Trailblazer in SC: Betty Jo Rhea, first female mayor of Rock Hill, dies at 91
Betty Jo Rhea, the first woman mayor of Rock Hill who, all her public life, was a civic booster for the city, York County and South Carolina, has died.
She was 91.
Elizabeth Josephine Dunlap Rhea, ‘Betty Jo’ to all who ever met her in her signature scarves, was mayor from 1986 to 1997. She was instrumental in the building of Cherry Park and other city infrastructure during her two decades in public life.
She served first on the city’s recreation commission then was elected to city council in 1978.
After she was elected the city’s first female mayor in 1986, she led the city through growth and development of new industries -- which continues to the present -- after the closing of the region’s textile mills.
Current Mayor John Gettys said in a statement that Rhea’s vision for the city has been a benefit for all its residents and visitors.
“Betty Jo Rhea blazed a trail in Rock Hill. Her enthusiasm and work ethic led Rock Hill to rebound following the demise of the textile industry,” Gettys said. “Her push to build Cherry Park, the foundation of sports tourism, along with the foresight to diversify Rock Hill’s economy has led to our ongoing growth. Her work will never be forgotten, and neither will her positive devotion to her hometown.”
Doug Echols, who served on city council with Rhea and was later mayor for 20 years after Rhea left office, called Rhea a leader with both grace and tenacity. Rhea represented Rock Hill proudly wherever she went, Echols said.
“Rock Hill has lost a true example of leadership and community spirit,” Echols said. “Betty Jo loved Rock Hill and did all within her power to move our city forward.”
And she encouraged others to move the city forward, Gettys said.
“There was an opening on city council back in 2002, and I was out in the yard of our house with my wife and at the time, we only had two boys that were very small,” Gettys said. “And she and (her husband) pulled up in the driveway. She got out of the car and said ‘John, you’re running for city council.’ I said, ‘Yes ma’am, I guess I am.’”
Gettys, who was ultimately elected to city council in 2002, said there’s likely hundreds of current and former leaders in Rock Hill who have a similar experience with Rhea.
“It is affirming to have somebody like that believe in you,” he said.
While she was mayor, Rhea oversaw the implementation of the long-term strategic plan, known as “Empowering the Vision,” which focused on development in several areas, including business, arts and culture, parks and historic preservation.
That program served as the precursor for the city’s current development plans, Gettys said.
“She created that template for how we bring good change to a community that’s sustainable and includes the people of Rock Hill in the conversation,” he said. “We did the Knowledge Park Action Plan. That’s a direct descendant of Empowering the Vision. Clinton ConNEXTion is also a direct descendant of Empowering the Vision.”
Rhea’s legacy is all over Rock Hill, Gettys said.
“Everything in Rock Hill right now — downtown, sports tourism, job creation, the revenue that we see come in, our economic boom — you got to trace it all back to Betty Jo and her leadership,” he said. “She was fortunate enough to see the results of her vision and her hard work over the years.”
Rhea, daughter of a Rock Hill doctor, was married to James Dunlap Rhea Jr. for 57 years until he died in 2007. She had three children, James, Catherine, and John.
One of Betty Jo Rhea’s sons, longtime Rock Hill lawyer John Rhea, said his mother believed that her life’s work was to lift all the people of Rock Hill up, and help others live rich lives of dignity and prosperity.
“In our house, we always joked that the city of Rock Hill was like my mother’s fourth child,” John Rhea said. “It was a maternal love, a deep caring for all people in the community. She loved Rock Hill and she loved its people.”
John Rhea said a funeral date has not yet been set.
An inspiration to women in politics
Rhea became a political force at a time when politics was almost all men and almost all white. She helped blaze a path for others who came after her through her deeds and actions.
Christi Cox, the first woman chair of the York County Council, said Rhea was an inspiration for her and other women who, through public life, wanted to help everyone. And Betty Jo Rhea did it with a classic Southern style that will never be forgotten, Cox said.
Betty Jo Rhea had a collection of signature scarves that she wore around her neck with a style and class that was known from Rock Hill to Charleston in all the halls of power.
“Mayor Betty Jo Rhea was the epitome of Southern charm and grace,” Cox said. “With many close family members working at the city, I grew up with a front row seat witnessing her efforts in th community. She adored her family, loved her community, and exemplified what it means to be a servant leader. Every chance she had, she built up those around her, and her trailblazing efforts as the first female mayor of Rock Hill inspired many, including me, to serve our community. Her signature scarves added a flair of individuality and distinction that only Betty Jo could pull off. What a wonderful woman who will be sorely missed. She leaves a tremendous legacy. A life certainly well-lived.”
Former Chester city councilwoman Angela Douglas said Betty Jo Rhea inspired women to be leaders, and take a role in shaping communities to better serve all people.
“Betty Jo Rhea was a dynamic woman and leader,” Douglas said. “She always encouraged women to be active in their communities and their government. When I first met her, we instantly connected on how recreation can improve the culture of a community and promote a positive economic outlook.”
Service to all people
S.C. State Rep. John King, D-York County, the sole Black member of the York County legislative delegation, said Betty Jo Rhea was a champion for equal rights and opportunities.
“The passing of Betty Jo Rhea is a sad day for Rock Hill, for York County, and for our state of South Carolina,” King said. “She truly was a trailblazer who championed equal rights for all and was a strong supporter of civil rights. Her service to our community paved the way for advances to all people that future generations will enjoy. I salute her service -- the loss of Betty Jo Rhea is a tremendous loss to all in our community.”
S.C. State Sen Mia McLeod, a Democratic candidate for governor of South Carolina who would be the first African-American and first woman governor if elected, said in a statement sent to The Herald that Betty Jo Rhea’s tenacity and service remains an inspiration.
“I’m truly saddened to learn of the passing of former Rock Hill Mayor Betty Jo Rhea,” McLeod’s statement said. “As a public servant, her tenacity and passion for putting the interests of the people first is inspiring. Because of her vision and solution-oriented determination, the city of Rock Hill is the vibrant and thriving place we know today. I extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends.”
Rock Hill’s champion
S.C. Rep. Gary Simrill, R-Rock Hill, was first elected in 1992 when Betty Jo Rhea was mayor. He knew her all his life, and credited her for helping Rock Hill to evolve from a mainly textile town into a vibrant city with expansive industry and an always improving quality of life that included sports tourism from Cherry Park and other venues.
“Mayor Betty Jo Rhea was a trailblazer, a trendsettter and great ambassador for Rock Hill,” Simrill said. “Her efforts in bringing her beloved community out of the shadows of the textile era and into a sports tourism destination has left an indelible mark that sets us apart and has led to quality growth and prosperity.”
S.C. Rep Tommy Pope, R-York, said Betty Jo Rhea was known to all as a woman who wanted Rock Hill and its people to achieve great things.
“Betty Jo was a pleasure to work with, a true lady in every sense of the word,” Pope said. “She always put Rock Hill first and left an indelible mark on our community. She will be missed, but never forgotten.”
This story was originally published June 7, 2022 at 8:41 AM.
