Monthly Archives: April 2016
Pickens’ Garrett signs to play soccer at SWU
PICKENS — Pickens High School senior Anna-Marie Garrett was all smiles recently as she accepted a scholarship to play soccer for Southern Wesleyan University.
Garrett said she’d played basketball when she was younger but decided to change it up.
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“I decided, ‘You know what? Senior year, let’s try something new,’” Garrett said.
Jason Evans/Courier
Anna-Marie Garrett signs with Southern Wesleyan as her parents Stephanie and Brian look on.
She plays goalkeeper for the Lady Blue Flame.
“I’ve really enjoyed it,” Garrett said of playing for Pickens. “It’s impacted my life a lot. It’s a good environment to be around. The girls are a big family. We get along really well, and we take care of each other. There’s a great coaching staff.”
The team is having a really good season so far, she said.
“We are winning,” Garrett said.
She said she liked Southern Wesleyan University’s emphasis on team-building.
“It’s a family,” Garrett said.
Pickens soccer coach Ashley Clay spoke about Garrett’s time on the team.
“This is her first year playing for us,” Clay said. “She came out and started practicing with us, (and) she was so into it. She was so excited about it.
“She’s taken a lot upon herself, just training outside of practice as well. She has improved so much already. She’s very quick. She’s very agile. She likes working with her teammates. She’s a very good team player. I’m impressed with her skills. She’s a very hard worker.”
Clay and her staff sent highlights of Garrett to Southern Wesleyan, and the college’s coaching staff spoke with Garrett as well.
“They’ve seen her play, and her skills spoke for themselves,” Clay said.
Garrett plans to major in criminal justice at Southern Wesleyan. She hopes to become an FBI agent.
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County Relay for Life aims to ‘Paint the Town Purple’
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — Easley officials recognized the efforts of Pickens County Relay for Life team members as they help to raise money that will fund the search for a cure for cancer.
Mayor Larry Bagwell recognized members of the Pickens County Relay for Life team during last week’s city council meeting. Bagwell signed a proclamation in conjunction with Relay for Life’s “Paint the Town Purple” awareness and fundraising campaign, declaring April as “Paint the Town Purple Month” in the City of Easley.
Jason Evans/Courier
Members of the Pickens County Relay for Life committee were on hand at last Monday night’s Easley City Council meeting as Mayor Larry Bagwell declared April “Paint the Town Purple” Month in the city.
Money raised during Paint the Town Purple campaign supports the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives and creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays, the proclamation states.
“We’re going to paint the county purple,” said Baptist Easley Hospital CEO Michael Batchelor, the Pickens County Relay for Life committee chairman.
The Pickens County team’s goal is to raise $75,000, he said.
“We’re going to raise over $100,000, I believe,” Batchelor said.
Historically, at this point in the campaign, the local effort has averaged about $8,000 in sponsorships, he said.
“Right now, we’re a little over $25,000 just in sponsorships,” Batchelor said.
In Pickens County alone, more than 700 new cancer patients are identified every year, he said.
Any community member can go into any Wells Fargo bank branch or drive-thru to donate to Pickens County Relay for Life through April 30.
“We’re going to achieve this goal,” Batchelor said.
The Pickens County Relay for Life walk will be held April 30 at Easley High School.
Batchelor is offering a personal incentive for the fundraising campaign.
“If we achieve that goal, I’m going to shave my head,” he said.
Councilman Chris Mann had a suggestion for Bagwell.
“I think if they reach that goal, you should shave your head, too,” Mann told the mayor.
Crenshaw seeks reelection to Pickens County Council
COUNTY – In announcing his reelection bid recently, Pickens County Council member Randy Crenshaw said he appreciates the opportunity the people of District 3 have given him to represent them for the past four years.
“It has been a privilege and honor to serve my community in this capacity,” Crenshaw said. “I ask you for your vote as I seek reelection in the upcoming June 14 Republican Primary.”
Crenshaw is a lifelong resident of Pickens County and has a vested interest in the future of Pickens County.
“I am retired from Blue Ridge Electric after 27 years,” he said. “My wife, Sandra, and I own a small cattle farm in the rural area of the county. I serve on the board of directors for the Pickens County Cattlemen’s Association, the Pickens County Farm Bureau and also the Clemson Extension Agency advisory board. I am a member of Mountain View Baptist Church, where I serve as deacon.”
While the area has gone through some difficult times during his time on council, such as the recession in 2008, when the state of South Carolina began making cuts to the funding going to local governments, Pickens County survived in excellent financial condition, according to Crenshaw.
