Betty Lou Mickens

We regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Betty Mickens. 

Ms. Mickens passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Morrell Nursing Center in Hartsville, SC. 

The family will receive friends at 529 Ross Drive, Hartsville, SC on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

Arrangements will be announced by Davis Funeral Home, LLC of Hartsville, SC.

Betty Lou Mickens beloved wife of Elijah Mickens; devoted mother of Armellini (Tarantino) Rogers and Quincy Mickens. Born and raised in Hartsville, South Carolina, March 29, 1942, to parents James Ross, Sr and Bessie Williamson-Ross. Betty Lou was the middle child of nine that embodied her mother’s position. She was innately maternalistic. Betty Lou provided kind but stern counsel, followed by a reassuring embrace and a cheerful and loving smile. She was the truth-teller in our family and always spoke her mind. Thus, the moniker “Momma Lou”. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. Her zesty personality, love of music and life created the sweetest human being who would give you the shirt off her back.

Betty Lou was educated in the public schools of Darlington County and a graduate of Butler High School Class of 1959. She later earned her Cosmetology License where she worked a few years before her career with Legg's/Sara Lee Hosiery. Betty Lou worked for Sara Lee Hosiery for 30 years before the company closed. There she made many lifelong friends. She retired and embarked on a different career path where she earned her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and worked with Darlington County’s HeadStart Program. Betty Lou shared her love for children, yet again providing firm guidance while encircling them with loving protection. Betty Lou did not mince words and people trusted her for that.

Betty Lou was a devoted member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church. She had a deep and abiding testimony of the gospel and lived it. She served as a member of the Gospel Choir and Usher Board. Betty Lou also served as a member of the United Order of Tent #171.

A farm girl at heart, gardening, taking care of her flowers and picking delicious fruit and vegetables, was one of her passions she shared with her beloved husband, Elijah Mickens. Betty Lou shared an insatiable love of watching people and things grow through her commitment to consistency, structure, compassion, and discipline. Her beloved children, Armellini and Quincy, respected one of her favorite sayings, “Root little pig or die”. Betty Lou instilled in them to be the best version of themselves to reap the benefits of their hard work.Betty Lou had a powerful presence and initially fought her battle with dementia alongside her husband Elijah. Shortly after she would be provided a safe haven at Morrell Nursing Home. There she would live until God called her home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elijah Mickens, her parents, James Ross, Sr and Bessie Williamson-Ross, her brothers Lawrence Manuel and James “Jim” Ross, Jr, her sisters Edna Guy, Carolyn Wilson, and Mary Lou Bishop.

Those who survive to cherish the memories of Betty Lou Mickens include her beloved children, Armellini (Tarantino) Rogers and Quincy Mickens; her beloved grandchildren, Morgan Jones and Giada Jones; her sisters Minister Mildred (Alphonso) Ross, Essie (James) Frieson, Barbara (Bennie) Wilkins, Penny (Richard) Wilds; loving nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and family who will miss her dearly.