Dennis Harold Hawkins

Liberty — Dennis Harold Hawkins, 58, of 19 Park Plaza, died peacefully Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 at his residence.

Born in Easley, he was a son of the late Dennis H. and Ruby L. Richards Hawkins. He was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are a sister, Ruby Jean Isler of Liberty; a brother, Buddy O. Tipton of Easley; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Van Doren Tipton.
A memorial service for Mr. Hawkins was held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Eastside Baptist Church.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

Veronica Anna Kowalski

Pickens — Veronica Anna (Ronnie) Kowalski, age 93, died with loved ones surrounding her on the morning of Dec. 4, 2012.

Born in Hartford, Conn., Jan. 13, 1919, to Polish immigrants, she was the second daughter of the late Frances Mazurkiewica Lepkowicz of Lezaysk, Poland, and Joseph Lepkowicz of Galicia, Poland. Ronnie was a graduate of Hartford High School and served as a legal secretary for a Hartford law firm. She met the love of her life, Conrad Kowalski, of Hollis, Long Island, N.Y., while he was stationed at Bradley Field. They were wed in the army chapel on Saturday, June 20, 1942.

They enjoyed 55 years together. Ronnie attended Suffolk County Community College in Selden, Long Island, N.Y. to advance her secretarial skills while her oldest daughter, Elaine, was a student there. She worked for many years and retired as Executive Secretary for Maxon Electronics Company on Long Island, N.Y. Ronnie was a volunteer for 26 years at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Pickens. She and her husband, Conrad, were members of Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens where they loved the Adult Fellowship Sunday School Class. Ronnie especially enjoyed cooking and baking. She was an accomplished seamstress, artist, and loved to crochet and knit.

Surviving are two daughters and two sons in law, Elaine and Tom Cloer of Pickens, and Cynthia and Jerry Baker of Kingston, Ill.; Three grandchildren, Tom Cloer III (Wanda) of Clemson, Shana Cloer Mesaeh (Bob) of Brevard, N.C., and Conrad Baker (Valerie) of Wisconsin, six great grandsons, Brandon, Dylan, and Ryan Cloer, Harvest Wolf Newton, and Chase, Kellen, and Allyson Jean Baker.

In addition to her husband, Conrad, and her parents, Mrs. Kowalski was predeceased by a brother, Theodore Lepkowicz and a sister, Josephine Simons.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home with the Revs. Betty Alverson and James McCoy Bruce, and Dr. Thomas Cloer officiating. Burial followed immediately in the Veteran’s Section of Hillcrest Memorial Park adjacent to the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to support the Senior Exercise Ministry of Grace United Methodist Church, 309 East Cedar Rock Street, Pickens, SC, 29671.

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

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Kowalski family.

Philip P. Pascento, Sr.

Easley — Mr. Philip Peter Pascento, 92, husband of the late Marry Ann Riccardi Pascento, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Bronx, N.Y., the son of the late Mario and Mary Rota Pascento, Mr. Pascento was a retired Aircraft Technician and of the Catholic faith.

Surviving are two sons, Philip Peter Pascento, Jr. of San Diego, Calif. and James Joseph Pascento of Easley.

Memorial services will be held at a later date in Florida.

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

Stephen Cecil Gillespie

Central — Stephen Cecil Gillespie, of 145 Kelly Mill Road, Central,
died at the age of 52.

Surviving is his wife, Tammy Gillespie, one son, Samuel Gillespie, both of the home. A daughter, Ashley Stamey, of Liberty, his parents, Cecil and Rose Wardlaw Gillespie, of Liberty, two brothers, Mark Gillespie of Pickens, and John Gillespie, of Six Mile, three sisters, Amanda Connell of Greer, Nancy Hardy and Mary McCall both of Pickens, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a son, Jonathon Andrew Gillespie.

Services were held Thursday Dec. 6, 2012, at Midway Church of God, burial was in Friendship Baptist Church, in Liberty.

The Palmetto Mortuary is assisting the Gillespie family.

