Betty Ruth Funderburk Kohn

Betty Ruth Funderburk Kohn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, grace, and unmistakable Southern charm.

Born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, to Addie Ruth and William Malcolm Funderburk, Betty embodied elegance, creativity, and hospitality. A proud graduate of Bennettsville High School, she served as Head Majorette of the marching band and was crowned Miss Bennettsville — early signs of the poise and flair that would define her life.

After her time at Columbia College, Betty went on to own a highly respected interior design business, Marlboro Interiors, known for Betty’s timeless, traditional style. Her home and showrooms were featured in numerous publications, and her eye for design was unmatched. She loved to go antiquing, and her walls were adorned with curated collections of blue and white plates, classic antiques, and her hand-crafted holiday decorations. Yet, despite her professional success, Betty always said her greatest accomplishment was her family. Her 62-year marriage to the love of her life, Theodore “Teddy” Benedict Kohn Jr., was a testament to enduring devotion, built on unconditional love, partnership, and shared values. After meeting on a blind date, Betty and Teddy's love story was one for the romance stories and told through their affectionate looks, hands enveloped by the other's embrace, and the shag dance contests they won. The love they shared only deepened with time as they grew up together.

Betty and Teddy created a warm home and community everywhere they went, raising their family across the Southeast in Charleston, Columbia, Augusta, and Charlotte, before they moved to Georgetown. Known affectionately by her grandchildren as 'Beh Beh', Betty had a gift for making those around her feel special and brought her appreciation for beauty to every setting. Her kitchen was affectionately known as 'Beh Beh's Restaurant' to her grandchildren, who will always remember her as ever fashionable, well-mannered, perfectly accessorized, and eager to play dress-up with anyone in reach.

Betty is survived by her husband of 62 years, Theodore “Teddy” Benedict Kohn Jr., her loving children: Theodore “Ted” Benedict Kohn III and his wife Laura Kohn of Waxhaw, NC, Harriet Kohn Apostolou and her late husband Alex Apostolou of Charleston, SC, and Caroline Kohn Perlman and her husband Scott Perlman of Atlanta, GA. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Jesse and Lucy Kohn, Evy and Niko Apostolou, and Ruthie and Leah Perlman, each of whom brought her immense joy.

She is also survived by her sister, Judith Funderburk of Conway, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Marie Funderburk Kerlin; and her dear son-in-law, Alex Apostolou.

With her impeccable taste, warm smile, and gentle Southern grace, Betty left a lasting impression on all who knew her and made new friends everywhere she went. She will be remembered not only for her business acumen and style, but most of all for the love she poured into her family, the friendships she nurtured, and the beauty she brought to the world.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, 3926 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205. Visitation to follow.

The service will also be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25062335818899

In memory of Betty’s generous and creative spirit, the family requests memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNDHYMMBXU