YVONNE MAY HIDAY SMITH

EASLEY— Yvonne May Hiday Smith, 91, wife of the late Dan A. Smith, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Russell and Mary Relyea Hiday.

Mrs. Smith worked in retail and was a member of Easley Presbyterian Church. She never met a stranger and loved and was loved by everyone who knew her. Her true passion was her family, which she loved dearly.

Mrs. Smith is survived by daughters, Sharon Beard (Dennis) of Easley and Diana Broome (Darrell) of Slidell, La.; grandchildren, David Beard (Nicole), Tracee Clem (Derek), Jason Broome (Mallory Echols) and Sheila Ogden; great-grandchildren, Cassandra Smith (Jordan), Caitlyn Clem, Cameron Motes (Taylor), Theo Broome and Shiloh Boman; and great-great-granchildren, Turner Smith and Rosemary and Joel Motes.

In addition to her loving husband of 43 years, she was preceded in death by grandsons, Douglas Beard and Jeremy Broome; and a brother, Jack Hiday.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, at Easley Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor.

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

 

BENNIE FLOYD CROWE

PICKENS — Mr. Bennie Floyd Crowe, 84, loving husband of Shelby Jean Duncan Crowe, passed away on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at Manna Health and Rehab of Pickens.

Bennie was born on March 13, 1937, in Pickens, to the late Lawrence and ClovieBaynard Crowe.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather brother and friend. Bennie emitted love, wisdom, patience and care everywhere he went, and to know him was to love him. He loved the Lord and was the example of what a Godly man should be, and his top priority was making sure his family was loved and taken care of. Bennie was the fixer of all things broken and the finder of all things lost. When he wasn’t spending time with his family, he stayed busy cutting grass, working in his shop, gardening and tending to his cows. Bennie enjoyed his weekly coffee and fellowship gatherings with old friends, and his sweet smile and witty sense of humor will be deeply missed.

In addition to his loving wife, Bennie is survived by one son, Tony Crowe (Joann) of Pickens; three granddaughters, Jaclyn Payne (Ryan) of Easley, Jennifer Whitmire (Gabriel) of Liberty and Heather Allison (Steve) of Easley; four great-grandchildren, Eliza, John-Luke, Everett and Aaron; and one sister, Ann Gwin (Roger) of Pickens.

In addition to his parents, Bennie was preceded in death by one daughter, Jane O’Brien; one brother, Hoyt Crowe; and one sister-in-law, Ann Crowe.

A graveside service was held on Nov. 23 at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family received friends following the service at the graveside.

The family is at the residence.

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

 

WINONA MCCLAIN

EASLEY — Winona Banks McClain, 72, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021.

Born in Greenville, the daughter of the late Fred Walter Banks Sr. and the late Margaret S. Bullington, Winona received her associate degree in automotive technology from Greenville Technical College and was a retired automotive technician with Sullivan Buick in Anderson. She was of the Pentecostal faith.

Surviving are her son, James Robert McClain Jr. of Fountain Inn; her two brothers, Otis Carl Banks (Debbie) of Piedmont and Fred Walter Banks Jr. of Waterloo; and her grandson, Bradley Bryant.

In addition to her parents, Winona was predeceased by her daughter, Kitten Bryant; and her granddaughter, Kimberlie Bryant.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow at Greenville Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 44-A Markfield Drive, Charleston, SC 29407.

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

 

LULA MCCOLLUM

CENTRAL — Mrs. Lula Smith McCollum, 91, wife of the late R.D. McCollum, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late David Daniel Smith and the late Tillie Jennings Smith, Mrs. McCollum was a homemaker and a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Lula Mae was a loving person who loved and adored her family and had a special love for her dog, Jake. She will be missed by all who loved and knew her.

