Betty Lou Gilliam, a devoted woman of God and the cherished matriarch of her family, transitioned peacefully to her eternal rest at Spartanburg Medical Center on February 2, 2026. Born on March 9, 1940, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Will Lipscomb and Katie Epps Wellman.

A proud product of the Spartanburg County Schools, Betty Lou was a woman of remarkable work ethic. Over the years, she lent her talents to Milliken, BMG, Spartanburg School District 7, and the YMCA. To know Betty Lou was to know her love for order; she lived firmly by the motto, "Cleanliness is next to godliness." Whether at home or in the community, she took great pride in keeping her surroundings as bright and tidy as her spirit.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a dedicated member of New Hope Christian Church, she was affectionately known as "Mother Gilliam." She served the Lord with gladness as the leader of the Usher Board and lifted her beautiful voice in the choir. Betty Lou began every morning  on her knees in prayer, and her soul was often stirred by the power of gospel music. She particularly loved attending quartet gospel singings and spending time with her two special nieces, Mildred Boozer and Martha Hull; together, they were famously known as "The Golden Girls." Among her many joys, she looked forward to the sunshine and peace of her annual summer trips to Myrtle Beach.

Betty Lou was preceded in death by her son, Donnie Ray Carson; grandsons, Travis and Antron Carson; great-granddaughter, Dantiana Carson; and sisters, Otis "Bay" Nesbitt, Thelma "Mule" Boozer, and Sarah "Pig" Wellman.

Left to cherish her life and legacy are her children: Vickie Colvin, L.C. (Kathleen) Carson, Tammay Jones, Donald Carson, Ronnie (Margie) Carson, and Sharwmaine Carson, all of Spartanburg, SC. She also leaves to cherish her memory 16 grandchildren, Kareem Carson, Sabrina Carson, Dorothy Colvin, Richard Carson, Ashley Farr, Dantonio Carson, Michael Carson, Darrius Carson, Jacob Williams, Elicia Williams, Shaquille Carson, Shantell Hackett, Deandre Carson, Darrius Carson, De'Asia Carson, and Shrarwmaine Carson Jr.; 36 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.