BLAINE BRYANT

SIX MILE — Blaine Walker Bryant, 61, of 410 John Holliday Road, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Pickens, he was a son of Debra Durham Bryant and the late Patrick Fred Bryant.

Surviving, in addition to his mother of Six Mile, is a brother, Larry Bryant (Kim); his nephew, Jonathan Bryant (Marie) and their children, Adysen, Autumn, and Ingrid; his niece, Andrea Lollis (Michael) and their children, Gavin and Adam.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Bryant.

Blaine led a simple yet fulfilling life, finding joy in the simplest of pleasures. He enjoyed collecting Hot Wheel Cars and random junk.  He also enjoyed drawing.

But most of all, Blaine adored the moments spent with his beloved nieces and nephews. Whether it was playing games, sharing stories, or simply being there for them, Blaine’s love and care knew no bounds. His infectious laughter and genuine warmth will forever remain etched in their hearts.

Though we mourn the loss of Blaine, let us remember him as a man who lived life to the fullest, embracing every moment and sharing his love unconditionally. In times of reflection, may his legacy serve as a reminder to treasure the simple joys and embrace the ones we hold dear.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Pickens County Emergency Services, 222 McDaniel Avenue, Suite B17, Pickens SC 29671.

Memorial services will be held a later date.

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

 

DALLAS ‘D-DAL’  LEAH GRACE CHAPMAN

LIBERTY — Dallas Leah Grace Chapman “D-dal”, 17, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at her home.

Born April 12, 2006, in Pickens County, D-dal was the daughter of Jeremy Carver and Jessica Chapman Carver. D-dal was a very special and very smart young lady who survived by a miracle at the age of four. She struggled with her health but had a loving family around her. She was funny, adventurous and loved the outdoors and would smile at everything.

In addition to her parents, D-dal is survived by two brothers, Jeremy “J.D.” Carver and Austin Chapman; grandparents, Susan Chapman and Melinda Ellison; an uncle, Greg Chapman; an aunt, Janice Martin (Jeffrey); and cousins, Lacey Gordon (Jesse), Daniel (Megan), Brittany, Hannah and Nichole.

Ms. Chapman was predeceased by her grandfathers, Weldon Waddy Chapman and Dale Carver; great-grandfather, Robert Bob Cooper; cousin, Houston Allen Chapman; and uncle, Steve Chapman.

Funeral service were held Jan. 29, at the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Chapman family.

LOUIS F. MONROE

SIX MILE — Louis F. Monroe, 66, of 196 Stewart Road, Six Mile, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at Lila Doyle Nursing Home in Seneca, from silicosis.

A native of Pickens County, Mr. Monroe was born May 29, 1957 to the late Faye Monroe.

Louis is predeceased by his grandparents, Jim and Janie Stancil Monroe; his favorite uncle, who raised him, Robert Doyle Monroe, Bill Monroe, Henry B. Monroe and James Monroe; and his aunts, Nettie Waldon and Mae Duncan.

Lewis retired from Brezeale Sandblasting and loved to fish for trout in the local streams. He also loved listening to the police scanner and kept up with the DNR fish truck.

A memorial service will be held at his favorite fishing hole on Little Eastatoee Creek at Nine Times on his birthday, May 29, at 2 p.m.

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

 

MIMI STRAQUADINE

EASLEY — Mrs. Mimi Ead Straquadine, 61, wife of Robert “Bob” Allen Staquadine, passed away Friday, Jan. 26, 2024.

Born in Plymouth, Mass., a daughter of the late Joseph Ead and the late Marion Irene Butler, Mrs. Straquadine was a homemaker and a devoted wife and mother.

Mimi loved to sew and spend every moment possible with her grandchildren. She was independent, strong willed and a two time cancer survivor.

She will be remembered for her courage and dearly missed by those who loved and knew her.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 35 years, are two sons, Anthony Straquadine (Trish) of Florida and Gregory Allen Straquadine (Tinley) of Easley; three daughters, Stephanie Ann Moore (Damian) of Easley, MaryAnn Straquadine (Jacob) of Easley and Theresa Bolles of Florida; one brother, Joseph Saltalamacchia of Liberty; three sisters, Judy Ead of Massachusetts, Lisa Bonilla of Liberty and Dawn Owens (Melvin) of Richland; and six grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Straquadine was predeceased by a son, Vincent Straquadine; and a daughter, Amy Lynn Straquadine.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date.