W.E. Greer

Easley — Winfred “W.E.” Greer, 79, of 327 Sylvia Rd., husband of Diane Reid Greer, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at St. Frances Hospital.

Born June 10, 1933 in Easley, he was the son of the late Winfred Eugene Greer, Sr. and the late Vera Rollins Greer. After serving in the United States Navy from 1952-1960, he retired from Winn-Dixie after 35 years of service. He was of the Methodist faith.

In addition to his wife of 48 years, he is survived by his sister, Linda Ann Greer Galloway (Mike) of Easley; nephew, Michael Grant Galloway, Jr. (Christy) and their children, Madison Greer, Mallory Hutchings and Meriwether Rollins Galloway all of Easley; nieces, Melinda Greer Galloway Fisher (Ron) of Lexington, Tara Ann Galloway Garrett (Hal) and their children, Brooke Alexandra, John Marchbanks and Charles Galloway Garrett all of Fountain Inn.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a great nephew, Todd McClintock Garrett.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Entombment followed in the Chapel of Reflection Mausoleum at Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made at Easley First United Methodist Church, 115 West First Ave., Easley, SC 29640.

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

Clayton W. Looper

Easley — Clayton W. Looper, 85, of Easley passed away on Dec 7, 2012.
Born in Greenville, he was the son of James Columbus and Stella Burdine Looper and a WW II veteran of the Asian Pacific Theater. He retired with Bell South after 40 years of service as assistant manager. He was a life member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Clayton is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances Turner Looper, and his daughter, Marie Looper.

He was the youngest son, with predeceased brothers Dr Charles E Looper and James W Looper, and a sister, June Looper Dean.

Crypt side services were held Monday, Dec 10th, at 1 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum, Pickens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com. The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorials be made to the charity of your choice.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Looper family.

Sam Grant

Liberty — Sam Grant, 83, of 248 Kings Way Drive, husband of the late Margie Johnson Grant, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012.

Born in Harlan County, Ky., a son of the late Charles L. and Sarah Suttles Grant, Sr., Mr. Grant retired from Ford Motor Company. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Surviving are two sons, Sam Grant and Richard Grant; three daughters, Sandra Grant, Debra Schmidt and Kimberly Grant; two brothers, Ed Grant and Bob Grant; a sister, Sue Williams; nine grandchildren, Jessica Geise, Wayne, John, Matthew and Audrey Grant and Lillian and Harlan Baggett and Grant Parsons and Sara Johnson; and four great-grandchildren, Brianna, Carrie, Alaina and Drew Geise.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Grant was predeceased by a son, Tim Grant, a brother, Charles Grant, Jr., and by a sister, Janette McNabb.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Mount Calvary Holiness Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Bible Methodist Church, P.O. Box 363, Easley, SC 29641.

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

Leroy Willis

Easley — Leroy Willis, 86, husband of the late Helen Saunders Willis, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Oakmont East Nursing Center in Greenville.

Mr. Willis was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Lenhardt and Emma Dessie Nations Willis. He was retired as a truck driver with Southeastern Freight Lines and later retired from Pinkerton/Securitas after 15 years service. Mr. Willis was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and he was a U. S. Army veteran.

Survivors include his daughter, Barbara Harris (Dan) of Easley and his son, Rick Willis (Angie) also of Easley, special friend Dora Jane Duncan and three grandchildren, Tyler Harris, Blake Willis and Brett Willis. Also surviving are brothers, Jim Willis and L. C. Willis, and sisters, Viola Talley and Lucy George.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Willis was preceded in death by David Willis, Violet Powell, and W. R. Willis.

Graveside services were conducted 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 at Greenlawn Cemetery in Easley with the Rev. Dr. David Gallamore officiating.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Memorial may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, 355 Lexington Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10017 http://www.myasthenia.org/ or to Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Willis family.

Kari Young

Easley — Kari Leshea Young, 36, of Easley, died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2012 at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Hendersonville, N.C., a daughter of Gail Dills Young and the late Larry “Minnesota” Young, Kari was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
Surviving in addition to her mother, are a fiance’ William Reeves; and a sister, Crysy Chapman and husband Michael of Easley.  
A memorial service will be at a later date.

