MELINDA R. MANLEY

CENTRAL — Melinda Roper Manley, 51, wife of William Richard Manley, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville.

Mendi was born in Easley, a daughter of Bennie and Pat Campbell Roper of Pickens. She was a graduate of Easley High School and was a former respiratory specialist with AnMed Health. She was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to her husband and parents, are a son, Jonathan Roper Manley of the home; daughters, Katherin Diane Manley of the home and Anna Lauren Manley of Central; and two sisters, Amy McJunkin of Pickens and Anne Marie Hunnicutt of Atlanta.

Graveside services were held on Nov. 14 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens with Rev. Richard Hayes officiating..

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

ANNE REEVE HILYER

EASLEY — Mrs. Anne Reeve Hilyer, 89, wife of the late William Joseph Hilyer, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020.

Born in Pickens County, the daughter of the late Clarence Samuel Reeve and the late Tommye Elrod Reeve Townsend, Mrs. Hilyer was a graduate of Easley High School and attended the University of South Carolina and Rollins University. She was the retired owner and operator of Cedar Valley Antiques and was of the Presbyterian faith.

Surviving are a son, William Britt Hilyer (Susan) of Pickens; a daughter, Sherry Hilyer Briggs of Easley; four grandchildren, Hilery Phelps Hennessee (Brad), Joseph Everette Bush (Spring), Zachariah Robert Hilyer (Tish) and William West Hilyer; five great-grandchildren, William Harris Hilyer, Margot Elizabeth Hilyer, George Bradley Hennessee, Thoner Wade Bush and Hilyer Knox Bush.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Hilyer was predeceased by a daughter, Joan Hilyer Phelps; a son-in-law, Barry Phelps; and a lifelong friend, Margaret Virginia West.

Graveside services were held on Nov. 14 at Robinson Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Happy Hooves Therapeutic Equestrian Center, 4700 Dacusville Highway, Marietta, SC 29661 or by visiting their website at edenfarms.net/donate-to-happy-hooves.html.

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

DORIS BYRD

CATEECHEE — Doris Byrd, 95, of Cateechee died Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at Oconee Memorial Hospital.

Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of the late Thomas W. and Annie Nix Byrd. She was retired from Chickapee Mill and was a member of Cateechee Baptist Church. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Surviving are several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by six sisters and three brothers.

Graveside services to honor the life of Ms. Byrd will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church cemetery in Walhalla.

The family will be at their respective homes.

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

BARBARA ANN ALDERSON KUSHNER

CLEVELAND — With a heart focused on faith and eyes on her beloved mountains, Barbara Ann Kushner passed away from this life on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, after a courageous battle with abdominal cancer. She is now free of pain and suffering, after living life as a true friend, a devoted spouse and a nurturing mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, John “Jack” Kushner; sons David Kushner (spouse Christine) of Raleigh, N.C., John Kushner (spouse Betsy) of Tampa, Fla., and Keith Kushner (spouse Mary) of Clemmons, N.C.; six grandchildren, Keenan Kushner of Denver, Colo., Paul Kushner of New York City, Kayla Kushner of Raleigh, Morgan Kushner of Raleigh, Kelsey Kushner of Brevard, N.C., and Kate Kushner of Raleigh; and her brother, James Alderson III of Canonsburg, Pa.

She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Joyce Alderson Kirkwood, and her parents, James W. Alderson Jr. and Margaret Lunn Alderson.

Barbara Ann Alderson lived her youth in Carnegie, Pa., and practiced nursing in Pittsburgh. There she met a striking young lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and she and Jack Kushner were married in May 1961. A devoted military spouse, Barbara raised three sons on various military bases, while Lt. Col. Jack Kushner served his country, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Settling in Fayetteville, N.C., with her three school-aged boys, Barbara went to work as a teacher’s assistant at Cliffdale Elementary School, in the Cumberland County Public School System, using her compassionate heart and intelligence to teach students for 20 years. Her lead teacher, Nancy Wagner, became a beloved and lifelong friend.

