EVERETTE DARCY CURL

SIX MILE — Everette Darcy Curl, 97, loving wife of the late Robert V. Curl, passed away on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at PruittHealth – Pickens in Six Mile.

Born Feb. 26, 1926, in Pickens, Everette was the daughter of the late Everett O. Darcy and Ora McFall Darcy. Mrs. Curl was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where she previously taught Sunday school in the children’s department. Evertte was an employee of the Pickens Sentinel for years. She enjoyed gardening, volunteer work and being a seamstress.

Survivors include her two daughters, Ethel Lynne Curl of Easley and Gail Langley of Macon, Ga.; grandchildren, Kimberly Faulkner (Dre) of Macon, Ga., Kristin Barron (Tom) of Newman, Ga., and Skip Langley of Oxford, Miss.; and great-grandchildren, Gary Faulkner III, Langley Faulkner, Margaret Barron, Thomas Barron III, Mackenzie Barron and Griffin Langley.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Curl was predeceased by a sister, Mary Durham (Wyatt); a brother, Courtney Durham; and a son-in-law, William Bert Langley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Everette’s honor may be made to Grace United Methodist Church by visiting graceumcpickens.org or by mailing 309 E. Cedar Rock St., Pickens, SC 29671.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Curl family.

EMILY J. ‘E.J.’ CRONENWETT

PICKENS — Emily J. “E.J.” Cronenwett, 96, loving wife of the late Gene W. Cronenwett, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, at her residence.

Born Feb. 18, 1927, in Bellaire, Ohio, Emily was the daughter of the late Mack Snively and Martha Rodewig Snively.Mrs. Cronenwett graduated from Capital University.

Emily was very loving and kind. She was a great musician, storyteller and tireless children’s choir director and string teacher. She taught high school strings in Marietta, Ohio, and retired from Arcadia Elementary School, where she taught music for 22 years. She was a Sunday school teacher and sang with the chapel choir in Columbus, Ohio. She was the best of all of us, a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend.

Survivors include two sons, Dan Cronenwett (Teri) of Herriman, Utah, and Drew Cronenwett (Janell) of Centerville, Ohio; a daughter, Celia Stockton (Harry) of Pickens; grandchildren, Ruthe Robles (Jesse), David Cronenwett (Kate), Emily Keeling (Phil), Winston Cronenwett, Nathan Stockton, Joseph Stockton and Janae Cronenwett; and great-grandchildren, Dominic, Aurora, Alexandra, Lauren Joy and Graham.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Cronenwett was predeceased by a brother, Richard Snively.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Emily’s honor may be made to College First Church of God by mailing 1100 N. Main St, Findlay, OH 45840 or by calling (419) 422-7365.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Cronenwett family.

 

 

 

MARY FRANCES SUTHERLAND

EASLEY — Mary Frances Bridges Sutherland, 86, beloved wife of the late Charles Newton Sutherland Sr., passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023.

Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late Clifton and Margaret Banks Bridges.

Mrs. Sutherland was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed gardening and working in her yard growing flowers.

Surviving are her son, Charles Newton Sutherland Jr. and wife, Pam, of Easley; and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Sutherland was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Fannie Reeves and Louise Reeves; and her brothers, W.C., Richard and Lloyd Bridges.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 29 at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. Burial followed at Greenville Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 123 W. Antrim Drive, Greenville, SC 29607.

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

 

 

 

 

LAURISA ‘REESA’ ANELLE GALBREATH

PICKENS — Laurisa “Reesa” Anelle Galbreath, 45, loving wife to Warren Galbreath, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at AnMed Medical Center surrounded by her family.

Born Oct. 7, 1978, in Purcell, Okla., Reesa was the daughter of Jerry Moore and Cynthia McJunkins Moore.

Laurisa was the owner and operator at LA Galbreath Bookkeeping. She was an accomplished artist who loved drawing, writing and photography. She loved butterflies, roses and any and all animals, especially her three dogs, Bama, Bandit and Cookie. Her love of the water earned her the nickname “the fish.” Laurisa’s laughter would fill the room, and her captivating smile always brightened the day. She loved her family dearly, and her greatest joy was her two children.

In addition to her husband and parents, Reesa is survived by her two children, Emma Galbreath and Charles Galbreath, both of Salem; siblings, Misty Longino (Christopher) of Taylors and Brent Moore (Jennifer) of Pickens; aunts, Lisa Murphy (Paul) and Susan Rutherford (Don); sister-in-law, Melissa Stovall (Greg); father-in-law, Jimmy Galbreath; nieces, Corine Sierra Jenkins (Michael) and Mackenzie Moore; nephews, Brayden Moore, Issac Stovall, Gavin Stovall and Corbin Stovall; great-nephew, Michael Anthony Jenkins III; cousins, Steve McJunkins (Gina), Paul McJunkins (Paula), Heather McJunkins, Matthew McJunkins, Jack Frilick, Hillary Frilick, Brittany Frilick, Sean Murphy, Laurisa Ivery (Bryan), Ashley Murphy, Caitlin Rutherford and Donnie Rutherford; and extended cousins and family.