Surviving are her two sons, Rick McCollum (Judy) of Easley and Ronnie McCollum (Mae) of Charleston; her daughter, Diane M. Elrod (Johnny) of Central; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. McCollum was predeceased by four brothers, Elmain Smith, Sam Smith, Rufus Smith and Bud Smith; and two sisters, Irene S. Snipes and Pauline S. Nix.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 23 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Burial followed at the Cedar Rock Baptist Church cemetery.

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

 

PETEY FULLER

CENTRAL — Kermit Leon “Petey” Fuller, 65, of James Circle, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, after a brief illness.

Born in Greenville, he was a son of the late Rev. Richard M. and Edna Brady Fuller. He was retired from the School District of Pickens County, where he was a custodian at several different schools including Ambler Elementary, Liberty Middle School, Liberty High School and Central Elementary. He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan and enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his family. He was a member of Liberty Masonic Lodge No. 235 A.F.M. and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are his wife, Elaine Burdette Fuller of the home; two daughters, Selena Owens (Anthony) of Anderson and Miranda Smith (Shannon) of Easley; a son, Brandon Howard (Donette) of Central; two sisters-in-law, Aurelie “Cookie” Fuller and Sandra Fuller of Liberty; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard “Dickey” Fuller and Harold Fuller; and two sisters, Sandy LeCroy and Joann Smith.

Funeral services to honor Petey’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial will follow at Liberty Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:30-1:45 p.m. at the mortuary.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Liberty Masonic Lodge No. 235, PO Box 26 Liberty, SC 29657.

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

 

VERA DARLENE STONE

PICKENS — Vera Darlene Stone passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 19, 2021, surrounded by family after a valiant fight with a long-term illness. She was welcomed to heaven with open arms by her Daddy.

Left to cherish fun memories are her mama, Vera Stone of Pickens; four treasured siblings, Preston Stone, Levi (Kara) Stone, Shirley Brooks and Sandy Stone; three beloved children, Jennifer Gillespie, Samantha Saxon and Charlie Gillespie, all of Elberton, Ga.; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Darlene was a proud Nano to Dylan, Andrew, Lexi, Jacob, Bailee, Aiden and Joshua. She adored her great-grands Sasha, Reagan and Ryleigh. Vera held a special place in her heart for Destiny, who she considered one of her own. Her four-legged companions, Bones, Ozzi and Batman, will miss their treats and love.

Darlene was an inspiration to all, devoting her life to helping and caring for others. She was a preschool teacher in Elberton, Ga., where she loved every child as her own.

The family would like to thank caring staff members of Hospice of the Upstate, Renee, Audrey, Pastor Deon and Starla (hospiceoftheupstate.com).

Per her request, there will be no services.

Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the family.

 

DELLA MARIE KELLEY

PICKENS — Della Marie Kelley, 58, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at her home.

Born Oct. 4, 1963, in New Orleans, La., she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Velma (Vandiver) Miller. She was full of life and was known by her family and friends for being an overall great person to be around.

Mrs. Kelley is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Tommy Kelley; two daughters, Ashley Gilstrap of Augusta, Ga., and Virginia Montoya of Commerce, Ga.; and a son, Matthew Kelley of Pickens. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by four grandchildren, Kaden Welborn, Quinten Welborn, Charisma Crowe and Samuel Kelley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Amber Kelley.

Mrs. Kelley’s wishes were to be cremated, and a celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral home is assisting the Kelley family.

 

DOROTHY WHITMIRE

LIBERTY — Dorothy Burns Whitmire, 86, died on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Pendleton, she was the widow of Charlie Whitmire and a daughter of the late Frank Washington and Mavis Elizabeth Roper Burns.

Surviving are two sons, Charles “Terry” Whitmire of Asheville, N.C., and Ben Wilson of Spartanburg; two sisters, Nell Holder of Liberty and Fran Kelley of Easley; 12 grandchildren, Melvin Whitmire (Amanda), Laura Whitmire, Amanda Whitmire, Brandon Whitmire (Sue), Jeremy Whitmire (Jenny), Jonathan Whitmire (Ashley), Chelsea Bradley, Trapper Whitmire, Bo Whitmire, Courtney Biddle (Timothy), Melanie Newman (Daniel) and Stephanie Antillon; and numerous great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by four sons, Marty, Tony, Greg and Rodney Whitmire; a brother, Haskell Burns; and a sister, Anne Williams.

