Obituary of Betty Jean Avin

Betty Jean Anderson Avin, 75, widow of Hubert Raymond Avin, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2016, at McLeod Health in Florence, SC surrounded by her family. Born September 24, 1940 in Manning, SC., she was the daughter of the late James Ralph and Cecil Victoria Anderson. She was the sole owner of H. R. Avin Associates of Sumter, a bookkeeping, payroll and tax firm. She founded the company in 1983 in partnership with her husband and became the sole owner upon his death in 1997. Betty was a dedicated and tireless professional who made client satisfaction a top priority. She assisted in the startup of many new businesses advising, mentoring and sharing the struggles and successes of her clients as their businesses grew. During her recent illness, she insisted on not burdening others with her struggles. Her joy was her family. She was known for her coconut and seven layer chocolate cakes, macaroni-n-cheese and homemade soups. She had a green thumb and enjoyed working in her yard. In addition to operating a successful business, her civic involvement included serving in the American Legion Auxiliary, the National Association of Letter Carriers Auxiliary, as a school PTO volunteer, Sunday School Teacher, Acteens and Girls in Action leader, and a member of Alice Drive Baptist Church. She was a member of the American Institute for Professional Bookkeepers, The National Society of Accountants, and The National Association of Tax Professionals. Known as Nana to her family and her many children-of-the-heart, she is survived by her daughters, Derinda Jean Avin Connor (Dr. Walter E.) of Florence; Deborah Renee Mathews (Candler G. “C.G.”) of Sumter, grandchildren, Dr. Ryan M. Connor (Kimberly B.) of Florence; Amanda K. Tyner (Jason M.) of Timmonsville; Candace R. Mathews of Columbia, Candler G. Mathews III of Columbia; and great-grandchildren, Jackson M. Connor of Florence and Emma Katherine and Lawton J. Tyner of Timmonsville. She is survived by her brothers, James W. Anderson (Mary Beth) of Manning; Bobby R. Anderson (Dale) of Sumter; and one sister, Ellen L. McFaddin of Manning. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Sunday at Alice Drive Baptist Church with Dr. W. Clay Smith, Rev. Todd Fleming and Rev. Lester Cutter officiating. Burial will follow in the Sumter Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 P.M. Saturday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and other times at 16 Creekfield Road, Sumter. Memorials may be made to Child and Adolescent Services of Sumter Endowment (CASSE) at First Citizens Bank, 201 N. Washington Street, Sumter, SC 29150. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.