“Pickens County has maintained a balanced budget for over 10 years without a tax increase or cuts in services,” he said. “We have the fifth-lowest taxes of 46 counties in South Carolina. Our county is solvent, and we maintain a healthy reserve. This was accomplished through sound conservative principals.”
Crenshaw said the county maintains 670 miles of county roads and 74 bridges “with a very effective and fair road paving program that we adopted.”
“I know there still some bad roads in Pickens County, but these are not county roads and are not covered by our road paving program,” he said.
Crenshaw said he is aware of the needs of the people in the district, such as high homeowners insurance premiums and better EMS services in the outlying rural areas.
“We also have a situation with serious overcrowding at the county jail,” he said. “County council is currently working to find solutions to these problems, and I will not be satisfied until it is done.”
Crenshaw knows economic development has been slow in recent years, but said he is happy to report that an announcement is upcoming concerning new job opportunities coming to Pickens County in the near future.
“There will be one announcement next week, with more to follow in the very near future. This is good news for everyone,” Crenshaw said.
Crenshaw is particularly proud of the rich heritage of Pickens County.
“Hagood Mill is extremely popular, with improvements being made regularly,” he said. “The South Carolina petroglyphs at Hagood Mill are an amazing piece of history and are a major attraction.”
Crenshaw said his plan is to keep working and fighting for the people in his district and all of Pickens County.
“It is for this reason I am seeking reelection,” he said. “I am asking for your continued trust and support. Please vote on June 14. If you have any questions for me concerning the county, I welcome your calls.”
Crenshaw can be reached at (864) 637-8143.
More than one way to skin a cat
We all have a left and right side of the brain. Or at least that’s what they tell us. The two sides of the brain communicate with each other but — and this is just a non-scientific opinion — not everybody’s brain sides communicate well.
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Now that the tax deadline has arrived and departed once more, I can think of no other particular situation that gives as fine an example of a brain at war with itself.
Some of us tend to be more visual than others, so a file cabinet can be particularly disturbing. We know that some people find file cabinets helpful because they file things in them in an order that makes perfect sense, at least to them, and then are able to remember the name of the file, where it is located in the cabinet and what it contains.
Allow me to say that this system doesn’t work for everyone as it is supposed to.
Some people are handicapped in that they view paperwork in a different way.
I’ve found that color works for me. That is, I have to have a basket on a counter or shelf that has a bright color that I can see.
For some of us, if something such as a folder is put away in a file cabinet out of sight, the brain thinks it has disappeared from the face of the earth because it is no longer visible.
It no longer exists, so therefore no more thought is given to this folder until the tax deadline rears its ugly head. That’s when a mad search begins, looking for the vital lost documents that are invisible to people suffering from this particular condition.
Many years ago, I worked as a bookkeeper for an insurance company. Part of the job included filing documents. This is when I used to have a recurring dream about pulling the file drawers open and removing all the folders, throwing them up in the air and watching them float down in complete disorder. Then, in the dream, I’d get a bottle of Coca Cola from the ice chest, shake it up thoroughly, pop the top and spray it all over the scattered papers.
It was a happy dream, as though a great celebration was occurring, and I always woke up in a state of jubilation.
It was as though I’d been freed from some form of slavery.
It was years before the realization hit me that just because I despised filing and regimentation didn’t mean I was a bad person. Just that that particular system didn’t work for me.
So I made up a system that does work for me. Also, I read a book loaned to me by a dear friend titled “Organizing for the Creative Person” that changed my life.
Each day when the mail comes, it no longer languishes on the counter. It is opened immediately while I stand next to the trash can, and the trash can is the recipient for most of it. Most of it doesn’t even have to be opened, just dumped.
This has cut clutter on the kitchen counter almost out. And it is probably the single greatest innovation introduced in our household since the beginning of time.
Keeping important papers in file folders, but not in a closed file cabinet has also been life-changing.
Anything with an open top or anything transparent works best. Just as long as it is clearly visible, everything works better for me.
So recognizing the problem and finding ways to work around it is possible for the non-regimented person. And it doesn’t mean the person is wrong, just that it is more effective for some people to approach filing in a different way. Or as Grandmama always said, “There is more than one way to skin a cat.”
Tax season has come and gone, and once more we’ve survived it more or less intact. And now we have a whole year before we have to do it again. Rejoice.
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Courier Letters to the Editor 4-20-16
Is the UN in charge of Pickens Co.?
