CityView Magazine

living Socialite in the Silvertoday Age and A By Kelly Twedell Betty Williams showcases her exquisite home, beautiful memories, and little lessons in etiquette M any years ago in Myrtle Beach, Elizabeth, known as Betty to friends and family, was first introduced to Dennis Williams by her family's butler named Boatwright when he was visiting the Williams' maid. They began dating while Dennis worked in his father's hardware store and the rest as they say, is history. The Williams celebrated 65 years of marriage this past June. Betty recalls her wedding day in Florence, SC many years ago. She carried a bouquet of Lily of the Valley and gardenias accompanied by hand strung pearls created by her aunt. Her dress was a one-of-a-kind gown worn by Lana Turner in the 1947 film "Green Dolphin Street". Betty had to have it to don on her walk down the aisle. "Look at the long train on my dress," said Betty while showing a photograph from her special day. "I'll be so glad when the brides do away with strapless dresses, I'd like to see more sleeves and trains."  Her bridesmaids wore different dresses, yet color coordinated, a popular trend among bridesmaids of today. All things seem to come full circle when fashion is concerned. For her bridesmaid gifts she presented them each with a silver tussy mussy (a floral bouquet holder). "Etiquette will always be etiquette and I'm from the old school," said Betty talking about bridal traditions in her day. Moving from Greensboro 58 years ago, Dennis and Betty settled in Fayetteville. Dennis ran his family's business and Betty already had social connections in town. He was a successful hardware supplier for Odell Hardware Company and worked with the original lumber and hardware stores in the community. Initially, they lived in Vanstory Hills owning the first home built in the subdivision on Mirror Lake. They lived in the two-story New Orleans-style home for 18 years. "Different houses serve different purposes in life," declared Betty. "When you need all the room, you have it." The Williams', feeling the need to upgrade, purchased another home in Vanstory. This pile of bricks boasted 6,000 square feet. They lived there for 10 years until her boys went off to college before downsizing to a home off Summertime on Farley Place. Betty said she loved the authentic Williamsburg reproduction home with old pine floors, cabinets and fireplaces. In the time that followed, Mr. and Mrs. Williams thought about retirement and felt Myrtle Beach would be the perfect place to settle down. However, they only lived on the CityViewNC.com | 17

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