Emily O. Finley Parsons

Pickens — Emily Parsons, 87, wife of Cecil A. Parsons, went to be with Lord on Friday, March 21, 2015 at her home.

Mrs. Parsons was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Albert and Floy Ferguson Finley.

Mrs. Parsons was the first female bailiff in Pickens County and a member of Grace United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years; one daughter, Nancy Parsons Lanford (Fred) of Florence; one son, Charles A. “Al” Parsons of Pickens; four grandchildren, Amy Breazeale (Chet) and Chad Parsons of Pickens, Beth Lay (Gordon) of Conway and Jill Lanford of Florence; four great-grandchildren, Finley Breazeale and Susann Breazeale of Pickens and Grant Lay and Andrew Lay of Conway.

A memorial service was held March 23 at Grace United Methodist Church, with visitation following in the church parlor.

Mrs. Parsons was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Charles Finley and Robert Eugene Finley, sister Evelyn Kennemer and daughter-in-law Brenda Parsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 309 East Cedar Rock Street, Pickens, SC 29671

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFuneral.com.

Dillard Funeral Home assisted the Parsons family.

Florine M. Hamilton

Pickens — Florine Mauldin Hamilton, 97, of Pickens, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 24, 2015.

Mrs. Hamilton was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Davis and Katie Bradley Mauldin. She was a homemaker and was formerly employed with The Singer Co. She was a member of Amazing Grace Fellowship Church and The Pickens Senior Citizens Center.

Survivors include daughters, Reba Katie Hunter of Pickens and Betty Hickey of Central, sons, David Hamilton of Pickens, Junior Hamilton of Liberty, Roger Dale Hamilton of Central, Donnie Hamilton of Pickens, Tommy Hamilton of Pickens, Ricky Hamilton of Pickens and Scottie Hamilton of Pickens, 24 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Ailene Rowland of Central.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hamilton was preceded in death by sons, Lewis Buddy Hamilton and Daniel Mark Hamilton, and daughters Frances Hartsell and Sheryl Lee Hamilton, a grandchild, Billy Hickey, brothers, Grover Mauldin, J.D. Mauldin, Quillen Mauldin, Tom Mauldin and Leo Mauldin.

Funeral services were conducted March 27 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home assisted the Hamilton family.

Martha Kirk

Easley — Martha Small Kirk, 89, of 503 Brushy Creek Road, wife of the late Ralph D. Kirk, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at her home.

Born in Lancaster County, a daughter of the late Roy and Ora Lee Black Small, Mrs. Kirk graduated from Bob Jones University when it was located in Cleveland, Tenn., and retired as a teacher with the School District of Pickens County after 36 years of service. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Easley, where she belonged to the Philathea Sunday School Class. Mrs. Kirk was an avid Clemson fan.

Surviving are a son, Dale Kirk of Easley; a daughter, Jerrilu Smith (J.C.) of Easley; a brother, Ford Small of Lancaster; a sister, Elsie McGill of Greenville; two grandchildren, Libby Holliday (Andy) and Coke Smith (Jennifer); and three great-grandchildren, Ava Smith, Brock Holliday and John Smith V.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Kirk was predeceased by three brothers, Woodard Small, Olin Small and Henry Small, and by a sister, Jerrie Chewning.

Funeral services were held on March 28 at First Baptist Church, Easley, with The Rev. Dr. John Adams officiating. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Neely Bearden

EASLEY — Cornelia Hipp Bearden of Easley, born July 5, 1920, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at The Woodlands Arboretum in Greenville.

She was predeceased by her husband, James (Jim) D. Bearden, Jr.

She was the daughter of John William and Bessie Isom Hipp and was the youngest and sole survivor of five siblings.

She moved to Central after graduating from Winthrop College and began her teaching career at Central High School, where she taught home economics and science. Her teaching career was interrupted by having and raising three children. She was actively involved with the local United Daughters of the Confederacy, Order of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the American Revolution. The family moved to Easley, where she entered the teaching profession at Easley Junior High School until her retirement.

Her teaching career spanned for more than 30 years. She enjoyed her membership in the Better Homes Club and playing bridge.

In 1998, she and Jim moved to Foothills Presbyterian Community upon its opening. After Jim passed away, she continued to live there until her move to the Woodlands.

She is survived by her three children, Dr. James D. Bearden III, (Ann), Spartanburg; John H. Bearden (Sherry), Travelers Rest; Betsy Bearden Worthington (Richard), Lynchburg, Va; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was a special mother and grandmother to all her family.

