COLUMBIA, SC
Betty Guerra passed away Sunday, July 16, 2023. Born June 19, 1930, in Cliffside, NC to Robert and Ola Belle McCraw Greene. She was the first child of seven children born to Robert and Ola Belle.
Betty ventured out on her own at an early age and never looked back. In 1951 she married Dewey Sherbert Sr. It was not long before her husband had to report to duty at Fort Jackson and they relocated to Columbia. Divorcing in 1960; it took a decade of short-term romances before she finally found the love of her life. In 1970 at the age of 40, she fell in love with a young 23-year-old soldier that was preparing to return home to San Antonio, Texas. In fact, he did fly home to Texas. She thought she had lost him forever. He called about two weeks later and unbeknownst to her, he was back in Columbia. The conversation ended with him simply saying, come get me. They were soon married. They had celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary at the time of Frank’s passing.
Her work career centered around the service industry. She worked for years at Jimmy’s Drive-In on Jackson Boulevard as a curb hop and waitress. She was so proud of the fact that, as a single mother, she was able to buy her own home. In the latter years, she worked at two well-known diners; Martin’s Coffee House on Devine Street and Bill’s Restaurant at the former State Farmer’s Market. She took pride when customers would request her section even if that meant they would have to wait.
She forged many friendships throughout her life but some of her closest were with her friends at VFW Post 641 and the Women’s Auxiliary. She always loved games of chance; from Bingo to scratch-off cards. Her favorite NASCAR drivers were Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Martin Truex Jr. Frank and her love for Gamecock Football was sparked when her youngest became a student. She loved dancing and socializing but nothing matched family cookouts, the annual Christmas Eve gathering, and visiting her two sisters in Chesnee, SC.
To know her is to know that Cracker Barrel was one of her favorite destinations; especially the store where countless blouses were bought. She never made it to Hawaii but no doubt she is now celebrating the best luau ever. Aloha Mom, we love and miss you.
Sincere appreciation to her primary doctor, Dr. Curry, and her team at Prisma Senior Care, Dr. Schulze at Prisma Heart, and Dr. Gupta with Prisma Pulmonary. A special thanks to Betty Bailey of Comfort Keepers for taking special care of our mom over these past years.
She is survived by sisters, Nadean Walker and Shirley Maynor both of Chesnee, SC, and Joyce Ann Jones of Newport, TN. She is survived by her children Susie Kay Corne (Robert), Barbara Ehlers, Ronald Sherbert, Kenneth Sherbert, Tracy Brewington, and Bobby Greene. Also her extended family, Roger Marling, and Nan Burke. In addition, there are 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.
She is preceded in death by her spouse, Frank Guerra; brothers, Max Greene and Bobby Jr. Greene; sister, Judy Parris; son, Dewey Sherbert, Jr.; grandson, Bronson Durham; and great-granddaughter, Tiera Hopkins.
A service will be held at Thompson Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC, Saturday, July 29th. Visitation will be from 10-11 am prior to a service from 11-12 pm. Followed by an interment in the mausoleum at Greenlawn.
Online condolences may be sent to the Guerra family at www.vossfuneralservice.com.