Dear Editor,
My understanding was the Pickens County Comprehensive Plan was shelved and was not ever approved. But yet the county council is getting ready to amend it. Pickens County Taxpayers Association and Conservatives of the Upstate members vehemently opposed the comprehensive plan several years ago, as it is a danger to the Pickens County citizenry’s rights.
By amending this supposedly “shelved” plan … does this make it valid now?
Both PCTA and COTU have spoken numerous times on our disapproval of any comprehensive plan that weakens the citizenry’s rights, especially in the area of property rights. There was objectionable language in the plan that we brought attention to several years ago.
The council members are our only defense against this United Nations Agenda 21 of developing “comprehensive plans.” By passing this amendment, I am assuming the plan now is being taken off the shelf and given teeth.
I oppose taking this comprehensive plan off the shelf, along with Conservatives of the Upstate members. We were assured it didn’t have any teeth and just sat on a shelf.
Council’s No. 1 priority should be protecting the Pickens citizenry’s rights — and I truly understand the safety issue of the coal ash. But by amending the plan, I fear this gives the “shelved” plan teeth for misuse by other forces, such as HUD and the EPA, as well as non-governmental groups like Ten at the Top and Upstate Forever, etc … to have ammo to further their agenda.
Sustainable development encompasses every aspect of our lives, and its goal is social equity. It is a political movement to replace capitalism with government control of EVERYTHING! It is a relentless attack on property rights and freedom.
Please ask our council to be vigilant on what they are about to do by opening the door to this document by amending it. Taking it off the shelf gives it new life. The United Nations, EPA and HUD are watching, I am sure, to gain footholds wherever they can.
Are we not sovereign? Do we truly want to open the door to the United Nations dictating the guidelines of what we can grow, eat, where we can live, the method of transportation we use to get to work, what jobs we can have, how many children we can have and what kind of education our children can have?
Johnnelle Raines
Pickens
A letter to America
Dear Editor,
America continues to deny God and the word of God. These haters of God continue to deny the historical fact that America was founded by people who believed in the Living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The God who said that in the beginning He created the Heavens and the Earth and later created everything in them and that He did it for his pleasure.
Each colony was founded by a different Christian denomination. Generally, a whole church congregation left their home country and shipped to what is now our America, as a church/unit. Each colony established its church denomination as that colony’s church, and taxed the residents to support it. This practice continued even after the colonies became states.
When the U.S. Constitution was approved, the colonies believed in the sovereignty of God Almighty over all. Because of that, most colonies specified, in their approval, that all those appointed or voted to serve in America’s three branches of government be professed Christians who knew God, and God’s word contained in the Holy Bible, both the Old and the New Testament.
Unfortunately, we now send some people to all three branches of our government who have no idea about God or what His commandments to man are. They have twisted God’s word, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and its subsequent amendments so that everything goes.
So yes, history does show that America was founded as a Christian nation under God. And yes, one of the Founding Fathers was a deist (one who believes God created Heaven and Earth but then left it entirely up to man). But Benjamin Franklin’s mistake only shows how smart educated people can be ignorant of God’s biblical history, which clearly shows God had an active hand and is still playing a part in this world.
But the important thing to know is that God will punish and destroy the wicked, most of mankind, because they rejected His plan of salvation, which He offered through the blood of Christ. How soon, only God knows!
Manuel Ybarra Jr.
Coalgate, Okla.
Courier Obituaries 4-20-16
Doris Cassell Durham
Pickens — Doris Cassell Durham, 82, wife of the late Bill Gravely Durham, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Durham was born in Pickens County, the daughter of the late Dora Mae Chapman Cassell and James Denton Cassell.
Mrs. Durham graduated from Anderson Junior College and Furman University. She retired from the Pickens County Department of Social Services after 30 years and was a member of Pickens First Baptist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Becky Durham Pearson (Jeff) of Seneca; one son, Danny Durham of Pickens; and two grandchildren, Hayley and Hunter Pearson of Seneca.
A private committal service was held April 14.
Mrs. Durham was predeceased by her husband, parents, one sister, Louise Cassell Watson (Grady), and one brother, Huey Cassell (Julia).
Memorials may be made to Cottingham Hospice House, 390 Keowee Road, Seneca, SC 29672. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Durham family.
Larry Branford Moody
Easley — Larry Branford Moody, 74, of Easley, passed peacefully with his family by his side April 10, 2016, and was the husband to Jean “Sheena” Dickson Moody before her passing in 2013.
He was born in Dillon to the late Avery Tapley Moody and Elma (Moody) Moody.
He was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran. Larry worked for 32 years for Hospital Receivable Service for Palmetto Health Baptist Medical Center in Columbia before retiring.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Robert Corley, and brother, A.T. Moody Jr.
