Rev. Dr. Trenton L. Connelly

Williamston — Rev. Dr. Trenton Lavern Connelly, 81, passed away Jan. 22, 2023.

A native of Pickens, son of the late Ivy Lee and Addie Simmons Connelly, Mr. Connelly attended North Greenville College, where he received his associate degree in 1963, Furman University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1965, New Orleans Baptist Seminary, receiving his Th.M. degree in 1969, and Luther Rice Seminary. receiving his D.Min. degree in 1981.

He ministered at West Union Baptist in West Union, Poe Baptist Church in Greenville, Clearview Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, Cashiers Baptist Church in Cashiers, N.C., Northwood Baptist Church in Greer, Westside Baptist Church in Union and Praters Creek Baptist Church in Pickens. He was a retired Baptist minister and a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church.  It is his greatest desire that everyone who reads this obituary will also know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior so that we can all be united together in Heaven eternally.

Surviving are his wife, Kay Cox Connelly of the home; two sons, Michael Lee Connelly (Joy) of Spartanburg and Steven Mark Connelly (Tamara) of Taylors; a daughter, Linda Connelly Matthews (Mark) of Lyman; a stepson, Daniel Fowler (Taylor) of Williamston; a stepdaughter, Dana Crawford of Pelzer; a brother, Rev. Randall Jack Connelly (Violet) of Easley; eight grandchildren, Cami Ponder Shook, Caden Ponder, Lydia Connelly, Ivey Connelly, Thomas Connelly, EllaKate Fowler, Sadler Grace Fowler and Jacob Alexander; and six great-grandchildren, Makon Connelly, Malaki Connelly, Asher White, Remi Shook, Radlee Shook and Juniper Alexander.

Mr. Connelly was predeceased by his first wife, Malinda Joyce Owens Connelly; one grandson, Trent Daniel Connelly; one great-granddaughter, Preslee Jane Connelly; and a son-in-law, Joel Matthew Crawford.

Funeral services will be held  at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at Northwood Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Jack Connelly, Rev. Jim Carpenter and Dr. Billy Dickerson. Burial will follow at Wood Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held from 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Thursday at the church.

The family will be at their respective homes.

Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 13024 Highway 20, Belton, SC 29627.

Online condolences may be made at thewoodmortuary.com.

 

HAZEL ZUPAN SMITH

EASLEY — Mrs. Hazel Zupan Smith, 77, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at her home.

Hazel was born in Greenville on April 16, 1945, to the late James and Aileen Zupan. She graduated from Pickens High School. Hazel and her husband, Jerry, were the owners of Zupan and Smith Concrete for more than 30 years. She adored her family and was a loving wife, mother and Monk-Monk.

In addition to her loving husband of 61 years, Hazel is survived by three children, Kathy Rauschenbach (John), Frankie Smith (Laurie) and Julie Malone (Brad); five grandchildren, Meghann Whitt (Blake), Laura Turner (Josh), Dusty Smith (Brooke), Bradley Malone (Tyler) and Brittany Twichell (Dylan); and 10 great-grandchildren, Asa Whitt, Ady Whitt, Reagan Turner, Rileigh Turner, Dakota Smith, Baylor Smith, Haze Malone, Skyler Malone, Case Twichell and Cooper Twichell.

In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her twin brother, Harold Zupan.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m., prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lifehouse Children’s Project, 199 Thomas Mill Road, Easley, SC 29640.

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

 

WESLEY C. ‘SONNY’ SIPE

EASLEY — Wesley C. “Sonny” Sipe, 80, loving husband of 30 years to Kathy Sipe, passed away on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, at his home.

Born on Dec. 7, 1942, in Gastonia, N.C., Sonny was the son of the late Carroll Sipe and Alice Elizabeth Sansing Sipe. Mr. Sipe enjoyed watching racing and building street rod cars, and he loved spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy Sipe of the home; two daughters, Lisa Jenkins of Pelion and Kristi Oxendine (Johnny) of Easley; one son, David Ward (Deree) of Hardeeville; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Sipe was predeceased by his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27,  at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

WESLEY LEWIS LOOPER

PICKENS — Wesley Lewis Looper, 28, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at his home.

