LESTER JOHN PORTER

EASLEY — Mr. Lester John Porter, 99, went to meet his adored savior, Jesus Christ, on Oct. 24, 2021, in his home while surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Aug. 5, 1922, Lester was a devoted member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley for 91 years. He has faithfully served Jesus throughout his long, beautiful life. He was an avid farmer and handy man until his mid-90s. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1943, where he served as a WWII combat medic of the 30th infantry division. He was a bronze star with valor recipient. Following his service, he worked at Duke Power as a welder and taught welding at Greenville Technical College. He was a member of the Shriners Association. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Surviving are his daughters, Connie Copeland of Williamston and Bonnie Eldridge (Ronald) of Myrtle Beach; three grandchildren, Rodney McCall (Heidi), Rhonda Todd (Willie) and Robin Politis (Rich); six great-grandchildren, Hannah McCall, Evan McCall, Anthony Politis, Meggie Politis, Alexis Politis and Jackson Todd; and many nieces and nephews.

Lester was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Louise Porter; his parents, Mack and Cindy Porter; his seven brothers and sisters, Henry, Carl, Vera, Elma, Francis and Ella Mae; and son-in-law, Buddy Copeland.

The funeral took place on Thursday, Oct. 27, at Rock Springs Baptist Church, with burial follow.ing

The family would like to thank Sissy Stone, Sue Simmons and Fonda Finley for the care and friendship she has provided Lester during the last year.

Flowers, donations and condolences may be offered to Rock Springs Baptist Church.

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

 

ROBERT ALLEN  ‘BOB’ BORCHERS

PICKENS — Robert Allen Borchers, 80, went to heaven on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born on July 13, 1941, in Chicago, Ill., son of the late Albert Borchers and Grace Beiger.

Our dad lived a very full life. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor and man of God. He enjoyed many interests and was known for different things by different people. He was a Boy Scout, a Shriner, a writer/poet, a Mason, a woodcarver, a hunter, a tree farmer and a volunteer. Bob’s love for the outdoors was nurtured at a very young age by his father, who encouraged him to pursue his dream. When he was just 18 years old, Bob purchased 168 acres in Trego, Wis., and together they planted seedlings to grow what became Will Be Done Farms. He was a lifelong member of the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association.

After almost four decades of service with the postal service Bob retired as postmaster of Woodstock, Ill., in 1999. Since that time, he has enjoyed his retirement through his involvement at their business, Shabby and Chic Interiors in Pickens, as well as being an active volunteer, serving his community through both Meals on Wheels and at the Hagood Mill. Bob also enjoyed the camaraderie the woodcarvers club provided and dancing a couple of days a week at the Shriners Club and Cotton Eyed Joes.

Surviving are his five children, Julie Edwards, David Edwards (Beatrice Jara-Almonte), Jennifer Borchers (Patrick Timothy Yerby), Jayne Kloth (James) and Jill Kloth (Todd). Bob also leaves behind to cherish his memory nine grandchildren, Gabriel, Zoe (Anthony Perlongo), Alexander, Joshua, Harrison, Bailey, Madison, Gunnar and Garrett; sister, Nancy Austin; and a god-daughter, Samantha Fletcher.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Rose Marie Borchers (nee Yerby), and sister, Lois Sanders.

Services for Bob will be held at Grace Methodist Church in Pickens on Nov. 13. Times to be announced.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Borchers family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

 

ANN DEADWYLER

EASLEY — Ann Bolding Deadwyler, 83, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.

She was born Jan. 18, 1938, to Samuel R. Bolding Sr. and Ruth Bell Bolding. A perfect example of a Southern lady, she was devoted to God and her family and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Most of all, she loved spending time with family, cooking and decorating.

She is survived by three daughters, Cindy Deadwyler Scott (Stan), Susan Deadwyler and Teena Deadwyler Watson (Scott); grandchildren, Lindsay Scott Thompson (Josh), Haley Scott Rogers (Tia), Maggie McConnell Phillips (Keels), Alex Watson Warren (Josh) and Austin Watson (Brittany); and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Jammy Bolding (Martha) and Sammy Bolding (Joyce), along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Ansel Deadwyler, who was the love of her life.

Ann was a member of Easley First Baptist Church. She spent most of her life in Six Mile and more recently resided in Belton. In addition to being an amazing housewife and mother, she worked at Sangamo Electric and worked alongside Ansel in the family business in Six Mile.

A service celebrating the life of Ann Bolding Deadwyler will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at First Baptist Church of Easley. The family will be gathered in the narthex of the sanctuary from 10-11:15 a.m. to greet family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Easley First Baptist Church “Generations to Come”, 300 E. 1st St., Easley, SC 29640.

