Courier Obits for week of 2-13-13
ALICE B. ELLISON
EASLEY — Alice Rosie Bagwell Ellison, 93, formerly of the Ariail Community, wife of the late George A. Ellison, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 at Majesty Health & Rehab.
Born in Laurens County, a daughter of the late George Oscar and Artie Holder Bagwell, Mrs. Ellison retired from Alice Manufacturing Company and was a charter member of Easley Bible Methodist Church.
Surviving are two sons, Kenneth Ellison (Valarie) and Tony Ellison (Debbie), all of Six Mile; two daughters, Barbara Jean Dodson of Easley and Laura Howard (Donald) of Pickens a brother, Henry F. Bagwell of Easley; two sisters, Margie Roper and Lorine Hall, both of Easley; 10 grandchildren; Eddie and Tim Howard, Frank Dodson, Kent, Bryan, Kyle, Kaleb and Kirk Ellison, Megan Groves and Kara Ellison; and three great-grandchildren, Jacob and Madison Howard and Hart Ellison.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Ellison was predeceased by five brothers, Oscar, Walter, Earl, Eddie and Bill Bagwell; by four sisters, Emily and Ruthie Bagwell, Mary McDonald and Ethel Howard; and by a son-in-law, W. Frank Dodson.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday at Pickens View Wesleyan Church. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to Meals On Wheels, P.O. Box 184, Easley, SC 29641 or to Easley 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.
ARMENTA HODGE COX
SIX MILE — Armenta Hodge Cox, 59, of 2377 Maw Bridge Road, died Monday at her residence.
Born in Gaffney, she was the widow of the late Jimmy Howard Cox and a daughter of the late James Hodge, Sr. and the late Betty Hallman and Robert Alexander. She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, cooking, crossword puzzles and her church. She was a member of Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church.
Surviving are two sons and their wives, Adam Cox and Melissa of Central and Jason Cox and Janna of Beaufort, N.C.; a half sister, Lana Hodge Boyett of Gaffney; a step sister, Kevin Brown of Wildwood, N.Y.; a brother, James Hodge, Jr. of Gaffney; a brother, Chris Alexander of Grayson, Ga.; a step brother, James Alexander of Provo, Utah; and three grandchildren, Jacob, Evan and Rylee Cox.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Cox were 11 a.m. Friday at Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church. Burial was at Memory Gardens.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
DEBORAH C. HALL
EASLEY — Mrs. Deborah Campbell Hall, 64, wife of Richard Joe “Rick” Hall, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 at her home.
Born in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of Raymond Walter Campbell and the late Shirley Markel Waseleski, Mrs. Hall retired from General Electric.
Surviving, in addition to her husband of the home and her father, are four sons, David Blohm (Amanda) of Georgia, James Blohm (Windy) of Rock Hill, and Joshua Hall (Dawn) and Jeremiah Hall (Christine), all of Easley; a brother, Scotty Campbell of Michigan; her mother-in-law, Jessie Mull Hall of Easley; and six grandchildren, Alex, Masha, Ryan, Hayleigh, Chance and Hudson.
Memorial services were 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.
Memorials may be made to Feed a Hungry Child in Pickens County, P.O. Box 1573, Pickens, SC 29671.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
DR. JOHN P. WOURMS
CLEMSON — Dr. John Peter Wourms, 77, of 209 Edgewood Ave. died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013 in Easley.
Born in New York City, he was a son of the late John Peter and Mary Babula Wourms. Early on he was an avid reader and collector of interesting books and artifacts. He attended Fordham University where he received both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Biological Sciences. His most memorable experience was sailing around the world aboard the R.V. TeVega in 1964, which gave him the opportunity to climb Mt. Kiimanjaro. In the late 60’s he traveled to the West Coast where he attended Stanford University and earned his Ph.D. He then returned to the East Coast and did post doctorate work at Harvard University.
While there he met his lifelong partner and wife, Deborah Deane Wourms, whom he married in 1972. In 1976, he and his wife moved to Clemson where he eventually settled. He began work at Clemson University and became a full professor of Biological Sciences until his retirement in 2006. In 1979, they celebrated the arrival of their only son, Nicholas Stephen Wourms. John was a devoted husband, loving father and earnest scientist. Family always came first, but his work was a close second. A gentleman and a scholar, John wanted to set an example for his son, who he involved in his work from an early age. He never stopped to rest on his laurels; publishing articles and writing books. In 1984 he was recognized as a John Simon Guggenheim Fellow and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society in 1997.
Memorial services were 2 p.m., Sunday at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Laura Conrad officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 Edgewood Ave., Clemson, SC 29631.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central.
NANCY LANCASTER
EASLEY — Nancy Trout Lancaster, 86, formerly of Rutherfordton, N.C., wife of the late James Neal Lancaster, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013 at Regency Hospital.
Born in Rutherfordton, N.C., Mrs. Lancaster was a daughter of the late Andy Alton and Anna Morris Trout. She had worked for 13 years as a service representative for Southern Bell and was a member of Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church.