Survivors include his daughters, Karen M. Corley of Easley and Kelly M. Terrapin of Carrollton, Texas; brother, Michael Moody (Jenny) of Dillon; sisters, Joann Lee (Don) of LaGrange, Ga., and Trudy Moore (Fred) of Columbia; and grandchildren, Katelyn Corley and Kristen Corley, both of Easley.
Funeral services were held April 16 at Robinson Funeral Home, Powdersville with burial following in Robinson Memorial Gardens in Easley.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home Powdersville, which is assisting the family.
Matthew L. Cox
Lexington — Matthew Lee Cox, 39, formerly of Easley, passed away Monday, April 11, 2016, at his home.
Born in Tallassee, Ala., the son of David Michael and Susan Talley Cox, Mr. Cox earned his Master’s degree from the University of South Carolina and was a music teacher with the Lexington County School District at Oak Grove Elementary. He was a member of Geer Memorial Baptist Church in Easley.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are two sisters, Melissa Cox Jones (Bill) of Anderson and Jessica Adair Hagler (Bill) of Alabama; his grandmother, Jane Talley of Easley; four nephews, David and Zachary Jones and Cole and Cody Hagler; a niece, Brielle Jones; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services were held April 17 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following in Robinson Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Jo Anne Smith Fox
Easley — Jo Anne Smith Fox, 78, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville.
Born in Pickens County, the daughter of the late Fletcher Porter Smith and the late Sallie Mae Duncan Smith, Jo Anne was the broker/owner of Barnes and Tripp Real Estate. She has been a leader in the real estate industry, serving her community locally and statewide for 40 years. Jo Anne served on numerous boards, including the Baptist Easley Hospital Foundation Board. She was a member of Easley Presbyterian Church.
Surviving are two daughters, Cindy Fox Miller (Scott) of Easley and Libbi Fox Wigington (Ben) of Piedmont; and two grandchildren, Bo Wigington and Sallie Wigington. In addition to her parents, Jo Anne was predeceased by her husband, Ben Severe Fox.
Funeral services were held April 15 at Easley Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Dr. Bill Seel and Rev. Christie Gravely officiating and burial following in Robinson Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Gerry Miller, Margaret Barr, Joni Wood and Tina Edwards for the love and care they provided for Jo Anne.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easley Presbyterian Church, 200 S. 1st. Street, Easley, SC 29640, or to the McCall Hospice House, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Jackie Junior Cobb
Easley — Jackie Junior Cobb, 73, husband of Frances Meece Cobb, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, April 12, 2016.
Mr. Cobb was born in Mountain Rest, the son of the late Daisy Ethel Wilbanks Cobb and Bry Luther Cobb.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years; two sons, Randall “Randy” Cobb (Sherry) of Salem and Chet Cobb of Easley; two sisters, Myrtle Fowler of Walhalla and Lillie Smith (Harold) of West Union; three grandchildren, Jessica Cobb of Salem, Wade Cobb of Salem and Bryson Cobb of Easley; and Jasper, his fuzzy little four-legged son.
Mr. Cobb was predeceased by his brothers Robert Cobb, Bill Cobb and Melvin Cobb.
Services were held April 16 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial and Gardens. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Cobb Family.
Michael Joe Smith
Seneca — Michael Joe Smith, 33, went to be with our Lord and Savior on April 11, 2016, due to unexpected complications from epilepsy.
Born Nov. 12, 1982, in Greenville, Michael always lived in the Upstate and was currently residing with his father in Seneca. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. Michael loved hiking to waterfalls, fishing on Lake Hartwell, kayaking, horticulture, music and all of nature. He was a kind and humble man who never met a stranger. He was witty with a great sense of humor and appreciated the little things in life. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Michael is survived by his mother, Dena Fouty Brown (Scott) of Sunset; his father, Joe Smith (Sandra) of Seneca; paternal grandfather, Frank Smith of Seneca; siblings, Jett Galloway (Justin) of Six Mile, Jade Fahmawi (Amjad) of Easley and Zeke Smith of Charlotte, N.C.; girlfriend and soulmate Kristin Roper of Pendleton; nieces Emily, Natalie, Sumiyah, Chloe and Ivannal nephew, Ghassan; and his beloved pit bull and constant companion, Janie.
The family is planning a private memorial for Michael at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please send tax-deductible donations to A.D.O.P.T. (All Dogs of Pickens Transport) P.O. Box 202 Liberty, SC 29657.