She was an active member of Easley Presbyterian Church until her move to The Woodlands. She loved her church and served as Sunday school teacher, Senior High Youth Group leader, founding member of Amazing Grays, and as deacon and elder. She also led and worked on the project to needlepoint the cushions for the pulpit area. She never hesitated to share Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, with those she met.

The family expresses their appreciation for the excellent care she received during her years in the Arboretum, The Woodlands.

Her funeral service was held on March 28 at Easley Presbyterian Church. A private committal service will take place later at Old Stone Church Cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Chapel Fund, Foothills Presbyterian Community, 2817 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210; or Easley Presbyterian Church, Capital Fund, 200 South 1st Street, Easley, SC 29640; or Bearden-Josey Breast Center Mammography Assistance Program Fund, Spartanburg Regional Foundation, 101 East Wood Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Joyce C. Downes

CENTRAL — Joyce Christine Kelley Downes, 84, of 300 Earle Road, widow of Bernard Ray Downes, passed away at home Wednesday, March 25, 2015.

Born in Millville, N.J., she was a daughter of the late Charles C. and Edith Wallen Kelley. She was a retired employee with Wheaton Glass Company in Millville, N.J. Joyce was a member of Trinity Wesleyan Church.

Surviving are a son, Robert Williams of Lewistown, Ill.; daughters, Bernadette McKelvey (Daniel) of Central and Kathy Tilton (Lee) of Millville, N.J.; sister, Beth Kelley Cook of Millville, N.J.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by sons, Ronald and Richard Williams and three brothers.

Funeral services were held on March 29 at Trinity Wesleyan Church.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016, www.kidney.org.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central.

Carma Greene

Six Mile — Carma Shepard Greene, 52, of Six Mile, went home to be with The Lord on Wednesday, March 25, 2015.

Carma was born in Hendersonville, N.C., a daughter of James Shepard of Gastonia, N.C., and the late Bernice Mills Shepard. She was a member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church in Pickens and formerly worked in the finance industry.

Survivors include her husband, Dwight “Sonny” Virgle Greene, Jr. of Six Mile, a son, Joseph Michael Greene and his wife Michelle of Six Mile, and daughter, Angela Michelle Greene and her fiancée Michael Foster of Pickens and grandchildren, Johnny Hayes, Cassidy Hayes, and Kirstyn Greene. Brothers include, Mike Shepard and his wife Jana of Gastonia, N.C., Kyle Shepard and his wife Deda of Kings Mountain, N.C., and Mark Shepard and his wife Deborah of Bessemer City, N.C., sisters, Lisa Anderson and her husband Tommy of Dallas, N.C., and Kim Stover and her husband Tim of Gastonia, N.C. Also surviving are sister-in-law Theresa Shepard of Bessemer City, N.C., sister-in-law, Donna Willard and her husband Ray of Mt. Holly, N.C., and brothers-in-law, Tony Greene and his wife Susan of Mt. Holly, N.C. and Robert Greene of Stanley, N.C.

In addition to her mother, Carma was preceded in death by a brother, Chris Shepard.

The family received friends on March 28 at Crescent Hill Baptist Church, with funeral services following. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Amber McKinney, RN, with Anmed in Anderson.

Memorials may be made to Anmed Medical Center in Anderson.

Dillard Funeral Home assisted the Greene family.

Parrie Irene Lewis Brezeale

Hendersonville, N.C. — Irene Brezeale, 95, passed away on March 28, 2015, in Hendersonville, N.C. She was born on Sept. 6, 1919, in Pickens County. Her parents were John Frank Lewis and Mae Fleming Lewis.

She was predeceased by her seven brothers and sisters: Frances Stowe, Gertrude Hughes, Helen Stephens, John Frank Lewis, Capers Lewis, Albert Lewis and Edwin Lewis.

She was also predeceased by her husband, Brandon Fletcher Brezeale. She is survived by a son, Dale Brezeale of Pickens, a daughter, Jean Hatley (Jerry) of Taylors, and a granddaughter, Tara Hatley of Irmo. She is also survived by 22 nieces and nephews, plus eight deceased.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, March 31, at Secona Baptist Church in Pickens. Her memorial service was also at the church following the visitation. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers may be sent or memorial donations made to Secona Baptist Church or to Alzheimer’s Association, 301 University Ridge, Greenville, S.C. 29601.

Irene was educated at Wolf Creek School, Pickens High School and Draughon’s Business College. She became a bookkeeper and worked for several companies during her lifetime: Carolina Belting, Red Diamond Gas Station, Pickens Auction Market, Bethlehem-Roanoke Water District and Holder and Floyd Hardware.