Funeral services were conducted on Nov. 23 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial was at the Roanoke Baptist Church cemetery.

To share a memory or leave a message for the family, you may visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

TAMMY RENA WELZBACHER

PICKENS — Tammy Rena Welzbacher, 62, formerly of Williamston and Cullowhee, N.C., passed away on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021.

She was the daughter of the late Henry Thomas Welzbacher and Martha Rae Frasier Wright. She loved her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, April Owens; grandchildren, Joshua (Kaitlyn) Owens, Joseph Owens, Ryleigh (Logan Meadows) Owens, Bethany Owens and Sadie Ricketts; great-grandchildren, EllaMae Rena Meadows and Madilyn Hope Owens; siblings, Eugene (Pam) Welzbacher, Eddie (Donna) Welzbacher, Irene Jordan and Billy (Barbara) Welzbacher; and honorary “Nana” to Mia Cannon, Blake Tolley, Brandon Barker, Maddy Hooper and Mason Lowery; ex-husband, Johnny Hunt; lifelong friends, Cathy Sutton, Dorothy “Dot” Goodine and Sandy Simpson; nieces, nephews and a beloved dog, Ragnar.

A memorial service was held on Nov. 23 at Tabernacle Baptist, 519 Anderson St., Pelzer, SC 29669. Her grandson, Joshua Owens, officiated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the GoFundMe.

FRANCIS PETER ‘FRAN’ TORSIELLO

EASLEY — Francis Peter Torsiello, 65, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, at his home.

A native of Waterbury, Conn., Fran was born on June 17, 1956, to Michael Raymond and the late Madeline Ann Matisto Torsiello. Fran was a communicant of Remnant Church in Easley and loved his horse, Scooby-Doo.

Survivors include his daughters, Melissa J. Powell (Marcus) of Watertown, Conn., and Jessica Torsiello of Ansonia, Conn.; his grandchildren, Angel Cardona Jr., Tyson Torsiello Powell, Isaiah Powell, Anthony Torsiello and Madison Torsiello; nieces, Tiffany Patchell, Stacey Lettiero and Rebecca Torsiello; and a nephew, Brian Shaw.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Torsiello was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Torsiello; a sister, Cynthia Torsiello; and a nephew, Kyle Torsiello.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Connecticut.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Torsiello Family.

 

 

JEARL WILLIAMS

 

EASLEY — Mr. Perry Jearl Williams, 86, husband of Avis Formyduval Williams, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.

Born in Chesterfield County, a son of the late Baxter Alfonzo Williams and the late Ellen Olivia Winburn Williams, Mr. Williams was a graduate of Furman University, where he received his bachelor’s degree. He was previously employed with the Anderson County Family Court and Anderson County Vocational Rehabilitation and was the current owner of Jearl Williams Nursery. Jearl was a member of Easley First Batist Church and a U.S. Army Reserve veteran.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 63 years, are a brother, John A. Williams (Avis) of Mebane, N.C.; a sister, Ann W. Lay of Long; two sisters-in-law, Joan Williams of Siler City, N.C., and Lois Williams of Bakersville, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Williams was predeceased by his daughter, Elen Victoria Williams; four brothers, Randolph Williams, Dearl Williams, Cecil Williams and Lee Williams; a sister, Geneva W. Evans; two sisters-in-law, Kitty Williams and Jewel Williams; and two brothers-in-law, Fred Lay and Preston Evans.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

 

DANIEL S. SCHUPBACH

EASLEY — Daniel S. Schupbach, 41, passed away on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021.

Daniel was born on Jan. 26, 1980, to Scott T and the late Darla Revan Schupbach, who raised him in the Powdersville community. Mr. Schupbach loved to cook and read books, especially his Bible.

