EDMUND JOHN ‘ED’ BLACKHAM

EASLEY — Edmund John “Ed” Blackham, 75, entered his heavenly home on Dec. 28, 2022, after a brief battle with interstitial lung disease.

Ed was born on July 5, 1947, to the late Andrew and Alice Blackham in Chicago, Ill.

He proudly served his country when he enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 101st Airborne Division. He heroically completed one tour in Vietnam. Ed was employed with the Taylor Wine Company in Hammondsport, N.Y., for 25 years before relocating to South Carolina in 1994. Ed was a truck driver for the remainder of his career, and he retired in 2014. Upon retirement, Ed remained active, including engaging in his favorite hobby of riding and rebuilding motorcycles, and he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Edmund John Blackham was a beloved son, husband, father, uncle, pepa/grandpa and friend who will be greatly missed. His family has peace knowing that they will be reunited with him in heaven.

Ed is survived by many family members, including his loving wife of 39 years, Dianne Blackham; three children, Nicole (Richard) Cippoletti, Eric (Laura) Blackham and Ashley (David) Smith. He has six living grandchildren, whom he deeply loved, including Henry and Amelia Cippoletti, Elliott and Evelyn Blackham and Tripp and Scarlett Smith. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Richard and Virginia Jones; his sister-in-law, Rosie Blackham; and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, Ed is survived by extended family members, Tony and Mike Lisefski, who were like both brothers and sons to him.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Andy and Freddy Blackham.

A graveside service will be held at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson on Jan. 6 at 10 a.m.

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

 

LOUISE H. QUEEN

PICKENS — Mrs. Louise H. Queen, 76, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, and went to be with her Lord and Savior.

Louise was born in Lake Toxaway, N.C., on Nov. 28, 1946, to the late Artellus and Effie Devore Hogsed. She was a strong and loving woman, who enjoyed taking care of others and being someone people could rely on. Louise loved her family and especially loved babysitting her grandchildren and taking them to school. She enjoyed watching the Hallmark channel, going out to eat, camping, traveling and going to the lake.

Mrs. Queen is survived by three sons, Ronny Queen (Cindy), Sammy Queen (Melanie) and Danny Queen (Tammy); one daughter, Darla Wheeler (Wayne); four grandchildren, Keith Queen (Ashlyn), Zachary Queen, Joshua Queen and Timothy Queen; four great-grandchildren, Kennadee Queen, Jasper Queen, Aubree Holcombe and Sophia Silvers; eight siblings, Eva Mae Kimsey, Leon Hogsed, Roland Hogsed (Vesta), Dorothy Owen (Herbert), Jimmy Hogsed (Kathy), Tillman Hogsed (Glenda), Tina Phillips (Ricky) and Steve Hogsed (Waynetta).

In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by her loving husband, Spurgeon Ira Queen; and one son, Patrick Queen.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Galloway Memorial Cemetery.

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

 

ALBERTA BRYANT

PICKENS — Alberta Bryant, 72, passed away on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, at her home.

Born on Aug. 18, 1950, in Oconee County, Alberta was the daughter of the late James Edward Bryant and Ossie Mae Shead Bryant. Mrs. Bryant retired from Singer/Ryobi after 40 years of employment. She enjoyed spending time with her family and going out to eat. She loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchild. For her, the best time was spent with them. Her great-granddaughter lovingly called her “Nanny Alberta,” and that was something she took pride in. Alberta had a loving and kind spirit with a heart of gold. She will be missed beyond compare, but her legacy of love and her memory will be carried on by those who loved her most.

Survivors include her children, Billy Wayne Bryant of Pickens and Curtis Bryant (Tiffany) of Pickens; two grandchildren, Maddison Bryant and Todd Bryant; a great-granddaughter, Caroline Lee; a sister, Brenda Galloway of Pickens; and one brother, Dennis Bryant (Janice) of Easley.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bryant was predeceased by her companion of 46 years, Billy Joe Connelly; a sister, Sarah Chapman; and three brothers, Ray Bryant, James “Cotton Top” Bryant and Freddie Bryant.

Visitation was held on Dec. 29 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, followed by funeral services. Burial was at Red Hill Baptist Church cemetery.

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

 

JAN MARIE CLARY NALLEY

EASLEY — Jan Clary Nalley, 67, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, while a patient at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Newberry on April 14, 1955, Jan was the daughter of the late Huiet and Nelle Long Clary.

After graduating from Easley High School, Jan began her career in design at McCoy Tile and Carpets, continuing at Greenville Tile.

