CHRISTOPHER JUHL KEARNS

EASLEY — Christopher Juhl Kearns passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020.

He lived from Dec. 9, 1975, to Sept. 19, 2020.

A Brother’s Perspective:

Chris was born with a mental illness that robbed him of so many things in life that most of us take for granted. He struggled greatly to find his place in the world. My family struggled at times to protect Chris from himself, understand, and properly care for him. While we searched for the answers, we saw Chris slip into dark places, sometimes years on end. His condition demanded a lot of patience, love and time.

It was heartbreaking for all of us.

To say that Chris’ life was full of color and adventure is to say it mildly. He battled raging storms and fought monsters of the mind that wanted nothing but to break him. Each battle left him with new scars.

Chris had schizophrenia, the same illness that robbed my older brother, Dan, and my mother, Noel, of a full life. They both died so young, and unfortunately were never able to find freedom from the prison of their minds. I am sure Chris carried the weight of knowing what he was up against.

With all of this going on, Chris never grew weary and never gave up. Instead, loaded with an unshakable faith, help from the medical community and unconditional love from family, especially my father, Phil Kearns, Chris finally was able to enter into the wilderness of his mind to reckon with what was real and what wasn’t.

The last few years I saw my brother walk out of that wilderness and into a garden. There was no advertising about this new garden, no parade, but rather little seeds planted quietly throughout his interactions with people. His garden was warm and inviting. There were philosophical conversations, empathy, hugs, laughter and compassion.

Chris became alive, living a life of integrity, love, and faith. God became his guiding compass. Chris learned to navigate and live with his schizophrenia.

His garden was in full bloom.

Recently we discovered that Chris was terminally ill with cancer. During his last days, Chris was unable to speak clearly. Yet, while I was in tears by his bedside, he told me: “Don’t be afraid, James.” Even when facing death, he was comforting and teaching me.

I love you, big brother, now and always. Thank you for teaching me what courage is and for giving me some seeds for my own garden.

A memorial service for Chris will be held at a later date.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

REV. PAUL L. WILCOX

LIBERTY — Rev. Paul Leslie Wilcox, 85, husband of the late Carolyn Duncan Wilcox, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, at the Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Paul was born in Kenton, Ohio, the son of the late Leslie D. and Ruth Grode Wilcox. Paul was a graduate of Southern Wesleyan University and pastored in the Wesleyan Church for 44 years. Following his retirement, Paul continued his ministry as a licensed funeral director with Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home.

He is survived by son, L. Mark Wilcox (Connie) of Tonganoxie, Kan.; daughter, Julie W. Kellett (Phillip) of Pickens; sister, Lucille Rohloff (Dan) of Seneca; grandchildren, Lloyd Patterson III (Lora), Heidi W. Ravenscraft (Bobby), Melissa Michael (Rami), Jeremy Wilcox, Zachary Wilcox (Christine), Brock Kellett and Caleb Wilcox (Danielle); great-grandchildren, Lesley Ann and Claire Ravenscraft, Ellie, Eliza and Haven Wilcox and Paul Michael and Olivia Patterson; special friend, Marilyn Raines; special cousin, Marion L. Wilcox (Joyce); stepgrandchildren, Phillip Welch (Julie), Marc Welch (Tracie), Kevin Welch (Charissa); and stepgrandchildren, Owen, Ethan, Avery, Parker, Conner, Reagan and Quinn Welsh.

In addition to his parents and wife, Paul was predeceased by a son, Steven P. Wilcox.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 20 in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, with burial following at the Golden Grove Wesleyan Church cemetery.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.

ANGELA L. ALEXANDER

CENTRAL — Angela Lynn Alexander, 51, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, at her home in Central.

Angela was born in Michigan, a daughter of George Ronald and Carolyn Maw Alexander. She was a graduate of D.W. Daniel High School and Clemson University. She loved watching deer and birds from her home in the country. She also enjoyed photography and playing golf and putt putt. She was a member of Norris First Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by a sister, Connie Renee Avery and her husband Kerry of Liberty; and nephews, Trevor and Tanner Avery.

Private memorial services will be held at a later date.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.

SUSIE WOODS

CENTRAL — Susie Woods, 56, passed away at the Rainey Hospice Home of Anderson on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020.

She was born in Anderson on July 23, 1964, to the late Harry and Janice Barnes. Susie was an alum of Daniel High School.

Susie is survived by her husband, Waco Woods; a sister, Marie Talley; and four brothers, Joey Barnes, Tim Barnes, Frank Barnes and Scott Barnes.

There is no public memorial being held. The family is having a private service in Susie’s honor.

Susie loved her dogs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads Animal Hospital in Oconee County at (864) 972-9906.

