“There is nothing like family,” so says Elizabeth Boling Earle (Betsy) Farnsworth, who passed away, Monday, June 14, 2021, age 95, leaving a sizeable hole in the life of the Greenville community. She was a shining light to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A descendent of one of the founding families of Greenville, Betsy was the daughter of Louise and John Kern Earle. She was married to the late James Oliver Farnsworth and was blessed with six sons: David Earle (Sandra), John Stephen (Line), Richard Oliver, Robert Henry (Mary Barret), William Haliburton (Mary Beth) and the late James Farrell. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren who affectionately called her “MaBet”.
Betsy was most known for being the mother of “those Farnsworth boys”, whose home was called “Grand Central Station” by her close friends, but most never knew that she was actually one of the greatest musicians South Carolina has ever produced. She was awarded a scholarship to Julliard in both voice and piano but love of family, friends and her beloved Greenville set her on a providential path that would impact the lives of countless people for several generations. Betsy was often asked if she felt it a sacrifice to give up a career in opera and her response was always the same, “Sacrifice!? There’s nothing like family.” For this reason (and so many more), MaBet was adored by her sons and was a blessing to all who came into her orbit.
Though giving up a promising career in music to raise her family, she was still faithful to steward this remarkable musical gift from God. She served as President of the Crescent Music Club and was the soprano soloist at First Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. She also was a member of the Crescent Trio which entertained Greenvillians for decades and whose proceeds were given for music scholarships. Betsy was also the president of the Greenville County Women’s Republican Party but, of course, was loved by her many Democrat friends.
Truly beloved by her innumerable friends and relatives, she was almost an institution in Greenville. On her 90th birthday, her children, along with her nephews and nieces had a drop-in that was to last from 2-4 pm. But due to her impact on so many throughout her life, the party lasted till late in the night; long after she went to bed. She lived a life that caused others to come together and celebrate God’s gift of a life well lived.
The key to Betsy’s remarkable life can be summed up in a passing statement she often made: “Sometimes I try to count my blessings but I can’t count that far.” Her life was marked by the scripture’s exhortation, “In all things give thanks.” Scripture admonishes us to “honor thy mother and father.” MaBet made this commandment the easiest to keep because she lived out her most repeated phrase, “There’s nothing like family!”
The family will receive friends at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive from 6:30pm until 8:30pm on Friday, June 25, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, June 26, 2021 in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery West.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Crescent Music Club Scholarship Fund. Please make checks out to Crescent Music Club Scholarship Fund with a note that it is for the James Farrell Farnsworth Voice Scholarship. Mail to Crescent Music Club, c/o Kay Mason, 202 Holly Drive, Easley, SC 29640.
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