Surviving are a son, Jim Lancaster (Jill) of Easley; a sister, Aileen Martin and two grandchildren; Kyle Lancaster (Brittany) and Dorie Lancaster.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Lancaster was predeceased by three brothers, Glenn, George and Guye Trout.
A private memorial service will be held 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.
BETTIE T. WATT
EASLEY — Mrs. Bettie Todd Watt, 82, wife of John Charles Watt, Jr., died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013 at her home.
Born in Anderson County, the daughter of the late James Banks and Lona Yon Todd, Mrs. Watt retired from Hasbro and was a member of Calvary Hill Baptist Church, where she belonged to the Rebecca Sunday School Class.
Surviving, in addition to her husband of the home, are two daughters, Annette Watt Roach (Neil), and Beverly Watt Hopkins (Dan), all of Easley; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Watt was predeceased by five brothers and one sister. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621 or to Calvary Hill Baptist Church, 501 Rampey 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.
MILLIE SUE CISSON
EASLEY — Mrs. Millie Sue Roper Cisson, 84, wife of Wallace Newton Cisson, died Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at Ashlan Village, Lyman.
Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late William Parker and Rosa Burns Roper, Mrs. Cisson retired from Cassell’s United Stores after 30 years of service and later retired from Belk and Alta Vista Nursing Center. She was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church where she was a member of the Glenn Williams/Thelma Moorehead Sunday School Class, and was a member of the WMU.
Surviving, in addition to her husband, are a daughter, Shelia C. Welch (David) of Campobello; a brother, Ray Roper; four sisters, Montez Farmer, Rachel Ann Watson, Frances Kuykendall and Betty Kunz; two grandsons, Dr. Christopher Welch (Erin) and Brian Welch (Nicole).
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Cisson was predeceased by two sisters, Sadie Lecroy and Azilee Howard.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 at Cross Roads Baptist Church. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cross Roads Baptist Church, 160 Cross Roads Church Road, Easley, SC 29640 or to the charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
ZACHARY MCJUNKIN
EASLEY — Zachary McJunkin, 19, of Easley, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013.
Born Nov. 12, 1993 in Anderson County, he was the son of Bryan McJunkin of Pelzer and Amy Williams of Easley.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Hailey McJunkin and Tessa Williams; a brother, Ethan Holbrook.
Zachary was predeceased by a great uncle Ozzie Bit Cooper.
A memorial service was 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
MARY ETHEL MORGAN
PICKENS — Mary Ethel Morgan, 82, of 208 James Street, Anderson, formerly of Pickens, died Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at Anderson Area Medical Center.
Born in Pickens she was a daughter of the late Lyston and Ethel Lawrence Morgan. She retired from Swirl and was a member of Lawrence Chapel United Methodist Church.
Surviving are a sister, Martha Smith of Seneca; and a brother, Alfred Morgan of Pickens; a special niece and caregiver, Becki LeCroy of Walhalla.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two sisters, Era Davis and Louise M. Grant, and six brothers, Ernest, Harold, Paul, Herrick, Edwin, and Lawrence Morgan. She was also predeceased by a special niece and caregiver, Edwina McCall.
Graveside services to honor the life of Ms. Morgan were 2 p.m. Sunday at Lawrence Chapel United Methodist Church.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
PHILLIP A. BURCH
CLEMSON — Phillip Augustus Burch, 54, of 111 Gregory Street, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 at AnMed Health.
Born in Anderson, he was a son of Mrs. Billie Murphy Burch and the late Thomas Augustus Burch. Phil was a 1976 graduate of Daniel High School and attended First Baptist Church of Clemson.
Surviving are his mother of the home; brother, Jeffrey Thomas Burch of Santa Rosa, Calif.; sister, Carla Burch Crago of Charlotte, N.C.; niece, Kelsey Bassett; and nephew, Grant Crago.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m., Monday at Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson with Dr. Rusty Brock officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Cen
THOMAS GANTT
EASLEY — Thomas Weldon Gantt, 89, husband of the late Ruth Cantrell Gantt for almost 70 years, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home.
Born in Oconee County on June 9, 1923, to the late Edward and Ola Kelley Gantt, Mr. Gantt was educated in the public schools of Oconee County and employed by Tinsley Crane Chevrolet, Crane Chevrolet, Townsend Pontiac-Cadillac and Minyard Oldsmobile. He was an active member of the United Wesleyan Church, and also worshiped later at Rock Springs Baptist Church.
Surviving members of the family are a niece he raised as his own, Mary C. McAbee and her husband Eddie, of Spartanburg, their daughter, Mary-Edens Cantrell McAbee; and several other nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Lawrence Keever and the Rev. Ansley B. Page officiating. A private interment was held before the service.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. William Craig, III, Dr. Brian Fowler, Dr. Kenya Hanspard, Dr. Garrett Snipes, the staff at Dillon Pointe and the nurses and staff at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Spartanburg Day School, 1701 Skylyn Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307, or to Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Drive, 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.
