Betty Rainey (Gamble) Bernhardt

Bettie Rainey Gamble Bernhardt, 88, of Summerville, widow of Henry Penn Bernhardt, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at The Village at Summerville. 

Rainey was born on January 26, 1929 in Hickory, NC, daughter of the late Connolly Gamble and Rachel Pugh Gamble.  She was a graduate of Hickory High School in Hickory NC and Queens College of Charlotte NC.  She retired as the director of the Bethany United Methodist Church Child Development Center.  Rainey and her beloved husband of 64 years enjoyed traveling, camping, hiking (especially in the mountains), canoeing and the outdoors in general.  She was an Ordained Elder from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and was a member of Dorchester Presbyterian Church in Summerville.  She served as the unofficial ambassador of good will as she welcomed visitors and attracted new members over the years.  She was instrumental in the planning and formation of The Good Shepherd Childcare and Preschool, serving as Chair of the Board for the school at its inception and continued giving her guidance, love and support for the rest of her life.  The school honored her by establishing the Rainey Bernhardt Resource Center, affectionately referred to as “The Rainey Room.”   She loved singing in the choir for many years and had a beautiful soprano voice.  She was also an active member of the Presbyterian Women where she enjoyed their fellowship, crafting and serving others.  

Surviving are two children, Matthias “Matt” Penn Bernhardt (Lisa) of Summerville, Rachel Gamble Bernhardt Johnstone of North Charleston, one grandson, Robert “Robbie” Penn Bernhardt, of Summerville, step-grandchildren Preston Giet (Kristen) of Summerville, Brandon Giet (Chelsea) of Lexington, SC and Desiree Pool (Michael) of Goose Creek, as well as 7 step-great grandchildren.  She also had a special niece, Linda Yandell Smith (Jamey) of Asheville, NC and two grand-nieces, Sarah Rainey Smith and Rachel Smith plus numerous other nieces and nephews.

Special thanks go to her many doctors and the wonderful staff and caregivers from The Village at Summerville and Hospice of Charleston.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Dorchester Presbyterian Church, 10290 Dorchester Road, Summerville, SC.  Friends and family are invited to gather after the service in the fellowship hall for visitation and refreshments.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Good Shepherd School in memory of Rainey. 

Arrangements by Parks Funeral Home, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. 

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