Betty "Babs" Anne Farmer

Betty Anne Farmer (Babs), age 82 of West Columbia, SC passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026 with her husband and daughters at her bedside.

She was born on July 14, 1943 in Columbia, SC to James Alton and Betty Frances Barefoot. Babs will be remembered for her warmth, quiet strength and devotion to her family. She is survived by her husband, John, of 61 years; her children, Kim Bender (Chris) and Kathy Warren (Benjie); her sister, Charlene Schneider (Greg); four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She graduated from Dreher High School, Columbia, SC in 1961. Babs attended Winthrop College and graduated in 1965, having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Later she earned a Master’s Degree from The University of South Carolina. She was very active in student life at Winthrop; serving on several committees to include chairwoman of the dance committee. Her senior year she was voted runner-up of the May Queen Court, and had enough time left to be voted Fraternity Sweetheart (1965-1966) for Kappa Delta Chi (KDX) at Clemson University where her husband was a fraternity brother. She was an avid Clemson Tiger fan! While at Winthrop she earned several scholastic honors, to include being published in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.” Babs was named several times to the Dean’s List and graduated with honors.

She was a dedicated teacher who touched the lives of countless students. She taught one year at Pickens Elementary, Pickens, SC and the rest of her career teaching at Saluda River Elementary School, West Columbia, SC, where she was selected as Teacher of the Year.

The family will receive friends and family at 2:00pm Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Lexington Presbyterian Church – 246 Barr Road, Lexington, SC 29072, with a Celebration of Life service at 3:00pm.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday, June 28th, 2026 at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29201.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider giving in Babs’ memory to The Romans of Lexington Presbyterian Church or to La Vie Pregnancy Care Center, 1271 Calks Ferry Road, Lexington, SC 29072.