Bethany Ellen Dollar, 56, of Valdosta, died on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at South Georgia Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Born in Valdosta on January 14, 1970, she grew up here in Valdosta, learning ballet at an early age, dancing as Clara in the Nutcracker. She graduated from Valdosta High School in 1988. She went on to graduate from Valdosta State University, with her Bachelor of Sociology and her Master’s degree in Social Work. Bethany then qualified for her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) status and over the years worked at Greenleaf and later at Valdosta Psychiatric & Counseling Service. For the last several years, she has worked as a private, independent counselor for many people. Her favorite pastimes were caring for her cats and spending time at the beach when she could. She also enjoyed listening to music, but writing, both professionally and personally, was her real passion.

Bethany is survived by her mother, Claire R. Dollar of Valdosta, her uncle Bo (& Judy Daugharty) Royal of Lakeland, two aunts and an uncle, Shirley Townsend of Valdosta, Beverly & Jerry Smith of Atlanta and an uncle Stanley Luke. She is also survived by a stepbrother, Christopher Dollar of San Diego and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Larry Dollar, and her grandparents, Mary Ellen & Harmon Royal and Robert & Bertha Dollar.

A memorial service for Bethany will be held at 5 pm on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home. Pastor Stanley Luke will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the chapel from 4 pm until 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Valdosta, at www.humanesocietyofvaldosta.org. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home