Obituary is submitted as a courtesy to the family of Susie Woods by Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central.

DOROTHY JEAN SEARCY MCGREW

PICKENS — Dorothy Jean Searcy McGrew, 63, wife of the late Jimmy Clinton McGrew Sr., passed away on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at McCall Hospice House.

Mrs. McGrew was the daughter of the late Betty Marie Clayton Searcy and Charles Edward Searcy. She loved her dog Sugar Baby and was a member of Oolenoy Baptist Church. A special thanks to the staff at McCall Hospice House for the care they gave Mrs. McGrew during her time there.

Survivors include one biological son, Chris Whitmire (Krystal); one stepson, Jimbo McGrew; two stepdaughters, Lori McGrew Powell and Mary Ann Custeau (Robert); three sisters, Wanda Galloway (Terry), Mary Ann Brown (Ed) and Lisa Guffey (Ben); two brothers, Charles “Curly” Searcy (Betty) and Randall “Doodle Bug” Searcy (Marcia); nine grandchildren, Eric Powell, C.C. Powell, Levi McGrew, Johnny McGrew, Jakie Owens, Tyler Murphree, Haley Wimpey, Braden Murphree and Emma Whitmire; 12 great-grandchildren; 10 nieces; and six nephews.

Mrs. McGrew was predeceased by her parents, husband, one niece, Rebecca Searcy, and one brother, Jerry “Bo” Searcy.

Graveside services were held on Sept. 21 at the Oolenoy Baptist Church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to McCall Hospice House, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the McGrew family.

FLORIDE AGNEW FINDLEY

EASLEY — Floride Agnew Findley, 88, died on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020.

Born in Anderson County on Dec. 7, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Edwin Hugh and Izetta Pruitt Agnew. She attended Starr Elementary School and graduated from Anderson Girls High School, before earning a B.S. degree in commerce from Winthrop College, class of 1954. Her first career was teaching typing and shorthand at Spartanburg High School.

After moving to Easley in 1958, she became the office manager/bookkeeper for the family-owned and operated Findley’s Pharmacy, supporting the successful entrepreneurial enterprise of her husband, while also serving as a Scout leader, PTA volunteer and substitute teacher, and raising four children. Appointed in 1979 to the Pickens County Board of Voter Registration and later to the Election Commission, she served proudly until her retirement. Strongly believing in civic duty, she made many contributions to Easley through her work with the Easley Junior Woman’s Club (charter member and past president), the Better Homes Club and the Woman’s Club of Easley (past president).

Growing up, she was an active member of Starr Baptist Church. She joined Easley Presbyterian Church in 1959. where she sang in the choir, was a Sunday school teacher and vacation Bible school leader. She was instrumental in establishing the Service and Fellowship for Over 55 group, now known as “Amazing Grays.” She also served as president of the Presbyterian Women of the Church.

Surviving are her son, James Elliott Findley Jr. (Petra); three daughters, Rosemary F. Duncan (Barry), Helen F. Hester (Scott) and Floride F. Caldwell (Nick), all of Easley; nine grandchildren, Jorden D. White (Will), Anna and Bryant Duncan, Jennifer H. Going (Curtis), Daniel Hester, Anna Catherine C. Morris (Derrick), and Caroline, Mary Helen and Abigail Caldwell; and two great-grandsons, Jameson and Evan Going. In addition, she is survived by a sister-in-law, Catherine Findley Smith (John), and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, James Elliott Findley.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by three brothers, Harry (Frances), Pruitt (Jane) and Edwin Agnew; two sisters, Betty A. Hopkins (Drayton) and Izetta A. Camp (Don); and one sister-in-law, Marion F. Smith (David).

Graveside services and burial were held on Sept. 22 at Robinson Memorial Gardens Powdersville Road, with the Rev. Drs. Bill Seel and Christie Gravely of Easley Presbyterian Church officiating, and a dear nephew, the Rev. Parker Agnew of Perry (Ga.) Presbyterian Church assisting.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easley Presbyterian Church, 200 S. 1st St., Easley, SC 29640.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

MARLENE MCWHORTER

SIX MILE — Marlene Blackston McWhorter, 67, died on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, at Anderson Area Medical Center from complications of COVID-19 surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Pickens, she was a daughter of the late Roy and Opal Ellenburg Blackston.

She was a graduate of Pickens High School and Southern Wesleyan University. During her working career, she worked at South Carolina National Bank, Laurel Hill Nursing Center and Southern Wesleyan University and later retired from Clemson University. She enjoyed traveling, but most of all she loved spending time with her family.