Wesley was born on June 24, 1994.

Survivors include his mother, Diana McDaniel; his son, Rylann Logan Looper; two brothers, Lee Looper (Maddie) of Ennis, Texas, and Andrew Looper of Pickens; grandmothers, Reda McDaniel and Julia Looper, both of Pickens; and many loving family members.

Mr. Looper was predeceased by his father, Lee Looper; his brother, Kevin Looper; and his grandfather, Lewis McDaniel, all of Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wesley’s honor may be made to Pickens County Humane Society, 500 5 Forks Road, Liberty, SC 29657.

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

 

 

CARLOS WATSON

 

PICKENS — Carlos Watson, 84, loving husband of 62 years to Rachel Roper Watson, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, at his home.

A native of Pickens County, Carlos was born on Sept. 27, 1938, son of the late Glenn Gary Watson and Nettie Porter Watson. Mr. Watson was a member of the U.S Army National Guard. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening and hunting.

Survivors include his wife, Rachel Watson of the home; his two sons, Greg Watson of Easley and Russ Watson of Pickens; his grandchildren, Stephanie Watson Pilgrim, Ashley Watson Porter (Jamie), Brandon Watson, Nicole Purnell (Keith), Michelle Neal, Kimberly Watson, Amy Hall (Corey) and T.J Young; a brother, Gary Watson (Edna); and 18 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Watson was predeceased by his grandparents, Hort and Bessie Watson and Cul and Mary Jane Porter; a brother, Donald Watson; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 22 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial followed the service at the Praters Creek Baptist Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations in Carlos’s honor may be made to Praters Creek Baptist Church, 621 Praters Creek Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

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

 

 

DALE MCQUEEN

 

LIBERTY — James Dale McQueen, 72, of Sharon Church Road, died on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, at Prisma Health-Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Greenville, he was the husband of 45 years to Theresa Harris McQueen and a son of the late James McQueen and Betty Sue Johnson. Mr. McQueen was a United States Army veteran and served during the Vietnam War era. He loved horses and being outdoors. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family. He was of the Christian faith.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two daughters, Amanda Hoffman (Kenneth) of Mountain Rest and Shannon Wood of Easley; two sons, Shane McQueen,(Lesley) of Port Saint Joe, Fla., and Dustin McQueen (Abby) of Liberty; two sisters, Rose Langford of North Carolina and Rita Webb of Belton; and four grandchildren, Aubrey Hoffman, Jonathan McQueen, Dalton Wood and Bryson Wood.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ricky McQueen.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mr. McQueen were held on Jan. 24 at Westview Cemetery in Liberty.

The family will be at their respective homes.

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

 

JOHN DOUGLAS ‘SPEEDY’ CASSELL

SUNSET — John Douglas “Speedy” Cassell, 81, husband of 49 years to the late Patricia Carol Fisher Cassell, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, at his residence.

A native of Transylvania County, N.C., Speedy was born on Feb. 10, 1941, to the late Fletcher Paul Cassell and Edith Powell Cassell. He was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church. Speedy loved playing music, and he was one of the best guitar players around.

He also enjoyed working in the yard and could make just about anything. Speedy most of all loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids. He truly loved all of his family.

Survivors include his children, Dale Cassell (Cheryl) of Sunset, Doris Whitmire (Donnie) of Sunset, Vickie Perez (JJ) of Liberty and Pam Smith (Tim) of Sunset; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Martha Lynch (Harold) and Roger Cassell (Terri); along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his loving wife, Speedy was predeceased by his parents, his son, Keith Cassell; and a great-grandson, Jackson Lee Floyd.
Flowers will be accepted, or donations can be made in Speedy’s honor to Hospice of the Foothills.