Patsy Ann Southerland Hart
Easley — Mrs. Patsy Ann Southerland Hart, 76, of 701 Crestview Road, Easley, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2016, at her residence surrounded by her loving family, her cat Tigger, and her dog, Daisy Mae.
Mrs. Hart was born in Greenville on July 23, 1939, to the late James Furman Sr. and Lucille Louise Craigo Southerland. She spent her life as a homemaker taking care of her family. She loved her flowers, fishing, gardening, and camping. She was an avid Clemson and NASCAR fan, especially for her driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Mrs. Hart was a member of Woodside Church of God for more than 20 years.
Mrs. Hart is survived by a son, Robert Hamlett Jr. (Kim) of Easley; a daughter, Carol Boerin (Mark D. Stewart) of Myrtle Beach; a brother, James Calvin Southerland (Carolyn) of Greenville; and a sister, Wanda Faye Webb (Al) of Greenville. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Colby Hamlett and Sara Boerin; and two great-grandchildren, Carley Hamlett and Tyler Newman.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Jean Boyter.
Funeral Services were April 18 in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road, with David Page and Bishop Purvis officiating. Interment followed at Robinson Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Interim Hospice, 810 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Bobbie T. Humphreys
Central — Bobbie Thomas Humphreys, 78, widow of Johnny Humphreys, died Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late Evelyn Duncan Thomas and her stepfather, Robert Thomas. She was a graduate of Central High School and a retired employee with Central Textiles. Bobbie was a member of Central Church of God.
Surviving are two daughters, Tammy (Darron) Woods of York and Angela (Robbie) Brewer of Pickens; brother, Gary Thomas of Central; sister, Shirley Martin of Central; grandchildren, T.J. Harris, Jerry Harrison, Callen Harrison, Kendall Harrison and Robert Rush; and seven great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held April 16 at Memory Gardens in Clemson, with Rev. Roger Nix officiating.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.
Murray Davis
Pickens — Henry Murray Davis III, 70, of Pickens, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 15, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital.
Born in Greenville, he was a son of the late Henry Murray Jr. and Juanita Williamson Davis.
He was a sales representative for Southern Design in Spartanburg and was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens, where he was a member of the praise band. He enjoyed photography and music.
Surviving are his wife, Melanie B. Davis of the home; three daughters, Robin Blackburn (Scott) of Simpsonville, Michelle Whitelock (Daren) of Simpsonville and Tammy Galloway (Jamie) of Gray Court; a son, Rev. Todd Davis (Cara) of Surfside; a sister, Debbie Davis Hedrick (Doug) of Greenville; and nine grandchildren.
Memorial services to honor the life of Mr. Davis were conducted April 18 at Grace United Methodist Church. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Jean Isler
Liberty — Ruby Jean Tipton Isler, 75, of 410 Mills Ave., died Friday at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Easley, she was the widow of Lawrence Calhoun “Box” Isler and the daughter of the late Cecil and Ruby Robinson Tipton. She was a homemaker and a member of Eastside Baptist Church.
Surviving are a brother, Buddy Tipton of Easley, and a sister-in-law, Florence Gillespie of Liberty.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a son, Mark Isler.
Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. Isler were held April 19 at Liberty Memorial Gardens, with Dr. Tim Harris officiating.
Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements. www.libertymortuary.com
Jaymes “Jay” Rae Brazeale Sr.
Easley — Jaymes “Jay” Rae Brazeale Sr., 59, of Easley, and the husband of Candice Joy Beane Brazeale, passed Tuesday, April 12, 2016, surrounded by his family.
Jay was born in Greenville to Martha A. Bailey Brazeale and the late Ray E. Brazeale.
He was a mechanical designer and was an accomplished portrait artist, enjoyed music, soccer, NASCAR and the Atlanta Braves.
In addition to his wife of 25 years, Jay is survived by his sons, Curtis “Chad” White of Greenville and Jaymes “Rae” Brazeale Jr. of Easley; grandchildren, Haley White and Colin White of Greenville; brothers, Ricky Brazeale (Karola) of Wesley Chapel, Fla., and Darryl Brazeale (Krista) of Leesburg, Ga.; sisters, Faye Avera (Jerald) of Georgetown, Ga., Kaye Tyson (Sonny) of Norcross, N.C., and Renee Brazeale of Camilla, Ga.; special friends, Art Monk, Ben Billings and Jimmy Tomlinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held May 21 at 1 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home, 2441 Highway 37 West, Moultrie, Ga., with family receiving friends immediately after the service at the funeral home.