Following her retirement, she worked part-time at the Ingles deli in Easley. Jan was a charter member of St. Matthias Lutheran Church.

As avid classic car fans, Jan and Ronny enjoyed traveling to attend car shows and cruise-ins over the years.

Jan is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Ronny Nalley; daughter, Missy McCall (Joe); and sons, Scott Nalley and Chris Nalley (Shawn), all of Easley. She was “Nana” to grandchildren Clint Nalley, Kansas Cuddy, Malachi Nalley, Lindsey Nalley and Sidney Nalley and three great-grandchildren, Carson, Brayleigh and Avayah. She is also survived by sisters, Vicki Charlotte, Pat Strickland (John) and Cindy Caldwell (Brad), numerous nieces and nephews and her fur baby, Ellie.

In addition to her parents, Jan was predeceased by her sister, Dianne Copeland Chandler.

A memorial service was held on Jan. 2 at St. Matthias Lutheran Church in Easley.

The family will be at the home of her sister, Pat Strickland, at 728 Sheffield Road in Easley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthias Lutheran Church, Lutheran Hospice – Greenville or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to express our sincere thanks to her medical teams at Baptist Easley and Greenville Memorial for their extraordinary care and kindness.

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

 

JOYCE PORTER

LIBERTY — Joyce Bryant Porter, 85, died on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, at Pelham Medical Center.

Born in Liberty, she was the widow of James Willie Porter and a daughter of the late Rome and Ollie Owens Bryant.

Mrs. Porter was a homemaker and a member of Calumet Baptist Church for more than 60 years. She taught Sunday school (ages 4&5) for more than 50 years, and basically dedicated her life to volunteer work at her church. She also kept children in her home for many years.

Surviving are a son, David Porter of Duncan; a daughter, Donna Porter of Liberty; a granddaughter, Courtney Porter of Raleigh, N.C.; a sister, Margie Fowler of Liberty; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by 20 brothers and sisters.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Calumet Baptist Church, 400 S. Peachtree St., Liberty, SC 29657.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Porter were held on Dec. 29 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Private entombment was at Liberty Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

The family will be at their respective homes.

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

 

DONALD JAMES WORTH

PICKENS — Donald James Worth, 84, loving husband to the late Connie Worth, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at his home.

A native of East Rockaway, N.Y., Donald was born on Feb. 20, 1938, the son of the late Charles Worth and Emily Kaminski Worth.

Mr. Worth was a United States Army veteran and was of the Catholic faith.

Survivors include his son, Robert Worth and wife, Donna of Islandia, N.Y.; his daughter, Lori Worth of Pickens; grandchildren, Kevin Worth and wife, Stacey, Jessica Worth, Robbie Ormiston and Jamie Ormiston; and a sister, Therese Shay; in addition to his loved nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Worth was predeceased by a daughter, Susan Worth Ormiston; and a sister, Norma Evans.

A memorial service to honor Donald’s life will be announced at a later date.

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

 

KRYSTAL LYNN CHAPMAN

EASLEY — Krystal Lynn Chapman, 52, loving wife of 36 years to the late Timothy Joe “Tiny” Chapman, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, at her home.

Born on Oct. 23, 1970, in Charleston, W.Va., Krystal was the daughter of Billy T. Vickers and the late Melva Joyce Rowe Vickers. Mrs. Chapman attended Van High School in West Virginia. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, fishing and being outdoors. She loved her family dearly and cherished the time she got to spend with them.

Survivors include her father, Billy Vickers (Polly) of Wharton, W.Va.; children, Amanda Graley (Shane) of Easley, Timothy Chapman (Tracy) of Piedmont and William Chapman (Miranda) of Duncan; grandchildren, PFC Gavin Graley of Ft. Campbell, Ky., Whitney Graley, Easton Graley and Madden Chapman; and brothers, Tim Rowe and Jeff Vickers.

Mrs. Chapman was predeceased by her husband, Timothy Joe Chapman; and her mother, Melva Joyce Vickers.

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

 

TAMMI ‘NENE’ RAMPEY

NORRIS — Tammi “Nene” Rampey, 57, loving wife of 42 years to the late Richard Charles “Big Papa” Rampey, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at MUSC Medical Center in Charleston.