LILLIAN P. OWENS
EASLEY — Lillian Parsons Owens, 83, of 108 Waterford Way, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 at Foothills Presbyterian Home.
Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Louie and Myrtle Babb Parsons, Mrs. Owens was previously employed with Saco Lowell Corp. and later with Southern Bell. She was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church where she formerly taught the Mothers Sunday School Class. Mrs. Owens was a volunteer with Baptist Easley Hospital and also with Meals on Wheels.
Surviving are her husband, Fred W. Owens of the home; two sons, Tony J. Owens and wife, Leslie, of Greenville and Phillip D. Owens and wife, Lynn, of Easley; a daughter, Dr. Barbara O. Goggans and husband, Steve, of Pawley’s Island; a brother, Cecil Parsons of Pickens; six grandchildren, Jill Owens, Diana Owens Sparrow, Heath Owens, Adrienne Dail, Graham Goggans and Stevie Claire Goggans; and two great-grandchildren, Quentin Dail and Owen Dail.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Owens was predeceased by a son, David William Owens, and a brother, Glen Parsons.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Andrew United Methodist Church with the Rev. Cynthia Taylor, the Rev. Julian Ford and the Rev. Farrell Cox officiating. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Escort of Honor will be the St. Andrew Sweet Spirit Seniors.
Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 309 Pelzer Highway, 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.
PEGGY MCCLANAHAN
LIBERTY — Peggy Fowler McClanahan, 77, of 296 Breazeale Road, died peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 at the McCall Hospice House.
Born in Liberty she was the widow of Thomas Franklin McClanahan and a daughter of the late John Roy and Gladys Porter Fowler. She was a graduate of Liberty High School and later attended Furman University. She retired from Vulcan Materials. Peggy was a member of Carmel Presbyterian Church, and previously was a member of Liberty Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder. She was an avid gardener, and was a former President of the Pickens County Historical Society.
Surviving are a daughter and son in law, Cathy M. and Howard Seiler of Mars Hill, N.C.; a son and daughter in law, Scott and Renee McClanahan of Ringgold, Ga.; a sister, Martha Burgess of Mauldin; two brothers and sisters in law, Billy and Genevie Fowler of Liberty, and Wayne and Kathy Fowler of Pickens; four grandchildren, Henry Seiler, Eric Seiler, LiliAnne McClanahan, and William McClanahan.
In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Michael McClanahan, and one sister and two brothers.
Funeral services to honor Peggy’s life will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at Westview Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Carmel Presbyterian Church, 492 Flat Rock Road, Liberty SC 29657, or Open Arms Hospice, 1836 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville SC 29680.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.
GENIA JONES
MARTINEZ, Ga. — Ms. Genia Stewart Jones, 55, died on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013.
Ms. Jones was a native of Pickens, grew up in Easley and had resided in Augusta for the last 15 years. She was caring and wonderful mother to her two daughters. Genia was a model of courage and strength and was a beautiful picture of grace. She was a constant, a friend, and a keeper of dreams. She was a shoulder to lean on, a giver of love and a magnificent mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was a free spirit with a huge heart and cherished the little things in life. Her outgoing personality, big smile and loud laughter lit up the room. She loved the beach, her family, her friends and her pets. She made a difference in many lives and touched all who were fortunate enough to meet her. Without a doubt, her biggest accomplishment and what she was most proud of was the opportunity to be a mother and raise her daughters.
Family members include daughters: Lindsey Jones, Jennifer Cromer and husband Charles; sister: Tracy Harbin; parents: Richard and Jo Raue, R.E. and Sara Stewart; and grandparents: Jeanette and the late Boze Patterson.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with the Rev. Don Prosser officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospital, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605.
Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors of Augusta, Ga. is assisting the Jones family.
CHARLIE T. COOPER
PICKENS — Charlie T. Cooper, 78, of Wolf Creek School Road, husband of Marilyn Pitts Cooper, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013.
Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late E.A. “Cap” Cooper and Carria Hudson Cooper. Mr. Cooper was retired after 39 years of service from Saco Lowell and was a member of Cannon Mountain Baptist Church.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Tommie Townes (Jack) and Teresa Cassell; a son, Charles R. Cooper; six grandchildren, Randall Townes (Melissa), Stacey Cisson (Michael), Shelli Holcombe (Rockie), Jodi Pearson (Travis), Jena Durham (Terry) and Matt Cooper; nine great grandchildren, Easton Satterfield, Emory Satterfield, Ethan Holcombe, Hannah Pearson, Eli Townes, Logan Holcombe, Marleigh Pearson, Carter Durham and Raegan Durham; a brother, the Rev. E.A. Cooper, Jr.; and four sisters, Lydia Stewart, Lucille Morgan, Esther Phillips and Margaret Burns.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Cooper was predeceased by five sisters, Leila Ellenburg, Lillie Mae Norton, Leona Tolliver, Ruth Alexander and Pearl Renner.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Cooper family.