BENNY HANSON

EASLEY — Benny Hanson, 70, loving husband of 51 years to Shirley Hanson, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 3, 2022, at his home.

A native of Transylvania County, N.C., Benny was born on Feb. 22, 1952, the son of the late Arthur and Edna Hanson. Mr. Hanson enjoyed fishing and loved to spend time at the lake. Benny loved the Lord and shared the gospel through the ministry of his family’s gospel bluegrass band. He was a family man who loved his wife, children and grandchildren dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Hanson of the home; children, Scott Hanson (Lori) of Pickens, Cheryl Hanson of Easley and Eddie Hanson (Nikki) of Easley; grandchildren, Cameron Hanson (Meredith), Cooper Hanson and Carlie Hanson; brothers, Jack Hanson (Donna) and Joe Hanson (Lisa).

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hanson was predeceased by a brother, Ray Hanson.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, in the sanctuary of Lakeview Baptist Church, from 11 a.m.-noon. Funeral services will follow at noon. Burial will follow the service in the Bethlehem Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Benny’s honor may be made to Lakeview Baptist Church, 107 Mauldin Lake Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

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

 

JEANETTE HARTSELL

CENTRAL — Jeanette Hartsell, 84, daughter of the late John and Essie Monroe, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at her residence.

A native of Pickens County, Jeanette was born on April 27, 1938. She was a member of Red Hill Baptist Church in Pickens.

Survivors include her children, Danny Bagwell (Elaine) of Pickens, William Aikens of Easley, Luke Hartsell of Easley, Benny Hartsell (Connie) of Central, Tammy Potts (Tommy) of Easley and Gary Hartsell (Linda) of Pickens; and a sister, Mary Jane Whitmire. She was loved dearly by all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and great-great-great-grandchildren.

Jeanette was predeceased by her parents; her daughter, Hazel Hartsell Coleman; two sisters, Irene Bagwell and Rachel Sheriff; and her two brothers, Lewis Monroe and William Wade.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jeanette’s honor to Red Hill Baptist Church or Pickens County Meals on Wheels.

Graveside services will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Red Hill Baptist Church cemetery, located at 558 Red Hill Road in Pickens.

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

 

DOROTHY M. KING

PICKENS — On Dec. 2, our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Dorothy King, 74, went home to be with the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Medlin; father, Ed Medlin; brothers, Tommy Medlin and Hustin Medlin; sister, Shirley Chappell; brother-in-law, Wayne Snipes; and niece, Maryann Snipes.

She has one surviving sister, Mary Nix (Michael); two sons, Adam King and Jeremy King (Rhonda); and one daughter, Bonnie Gainey (Michael); as well as nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She loved a lot of things in this world, but the most loved was the Lord, Jesus Christ and her family.

The family will host a celebration of life service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Liberty Church of God of Prophecy, 373 Black Bottom Road, Liberty, SC 29657.

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

 

Martha S. Parris

PICKENS — Martha S. Parris of Pickens passed away in her home on Dec. 3, 2022.

She came to rest in the company of her family and her beloved cat.

She is survived by her husband, Jackson Parris; her daughter, Keely Mabry (Billy); her best friend, Sherri Beyke; and her pets, Bizzi, Hamish, Ghillie and Buttercup.

Martha was a graduate of Saint Angela’s Academy in Aiken. She earned her B.A. in modern foreign languages and her Master’s in French education from Furman University.

Martha loved adventure and traveled extensively solo, as well as with family and friends. She also enthusiastically braved travel with her French students throughout her career as an educator.

Martha started her career in education teaching French at Westminster High School and moved to Walhalla High School, where she spent almost 30 years encouraging and inspiring students to meet their full potential and become their best selves, while also helping them expand their knowledge of the world by immersing them in the French culture and language through film, literature and food. She completed her career educating International Baccalaureate students at Southside High School and retired in 2012.

Martha actively participated as a board member for the Craig Memorial Cemetery and the Historic Old Pickens Presbyterian Church Foundation for many years. Upon retirement, Martha enjoyed spending her time as a volunteer with the Holly Springs Center, Hagood Mill, the Hagood Community Center and the Pickens County Historical Society. She loved teaching Appalachian cooking at the YAMs camp in the summer. She found great joy while volunteering for the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail, and her creativity is in many of the quilt squares found throughout Pickens County.

