Obituaries for week of Oct. 3, 2012
JoAnn Hughes Looper
Easley — Mrs. JoAnn Hughes Looper, 80, of Easley, wife of the late Rev. Wallace Looper, died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital.
Born Dec. 3, 1931 in Greenville County, she was a daughter of the late James and Dora Cassell Hughes. She was a former sales clerk with Garrett’s and was a 25 year volunteer at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Mrs. Looper was a longtime member for Morningstar Independent Baptist Church.
She is survived by her son, Randy W. Looper of Greenville; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Martin and Ina Pegram, special nieces, Gail Anthony and Dianne Newton; special “soul sisters”, Carolyn Cooper, Martha Hughes, Sara Jane Rice, Reba Ellenburg and Ginger Smith.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Rick E. Looper, brothers, Claude Hughes, Hubert Hughes, Bob Hughes and James W. Hughes; sisters, Ruth Hughes, Lorene Conwell, Lola Wooten, and Esther Stiffler.
A celebration of life service was conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Burial was private.
Escorts of honor were the members of Morningstar Independent Baptist Church and Baptist Easley Volunteers.
Memorial contributions may be made to Morningstar Independent Baptist Church, PO Box 1155, Pickens, SC 29671.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Loretta Owen Gilstrap McConnell
Easley — Mrs. Loretta Owen Gilstrap McConnell, 89, wife of the late Ben Tillman Gilstrap and the late James Drake McConnell, died Monday, Sept. 24, 2012 at Majesty Health and Rehab.
Born in Transylvania County, N.C., a daughter of the late Claude Julius and Addie Hoxit Owen, Mrs. McConnell was a retired CNA with Blue Ridge Nursing Center and a former seamstress. Reared in Mountain Grove Baptist Church, she was a member of Easley Church of God and received her healing power, from her Lord and Savior, in the Bethany Church of God. Loretta was very dedicated to God, a true American and mother, caring for many in her family and the sick. She survived the Depression of the 30’s and she sewed clothes even without a pattern for her girls. Mrs. McConnell inherited traits of survival and ability to provide for family from her mother.
Surviving are two daughters, Dorothy “Dottie” Gilstrap Blair (Grady) of Pickens and Elizabeth “Libby” Gilstrap Hopkins of Easley; one sister, Louise Aiken of Pickens; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to her husbands and parents, Mrs. McConnell was predeceased by a daughter, Ruby Gilstrap Ellis; four brothers, Ottis, Estes, Lester and William Owen; two sisters, Grace Ellison and Edith Cassell; sons-in-law, Charles Hopkins, Clive McConnell, and Charles Ellis; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services were 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Majesty Health and Rehab and ARK Hospice, for the love and care given to Mrs. McConnell.
Memorials may be made to Easley Church of God, 511 West Main Street, 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.
Michael A. Carpenter
Easley — Michael Alan Carpenter, 48, of 190 Madgie Lane, died Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012 at his home.
Born in Lebanon, N.H., he was the son of the late John Elliott Carpenter, Sr. and Beverly White Robinson. Michael was a Self-employed Carpenter and member of Potter’s Clay Fellowship in Easley.
Surviving are his wife of the home, Deb Haisley Carpenter; a son, Christopher Michael Deschenes of Greenville; two sisters, Pamela Carpenter Aldrich (Jimmy) of North Haverhill, N.H. and Kandy Carpenter Kelley (JB) of Easley; and a brother, John Elliott Carpenter, Jr. (Judy) of Easley.
A service to celebrate Michael’s life was held on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. at Potter’s Clay Fellowship in Easley.
Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to The Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund, Stanford Cancer Center Development Office, 2700 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Carpenter family.
Lewis Hendrix
Easley — Lewis Earl Hendrix, 90, of Easley, husband of Thelma McQueen Hendrix died Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012 at Easley Baptist Hospital.
Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Samuel and Cuma Hendricks Hendrix. Mr. Hendrix retired from Ohio Gear and was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and Air Force.
