KATHY YVONNE DINKINS

SPARTANBURG — Kathy Yvonne Dinkins, 59, died on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.

Kathy was born on May 7, 1963, in Fairfield County, to John and Jackie Dinkins.

Kathy was a dedicated ER nurse for 25 years. She continued her education through Chamberlain University and in 2015 obtained a master’s degree as a nurse practitioner.

She was a Christian woman with a gypsy soul. A descendant of civil rights leader Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca tribe, she was very proud and in tune with her Native American roots. Known for her restless energy, Kathy found many passions in life, including her family, raising horses, horseback riding, fitness, competing in triathlons, motorcycles, belly dancing, bicycling, the outdoors, art, singing and especially music. She loved all genres of music (much to the discomfort of others). During the last few years of her life, she remained faithful to her commitment as primary caretaker of her handicapped brother, John.

Always open minded toward new experiences and connections, she was a stranger to nobody and made memorable friendships with people of all walks of life, everywhere she went. Never a dull moment and always on the go.

Even in her “downtime,” she could be found at home rearranging furniture, sipping coffee, burning “sage” and blasting Pearl Jam.

Kathy is survived by her children, Kendra, Brian and Ashley; her 11 grandchildren; and her brother, John Dinkins.

Kathy will be remembered for her beautiful voice, youthful spirit and unique soul.

Palmetto Cremation Service is serving the Dinkins Family

BETTY JO PORTER KEASLER

SIX MILE — Mrs. Betty Jo Porter Keasler, 83, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at her home.

Betty was born in Cherokee County, N.C., on July 27, 1939, to the late Ansel V. and Mary Trammell Porter. She loved cooking and worked at Auntie Ann’s until she retired. Betty also enjoyed going to her Adult Fellowship Bible Class, drinking coffee and sitting on her front porch with her cat, Pumpkin.

Mrs. Keasler is survived by her inseparable twin sister, Barbara Porter; two daughters, Angie Burgess (Scott) of Jacksonville, Fla., and Jayme Marie van Essen (Ernst) of Six Mile; one granddaughter, Sylvia Rose van Essen; and her loving pet, Pumpkin.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband, George Morris Keasler; stepmother, Olive G. Porter; and one son, Gregory Keasler.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, in the chapel at Dillard Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 12:45-1:45 p.m., prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

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

 

DEREK MARSHALL EDWARDS

EASLEY — Derek Marshall Edwards, 61, loving husband of 24 years to Jenny Marie Edwards, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at his home.

Born on Jan. 17, 1961, in Charlotte, N.C., Derek was the son of Billy Sims Edwards and Peggy Faye Blackwell Edwards. Mr. Edwards attended the College of Charleston. He was a member of Easley First United Methodist Church. Derek enjoyed fishing, NASCAR, football and music. He loved his family dearly, and especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Jenny Marie Edwards; parents, Billy and Peggy Edwards; children, Holly Edwards Menendez (Landon Page), Corey Edwards and Brandon Edwards (Hayley Goodwin), all of Easley; grandchildren, Joseph Menendez, Carson Menendez, Colton Menendez and Xander Kivett-Edwards; brother, Steven Edwards; nephew, Christopher Edwards; and niece, Mackenzie Edwards.

Mr. Edwards was predeceased by his grandparents.

A memorial service was held on Nov. 6 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Edwards family.

 

 

JAMES HAROLD ROGERS

 

EASLEY — James Harold Rogers, 97, passed away peacefully on Nov. 4, 2022, following a brief illness.

A native of Williamston, Harold was the fourth of 10 children born to the late Milton and Mary Rogers.

Harold was a World War II veteran, having served his country in the 717th Tank Battalion. When he returned home, he attended Anderson Junior College, where he was the captain of the school’s first basketball team. He went on to the University of South Carolina, where he lettered in baseball for the Gamecocks while earning a degree in journalism.