Family has requested donations be made directly to Blue Ridge Hospice, 105 Lovett Drive, Greenville, SC 29607.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Anne “Pug” Christine Holbrook Wynne
Greenville — Anne “Pug” Christine Holbrook Wynne, 87, of Greenville, passed April 13, 2016, with her husband, Dr. Morgan D. Wynne Jr., MD, and her family by her side.
Born in August, Ga., to the late Grover Elijah Holbrook and Mamie Shiflet Holbrook, Pug was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Warner Robins, Ga., for more than 40 years before moving to South Carolina. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Easley since 2006. Pug was a member for 36 years in the Sweet Adelines International organization of women singers, was a member for more than 13 years of the Sophisticats Quartet, and enjoyed painting and attending Georgia Bulldogs football games with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Drukell Holbrook, and sister, Mary Pentecost.
Pug married the love of her life April 28, 1956, and they continued to be the foundation for each other for 59 years together. They were planning a celebration for their 60th anniversary later this month.
In addition to her husband, Pug is survived by her children, Kim Wynne of El Paso, Texas, Kevin Wynne (Tasha) of Easley, Kip Wynne (Kris) of Simpsonville and Karyn Criswell (Todd) of Greer; brother, Clark Holbrook of Easley; grandchildren, Kenzie Wynne, Dru Wynne, Katy Wynn and Jacob Criswell; quartet members, her Sophisticats sisters; nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Funeral services were held April 16 at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Rodney Powell officiating and burial following in Robinson Memorial Gardens in Easley. The family wishes to express a special thanks to the Woodlands Arboretum Staff and to the Interim Hospice Staff.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to First United Methodist Church or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 110 Mesa Park Suite 250 El Paso, TX 79912, in Pug’s memory.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
John C. Richardson
Clemson — John Coakley Richardson of Clemson, husband of Mary Martha Blackmon Richardson, died on April 14, 2016.
He was born in Big Spring, Ky., to John Thomas and Ann Mary Coakley Richardson.
John graduated from Titusville High School in Florida and Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky. He earned his doctorate in special education from the University of Kentucky, writing his dissertation on the effects of desegregation in schools. John was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor awarded by the state of South Carolina, for his work in rural schools and work with children with special needs. While at Clemson University, John was a member of Clemson United Methodist Church and a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
He served two years active duty in the U.S. Army and another 18 years in the U.S. Army Reserves.
John taught industrial arts at Eau Gallie Junior High School in Florida and taught and coached football and women’s basketball at Lamar High School. He was principal of Lamar Elementary and worked at the Pee Dee Education Center in Florence. He taught at Coker College and finished his 36-year teaching career as a professor of special education at Clemson University.
He was a certified school psychologist and provided educational testing across the state of South Carolina, at the Meyer Center for Special Children and at the Greenville Health System Neo-natal Intensive Care and Follow-up Unit.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Mary Martha Blackmon Richardson; two daughters, Martha Kaye Rick (Ron) of Charlotte, N.C., and Sarah Ann Turpin (Tom) of Clemson; one son, Robert (Bob) Richardson (Beth) of Harrisonburg, Va.; sister, Rosemary Johnson of Huntington Beach, Calif.; brother, Bob Richardson of Vero Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Andrew Skelton, Olivia Rick, John Thomas and Will Turpin, Sykes and Abby Richardson; and eight nieces/nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, at Clemson United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends after the service in the fellowship hall.
Memorials may be made to Clemson United Methodist Church, PO Box 590, Clemson, SC 29631 or to the John C. Richardson Scholarship Fund at Clemson University, PO Box 1889, Clemson SC 29633-9972.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central.
‘Guffaws for Paws II’ fundraiser planned for Thursday at Appalachian Ale House
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — It’ll be an evening of hilarity benefitting charity Thursday night at the Appalachian Ale House in Pickens, as a group of comedians step up to the mic to help animals in need of a forever home.
Adams
Author and comedian Carrie Adams was giving a talk at a local library last year. Afterward, she and librarian Jennifer Kolesar realized their shared love of helping animals. Kolesar is a big supporter of the Pickens County Humane Society and other animal rescue efforts.
“I told her ‘If you ever want do to a benefit, let me know,’” Adams said. “I love to give back.”
That led to the first comedy benefit show for the Pickens County Humane Society, held in January at the Appalachian Ale House.
Guffaws for Paws was a big success, drawing a packed house and raising nearly $600.
“It exceeded Jennifer’s expectations and the shelter’s expectations, and they really need it,” Adams said.
Adams hosted the first benefit and will be hosting the sequel show as well.
