Betty Poteat Olds passed away peacefully at her home in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on May 5, 2026 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was 91 years old.

Born on February 5, 1935, in Bristol, Virginia, Betty was the only child of the late John H. and Ruth Whitlock Poteat. Raised in Kingsport, Tennessee, she displayed a love of learning and was a proud graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School where she was elected an officer of her senior class and attended class reunions for many years. At the University of Tennessee, Betty excelled both in and out of the classroom, serving as President of Sigma Kappa sorority and earning induction into the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi and Mortar Board honor societies. Following her graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1957, she embarked on a month-long trip to Europe. Throughout her life, she loved to travel and meet new people.

Betty taught elementary school in Ft. Lauderdale, FL before electing to continue her education at Duke University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching (History) degree in 1960. While at Duke, a mutual friend introduced her to the man who would become the love of her life, Dan W. Olds. In a blending of midwestern values and east Tennessee hospitality, Dan and Betty were married on June 7, 1960 at Duke University Chapel. Theirs become a union of over 65 years built on mutual respect and shared values.

After moving to Spartanburg when Dan joined the faculty at Wofford College in 1963, Betty continued to shape young minds as a substitute teacher in the District 6 School System. But perhaps her greatest impact to the Spartanburg community was felt through her tireless volunteerism and service. Whether volunteering in the nursery at First Baptist Spartanburg, staffing a Cheer Cart at Mary Black Hospital, hosting parties for the Wofford Physics Department, or delivering for Mobile Meals to local families in need, Betty lived a life of consistent service and giving. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames of the XVIIth Century, and longtime member of the Early Bird Sunday School class at First Baptist Church Spartanburg.

Betty found particular joy in having a large circle of friends. She was a profoundly optimistic person with a positive attitude and cheerful smile or often a happy whistle. She was very social and enjoyed playing bridge with other local ladies, entertaining and cooking, and traveling with her husband and family. Betty enjoyed watching sports, especially Tennessee football and Duke basketball. Above all, she was a devoted homemaker who was the steady anchor for her family and encouraged them to pursue education as an avenue for success and lifelong happiness.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Dan W. Olds; her daughter, Linda Olds Burrell of Moore, SC; and her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. John Robert Olds II and Melinda Settle Olds of Columbus, NC. Her legacy lives on through her three grandchildren, Brandon Craig Burrell of Pauline, Maranda Burrell Lawson and her husband Jordan Scott Lawson of Duncan, and Davis Austin Olds of Wofford College and four great-grandchildren; Emily Ann Burrell, Curtis Trason Burrell, Aubrey Elizabeth Lawson, and Jackson Scott Lawson.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 11, from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel at 2075 East Main St., Spartanburg. A funeral service, officiated by Rev. Brian Redding, will follow at 1:00 PM. A private entombment will be held at the Greenlawn Mausoleum following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mobile Meals Service, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304; or the Dan W. and Betty Poteat Olds Endowed Scholarship Fund at Wofford College, 429 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303.