A beautiful life of love and service ended October 20, 2022 when Dr. Betty Edwards Garrison was called to eternal rest. Born December 1, 1947 in Gaffney, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Newton T. and Lillie Garrett Edwards. Betty accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Allen Temple Christian Methodist Epitopal Church where she continued a lifelong affiliation. As a student at Granard High School, Betty excelled academically and was elected Miss Homecoming and Miss Granard High. Upon graduation, she attended South Carolina State University (SCSU), where she earned a degree in English. During her freshman year, she was reacquainted with a former classmate from Gaffney, Bishop Morris Garrison, and they were married in 1970. Betty and Bishop settled in Lexington, South Carolina, where they Joined St. Paul Baptist Church and raised their two children, Bethany and BJ. As a young child, Betty developed a love for reading, writing, and learning that laid the foundation for successful careers in journalism, education, and community service. She was a copy editor/reporter with the Columbia Record newspaper; an instructor and Director of Student Publications for her alma mater, SCSU; an English teacher in Lexington School District One; Team Leader/Education Associate III for the South Carolina Department of Education; and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Orangeburg School District Three. After retiring from Orangeburg Three, Betty and Bishop moved back to Gaffney. She re-entered the workforce for several more years and served as an assistant professor and Director of Administration and Leadership Programs at Converse University and in Cherokee County community outreach for the United Way of the Piedmont. As she advanced through her career, Betty continued her education by earning a Master of Education degree from SCSU, an Educational Specialist degree from Converse University, and a Doctorate of Education degree from SCSU. Betty was a member of the Spartanburg Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Rotary International, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Order of the Eastern Star, Theta Beta Gamma, Incorporated, Cherokee County Democratic Women, and numerous educational-focused organizations. During her long career in education, Betty had a profound commitment to ensuring that all children were afforded the opportunity to explore and grow. She also, cherished opportunities to support the professional and personal development of women. However, the most lasting legacy that Betty leaves to her children and grandchildren is a life-long example of service to others and the community, as well as the value of hard work. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Bishop Morris Garrison, Sr. She is survived by her children Bethany Garrison Holloway and Bishop Morris Garrison, Jr. (Cannon-Marie); grandchildren Caleb, Bishop, and Harriet; siblings John Wesley Edwards (Rachel), Clynta Ree Edwards Spear, and Kathy Edwards Bell (Tony); sisters-in-law, Deloris Manning, Lillie Ruth Edwards, and Minnie Hamilton, a dear friend, Rev. Albert Gray; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a community of friends. She will be deeply missed.
Public Viewing will be held Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 12:00 – 6 p.m.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, 11:00 a.m., in Limestone Missionary Baptist Church with The Reverend Milton Edwards and The Reverend Patrick Suber. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery.