Betty Jo Dempsey's Obituary
Betty Jo Tidwell Dempsey of Hardeeville and Branchville, SC was ushered into the Heavenly Realm by her ministering Angels on Friday, November 1, 2024. What a time of rejoicing and celebrating as another Saint was welcomed home.
Born into this earth on March 3, 1937 at home in Winston County, Alabama the oldest of 10 children born to Ervin Wesley Tidwell and Linnie Gann.
Left to cherish her memory are Mama's siblings: Herschel Tidwell (Mary-deceased), Marilyn Powell Collins (deceased) (Carroll-deceased) (Jimmy-deceased), Jerry Tidwell (Linda), Richard Tidwell (deceased), Roger Tidwell (Patricia), Mary Ann Johnson (Allan-deceased), David (Bud) Tidwell, Wesley Tidwell (deceased), and Lance Tidwell (Karri). A bonus sister Edna McAlhany (Mr. JW-deceased) Numerous nieces and nephews. Two special nieces Gail Goins and Sheryl McPherson.
Wife of Robert Dempsey Sr. of 56 years.
Children: Bridgette Sanchez (David, affectionately referred to as her favorite son-in-law) of Hardeeville SC, Billy Dempsey (Mama always called Bill her #1 Son) (Melanie) of Rockingham NC and Branchville SC, Bobby Dempsey (deceased) (with a heart like Mama), and Tony Dempsey (the baby) (Kim) of Branchville SC.
Grandchildren: Wesley Sanchez (Heidi) of Beaufort SC, Josh Sanchez (Dena) of Hardeeville SC, Celeste Bean (Michael) of Richmond Hill, Georgia, Adam Pittman, Ashley Dempsey (Darin Milligan) of Georgia, Michael Dempsey of Bluffton. SC, Amanda Dempsey of Bamberg, SC, Sarah Bolin (Robzy) of Greenville, SC and TJ Dempsey (Brandi).
Great Grandchildren: Natalie, Emily, Lizzy, Olivia, Annabel, Mary, Wyatt, Nolan, Conrad, Abel, Adalynn, Dalton, Landon, Connor, Zachary and Aubree.
Our Dempsey family was especially important to Mama and she loved each one dearly. Thanksgiving Reunions were some of Mama's cherished, laughter-filled memories. Many days of Skip-bo with Uncle George and Aunt Nancy had us rolling in laughter. This family could cook some good country vittles... two special nieces Tina Wiggins and Denise Dempsey.
Mama worked outside the home for many years but her greatest joy was being "Mama". She sacrificed for us children so many days. She loved us fiercely. She was the best Mama ever. When she became Memaw (Wesley gave her that name) her life again was filled with such joy!
Mama is the daughter of the ONE True King...Jesus. She served Him faithfully as a member of Edisto Baptist Church for over 40 years. God gifted Mama with a servants heart. She loved teaching Sunday School, being involved with VBS, singing in the choir, hospitality, even cutting grass at church. She loved the mission trips and gospel singing with her church family. Her special sisters-in-Christ, Lenore, Connie, Phyllis, Mary, Patsy, Betty Rae and so many others. She truly loved you all.
During Mama's time with me, Creative Church became her family as well. They loved her dearly.
Many thanks to Ridgeland Nursing Facility Nurses and CNAs, Diane, Tina and Melissa, over the last year, also thanks to Compassus Hospice for their tender care.
I was blessed to have been able to care for my precious Mama for over 6 years. I will miss you Mama (I tried to do my best) It won't be long till we will be together for eternity with our Savior. Give Aunt Marilyn a big hug for me.
Wyatt says it best: Just because Memaw is in Heaven, we still gonna love her..(O How Memaw loved her Wyatt)
The family will receive friends at Edisto Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 11:00am - 12:00pm. The service will start at 12:00pm at Edisto Baptist Church with the burial in the church cemetery following the service.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?