Bethune’s new mayor, LaDonna Brown, a Bethune native who grew up in the town, was sworn into office in December, beginning her four-year term.
Brown, a longtime healthcare professional, brings more than 25 years of experience as a surgical nurse assistant to the role. Much of her career was spent at MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center, followed by several years as a traveling surgical assistant working across the Southeast and as far away as Alaska and Seattle.
Two years ago, Brown returned home, citing family ties and a desire to invest her time and energy in the community she came from. She said she is wholeheartedly committed to serving Bethune and its residents as the new mayor.
“This isn’t something you can do halfway,” Brown said. “If you’re going to serve as mayor, you need to be here, listening and present.”
Brown said her decision to run came after years of conversations about what the town needed. Rather than continuing those discussions from the sidelines, she decided to step forward.
During her campaign, Brown focused on listening rather than traditional campaigning. She said residents shared concerns about past challenges, unmet needs and hopes for the town’s future.
“I learn more by letting people talk,” she said. “People want to be heard, and they want to feel like they have a stake in where their town is going.”
As mayor, Brown said she wants residents to feel a sense of ownership in Bethune. She emphasized the importance of involving people of all ages and backgrounds, including those who live in town as well as those who maintain ties to the community.
One area of interest for Brown is the town’s former elementary school, now used as a community center. She said she is exploring ways the space could better serve residents while also supporting the town financially. She also stressed the need to balance services for Bethune’s older residents with opportunities for children and younger families.
“You have to take care of your elderly community,” Brown said. “But if you want a town to grow, you also have to create things for families and kids.”
Brown said she plans to remain accessible to residents and encourages people to reach out with ideas, concerns or suggestions. She believes collaboration and openness will be key to Bethune’s progress over the next four years.
“We all see things from different points of view,” she said. “Some of the best ideas come from those conversations.” Brown can be reached at 803-243-2746 or bethunemayor@shtc.net
Brown was sworn in Dec. 11, 2025 following the November municipal election.
Photo: Mayor Ladonna Brown being sworn in as mayor of Bethune by Judge Clay Carruth. Holding the bible is her mother, Diane Graham.
