[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BETTY HENDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2025

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of an extraordinary public servant, a trailblazing political activist, 
a cherished matriarch of her community, and a personal friend. Betty 
Henderson departed this life on February 8, 2025, leaving behind an 
indelible mark on Orangeburg County, the state of South Carolina, and 
beyond.
  Betty Henderson was born on January 1, 1947, in Branchville, South 
Carolina, to the late Nuncie and Salte Williams. From an early age, she 
displayed a deep sense of determination and a passion for service. 
Educated in the public schools of Orangeburg County and New York City, 
she pursued further studies at The Citadel and the University of South 
Carolina, completing IAOO coursework. She also studied business at 
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. Betty became a licensed real 
estate appraiser and spent over 15 years as a legal assistant at the 
Davis Law Firm in Orangeburg.
  It was in public service where Betty Henderson's impact was most 
profoundly felt. For 28 years, she served as the Orangeburg County Tax 
Assessor, making history as the first African American female assessor 
in South Carolina. Her tenure was marked by an unwavering commitment to 
fairness and excellence, and she became the only African American ever 
inducted into the South Carolina Association of Assessing Officials 
Hall of Fame.
  Betty's dedication to democracy and civic engagement extended far 
beyond her professional career. For over two decades, she served as 
Chair of the Orangeburg County Democratic Party, working tirelessly to 
increase voter participation and strengthen grassroots organizing. 
Under her leadership, the party secured opportunities for South 
Carolinians to meet then-Senator Barack Obama, a presidential candidate 
at the time, at Claflin University. She played a pivotal role in 
bringing the 2008 presidential debate to South Carolina State 
University. Betty also founded the party's cook-off fundraiser, which 
later became the Betty Henderson Elected Official Cook-Off, a testament 
to her enduring legacy.
  In recognition of her outstanding leadership, she was named 
Chairperson Emeritus of the Orangeburg County Democratic Party after 
her retirement and was honored as the State County Democratic 
Chairperson of the Year at a South Carolina State Democratic 
Convention. Because of her tireless efforts, all county elected 
officials in Orangeburg today are Democrats.
  Betty Henderson was also a pioneer in local government. She was the 
first African American since Reconstruction to be elected to the 
Branchville Town Council, where she served for twelve years, including 
ten years as Mayor Pro Tempore. She was deeply committed to the well-
being of her community, serving on numerous boards, including the 
Orangeburg Family Health Center, the Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-
Bamberg (OCAB) Community Action Agency Board, the Orangeburg County 
Department of Social Services Board, the Regional Medical Center Board, 
and the CASA Family Systems Board. She was a proud and active member of 
the NAACP, White Rose Chapter No. 1, Queen of the National Order of the 
Eastern Star, and La Charm Club. A skilled organizer and strategist, 
Betty also managed many local, state, and national political campaigns, 
playing a vital role in shaping the political landscape of South 
Carolina.
  Her lifelong commitment to service was recognized with numerous 
accolades, including Who's Who Among Women, the African American Women 
in Leadership Award, the NAACP Appreciation Award for Community 
Service, the American Business Women's Association Business Associate 
Award, the Kappa Alpha Psi Women of the Year Award, the South Carolina 
State University First Lady Scholarship Award, and the Unsung Hero in 
Politics Award.
  Beyond her public service, Betty was a woman of deep faith. She was a 
devoted member of Canaan Baptist Church in Branchville, where she 
served as Budget Chair, Hospital Chair, and Program Committee Chair. 
Known by her family and friends as a beacon of compassion and 
generosity, she was always willing to extend a helping hand to those in 
need. Her life embodied the words she lived by:

       If I can help someone as I pass along this way, then my 
     living will not be in vain.

  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring the 
remarkable life of Betty Henderson. Her tireless dedication to public 
service, political activism, and steadfast commitment to her community 
have left a lasting legacy. May we carry forward her spirit of service, 
and may she rest in peace.

                          ____________________