Surviving are her husband of 49 years, Boyce McWhorter of the home; two sons, Chris McWhorter (Stephanie) of Anderson and Brent McWhorter (Angela) of Six Mile; four grandchildren, Alex, Alyssa, Luke and Ethan McWhorter; five sisters, Joyce Duncan, Sandy Fuller, Diane Parton (Johnny), Wanda Madden (Frankie) and Ginger Blackston.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy Blackston; and two brothers-in-law, Calvin Duncan and Dickey Fuller.

Private graveside services to honor Marlene’s life will be held at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Ave., Liberty, SC 29657, or Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

DOROTHY MCCLELLAN

LIBERTY — Dorothy Dorsey McClellan, 91, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, at her residence.

Born in Liberty, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Elizabeth Rothell Dorsey. She was retired from Gregg Sport. She was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are her a brother, Billy Dorsey of Liberty; a sister, Patsy Wood of Easley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael McClellan; and five sisters, Frances Ellis, Helen Hamby, Kate Holliday, Sybil Cole and Betty Craine; and a brother, Buddy Dorsey.

Funeral services to honor the life of Ms. McClellan were held on Sept. 19, conducted by Rev. Gerald Martin. Private interment was held at Westview Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Interim Hospice, 16 Hyland Road, Greenville, SC 29615.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Sitter’s Registry and Interim Hospice for the wonderful care that Ms. McClellan received during her illness.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

SAM MANGO JR.

SENECA — Sam Mango Jr., 84, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020.

He was born in Sharpsburg, Pa., in 1936.

Sam was a draftsman and pipe fitter for many years at Comstock Engineering and worked on the Three Mile Island nuclear facility in Middletown, Pa. He was also a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Union, with his late brother Joseph, in Pittsburgh, Pa.

He retired in 1989 to South Carolina, where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf with his loving wife, Dee. He was a past member of Oconee Country Club, where he recorded his first hole-in-one, and the Walker Course at Clemson University. Sam was an avid reader and was often seen at his local library checking out one of his favorite authors.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dee (Snyder) Mango; his four children; Donna Franz (Keith), Robert Mango (Renée), Susan Hollenbaugh (Robert) and John Mango (Monica); his six grandchildren, Jessica Leroy (Harley), Chelsea Franz (David), Scott Hollenbaugh (Mary), Shannon Akin (Jay), Justin Mango (Jordan) and Rachel White (Zach); and three great-grandchildren, Emilee, Wesley and Ava. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Schafer (the late Raymond), and many nieces and nephews.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Mango Sr. and Angeline (DiPasquale) Mango; his brother, Joseph Mango; and his great-grandson, Caleb.

The family held a private service to celebrate his life and legacy. If you would like to leave a note of condolence to the family, please visit keoweefuneralservices.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation in Sam’s name to:

Prisma Health Hospice of the Foothills, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672 or the Oconee County Public Library, Seneca Branch, 300 E. South 2nd St., Seneca, SC 29678

Keowee Funeral Services is assisting the Mango Family.

MALISSA ROSE BENNETT

EASLEY — Malissa Rose Bennett, 64, born on Jan. 27, 1956, to the late Jacob Kelly Pierce and Sara Elizabeth Davis, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2020.

She was a homemaker.

Malissa is survived by two sons, Eric Campbell (Susan) and Curtis Campbell (Erica); and several brothers and sisters, Jorge (Justin) Reeves, Marylin (Fred) Holiday, Kelly Pierce, Norman (Barbara) Pierce, Billy Ray Davis and Harry Mae Davis. In addition to her children, she is survived by two grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by Anthony Pierce, Carol Pierce and Lanagayle Camp.

A celebration of life was held in the chapel at Keowee Funeral Services of Oconee in Seneca on Sept. 16.

Keowee Funeral Services is assisting the family.

MARGIE SUE REESE

SIX MILE — Margie Sue Reese, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Six Mile, she was the widow of Jesse J. Reese Jr. and a daughter of the late Van and Hazel Hendricks.

She graduated from D.W. Daniel High School in 1957 and was a member of Gap Hill Baptist Church.

Mrs. Reese retired from Liberty Middle School, where she worked alongside her husband for many years.

Surviving are a son, Dr. James Reese (Susan) of Easley; two daughters, Patricia Berkshire (Doug) of Central and Malinda Martin of Boiling Springs; 10 grandchildren, Elizabeth Jones, Kristen Martin, Jessica Rogers, Kyle Martin, Jason Reese, Abigail Hayes, Tennyson Chappell, Reagan Chappell, Benjamin Reese and Lois Reese; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Barbara Ann Allsep of Six Mile.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Samuel D. Hendricks.

Private graveside services will be held at the Gap Hill Baptist Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

HOLLEY P. PATE

EASLEY — Holley P. Pate, 62, wife of Franklin D. Pate, went to be with the Lord, who she faithfully served, on Sept. 3, 2020.

