HOWARD LEE SPIVEY

LIBERTY — Howard Lee Spivey, 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020.

Mr. Spivey was born in Polk County, N.C., and was the son of the late Oberian Spivey and Pearlie Searcy Spivey and loving husband for 60 years to Avis Wall Spivey.

Mr. Spivey was of the Baptist faith and attended when he could Potters Clay Fellowship. He was a lover of all animals. He carried dog and cat food with him always, just to feed the strays. He would say that taking care of the strays was what led him to be successful. His first job was with Reeves Constructions, and that brought him to this area. He moved on to being a business owner with a convenience store. He loved working with heavy equipment, and that led to him starting his mobile home park and being a successful business man. He loved fishing, playing cards with friends and, most of all, his prized chickens.

Survivors include a daughter, Sheila Spivey, her fiancée, Donnie Smith from Liberty and Donnie’s children, Jessica Irvin, Matthew Smith and Justin Smith and a grandchild, Case. Also surviving are brothers, Detroy Spivey of Inman and Junior Spivey (Nelda) of Inman; sisters, Syble Patterson (Larry) of Pickens and Marie Pruitt of Campobello; 10 loving nieces; and nine loving nephews.

Mr. Spivey was predeceased by five brothers, Wallace Spivey, Oren James Spivey, Joe Spivey, Luther Spivey and Paul Spivey.

A chapel service was held at Dillard Funeral Home on Sept. 26.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local humane society of choice.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Spivey Family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

GEORGIA S. CHAPMAN

SUNSET — Georgia Chapman, 79, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, in the loving company of her family.

Mrs. Chapman was married to the late Gene Chapman for 51 years. In the early ‘80s, Georgia and Gene felt they needed to repair and save the historic McKinney Chapel, which was on the verge of falling apart. Using their own resources, and the help and money of many volunteers throughout the years, the chapel has been restored and the cemetery has been maintained. The beautiful chapel is now a living part of many people’s lives.

Georgia also dedicated her time and energy to the annual Christmas program. She hosted 37 pageants, and as she has said, “the kids are grown with kids, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.” The pageants created happy memories for many.

Survivors include two daughters, Gail Edwards (Bill) of Sunset and Gena Gibson (Scott) of Powdersville; one daughter-in-law, Doris Chapman; one sister, June Rozar (Rick) of Quitman, Miss.; nine grandchildren, Billy Edwards (Ashley), Matt Edwards (April), Brad Edwards, Travis Edwards (Brooke), Amanda Thompson (Jonathan), Zachary Gibson (Jessica), Justin Gibson, Wesley Chapman and Bailey Chapman; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Chapman was predeceased by her husband, Gene Chapman; parents, Inez Crowe Smith and William Mack Smith; son, John Chapman; great-granddaughter, Melissa Anne Thompson; two sisters, Jackie Green and Maxine Frick; and one brother, Liston Smith.

Graveside services were held on Sept. 24 at the McKinney Chapel cemetery.

If you are so inclined, contributions may be made to the McKinney Chapel Restoration/Maintenance Fund, P.O. Box 43, Sunset, SC 29685.

Georgia practiced the word of the Lord in all ways.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” — Matthew 25:23

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Chapman family.

JASON CHRISTOPHER CAMP

EASLEY — Jason Christopher Camp, 41, passed away on Monday, Sept. 28, 2020.

Born in Greenville, he was a son of James Ellery Camp and Judy Craig Camp.

Jason had a heart of gold, loved everyone and was loved by everyone. He was more than thrilled to return to his job as a cook at Copper River Grill in Easley and was a member of Earle Street Baptist Church in Greenville.

In addition to his parents, Jason was survived by a daughter, Carrie Sexton of Pickens; two brothers, Scott Camp of Easley and Buck Lothridge of St. Stephens; a grandmother, Lula Camp of Easley; a special aunt, Sue Gibson; and two nephews, Jared Seth Camp and Tony Reynolds.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

EMMA MAE SNIPES

EASLEY — Emma Mae Galloway Snipes, 72, formerly of Woodview Court, beloved wife of the late Paul Ronald Snipes, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020.

Born in Sunset, she was a daughter of the late Wayman Lloyd Galloway and Arie Mae Powell Galloway.

Mrs. Snipes was retired from Dayco, now Yokohama, in Liberty and attended Open Praise Fellowship Holiness Church in Easley.

Surviving are a son, Ronald Shane Snipes of Greenville; grandson, Jan Michael Vinson Nelson; and great-grandchildren, Corbin, Destiny and Michelle Nelson.

Mrs. Snipes was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by six brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, with entombment to follow at the Robinson Memorial Gardens Chapel of Reflection Mausoleum.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

HOPE SUMMEY

EASLEY — Nancy Hope Summey, 74, of the Pickens County Disability and Special Needs Home, died on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Born in Liberty, she was a daughter of the late Roy Benjamin and Frances Patterson Summey. She was a member of Calumet Baptist Church.

Surviving are a sister, Cathy Summey Oliver of Liberty; a brother, Ben Summey (Donna) of Vero Beach, Fla.; three nieces, Leigh Hedden of Central, Lissa Harris of Liberty and Sonya Miller of Liberty; and three nephews, Nathan Roper of Liberty, Daniel Summey of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Derek Summey of Anderson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, John Summey.