Family members are at their respective homes.

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

 

JEANETTE WILSON

LIBERTY — Jeanette Leopard Wilson, 92, of Yates Road, died on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at her residence.

Born in Westminster, she was the widow of James Lewis Wilson Sr. and a daughter of the late Jess and Louise Marett Leopard. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and baking. She was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Surviving are two sons, Dr. James Lewis Wilson Jr. and his wife, B.J., of Liberty; and William Wilson and his wife, Linda, of Tigerville; two grandchildren, Alex Wilson of New York City and Kelli Landreth of Liberty; and two great-grandchildren, Casey and Christopher Nix.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Willette Butts.

A visitation to celebrate the life of Mrs. Wilson will be held Thursday, Nov. 4, from 5-7p.m. at Liberty Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Foothills, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

 

CLARA FAYE BARTON

SUNSET — Clara Faye Barton, 89, passed away on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Sunset, she was the daughter of Rufus Timothy Barton and Essie Viola Davis Barton. Faye was a graduate of Pickens High School and a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Surviving are her sisters, Elfreda Barton Hannah (George) and Shirley Barton Mason (Robert, deceased); nephews, Gary R Barton (Wendy), Thomas B. Hannah (Melinda) and Frank L. Mason; nieces, Theresa Barton Fendley, Sandra Mason Emmons (Roger) and Amy Mason Sckipp (Brian).

Faye was predeceased by a brother, Winfred W. Barton; and a nephew, Allen K. Barton.

Faye will be remembered for her unwavering faith in God and for her devotion to friends and family. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Graveside services were held on Nov. 2 at the Holly Springs Baptist Church cemetery, with Rev. Barry Dilworth and Rev. Gerald Martin officiating.

Memorials may be made to Holly Springs Baptist Church, 3450 Table Rock Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Barton family.

BERTA MAE WINCHESTER CLARK

PICKENS — Berta Mae Winchester Clark, 95, passed away peacefully on Oct. 1, 2021.

Wife of the late Milton Leon Clark and daughter of the late June and Willoughby “Good” Winchester, she was born in Pickens County and lived there joyously her entire life.

A dedicated member of Mountain View Baptist Church, Mrs. Clark raised a family, worked at Singer Manufacturing Company and cared for a colony of cats.

Known as “Mama Bert,” by her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was full of grit and grace and liked to stay active and helpful. When you stopped by her house on a hot summer day, you’d find her tending to her dazzling flower beds and productive vegetable gardens. When she saw you coming, she stopped immediately to greet you and offer the perfect glass of sweet tea and a plate of freshly baked cookies or cake.

She looked forward to fall trips to the mountains to get apples, which she transformed into delicious cakes, pies and apple butter. A pro at putting food by, she froze and canned the produce from her garden and showed her love to family and friends by preparing legendary meals.

Another passion was local history. She loved taking people out to the Old Pickens historic site near the Keowee River and imparting her knowledge of the area’s history. Known for her expertise, she was interviewed by Clemson students who were researching the area’s past for a school project. She was reverent and appreciative of the good old days, though she recognized how different and hardscrabble those times were by once telling a grandchild in a witty way that the present time “is the good old days!”

Mrs. Clark is survived by a daughter, June Bowers (J. Connie), and son, David Clark (Vicki); grandchildren, Joseph Bowers (Beth), John Bowers (Paula), Suzanne Reed, Steven Clark, Will Clark (Brittany) and Casey Jo Hitt Cooperman (Eric); and great-grandchildren, Cassidy Bowers, Asher Bowers, Stella Bowers, Lail Bowers and Phoenyx Reed.

She was predeceased by brothers, Don Winchester and Clyde Winchester, and sisters, Ruth Saad, Rubye Mann and Erelene Mann.

A graveside funeral service was held Thursday, Oct. 7, at Mountain View Baptist Church. The family greeted friends following the service.

Memorials may be made to Mountain View Baptist Church, 336 Mountain View Church Road, Six Mile, SC 29682.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

DON HARBIN

EASLEY — Mr. Charles Donald “Don” Harbin, 62, husband of Jennifer Adams “Jenny” Harbin, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late James Donald “Pete” Harbin and the late Patsy Holcombe Harbin, Don retired from Lockheed Martin with 30 years of service, was of the Baptist faith and was an active member of the Moose Lodge.

