Mary Elizabeth Peebles "Betty" Farr

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Peebles Farr, born September 17, 1933, in Greenville, South Carolina, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 92. The daughter of the late Annie and Thomas Peebles, Betty was predeceased by her husband, Judd Bernard Farr, two grandchildren, Frank Morris DuPree, Jr. and Sarah Elizabeth Strausbaugh, and all six of her siblings, Tom, Wilhelmina, Margaret, Robert, Richard, and Bill Peebles.

A lifelong resident of Greenville, Betty opened her own business, Betty’s School of Dance, at the age of nineteen and became a cherished figure in her community. She was best remembered for her deep love of children and her gift as a storyteller, sharing tales in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and countless local organizations. She gave generously of her time and talent through her involvement with Clement’s Kindness, A Child’s Haven, the YMCA, Synnex Share the Magic, the South Carolina Children’s Theatre, the Salvation Army, the Sarah Gossett Home, the Children’s Museum, the Heller Foundation, the Greenville Theatre, and many others. A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, she especially cherished teaching her Sunday School classes of three-, four-, and five-year-olds.

Above all, Betty’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her seven 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; 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; and fifteen great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. She is also survived by her beloved companion, The Honorable Richard W. Riley, and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she adored, as well as her sister-in-law Martha Peebles, several nieces and nephews, and dear family friend Mr. Charles Brock.

In recognition of her lifelong service to South Carolina, Betty received the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.