“I was really pleased by what an awesome audience that was,” Adams said. “Every audience has its own character. Every comic’s dream is to have an audience like that.
Guffaws for Paws II will be held at 8 p.m. this Thursday, April 21, at Appalachian Ale House. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10.
“We have all new comics this time,” Adams said. “We have really awesome comics. I know it’s going to be a fabulous show.”
Clifton Hall will be performing first. An Asheville comic, Hall is “a really funny guy,” Adams said.
“He has a ton of material about pets,” Adams said. “About 90 percent of his material is about his dog.”
Craig Holcombe is a member of No Expectations Comedy in Greenville.
“He does an improvisational style of comedy,” Adams said. “Every set is different. Expected the unexpected with Craig — he’s wild.”
Headliner Tom Emmons is a familiar face in the Greenville comedy scene. He’s the host at the Comedy Zone in Greenville.
“He’s performed at a lot of the best comedy festivals across the country,” Adams said. “I’m excited to have two professionals and a very awesome local comic.”
Originally from Seattle, Adams attended the University of Southern California Film School and worked in the entertainment industry for a time.
Her first novel, “Ruthless,” was published last year.
She’s been doing stand up-comedy for three years. She enjoys performing and producing comedy shows.
“Writing novels is hard,” Adams said. “It really takes a force of will. Comedy is like breathing to me.”
The comedy fundraisers are a natural fit for Adams.
“My background with animal rescue goes way back,” she said. “I don’t want to say that I like animals more than I like people, but I totally like animals more than I like people.”
She currently has four cats, two dogs and horse.
“All of those animals except for one are rescue animals,” Adams said.
She hasn’t yet visited the Pickens County Humane Society for one important reason.
“I’d leave with like seven animals,” Adams said. “I don’t think I should ever go there. I don’t think I would handle it well. I want to help them a lot, but getting hands-on with it would be a little rough for me.”
Gamble
The Pickens County Humane Society, located at 500 Five Forks Road in Liberty, was established in 1942, according to director Samantha Gamble. But its existence is still a surprise to many.
“A lot of people don’t know we’re here,” Gamble said.
People often think the organization is a department of Pickens County government, which is not the case, she said.
Although the county does allocate $70,000 to the Humane Society annual, it does not run the facility.
“We are a nonprofit,” she said. “If we didn’t receive the $70,000 that we receive from (the county), we would have to close our doors. We don’t have enough community support.”
The society’s operation costs are about $210,000 a year. More support from local government and the community is essential, as the facility has been forced to dip into its savings more and more.
“Eventually the funding is going to run out,” Gamble said.
The Pickens County Humane Society is the only such organization within the region that is only an adoption facility. It does not operate its own spay or neuter clinic, partnering with local vets for those services.
“They do discount the costs,” Gamble said, adding that the society incurs other costs, such as shots and food, for each animal it adopts out.
The Humane Society’s adoption fee is $85. While some people think that’s a steep price, Gamble says other agencies adopt animals on a sliding fee scale depending on the animal or are able to offer lower prices because they are completely government-operated.
Her facility just charges that flat $85 fee for any animal.
“We cannot reduce that fee because we work with our local veterinarians,” Gamble said. “We lose money on every adoption. Our animals are not spayed and neutered until they are adopted, because we can’t afford to do otherwise. That adoption fee pays for those services.”
The Humane Society is the only adoption facility in Pickens County.
“Animal Control is not an adoption facility,” Gamble said.
The number of animals the Humane Society sees in a year ranges between 1,000 and 2,000 animals, Gamble said.
“We generally stay at full capacity, which is generally about 120 animals at a time,” Gamble said.
The Greenville County Humane Society often pulls animals from the Pickens County Society.
“We’re very thankful for them, because if they didn’t pull those animals from us, we wouldn’t be able to accept animals in, because we would stay full, because we just don’t have that traffic that comes through to us,” Gamble said.
The facility has a lot of out-of-state adoptions as well, she said.
The society is not restrictive about the animals it takes in.
“The only thing we won’t take in is knowingly vicious animals, animals that have bitten people,” Gamble said. “(We also don’t accept) pit bulls and pit bull mixes, just because our facility isn’t equipped to handle them.”
The Society recently renovated its kennel area. A future goal is a Cat Cottage, which will move its feline population into a new space, further away from the dogs. That renovation is estimated to cost another $30,000.
The Humane Society is a low-kill facility.