A native of Pickens County, Nene was born on April 2, 1965, daughter of the late James Leon Chandler and Mary Louise Couch Chandler. Mrs. Rampey enjoyed going to the jockey lot, taking trips to the beach and mountains and four wheeling. She loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Beth Slater (Ben) and Brandon Rampey; her grandchildren, Allie, Adam, Kaylie, Rylen, Ethan, Brayden, Brianna and Bryson; her siblings, Terri Perry (Donnie), Roger Chandler (Jonette) and Robert Chandler; sisters-in-law, Micky Chandler and Darlene Nix (Cliff); as well as numerous other family members and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Rampey was predeceased by her brothers, Ray Chandler and Rickey Chandler; and her brother-in-law, Pat Rampey.

A celebration of Nene’s life was held on Jan. 3, 2023, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens chapel.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

KENNETH DALE DURHAM

EASLEY — Kenneth Dale Durham, 59, loving husband of 20 years to Sandra M. Durham, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at St. Francis Downtown Hospital in Greenville.

A native of Pickens County, Dale was born on May 12, 1963, the son of the late Garland Hagood Durham and Macy Marie Ellenburg Durham. Mr. Durham was employed by Pickens County Recycling for 30-plus years. He enjoyed hunting and riding four wheelers. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra Durham of the home; children, April Kelley of Easley and Brittany Durham of Transylvania, N.C.; his grandchildren, Gabbe, Tia, Ainsley, Abri and Lucas; great-grandchildren, Tyus, Ayla, Jr and Avani; and siblings, Michael Durham (Vickie) and Tony Durham.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Durham was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Nellie Mason.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 4, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home from 1-2 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

STANLEY E. POSEY SR.

EASLEY — Mr. Stanley Ernest Posey Sr., 76, husband of the late Catherine Crowe Posey, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022.

Born in Greenville County, a son of the late John Wesley Posey and the late Ethel Hiott Posey, Mr. Posey was a retired brick mason and park ranger. He loved to play the guitar, but his greatest love was pitching horseshoes, where he was a past state champion and ranked 60th in the world.

He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Surviving are his four sons, Richard Posey of Easley, Stan Posey Jr. (Wanda) of Tulsa, Okla., Sgt. Brian Posey (Melissa) of Greer and Shane Posey (Ashley) of Easley; three sisters, Judy Epps of Norris, Kathy James of Anderson and Darlene Locke of Liberty; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Posey was predeceased by four brothers, Roger Posey, Phil Posey, David Posey and Larry Posey; and a sister, Betty Locke.

Private graveside services will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.

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

 

 

JOHN MERCK

EASLEY — Johnny Robert Merck Sr., 81, died on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at his home.

Born in Cateechee, he was a son of the late B.B. and Alma Reeves Merck.

He graduated from Central Wesleyan College and was a retired supervisor with Dan River Mills. Early in his working career, he served in law enforcement, first working for the South Carolina Highway Patrol and later for the Easley Police Department.

Mr. Merck was a United States Army veteran and a member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church.

Surviving are a daughter, Cindy Talley of Walhalla; three sons, Tim Merck (Vicki) of Seneca, John Merck of Greer and Danny Merck (Ashley) of Easley; and 15 grandchildren, Michael Talley, April Samples, Trevor Merck, Ashley Merck, Tyler Merck, Sommer Richardson, Ethan Merck, Isabella McPeak, Emma Merck, Olivia Merck, Will Merck, Sonday Rose Merck, Storie Mae Merck, Ever Grace Merck and Brodie Merck.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Haskell Merck and Lawrence C. “Boots” Merck; and two sisters, Edna Tapp and Geneva Holden.

The family will be at their respective homes.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Merck were conducted on Jan. 2 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial was at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

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

 

MICHELE EDNA JOHNSEN

LIBERTY — Mrs. Michele Edna Johnsen, 56, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, after a short battle with cancer.

Michele was born on Aug. 30, 1966. She was very passionate about life and was so loving. She was an amazing, awesome human being who loved everyone she met and touched many lives. She will be very missed by those who knew her. The Lord gained the most wonderful angel, and she will be watching over her loved ones for all of eternity.

Michele was an amazing mother to her son, Kris Johnsen; and was a loving daughter to her mother, Gisela Sais. She had one sister, Deny’c Sais; and three brothers, Gene Sais, Peter Sais and Eric Sais. She also was a beloved aunt to Tabatha Sais Harbor, and she passed before marrying her fiancé, Robert Friedman.

No services are currently planned for Michele. When plans are made, they will be announced.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting palmettocremationservice.com. Palmetto Cremation Service of Pickens is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

SPECIALIST RIVER L. BOWLING

 

SIX MILE — River Lee Bowling, 21, of Six Mile, died tragically Dec. 18, 2022, while deployed to Washington, D.C., with the South Carolina Army National Guard.