On most Wednesdays, the “Mayor” of the Jockey Lot could be found admiring and appreciating all the fascinating curiosities to be found and would write about her discoveries to the enjoyment of family and friends. Martha adored the spring, and she and Jack spent many days looking for wildflowers in the Nine Times Preserve.

Martha delighted in her home most of all — it was a place of grounding and peace. She could be found on the deck listening to the creek and taking in the beauty of it all.

From Martha to us all:

“So, in the end, remember always do your best; set and follow high standards; balance your heart and mind in making decisions; and make something amazing out of your life. Oh, and never stop learning.

“I’ll leave you with this… Life is not forever, love is.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to:

Christ Central Mission Station – Joanna, c/o: Erica Goldsmith, 11 Ghana Drive, Greenville, SC 29605, (864) 386-5001, PayPal: https://www/paypal.me/EMGDreamer1.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

 

ERCEL LEE PORTER

PICKENS — Ercel Lee Porter, 101, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at Manna Post-Acute in Pickens.

Ercel was born on Nov. 12, 1921, to the late William Forest and Nettie Hudson Porter. She was a devoted Christian and was a member of Enon Baptist Church. She was the oldest member of the church, having been baptized in 1940 at the age of 19. As long as she was physically able, she was very active in the Senior Adult Ministry and the Women’s Bible Studies. She was also a member of the Better Homes and Garden Club, as well as the Cannon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

After retiring from Sangamo Electric Company in Pickens, she enjoyed traveling and never missed attending the annual Hudson family reunion.

Ercel Lee is survived by one sister, Athaleen P. Masters of Pickens, as well as eight nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Ralph Porter, Gelola (Jay) Porter and Henry Porter.

Graveside services were conducted on Dec. 1 at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Manna Post-Acute for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at Enon Baptist Church, 871 Enon Church Road, Easley, SC 29640.

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

 

JULIA CAROL HATHCOCK

LIBERTY — Julia Carol Burris Hathcock, 89, of Hampton Road, passed on to her heavenly home on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Oakboro, N.C., to the late Rudolphus and Corrina Burris, Carol grew up on a farm, and after graduation she went to work in Albemarle, N.C., for several years. It was during this time that Tony was born. She then went to work in Charlotte at Douglas Aircraft for four and a half years, followed by 32.5 years at Harrison Wright Co.

After retiring, they moved to Liberty, in order to be closer to Tony and Crystal.

Tony and Crystal were always loving, caring and helpful. They were very helpful as age turned into old age. It was a small family, but filled with love for God and for each other.

J.T. and Carol were active members of Red Cross Baptist Church in Oakboro, N.C., before moving to Liberty. Carol was a member of East Side Baptist Church in Liberty.

Carol said, “I hope to see you again. I am just changing my address.”

She is survived by a son, Tony Michael, and daughter-in-law, Crystal Yvonne, of Liberty. She is also survived by a brother, Bobby Burris (Brenda) and son, John of Mount Pleasant, N.C.

Her husband, James “JT,” preceded her in death in 2014. They had been married for 62 years.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Hathcock were held on Dec. 2 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial was held at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

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

 

TRAVIS SHELTON

LIBERTY — William Travis Shelton, 50, died on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, in Liberty.

Travis graduated from Eastside High School. His hobbies included riding and working on motorcycles. He loved people and never met a stranger.

Surviving are his mother, Elaine Cole of Liberty; his father, Merle Shelton (Sandy) of Winston Salem, N.C.; and one uncle, Andy Mathis of Liberty.

Memorial services and private burial will be at a later date.

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

 

REESE DAVIS

SIX MILE — Myron Reese Davis passed from this world to be with his Lord on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Born and raised in Blountstown, Fla., he was a son of the late Joe Reese and Margaret Aultman Davis. Reese later moved to Pickens to begin his family.

He served as a church music leader for many years, using his God-given talent for singing to bring glory to God. He was a member of Six Mile Baptist Church.

He was a well-known figure in the Scuba diving world, serving as a Scuba instructor trainer, Scuba shop owner and mentor to many divers. He was instrumental in spreading his love of diving to many in the Upstate area, often training multiple generations of divers. His dive trips around the world were legendary, most filling up as soon as announced, with many repeat attendees over the years.