Following a stint at the Greenwood Index-Journal as sports editor, Harold joined the Easley Progress as editor, penned a weekly column for the Pickens Sentinel and wrote weekend headlines for the Greenville News. Harold finished his career as director of public relations for the Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Harold had a lifelong love of tennis and was often the top-ranked player in South Carolina in senior age divisions. His children credit tennis for their father’s longevity, fitness and health. As accomplished as he was playing the game, he was an even better husband and father.

Harold is survived by two sons, Rev. Richard (Dale) Rogers of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., and Rodney (Monica) Rogers of Easley; two daughters, Mary Ann (Hal) Fisher of Oxford, Ga. and Laurie (Russell) Masters of Easley; two brothers, Joe Rogers of Anderson and Larry (Rose) Rogers of Andrews; and two sisters-in-law, Lucy Rogers and Earline Rogers. His six grandchildren are Travis (Rachel) Fisher of Social Circle, Ga., Wil Fisher and Dylan Fisher of Oxford, Kristen Masters (Blair) Miller of Greenville, Kelli Masters (Jason) Dalrymple of Easley and Grantland Rogers of Easley. There are six great grandchildren, Joanna and Madeline Fisher of Social Circle, Price and Landry Miller of Greenville and Cannon and Zane Dalrymple of Easley.

Harold was predeceased by his beloved wife, Bobbie, for whom he was the devoted primary caregiver for decades.

A graveside service was planned on Nov. 7 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.

The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Cottingham Hospice in Seneca and Dr. David Chang for his many years of care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Harold and Bobbie Rogers’ memory to Easley First Baptist Church.

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

 

HAYDEN S. PORTER JR.

PICKENS — Mr. Hayden S. Porter Jr., 77, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022.

Hayden was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Hayden S. Porter Sr. and Thelma Wulfeck Porter. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati and retired from Furman University as the Daniel Distinguished Professor in the Department of Computer Science after 33 years of service.

Hayden is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia Maloney Porter; one son, Hayden Porter III, married to Cindy Thalman Porter; one daughter, Emily Porter, married to Jeffrey Dziedzic; and one granddaughter, Cora Porter.

A visitation was held on Nov. 7 at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC 29671.

Burial will be at the Hiett Chapel Cemetery in Ripley, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

 

JAMES MILTON ‘CURLEY’ RIGGINS SR.

CENTRAL — James Milton “Curley” Riggins Sr., 83, of 132 Irvine Road, widower of Shelby Jean Riggins, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Central, he was a son of the late Melvrick E. and Mildred Chapman Riggins.

He worked at the Winn Dixie Bakery in Taylors for many years and later retired as a maintenance supervisor with Compact Air. He was a longtime member of Refuge Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee and chairman of the cemetery committee.

Mr. Riggins was a United States Army veteran.

Surviving are two daughters, Vanessa Parker (Russell) of Liberty and Terrie Romero of Pendleton; a son, James M. Riggins Jr. of Pendleton; three sisters, Virginia Slaughter of Central, Judy Link of Pendleton and Janice Durham (Travis) of Pendleton; two brothers, Larry Riggins (Clara) of Conroe, Texas, and Joe Riggins (Linda) of Central; and 10 grandchildren, Melissa Parker, Christopher Parker (Tiffany), Elizabeth Burdette (Bobby), Alyssa Walker (Corey), Brice Romero (Tabitha), Carly Revis (Steven), James M. Riggins III, Carey Haag (Greg), Katie Rampey (Joseph) and Caley Kidd (Malcolm). Also surviving are 18 great-grandchildren, Ansley, Levi, Elijah, Teagan, Camden P., Isabella, Daniel, Rowan, Sterling, Madison, Camden B., Alexis, Devin, Lucas, Calam, Knox, Ava Kate and Cru.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Duane and Tommy Riggins.

Memorial services to honor the life of Mr. Riggins were conducted on Nov. 6 at Refuge Baptist Church. Private burial will take place at a later date.

