Betty Bell Holland

Betty Jean Bell Holland, 95, of Camden was called home on April 4, 2025. She is the widow of the late Senator Donald H. Holland.

Born on January 8, 1930, in Kershaw, Betty was the daughter of the late Claude Bell and Ethel Gregory Bell. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth A. “Lisa” Holland of Columbia and sister, Sarah B. Smith of Columbia. In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her sisters, Jacqueline B. Sorenson and Shirley Antionette Bell Spires; and her brothers, Billy W. Bell, James Emerson Bell, and Claude Bell, Jr.

Growing up, Betty loved to take part in school programs and was a cheerleader for Kershaw High School. Along the way she met Donald, and after graduating from Winthrop College she and Donald married on August 18, 1951 and established their home in Camden. Betty began her career teaching home economics and science at Midway High School. The senior class at Midway acknowledged her commitment to their education in 1958 when they dedicated their yearbook to Betty. The dedication read in part,“in recognition of her willingness to help whenever she’s needed, her loyalty to our school and her patience and friendliness have won for her a place in our hearts that will never cease to exist.”

Eventually Betty moved into school administration where she worked helping students with attendance issues that hampered their ability to continue their classroom education. And she was elected president of the IAPPW, the International Association of Pupil Personal Workers of America. After retirement Betty didn’t slow down, she continued to host political dinners and events in their home and traveled with Donald. Her favorite trip with Donald was to India with Governor John C West’s South Carolina legislative delegation. It’s where she met Indira Ghandi, the Prime Minister of India and took her first and only camel ride. At home Betty volunteered at Lyttleton Street United Methodist church, Kershaw County Medical Center’s Hospital Auxiliary, walked and swam with her friends and spent as much time as she could in their much loved home in Highlands, North Carolina.

In 2021 Betty decided to join many Lyttleton Street United Methodist friends at the Colonial at Old Camden where she helped organize events, attended plays and enjoyed “grass tubing” at 92. In 2024 she moved into Forest Lake Manor in Columbia to be near Lisa. There she reconnected with a friend from Kershaw High School and enjoyed crafting and many live music events. As Betty entered each chapter of her life, she transitioned with grace and courage. In rehab at the Karesh at Beechwood she continued working on her recumbent bike until it was time to move into long term care and eventually, hospice, the week before her passing.

Funeral services will be held at Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church on Thursday April 10, 2025, with the reception, at 10:00 a.m. and funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Bishop Gary Rivas will officiate. Burial will follow at Beulah Methodist Church, 820 Beulah Church Road, Camden SC, 29020.

Memorials may be made to Kershaw County Humane Society, 128 Black River Road, Camden SC, 29020.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

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