through the generations
WHILE ELIZABETH HANCE HAS HAD MANY INSPIRATIONS IN LIFE, NONE CAN COMPARE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN IN HER
FAMILY, PARTICULARLY HER GRANDMOTHER AND HER MOTHER. EACH HAS INFLUENCED THE WOMAN SHE IS TODAY.
O
One of the strongest bonds Elizabeth has is shared with
the mountains, and we always spent every holiday togeth-
importance of getting a solid education so that she will be
her 102-year-old grandmother, Bernice “Be” Blackwell. “Her
er.” One thing Elizabeth loves about Be is that she was never
able to be a strong, vibrant, confident person.”
health is strong and her mind is amazing. I love to listen to
afraid to have a little fun. One weekend just after Elizabeth
Faith and compassion run rampant in the four generations
all of the stories she remembers as a child growing up during
had turned 15, her parents were out of town and she was
of women, but there’s one trait that has only been passed
the horse-and-buggy times to living through the Great De-
staying with Be. “My parents said I couldn’t drive unless I had
to Elizabeth and Hannah...being vocal about feelings. “My
pression to seeing all the amazing things that are happening
her with me, so I took Be cruising… from Sonic to Hardee’s.
mother said it skipped her because she is a very passive
today.” Be has been an inspiration to her family, spending
I think we put about 1200 miles on my car that weekend!”
person and wants to make peace with everyone. Be, on the
many years sharing her compassion with others. “She vol-
Elizabeth was a tomboy growing up, but these days she’s
unteered at Epworth Children’s Home as a housemother
trying to make up for missed opportunities. “I loved being
for boys for two years. She volunteered at Morrell Nursing
outdoors and playing outside. As I am getting older, though ,
Home, helping residents with arts and crafts, and at Byerly
I’m trying to cook more like Mom and Be. Both are both
Hospital. She has also knitted hundreds of baby caps for the
fantastic cooks! Two of my favorite things Be used to make
newborns at Byerly and Carolina Pines as late as this past
were red velvet cake and chocolate pie. She never used an
summer. Be is extremely talented at sewing, too, and I have
actual recipe for the pie, she just added things until she
treasured keepsakes she’s given me through the years. I
thought it was enough. My mother has that trait also. My
remember getting things made by her with a label on it that
favorite things she cooks are her German chocolate cake,
said, ‘Made especially for you by BeBe.’ I cherish the Christ-
chicken salad, and sauce for her barbecued chicken. I, on the
mas stockings she has made for me and my family with our
other hand, must follow a recipe to a T!”
names on them.” In addition to the stockings, Be has also
Out of all of the lessons Elizabeth has learned over the
years from Be and Molly, faith in God is the greatest.
“My grandmother’s faith has been very strong all of my
life. She has taught my mother, my daughter and me how
to be strong during very difficult times. She has taught us
how knowing God and having a relationship with Him is so
important. I have been a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, where Be and my mother are charter members, since my early teens and have raised my children in
this church. I try to teach Hannah just as Be and my mother
taught me: Put God first, then family, and then work.”
made dresses, sweaters, scarves and blankets for Elizabeth.
The holiday season is a special time for memories and
Molly Williams, Elizabeth’s mother, has played a crucial role
traditions. “We used to rotate Thanksgiving and Christ-
in being caretaker of the family. She is very active in church,
mas dinners at each other’s houses; but, over the past
takes care of Be, and helps Elizabeth raise her children. While
several years, we have spent the holidays at my mother’s
Elizabeth was a Daddy’s Girl growing up (who occasionally
house.” Amongst the beautiful fall décor at Molly’s is a wide
didn’t agree with Mom), she has grown to appreciate Molly
variety delicious foods, including family recipes. The most
for all she has done. “My mother is one of my best friends.
infamous, of course, being Be’s chocolate pie. At Christmas,
I am very blessed to live in Hartsville where I visit and spend
the family always has a Fraser fir Christmas tree, and they
always there for you. They may not always like things I have
time with her and Be almost every day.” Some of Elizabeth’s
attend church together on Christmas Eve. With two mas-
done or will do, or agree on the same issues, but they will
most cherished memories spent with Molly are during their
ter cooks in the family, yummy food is always guaranteed.
always be there for me when I need them and their support.
family vacations each summer to Topsail, North Carolina.
“Be and my mother begin baking shortly after Thanksgiving!”
I know they will do anything for me and they will always love
No matter where they are, however, Elizabeth is blessed to
be in the company of such an amazing woman. “Just spending time with her is so precious.”
other hand, is very opinionated.”
Molly and Be are tremendous role models for the family,
especially for Elizabeth’s daughter Hannah.
Hannah has a wonderful relationship with all three
Elizabeth recalls her growing up years under the influence
women. “Be has influenced Hannah by being strong and in-
of Be and Molly as a wonderful experience. “We always did
dependent. My mother has influenced her to be loving and
things together. If one of us went shopping, we all went
to want to do things for others. I show Hannah I love her no
shopping. We spent a lot of precious time together. Be had
matter what and make sure that I am there supporting her
eight siblings, so we would often go to family reunions in
on every level. I also show her, like my mother did to me, the
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More than anything, Elizabeth has learned the true meaning of family. “From these two extraordinary women, I have
learned that there is nothing as special as spending time
with those you love. You may not have the opportunity to
see family every day; but, when you do, make the most of the
time you have with them. Family is loving, supportive, and
me for who I am. I am blessed!”
Elizabeth Hance resides in Hartsville, South Carolina, with her
husband Darel and their three children, Chapman and Hannah
Fountain and Ryan Hance. For 21 years, Elizabeth has taught
second grade at Carolina Elementary School. Molly Williams
resides in Hartsville with her husband Lloyd. In addition to
Elizabeth, Molly is the proud mother of one son, Butch. Bernice
“Be” Blackwell, originally from McBee, South Carolina, now resides with her family in Hartsville.
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