February 8, 2011

Sarah Elizabeth “Betty” Umphlette Bane died Tuesday, February 8, 2011 in Halifax, Va.

Born in Whaleyville, Va., Betty was the daughter of Floyd Riddick Umphlette and Susie Brinkley Umphlette. She is survived by her brothers, Floyd Riddick Umphlette Jr. and Lewis Caroll Umphlette and his wife, Bettye Sue, all of Suffolk. Her sister, Ona Sue Holleman, predeceased Betty. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mrs. J.W. (Thelma) Bane, of Vernon Hill. Betty loved her many Umphlette and Bane nieces and nephews and cousins.

Her husband was Sheriff Woody Kent Bane Sr., of Halifax, who predeceased her. Their children are Sarah Bane Williams and husband, Terrell, of Richmond, and Woody Kent Bane Jr. and wife, Kathy, of Halifax.

The grandchildren were her special love and they are: Sarah Elizabeth Bane Williams, of Washington, D.C., and Dora Terrell (Dolly) Williams, of Washington, D.C., Woody Kent Bane III, who attends James Madison University, Katherine Elizabeth Stuart (Kate) Bane, of Halifax, and Mary Margaret (Meg) Bane, of Halifax.

The cuisine will improve dramatically in heaven. Betty penned the “What’s Cooking with Betty Bane” column that ran in several Southside Virginia newspapers for more than 45 years. Her columns were filled with the cooking tips, great recipes and stories of her grandchildren. She knew that a great meal with family around a table filled with wonderful food was the secret to a happy family.

Betty served as president of the Women’s Club of Halifax, Va., and as president of the Banister River Garden Club. She was a member of the War Memorial Committee for Halifax County. She was a founding member of the Herb Club of Halifax and participated on just about every board, fundraiser and church committee.

Betty was elected and served as a member of the Town Council of Halifax, Va.

As president of the Women’s Club, Betty spearheaded the raising of funds allowing the purchase of the land for the Halifax County War Memorial, the renovation of the Halifax Masonic Building and to add benches and flower containers to what she believed was the most beautiful town in our state.

Betty was a graduate of Madison College, now James Madison University, and had a master’s degree in elementary education.

After graduation, Betty was an international exchange student as a participant in the IFYE program.

She came to Halifax to start her career as an extension agent organizing Home Demonstration Clubs and 4-H clubs throughout the county. She knew every road in Halifax.

She later taught third grade at Halifax Elementary School, where the plays, the fairs and the activities were always inclusive, fun and with notably delicious food.

As a longtime member of Center United Church of Christ, she organized and published “Center Church Cuisine,” a cookbook that featured the best of rural Virginia cuisine, as well as favorite recipes of the then-president, governor and senators, with a letter from each.

Betty and her husband Woody served as youth directors for Center Church for more than 20 years.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Mountain Road in Halifax, Va. Graveside services will follow at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the Halifax Country Club from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Sarah Elizabeth Bane Scholarship 25183 at James Madison University, 220 University Blvd., Suite 1100 MSC 3603, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 or the Halifax Women’s Club, 92 Mimosa Drive, Halifax, VA 24558.