Betty Anne Clanton

Betty Creech Clanton, 92, devoted wife and mother, passed away on July 23, 2025.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Jerrell V. Clanton, her parents, Ivan Donaldson Creech and Pauline Creech Kelly, her sister, Quida Creech Smith, and a grandson, Jack Terrell Courie III.

Betty was born in Savannah, Ga on August 3, 1932, and was a graduate of Commercial High School. In 1951, she married the love of her life, Jerrell, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she was a lifelong active member and volunteer, serving as President of the Christian Women’s Fellowship, and as a deaconess who also held various leader roles in service and study groups. Betty was a staple in the church choir, and organized the church’s first live nativity scene. Betty loved her First Christian Church family and in later years, enjoyed attending services at the First Baptist Church of the Islands.

Betty retired from Tetley Tea Company as administrative assistant to the manager. She and Jerrell called Wilmington Island home for nearly 64 years and raised 3 daughters and a son there. They were blessed with 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Betty is survived by a brother, Donald Tommy Creech (Lawanda), brother and sister in law Don M. and Nancy Clanton of Charleston, SC, daughters, Diane Mitchell, Debra Glaize (Jim), Donna Keeran (George); son, Jerrell Mark Clanton (Angie); 9 grandchildren, Jason Courie, Stephanie King (Kent), Holley Kent (John), Jamie Keeran, Ashley Vincent (Chris), Justin Barras, Matthew Coleman and Hunter Barras; 16 great-grandchildren, Carolyn, Brittany, Brooke, Isabella, Brendan, Miles, Taylor, Abbey, Landon, Tyler, Cove, Ander, Isla, William, Josie, and Hudson, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who she loved being with.

Betty took joy in cooking and baking and especially loved to care for others. She and Jerrell enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and serving their church. She was a devout Christian, who loved singing hymns, reading scripture and attending Sunday School. Betty touched many lives.

Graveside service will be held in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens on July 29, at 11:00 AM.