He leaves behind his wife of more than 50 years, Patti Lynn Looper Davis; three children, Marcus R. Davis (Carami) of Six Mile, Rebecca Davis Brown of Easley and Amanda Ratliff (Anthony) of Columbia; and a sister, Millicent Bailey of Greensboro, N.C. He was blessed with six grandchildren, Wesley Davis (Ashley), Deidre Curlee (Hunter), Logan Davis, Rachael Brown, Bailey Nyman and Anslee Ratliff. Also surviving are two great-grandchildren, Roman and Harper Davis.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Valerie Lorraine “Lori” Davis, and a grandson, Kaleb Ratliff.

Memorial services to honor Reese’s life were conducted on Dec. 3 at Six Mile Baptist Church. Burial will be private. The family hosted an informal time of visitation and remembrances across the street from the church at the Roper Building.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Six Mile Baptist Church, P.O. Box 134, Six Mile, SC 29682.

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

 

DARON EUGENE HOLLIDAY

EASLEY — Daron Eugene Holliday, 49, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A native of Pickens County, Daron was born on May 13, 1973, a son of Rabon W. Holliday and the late Barbara J. Holliday. Daron was a member of Smith Grove Baptist Church in Liberty. He loved fishing, listening to music, playing guitar and spending time with his grandkids and his dog, Izzy.

Mr. Holliday is survived by father, Rabon W. Holliday (Eleanor) of the home; his children, Amber M. Merrell (Timothy) and Tisha M. Lesley (Jesse); grandchildren, Caroline Viles, Mason Merrell, Harper Merrell, Damien Johnson, Katyrina Johnson, Alora Lesley, Jayce Lesley, Joanna Lesley and Jackquline Lesley; brothers, Bryan Holliday (Angie) and Scott Holliday (Jane); and stepsisters, Angie Moseley (Jody) and Carree Taylor (Todd).

In addition to his mother, Barbara Holliday, Daron was predeceased by several other beloved family members.

A private graveside service will be held at the Smith Grove Baptist Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Daron’s honor may be made to Smith Grove Baptist Church, 1220 Smith Grove Road, Liberty, SC 29657.

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

 

WILLIAM JAMES ‘BILL’ BURGESS

CLEVELAND — William James “Bill” Burgess, 89, loving husband to the late Virginia R. Burgess, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 1, 2022, at the home of his daughter.

A native of Pickens County, Bill was born on July 17, 1933, the son of the late Dean and Edith Burgess. Bill was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Pickens. He was an avid fan of the Clemson Tigers and Atlanta Braves.

Survivors include his children, Patsy Wade of Dacusville, Cameron Burgess (Tracy) of Cleveland, and Donna Walker and Cindy Burgess, both of Pickens; seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Burgess was predeceased by his son, William “Skitter” Burgess; stepsons, Thomas Philyaw and Ricky Evett; and brothers, Norman Burgess, Charles Burgess and Calvin Burgess.

Visitation was held on Dec. 6 in the sanctuary of Pleasant Grove Baptist Chuch. Funeral services followed. Burial followed the service at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

COLE GENTRY

GREENVILLE — Robert Cole Gentry, 21, died on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, at Prisma Health-Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Greenville, he was a 2019 graduate of Wren High School and was currently employed with MAU, where he worked at BMW.

He loved sports, including football and basketball. Some of his favorite teams included Clemson, the New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics. He also enjoyed spending time drawing and was a very talented artist. Most of all, he enjoyed being with his son.

Surviving are his mother, Kristy Capps (James) of the home; his father, Tim Gentry (Kimberly) of Greer; a son, Matthew Gentry of Greenville; two brothers, Cale Gentry of the home and Asheton Gentry of Travelers Rest; a sister, Bella Kelley of the home; two step-brothers, Nicholas Hartman and Noah Smith, both of Greer; his grandparents, Bobby and Andra Kelley of Taylors and Terry and Mary Gentry of Greenville; and other numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, including his uncle, Drew Kelley (Brittany); and his two cousins, Mason and Averi Kelley.

A memorial service to honor Cole’s life was hosted by Brookwood Church in Simpsonville on Dec. 6.

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