Betty Lou Alkire

April 18, 1932 - February 26, 2022

Betty Lou Alkire, 89, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 26, 2022. She was born on April 18th,1932 in Richmond, Virginia to the late William and Dorothy Terrell. Betty married her high school sweetheart, William Corthell Alkire, in January of 1951. They were able to celebrate 69 years of marriage before his passing in 2020. Bill and Betty were a formidable team. They were loving parents, devout Christians, tireless workers, and extensive travelers. When you saw one the other was never far behind. Those who were lucky enough to know them had a better understanding of true love. Betty is survived by her loving children Dianne Griner (David) of Murrells Inlet, SC, Geri Schlotterbeck (Woody) of Leonardtown, MD, and Tom Alkire of Myrtle Beach, SC; her grandchildren Dawn Morrissey (Glenn), Ryan Schlotterbeck (Teressa), Rachel O’Shea (Thomas), Jonathan Griner (Leigh Ann); and her great grandchildren Ella Morrissey, Jackson Morrissey, Hadley Schlotterbeck, Hudson Schlotterbeck, and Avery O’Shea. Betty’s work ethic was second to none. She started her career at Dupont before having children. While raising her children as a working mother, she spent over twenty years with Giant Food Company. Additionally, she took an active role in supporting her husband’s business ventures including owning and operating automotive service stations followed by a second career in real estate. Her dedication to her family and belief that any problem can be solved with hard work were strong qualities she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Shortly after retiring to Myrtle Beach, Bill and Betty took a very active role in Glenn’s Bay Baptist Church. The church had a very special place in their hearts throughout their retirement years. Betty led the kitchen for over fifteen years preparing food for church events and Vacation Bible School. They were both active members of Young at Heart and loved to travel with the church. Betty always enjoyed Bible study and could often be found reading her Bible to her last day. Her strong Christian faith could always be seen in her dedication to serving others. Betty, a devoted wife, loving mother, and grandmother has left many memories for those who loved her to cherish. Summers at Grandma’s were always special along with the countless holidays that brought the entire family together. You never had to worry about being hungry at grandma’s house with meals always starting with her famous words “Come on Youallllllllll” which was always followed by “Did you get a plenty”. Her beautiful yard, treasured works of art, and southern cooking are all memories her family will adore but her kind heart, selfless spirit, and unconditional love are qualities that her family will always cherish and carry on to future generations. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Helping Hands South Strand or Meals on Wheels of Horry County. A service will be held on March 11, 2022 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Murrells Inlet. Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM with a service to follow at 1 PM. Condolences to the family may be made at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com .