Obituary of Betty L. Fairbanks

Betty L. Fairbanks, wife of John W. Fairbanks for 61 years, died peacefully Thursday, April 29, 2021 at her home in West Columbia, South Carolina, surrounded by her family.

Betty was born in Shelleyville, Tennessee on August 3, 1943. She was the daughter of Julian Edward and Clara Mae Finley.  She was predeceased by her parents and three siblings.

She is survived by her husband and only daughter, Debbie Williams (Scott), of South Congaree. She is also survived by the loves of her life, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty was  affectionately called “Nan” by her grandchildren; April Lutz (Jacob), John “JW” Williams (Emily), Betsy Bouknight (Chip), and Lee Williams (Kristi), great-grandchildren; Jackson Day, Remington Lutz, Penelope Williams, Cassidie Steen, Grayson Steen, Garrett Steen, Carson Hollis, Haylee Williams, Holden Williams, Hannah Williams, Devin Koellner, and Riley Koellner. She had numerous nieces and nephews with extended family in Tennessee.  She is also survived by one brother, Charles Finley of Georgia. 

Betty enjoyed sewing, gardening, painting, fishing, eating hot dogs, and listening to Rod Stewart. Betty loved to decorate for Halloween and Christmas. She loved watching fireworks. She also was pretty good at bossing Pa around. Above all else, Betty, “Nan“, loved her family.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the hospice nurses and caregivers of MSA Home Health Hospice. They could not have asked for better support and care during Betty’s final days.

A celebration of her life will be held at Ebenezer Pentecostal Holiness Church, 501 Church Street, West Columbia, South Carolina  on Monday, May 3, 2021.  Visitation with family will be at 3pm with the service to start at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriner’s Hospital for Children. 

South Carolina Cremation Society of West Columbia  is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online tribute wall at www.southcarolinacremation.com.