Elizabeth Rose Barnett Lofton

Elizabeth Rose Barnett Lofton, 96, of Charleston, S.C., widow of Joseph Edward Lofton, died Saturday, August 23, 2014. Her funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2014, in Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3374 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, at 2:00 p.m. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.

Betty was born August 18, 1918 in Washington, D.C., while her father was serving in the U.S. Navy. She was a daughter of Thomas Gordon Barnett and Sadie Rosalie Doig Barnett. She was a graduate of Memminger High School and retired from Citizens and Southern National Bank as a switchboard operator.

Betty was a charter member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, where the Lutheran Church Women Circle was named in her honor and she served as president of the church council. She was a charter member, life member and past president of the DOES of the Charleston Elks Lodge #242; a charter member of Riverland Terrace Garden Club. Betty was a charter member of the Speak Kindly Circle of the King's Daughters and Sons, where she served as president for many years. She was past president of the Riverland Terrace Elementary School and James Island High School PTAs.

Betty was the ultimate hostess and could always find room at her table for unexpected guests. She and Eddie were married for 61 years and their backyard parties were legandary. Betty was especially known for her chocolate chip cookies.

Survivors include two daughters: Barbara L. McCormick and husband, Harvey, of Charleston and Sally L. Simkins and husband, Bryan, of Augusta, GA; a brother, William C. Barnett, II and wife, Vivian, of Charleston; sister-in-law, Jean T. Lofton of Charleston; six grandchildren: Karen Elizabeth McCormick, Harvey W. McCormick, III and wife, Jean, John E. Moon, III and wife, Christy, G. Bryan Simkins, Jr., Robin S. Pongonis and husband, Jay, and Merry Simkins; 10 great-grandchildren; and a number of special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Esther Lofton Crandall, a brother, Thomas Gordon Barnett, Jr. and a sister, Geraldine Barnett Rutherford.

Memorials may be made to Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3374 Maybank Hwy., Johns Island, SC 29455.