Bessie "Bett" Anderson Kofinas

January 27, 2025
CHARLOTTE – Bessie “Bett” Anderson Kofinas lived her long life with a passion for family, community, and service. Born in Philadelphia in 1921, at the age of 7 she moved to Charlotte. During the Great Depression, her father passed away leaving the family to struggle after this tragic loss. With the help of generous members of the Greek community, they thrived to make successful lives, while retaining a close family connection.
Bett spent the rest of her life in Charlotte. She attended Dilworth Elementary, AG Jr. High, and Central High School. After graduation, she attended Spencer Business College and later worked at the Federal Reserve Bank. After marrying Kosmas (Tommy) Kofinas in 1947, she worked at the family business, Kofinas Snack Bar, which became a downtown institution, welcoming customers with her special charm.
Bett had a love for reading, writing, and learning, and at a young age, embarked on a lifetime of volunteerism. She was a devout member of the community of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. She was a member of the church choir for 25 years, taught at the church’s Greek School, worked tirelessly preparing Greek pastries for bake sales and festivals, and performed and even starred in community operettas. She served as President of the local chapter of Daughters of Penelope, and for decades was part of the leadership of the local Philoptochos chapter, the Church’s women’s charitable organization. She also served as President of the Philoptochos Society of the Holy Metropolis of Atlanta and on its National Board for four years. She received the Archangel Michael Award for her service in the Church. In these roles she introduced the importance of extending the Church’s fundraising efforts into the greater Charlotte charitable community, and was the catalyst in forming a partnership between Holy Trinity and the Samaritan’s Purse. She also served as a board member of the local YMCA, President of the Lansdowne Garden Club, and worked with the PTA, local Mental Health Center, and the Red Cross.
Bett’s love and devotion as the mother of two sons imparted values in community, service, and education. With mental acuity and memory that remained sharp till her passing, she stayed engaged and active physically, intellectually, and socially throughout her senior years. Bett’s life stands as an inspiration on how caring for others, persistent efforts, and leadership can be a positive force in a troubled world.
Bett’s death was preceded by her husband, Kosmas, in 2002. She is survived by her sons, Gary and Fr. Steve; daughter-in-law, Georgia; granddaughter, Vasiliki and husband Marios Farazis; and great granddaughter, Christina.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/201751 for those unable to attend in person.
The family asks in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the “Altar Fund” of Holy Trinity, which helps the needy. Donations can be made at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral website, indicating “Altar Fund” at https://htgo.org/give-now/. Checks can be mailed to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
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