Betsy Rector Trakas

Mrs. Betty Carolyn Rector (Betsy) Trakas, age 67, wife of Tony Scott Trakas, of 148 Springdale Drive, Union, passed away Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at her home.

Betsy was born September 9, 1954, in Union, to the late George Henry Rector, Jr. and Hazel Cooksey Rector. She was a 1972 graduate of Union High School; earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Winthrop University in 1975; and earned a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University in 2009. Although she held many positions during a 42-year career in Spartanburg District 3 and Union County Schools, her heart was always that of a classroom teacher, which she was for 30 years. She taught at Middle School of Pacolet and Lockhart Schools; was principal at Lockhart Schools and Union County High School; and was an Instructional Facilitator and later Director of Student Services with the Union County School District.

Betsy was also an award-winning writer of plays and short stories, and many Union County residents were familiar with the numerous plays she wrote for the Boogaloo Broadcasting community theatre group. She was known by those whose lives she touched for her kindness, creativity, quick sense of humor, and encouragement of others.

Betsy was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where she was a handbell choir member, and she was a former member of Buffalo United Methodist Church where she was active with the Pat Flood Circle and a leader of various youth groups and events. Betsy did not hesitate to tell others that she was a woman of faith. Throughout her illness, her faith in God never waivered. Betsy often encouraged her family and friends to be strong, comforting them as they watched her endure the effects of her illness.

Betsy was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt who was devoted to her family. Her family members were blessed with someone who taught them how to laugh, be creative, think wisely, act professionally, and most of all, love unconditionally.

Surviving are her husband, Tony Scott Trakas, of Union; one son, Derik Vanderford and wife Maria, of Buffalo; one stepson Jarod Trakas and wife Sara, of Six Mile, SC; three grandchildren, Genny Vanderford of Buffalo, Amariyah Trakas and Leo Trakas of Six Mile; three sisters, Tomi Vaughn (Junior), Jane Wilkes (Buddy), and Harriet Cohen; a number of nieces and nephews; and former husband Freddie Vanderford of Buffalo. She was predeceased by a brother, Richard Owen.

The family will be at the home and will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Friday, November 5, 2021 at Grace United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be immediately following the visitation at Grace United Methodist Church conducted by the Rev. Lee Phillips. Burial will follow at Union Memorial Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be Eric Childers, Mickey Connolly, Mark Inman, Derrick Green, Ralph Lawson, and Mike Massey.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 119 Eastwood Circle, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.