A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE PASSING OF BETTY LEE BODIE KNOTTS OF WEST COLUMBIA, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were deeply saddened by the passing of Betty Lee Bodie Knotts of West Columbia on February 26, 2024, at the age of 77; and

Whereas, Betty was born September 1, 1946, to the late Harold Lee Bodie and Annie Mae Hinson of Columbia. As a Brookland-Cayce High School freshman in 1962, she began dating her high school sweetheart, John Milton "Jake" Knotts, Jr., and graduated in 1965. On October 15, 1965, they married and planned their future together in a union that lasted almost six decades. Jake and Betty always celebrated their wedding anniversary and were planning to mark their sixtieth anniversary in Key West; and

Whereas, from 1968 to 1983, Mrs. Knotts worked for the South Carolina Highway Department. Next, she owned and operated Jake's Party Shop from 1983 to 1995. From 1988 to the present, she and her husband owned and operated Knotts Process Service; and

Whereas, in addition, Betty was an avid sports fan. She enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves, but she never missed an opportunity to watch her favorite football coach, Nick Saban of Alabama. Betty loved animals, too, and throughout the years had many dogs, including Picka, Pooh, Boom-Boom, Rocky, and Allie Cat. However, Chaka, a Doberman pinscher, was by far the one who stole her heart the most, and she stole his. She also loved cats, or, rather, strays dropped off at the cemetery next door or adopted, such as Winston, Pepper, Tuffy, One-Eye, and Snow. She took care of them and loved them all; and

Whereas, this loving wife, mother, and grandmother leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, former state Senator John Milton "Jake" Knotts, Jr.; daughters Michelle Nicole "Nikki" Rodgers (Robert) and Tara Knotts Arnett (Kristopher); grandchildren Kaitlyn Grigsby Clarke (Sam), John Robert Rodgers, and Michael Jake Grigsby; and a host of other family members and friends. She will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Betty Lee Bodie Knotts of West Columbia, celebrate her life, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that the copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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