Sarah Bane

BANE, Sarah Elizabeth "Betty" Umphlette, died Tuesday, February 8, 2011 in Halifax, Virginia. Born in Whaleyville, Virginia, 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, 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. Her grandchildren were her special love and they are Sarah Elizabeth Bane Williams of Washington, D.C., 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, 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 the 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 Woman'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 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 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 held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, at St. John's Episcopal Church on Mountain Road in Halifax, Virginia. Graveside services will follow at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the Halifax Country Club from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday night. 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, Virginia 22807, or The Halifax Woman's Club, 92 Mimosa Dr., Halifax, Virginia 24558.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.