Betty Inez (Prine) Bessinger

Betty Inez Prine Bessinger, 93, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of the late Melvin E. Bessinger, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, July 28, 2025. She passed peacefully, enveloped in her family’s love.

Her visitation will be held at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 11:00am-1:00pm. A private graveside service will follow.

Betty was the loving daughter of Leita Emma Inez Prine and Johnny David Prine of North Charleston, SC. She graduated North Charleston High School in 1948 at 17 years old and at an early age became a member of North Charleston First Baptist Church. Betty eventually became a choir member there and was blessed to be one of the soloists for many years. Love of music was very special to her, and she won first prize singing solo in a talent show. The prize? A 5-dollar bill. Yay! She later became a member of the wonderful Mount Pleasant First Baptist Church. Betty met the love of her life, Melvin Bessinger, on a blind date in 1958. They fell in love and became engaged after only 3 months. They were married 51 years until Melvin passed away. Alongside her husband Melvin, Betty was the co-owner of Melvin’s Barbecue and contributed enormously to the development and legacy of the family business. She was also a loving homemaker who dedicated much of her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her cherished family. The most precious thing to Betty was her time spent with Jesus, whom she often loved to talk with, sing to, and learn from. She is gladly in His presence now.

Betty is survived by a loving son, Melvin David Bessinger, and his wife, Debbie, of Isle of Palms; a loving daughter, Stephanie Jean Bessinger Williams, and her husband, Terry, of Gainesville, Georgia; ten wonderful grandchildren: Graham, Nathan and his wife, Judith, Reagan and his wife, Catherine, Leita, and Hannah Williams, Brice Bessinger, Caroline, Edward, Charlotte, and Margaret O’Neil; two great-granddaughters: Ruthie Bessinger Williams and Emma Rosalie Williams; and one nephew: Steven Chandler.

Memorial Donations may be made in Betty Bessinger’s name to the charity organization Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607.

A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.