Sarah Elizabeth (Betty) Umphlette Bane

Sarah Elizabeth (Betty) Umphlette Bane died Tuesday February 8, 2011 in Halifax, Virginia. Born in Whaleyville, Virgina, Betty was the daughter of Floyd Riddick Umphlette and Susie Brinkley Umphlette. She is survived by her brothers Floyd Riddick Umphlette, Jr. And Lewis Carroll 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, DC and Dora Terrell (Dolly) Williams of Washington, DC, 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 pinned the "What's Cooking with Betty Bane" column which ran in several Southside Virginia newspapers for over 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 Woman's Club of Halifax, Virginia 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, Virginia. 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 Masters 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 through out the county. She knew every road in Halifax. She later taught third grade at Halifax Elementary School where the plays, the fairs, and activities were always inclusive, fun and with notably delicious food. As a long time member of Center United Church of Christ, she organized and published "Center Church Cuisine," a cookbook that featured the best of rural Virginia cuisine and favorite recipes of the then President, Governors and Senators with a letter from each. Betty and her husband Woody served as youth directors for Center Church for over 20 years. The funeral service will be at 2 pm on Saturday February 12 at St. John's Episcopal Church on Mountain Road in Halifax, Virginia. Grave side services will follow at Oak Level Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the Halifax Country Club from 6 to 8 pm on Friday night. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Sarah Elizabeth Bane Scholarship 25183 at James Madison University, 220 University Boulevard, Suite 1100 MSC 3603, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807 or The Halifax Women's Club, 92 Mimosa Drive, Halifax, Virginia 24558.