She and Jack retired to the South Carolina upstate mountains, building their dream retirement home with a full view of Caesars Head. They enjoyed a vibrant retirement together, finding a faith community at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens, as active members living their deeply held Catholic faith.

Barbara was a generous spirit, supporting various charities, and she was skilled with needlework, creating works of art — smocked garments for her grandchildren and friends, crocheted masterpieces, prayer shawls and other detailed crafts that brought joy to recipients. She was an avid reader, enjoying the company of book club friends and sharing books with family.

Throughout her life, Barbara maintained her strong faith and reached out to God, with a compassionate and carefree spirit, and the pattern of her life was serving others.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 20, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 558 Hampton Ave. in Pickens. Interment will be at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson.

Memorials may be made to Food for the Poor, PO Box 979005, Coconut Grove, FL 33097.

A message of condolence may be expressed at dillardhillcrest.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Kushner Family.

KATHERINE DUNCAN LACKEY-PUTNAM

PICKENS — Mrs. Katherine Duncan Lackey-Putnam, 66, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Nov. 15, 2020. Mrs. Lackey-Putnam was born in Pickens and was the daughter of the late Furman Washington Duncan and Winnie Cantrell Duncan and wife for 30 years to the late Fred Andrew Lackey and her current loving relationship to husband Carl Putnam.

Survivors include her husband of eight years, Carl Putnam; daughter, Shannon Lackey Head (Robert) of Pickens; son, Jon Scott Lackey of Pickens; and a loving granddaughter, Madalynn Katherine Head. Survivors include sisters Shelby Jean Crowe (Bennie) of Pickens and Loretta Ellenburg of Pickens and a brother, Jack Duncan Sr. (Mary Anna) of Pickens. Also surviving are a number of nieces, nephews and cousins who loved and adored Mrs. Lackey-Putnam.

Mrs. Lackey-Putnam was predeceased by brothers Robert Duncan, Jerry Duncan, Bill Duncan and Mickey Duncan, and Shannon and Jon’s grandparents, Coy and Lillie Cox. She was also predeceased by a brother-in-law, Glen Lackey and a niece, Jane O’Obrien, who was more like a sister to her.

Mrs. Lackey-Putnam loved her catfishing and trips to the beach. She could sit for hours and fish seven days a week. More than her love of fishing was her love for her granddaughter, Madalynn. Her family was the love of her life. Along with fishing, she enjoyed painting. Mrs. Lackey-Putnam had the heart of a servant and was known for helping people. She never met a stranger.

A church service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 3:30 p.m. at The Mill Church, 158 Woodrow St., Pickens, SC 29671. A visitation will precede the service from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens. The Rev. Michael Duncan and the Rev. Jamie Duncan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local Humane Society of choice in honor of Mrs. Lackey-Putnam.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Lackey-Putnam family.

BENJI SCOTT CANNON

SIX MILE — Benjamin “Benji” Scott Cannon, 60, of Six Mile, went to heaven to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020.

Benji was born on May 4, 1960 in Pickens County, to Geraldine McCall Cannon and the late Doyle Cannon. He is survived by his two sons, Ben and Max, his brother, Joey Cannon, and two nephews, Zac and Derrick Cannon. He was currently owner/operator of Keowee Unlimited and formerly employed by Duke Energy. Benji enjoyed Clemson football and boating on Lake Keowee.

A graveside service was held on Nov. 16 at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with Rev. Mark Dibler officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Helping Hands of Clemson, in memory of Benji Cannon, at Helping Hands of Clemson, PO Box 561, Clemson, SC 29633

Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens, is assisting the Cannon family in making arrangements.

ROBERT EARL SNIPES

LIBERTY — Robert Earl Snipes, 58, passed away on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020.

He was the son of the late Bobby Earl Snipes.

