Betty Jo McGuire

Betty Jo McGuire, a lifelong resident of Liberty, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on January 10, 1935, to the late Jeffey Green and John Cless Whitmire. Betty Jo lived a life full of energy, passion, and curiosity, always rooted in her faith, family, and the place she called home. A proud and devoted member of Liberty United Methodist Church since 1940, Betty Jo’s life was a testament to her deep sense of community and enduring faith. She was known for her sharp wit, strong opinions, and an unstoppable enthusiasm for life, especially when it came to sports, the supernatural, and serving others. Betty Jo had a long and colorful career in radio and television broadcasting, beginning as a young woman in Upstate South Carolina and later working at stations across several states. Though she had experience in both mediums, radio was her true love. For nearly 25 years, she served the state she loved as a Travel Development Coordinator with the South Carolina Welcome Center, driving nearly 80 miles a day until her retirement in 2010. Her passion for promoting South Carolina never wavered, and she remained proud of her work and the connections she made along the way. Betty Jo was a sports superfan, whether it was NFL football—she loyally cheered for the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers—or SEC college ball, where Alabama had her heart, she rarely missed a game. She also loved NHL hockey, NASCAR, and Major League Baseball, always keeping up with scores, players, and rivalries. In recent years, she became an avid viewer of The Secrets of Skinwalker Ranch and Expedition Bigfoot, and a loyal listener of the Sasquatch Chronicles and The Confessionals podcasts. Her favorite thing to do the past four years was stream BBC Mysteries, she could often be found binge watching full seasons of her favorites. Her curiosity about the unknown and the unexplained was matched only by her sense of humor and keen interest in the world. Betty Jo is lovingly survived by her son Ben McGuire Jr. of Liberty, SC; Nephews: Jim Whitmire of Greenville, SC; Tim Whitmire of Greenville, SC; Bill Whitmire of Houston, TX; Great-nephews: Chris Whitmire of Columbia, SC; Michael Whitmire of Charleston, SC; and Daniel Whitmire of Houston, TX; Great-niece Kerri Whitmire Carter of Greenville, SC; and her beloved 13-year-old Scottish Terrier, Angus McQuarrie, (AKA Gus). Gus comes from a long line of furry four-legged family members including Wee Wil MacTavish, his big brother BigMac McTavish and Mr. MacGregor Macc. In addition to her parents, Betty Jo was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ben McGuire Sr., and her brothers, William Vernon Whitmire and James Winfred Whitmire. Her memory will be cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was truly one of a kind. Betty Jo’s permanent residence in Liberty, SC, where she had lived since 1939, will always be remembered as the heart of her life and legacy.

Betty Jo McGuire

January 10, 1935 - April 10, 2025