Graveside services to honor Hope’s life were held on Sept. 23 at Westview Cemetery in Liberty, conducted by Rev. Jeffrey Harris.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Calumet Baptist Church at 400 S. Peachtree St., Liberty, SC 29657.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

TILLMAN GENE ELLER

WESTMINSTER — Tillman Gene Eller, 75 husband of Edna Gibson Eller, went to be with his lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sept. 24, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.

Tillman was the son of the late Mary Ramey Eller and Willie Eller. He retired from West-Point Stevens, where he was a faithful employee for more than 30 years.

Tillman enjoyed watching his westerns on TV, going to races and fishing in his younger years, sitting on his front porch and spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife of 57 years, Tillman is survived by his sons, Kenny Eller (Katrina) of Westminster and Leroy Eller of the home; daughters, Sissy Reid (Mike) of Walhalla and Missy McAlister (Danny) of Westminster; four beautiful granddaughters, Haley Eller of the home, Katlin Eller and Chloe Eller of Westminster and Marley McAlister of Westminster; brothers, Alvoyd Eller (Shirley), Everett Eller and Utah Eller (Helen); and sisters, Rejina Scoggin (Fred) and Beatrice Patterson (Bud). Also surviving Tillman are his and Edna’s lifelong best friends, L.C. and Dovie Wood, along with their children.

Tillman is also survived by his faithful home health nurses, Stacy Kellum and Robbie Brettin, as well as his loving caregiver, Mary Cowan, and Hospice of the Foothills staff. In addition to his parents, Tillman was predeceded by a sister, Jewel Dean Hunsinger, and brother, JR Eller.

Services for Mr. Eller were held on Sept. 27 in the chapel at Keowee Funeral Services, with burial at Heritage Memorial Garden in Westminster.

Flowers are accepted. The family will be at the home, 606 Willie Drive, Westminster, SC 29693.

Condolences can be made at keoweefuneralservices.com.

Keowee Funeral Services is assisting the Eller Family.

HELEN MAHAFFEY

CLEMSON — Helen Bryant Mahaffey of Clemson Downs, formerly of Liberty, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, at the age of 90.

Mrs. Mahaffey was born on Aug. 11, 1930, in Liberty. She was a daughter of the late Ernest and Thetta Bates Bryant and the wife of the late Stan Mahaffey. They were married for 63 years before his passing in 2011.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed working in her yard and home decorating. She was a member of Central First Baptist Church in Central.

Surviving are two sons, Mike Mahaffey (Gail) of Clemson and Paul Mahaffey (Sandy) of South China, Maine; two daughters, Pam Furr (Carlton) of Concord, N.C., and Cyndi St. John (David) of Columbia; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Betty Davis of Clemson and Carol Clardy of Liberty.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene Bryant, and a sister, Shirley Duncan.

The family would like to thank the staff of Creekside Cottage and Health Care and the nurses from Kindred Care for the love, care and attention to detail that was shown to our Mother.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private graveside services will be held at Liberty Memorial Gardens. No visitation is planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central First Baptist Church, 207 Johnson Road, Central SC 29630, or the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

WAYNE EUGENE NEWTON

PICKENS — Wayne Eugene Newton, 68, husband of 51 years of Johnnie Cassell Newton, passed away Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, surrounded by his family at his home after a battle with cancer. Wayne is a son of the late Rev. Norman and Mildred Newton.

His early life with his parents and siblings was filled with faith, fun and love.

He was a lifelong resident of Pickens County and attended Pickens High School. He was a retired painter and business owner. Wayne was also a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church, where he previously served in the music ministry.

Wayne married his sweetheart, Johnnie, when he was 17 years old. Together they share five children and eight grandchildren. His life was dedicated to God and loving and providing for his family. If he wasn’t working or at home sitting on his porch, he could be found in the woods enjoying his favorite activity — hunting. Preparing for and leading the hunting season with family, friends and loyal dogs was his favorite time of the year.

He also had a lifelong love of music and was an incredibly talented musician. He loved to play the blues, but most of all, loved glorifying God through his music by playing and teaching countless others to play gospel music. He cherished relationships with others and had a gift for encouragement.

He was very knowledgeable of the Bible and often in conversations, he pointed others to Christ through scripture and godly advice. He may not have spoken a lot of words, but the things he would say always had meaning.

His light for Christ and love of life will be greatly missed but never forgotten. His legacy of faith will continue to make a difference long after the end of his earthly life.

Survivors include his wife, Johnnie; daughters, April Negrete (Jose) and Rebecca Summey (Johnny); a son, Matthew Newton (Lauren); a son-in-law, Jamie Pimlott; a daughter-in-law, Lynsey Newton; granddaughters, Taylor Durham, Emily and Sophie Negrete, Hannah and Maddie Pimlott, Cheyenne Newton, Harper Newton and Reese Summey; brothers, Dan Newton (Sheila) and Pat Maxwell (Faye); and a sister, Shirley Lovinggood. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Mildred Newton, his son, Tim Newton, and his daughter, Libby Pimlott.

