ELLEN YESTER

LIBERTY — Ellen Elizabeth Greene Yester, 88, died Jan. 13, 2013 at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Mrs. Yester was born in Liberty and graduated from Liberty High School and Draughon’s Business College. She was the daughter of the late Alfred and Rosa Pressley Greene and was the last surviving member of 11 children. Before her retirement, she had a career in the electronics industry. She was known to all as a caring lady who always put the needs of family, friends, and strangers above her own.

She is survived by one son, James C. Yester, Jr., and former daughter-in-law, Betty Yester; two grandchildren, Elizabeth McClary (Anson), and James C. Yester III (Mary); and eight great-grandchildren, Toney Barrett, Jessica Yester, Anson McClary, Jr., Alex McClary, David Yester, Cassandra Yester, Savannah Yester, and Cheyenne Yester. Special acknowledgment is given to close and helpful family members, Randall Harrison (Linda), Jo Harrison, and many other family members, friends, and neighbors.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

QUINCY M. MCCONNELL

EASLEY — Quincy McSwain McConnell, 72, of 3569 Earls Bridge Road, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
A native of Dacusville, Mr. McConnell was a son of the late John McSwain and Elma Raxter McConnell. He was owner of Quincy McConnell and Son Grading, and a member of Nine Forks Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Patsy Cantrell McConnell of the home; a son, Clint McConnell (Leigh) of Easley; a daughter, April Leland (Donn) of Easley; a brother, Harold W. McConnell of Easley; a sister, Sandra McAlister of Saluda; and four grandchildren, Perry Leland, Quincy Leland, Cassie Jo McConnell, and Samuel McConnell.

In addition to his parents, Mr. McConnell was predeceased by a brother, Joe W. McConnell.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Jones Hill Church of God Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Jones Hill Church of God, 1014 Dalton Road, Marietta, SC 29661.

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

CECILE A. LONG

EASLEY — Cecile Ariail Long, 95 was born in Easley on May 24, 1917 and died peacefully Jan. 14, 2013.

Cecile Long was the heartbeat of her family. She was adored by nieces, relatives and friends of all ages, especially Peggy Brown and Patsy Taylor. She was poignantly attuned to the needs of those fortunate enough to know her. Cecile Long was an interesting and informed conversationalist with a quick wit and ready laugh. She generously returned the love of her family who always held her in highest regard. May God replace the spiritual qualities of the one we already miss.

Cecile Long is survived by her son, Dr. James W. Long, Ft. Smith, Ark. (Meredith); her daughters, C. Ariail L. Seshul, Fayetteville, N.C. (Dr. Michael) and Phronsie L. McNeely, Easley (James W.); and her daughter-in-law Marianne S. Castren-Long of Prosperity. “Gramby” (Cecile Long) will be missed by nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Long was preceded in death by her husband, William McMurray Long, Sr.; her son, Dr. William McMurray Long, Jr.; her parents, Thomas Henry and May Farr Ariail; and her brothers Doyce Ariail and Jack Ariail.

A graveside service was at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. Cecile Long was laid to rest between her husband and her son.

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

RICHARD HERBERT JOSLYN

PICKENS — Richard Herbert Joslyn, 73, of Pickens, died Monday, Jan. 14, 2013.

Mr. Joslyn was born in Savannah, N.Y. a son of the late Herbert Landon and Thelma Loomis Joslyn. He was retired from Conrail Railway and was a U.S. Army veteran.

Survivors include sons, Jason Baldwin (Peggy) of South Butler, N.Y., Richard Herbert Joslyn, Jr. (Stephanie) of Pickens and a daughter Julie Horne (James) of Pickens, the mother of his children and caregiver, Linda Baldwin of Pickens. Grandchildren include Jacen Baldwin, Justin Baldwin, Jacob Baldwin, Cordell Horne, Walker Horne, Rebecca May Joslyn, MacKenzie Gagnon and Bella Gagnon. Also surviving are brothers and sisters, Mary Lou Bowker (Joe) of Savannah, N.Y., Peter Joslyn of Orange City, Fla., Carol Hawrelak (Dick) of Savannah, N.Y. and Jerry Joslyn (Sally) also of Savannah, N.Y.

Services will be held at a later date in New York.

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

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Joslyn family.

BETTY ROYCE

LIBERTY — Betty Jo Traber Royce, 83, of Katherine Lane died peacefully Wednesday evening in Easley.

Born in Cornelia, Ga., she was the widow of William Henry Royce and a daughter of the late Henry and Cora Gibson Traber. She was a homemaker and a teacher’s aide and was a member of Liberty First Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, Ken Royce and his wife Kim of Easley; two sisters, Dorothy Watt of Pendleton and Clara Holliday of Atlanta, Ga.; three brothers, Bruce and Robert Traber, both of Liberty and Marvin Traber of Mauldin; a granddaughter Mariah Eden Royce of Easley;
In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by a son, Timothy Keith Royce; two sisters, Ruby Traber and Martha Parker; and two brothers, Clarence and Ernest Traber.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Royce were held at 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association: 301 University Ridge, Suite 5000 Greenville, SC 29601.