Don loved people and spending time with his friends, but his greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 39 years, are his two daughters, Stephanie Harbin and Nikki Harbin, both of Easley; his brother, Jeff Harbin (Sherry Braswell) of Pickens; his sister, Brenda H. Proctor (Steve) of Easley; and his grandchildren, Derek Harbin, April Spearman, Cameron Harbin and Alexis Brownlee.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Harbin was predeceased by a brother, Mike Harbin.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Nov. 4, from 7-9 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley.

The family is at the home of his mother-in-law.

Flowers will be accepted, and memorials may be made in memory of Don to the Prisma Health Cancer Institute, 900 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

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

 

SAMUEL EDWARDS ‘SAMMIE’ BARNETT

EASLEY — Samuel Edward Barnett, 56, loving husband of Cheryl Barnett, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at his home.

A native of Brevard, N.C., Sammie was born on April 17, 1965, to the late Flavious Edward and Sharon Diane Barnett. Sammie was a graduate of Hillcrest High School, where he played basketball. Sammie’s biggest achievement was being a papa. He was a truck driver for 25 years for Sewer Authority. Sammie enjoyed fishing trips with his dad, golf and racing, he loved the North Carolina Tarheels and loved to be with his family most of all.

Survivors include his wife of 12 years, Cheryl Lynn Barnett of the home; his children, Chelsea Roy (Steven) of Piedmont, Jazmyn Anstead of Powdersville, Micheal Lewis of Easley and Jason Leonard of Pelzer; grandchildren, Allyson Nicole Roy, Elizabeth May Roy, Katelynn Michllee Roy and Grayson Lewis; a sister, Renne Barnett; and his nieces, Lindsey Renee Cundiff and Mila Lorraine Meetze.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Barnett was predeceased by a stepson, Billy Lewis.

The family has asked to contact Mr. Barnett’s wife and daughter for updates on the memorial service.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Barnett Family.

 

JUANITA G. KEENAN

LIBERTY— Juanita G. Keenan, 92, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at her home.

A native of Greenville, Mrs. Keenan was born on Oct. 28, 1928, a daughter of the late Ned and Marie Garner.

Juanita was an artist and she enjoyed doing crafts, reading scriptures and the Bible. She was her family’s spiritual mentor.

Survivors include her children, Aaron Keenan of Greenville, Cynthia Johnson of Liberty and Denise Lyon of Greenville; nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one sister.

In addition to her parents, Juanita was predeceased by a daughter, Teddie Bates; a son, Paul Keenan; one granddaughter; two brothers; and three sisters. Flowers will be accepted.

A memorial service was held on Nov. 1 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Keenan Family.

 

ROSA WALDROP

EASLEY — Rosa Waldrop, 71, wife of the late Randall “Tater” Waldrop, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at Baptist Easley.

Mrs. Rosa was the daughter of the late Alice Marie Elrod Scruggs and James Walter Scruggs.

Survivors include one daughter, Kristy Sutherland (Benji) of Pickens; one son, Jamie Waldrop of the home; one brother, Ed Scruggs (Betty) of Easley; two grandchildren, Nikki Bradley (Chris) of Easley and Joshua Scruggs of Pickens; and four great-grandchildren, Carter, Anslee, Alexee and Adalee.

Graveside services were held on Nov. 1 at the Old Bethlehem Church cemetery.

Mrs. Waldrop was predeceased by her husband, Randall “Tater” Waldrop; one son, Dale Scruggs; two sisters, Mae Suddeth and Wauna Brittenham; and four brothers, W.T. Scruggs, Horace Scruggs, Winfred Scruggs and Randy Scruggs.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Waldrop family.

LINDA CARROLL MILLER

CENTRAL — Linda Carroll Miller, 77, wife of the late Donald Aikens Miller, passed away on Oct. 25, 2021.

Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late David and Geneva Brown. Mrs. Miller enjoyed crafts, writing poetry and Clemson football. She will be remembered for the love she showed to her family and friends.

Mrs. Miller is survived by her sons, Scott Miller of Norris and Gerald Miller (Reba) of Central; grandchildren, Austin Miller, Ryan Miller, Michael Newton, Jennifer Small (Jonathon) and Jordan Miller; and a great-grandson, Jackson Small.

The family received friends on Oct. 28 at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central.

Funeral service followed in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, and entombment was at Memory Gardens, Clemson.

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

 

JOE SEABORN

SIX MILE — Joe Seaborn moved to his heavenly home on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021.

He joins his wife, Betty, who passed in 2015. Joe devoted his entire working career to two companies, Woodside Mills in Liberty and Clemson University, where he worked in the forestry department. He teamed up with his faculty mentor, Dr. Leland Sheneke, to help develop a new hybrid of cypress plant, called the “Leland Cypress,” a plant sold internationally at major stores such as Lowe’s and Menards.

