Obituary of Elizabeth Lee Buggel-Orta

Remembering Betty, a child of the King..

Elizabeth Lee Buggel Orta, 78, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2019, after a long battle with Pancreatic Cancer.  She was born in Newport News, VA, grew up in North Charleston, SC, and attended Montreat College in Montreat, N.C.  She worked with the Exxon Corp. in Charleston before moving to Columbia where she spent most of her adult life.  She was the owner of Decco Contract Furnishings, Columbia, SC, for 15 years, working with Designers and Contractors on the SE coast in both the residential and commercial marketplace.         

Betty’s life was marked by her deep faith in Jesus Christ, her great love and care of her family and many friends, her church, and the many beautiful creations she designed and sewed.  She and Danny shared a love of music and enjoyed playing in a small band together for varied venues in Charleston and Columbia.  She loved Trinity Presbyterian Church and faithfully served in numerous areas including the Choir and the Women of the Church. For several years she also worked with the Youth Group and Youth choir, including  writing and performing musicals they would “take on tour” to a number of surrounding churches in the Carolinas. Betty loved these young people and her relationship with them was a connection and blessing that continued for many years until her death.          

Betty is survived by her husband Charles Daniel Orta,  three sisters Virginia Felber (Joe) of Auburn, IN,  Bonnie Miller (Jon) of Ladson, SC, and Susan Lindsey (Jerry) of Charlotte, NC.  She is also survived by seven nieces and nephew, sixteen great nieces and nephews, and seven cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, William M. and Frances Lee LaFon.         

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 2PM with John Bacot, Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church June 1973 – August 1979,  officiating. A private family interment service at Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbia, SC, will precede the Celebration of Life Service.         

The family would like to thank the many family, friends, and professionals who prayed, visited, loved, encouraged, and served Betty, Danny and all of us during her extended illness.  We would especially like to deeply thank Dr. Charles Butler and Staff of SC Oncology Associates and MSA Hospice for their personal and compassionate care and assistance during this time.