Betty Kincaid Cummings

Betty Kincaid Cummings, a beloved educator and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, in Seneca, South Carolina, at the age of 94. Born on November 20, 1930, in Birmingham, Alabama, Betty embodied a spirit of dedication and warmth that touched the lives of many throughout her career and personal life.

For 23 years, Betty worked as a first-grade teacher, initially at Northington Elementary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and later at Little Mountain Elementary in Little Mountain, South Carolina. Her passion for educating young minds culminated in her retirement in 1995, during which she left an indelible mark on her students and colleagues alike. Her dedication to education extended beyond the classroom; even after retiring, she volunteered at Newberry County Memorial Hospital for more than 25 years, continuing to inspire and nurture those around her.

A proud alumna of Shades Cahaba High School, class of 1948, and the University of Alabama, class of 1952, Betty earned her degree in early childhood education. She furthered her academic pursuits by obtaining a master's degree from Clemson University, class of 1974, showcasing her commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in her field.

Betty was a lifelong Lutheran who found strength and community in her faith. This foundation shaped her values and her life, guiding her actions and interactions with everyone she met.

She is fondly remembered by her surviving family members: her daughters, Pamela Cummings Parsons of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Gwendolyn Cummings McPhail (Neil) of Seneca, South Carolina; her son, James Patrick Cummings of Delhi, New York; her grandchildren, Lindsay Kincaid Parsons of Austin, Texas, Meghan McPhail Ketterman (Jared) of Mountain Rest, South Carolina, Daniel Justin McPhail (Paige) of Seneca, South Carolina, Sarah Wordsworth Cummings, and James Patrick Cummings Jr. (Maria); as well as her great-grandchildren, Watson Hayes McPhail, Augustus James McPhail, Callum Lee McPhail, Addie Nell McPhail, all of Seneca and Sebastian Ezra Cummings of Oneonta, New York; and her brothers, William Russell Kincaid and Larry Wayne Kincaid, both of Tuscaloosa ALA.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, James Frank Cummings, PhD; her parents, Elmer Joseph Kincaid and Elsie Lauxman Kincaid; and her grandson, James Hilton Parsons IV.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 30, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Residences of Park Place in Seneca, South Carolina. Following this, a Memorial Service will take place on August 12, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Cremation Society of South Carolina - Brown Funerals in Seneca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church Pre-School in Prosperity, South Carolina.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of The Residences at Park Place and Medical Services of America Hospice.

Betty Kincaid Cummings will be dearly missed by all who knew her, and her legacy will live on through her family, friends, and the countless students she inspired throughout her remarkable life.

Cremation Society of SC - Brown Funerals is assisting the family.