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

ED ALEXANDER

EASLEY — Rufus Edgar “Ed” Alexander, 86, of 205 Clay Street, died on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital.
Born in Cateechee he was a son of the late Charles Coleman and Myrtle Butts Alexander. He worked at Saco Lowell for many years and later retired from Dan River Mills. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II and was a charter member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Sarah L. Alexander of the home; a daughter, Ann Likas of Nashville, Tenn.; a son, Charlie Alexander of Denver, N.C.; a step daughter, Sharon Tutt of Easley; two step sons, Ray Duncan of Easley, and Steve Duncan of Apoka, Fla.; a sister, Wilma Sanders of Palm Springs, Calif.; a brother, Jerry Alexander of Seneca; 14 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Addie Woods Alexander, three sisters, and three brothers.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Alexander were 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Westview Cemetery in Liberty.

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Brushy Creek Baptist Church, Building Fund, 100 Clay Street, Easley SC 29642.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

ALVIN MERRILL

PICKENS — Alvin Elem Merrill, 85, husband of Cathryn Hamby Merrill died Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 at St. Frances Hospital in Greenville.

Mr. Merrill was born in Transylvania County, N.C. a son of the late Albert E. and Beatrice Cisson Merrill. He was retired as owner and operator of Alvin Merrill Grading and Construction. For many years he sub contracted with Duke Power and helped clear the Jocassee Gorges. Mr. Merrill was a member of Pickens First Baptist Church and was a U.S. Navy veteran.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Cathryn, daughters, Beverly Merrill Baker of Irmo and Kathryn Merrill Gilstrap of the home, grandchildren, Michael Andrew Baker of Easley, Gina Baker Reeves of Irmo, and Jennifer Gilstrap Peery of Charleston, great grandchildren, Katelyn Marie Baker and Ryan Hannah Reeves. Also surviving is a sister, Jean Merrill Plemmons of Brevard, N.C., and a brother, Albert N. Merrill of Courtland, Va.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Earline Merrill Byers.

Funeral services were 3 p.m. Sunday in the Dillard Funeral home chapel with Dr. Fred Stone officiating. Entombment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

Memorials may be made to Hospice of The Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621, or to the charity of one’s choice.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Merrill family.

GYSGT KEITH KELLER

ABILENE, TEXAS — GySgt Keith Keller, beloved husband of Nicole, died on Jan. 18, 2013. A vehicle driven by GySgt Keller collided with a tanker truck on January 9. He suffered severe head injuries that left him in a coma for nine days.

Keith was born April 5, 1977 to Don Keller and Martha Webb Keller in Anderson. He graduated from Seneca High School in South Carolina in 1995 and joined the Marine Corps on Jan. 22, 1996. After completing two deployments in Iraq, Keith, his wife, Niki, and son, Xavier, moved to Abilene in August 2011. He worked as a Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of Recruiting Sub-Station Abilene. He was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene, Texas.

Survivors include his wife, Nicole Keller of Abilene, Texas; his parents of Easley; a son, Xavier Grayson Keller of Abilene, Texas; a daughter, Ariana Grace Keller of Columbus, Ga.; a brother, Paul Keller of Anderson; a sister, Natalie Keller Jacobson of Spartanburg; an aunt, Ann Kem of Franklin, Ky.; and an uncle and aunt, Bob and Charlotte Kleier, of Smiths Grove, Ky.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at Rock Springs Baptist Church with Dr. David Gallamore officiating. Burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens with full military honors.

The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road.

Keith deeply loved his wife, children, family, and the Marine Corps. Memorials may be sent to Hendrick Medical Center, CCU Department, 1900 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas, 79601.

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

JAMES FARRIS LEWIS, JR.

PICKENS — James Farris Lewis, Jr., age 62, husband of Ginger Garrett Lewis, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013 at his home.
Mr. Lewis was born in Atlanta Ga.; the son of the late Dorothy Pearl Ellison Lewis and James Farris Lewis, Sr.; he also was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include, one daughter; Tiffany Lewis Devine of Simpsonville, one son; Zachary Lewis of Pickens, one brother Daniel Lee Lewis of Pickens, three grandchildren; Kara Devine, Sarah Devine and Braelen Lewis.

Mr. Lewis was predeceased by his parents and one brother; Tommy Wayne Lewis.

Chapel service was 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 at the Funeral Home. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, South Carolina 29621.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Lewis family.

OLIN BEARDEN

PICKENS — Olin Bearden, age 68, husband of Elizabeth Galloway Bearden, died Friday Jan. 11, 2013 at his home.

Mr. Bearden was born in Six Mile; the son of the late Rev. J.T. Bearden and Leola Scruggs Bearden, he also was a member of Glassy Mountain View Baptist Church.

Mr. Bearden coached softball for Pickens Recreation League for over 30 years, and loved sports of all kinds.