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

 

VICKY BELGER

CENTRAL — Victoria Sharpe Belger, 65, beloved mother, sister and grandmother, peacefully passed away on Jan. 22, 2024. She was born on Sept. 3, 1958, in Mobile, Ala., to the late Reginald and Martha Vinson Sharpe.

Victoria, known to her family and friends as Vicky, was a compassionate and kindhearted woman who lived her life with humor and grace. She greatly treasured the role of friend and counted those she loved as her family.  With a warm smile that could light up a room, she touched the lives of those around her, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing her.  Vicky was a proud mother not only to her children, but to all those that she loved.  She was always quick to answer the phone with a word of encouragement and appreciated the opportunities to celebrate the joys and accomplishments of others. Vicky was also a doting grandmother who found great joy in creating memories with her grandchildren.

Vicky dedicated her energy to serving Hampton County families through her roles with the Council on Aging, and First Steps. Her passion lied in educating parents through the Parents as Teachers program and creating adventures with the children in her own private childcare.  In her free time, Vicky found solace in the pages of books, tending her flowers and dogs, and indulging in her guilty pleasure of watching true crime shows on television.

She is survived by her loving children, Amy Cudd (Dustin) of Six Mile, Ryan Wiles of Lexington and Rhett Belger of Pickens as well as two stepchildren, Heather and Ryan Belger (Alex) and their families.  She also leaves behind her sister, Beverly Blackmon of Stapleton, Ala.; brother, Reggie Sharpe of Charleston; sister-in-law, Erin Sharpe of North Charleston; and five grandchildren, Raylan Belger of Six Mile,  Patrick Cudd, Jayden Cudd, James Cudd and Evaleigh Cudd of Six Mile.

Funeral services to honor her life were held on Jan. 26, at Brice Herndon Funeral Chapel in Varnville.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Hampton County Animal Shelter, 460 Cemetery Road, Varnville SC 29944

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

 

BRENDA SUE WARDLAW

PICKENS — Brenda Sue Wardlaw, 73, passed away peacefully in the arms of her family on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 at Baptist Easley Hospital. She fought a long and courageous battle with renal cell cancer.

She was born Feb. 7, 1950 to the late Oscar M. Hudson and Elva Ellenburg Hudson.

She graduated from Pickens High School. Brenda married the late Larry Wardlaw on Dec. 27, 1975. They were married for 37 years before his passing in June 2013. Brenda was a homemaker and a housekeeper during her working years. Brenda was known by many, she was silly and funny and could always make you smile. Brenda loved to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoyed dancing and being silly with her grandkids.

Brenda was the cool grandma and the fun aunt. She loved all of her nieces and nephews.

Brenda is survived by her son, Charles Mosley of Pickens; and one daughter, Amanda Hernandez (Samuel); two grandsons, Andrew Hernandez and Chase Mosley; and one granddaughter, Karina Hernandez.

Brenda is also survived by two sisters, Ruth Gilstrap (Calvin) and Doris Green; and one brother, Sammy Hudson.

Brenda is also survived by Michael Tettemer, her wonderful partner for nine years.

She loved Michael dearly. Michael loved and cared for her until she took her last breath.

Along with her parents and her husband Larry, Brenda was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Breanna Wardlaw; two sisters, Beatrice Shelton and Martha Paredes; and an infant brother, Alton Hudson.

Although Brenda only had three grandchildren, she was Nanny to many including; Carlos, David, Gael, Kimberly, Xzavier, Yesenia and many more.

The family would like to thank all doctors, nurses and medical staff that took part in the care of Brenda.

May she rest in peace, fly high Angel

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Brenda Sue Wardlaw please visit our Sympathy Store.

PASTOR JERRY B. DARNELL

MARIETTA — Pastor Jerry B. Darnell, 73, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at Upstate Community Hospice House in Landrum.

