Mary Elizabeth Peebles Farr died at the age of 92. She was the daughter of the late Annie and Thomas Peebles. Betty was predeceased by her husband, Judd Bernard Farr and two grandchildren, Frank Morris DuPree, Jr. and Sarah Elizabeth Strausbaugh. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Tom, Wilhelmina, Margaret, Robert, Richard and Bill Peebles.
Betty will be best remembered for her love of children. She was an amazing storyteller and shared her stories in schools, nursing homes, hospitals and many community establishments.
Betty was born and raised in
Greenville, SC, where she started her own business at the age of 19, Betty's School of Dance, and was a vital member of her hometown. She loved Greenville and Greenville loved her! Betty gave of her time and talent to make Greenville a better place. She was involved with numerous organizations including Clement's Kindness, A Childs Haven, YMCA, Synnex Share the Magic, The South Carolina Children's Theater, Salvation Army, Sarah Gossett Home, The Children's Museum, The Heller Foundation, The Greenville Theater, and many others. She loved her church, First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, and loved teaching her Sunday School classes filled with 3, 4, and 5 year olds. Betty touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed. She received the Order of the Palmetto, which is the highest honor given in the state of South Carolina.
Her greatest love of all was her family of seven children, 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 2 more on the way. She is survived by her 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. She is survived by her 15 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), Mary Carmen Springs, and 15 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sweetheart, The Honorable Richard W. Riley and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she also adored. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Martha Peebles; several nieces and nephews; and a dear family friend, Mr. Charles Brock.
A funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Washington Street,
Greenville, SC, 29601, on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at The Poinsett Club, immediately following the service. A private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church or a
charity of one's choice.
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Obituary published on Legacy.com by Post and Courier - Greenville on Mar. 12, 2026.