WALTERBORO – Mrs. Beverly Octavia Kinsey Ritter, 77, of Walterboro, entered into rest Saturday morning, September 16, 2023, at her residence under the care of Agape Hospice following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born July 1, 1946, in Walterboro, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late William Boyd Kinsey, Sr. and the late Octavia Weathers Kinsey. She worked as an office manager for her husband’s business, West Ashley Lumber in Cottageville, a company which was begun by her late father. She devoted her life to her family and her church. She joined Bethel United Methodist Church in the Historic District of Walterboro in 1954. Her faith and her service to her church were always paramount in her life. She was a dedicated servant for countless years of the church’s food ministry and through that tireless service to Bethel, the church’s kitchen was named in her honor in late August of 2023. She served in many capacities during her years at Bethel and was most notably an Acolyte Coordinator, member of the Worship Committee, served on the Youth Council, served as Sunday School Teacher, Chairperson of the United Methodist Youth, Chairperson of the Bereavement Committee, was a member of the Essie Loper Circle and began the church’s Glory Group. She was also the coordinator of Bethel’s Wednesday night family suppers.
Beverly enjoyed traveling, especially to Edisto Beach and The Great Smoky Mountains – most of which was always with her family. She graduated from Walterboro High School in 1964 and remained in close contact with those from her graduating class. She also served in the concessions for the Dixie Youth Baseball and was also the unofficial score keeper for her husband’s team, “The Bankers”.
Surviving are: her husband of fifty-nine years, Mr. Joe Ritter, Sr; three sons, Joey Ritter (Melanie) of Walterboro, Billy Ritter (Kim) of Lake Wylie, and The Reverend Michael Ritter (Laurie) of Summerville; a brother, Horace Kinsey (Gloria) of Hollywood; and a sister-in-law, Mary Kinsey of Lenoir, North Carolina. She is survived by her five precious grandchildren who were the light of her life, The Reverend Justin Ritter of Clinton, Jarrett Ritter (Jane) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Dow Ritter of Summerville, Emmalee Ritter of Summerville, and Brooke Ritter of Lake Wylie. She was preceded in death by a brother, William “Bill” Kinsey. The family would like to express a special thanks to her caregiver, Marsha Gail Allen.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be directed in her memory to: Bethel United Methodist Church designated for use with the Kitchen Fund “Beverly’s Kitchen”, 355 Hampton Street, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488.
The relatives and friends of Mrs. Beverly Kinsey Ritter are invited to attend her funeral service which will be conducted at 11 o’clock Tuesday morning, September 19, 2023, from Bethel United Methodist Church, 355 Hampton Street, Walterboro. The Reverend Dr. Scott Wachter, The Reverend Michael Ritter, and The Reverend Justin Ritter officiating. Entombment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Hendersonville Highway, Walterboro.
Family and friends may call from 6 o’clock until 8 o’clock this Monday evening at The Brice W. Herndon And Sons Funeral Homes And Crematory, Walterboro Chapel, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.
