Betty Jane Moorer Dillon died peacefully in her sleep July 10, 2026 of ovarian cancer just amonth shy of her 96 th birthday. 

She was born at home in Summerville, South Carolina to Thad and Tommie Sue Hardin Moorer.

Betty Jane never met a stranger as she always greeted people with open arms and “I’m a hugger!” She sparkled, always quick with a laugh and generous with her banana bread and banana pudding.

A graduate of Winthrop College, Betty Jane met John Paul Dillon on a blind date skiing where he turned over the boat, blaming it on the “beauty in the black bathing suit walking down the hill.” She settled into life as a stay-at-home mom volunteering in Charlotte and at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church. In 1974, the family moved to Sullivan’s Island where she lived for 44 years until moving to her cottage at Franke at Seaside. 

She truly was a pillar of Sunrise Presbyterian Church, serving as elder, leading the Pastoral Care Committee, chairing the 50 th Anniversary History Committee and as a member of Presbyterian Women and the Miram-Naomi Circle. She was also a member of the DAR and the American Ex-POWs.

Art and music played a big part in Betty Jane’s life. She was an excellent seamstress, making many beautiful clothes including Debbie’s wedding dress. She loved painting, calligraphy, and all kinds of handwork. Betty Jane made several banners for Sunrise including the scroll that hangs behind the pulpit.

For almost fifty years, Betty Jane enjoyed singing alto in the Sunrise Choir. Her love of singing led her to the East Cooper Chorus where she met Brantly Cox. For her last thirteen years, Brantly and Betty Jane enjoyed a joyful life together filled with music, travel and companionship.

She is survived by Brantly Cox, daughter Debbie Darden (Bruce), grandchildren Susanne (Frank) Rowell, Thad (Lee Ellen) Darden and Steven Darden, six great-grandchildren: Livy, Elizabeth and Mary Hardin Rowell; Virginia, Thad and Hollins Darden; nieces Betsy Malkus and Susan (Phil Brown) Malkus, nephews Fred Malkus and John Weber, cousin Peggy Spence plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband John Paul Dillon, son Jerry Dillon, and beloved twin sister Margaret Anne Moorer Malkus.

A celebration of Betty Jane’s life will be held Saturday, August 15 at 1 pm at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3222 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC, with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

She will be buried with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Memorials in her honor may be made to Sunrise Presbyterian Church or Bristol Hospice 7301 Rivers Ave, Suite 160 North Charleston, SC 29406.

The family is grateful beyond measure to the angels from Bristol Hospice and BeWell for the loving care they gave her during her short illness.

Betty Jane will always be an extraordinary example of life lived to the fullest with spunk and elegance. We are certain that she arrived at the pearly gates with a big hug and a “hey, sugah babe!” for all.