A memorial service will be held at Holly Springs Baptist Church in Pickens on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m., officiated by Rev. Barry Dilworth. The family will greet friends following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holly Springs Baptist Church for use in the music ministry. Donations can be mailed to 3450 Table Rock Road, Pickens, SC 29671, or made online by using the following link: https://5da16aad.churchtrac.com/give. You can choose to ‘Give as a guest” at the bottom of the page and choose the category “Designated – Choir Donations.”

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Newton family.

KENNETH ALLEN TODD

PICKENS — Kenneth Allen Todd, 63, passed away Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, after a brief illness, at his home.

Mr. Todd was the son of the late David H. Todd and Beatrice Bryant Todd.

Survivors include sisters, Ruth Ellen “Ruthi” Trebuchon (Lee) of Dacusville and Anita Anthony of Pickens; a brother, Richard Todd (Joann) of Six Mile; and nephews, Kevin Ballard, Michael Todd, Chris Todd, Jason Barton and Josh Barton.

Mr. Todd was predeceased by his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will be at the home.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Todd family.

LETITIA J. ‘TISH’ GILSTRAP

LIBERTY — Letitia “Tish” Gilstrap, 88, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020.

She was married to the late Leonard A. Gilstrap for 61 years and predeceased by him for nine years.

She was born Oct. 2, 1931, to the late Robert L. Johnson and Eva Duckett Johnson of Liberty.

Tish loved God and was a member of Rice’s Creek Baptist Church in Liberty for 51 years. She loved her family and she was also an animal lover. She fed stray animals her whole life, often stopping on her way to work to do so. Many times, she would give a stray dog her lunch.

Survivors include her dughter, Bridgette Stephens (Bill) of Liberty, and two grandsons, Chris Zerfoss and Tyler Stephens, both of Anderson.

Mrs. Gilstrap was predeceased by her husband, parents, three sisters and two brothers, Inez Swayinghame of Greenville, Doris Johnson Corbin of Georgia, Allen Mauldin of Easley, Bob “Scatter” Johnson of Pickens and Buth Johnson of Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, Tish’s memory may be honored by purchasing a bag of dog food, cat food or bird seed of your choice, and feeding a stray or helpless animal.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Gilstrap family.

RUTH BOLDING GILBERT

EASLEY — Mrs. Ruth Bolding Gilbert, 91, wife of the late Lonnie E. Gilbert Sr., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Samuel Monroe Bolding and the late Ellie Collins Bolding, Mrs. Gilbert was a retired bookkeeper with Brookfall Apartments and a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, Lonnie Gilbert Jr. (Amber) of Simpsonville; a daughter-in-law, Ruby Greene of Easley; three grandsons, Ronnie Greene of Easley, Randy Greene of Greer and Gage Gilbert of Simpsonville; three great-grandsons, Samuel Greene of Easley, Nicholas Greene of Easley and Silas Greene of Greer; and a stepson, Mickey Gilbert (Tracy) of Columbia.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Gilbert was predeceased by a son, Gary Lester Greene; four brothers, Leroy Bolding, Carl Bolding, Ernest Bolding and Charles Bolding; and a stepdaughter, Judy Mann.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 1 at Rock Springs Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. David Gallamore officiating. Burial will be private.

The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 p.m. on Thursday at the church, prior to the service.

Family members are at their respective homes.

Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

THOMAS RUDOLPH BARKER SR.

PICKENS — Thomas Rudolph Barker Sr., 95, husband to the late Bobbie Nell Lingefelt Barker, passed from this life on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at his home.

A native of Pickens County, Thomas was born on Nov. 10, 1924, the son of the late Jerry A. Barker and Leila Honeycutt Barker. Mr. Barker was a United States Army veteran and was a pastor at Andersonville Baptist Church in Anderson for many years.

Survivors include his one son, Thomas Rudolph Barker Jr. (Patsy) of Pickens; one sister, Dorothy Wilbanks of Central; two grandchildren, Lisa Barker and Courtney Bryant (Matthew); three great-grandchildren, Hunter, Dixie and Landyn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Barker was predeceased by his wife, parents, one daughter, Glenda Kelley; one grandson, Brian Smith; four sisters and four brothers.

A cryptside service was held on Sept. 28 in the Tower Mausoleum at Oconee Memorial Park, officiated by Rev. Ken Collins and Dr. Boyce Whitman.

Memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering or the Connie Maxwell Children’s Home.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Barker family.

PEGGY ‘MEMA’ MERCK

EASLEY — Peggy Ann “Mema” Nalley Merck, 89, died on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Easley, she was the wife of Lester H. Merck and a daughter of the late Olar and Rilla Hawthorne Nalley. She was a homemaker and enjoyed sitting on her front porch swing. She was member of East Pickens Baptist Church.

Surviving are her son, Dean Merck (Stephanie) of Liberty; a daughter, Deborah Pelfrey (Billy Joe) of Pickens; four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers and six sisters.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Merck were held on Sept. 29 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, conducted by Rev. Jamie Duncan. Burial was held at Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.