Elizabeth "Betty" Jennings Searcy

          Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Searcy, 77, died peacefully on February 24, 2024 at The Manor. 

          Betty was born February 18, 1947, in Bennettsville, SC, to Dr. Douglas Jennings and Elizabeth "Libby" Jennings.  She was a 1967 graduate of Columbia College and was married to her devoted husband, David J. Searcy, for 55 years. Early in their marriage, during David's service as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army, she lived at various Army bases.   In 1970, when David was deployed to Vietnam, Betty resided with her parents in Bennettsville and it was during that time her first child, Steve, was born. While in Bennettsville, she helped establish the preschool program at First Presbyterian Church and later taught kindergarten at Highland Park Methodist Church in Florence.  She was an active member of Central United Methodist Church, the Morning Glory Garden Club and the Pearl Jones/Rosa Sanders Women's Circle. "Mimi" loved doting on her grandchildren and spending time at Holden Beach with family.  

          Surviving, in addition to her husband, are her children: Stephen D. Searcy (Gail) of Columbia and Mary S. Falcone (Brian) of Florence; sisters Janette Jennings Weaver of Pawleys Island, SC, and Gwen Jennings Watson-Jones of Crawfordville, FL, brother Douglas Jennings, Jr. of Bennettsville, SC,  grandchildren: Caroline Edens Falcone, Patrick Noble Searcy, Elizabeth Jennings Searcy, Mary Grace Falcone, Jones Taylor Searcy and Anna Frances Falcone and 15 nieces and nephews.

          Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 265 W. Cheves St., Florence, SC  29501; or the Florence Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 4808, Florence, SC  29502. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at The Manor for their care and kindness during her illness.

          A memorial service will be held at Central United Methodist Church, on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation immediately following in the church Commons Area. Services are directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.

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