Irene married Brandon Brezeale on March 6, 1942. One month later, he was inducted into the Army Air Corps during World War II. He returned safely, and they raised two children. Other events in her life were the wedding of her daughter in 1972, the birth of her granddaughter in 1977, 50th wedding anniversary reception in 1992 and the death of her husband in 1995. In September of 2012, she moved to Mountain Home Health and Rehab in Hendersonville, N.C. She was hospitalized in intensive care Jan. 2. After seven days in the hospital, she returned to Mountain Home, but her health declined further in March.

Her favorite travel, vacations, and get-togethers were: Marshall and Gertrude Hughes’ lake house in Umatilla, Fla.; World’s Fair in Knoxville in 1982, camping with Edwin and Mildred and the Gillespies, Table Rock State Park and brother Albert’s Table Rock cabin, PHS class reunions, Lewis family reunions, Martha Hatley’s house and church activities.

She was a longtime member of Secona Baptist, where she was active in WMU and helped Jean Flynn write a book of church history.

Dillard Funeral Home assisted the Brezeale family.

Toni Tinsley

Easley ­— Toni Smith Tinsley, 66, of 836 Lenhardt Road, passed away Friday, March 27, 2015, at Hospice of the Upstate.

Born in Greenville County, a daughter of the late Hoyt and Jane Franklin Smith, Toni retired as a registered nurse with Gentiva Home Health Care and was a member of First Baptist Church, Easley.

Surviving are her husband, Michael R. Tinsley of the home; three daughters, Melody Tinsley Leggemann and husband, Thomas, of Summerfield, N.C., Kimberly Tinsley of Santa Monica, Calif., and Amy Tinsley of Easley; and five grandchildren, Sarah and William Leggemann, Mia Blaine, and Morgan and Issac Arnold. In addition to her parents, Toni was predeceased by an infant son, Michael Warren Tinsley.

Toni was the center of our universe and loved her family beyond measure. She left this mortal world surrounded by the people who loved her and whom she adored, her husband, daughters and five beloved grandchildren. There has never been, nor ever will be, a more selfless and devoted grandmother.

Graveside services were held on March 30 at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Roberta Hall

Pickens — Mary Roberta Cater Hall, 91, wife of Eugene Hall, went home to be with The Lord on Friday, March 27, 2015.

Mrs. Hall was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late W. L. and Velma Parrott Cater. She was a homemaker and a member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and friend to all. She loved growing and enjoying her flowers.

Survivors include her husband of 69 years, Eugene of the home, sons, Terry Eugene Hall (Yong S.) and Daniel Bruce Hall (Kathy) all of Pickens and Ronnie Dale Hall (Becky) of Six Mile, daughters Barbara J. Collins of Pickens and Linda J. Hovis (best friend Fred) of Greenwood. Also surviving are five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, a brother, Austin Cater of Pickens, and sisters, Ferra Porter and Flora Jones both of Pickens.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hall was preceded in death by brothers, Ernest Cater, and Fletcher Cater and sisters, Geneva Cater, Genell Crowe, and Alma Riggins and a granddaughter, Vickie Jaynes.

The family received friends on March 29 at Dillard Funeral Home, with funeral services following in the chapel. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to her caregivers, Jerline (Ma), Lisa, and Mindy.

Dillard Funeral Home assisted the Hall family.

William Alton Taylor, Jr

Dacusville — William Alton Taylor, Jr., 82, died March 28, 2015.

A native and former mayor of Covington, Va., he had lived in South Carolina since 1974. He spent his working years in the pulp and paper industry as a mechanical engineer traveling throughout the U.S.A. and Europe. In retirement he built a home, a barn, many radio control airplanes and stained glass. He volunteered for 10 years at the Samaritan Health Clinic of Pickens County.

However, his love of family was the focus of his life.

His family includes Jo Ann, his wife of 61 years, children Jeff (wife Nancy), Greg (wife Peggy), Jenny (husband Tom Pettigrew), and Kirk (wife Mary Helen). 10 grandchildren: Callie, Nina, Claire, Jeffrey, Casey, Nathan, Alison, Kara, Kelly, Merritt and two great-grandchildren, Elsie and Addison. Also surviving are sisters Elsie Slough, Alice Vernon and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan Health Clinic, 303 Dacusville Highway, Easley, South Carolina 29640 or Pickens Presbyterian Church 311 West Main Street, Pickens, South Carolina 29671.

A celebratory visitation of Bill’s happy life will be held Friday from 4-8 p.m. at his home in Dacusville.

A service celebrating Christian love and fellowship in Christ will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Pickens Presbyterian Church.

Dillard Funeral Home assisted the Taylor family.

