Obituary of Betty Mullins

Betty Irene Adaway Mullins, 86, died February 7, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in 1924 in Winchester, England she was the daughter of the late Harry and Louisa Adaway. The youngest of 13 children, she spent her life in the area surrounding Southampton, England until she met her husband, Jim, who was stationed with the U.S. Army in England during WW II. A war bride, she first came to the United States in 1950 with her husband and 2 small children. Her life as an Army wife took her to Germany, Alabama, Georgia, and Kansas before settling in South Carolina. She was married 47 years to the late CSM James E. Mullins and leaves behind a daughter, April Smith (Jerry) of West Columbia; sons, Barry Mullins (Pat) of Chapin, Jim Mullins (Patty) of Columbia, and Jerry Mullins (Susan) of Gaston. Betty was also the adored grandmother of 10 grandchildren: Shelly Woodward (Jim), Jody Durden (Scott), Jeffrey Smith (Misty), Tiffany Kohn (Mike), Dr. Jason Mullins, Shannon McDonald (Gris), Kelly Oswald (David), Megan Lanham, Tina Ballentine, and Joe Palmer (Melissa); 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews in England, Wales, and Australia. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a young son Bruce Seymour and her 12 brothers and sisters. She was a licensed practical nurse at the SC State Hospital before joining the newly established Lexington County Hospital in 1971. She loved her career in nursing and retired in 1988. Her courage and love of life were inspirational to everyone who knew her. Betty was a wonderful and loving person and her beautiful spirit will be forever missed by her family and friends. Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at Woodridge Funeral Home, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC 29072, with burial in Woodridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm prior to the service. The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Smith and the staff at S.C.O.A. for their wonderful care.