Betty Carol Aubrey, 76, of Camden, S. C., formerly of Russellville, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at Karesh Longterm Care and Rehab in Camden. She was born Friday, Jan. 14, 1949, the daughter of the late J. Weldon Cropper and the late Madis Parrish Cropper.
She spent her early adult years raising her family in Elgin, S.C. Her adventures there included overseeing the construction of their custom-designed home, including a large, in-ground swimming pool she dug with a shovel just to prove to her husband she could. She was also an active member for a time at Blaney Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and helped with various children’s ministries.
She served in the community by participating in the planning of the annual Elgin Catfish Stomp Parade.
She thoroughly enjoyed her career as a Senior Claims Analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina. She loved working with data and had a special fondness for her supervisors, colleagues and teaching others.
She was a natural born beauty and both an intellectual and creative soul. She dabbled in writing poetry, drawing and painting. She enjoyed reading, watching movies and always being up for discussing the latest conspiracy theory.
Her favorite role was that of “Granny” to her grandchildren. She considered them the brightest spot in her life and all but helped raise them to be the adults they are today. Their love and admiration for her will never grow dim.
Betty was a faithful giver to St. Judes Children’s hospital in honor of her parents, who also faithfully gave to St. Judes.
Surviving are her daughter, Carol Watts of Gadsden, Ala.; her son, William Aubrey of Charlotte, N.C.; her brothers, Weldon (Lisa) Cropper of Auburn, Charles (Kathy) Cropper of Russellville, and Ralph (Fayetta) Cropper of Lewisburg; her granddaughter, Morgan Aubrey Watts of Gadsden; her grandson, Taylor Watts of Gadsden; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Shirley Robertson and Mary Ruth Rogers; and her brother, John Cropper.
A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, at Oak Grove Cemetery located at 5720 Morgantown Road; Russellville.