Elizabeth Ross (Betsy) McGowan McKeown
Mrs. McKeown was born and raised in Chester, SC. As the only child of Elise Robinson and Ross McGowan she began her Christian life as a member of Purity Presbyterian Church. She attended the schools of Chester, SC and graduated in the Chester High Class of 1963. Following graduation Betsy com- menced nursing school at Greenville, SC General Hospital, but soon married and raised a son, Robert McGowan Lawson. She found her true calling when she became a librarian in Chester that led to the role of Bookmobile librarian for Chester County. This afforded her the opportunity to share an enthusiasm for books and reading with senior citizens, shut-ins, and children in summer- reading programs. Betsy helped several prisoners of the county jail in learning to read.
In 1993 Betsy married Thomas A. McKeown whom she knew in high school and was re-introduced to by one of her bookmobile clients. They moved back to Havelock, NC where Thomas worked and where she found employment in the local county library until her retirement and their relocation back to Chester County.
As a member of Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Betsy enjoyed singing the Bible Songs, and joined the worship as pianist in accom- paniment with the organist Mrs. Beth Traylor. As much as her health would allow, she participated in many church activities, Bible Studies, Vacation Bible School, the work of Women’s Ministries, and in preparing the Women’s annual historical report.
Mrs. McKeown died on October 7, 2019 under Hospice care and with her husband, son, and daughter-in-law by her side. Funeral services were held at Hopewell Church with internment in the Church Cemetery. We give thanks to Almighty God for Elizabeth Ross (Betsy) McGowan McKeown, for her service to Hopewell Church, and rejoice that she now knows the peace that exceeds all understanding.
The Session of Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Blackstock, South Carolina
Edward H. Mills, Clerk of the Session
January/February 2022
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