Elizabeth Whitaker Tezza

Elizabeth (Betsy) Whitaker Tezza, 87, of Sullivans Island, entered into eternal rest peacefully at her home on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

Betsy was born in Charleston, SC to James Vernon Whitaker and Eula Mae Edwards Whitaker on September 4, 1935. She attended The Craft School and Ashley Hall and was a graduate of the College of Charleston. She married Hugo John Tezza, Jr. on November 17, 1956, and during the first years of their marriage, she was a stay-at-home mom to their three daughters. Betsy joined her father’s company, Palmetto Shipping and Stevedoring, as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Company in the 1960s. She also served as the Safety Director for the company and actively advocated for waterfront safety. She was the first woman member of the National Maritime Safety Association (NMSA) which represents the marine cargo handling industry in the United States in safety and health matters arising under various statutes, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act. She served on the board of NMSA for a number of years and in 1975, she was the first woman to be elected President of the organization.

After her retirement, Betsy began another career as an artist, specializing in watercolor, and her painting afforded her years of enjoyment as she traveled from the mountains of North Carolina to the islands of Greece for workshops and enjoyed meeting other painters from around the world.

She was an active member of the Church of the Holy Cross on Sullivans Island until her recent illness and served as treasurer and in many ministries of the parish. She also served in ministries of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, including Daughters of the King and Cursillo, and served on the Commission on Ministry for over 35 years. She was a former member of the board of visitors of Kanuga Conference Center.

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth M. Tezza and Camilla M. Tezza of Sullivans Island and Mary V. Tezza of Charleston, her grandson Hugo T. Sevcik (Abigail) of Louisville, Kentucky, her stepgrandaughter, Sarah E. Simmonite of Mt. Pleasant, and a great-granddaughter to be born in June.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Church of the Holy Cross, 2520 Middle Street, Sullivans Island, SC. The service will be followed by a reception in the Great Hall. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Church of the Holy Cross, P.O. Box 506, Sullivans Island, SC, 29482 or Pet Helpers, 1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC, 29412.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, 1620 Savannah Hwy, Charleston (843) 766-1365