Betsy Crenshaw Anthony

Betsy Crenshaw Anthony, 97, of West Palm Beach and Lake James, NC, a devoted daughter, beloved wife and mother, and loyal friend, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023, in West Palm Beach. Betsy was predeceased by her husband, Marvin Pope “Ham” Anthony, and her parents, Archer Dibrell Crenshaw and Irma Jacques Weaver Crenshaw of Luray, VA. Born on September 22, 1926, in Philadelphia, PA, Betsy spent much of her childhood in Preston, Oriente, Cuba, on Nipe Bay, where her father was employed by the United Fruit Company of Boston, MA. Her years in Cuba left her with a language skillset she would use her entire life in South Florida.

Betsy attended high school at St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, VA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Virginia and attended the Middlebury French School of Middlebury College in Vermont.

In 1951, Betsy visited West Palm Beach and never left. She fell in love with and married Ham Anthony of the pioneer Anthony family, founders of the Anthony Clothing Stores, the oldest business in West Palm Beach, established in 1895. She quickly embraced her new extended family, city, church, and her Prospect Park neighborhood. Betsy and Ham lived a full and happy life together, raising their four children.

Betsy Anthony never met a stranger. She was the ultimate hostess and seemed to be able to do it all. She loved gardening, entertaining, cooking, traveling, and conversing with others. She cherished her family and friends.

In 1954, Betsy and Ham began spending summers at Lake James in North Carolina. Betsy loved her summers in the NC mountains, and it was another place for her to cultivate lasting friendships, entertain, decorate, and grow flowers. Whatever she touched, she made more beautiful.

She proudly supported her husband when he ran for West Palm Beach City Commission by organizing his campaigns. He was elected and served two terms as Mayor (1972-73 and 1977-78).

Betsy was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. She was involved with numerous organizations over the years, including the Junior League of the Palm Beaches, the American Red Cross, the Society of the Four Arts, the Daughters of the American Revolution, PEO, Chapter BX, the Allamanda Garden Club of West Palm Beach, her Garden Club in Morganton, NC, The Tangerines Sewing Club, and the Sailfish Club of Palm Beach.

Betsy Anthony is survived by her four children: Bonni Anthony of Morganton, NC; M. Pope Anthony, Jr. (Adela Sanchez) of West Palm Beach; Archer Anthony Barry (Daniel, Jr.) of West Palm Beach; and Holden Anthony Davis (Tom) of West Palm Beach; and six grandchildren: Daniel Barry III (Christie) and Holden Barry (Jenna); Archer Davis Dudley (Henry) and Betsy Davis Absher (Josh); Kristin Anthony (Jeremy Sloane) and M. Pope Anthony III, and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 4:00 PM at the Gathering Place of the United Methodist Church, 900 Brandywine Road, WPB. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches in memory of Betsy Anthony, 900 Brandywine Road, WPB. 33409.