He and his wife, Betty, attended Mt. Olivet Wesleyan Church in Six Mile and contributed to the church in areas such as custodial care, cemetery maintenance and financial contributions. Joe led congregational singing at the church and played the guitar. Joe was very devoted to his own parents and attended them almost daily when they were housed at Harvey’s Love and Care home in Six Mile.

Mr. Seaborn is survived by two sons and their families, Joe Seaborn Jr. (Mary) of Marion, Ind., who has three children, Mary Joy (Roger), who has two girls, Hollie and Elise; Joseph III (Heidi), who has three girls, Esther, Lizzie and Emory; and Jerolyn (Pat), who live in Lockport, Ill.; son, Dan Seaborn (Jane), who lives in Zeeland, Mich., and their children Alan (Annaliese); Joshua (Amy), with children Jonah and Ivy; Cristina, whose children are Jackson, Naya and Shi; and Anna, whose son is Elisha.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mr. Seaborn will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Mt. Olivet Wesleyan Church cemetery in Six Mile.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling local arrangements.

 

MIRIAM STEWART GILSTRAP

EASLEY — Mrs. Miriam Stewart Gilstrap, 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Oct. 28, 2021.

Mrs. Gilstrap was born in Pickens County and was the daughter of the late Dennis Raymond Stewart and Beatrice Amanda Cantrell. She was the wife of 17 years to the late Charles “Hut” Porter and 43 years to the late Breeman Gilstrap.

Survivors include a son, Gregory A. Porter (Cassandra) of Greenville, and daughters, Charlene Seaborn (Bob) and Glenda Porter, both of Easley. Mrs. Gilstrap has one surviving sister, Nadyne S. Boyd (Tom) of Easley. Surviving are nine loving grandchildren, Chad Seaborn (Stacie), Chris Seaborn (Misty), Staci Tate (Tim), Toby Porter, Kassidy Brown (Scott), Zane Porter (Kelsey), Jessica Huggins (Clay), Justin Coleman (Summer) and Brooke Williams (Travis). Also surviving are 20 precious great-great-grandchildren, Cole, Carlee, Dax, Bryce, Garreth, Weston, Silas, Tessa, Talia, Brianna, Carissa, Channing, Micah, Kobe, Brooklyn, Corbin, Brooks, Maxx, Pressley and Clive. Surviving in addition are the children of Hewey Breeman Gilstrap, Linda Ballard (Steve), Denise Burnett (Dacus) and Tony Gilstrap (Patty) of Easley.

Mrs. Gilstrap was predeceased by an infant daughter, Susan Porter; a sister, Francis Stewart; and brothers, Marion W. Stewart and Kenneth E. Stewart.

Years ago, she was the secretary at Tanglewood Baptist Church, and she retired from Dukes Sandwich Shop in Greenville, where she served as manager.

It was evident that Mrs. Gilstrap cherished her faith and family. Her life was a reflection of her love for both. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, as well as her church family at Jones Avenue Baptist Church. She was quick to forgive and had a heart for others. She never hesitated to assist someone in need, and she never missed an opportunity to share the love of Jesus. She was a rare jewel who was loved by all and will be deeply missed by her friends and family.

A funeral service was held on Nov. 2 at the Dillard Funeral Home chapel in Pickens. The burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jones Avenue Baptist Church RTD, 614 Ross Ave., Easley, SC 29640.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Gilstrap family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

 

MARCIE OWENS

LIBERTY — Marcia Jo “Marcie” Mathis Owens, 60, of Owens Street, died on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, at Prisma Health-Baptist Easley.

Born in Pickens, she was the wife of 41 years to Raymond “Buddy” Owens and a daughter of the late Boyd and Marie Phipps Mathis. She was a licensed beautician and loved her rose gardens, but mostly she enjoyed spending time with her family. She attended Liberty Church of God of Prophecy.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, are two sons, Chris Owens (Amber) of Liberty and Michael Owens of the home; a stepson, Randall Owens of Easley; three sisters, Gail Looper of Easley, Becky Mathis of Easley and Sheilla Galbreath of Liberty; two brothers, Allen Mathis of Liberty and Scott Mathis of Easley; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Ronnie Joe Owens; a stepdaughter, Denise Harris; two brothers, Stanley and Jeff Mathis; and two sisters, Liz Vaughn and Lynn Mathis.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Owens were held on Oct. 29 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, with the burial following at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

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