Visitation was on Jan. 24 at Holly Springs Baptist Church, with funeral services following. Burial followed the service in the church cemetery.

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

 

MARK STEPHENS

MAULDIN — Mark Stephens, 74, husband of Cathie Stephens, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, while surrounded by his family.

Born in Easley, Mr. Stephens was a son of the late Ivey and Ruby Stephens.

In addition to his wife, Cathie, he is survived by five children, Kevin Stephens (Heather), Donnie Gilmer, Casey Martin, Calvin Gilmer and Nikki Jones; eight grandchildren; and one brother, Ronnie Lackey and his wife, Martha.

Mr. Stephens was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Brian Martin and Barry Jones.

Mark was an avid South Carolina Gamecock fan. He served and held many offices in the Moose Fraternity, South Greenville Lodge 749. Mark loved to play golf and bake sweets. He worked for Michelin USA 1 for 35 years.

The family received friends on Jan. 19 at Heritage Funeral Home before the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 2101 Rexford Road #165W, Charlotte, NC 28211, (p) 704-945-5500; or Moose Charities, 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart, IL 60539.

Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be made at cannonbyrd.com.

 

SARAH LILLIAN PARSONS

EASLEY — Lillian Parsons, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

She was the daughter of the late Jim and Sarah Belle Brooks of Liberty.

Lillian was met at the gates of Heaven by our Lord, Jesus Christ, her devoted husband, Glenn Parsons, and son, fellow fishing enthusiast, Captain Dan Parsons.

Lillian spent a lifetime caring for others and creating a home filled with love, beautiful flowers from her garden and her sweet, giving spirit. She began work as a switchboard operator and eventually retired from AT&T. Lillian loved going to church, planting beautiful gardens, sewing, fishing and baking, making sure no one ever left her house hungry or in need of anything. She will be greatly missed by everyone.

The Sheriff family would like to express their gratitude to the health care staff at Patriot Hospice and Palliative Care, as well as Nurse Crystal from Kindred, for their tender loving care and acts of kindness. We also want to thank the members of East Pickens Baptist Church, who visited Lillian often and brightened her days with their prayers and companionship.

Lillian is survived by her daughter, Cyndi Sheriff; daughter-in-law, Joan Parsons; grandchildren, Jimmy (Kim) Parsons, Jason (Lacey) Parsons and Laura Sheriff; great-grandchildren, Mallory Parsons, Tyler Parsons and Jake Summerell; and sisters, Mary Ruth (George) Garrett and Bertha Mae Crawford.

She was predeceased by her sister, Allene (Willie) Evatt; and brothers, Lester (Mary Sue) Brooks, Doug (Evelina) Brooks and JC (Sophie) Brooks.

Graveside services were held on Jan. 20 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

The family will be at the home, 194 Daniel Drive, Easley, SC 29642.

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

 

LOU ELLON HANCOCK

EASLEY — Lou Ellon Hancock, 88, passed away on Jan. 17, 2023, at her home.

Lou Ellon was the daughter of the late Weldon Alton Adcox and Annie Bell Graham.

Ms. Hancock is survived by her brother, Lee Wood of Easley; and grandchildren, James Cureton and Lexus Ward; along with many nieces and nephews. She was a children’s Sunday school teacher at Blue Ridge View Baptist Church and enjoyed doing crafts and making floral arrangements.

Lou Ellon was predeceased by her parents, stepfather, Floyd Wood; and four sisters, Mary Lesley, Marie Wouten, Shirley Chastain and Louise King.

A service for Ms. Hancock was held on Jan. 21 at the Blue Ridge View Baptist Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

CYNTHIA ANNETTE MUCKENFUSS

EASLEY — Cynthia Annette Muckenfuss, 63, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Jan. 21, 2023.

A resident of Easley, she was born in Charleston and was raised in Rock Hill. Cindy was a waitress and a homemaker most of her life.