He is survived by his mother, Shirley Kay; stepfather, Harold Kay of Liberty; stepmother, Jane Snipes of Mt. Holly, N.C.; fiancée, Kay Ramey of Liberty; and four children, Becky Gambrell of Greer, Brandon Snipes of Abbeville, Ga., Brittany Wicks of Mt. Holly, N.C., and Travis Snipes of Charlotte, N.C. Mr. Snipes had nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Snipes is also survived by two sisters, Debra White of Liberty and Katherine Willimon (Dale) of Six Mile; and a stepsister, Laura Snipes of Mt. Holly, N.C.

He was predeceased by a sister, the late Patricia Bryant.

The service is planned for 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Gap Hill Baptist Church in Six Mile, with pastor Boyce Whitman and Ken Collins officiating. Music will be led by Zach Kelly.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Snipes family.

MARY JEAN HORTON

EASLEY — Mrs. Mary Jean Horton, 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020.

Born in Spartanburg, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Israel and Glennie Belle Israel and loving wife to the late David Buckalue Wright, the late Cole Bryant and the late Alton H. Horton.

Survivors include daughters, Linda Cantrell of Easley and Debbie Wright (Jessy Frost) of Pickens; one remaining brother, Bob Israel of Inman; grandchildren, Monica French (Timmy) of Little Mountain, Ashley Amick (Royce) of Irmo, Jeannie Hommerding of Easley, Suzy Wells of Easley and Israel David Wright (Stephanie) of Seneca; and great-grandchildren Jamie French, Savannah French, Wesley Amick, Oscar Amick, Brady Wells, Kristin Wells, Keegan Hommerding, Santana Hommerding and Gracelynn Rose Wright.

Mrs. Horton was predeceased by a son, Thomas David Wright; sisters, Elizabeth Webb, Evelyn Dillard and Nancy Noland; and brothers, Thomas Israel, Ben Israel, Bill Israel and Jim Israel.

Mrs. Horton was a very humble and sweet woman. Her smile and laugh was contagious and very powerful. She was adored by her grandchildren for her charisma. She never complained and loved her family. She loved shopping with her late sister, Nancy. She frequented the Pickens Flea Market on Wednesdays. She was a seamstress by trade and loved making dolls and barbie clothes for her granddaughters and picnics in the mountains with her grandson.

A visitation was held at the Dillard Funeral Home chapel on Nov. 14, followed by a graveside service at Hillcrest Memorial Park officiated by Jonathan Day.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Horton family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

ZEMA FLING

SENECA — The dearly beloved Zema Fling passed away on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, at the age of 17.

Zema was born in Newport News, Va., and resided in Seneca.

He was such a huge, loving and compassionate soul. He truly touched everyone in an unforgettable way and is deeply missed.

He attended Oconee Academy and was to graduate with the upcoming class of 2021.

Zema is survived by his father, Robert Fling; mother, Monique Harrison; grandmother, Kimberly Fling; grandfathers, Carl Bell Jr. and Charles Harris; sisters, Deja Harrison, Arya Fling and Zariya Fling; and niece, Xyela Harrison. Zema also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and loved ones. Zema was also the proud father of a soon-to-be-born son, Zema Fling Jr.

Funeral services were held at Keowee Funeral Services in Seneca on Sunday, Nov. 15.

CYNTHIA JEAN JUNOD

PICKENS — Cynthia Jean Junod, 72, loving wife to Otto E. Junod, passed away on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

A native of Oakland County (Pontiac), Mich., Cynthia was born on July 7, 1948, a daughter of the late Gordon L. Heaton and Norma Jean Fisher Heaton.

Survivors include her two sons, Brad Strahan and Bryon Strahan; nine grandchildren, Isaac Snowdon, Brianna Strahan, Nichols Strahan, Chantel Burtas, Chelsey Strahan, Christa Strahan, Catrina Christenson, Brandon Strahan and Shane Strahan; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Raeann Heaton-Mooney; and two brothers, Gary Heaton and Ray Heaton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Cynthia’s honor to one of the following: American Diabetes Association, by mailing a check to PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or by visiting diabetes.org/donate; Kensington Church, by mailing a check to Attn: Care Ministries / Women’s Insight, 1825 E. Square Lake Road, Troy, MI 48085 or by visiting kensingtonchurch.org.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Junod family.