Betty Jean Peterson Chaplin

Betty Jean Peterson Chaplin, 93, of Neeses, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

Betty was born on March 3, 1932 in Atkinson County at home. She was the youngest daughter of the late Emmett Lee Peterson and Suzie Marie Summerland Peterson. She attended Kirkland Elementary School, graduated from Pearson High School and Orangeburg School of Nursing in 1953. Betty loved playing basketball and was a member of Glee Club in her childhood. She was employed by The Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, Orangeburg Nursing Home, Thackston Urological Institute and Adult Day Care in Orangeburg. Betty was a certified Volunteer Firefighter for many years. She was active in Neeses town activities as the First Lady of Neeses, assisting her husband while he was mayor for 26 years. She and her husband helped to establish and maintain the Silver Springs Water District until her husband's death in 2010 and also helped maintain the Neeses Farm Museum. Betty was an avid Clemson Tiger fan who never missed a home game.

She was married on July 4, 1954 to the late Henry M. "Nick" Chaplin in Orangeburg, SC at St. Paul's United Methodist Church and then moved to their farm in Neeses. Nick and Betty continued to work their farm until 1981. She was a loving wife, mother and MiMi. Betty loved her cat, Ace, going for a ride, her birds, fishing and plants. She was an active member of Neeses Methodist Church.

Survivors include her sons, William P. (Sandi) Chaplin and John P. "Pete" (Leslie) Chaplin; grandchildren, Megan (Matt) Stambaugh, SSgt John Daniel Chaplin, Belle Eadon Chaplin, Kelly Maree Chaplin and Christopher James Chaplin; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Henry M. Chaplin, Jr.; and siblings, Sue, Mary, Annett and Alton.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Neeses Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the social hall.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Colonial Gardens Alzheimer's Care Center and to the incredible hospices nurses that took care of Mrs. Betty.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Neeses Methodist Church.

Culler McAlhany Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.