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

Rev. Charles Hugh Bishop

Easley — The Rev. Charles Hugh Bishop, 82, of 258 Crosswell School Rd., husband of Betty Medlin Bishop died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012.

Born February 21, 1930 in Greenville County, he was a son of the late Holden and Lila Belle Henderson Bishop. The Rev. Bishop was a soul winner for Christ and pastored Maranatha Baptist Church for 37 years. He was a people person who never met a stranger. His grandchildren were his earthly joy along with ministering and helping hurting people in Jesus’ name.

In addition to his wife of 63 years, he is survived by his sons, Mike Bishop (Pam), Randy Bishop (Wanda), Brian Bishop (Kim), Tim Bishop (Tanya), Barry Bishop (Lori) and Andy Bishop (Stephanie); daughters, Kathy Bowie (Leonard), Teresa Martin (Keith), Lisa Morris (Robert), Karen Cooper (Chris) and Jennifer Saylors (Matthew); 14 brothers and sisters; 26 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers and one grandchild.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 at Rock Springs Baptist Church with the Rev. Clyde Gravley and the Rev. John Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery West.

Honorary escorts were Ministers and Preacher Friends.

Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the Bishop family.

Inez Lail Moore

Brevard, N.C. — Inez Lail Moore, 86, died on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012 at Transylvania Regional Hospital.

She was born in Robbinsville, N.C. to the late Charles and Clemmie Garland Lail.
Surviving are her daughters, Doris Galloway and husband L. E., Kathy Jones and husband Jim, and Linda Barton, all of Brevard, and Carolyn Kelley and husband Luther of Pickens; son, Michael Moore of Brevard; 17 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Mrs. Lail was also preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Norman Moore, and a son, Benny Norman Moore.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.
“She is gone but not forgotten.”

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

Kitty Chapman

Easley — Kitty Beverly Chapman, 54, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Greenville County, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Rome McCollum Chapman.

Kitty is survived by several cousins and was a member of Cedar Rock Baptist Church.

Graveside services were 11 a.m. Saturday Dec. 8 at 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.

Pat Brewer

Liberty — Patricia Ann Lowery Brewer, 70, of Liberty, died on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Newberry she was the daughter of the late Julian and Inez Puckett Lowery.

She was a member of Golden Creek Baptist Church, and loved to spend time with her family and dog.

Surviving are a daughter, Tammy McGinnis and her husband Sam of Belton; a son, Kenneth Ryder and his wife Donna of Liberty; three brothers, Irbyan Lowery and Cecil Lowery both of Brevard, N.C., and Buck Lowery of Boiling Springs; seven grandchildren, Misty Medlin, Jason Ryder, Rick and Tim McGinnis, Melissa Hutto, Joshua and Zachary Ryder; four great grandchildren.
Memorial services to honor Pat’s life were held on Monday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. at Golden Creek Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Golden Creek Baptist Church, Youth Camp Ministry, 477 Golden Creek Road, Liberty SC 29657.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Rocky Gilmer

Honea Path — Rodney Barron Gilmer, 54, husband of Deborah Beth Nix Gilmer, of 262 Corbin Rd, died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 at his home.

Born in Anderson County, he was a son of Emily Green McKee of Honea Path and the late Robert C. Gilmer. He attended Bethany World Outreach and was retired from Four Seasons Tree Service. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are: two sons, Rodney Shane Gilmer (Tanya) of Honea Path and Justin Duran Gilmer (Krystal) of Belton, a daughter, Serena Elaine Gilmer McAlister of Pendleton, a brother Chuck Gilmer (Donna) of Belton, grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Ashlynn and Avery, Brady, and Tatum Gilmer, Kenzlie and Cooper Posey, Hunter and Tony Loveland and Dalton Alewine, a niece, Nicole Eiland, and great nephews and niece, Caleb, Haley, and Griffen Eiland.