The family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Refuge Baptist Church, P.O. Box 301, Pendleton, SC 29670.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

FAYE CROWE

LIBERTY — Mrs. Faye Crowe, 80, passed away on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022.

Faye was born in Anderson, to the late George Guy and Polly Finley Wilson. She loved reading her Bible and listening to gospel music and was a member of Concord Baptist Church in Pickens. Faye enjoyed cooking for her family for their Monday dinners.

She is survived by her four children, Kenneth Crowe (Shirley) of Pickens, Roger Dale Crowe (Joy) of Six Mile, Wanda Dockery of Liberty and Judy Clardy (Dennis) of Easley; eight grandchildren, Josh Clardy (Ashley), Nick Clardy (Alea), Kimberly Clardy, Kenny Crowe (Michelle), Victoria Crowe, Zek Crowe (Deanna), Shane Farmer and Justin Farmer; and 12 great-grandchildren, Sayler Clardy, Layken Clardy, Brayden Smith, Kent Crowe, Allie Crowe, Charisma Crowe, Alek Crowe, Aryonna Crowe, Emma Crowe, Nathaniel Crowe, Lauren Farmer and Zella Farmer.

In addition to her parents, Faye was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Crowe; six brothers, Malcolm Wilson, Ray Wilson, Mell Wilson, Rudolph Wilson, Randolph Wilson and Bobby Wilson; and one sister, Patricia Whitmire.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Nov. 10 in the chapel at Dillard Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Dillard Funeral Home.

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

 

NANCY A. MURPHY

PICKENS — Mrs. Nancy A. Murphy, 74, loving wife of the late Hastin “Buddy” Murphy, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, at Greenville Post Acute Care.

Mrs. Murphy was born on Dec. 19, 1947, to the late James C. Atkins Jr. and Nellie Simmons of Pickens.

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she devoted her life to her family and was always available to them at any time of day.

Mrs. Murphy is survived by her two daughters, Amanda Durham (Steve) of Pickens and Lynn Waters (Josh) of Liberty; her five grandchildren, Murphy Durham, Sam Durham, Connor Durham, Shannon Waters and Clay Waters; a brother, Jimmy Atkins (Melanie) of Liberty; and her cousins, Joe Hooper (Doris), Chris Atkins (Darla) and Leigh Ann Stancil.

In addition to her loving husband, who passed away last week, and her parents, Mrs. Murphy was preceded in death by a brother, Stanley Atkins.

Funeral services were conducted on Oct. 28 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with a private entombment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a food bank of one’s choice to help feed the hungry, as Nancy would have done.

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

 

SHAWN B. BOLDING

EASLEY — Shawn Blake Bolding, 27, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022.

Born in Easley, he was the son of Lavenia Williamson Bolding and the late Harold Eugene Bolding.

Shawn was a member of Crosswell Apostolic Church in Easley. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed watching football, listening to music and eating a good meal.

In addition to his mother, Lavenia, he is survived by his birth parents, Charlie Bolding and Donna Aiken, both of Easley; his brothers, Shane Bolding of Easley and Shaw Bolding and Seth Bolding, both of Liberty; his sisters, Alisha Bolding (Daniel Nichols) of Liberty and Audry Diaz of Easley; his aunt, Genia Kay of Easley; his nieces he adored, Aralyn and Azalyn Nichols, both of Liberty; and cousins, Jeremy Bolding (Lori) and Lashay Kay (Aaron Pruitt).

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 2-2:45 p.m., at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, with a graveside service to follow at 3 p.m. at Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted.

The family will be at their respective homes.

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

 

TANEEKA ‘NEEK’ CALDWELL

CENTRAL — Taneeka “Neek” Caldwell, 32, loving daughter of Charles Rodney Caldwell and Brenda Kae Holcombe, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, at her residence.

A native of Pickens County, Neek was born on Dec. 1, 1989. She was an avid Clemson Tiger football fan and loved music, her family, her friends and her dogs, Zeke and Baby.

