Beloved mother and grandmother, Elizabeth Aiken Waldrep passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 10. Betty was born on December 8, 1924, in Sumpter, South Carolina to Arthur Benjamin Aiken and Eula Blackwell Aiken.
Betty grew up all over the southeast, moving often as her father built roads and air strips. When her family moved to Hammond, she attended Southeastern Louisiana College where she was on the homecoming court and editor of The Lion’s Roar. It was in Hammond that she met her future husband, Oscar Peyton Waldrep. Betty and Red were married on June 5, 1945 and were happily married for 75 years. After their wedding, Betty and Red lived briefly in San Antonio as Red finished up his military commitment. They returned to Louisiana for Red to finish his degree at LSU, followed by four years in New Orleans for dental school. Their first son, Rusty, was born during their time in New Orleans. After dental school they moved to Denham Springs to set up Red’s dental practice, where they remained for the rest of their lives.
“Miss Betty”, as she was known by many, was a gracious hostess and a wonderful cook. She was active in the Methodist church serving on several boards and committees. She enjoyed gardening and was a long-time member of the Denham Springs Garden Club and she was a charter member of the Suburban Reviewers book club.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers Jack and Richard Aiken, and her stepmother, Hilda Robinson Aiken. She is survived by her children, Rusty Waldrep and wife Mary, Richard Waldrep and wife Laura, Bill Waldrep and wife Lisa, Margaret Henderson and husband Peyton, 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be on July 16, at the First United Methodist Church of Denham Springs at from 12 until 2 PM, with the funeral at 2. Burial at Denham Springs Memorial Cemetery will follow immediately after the funeral.
The family would like to extend special thanks to her caregivers: Juanita Dixon, Donna Turner , and Eunice Watkins.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Methodist church or the charity of your choice.
One comment
Angela Cameron Simms
July 16, 2022 at 4:03 am
Margaret, Bill, Rusty, Richard, just seeing the notice of your mom’s passing. Deepest sympathies to all. She was so sweet, always smiling and gracious. A childhood “mom” who will always bring a smile with her memory.