He was predeceased by a brother, James Robert Gilmer and two sisters, Tammy Renea and Tonya Denise Gilmer.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. at Pruitt Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sherrill Green and the Rev. Ted Coody officiating. Burial followed in Eastview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rocky Gilmer Fund, PO Box 266, Honea Path, SC 29654. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com.

Sara Dunn

Easley — Sara Catherine Fox Dunn, 87, formerly of Fleetwood Drive, died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 at Capstone Health and Rehab in Easley.

Born in Easley she was the widow of the late Charles Kenneth Dunn, Sr. and a daughter of the late Melvin Hamilton and Emillisse Galloway Fox. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was retired from Glenwood Mills and enjoyed reading, sewing and gardening. She was also a member of Pendleton Street Baptist Church.

Surviving are three daughters, Pansy Williams of Easley, Penny Stogner of Easley and Peggy Gilstrap of Norris; two sons, Ken Dunn(Karla) of Six Mile and Ray Dunn(Sandra) of Easley; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a son, Jay Dunn; seven sisters; and three brothers.

A private graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Debbie Patterson

Liberty — Debbie Lou Freeman Patterson, 56, wife of Joe Thomas Patterson, died on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Debbie was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Ivy and Wanza Freeman. She was a homemaker and attended Cannon Mountain Baptist Church in Pickens. Debbie was a great animal lover and treated her adopted cats and larger than life labrador retriever as her children.

Survivors include her husband of 38 years, Joe of the home, her beloved son, Tony Joe Patterson of Liberty, and granddaughter Sydney Sanders of Liberty. Sisters include Ann Stancell of Pickens, Sue Ellison, Patsy Bagwell, and Jane McClellan all of Easley, and June Nix of Pickens and brothers, Tommy Freeman of Pickens, Bobby Freeman of Liberty, Jimmy Freeman of Pickens and Sammy Freeman of Liberty.

In addition to her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by brothers, David Freeman, Broadus Freeman, and Billy Ray Freeman.

Funeral services were conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens with the Rev. Shem Durham and the Rev. Tommy Hayes officiating. Burial will follow in the Veteran’s Garden of Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Patterson family.

Betty Blanchard

Liberty — Betty Lou Blanchard, 83, of 211 Hillandale Road, died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 at her residence.

Born in Indiana, Pa., she was the widow of the late Raymond T. Blanchard and the daughter of the late C.E. Myers and the late Helen Barbor Myers-Miller. She was a 1950 graduate of Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing and retired after many years as an RN. During her retirement, she served as a volunteer with Hospice of the Upstate. She was a member of Easley Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are two daughters, Suzanne Wheeler of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and Jane DiBridge of Greenville; a son, Raymond E. Blanchard, Sr. of Grand Lake, Colo.; a brother, Doraine Myers of Indiana, Pa.; six grandchildren, Patrick Blanchard, Raymond E. Blanchard, Jr., Louis R. DiBridge, Samuel DiBridge, Jocelyn Bertovich, and Tracy Bertovich; and a great grandchild, Raymond E. Blanchard, III.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Donald Myers.

A memorial service for Mrs. Blanchard was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate: 1835 Rogers Road Anderson, SC 29621. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

Beatrice L. Merck

Easley — Mrs. Beatrice Lee Merck, 81, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Oconee County, a daughter of the late Duffey and Dester Bryant Lee, Mrs. Merck retired from Sangamo Electric and was a member of Galilee Baptist Church.

Surviving are one son, Steven Merck (Elisa) of Easley; three daughters, Wanda Hendricks and Melinda Ward (Cecil), all of Easley and Carol Keller (Carlos) of Ware Shoals; three sisters, Ruth Vickery of Central, Edna Burton of Salem and Gertrude Evett of Greenville; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Merck was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home, prior to the service.

The family is at the residence, 1408 Pelzer Highway, Easley, SC 29642.
Memorials may be made to Galilee Baptist Church, 129 Galilee Church 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.