A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MARY ELIZABETH "BETTY" PEEBLES FARR OF GREENVILLE AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Peebles Farr of Greenville on March 12, 2026, at the venerable age of ninety-two; and

 

Whereas, on September 17, 1933, Betty came into this world the daughter of Annie and Thomas Peebles of Greenville and was raised in that fair city, where at the age of nineteen she started her own business, Betty's School of Dance. A vital member of her hometown, she loved Greenville, and Greenville loved her; and

 

Whereas, Betty generously gave her time and talent to make Greenville a better place. She was involved with numerous organizations, including Clement's Kindness, A Child's Haven, YMCA, Synnex Share the Magic, South Carolina Children's Theater, Salvation Army, Sarah Gossett Home, Children's Museum, Heller Foundation, Greenville Theater, and many other fine institutions; and

 

Whereas, this woman of faith loved her church, First Presbyterian of Greenville, and relished teaching her Sunday school classes, filled with three-, four-, and five-year-olds; and

 

Whereas, a beautiful Southern lady both inside and out, Betty Farr will be best remembered for her love of children. She was an amazing storyteller and shared her stories in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and many other community establishments. Her greatest love of all was her family of seven children, fifteen grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren, with two more on the way, all of whom lovingly referred to her as "Bebe"; and

 

Whereas, in recognition of her spirit of excellence and dedicated service, Betty Farr was presented with the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the State of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, Betty was predeceased by her husband, Judd Bernard Farr, as well as by two grandchildren, Frank Morris DuPree Jr. and Sarah Elizabeth Strausbaugh. She was further predeceased by her siblings, Tom, Wilhelmina, Margaret, Robert, Richard, and Bill Peebles; and

 

Whereas, she is survived by her children, Gay and Frank DuPree, Juddie Farr and Tina Milsap, Russell and Diane Farr, Gena and Corbin Haskell, Tritty and Rocky Kneece, Nancy and Keith Strausbaugh, and Amy and Albert Springs. She also is survived by her fifteen grandchildren, Bern DuPree (Mary), Thomas Farr, Judd Farr, Riley Bignon (Ryan), Langdon Morris (Jonathan), Mary Margaret Carter (Will), Anna Strauss (William), Katie Kneece, Richard Kneece (Emma Gray), Wilson Strausbaugh (Katherine Cromer), Jack Strausbaugh (Mary Catherine), Lindsey Huguley (Austin), Maria Keith (Jackson), Emma Springs (Craver Swing), and Mary Carmen Springs; her fifteen great-grandchildren; her sweetheart, the Honorable Richard W. Riley, as well as his family, whom she also adored; and a host of other family members and friends; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Betty Farr and for the example of outstanding, committed service she set for all who knew her. Betty touched the lives of so many, and she will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege and joy of knowing her. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Peebles Farr of Greenville and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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