Sarah Elizabeth Bethea Redden

Sarah Elizabeth Bethea Redden, age 77, departed this earthly life on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital. Born on April 1, 1948, in Dillon, SC, Sarah was the second of eight children born to the late Samuel and Sarah Carmichael Bethea Sr. She was a proud graduate of Gordon High School, Class of 1966, in Dillon, SC. She earned her B.S. degree in Biology from Benedict College in 1971. While at Benedict, she pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, embracing sisterhood, service, and scholarship. In 1969, she met the love of her life, Charlie Redden, and the two were joined in holy matrimony on April 3, 1971. Together, they shared 47 years of marriage until his passing in 2018. Following in the footsteps of her beloved mother, Sarah became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star P.H.A. (Queen Esther Chapter #1 for over 40 years), a past member of the Daughter’s Auxiliary Cairo Court #125, and a past member of C. C. Johnson Assembly #1 (The Order of the Golden Circle), all examples of her deep-rooted commitment to faith, tradition, and service. Professionally, Mrs. Redden devoted over 35 years of dedicated service as a Virologist to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). While there, she co-authored a book on sickle cells and researched and studied other genetic blood disorders. Even after retirement, she kept her oldest granddaughter for 2 years before her passion for community engagement led her to serve with the NAACP for 12 years. Additionally, she volunteered her time at Bethel A.M.E. Columbia Learning Center in the after-school program. Affectionately known for her warm spirit and culinary gifts, Sarah found joy in baking and was especially known for her signature macaroni and cheese and fruit cake, dishes that brought comfort and connection to many. Sarah was an active member of the Bishops’ Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she served in the following capacities: Steward Protem, Class Leader, Trustee Board, Women's Missionary, Church School member, and various committees. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three siblings: Helen Bethea, David Paul Bethea, and Hattie Bethea Blackmon. She leaves to cherish her legacy and memories of four devoted children, Ryan Leymone Bethea of Stjordal, Norway, Helen Ophelia Redden of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Charlotte Elizabeth (George) Hamilton of Blythewood, SC and Charlie Cornelius Redden, II of Columbia, SC; three beloved grandchildren, Gabriella Elizabeth Hamilton, Camille Ophelia Hamilton, and Samuel Jonove Bethea; two sisters, Lutricia Gadsen of Dillon, SC, and LaSandra (Robert) Bass of Florence, SC; two brothers, Samuel Lee Bethea of Dillon, SC and Derrick L. Bethea of Columbia, SC. Two sisters-in-law, Ms. Mary Redden of Philadelphia, PA, and Ms. Mary Sena Redden of Kingstree, SC, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, and cherished friends. Sarah Elizabeth Bethea Redden lived a life of grace, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to family, faith, and service. She will be deeply missed, yet her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Sarah Elizabeth Bethea Redden

April 1, 1948 - July 30, 2025