Louise M. Wolf

Dickinson, N.D. — A funeral mass for Louise M. Wolf, 96, of Dickinson, was held on March 31 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with Father Keith Streifel celebrating.

Burial followed at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, N.D.

Louise passed away Friday, March 27, 2015, at St. Luke’s Home in Dickinson, N.D.

Louise Malissa Pace, a Southern belle from the heart of Dixie, was born Dec. 22, 1918, in Pickens, the daughter of James and Minnie (McJunkin) Pace. She was a tomboy at heart and enjoyed helping on the family plantation. She graduated from Dacusville State High School in 1937. Louise played many sports during that time and was a natural athlete. She especially excelled in track and field, softball, basketball and swimming. She worked as a seamstress in a local textile mill before meeting her husband. Louise married Philip Wolf on June 30, 1944 in a military chapel in Greenville. To this union, three sons were born: Dennis, Thurman and Michael.

Louise was a military wife for 20 years and followed her husband around the world. While Philip was in the Air Force, Louise was a stay-at-home mom. While on base, she was known to take all the neighborhood kids swimming, and playing softball. When Philip retired, they moved home to the family farm southeast of Dickinson, N.D. This was the end of the silk and satin era for Louise. It was quite the culture shock, but she loved helping on the farm and taking care of the animals. Louise was quite the fighter, beating cancer two different times. Her family will remember all the pranks she played on them, especially on April fool’s day. She would always say, “See you later alligator” and her family would reply, “After a while crocodile.” She was known for her amazing fried chicken, and her Southern accent that everyone loved to hear. She was very proud of her English-Irish decent. Louise enjoyed gardening, flowers, cooking and animals. She loved being around her family during the holidays, especially Easter. She always had an Easter egg hunt, made a big home-cooked meal and would fly kites with all the grandkids.

Louise is survived by her sons, Thurman (Pat) Wolf and Michael (Bernadette) Wolf of Dickinson; daughter-in-law, Linda Dragus of N.J.; seven grandchildren, Kevin (Jenna) Wolf, Summer (Greg) Melchior, Travis (Melissa) Wolf, Dr. Amber (Kris) Wolf-Ringwall, DVM, PhD, Cody (Jess) Wolf, Dr. Kristal (Curtis) Wolf Weinstein, D.C., and Dakota Wolf; nine great-grandchildren; brothers Joe H. “Marty” of Anderson and Grover (Leola) of Pickens; and sister-in-laws, Argyle Pace of Pickens, and Fanny Pace of Easley.

Louise is preceded in death by her parents, James and Minnie Pace; husband, Philip Wolf; son, Dennis Wolf; brothers Richard, W.T., Thurman and Marvin; sisters Lura Galloway, Bertie Looper, Willice Mae Anthony and Lucretta “Cressie” Anthony; and stepmother, Tennie Looper.

Louise’s family would like to thank St. Lukes nursing home for making her feel like family for the last four years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.

Stevenson Funeral Home of Dickinson, N.D., assisted the Wolf family.

Melba Rochester

Easley — Melba Hughey Rochester, 88, wife of the late James Ralph Rochester, made her grand entrance into Heaven on Saturday, March 28, 2015.

A heavenly host of angels were singing. James had his hand reaching out for her. Her mom gave her a warm hug. Jesus looked her in the eye and said, “Job well done, my good and faithful servant.” “Little Red” finally made it home.

Born in Easley, a daughter of the late Warren Thomas and Cora Lee Hughey, Melba was a graduate of Drouhns Business College. Melba and James owned and operated Rochester Christian Book Store beginning in 1957. She was a member of Georges Creek Baptist Church where she was formerly a GA leader and WMU President.

Melba, molded by her submission to God, was strong, and always gentle, giving, forgiving, supporting, loving, assertive; cared for the one she was with more than herself, and was an incredible wife and mother. Her spirit will live with us forever.

Surviving are a son, David Rochester and wife, Dot, of Indian Harbor, Fla.; two daughters, Lynn R. Reid and husband, Joe, of Easley, and Sharon Rose Rochester of Anderson; grandchildren, Kayla Reid, Jonas Reid, Austin Reid, Emilee Rochester and Juliana Rochester. Also, her grand-nephew, Keefe Ray, his wife Clair and their children. Jeremy Hayes and Rosa Breeze are key surviving souls united with Melba.

Going on before her were siblings Hoke and Bruce Hughey, Louise Ray, and Bernice Cartledge.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Georges Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Georges Creek Baptist Church, 1991 Saluda Dam Road, Easley, SC 29640.

The family is at the home of Lynn and Joe Reid, 124 Woodward Way, Easley, SC 29640.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.