Betty Cockerill Wichmann

Betty Jean Wichmann Betty Jean Wichmann JAMES ISLAND - Betty Jean Wichmann, 80, of James Island, passed on peacefully, Thursday, August 4th, in Charleston. Betty was born June 11th, 1931 in Edinburg, Texas, the daughter of the late James Clifton Cockerill and Lucille Clark Cockerill. She moved to Charleston as a young girl and spent her life here raising five children and making people smile. She attended St. Paul's High School and studied Library Science at The Citadel. Betty worked as a Registrar in the Vital Records Office of the Charleston County Health Department and retired after many years of service. She is predeceased by her sons, William L. Butch Sires (Cindy) and Edward E. Gene Sires (Carolyn); and her grandson, Stephen R. Beck. She is survived by her devoted and beloved husband, Henry A. Wichmann; her son, James T. Jimmy Sires (Peggy); her daughters, Betty J. Betsy Legare and Sydney Anne Beck (Carl); her stepsons, Karl Wichmann (Margaret) and Keith Wichmann (Susan) along with 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and was eagerly awaiting the birth of her 13th, 14th and 15th. She played the steel guitar, enjoyed writing poetry, collected lighthouses and spent some of her happiest days with Henry feeding and watching the birds from their backyard and cruising on the Stono River. Her small stature could not contain her verve and zest for life. Putting others first came naturally to her. She filled the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds' worth of distance run. A memorial service will be held Monday, August 8, 2011 at James A. McAlister Funeral Home at 3 o'clock. Friends may call at James A. McAlister Funeral Home from 1pm Monday until time of service. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Charleston, 676 Wando Park Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Arrangements by James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407. Betty's guest book may be signed online at www.jamesamcalister.com