Obituary of Betty Francis Dent

Betty Francis Dent, wife of the late Harry Shuler Dent, Sr., died Monday, November 10 at the age of 82. Betty is the daughter of the late Hattie Francis of St. Matthews, S.C., and the late Klein Francis of Walterboro, S.C. She is survived by her four children: Harry Shuler Dent. Jr., and his wife Jean-ne; Dolly Dent Montgomery and her husband, Don; Ginny Dent Brant and her husband, Alton; and Jack Robert Dent and his wife, Tracie. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren: Joshua Brant, Jonathan Brant, Harrison Brant, Blake Montgomery, Clay Montgomery, Graham Montgomery, Elizabeth "Lizy" Dent, Sarah Dent, and Harry S. Dent, II; and Louise Montgomery, Anne Fulton Montgomery, and Sullivan Brant. Betty supported her husband as he served in numerous leadership positions in state and national politics, including his service in the White House under President Richard Nixon. In the mid-1970's, she served on the S.C. Mental Health Advisory Board and was recognized as one of the Ten Most Outstanding Women in Columbia. In 1985, Betty and Harry began the ministry Laity Alive and Serving. Together they taught the Bible, helped others find God's purpose in their lives, and coordinated mission trips around the world, especially in Romania. Betty coordinated Market Place Bible Studies and assisted Harry when he was chairman of the Billy Graham Crusade in Columbia. In 1992, Betty and Harry wrote Right Versus Wrong: Solutions to the American Nightmare, detailing stories of their upbringing in dysfunctional and alcoholic homes. In 1993, they received the Edward A. McDowell Award for Distinguished Christian Service. Betty served on the board of trustees of both Columbia International University (CIU) and Ben Lippen School for 14 and 7 years, respectively. In May of 2011, CIU awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. She was also a member of First Baptist Columbia. Betty Dent's memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. at the place she loved most - CIU at Shortess Chapel. Visitation will begin at 2:00. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to CIU, 7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, S.C. 29203.