2 Corinthians 5:8: We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

She is survived by her three daughters, Darla Rae Jordan of Richburg, Jana Marie Hester of Pickens and Leslie Anne Powell of Powdersville; a step-daughter, Dawn Allison of Blacksburg; seven grandchildren, Tiffany Long, Lexy Long, Brooklyn Criminger, Aaron Hester, McKenzie Sisk, Skyler Sisk and Jacob Allison; and three great-grandchildren, Dallas Long, Carsyn Buckaloo and Colson Buckaloo. Cindy is also survived by her mother, Anne Muckenfuss of Rock Hill; and four brothers, James Muckenfuss, Charles Muckenfuss, Steve Muckenfuss and Ross Muckenfuss.

She was preceded in death by her father, Sydney James Muckenfuss Sr. of Tampa, Fla.

The family would like to especially thank Fleetwood Rehabilitation Center for the years of caregiving and love that they have shown to Cindy.

She loved her caregivers, her friends and being part of their fellowship. We will be forever grateful to you for being her home the last years of her life.

The arrangements are being handled by Mountain View Funerals and Cremations, and all services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Fleetwood Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center 200 Anne Drive, Easley, SC 29640.

Mountain View is assisting the family.

 

JOYCE HAYNES

PICKENS — Joyce Haynes, 77, loving wife of 52 years to the late Paul Weldon Haynes, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at Clemson Heritage Senior Living.

Born on Aug. 25, 1945, Joyce was the daughter of the late Bill Gosnell and Annie Harris. Mrs. Haynes loved gardening and spending time outdoors in her yard. Her family was a great passion, and she kept her grandkids practically every day.

Survivors include her two daughters, Tina Bearden of Pickens and Pamela Haynes Gray (Adam) of Six Mile; her grandchildren, Braxton Paul Bearden, Braylon Jayce Bearden and Madison Elizabeth Gray; a sister, Nora Haynes; and many loving friends and family.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Haynes was predeceased by a sister, Patricia Clark.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

ROBERT CLEO HAYES SR.

EASLEY — Mr. Robert Cleo Hayes Sr., 89, husband of Dorothy “Dot” Lee Gilstrap Hayes, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Rev. Millo Hayes and the late Florence Sweet Hayes, Mr. Hayes retired from Mayfair Mills-Glenwood Division and was a member of Arial Baptist Church.

Cleo loved fishing and woodworking and had a passion for 1966 Ford Mustangs, but his greatest love was for his family. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 47 years, are a son, Robert C. Hayes Jr. (Erik) of Arvada, Colo.; two daughters, Vicki Lovell (Butch) of Liberty and Betty Winslett (Jamie) of Easley; three brothers, Theo Hayes (Mary Ann) of Pickens, Marvin Hayes (Margaret) of Easley and Arthur Hayes (Brenda) of Pickens; a sister, Bobby Turner of Pickens; six grandchildren, Michelle Foster, Chris Robinson (Rachel), Melissa Coker (Stanley), Melanie Sullivan (Jonathan), Amanda Cantrell (Adam) and Shane Lovell; 21 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held on Jan. 20 at the Pickens View Wesleyan Church cemetery.

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

 

DOLAN THOMAS ‘DODY’ WHITLOCK

LIBERTY — Dolan Thomas “Dody” Whitlock, 79, husband to Joyce Taylor Whitlock, passed away on Jan. 17, 2023, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Born in Liberty, he was the son of the late Marion and Inez Gaines Whitlock. He was a painter and sandblaster at Duke Power for 35 years until his retirement. Dody spent the latter part of his life spending time with his family, playing golf or watching Clemson Tiger football.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joyce Taylor Whitlock; three children, Susan Pilgrim (Scott), Dolan B. Whitlock (Tina) and Donna Burdette, all of Liberty; brother, Gary Whitlock of Liberty; and sister, Joan Stephens of Liberty. Dody is also survived by five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Tommy Whitlock; and a granddaughter, Cherie White.

A graveside service was held on Jan. 20 at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

The family will be at their family home in Liberty.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the American Lung Association.

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the Whitlock family.