Betty Holland Dye

Betty Holland Dye, 88, passed away peacefully in her home with her family and her cat she adored, on October 30th, 2022. She was born to Elton and Mary Alice Holland in 1934. She is preceded in death by her husband and son, Page, and David Dye.
Survivors include siblings COL David Holland and Cary Wing, nephews COL Stuart Taylor, James Taylor, J.T. Taylor, Jackson Taylor, niece Teresa Taylor, and Jill Tewksbury, a special, beloved, and integral part of the family. She also leaves behind her animal children, Hey-You, Sonny, and Splash and many friends whom she cherished and who will miss her dearly.
A native of Williamsburg Virginia, Betty attended Matthew Whaley School, James Madison College, RPI (now VCU) and William and Mary. She then spent the next 30 years teaching and bringing her love of nature into her classroom. Her creative flare for the arts and her passion to teach created lasting memories for the life of each student.
Despite all the challenges, and against the advice of her family and friends, nothing stopped her from pursuing her dreams of owning a horse farm. Strong willed and determined, in 1967 while teaching full time, Betty purchased a run-down farm, in Lightfoot, Virginia, and proudly called it her own, Cedar Valley Farm (CVF).
In 1997, due to community development, Betty and Page moved to their new farm. The old farm is now the home of Lowes and The Shops at Cedar Valley. Cedar Valley’s current location in Toano, Virginia, has been the host to the William and Mary Equestrian Team, the James City County CVF 4-H and numerous FRHSA, and CHSA horse shows. Betty took much pleasure in raising quality ponies and providing children the opportunity to ride. Many of these ponies and riders went on to become State Champions. She also raised many children, who were not her own, and gave them an opportunity to experience her love for nature, the environment, and animals.
Betty’s one-of-a-kind personality and generosity has impacted the lives of many, and she will forever be missed and remembered. She is truly a pillar of the community and an inspiration to all.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on November 27th, 2022, at CVF. For planning purposes, please call 757-566-2218 and leave your name and the number of people attending by 11/16/2022. See Cedar Valley Farm’s Facebook page for more information as we approach the event. The family looks forward to seeing you and celebrating the wonderful life of Betty Dye.
Betty requested that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to Dream Catchers or to the James City Bruton Volunteer Fire Department.