He is survived by his daughter, Mackensie Schupbach, and her mother, Stephanie Helton of Easley; a sister, Dana Lyda (Jason); grandparents, Shirley Kauffman and Patsy Mills; two aunts, Rhonda Palacios (Alan) and Paula Schupbach; an uncle, Jamie Schupbach (Cheryl); and one niece, Hadley Lyda.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Schupbach was also predeceased by his grandfathers, Alvin Revan, Chuck Kauffman, Jack Mills and Paul Schupbach; and one aunt, Chris Towner.

A memorial service for Daniel was held on Nov. 20 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Schupbach family.

 

BOBBY JOE LYDAY

PICKENS — Bobby Joe Lyday, 62, loving husband of 40 years to Teresa Lynn Lyday, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A native of Pickens County, Bobby was born March 12, 1959, son of the late Henry Jackson Lyday and Alice Marie Bryant Neal. He enjoyed working, hunting and spending time with his grandbabies.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa, of the home; his children, Stephanie Ramey (Ryan), Justin Lyday (Morgan) and Courtney Johnson (Corey), all of Pickens; grandchildren, Abbigail Woods, Levi Woods, Chase Lyday, Chloe Ramey, Collin Lyday, Emma Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Jameson Johnson and Ellie Johnson; siblings, Rachel Dickard (Wayne), Carolyn Galloway (Terry), Deborah Riddle (Danny), Shirley Haynes, Ricky Lyday (Lisa) and Marie Galloway; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lyday was predeceased by his brother, Allen Lee.

Visitation was held on Nov. 22 in the sanctuary of Midway Baptist Church, with the funeral service following. Burial was at the Midway Baptist Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Lyday family.

 

GLADYE MAE NIX

LIBERTY — Gladye Mae Whitmire Nix, 84, of 135 Whitmire Hill Road, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at the Cottingham Hospice House.

Born in Pickens, she was the widow of Donald William George Nix and a daughter of the late Clyde C. and Essie Porter Whitmire.

She was a longtime member of Roanoke Baptist Church and enjoyed gardening. The most important things in her life were always her family and faith. She did, however, believe in education, and went back to school after her children were born to finish her high school diploma to set an example for her rapidly growing family.

Surviving are two daughters, Corliss Thomas (Jeff) of Spartanburg and Janice Nix of Liberty; two sons, Randell Nix (Susie) and Chris Nix, both of Liberty; three sisters, Sue Farmer, Diane Sanderson and Kathy Young; a brother, Haskell Whitmire; seven grandchildren, Brian Thomas (Melody), Tracy Shreve (Brandon), Stephanie McClain (Jamie), Shannon Tollison (Kevin), Taylor Kitchens, Katelyn Dotson (Scott) and Rev. Zachary Nix (Abby); and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Lucille Chastain, Yvonne Durham and Sylvia Cantrell; and five brothers, Claude, Roy, Bobby, Johnny and Donald Whitmire.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Nix were conducted on Nov. 22 at Roanoke Baptist Church.

The burial followed in the church cemetery.

To leave a memory or message, you may visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

PAULINE GILSTRAP

CENTRAL — Pauline Ross Gilstrap, 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at her residence.

Born in Seneca, she was a daughter of the late JB and Brodie Ables Ross.

She was a homemaker and loved to spend time with her family.

Surviving are her husband, Larry C. Gilstrap of the home; a daughter, Jodie Campbell (Dale) of Williamston; three sons, Brian Chapman (Amy) of Belton, Ricky Gilstrap (Cynthia) of Liberty and Jimmy Gilstrap of Taylors; a sister, Florence O’Neal of Norris; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Chapman; a brother, Jack Ross; and five sisters, Louise Bates, Frances Ross, Joyce Johnson, Betty Dickard and Inez Bryant.

Graveside services were held on Nov. 22 at Liberty Memorial Gardens. No formal visitation is planned.

To leave a memory or a message, you may visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.