BETTY J. ALSTON
Betty J. Alston, 61, departed this earthly life on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, at her home. Born on Dec. 20, 1952, in Sumter, she was the daughter of the late Henry Alston Sr. and Samuella Dinkins-Riley. One of nine children, she was preceded in death by her much loved sister, Letha "Lisa" Alston, and adored brother, William Lamont Alston. She attended Rafting Creek Elementary School. Betty left South Carolina at the age of 13, moved to New York City and graduated high school. Following her high school graduation, Betty found employment at Blue Cross/Blue Shield for 15 years, where she became a medical billing professional. She later worked for Hospital for Joint Disease as a medical billing supervisor until her retirement.
On June 15, 1992, she gave birth to her only child, Michael Denzel Alston.
Betty was a hard-working, loving, talented and honest individual who put her family above all. No matter the place, you could trust her to bring the laughter. She found pleasure in cooking, interior design, and most importantly, being a mother.
She leaves to cherish her memories: a devoted and loving son, Michael Denzel Alston; her mother, Samuella Dinkins-Riley; her stepfather, Macon Riley; sisters, Ruby Alston-Mayes, Elaine Alston, Lillie Alston and Mary Machelle Riley; brothers, Henry Alston and Macon Riley Jr.; adopted sisters, Connie Goldston and Patricia Williams; adopted brothers, Ramson "Gable" Brunson, Henry "Boo" Bradford and James Williams; one uncle, Franklin Dinkins; three aunts, Willie Mae Williams, Bertha Dinkins and Clarissa Dinkins; four brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; and a host of adopted nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at noon Monday at Rafting Creek Baptist Church, 3860 S.C. 261 N., Rembert, with the Rev. Melvin Mack, pastor, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. Frank Williams Jr. and the Rev. Lillian Reynolds.
The family is receiving relatives and friends at the family home, 2718 Powhatan Drive, Sumter.
The remains will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. The procession will leave from the home at 11:20 a.m. Floral bearers will be family, and pallbearers will be nephews and cousins. Burial will be in Rafting Creek Baptist Church Yard Cemetery.
Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com. Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc.