Elizabeth Lynn "Beth Lynn" Burt

Elizabeth Lynn Burt, “Beth Lynn”, 66, died March 11, 2023 at Lexington Medical Center in Columbia, SC.  She was a resident at Brian Center Nursing Care, St. Andrews.

Beth Lynn Burt was a long time resident of Clemson, SC and member of First Baptist Church of Clemson.  She was born in Memphis, TN on February 22, 1957 to Harriet Clack Burt and Philip Barnes Burt, both recent graduates of the University of Tennessee.  Beth Lynn was born with Down Syndrome at a time when many children with Down were sent to live in institutions.  Her parents chose to keep her with them and raise her with the three children they would later birth.  Beth Lynn faced many obstacles in a society that wasn’t prepared to embrace people with differences, but she faced these people and obstacles with courage and heart.  She drew to her an array of individuals who loved and cared for her and protected her throughout her life.

Beth Lynn was a fearless adventurer. On Maui, she walked over the rocks at Napili and pushed off into the waves to snorkel. She'd ride them just as bravely to climb back out.  She loved the water, snorkeling all across Maui, canoeing in Kauai, and white water rafting down the Nantahala.

Beth Lynn was just as adventurous on land.  She was a very fine Girl Scout, going on 5 and 10 mile hikes and camping trips and participating in nearly all badge activities. She climbed up castles in England and explored historic cathedrals the summer she lived there with her family.  She walked around London, Edinburgh, Canterbury, Oxford, Cambridge and so many other cities. She loved road trips around the Southwest, hiking in the desert, and riding horseback in New Mexico.  Other hobbies included running in the Special Olympics, summer visits at Camp Hope, playing rock ‘n roll, Christmas music and painting.  She loved Mickey Mouse and ice cream.

Beth Lynn developed Alzheimer’s as a senior with Down Syndrome and moved to Columbia, SC to be near her sister, Konni.  Since that time, Konni and Beth Lynn’s care manager, Gale Bostick, have overseen her care. The family is extremely grateful for Gale's expertise, dedication, and kindness during Beth's years in Columbia.

She is survived by three siblings - Konni Burt Shier, Syd Burt Hackworth, and Timothy Burt Whittemore; and two nieces, Lilly Marie Hackworth and Athena Shier.  Brothers-in-law are Darrell Shier, Brian Hackworth, and Thom Whittemore.  Beth Lynn was predeceased by both parents; and a niece, Olivia Tinsley Shier.

A joint service to celebrate both Harriet and Beth Lynn will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Clemson.

Memorials may be made to the Clemson Outdoor Lab, Jaycee Camp Hope, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0737.