“We only euthanize if we need to — it usually comes down to a health issue,” Gamble said. “We never euthanized for length of stay here — it’s always something else that contributes to that. We do our best to move them out to other rescues, other Humane Societies, anything we can do to rescue that animal, get that animal in a forever home.”
During the comedy show, donations of items for the Humane Society will also be accepted.
“If people want to bring pet beds or blankets or pet food, all of that will be gratefully accepted,” Adams said.
Donating items is a great way to help the Humane Society.
“Every time we get something donated to us is one less thing that we have to pay for — we can put that money toward something else,” Gamble said.
Puppy food and kitten foods are needed, as well as cleansers including bleach, aerosol, Lysol and Pine Sol.
“Cat litter is a big thing,” Gamble said.
Cleaning supplies needed include sponges, dish gloves, paper towels, mops, mop heads and brooms. Office supplies are always appreciated as well, Gamble said.
“Anything you would have in a house or a business as far as office supplies and cleaning supplies are concerned,” she said.
Cedar shavings for the outside kennels are needed.
A tip jar will also be on hand at the comedy show for those wanting to make separate monetary donations to the society.
The society’s third annual golf tournament will be held at the Pickens Country Club on Aug. 6. It is the biggest fundraiser for the Humane Society.
Fundraisers are a big help to the facility. Gamble said year-round support from the community is key.
“We’ve never gotten to the point where we’re able to sustain ourselves, and that’s something we would love to be able to do,” she said.
Gamble said everyone at the Humane Society wants it to be “a prominent member of the community and something that everybody can get behind and support.”
“We want to be able to take more animals in and have more adoptions and save more animals,” she said.
Visit the Humane Society at pickenscountyhumanesociety.com or call (864) 843-9693.
New Appalachian Evening Music Program enrollment now underway for spring session
COUNTY — Would you like to learn how to play the guitar, banjo, fiddle or mandolin? Enrollment is now underway. The spring session will begin the week of Monday, May 2 at various locations.
The enrollment period is open now and will run through Thursday, May 5. This program is open to students from 3rd grade through adults of all ages. It is designed to teach students to play Appalachian music with the guitar, banjo, fiddle or mandolin. The cost is $60 for a six-week session and $25 for instrument rental, if needed.
Anyone interested in signing up for this new session should contact one of the following program directors:
Easley: Tuesday nights at the First Baptist Church. Contact: Susan Ware-Snow, 864-979-9188 or susu9196@gmail.com
Pickens: Monday and Thursday nights at the Pickens Community Center. Contact: Steve McGaha, 864-283-4871 or blindpunkin54@yahoo.com.
Six Mile: Monday nights. Contact: Jan Nations, 864-608-3171 or jhnations64@aol.com
Greenville (new location): Thursday nights at Trinity UMC (2703 Augusta St.). Contact: Susan Ware-Snow, 864-979-9188 or susu9196@gmail.com.
Salem: Monday nights at the Blue Ridge Mountain Cloggers Studio. Contact: Sharon Payne, 864-888-7916 or kendallsharon@bellsouth.net.
Walhalla: Various nights at the Oconee Heritage Center. Contact: Jennifer Moss, 864-638-2224 or moss@oconee@heritagecenter.org.
The Evening Music Program is sponsored by Preserving Our Southern Appalachian Music Inc. (POSAM), a charitable non-profit organization. For more information on the Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM) program, visit www.YAMupstate.com, Facebook: “YAM (Young Appalachian Musicians),” or contact Betty McDaniel (director) at (864) 878-4257 or mcdanibw1@gmail.com.
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Enrapt returns with production of ‘The Crucible’ April 28 – May 1
The cast of ‘The Crucible’ performed scenes during the Pickens Azalea Festival on Saturday. The play is set to open April 28.
PICKENS — Enrapt is back with another exciting production. The group is excited to invite all to Enrapt’s production of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” directed by Enrapt founder and artistic director, Breann Griffin Nicholson.
“The Crucible,” based on the Salem witch trials, will be produced on April 28, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. and May 1 at 3 p.m. at the Pickens City Ampitheater behind Enrapt (118 W. Main St. Pickens).
The event will be free admission, but donations are greatly appreciated. Concessions will be sold. Come out, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and be ready to be immersed in the fascinating story of The Crucible. Please keep in mind that because of the nature of the content in “The Crucible,” some parts may not be suitable for children under 12.
Located on Main Street in Pickens, Enrapt is a place that provides cultural entertainment in the forms of live theatre and supporting art communities through classes and productions. It is a place where everyone can feel at home to create and be inspired. Enrapt is a place that is not only recreating history, but, also, creating the future of the arts in Pickens.