A native of Greenville County, Jerry was born July 23, 1950, the son of the late James Curtis Darnell and Lena Lucille Burdette Darnell. Mr. Darnell was a pastor for over 50 years and was the current pastor at Old Fashioned Baptist Church in Travelers Rest. Jerry loved his church dearly. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend to all.

A pastor devoted to giving so much, God only knows all the souls that you have touched. Committed to serve when you answered God’s call, you proved it by being a servant to all. Thank you for all you did to lead us in the way of Jesus and the Truth of God’s Word.

Survivors include two daughters, Lori Greigo (Mario) of Greensboro, N.C., and Jill Darnell Hanley (Travis) of Raleigh, N.C.; a son, Nathanael Darnell of Marietta; two grandchildren, Tylor Ankrah and Joseph Konen; a great-grandchild, Isabel Ankrah; two sisters, Betty McCarson (Bobby) of Marietta and Billie McCrary (Bud) of Travelers Rest; two brothers, Wayne Darnell and David Darnell (Jayne) both of Marietta; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Darnell was predeceased by his wives, Molly Darnell and Mary Darnell; three sisters, Carolyn Darnell, Rachel Darnell and Wanda Mealor; and two brothers, Butch Darnell and Curtis “Red” Darnell.

Visitation will be held on Feb. 1, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of Old Fashioned Baptist Church in Travelers Rest with funeral services to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will follow the service in Slater Church of God Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted.

The family will be at the home of the sister, Billie McCrary.

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

 

BRENDA C. SMITH

EASLEY — Brenda C. Smith, 82, wife of the late Eugene Fletcher Smith passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at her home.

Born Oct. 2, 1941, in Springfield, VM., Brenda was the daughter of the late Robert Hall Chittenden and Farris Elaine Duncan Chittenden, and also a member of Calvary Hill Baptist Church in Easley.

Survivors include two children, David Dean Smith (Tonya) and Karen Kay Smith both of Greenville; one sister, Paula C. Burriss of Easley; and four grandchildren, Danny Smith, Brooke Rhodarmer, Sara Beth Smith and Kody Smith.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Smith was predeceased by two sons, Allen Eugene Smith and Troy Todd Smith.

Funeral Service were held on Jan. 31, at Calvary Hill Baptist Church in the church sanctuary. Entombment followed at Heritage Memorial Park Mausoleum, 4500 Highway 11, Westminster, South Carolina, 29693.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

BOBBY GENE KELLEY

PICKENS — Bobby Gene Kelley, 81, of Pickens, passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Bobby was born in Six Mile.

During his working life, he was a master mechanic at Greenville Water System, where he retired after 20 plus years. With a talent of teaching others his mechanic skills, his legacy will live on with the teachings that were passed down. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time with his family and his faithful companion, Abby. He often competed in horse shows, barrel racing, and riding for fun.

Bobby is survived by his daughter, Sherry Moore (Gene); grandson, Nathan Moore; son ,Keith Kelley (Julie); granddaughter, Haley Kelley; and brother, Tony Kelley.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Arlice Kelley; his wife of 54 years, Ruth Ann Kelley; brother, Claude T. Kelley; and two sisters, Lois Helen Towe and Dorothy Jane Roper.

A memorial service for Bobby was held on Jan. 30, at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens.

Flowers are accepted or Contributions in Bobby’s memory may be made to Interim HealthCare (Hospice) of Greenville, 100 Verdae Blvd, Suite 200, Greenville, South Carolina 29607 US.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

NELLIE M. PATTERSON

LIBERTY — Nellie M. Patterson, 80, of Liberty, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

Nellie loved the Lord, often read her bible and always prayed for her family whom she loved very dearly. In her earlier years she enjoyed being outside in the summer and planting flowers; with a green thumb she could grow anything.

Nellie is survived by her daughter, Linda Durham (Melvin); son, Wayne Patterson (Sonya); daughter, Anita Owens; sister, Betty Monteith; 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Harold Patterson; parents, Winfred and Nina Holden; and brother, Leo Chapman.

The family would like to especially thank Hospice of the Upstate for their help and kindness during this time.

A funeral service for Nellie was held Jan. 31, at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens. She was laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers are accepted by the family.

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