Betty Mcilwain

Betty Horton McIlwain, 94, of Brevard passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. She was born in Lancaster, South Carolina to James Pierce Horton, Sr. and Ida Grace Cauthen Horton, both of whom preceded her in death. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, James Harold McIlwain.
Survivors include her children Marc S. McIlwain and wife Susan, of Greenville, SC, Beth McIlwain Hyatt and husband Kenny of Brevard, NC; grandchildren Lacey Councill and husband Jarrod of Anderson SC, Lauren Griffin and husband Corey of Spartanburg, SC, Nathan Hyatt, Charlotte, NC, Jamie Hyatt, Brevard, NC; great grandchildren MacKenzie and Mason Councill of Anderson, SC, and Carson Mack Griffin, Spartanburg, SC; brother Dr. James Pierce Horton, Jr., Lancaster, SC; nephews Bob Horton and family, Columbia, SC, Richard McIlwain and family, Eastover, SC, Carl McIlwain and family, Red Springs, SC, Dr. Robert Darwin and family, Asheboro, NC, David Darwin, Charlotte, NC, Bryan and Kim Pettit, Greenville, SC, Michael and Mary Chappel Pettit, Greenville, SC, David and Kelly Philpott, Seneca, SC, and Mike and Jennifer Cole, Blufton, SC; nieces Jean Horton and Patrick Goldsmith and family, Lancaster, SC, Amy Horton and Tom Van Doorn and family, Neenah, Wisconsin, Joan McIlwain Edwards, Columbia, SC, Mrs. William McIlwain and family, Lexington, SC, and Mrs. Edward McIlwain and family, Boiling Springs, SC.
Betty enjoyed outdoor activities of hiking, tennis, golf and bird watching. To see and identify the interesting birds led to many trips in the United States, Canada, and several foreign countries. James and Betty saw much of the US and Canada travelling in the Airstream trailer. Meeting others who shared her interest was a pleasure.
As members of Glen Cannon Country Club, they loved golfing and times with friends. Betty organized the Women's Golf Group and served as the first woman on the Board of Directors. Her bluebird trail located on the course fledged about fifty young every year. She was called "The Bluebird Lady." James and Betty were active in many community charities and organizations. She was the President of the Friends of the Library. As a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, she chaired the Life Line committee. She was President of the "League of Women Voters." She was a volunteer at Brevard Elementary school with the first grade and kindergarten classes. Because the little ones could not greet her as "Good Morning, Mrs. McIlwain," she loved to hear "Good morning, Mrs. McMimi." Betty enjoyed her long time volunteering at S.A.F.E. Attic. She was a charter member of the North American Bluebird Society and a life member of the Carolina Bird Club and the Transylvania Bird Club.
A lifelong Methodist, she was a teacher, Children's Library worker, and longtime member of the History committee. The committee in 2006, published a "History of First United Methodist Church - 1875-2005." Over the years, she served on other committees. Early in 1980, she established in memory of her father and mother two scholarships, one at Brevard College and one at Winthrop University. She enjoyed helping young people to further their education.
A memorial service with reception following will be held at First United Methodist Church, 325 North Broad Street, Brevard, NC at 11:00 am on Friday, March 30, 2108 with Rev. Mike Holder and Rev. Lauren Sims-Salata officiating. Interment will be at West Side Cemetery, Lancaster, SC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite charity.
To leave a condolence for the family of Betty McIlwain, please visit "obituaries at www/moore-fh.com.
Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is caring for the family.