Elizabeth "Betty" Alley

Elizabeth “Betty” Alley

Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” Mildred Alley born on February 9, 1930, widow of Richard Norman Alley, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on July 20, 2026.

Betty was an extraordinary woman of unwavering conviction and fortitude, qualities she instilled in her two surviving daughters, her cherished blessings, Elizabeth L. Alley Smith (Kinn) of Mullins, S.C. and Katie S. Alley of Myrtle Beach, S.C., two grandsons, the apples of her eyes, French McKinley Smith IV and Richard Alley Smith both of Charleston, S.C. She was predeceased by her parents Mr. August and Mrs. Carmella (Millie) Cresenzo of Brooklyn, N.Y. and brothers Reverend Dr. A.G. Cresenzo and Dr. V.M. Cresenzo.

Betty was a graduate of Women’s College- The University of North Carolina in Greensboro, N.C. where she generously donated financial resources throughout her life to honor her late mother. She retired from the faculty of Rockingham Community College.

Early in her adult life, she loving gave of herself by using her teaching gifts and became a certified American Red Cross swimming and canoeing instructor teaching many youths how to swim. Throughout her life, she actively participated in numerous community organizations, including a lifetime membership in the Order of the Eastern Star, a benefactor of Camp Carefree for over five decades, a 4-H and Girl Scout leader for more than four decades, a board member of the Little River Water Board for fifteen years, a volunteer at the Calabash Crab and Shrimp Festivals for twenty years, a member of North Strand Helping Hands for fifteen years, and a volunteer at Seacoast Medical Center and the North Myrtle Beach Animal Shelter. She was a member of the Wentworth Presbyterian Church.

Betty lived by, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”, 1 Peter 4:10. She believed that everyone comes into your life for a reason or for a season. Each day her mission was to align her activities so that God would be glorified. She was always the first to offer her help in a crisis or lend a helping hand to a friend in need. One of her joys was touching someone's life unexpectedly. Throughout her adult life she enjoyed donating anonymously. What she loved most was to give something unexpectedly. She purposefully listened to the radio, tv, and around the community and upon hearing a need, she would contact the radio station, tv station, and/or the community entity to find out how to provide the needed item. She always requested anonymity regarding her actions as her philosophy was, I am not giving for applause; I am giving to show God’s love.

She taught her daughters that God is in control and that no one can thwart God’s predetermined plan for their life. Her favorite Bible verse was “Seek God with all your heart”, Jeremiah 29:13. She never harbored any concerns because she held the unwavering belief that God provides the best solution; she believed one should never worry. Faith in God was her unwavering support and she placed her complete trust in Him. She is remembered as a maverick, an individual who consistently pursued her own unique path, and sometimes may have been misunderstood by those who did not truly know her. She loved her family unconditionally. She was somehow larger than life yet always exuded a beautiful humility.

In her downtime, she enjoyed playing cards, board games, tennis, traveling, walking, bicycling, crabbing and clamming. She also enjoyed walks on the beach and spending time with family and friends. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother and will be sadly missed by many. Our hearts are forever broken, but our love for her will be eternal. Her family relies on "We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord", 2 Corinthians 5:8.

A private memorial service was presided by the Reverend Jack T. Patrick. She was laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.