Elizabeth Fitch

Elizabeth "Beth" Louise Hankinson Fitch, 77, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away at her home on Thursday, September 17, 2015, surrounded by family after a 28 year struggle with an auto-immune liver disease and a five month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Augusta, GA, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Henry Wilfred and Anabel Powell Hankinson. Beth was the cherished wife, best friend, and partner of Willis "Bill" Bryan Fitch for nearly 55 years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Becky Walters (Cam) of Greenville, SC, Bryan Fitch (Kathleen) of Atlanta, GA, Steve Fitch (Missy) of Easley, SC, and Andy Fitch (Cheryl) of North Charleston, SC; her 10 beloved grandchildren are Campbell Walters of New York, NY, Anna, Elizabeth and Sara Walters of Greenville, SC, Heath, Jack, Malory and Abigail Fitch of Easley, SC, Drew Fitch (Ashley) of Wichita, KS, and Bryan Fitch of North Charleston, SC; and great-grandchildren, Nolan and Rylee Hilmes of Wichita, KS. Also surviving are her sister, Anne Lane of Atlanta, GA; brother, H.W. "Bill" Hankinson, Jr. (Marie France) of Atlanta, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Beth was known for her very strong faith, her ready smile even in the face of adversity, her devotion to family and a "Bless your heart" for nearly everyone she met, who always knew the blessing was truly sincere. She was educated in Augusta, GA public schools, attended Wesleyan College in Macon, GA, and received her BFA Degree from the University of Georgia in 1960. An accomplished artist, she was a member of the Artists' Guild of Spartanburg and the SC Watermedia Society and was juried into shows of these organizations. Joining Central United Methodist Church with her family after arriving in Spartanburg in 1967, she was a member of the Upper Room Sunday School Class, Mary-Martha Circle, and the Wednesday Night Prayer Group. She served as a youth counselor and coordinator, chair of the Worship Committee and was currently on the Altar Guild and Membership Care Committee. A service of celebration of Beth's life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 26, 2015, at Central United Methodist Church, 233 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306, conducted by the Reverends Tom Norrell and Karen Jones, with a eulogy by Dr. John W. Simmons. The service will be followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. A private burial service will be held at a later date at the Walker Family Cemetery in Augusta, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Beth's name may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 233 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306; or the Walker Family Cemetery, c/o Russell F. Shearer, 2302 Canebrake Court, Augusta, GA 30907. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Elizabeth "Beth" Hankinson Fitch please visit our Sympathy Store.