In addition to his wife of 68 years, he is survived by a son, Curtis Hendrix (Mau) of Easley, three grandchildren, Buddy, Ron and Samuel Hendrix; and six great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 at Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.
Debra C. Morgan
Liberty — Debra Cater Morgan, 51, of 211 Quail Creek Drive, died peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012 at her residence surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Liberty she was the daughter of the late Woodrow Anderson “Woody” and Una Mae Garrett Cater. Previously she worked at Easley Custom Plastics and was a member of Ruhamah Baptist Church. She was an avid Clemson Football fan, although her true love in life was her family, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Surviving are her husband, Roger Morgan of the home; a daughter and son in law, April and Brad Cannon of Liberty; two sons and daughters in law, Dale and Deidra Morgan and Brandon and Elise Morgan all of Pickens; two grandchildren, Connor Morgan and Emily Morgan; four sisters, Ann Payne of Easley, Carolyn White of Liberty, Barbara Medlin and Elizabeth Cater both of Six Mile; a brother, Andy Cater of Liberty; also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Morgan were 2 p.m. Sunday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Marian Williamson
Easley — Marian Fry Williamson, 93, formerly of Andrea Lane, wife of the late Letcher S. Williamson, died Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, at Majesty Health & Rehab.
Born in Billings, Mont., a daughter of the late James Adam and Dora Brown Fry, Mrs. Williamson retired from the Civil Service after 21 years of service and was a member of Powdersville First Baptist Church.
Surviving are three daughters, Sharon Kay Berg (Don) of Raymond, Calif., Carolyn Sue Renehan (William) of Easley, and Janice Ann McCollum (Larry) of Crawfordville, Fla.; a sister, Melvin Thomas of Forsyth, Mo.; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Compton of Calif.; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Williamson was predeceased by a son, Don Compton and two brothers, Jack W. Fry and Jim Fry, and by a sister, Donna Land.
Funeral services were 6 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road with the Rev. Brad Atkins officiating.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road which is assisting the family.
Geneva C. Chappell
Pickens — Geneva Cassell Chappell, 90, of Pickens, died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012.
Mrs. Chappell was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Earley Pinckney and Rebecca Elizabeth Gilstrap Cassell. She was retired from the Glenwood Plant of Mayfair Mills in Easley and was a member of Cannon Mountain Baptist Church in Pickens.
Survivors include a son Douglas Wayne Chappell (Doris) of Pickens and a daughter Sheila Chappell Gibson of Pickens, seven grandchildren, Dewey Chappell, Sherrye Chappell, Amy Chappell Myers, Jill Chappell Lewis, Jessica Gibson, Tanner Gibson, Lucas Gibson and six great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters, Ruby Dell Simmons of Easley and Myrtle Hester of Liberty.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Chappell was predeceased by a son, Gary Chappell, great grandchildren Allison Lewis and Gary Joe Chappell, a sister, Lucille Cassell Turner and brothers Hovie, James, Jessie and Harold Cassell.
Funeral services were 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens with the Rev. Shem Durham officiating. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Chappell family.
Marjorie Silkwood
Easley — Marjorie Durrett Silkwood, 90, of Easley, wife of the late Jack Silkwood, died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012 at Rainey Hospice House.
Born in McCracken County, Ky., she was a daughter of the late Harbert Lewis and Mary Martin Durrett. Mrs. Silkwood retired as a Quality Control Tech for University Micro Films in Ann Arbor, Mich. and was a member of Geer Memorial Baptist Church.
Surviving are one sister, Mary Whipple; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Silkwood was predeceased by eight brothers and three sisters.
A celebration of her life was at 2 p.m. Sunday at Geer Memorial Baptist Church. Burial followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley.
Memorials may be made to Geer Memorial Church, 911 South 5th Street 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.
Michael Dale Patterson
Easley — Michael Dale Patterson, 32, husband of Regina Richard Patterson of Easley died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012.
Michael was born in Greenville County a son of the late Wanda Patterson. He was a supervisor with Dynotech Services in Easley.
