Betty Jane Houtz

Betty Jane Houtz, 79 of Charleston, SC, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Born on July 15, 1943, in Columbus, MS, she was a daughter of the late Sarah Rose Burgess and Fred Burgess. Joy is the perfect word to describe Betty. Betty graduated from Mississippi State College for Women in 1966. After graduation Betty worked as a legal secretary all over the eastern United States. She made roots in Ohio when she met her husband, Bub, in 1979. Betty was very smart and although she loved her career she was dedicated to her family and friends. She was a proud grandmother and mother. A dedicated Christian she loved singing hymns in Church. She loved music and dancing. She played the piano, banjo, and harmonica. She was a skilled typist and even competed in typing and shorthand. Betty was always the first one to have the newest gadget, she even made her own family website in the 1990s. She loved experiencing all the technological developments during her lifetime. She was always a student wanting to learn everything she could. She loved animals, especially her small dogs. She never said no when her daughters would bring home a pet, including birds, crabs, turtles, fish, frogs, dogs, and cats. To relax she loved laying out in the sun and reading. She was fun loving and ready for the next adventure, encouraging people to follow their heart. Always telling people the bright side, Betty was the most positive joyful person. Besides her parents, Betty is preceded in death by her younger sister, Joyce McReynolds. Betty is survived by her husband of 41 years, James "Bub" Houtz; daughters, Brooke Floyd (Matt) and Stacy Sams (Steven); grandchildren: Braelyn Floyd, Mackenzie Floyd, Grady Floyd, Rylan Sams and Barrett Sams; and sisters, Margaret Griffin (Frank) and Connie Buerkle. The private graveside service will be held at 10am on Thursday March 9, 2023 at Magnolia Cemetery, 70 Cunnington Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration https://give.classy.org/BettyHoutz Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Rd Charleston, SC 29414