Betty Christine Porter

With heavy hearts, we announce Betty Christine Porter's (Barton) passing on January 31, 2024. While we mourn her death, we celebrate her full and vibrant life and the tremendous strength and courageous resilience she demonstrated in fighting medical challenges for the past 25 years. Born in Aiken, South Carolina, Betty carried a zest for life that should never be defined by anyone’s date of birth. True to her spirited nature, she left us with a final wish to skip mentioning her age, humorously- and accurately- reminding us all that she always looked far younger than her years—a secret she carried with grace, a ready smile, and a twinkle in her eye. Her children now carry Betty's legacy forward, Michael Dwayne Porter, Donald Blaine Porter (and wife Katie), Fredrick Wayne Schrumpf, and Christopher Lane Schrumpf, alongside her cherished 12 grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, faithful friends, and extended family members. Her life was shaped by various experiences, including her early years moving across South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, which helped shape her character and solidify her values. Her tale took a turn of destiny in the 1960s when she met Michael (Mickey) Adrian Porter, a young soldier stationed in Augusta. Their love story was one of determination and adventure, culminating in a marriage that saw them moving to Bremerton, Washington, to be closer to Mickey's family. The tale of their move, marked by Betty's then-fear of flying and Mickey's heroic cross-country drive in the dead of winter with blizzard conditions at times, is a testament to their commitment to each other. Following Mickey's untimely passing in 1969, Betty's courage saw her returning to the Augusta area, where she would remain, building a life filled with laughter, love, and an indomitable spirit. She remarried in 1974 and added to her legacy with the births of Chris and Rick. Betty's career path was as varied as it was vibrant, touching lives as a hairdresser, restaurant server, cocktail waitress, secretary, and bartender before finding her calling as a waitress at the Sunshine Bakery in downtown Augusta. Here, she became a beloved figure, known for her gift of gab and her ability to brighten the days of those around her. Betty's tables were sought after, her presence a guarantee of warmth and a good-natured jest, making every visit to the bakery memorable. Beyond her work, Betty embraced her pastimes with zeal—dancing, bowling, playing bingo, and never letting the long odds of winning the lottery keep her from playing. She was often the life of any gathering, always ready to share a laugh, enjoy a margarita, and engage in friendly banter with friends, new and old. Her musical tastes were as diverse as her interests, with a lifelong soundtrack featuring legends like Elvis, Tom Jones, Little Richard, and Chuck Berry providing the beats to many fond, fun times and cherished memories. A special “thank you” to the staff and communities at St. John Towers in Augusta, NHC Healthcare in North Augusta, and Caris Hospice Healthcare. Their consistent display of love, care, and compassion towards their residents and patients is truly remarkable and greatly appreciated by the friends and families of those they serve. As we remember Betty’s indomitable spirit, we celebrate a woman who grew beyond her challenges in adolescence to build a life filled with love and stability. Those who knew her know of her passion for haircuts and color. Betty’s smooth skin was legendary, and her easy smile reflected the beauty she found in the world around her. Her essence, a beacon of joy and resilience, will forever inspire those fortunate enough to have known her. A private Celebration of Life memorial service honoring the remarkable life of Betty Christine Porter will be held at NHC Healthcare in North Augusta, South Carolina, on Saturday, February 10, 2024. We will gather to share stories, beautiful memories, and laughter, remembering a life beautifully lived.