Born in Easley, she was the daughter of the late Alvin and Eloise Holliday Phillips. Mrs. Pate loved the Lord, her family and all things pineapples. She enjoyed listening to worship music and was a member of the Church of God.

She is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Franklin D. Pate; daughter, Anna Bailey and husband Drew of Easley; sons, Frankie Pate of Easley and Jessie Pate and wife Katie of Spanish Fort, Ala.; brother, Andy Phillips and wife Dianne of Easley; sister, Samantha Haynie and husband Robert of Easley; and her granddaughter, Logan Pate and Baby Bailey due in January.

Funeral service were held on Sept. 7 at Robinson Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

JACKIE G. SENTER

EASLEY — Jackie G. Senter, 63, husband of Nancy Louise Powell Senter, passed away Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020.

Mr. Senter was the son of the late Dorothy Lee Powell Senter and Glen Woodrow Senter. He loved the Lord, working on old cars and taking a ride to the mountains.

His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and his dogs were very dear to him.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, one daughter, Tina Crumpton (Denny) of Easley; one son, Terry Bagwell (April) of Easley; two sisters, Glenda Laws (Bobby) of Liberty and Marie Scruggs (Jimmy) of Pickens; two brothers, Fred Senter (Jean) of Mount Airy, N.C., and Roger Senter (Tina) of Myrtle Beach; five grandchildren, Cody Crumpton, Haley Crumpton, Kayla Bagwell, Ian Bagwell, and Dustin Blanton; and three great-grandchildren.

Gravesides services will be held Sept. 23 at the Secona Baptist Church cemetery.

Mr. Senter was predeceased by his parents.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Senter family.

James O’Shields

LIBERTY — James Arthur O’Shields, 90, of 105 Virginia Drive, went home to be with Jesus, Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, at Prisma Health-Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Travelers Rest, he was the husband of 69 years to Frances Eleanor Welborn O’Shields and a son of the late William Luther and Savannah Hassie Duncan O’Shields. His home church was Corinth Baptist Church, but he also actively attended Calumet Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife are four daughters, Cathy Stephens of Liberty, Tracy McDaniel (Bob) of Easley, Stephanie Rampey of Liberty and Alison Gantt (Chuck) of Pickens; two sons, Wayne O’Shields (Judi) of Liberty and Kent O’Shields (Kay)of Martin, Ga.; 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Paul O’Shields; two sisters, Annie Peterson and Lillie Galbreath; and a brother, Joseph O’Shields.

Arthur retired from Ryobi, and he spent many years prior to that cutting timber. No man had a greater work ethic. He was an avid gardener and animal lover. He could fix anything he touched until dementia took over, and then he broke everything he touched. He was a man of few words, but his humor was second to none. We are thankful for all of the memories we have. He was one of a kind, and he will be dearly missed.

A private funeral service will be held for Mr. O’Shields. A live stream of his service will be available for viewing Wednesday, Sept. 23, by visiting the tribute wall on his obituary at libertymortuary.com. No visitation is planned. Private burial will be at the Corinth Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will be at their respective homes. Online condolences may sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

WILLIAM CURTIS RAMEY SR.

EASLEY — William Curtis Ramey Sr., 84, husband to Emma Louise Ramey for 62 years, passed away on Sept. 16, 2020.

Born in Easley, he was the son of the late William Anderson Ramey and Mamie Summers Ramey.

Mr. Ramey was a member of Blue Ridge View Baptist Church and retired from Alice Manufacturing. He helped start and was a member of the Dacusville Volunteer Fire Department for 10 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Louise Ramey; sons, Wayne Ramey (Renee) of Pickens and William Curtis Ramey, Jr. (Kimberly) of Greer; daughters, Jan Davis (Vic) and Cindy Hendricks (Tim), both of Easley; grandchildren, Kayla Ramey, Chris Davis (Diana), Matthew Ramey (Kaitlyn), Shaune Ramey (Chelsea), Donavan Hendricks (Taylor), Brittney Ramey and Duncan Hendricks; great-grandchildren, Neveah Ramey, Levi Bagwell, Kallie Cummings, EmmaLee Davis and Kolton Ramey; brothers, Lewis Ramey, Mike Ramey (Geraldine) and Eugene Ramey; and sisters, Nellie Moon, Dellie Bridges and Lou Ellen Dare.

Mr. Ramey was preceded in death by Frances Holbrooks, James Ramey, Jane Arnold, Etta Ramey and Thelma Gantt.

A graveside service was held on Sept. 19 at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family received friends following the service in the cemetery. Members of the Dacusville Volunteer Fire Department served as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blue Ridge View Baptist Church, Building Fund, 745 Wolf Creek Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.