Survivors include his wife, Regina of the home, sons Jonathan Patterson of Easley, Devan Patterson of Powdersville, and Justin Owens of Greenville, a daughter Noel Patterson of Easley, brothers Tommy Sanders of Liberty, Joseph Owens of Indianapolis, Ind. and sisters Ashley Owens also of Indianapolis and Brandi Carr of North Carolina. Also surviving is his Aunt Wilma Patterson of Easley and Uncle and Aunt Bobby and Dawn Owens. Also surviving Angela Owens and Randall Holcombe, Anthony Owens, Madison Estes, Shane Owens, Micholas Owens and Jennifer Burk, Hennifer Montalban, Ernie and Kim Keeney, Albert Arrowood, Jr., Andy Johnson, Matthew Patterson, Melanie Vasilon, Miosha Arrowood, Ollie Arrowood, Jerry Larry Summville, Albert Arrowood, Sr., Kathy and Larry, Brannon, Randy Brookshire, Jessica and Lee Lee Brookshire, and Melissa Nelson.
Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home with the Rev. Carlyle Duckworth officiating.
Burial was at 2 p.m. Sunday at Fellowship Church Cemetery, 314 Hamlin Road, Easley.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Patterson family.
Timothy Ryne Brock
Easley — Timothy Ryne Brock, 18, of Easley, died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012.
Born in Greenville County, a son of Timothy and Kathy Jones Brock of the home, Ryne was a senior at Wren High School and employed at Ingles in Powdersville. He was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church where he was a member and loved singing in the church choir.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a brother, Zachary Brock; a sister, Sarah Brock; his grandparents, Paul and Brenis Jones of Anderson, Johnny and Diane Ross of Easley, Larry Brock of Easley and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorial service was at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Brushy Creek Baptist Church.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.
Denear Knupp
Easley — Denear McCauley Godfrey Knupp, 90, of Easley, wife of George Lamont Knupp, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 at Emenitus in Greenville.
Born in Greenville County, she was a daughter of the late Lee Roy and Daisy Jackson McCauley. Mrs. Knupp retired from Primier Investment Company where she was a bookkeeper for 26 years and was a member of First Baptist Church in Easley.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Jim Godfrey; a daughter, Diane Martin; step son, Bill Knupp; step daughter, Sheri Houston; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Memorial may be made to Easley First Baptist Church, 300 East First Ave, 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.
Jennie P. Swayngham
Easley — Mrs. Jennie Palmer Swayngham, 92, wife of the late Jeff Davis Swayngham, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 at Capstone Health and Rehab.
Born in Oconee County, a daughter of the late Clifton Reed and Florence Compton Palmer, Mrs. Swayngham retired from Mayfair Mills and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.
Surviving are a daughter, Beth Fincher of Easley; one sister, Ruth Southerland of Easley; and two grandsons, William Jeffrey Fincher and Oliver Ryan Fincher.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Swayngham was predeceased by two brothers, Jack Palmer and Sgt. Joe Palmer; and one sister, Margaret Norris.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3 at Rock Springs Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Donnie Garrett
Easley — Charles Donald (Donnie) Garrett, 70, of 108 South Fourth Street, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 at his home.
Born in Easley the son of the late Charlie H. and Margaret Owens Garrett, Donnie retired from Hiott Printing Company and was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Brenda Parker Garrett of the home; two sons, Chuck Garrett (Lisa) and Andy Garrett (Candy), both of Easley; a daughter, Melanie Garrett (Jimmy) of Easley; two sisters, Brenda Kelley (Bill) of Sunset, Utah, and Becky Kelley (Skip) of Monroe, Ga.; and six grandchildren, Lindsey Garrett, Austin Aker, Amber Garrett, Nik Chapman, Alex Chapman and Jennifer Chapman.
Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at St. Andrew United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be from 3 until 4 p.m. at the church, prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 309 Pelzer Highway, Easley, SC 29642.
The family is at the residence.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.