Survivors include her parents, Charles Rodney Caldwell of Seneca and Brenda Kae Holcombe of Central; her son, Deandrae Lamarr Caldwell of the home; her siblings, Monica Williams of Piedmont, Leigh Holcombe of Easley and Charles Caldwell “Bub” of Central; as well as her nieces and nephew, LeAnna Shyann Green, Alexis DeAnn Stegall, Nataley Reye Green, Keigan Zane Williams, Adaleiya Jean Bowen and Braylen Jaxx Revis.

Neek was predeceased by her sister, Lynn H. Green; and her maternal grandparents, Bob and Doris Holdeman.

Flowers will be accepted.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 11, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., with a celebration of life service to follow at noon. The family has asked anyone who would like to share a memory of Neek to do so at the service.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Caldwell family.

 

SARAH MAE MCCALL

EASLEY — Mrs. Sarah Mae Fincannon McCall, 73, wife of Bruce Richard McCall, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late John Thomas Fincannon and the late Christine Bertie Edens Fincannon, Mrs. McCall retired from Alice Manufacturing Company’s Elljean Plant and was of the Pentecostal faith.

Sarah loved the outdoors, gardening, quilting and working on crossword puzzles, but her greatest love was for her family and grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 40 years, are her three sons, Stephen Byrd of North Augusta, Aaron Byrd (Tracy) of Easley and Shane McCall of Easley; two brothers, Edward Fincannon (Patty) of Long Creek and J.W. Fincannon (Mary) of Six Mile; three sisters, Hazel Wardlaw of Central, Irene DeGregorio (Randy) of Niagara Falls, N.Y. and Ethel Stamey (Travis) of Mountain Rest; and her seven grandchildren, Taylor Byrd, Daniel Byrd, Noah Byrd, Austin Byrd, Mikey Young, Adilynn McCall and Skylan McCall.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. McCall was predeceased by a brother, Melvin Fincannon; and an infant sister.

The family received friends Nov. 4 at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

The family is at the home.

Memorials may be made in memory of Sarah to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation by visiting komen.org.

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

 

SUZANNE ELIZABETH DANIELS LAMBERT

PUMPKINTOWN — Suzanne Elizabeth Daniels Lambert, 62, loving wife of 26 years to Mark Lambert, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2022, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born on July 3, 1960, in Washington, D.C., Suzanne was the daughter of the late Askew Barto Daniels and Helen Virginia Cooke Daniels. Mrs. Lambert was known to be an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated nurse. She was a strong-willed and independent woman, who worried about others over herself. She was a loving stepmom and grandmother who also loved her cats dearly.

Survivors include her husband, Mark Lambert of the home; her daughter, Jessi Nicole Butler, and son-in-law, Richie Butler, both of Summerville; and her grandchildren, Joshua Lee Butler and Aubreah Nicolette Butler.

Mrs. Lambert was predeceased by her parents.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Lambert family.

 

DONALD RAY GANTT

EASLEY — Mr. Donald Ray Gantt, 60, husband of Kathy Barton Wright Gantt, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022.

Born in South Dakota, a son of the late Luther Cleo Gantt and the late Beatrice Holcombe Gantt, Mr. Gantt was a graduate of Easley High School, a retired maintenance supervisor and of the Baptist faith. Donald was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved his family dearly, and especially loved spending time with his granddaughter. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 25 years, are a son, Christopher Wright of Easley; a daughter, Brandy Wright Charles of Easley; three brothers, William F. Gantt (Cindy) of Liberty, Kenneth Gantt (Margaret) of Hayesville, Kan., and Greg Gantt (Sharon) of Six Mile; and his granddaughter, Leilah Rae Wright.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Gantt was predeceased by a daughter, Angel LaDonna Gantt.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Westview Cemetery in Easley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Donald to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605, or by visiting donate.lovetotherescue.org.

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