lived life to the fullest and touched the lives of many along the way.

Betty is survived by one brother, Weldon Douglas Waites (Sharon); nieces, Lisa Dye (Madison), Mandy McCabe (John) and Jessia Daly (Chris); great-nephews, Jamey Dye (Lauren), John McCabe, Mitchell McCabe, Charlie McCabe and Thomas Daly; great-nieces, Amanda Addy (Dalton), Erin Daly, Gracie Daly and Taylor Daly all of Columbia, SC.

A private burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Columbia, SC on Monday, September 30th at 3:00pm. A Service of Death and Resurrection for Betty will take place Wednesday, October 2nd at 1:00pm in the Sanctuary. Visitation 11:30 to 1:00 in the Lounge. Belle Meade United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN. 121 Davidson Road.

Memorials can be made to the Nashville Rescue Mission at 615 Lafayette Street; Belle Meade Methodist Church at 121 Davidson Road; or Cumberland Heights Friends at 838 Woodmont Blvd.