WALTERBORO:     Mrs. Miriam Virginia Rentz Westbury, affectionately known as "Coot", widow of the late Lee Wendell Westbury Sr., passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the home of her daughter in Walterboro, under hospice care, with her family by her side.  She was 96.

Mrs. Westbury was born in Canadys January 7, 1930, a daughter of the late William Soloman Rentz Sr. and the late Birdie Cone Smith Rentz.  After graduating from Walterboro High School in 1946, she enrolled at the Orangeburg School of Nursing.  After completing her studies, she became a "Graduate Nurse", and began a long and rewarding career in the nursing profession that spanned almost 50 years.  She worked at the Old Air Base Hospital before serving at the Colleton County Hospital, which later became known as Colleton Regional.  She worked in every section from the emergency room to labor and delivery and the operating room…the latter of which was her favorite.  In fact, over the decades of the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's, Mrs. Westbury was most likely involved with the delivery of practically every baby born in the hospital.

Mrs. Westbury was a lifelong, active member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Walterboro.  She was one of its oldest members, and in years past, was part of the Lula Strickland Circle, where she formerly served as secretary.  She loved being outside and spent countless hours caring for her yard and the plants and flowers throughout it. She could always be found with a rake or a broom in her hand!  Mrs. Westbury always had a smile on her face, and genuinely cared for everyone, always putting the needs of others before her own.  Family was extremely important to her, and in her own special way of holding her family together, she would host Sunday dinner for them over the decades, as well as for friends, ministers, and anyone else who happened to showed up to eat.  Her impact on her community, and the lives of her family and friends, will never be forgotten.

Mrs. Westbury is survived by her daughter Cynthia W. "Cindy" Hunt (Duncan), and by her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Warren "Cindy" Westbury.   She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Jennifer H. Craven (Will), Duncan Hunt II (Jamie), Daniel Westbury (Teresa), and Joshua "Josh" Westbury.  She is survived by her great-grandchildren MaKayla and  McKenzie Craven, Colten Hunt, Will Brady, Warren Westbury, Rentz Ann Westbury, Kelly Miner (Corey), and Andrew Koger (Ashley).  Mrs. Westbury was blessed to have three great-great grandchildren, Colton, Harley Rae, and Ella.  She is survived by her sister-in-law Catherine Westbury, by a special niece and nephew, Mary Grace Walters DeAntonio and Keith Riley.  She is also survived by many other nieces, nephews and special friends that will miss her dearly.  In addition to her parents, and her husband of 54 years, Mrs.  Westbury was preceded in death by her son, Lee Wendell "Sandy" Westbury Jr., by her brothers William S. Rentz Jr. and Edward H. Rentz, and by her sister Grace Rentz Walters.

The family would like to express their love and appreciation to Agape Hospice for the excellent care they provided for Mrs. Westbury.

Graveside services will be held Thursday morning, August 6, 2026 at 11:00 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Walterboro.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Food Pantry at Bethel United Methodist Church, or to the charity of one's choice.  Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home of Walterboro is in charge of arrangements.