Today, we celebrate the life of Betty Neal Bradley DuRant, the daughter of Willie Bradley Sr. and Florence Shaw Bradley. She was the oldest of five children, born on October 29, 1950 in Oswego. She departed this earthly life, after a brief illness on September 21, 2023 at Prisma Health Richland Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina surrounded by loved ones. Betty received her formal education in the public school system of Sumter County. She graduated from Eastern High School, the Class of 1968. After high school, she continued her education at Central Carolina Technical College. At an early age, she was a member of Clark United Methodist Church. After Holy Matrimony on September 25, 1972 to the late David G. DuRant Jr., she joined Shepherd United Methodist Church and from that union, two beautiful children were born. While at Shepherd, she served as a faithful member and was active in many roles. She was the Lay Leader of the Church, Chair of Council on Ministries, President of United Women in Faith, Adult Ministry Leader, Lay Servant and Communion Steward. She was a Worship Leader, a member of the Shepherd Voices of Praise and the North Sumter Charge Choir. Betty was employed at Becton Dickinson for 28 years and retired in 2007. She enjoyed her work and showed her dedication by holding several positions over those years. She was hard working and a vital asset to her team. Also, her co-workers could depend on her for transportation needs. Betty was involved in community organizations. She volunteered at the Lamb Center in Sumter and served as treasurer. She was President of Sister's Circle which held a special place in her heart. She was President of the Sumter Chapter of the Family Reunion Committee. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Florence Bradley; her husband, David G. DuRant Jr. and two siblings, Willie Bradley Jr. and Julee Bradley Williams. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law and friend. Those left to cherish her memories are: her son, Eric L. DuRant (Carol) of Concord, NC and her daughter Davetta Phillips (Andre) of Watauga, TX; one sister, Leola Lowery (William) of Colorado Springs, CO; one brother, Charles Bradley (Tara) of Shaker Heights, OH; three granddaughters, Daija Grant Phillips, Andrea Phillips and Trinity Phillips of Texas; god-daughters, Stephanie Boone-Smith and Tamika Dow; god-sister, Minnie Green; a special friend, Walter Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. The family extends a special thanks to Kimbrea Walker and Rosalind Boone. In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation at her home, 2210 Queen Chapel Road, Sumter. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a. m., Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Shepherd United Methodist Church, 2210 North Main Street, Sumter, with Rev. Dr. Tiffany Redmond, Officiating, Rev. Marvis L. Stewart M. Div., Pastor, Eulogist. Wake services will be 4:00 – 5:00 p. m., Tuesday in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home, Inc., 821 North Main Street, Sumter. The Remains will be placed in the church at 10:00 a. m. for viewing until time of services. The Procession will leave the home at 10:30 a. m. Burial will be in the White’s Cemetery, Airport Road, Sumter.
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