Betty Burnsed Olsen

Betty Burnsed Olsen was born on February 28, 1928 to the late James Harold and Arie Pauline Burnsed in Piney Woods, Florida. She was one of 11 children and spent her formative years on the family’s dairy farm. She died on May 13, 2024 in Lexington, South Carolina.

In August of 1945, while enjoying a day at the beach in Jacksonville, Florida, she met a handsome Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class. She and Wallace John Olsen, Sr. married soon after and began their lives together. They were blessed with 6 children and lived in many places across the US, finally settling in Columbia, SC.

In addition to raising her children, Betty worked full time for Sadler Insurance and Yonce Insurance. Later, she supported the family business, Miller’s of Columbia, working in accounting. In 2004, she assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, a title she held until her retirement in February of 2016. Betty was an active member of First Baptist Church of Columbia for 50 years. She enjoyed the Oasis Sunday School class for many years, and had a deep and abiding love for the Lord. When her health made her unable to attend church in person, she enjoyed the online sermons of Reverend David Jeremiah.

Betty and Wallace were ardent supporters of Columbia, International University (CIU), and together were instrumental in many key campaigns helping to support and grow the work of CIU. They started a scholarship fund in 1978, which to date has helped 78 students continue their education After the death of Wallace John Olsen in 2004, she, with the support of her children, provided a gift to CIU that was used to begin and sustain the CIU Prison Initiative. This program, coordinated with the SC Department of Corrections, provides the opportunity for inmates to earn an Associate’s Degree of Religion. Once they have earned their Associate’s Degree, the inmates are employed within the prison system as Chaplain’s Assistants, supporting the spiritual needs of their fellow inmates. Since it’s inception, the program has awarded 203 Associate’s Degrees and Chaplain’s Assistants support 21 Department of Corrections facilities across the state of SC. 50 graduates have been released with only 5% recidivism.

Betty was predeceased by her parents; 9 brothers and sisters; her husband, Wallace John Olsen, Sr.; her son, Wallace John Olsen, Jr.; and grandson, James Edward Olsen.

She is survived by sons, David (Anna) Olsen and Paul (Kelly) Olsen; and daughters Kathy Olsen, Barbara (Keith) Whitman, and BJ (Mike) Shepard; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29201, on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent in memory of Betty Olsen to CIU, Attention Advancement, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC 29203.