Survivors include, one daughter; Sherry Bearden Michael and husband Brad of Pickens, one son; Olin Scott Bearden and wife Teresa of Easley, two sisters; Betty Sargent of Easley, Shelby Jean Hayes of Greenville, two brothers; Kenneth Bearden and wife Shirley of Easley, the Rev. Roland Bearden and wife Linda of Easley, three grandchildren; Megan Keeler and husband Austin and Leslie Mousa and husband Jeff all of Easley, Justin Clay Adox of Pickens and three great-grandchildren.

Mr. Bearden was predeceased by his parents and one granddaughter Taylor Marie Bearden.

Chapel service was 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14 at Dillard Funeral Home. Entombment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Bearden family.

DUREAN C. DYAR

EASLEY — Durean Cooper Dyar, 86, formerly of Saluda Dam Road, wife of the late Hubert C. Dyar, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital.

Born in Greenwood, a daughter of the late Roy and Melba Timms Cooper, Mrs. Dyar was a homemaker and a member of East Side Baptist Church where she belonged to the Dorcus Sunday School Class.

Surviving are a son, Tony Dyar of Easley; three daughters, Barbara Johnson (Olin) of Easley, Rebecca Pettit of Brevard, N.C., and Jan Carland (Mark) of Arden, N.C.; a sister, Virginia Chambers of Anderson; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Dyar was predeceased by a brother, Walter Cooper and by a sister, Hazel Ballard.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow in Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery in Seneca.

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

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to East Side Baptist Church, 920 Anderson Highway, Liberty, SC 29657.
The family is at the home of Sherry and Ronnie Greene, 328 Finley 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.

DAVID COLLINS

PICKENS — David Howard Collins, 74, beloved husband of Barbara Dunn Collins of Pickens died on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013.
David was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Jonah and Gladys Breazeale Collins. He was retired from Ryobi Motor Products in Pickens and later retired as groundskeeper and gardener for The Holder Family Trust. He was a member of New Life Baptist Church, Hillcrest Drive in Pickens.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Barbara, of the home, daughter Angie Gilstrap (Allen) of Pickens, a special family friend Darlene Taylor and her daughter Ashlee Taylor, grandsons, Wesley Reid and Andrew Reid, step grandson, Cody Gilstrap, and step granddaughter, Leila Gilstrap. Also surviving are sisters, Ruby McElhannon and Ellen Breazeale both of Pickens, Helen Dacus (Olin), and Martha Wilson (Jerry) all of Easley.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Coldiron and the Rev. Tommy Hayes officiating. 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 is assisting the Collins family.

DAVINA MATTHEWS BOWLES

EASLEY — Davina Matthews Bowles, 81, of Easley, wife of Darrell Thomas Bowles, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at McCall Hospice House.

Born Sept. 27, 1931 in Richmond Parish, England, she was the daughter of the late Capt. David and Margaret Matthews. She was a retired hotel manger in Las Vegas and for several years volunteered at Baptist Easley Hospital in the gift shop.
In addition to her husband of 54 years, she is survived by her daughter, Darcy Wood (Eric); step-daughter, Linda Russell (Frank); granddaughter, Kelli Daccardi; and step-granddaughter, Alyssa Wood.

Memorial services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Homes-Powdersville Road with the Rev. Chuck Traylor officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home.

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

ETHEL EMMA FREEMAN TAYLOR

EASLEY — Ethel Emma Freeman Taylor of 752 Edinburgh Lane, widow of Austin C. Taylor, was born May 19, 1912 in Pickens County to John Steele and M. Lula Granger Freeman, died Jan. 20, 2013.

She was the oldest living member of Hunts Memorial Baptist Church and the Dorcus Sunday School Class.

Survivors are Mildred T. Cobb of Pickens, Beverly T. Cox of Easley, four grandsons, Randy and Walter Cox, Aaron Freeman and Bryan Christopher Taylor; a granddaughter, Michelle Cassels; two step-granddaughters, Amanda Warboy and Michelle Cobb; a step-great-grandson, Randy Cobb; four great-granddaughters, five step-grandsons and 11 great-great-grandchildren; special family friends, Mike McKinney and Margaret Bolding from Easley Seniors Unlimited.

Other than parents and husband she was predeceased by two sons, Perry D. Taylor and Ricky A. Taylor, one grandson, William Cox, five siblings, three sons-in-law, Garland Rigdon, Kenneth Cobb and Wallace Cox.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Tuesday at Hunts Memorial Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

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

INEZ G. BURGESS

PICKENS — Mrs. Inez Garren Burgess, 75, wife of John Coleman Burgess, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at Oakmont East Nursing Center.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Jesse Carl Garren and the late Lola Griffin Garren Brown, Mrs. Burgess retired from Ryobi Manufacturing and was a member of New Life Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of the home, are two sons, Alfred Burgess (Cindy) of Easley, and David Burgess (Shirley) of Central; one daughter, Janet Phillips (Gordon) of Pickens; two brothers, Carl Garren of Pickens, and Jimmy Garren of Greenville; two sisters, Clara Cisson of Travelers Rest, and Beatrice O’Kelley of Greenville; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Burgess was predeceased by one grandchild.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with the Rev. Greg Phillips 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.