Laurisa, “Aunt Reesa,” was predeceased by her nephew, Xavier (Zay) Johnson; grandparents, Mom and Pop McJunkins, and Pawpaw and Mawmaw Moore; and mother-in-law, Priscilla Galbreath.

A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, in the sanctuary of East Pickens Baptist Church at 2244 Gentry Memorial Highway in Pickens, with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park at 2410 Gentry Memorial Highway.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Reesa’s honor may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation by visiting komen.org.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations- Pickens Chapel is serving the Galbreath family.

 

FRANK EDWARD STYLES

PICKENS — Frank Edward Styles, 82, loving husband to the late Ethelene Mosley Styles, passed away on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at his home.

A native of Pickens County, Mr. Styles was born on Nov. 3, 1941, the son of the late Raymond Reid Styles and Stella Cleo Hooper Styles. He loved fishing and watching Clemson Tiger football, but most of all, he loved his family.

Survivors include a daughter, Debbie Morrison (James) of Pickens; a son, Frank Edward Styles Jr.; a stepson, Jimmy Ramey (Mary) of Seneca; five stepdaughters, Louise Holcombe (Roger) of Pickens, Linda Cater (Andy) of Liberty, Kathy Kelley (Leroy) of Pickens, Rita Medlin of Easley and Joyce Phillips (Greg) of Easley; a brother, Ray Styles of Pickens; two sisters, Shirley Painter (Darrell) of Easley and Barbara Mosley (Andrew Smart) of Greenville; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Styles was predeceased by a sister, Carolyn Pelfrey, and a brother, Jimmy Thomas Styles.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 28 at Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial followed at Sunrise Cemetery in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Styles family.

 

 

REGINA CAGLE CLARDY

SIX MILE — Regina Cagle Clardy, 55, also known as Charlie, passed peacefully into the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, on Nov. 24, 2023.

She was born on Oct. 1, 1968, in Rome, Ga., to the late Elbert Franklin Cagle and Shella Ruth Herrin Cagle.

Regina will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her surviving family members.

She is survived by her devoted sister, Vicki Andrews (Dean) of Liberty, and her brother, Tony Cagle (Sandra) of Six Mile. Regina is also survived by her beloved sons, Corey Clardy (Lauren) of Pickens and Brandon Clardy (Haliey) of Liberty. Her greatest joy in life came from being a loving Gigi to McKenzie, Reagan, Brailyn, Lane, Lola, Kamryn, Rylee Kate and Landon. Regina also leaves behind a host of nephews and a niece, whom she held dear to her heart. She was deeply grateful for the friendship and companionship of Larry Alexander, who was a true source of comfort and support to her.

Regina received her education at Liberty High School, graduating with the class of 1986, and worked as a unit secretary at Baptist Easley Hospital and Greenville Memorial Hospital for many years.

The family is grateful for the many caretakers at PruittHealth who poured into her life and cared for her.

In honoring Regina’s memory, it is requested as a gesture of remembrance and compassion that visits, cards or phone calls be made to someone you know in a nursing home.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Clardy family.

 

SHELBY C. BAGWELL

COCOA, Fla. — Shelby C. Bagwell, 84, of Cocoa, Fla., passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023.

Shelby was born in Pickens to Maude Nix Childress and Arthur Matheny Childress.

Shelby is survived by her son, Mitchell Bagwell (Linda); daughter, Tina M. White (David); brother, Billy Childress (Carol); four grandsons, Walker Bagwell, Clinton Bagwell, Timothy Bell and Christopher Bell; and six great-grandchildren.

Shelby was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, Edward, Milton and Doris.

A funeral service for Shelby will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Dillard Funerals and Cremation at 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway in Pickens. Following the funeral service, there will be a committal service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at dillardfunerals.com for the Bagwell family.

 

 

JOHN C. NIESPODZIANI

 

EASLEY — John C. Niespodziani passed away on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, while visiting family in Arizona.

He was 69 and died from complications after a hip surgery, along with diabetes, dementia and end-stage renal failure.

Niespodziani was born in Stevens Point, Wis. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. His untimely departure has left a void in the hearts of all who knew him. John spent his life dedicated to serving in the United States Air Force. Enlisting on Nov. 30, 1973, he proudly served his country over three decades (33 years). This included regular Air Force, then in the Reserves. He served under seven U.S. presidents, was fortunate to “see the world” and retired July 26, 2011, as a master sergeant. His committed loyalty to his fellow servicemen and women was strong. John’s military career molded him into a man of honor and integrity, qualities that defined his character throughout his life.

Outside of his military service, he found joy in playing golf, as well as watching or attending professional baseball and football games. John and Robin enjoyed exploring and traveling in the U.S. This led them on many side trips and adventures.

