Betty Jean Holmes Gray, age 91, of Iva, SC, passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Rainey Hospice House, just 8 days shy of her 92nd birthday.

Born August 29, 1932, in Greenwood, SC, she was a daughter of the late Paul R. Holmes and Leona Willingham Holmes. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Cecil B. Gray; second husband, Harold E. Craft and his children, Martha Craft Ginn and Billy Craft.

Betty was the recipient of an academic scholarship from Jackson Mill which afforded her the opportunity to attend college. She graduated from Winthrop College with a degree in education, and repaid the local community by being an outstanding educator for 30 years before she retired from Anderson School District 3. She was a recipient of the Teacher of the Year award, and she was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. She was an active member of Good Hope Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She was a member of numerous community groups including Sunrise Seniors and Circle of Hope. Betty was the consummate volunteer and loved serving her community as a part of REVIVA, PalmettoPride's Adopt-A-Highway program, and Meals on Wheels. She was a former Girl Scout leader, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Red Hat Society. Betty was an avid reader and loved the outdoors, camping and swimming at nearby lakes, and gardening in her yard. She also loved to dance and play cards with her many friends. Wanderlust and thirst for knowledge beckoned Betty to many parts of the country and world. However, she treasured being home the most, and her generous and empathetic heart led her to being a caregiver to many in her family and in the local community. She loved everyone with her whole being and will leave a lifetime of cherished memories for those she leaves behind.

She is survived by her son, Rick Gray (Connie) of Iva, SC; daughter, Sonya Gray (Dee Kantner) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Josh Gray (Krista) and Amy Gray Russell (Marty) both of Iva, SC; great grandchildren, Lydia Gray, James Gray, Luke Gray, Jack Gray, Brody Russell, Blakely Russell, and Branyon Russell; sister, Peggy H. Tollison of Norfolk, VA; beloved nephew, Mark Tollison; stepchildren, Harold Emory Craft (Linda) of Starr, SC, Edwina Faulkenberry (Ronnie) of Florence, SC, and Debbie Smith (Jack) of Hodges, SC; and numerous step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Good Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Gray officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Flowers are optional or memorial contributions may be made to Good Hope Baptist Church, 221 Good Hope Church Rd., Iva, SC 29655, or Starr-Iva Gideon Camp, PO Box 505 Iva, SC 29655.

The family will be at their respective homes.