India Batson

India Batson was born February 9, 1937, the daughter of the late Jay C. and Gladys Bates Howard. She inherited the humorous wit of her mother and the vigorous work ethic and resolve of her father. Growing up in Greenville, India graduated from Paris High School in 1955 as salutatorian. Being ambitious, she continued her education at Furman University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology. On June 27, 1959, India married her lifelong sweetheart, Hugh Bridwell Batson, whom she first met in kindergarten. They celebrated 65 years of marriage and were never far apart.

Her professional career included long-term tenures with both the Greenville General Hospital System (40 years) and the Liberty Corporation (30 years). At the hospital, she enjoyed the evening shift and the challenge of keeping up with the frantic pace of the emergency room demands on the lab. At Liberty, she enjoyed forming relationships with co-workers while assisting the physicians in the infirmary. 

The center of her attention was always her children and grandchildren. She set high expectations of excellence and was never too busy to assist with a school project or sew a Halloween costume.

India’s faith journey was made manifest in her lifelong devotion to church (Leawood Baptist and Taylors First Baptist). Forever volunteering, she served as a Sunday School director, helped prepare countless funeral meals, and hosted women’s groups in her home. 

India is proceeded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her children: Bryan Batson and wife Kathleen, Dr. Howard Batson and wife Lisa, and Jaye Young and husband Ralph. The grandchildren who called her Nana include India Batson Martinez (Daniel), Dr. Ryan Batson Smithee (John), Jordan Batson Tatum (Delton), Chandler Batson, Logan Young, and Dillon Young (Leighton). She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Spencer and Charlotte Smithee, and Rawlins, Raines, and Windsor Tatum; brother-in-law Tom Batson (Ann); two nieces, Kim Garvilla and Shannon Terry; one nephew, Tee Batson, and cousin, Bates Kennedy (Sarah).

Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, February 7, 2025 at Mackey Mortuary Woodlawn Chapel, 1 Pine Knoll Dr., Greenville, SC. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Taylors First Baptist, 200 West Main St., Taylors, SC 29687 or First Baptist Church of Amarillo, 1208 S Tyler St, Amarillo, TX 79101.