They met at their college radio station during a 72-hour trivia contest in 1978. They were smitten from the get-go and were married June 7, 1980, and remained married for 43 years.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind two children, Adam Niespodziani (Jamie) of Easley and Emily Van Dyke (John) of St. Louis, Mo. Also surviving are the grandchildren he adored, Rosalyn and Julia Niespodziani and Beatrice and William Van Dyke. He is also survived by two brothers and two sisters.

A graveside service to honor John’s life was held Nov. 6 at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson. The service was a celebration of his remarkable journey, ensuring he is bestowed with the respect and gratitude he deserves for his years of service.

In John’s life, he worked as a grocery store bag boy, bartender, personal lines underwriter for several insurance companies, school bus driver and delivered meals to seniors. With his long last name, he became known as John Ness to many. Along with that name, he enjoyed making people squirm as they tried to pronounce it. He enjoyed making the correction and letting them know of his Polish heritage that came with it. Funny thing, the name means “Unexpected Surprise!” (Who ever expects one?)

Some of John’s favorite phrases to say were:

“God had a sense of humor, He created the platypus, didn’t he?”

“We can’t all be a Smith.”

“Niespodziani is a great conversation piece.”

“You can only fool a Niespodziani twice!”

You will be missed John, but we know you have everlasting Peace.

“Though you have parted from this world, your spirit lives on in the loving memories we hold dear.”

Liberty Mortuary is handling the arrangements for the family.

 

 

RAYMOND L. ‘BUCK’ SANDERS

 

LIBERTY — Raymond L. “Buck” Sanders, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and devoted friend to many, passed away on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023.

He was born on Nov. 13, 1945, to his loving parents, Coffer and Minnie Robinson Sanders.
Buck spent his career painting houses. When he wasn’t working, he took care of his various animals, including dogs, goats and chickens, as well as spending his time farming and enjoying his homegrown food.

Buck is survived by his loving wife, Doris M. Holcombe Sanders; his daughters, Rhonda Miller, Rita Marchbanks and Connie Peay (Mike); step-children Debbie Chapman (Danny), Tina Hanscomb and Joey McCall; 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and his sisters, Joyce Medlin (Robert) and JoAnn O’Connor.
The family will be at the homes of JoAnn O’Connor and Doris Sanders.

Please visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory – Downtown, Easley.

 

BETTY MICHELLE ALAKHWAN

EASLEY — Betty Michelle Alakhwan, 59, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2023, at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Born Sept. 3, 1964, in Pickens, Michelle was the daughter of James Garland Turner and Barbara Elizabeth Southerland Turner. Mrs. Alakhwan was a homemaker and loving mother. She loved to draw and paint.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Alakhwan is survived by a son, Richard Alakhwan of Easley, and siblings, Kathy Robbins of Greenville, Robert Turner of Easley, Sheila Cantrell of Easley, Linda Turner of Greer and Michale Turner of Easley.

The family will hold a memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, in the sanctuary of Amazing Grace Fellowship at 229 Pearl St. in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Alakhwan family.

 

BILLY DORSEY

 

LIBERTY — Billy Dean Dorsey, beloved father and doting grandfather, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Nov. 23, 2023, at Richard Campbell Veterans Nursing Home.

Born on April 2, 1938, in Liberty, Billy brought joy, love and a knack for fixing things to the lives of those around him.

Born in Liberty, he was the widower of Eula Seaborn Dorsey and a son of the late William Alfred and Elizabeth Rothell Dorsey. He cultivated a passion for working with his hands and a determination to tackle any challenge that came his way. After completing his high school education, Billy embarked on a successful career in electrical maintenance, dedicating more than three decades of service to BASF.

Outside of his professional life, Billy found immense fulfillment in his roles as a father and grandfather. His daughter, Deanna Counts, was a source of immense pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with his grandsons, Clay Counts and Cole Counts. Billy’s love for his family knew no bounds, and his impact on their lives will forever be treasured.

In addition to his dedication to his family and career, Billy was an active member of his community and a devout churchgoer. His commitment to his faith was unwavering, and he found solace and purpose in his involvement with the church. Known for his compassionate nature, Billy was always willing to lend a helping hand and fix anything that needed repair. He was a longtime member of Calumet Baptist Church.

Mr. Dorsey was a United States Army veteran.

He is survived by his daughter, Deanna Counts (Chris); grandsons, Clay Counts (Krista) and Cole Counts (Antonia); and one sister, Patsy Wood (Jim). His memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones, who will forever cherish the love, guidance and countless memories shared together.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by seven sisters, Helen Hamby, Frances Ellis, Kate Holliday, Dorothy McClellan, Sybil Cole, Betty Craine and Jeanette Dorsey; and a brother, Buddy Dorsey.

Funeral services to honor Billy’s life were conducted on Nov. 27 at the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials are requested to Patriot Hospice, 4741 S.C. 153 Suite B, Easley, SC 29642 or Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, by visiting stjude.org.

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