Born in Greenville, he was a 2019 graduate of D.W. Daniel High School, where he lettered in football and wrestling. After graduation, he enjoyed helping coach the wrestling team. He joined the South Carolina Army National Guard in 2020 and was currently serving on active duty.

River loved to to be outdoors, and you could find him fishing, hiking or kayaking.

Surviving are his parents, Joshua V. Clark of Six Mile and Jennifer E. Clark of Six Mile; two sisters, Courtlyn Bowling of Liberty and Harley Clark of Six Mile; his grandmother, Kathy Murphy-Nix (Robert) of Six Mile; two great grandparents, Van Dodgens of Norris and Ruby Nell Deweese of Franklin, N.C.; two nieces, Brinlee and Briley Carver; a nephew, Braylen Carver; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and extended family.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate River’s life will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at Gap Hill Baptist Church. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. His remains will lie in state on Thursday, Jan. 5, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Liberty Mortuary,, where the family will receive friends that evening from 5-8 p.m.

The family will be at their respective homes.

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

 

PATSY DIANE FRANKS

LIBERTY — Patsy Diane Franks, 65, passed away on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022.

Patsy was born on June 29, 1957, to Patsy Dodgens and Jack Gambrel.

Diane was from Liberty and lived at 151 Brianna Lane.

She is survived by her two children, Russell Jamie Franks and Russell Timothy Franks; her six grandchildren, Anthony Franks, James Franks, McKayla Franks, Abigail Franks, Destiny Franks and McKayla Dawn Franks; and her four step-grandchildren, Stacy Uerling, Dennis Browning, Jordan Seaborn and Taylor Frazier.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Patrick Franks. May God bless her beautiful soul, Rest in Peace.

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

 

Diana Fay Sloan

LIBERTY — Diana Fay Bostic Sloan, 72, of Liberty, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at Prisma Health-Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born Jan. 15, 1950, in Union, W.Va., she was the widow of Michael Wayne Sloan and a daughter of the late Fred and Mary Saunders Bostic.

Diana loved her homeplace and sharing memories of it with others. She was retired from Easley Living Center. She enjoyed reading and attending church when she was able. She loved her family and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Church of Christ-Three and Twenty Road.

Surviving are two sons, Matthew Sloan (Melissa) and Jason Sloan (Brenda), all of Liberty; a daughter, Rebecca Carlos of Liberty; two brothers, Steve and Vernon Bostic, both of Union, W.Va.; seven sisters, Connie Helvey of Mauldin, Martha Hunter of Union, W.Va., Rebecca “Dodie” Martin of Union, W.Va., Nancy Miller of Union, W.Va., Susan Pyne of Union, W.Va., Judy Landis of Union, W.Va., and Joan Lucas of Union, W.Va.; and five grandchildren, Landen, Micah, Caleb, Gabe and Jessie.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a grandchild, Kyle Sloan.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

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

 

Alvin Lee Baker

PICKENS — Rev. Alvin Lee Baker, 79, loving husband of 50 years to the late Linda D. Leopard, passed away Dec. 25, 2022, at his home.

Born Oct. 28, 1943, in Warrensburg, Mo., Alvin was the son of the late Thomas Glenn Baker and the late Alberta May Winders Baker.

Mr. Baker achieved his high school diploma. Alvin worked for the United States Civil Service ROTC as a property officer for close to 30 years and also as a property officer for the Greenville Hospital System for 10 years. In addition, he was an ordained Church of God minister for more than 50 years.

Mr. Baker was involved in so many organizations. He was a Master Mason for 47 years, a current member of Liberty Lodge 235 AFM, and a member of Seneca Chapter 5 Order of the Eastern Star. He served as Worthy Patron of Courtney Chapter #184, and a member of Hejaz Shrine and York Rite.

Surviving are his children, Veronica Lee Rucker (Otis Frankin) and Catherine “Cathy” Oates (Dennis), both of Pickens; one granddaughter, Amanda Mae Lester (Jackie) of Liberty; and two great-grandchildren, Jazmyn and Jacklynn Holder.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Mr. Baker was predeceased by a daughter, Carlotta Victoria Baker.

Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, from noon-1 p.m. in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with a funeral service to follow at 1 p.m.. Eastern Star Funeral and Masonic Rite will be done. Burial will be at Graceland East Memorial Park, 2206 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC 29681.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Alvin’s honor may be made to Eastern Star Training for Religious Leadership (ESTARL), c/o Kathy Gerner, PGM, 532 Greenbriar Drive, Seneca, SC 29678.

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