TERRI FOWLER

LIBERTY — With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Terryl Leigh Fowler, cherished wife, mother, daughter, friend and nature lover, who left us on Dec. 3, 2024, at the age of 55.

Born on Dec. 19, 1968, in Easley, she carried the spirit of joy throughout her life, finding joy even amidst the challenges she faced.

She was a beacon of strength and resilience, spending the last three decades bravely battling health issues with a smile that could light up a room. Her spirit was as vibrant as the roses in her beloved garden, and her passion for nurturing plants was a reflection of her tender heart. She found solace in her garden, where she tended to her blooms, creating a sanctuary filled with beauty, color and love.

She was a longtime member of East Side Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 24 years, Jonathan Fowler; her loving parents, John “Poss” and Becky Bagwell; her son, Rev. John McGuire (Hannah); her daughter, Becca Staton (Harley); six grandchildren, Rose, Patrick, Philip, Conall, Declan and Tidus; and her stepson, Shane McGuire.

Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and so many others who were instrumental in her life.

The family hosted a memorial service on Dec. 6 at East Side Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the National Kidney Foundation, kidney.org.

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

 

YPATIA ‘TIA’ WADE MARCUS

CENTRAL — Ypatia “Tia” Wade Marcus, a beloved wife, mother, Yaya, great Yaya, sister and friend, departed this earthly life on Dec. 3, 2024, at the age of 77.

She was born on Dec. 1, 1947, in Greece and had five brothers and three sisters. She and her husband are members at Welcome Baptist Church in Central. Tia loved her family fiercely and loved cooking for them and making large batches of baklava. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by two sons, John Wade and Sammy Marcus. She is survived by her husband and best friend of 20 years, Willie Marcus; son, Tony Wade (Paige); daughter, Connie Brown (Stephen); grandsons, Austin Wade (Jordan), Tyler Wade (Heather) and Ethan Marcus; granddaughter, Karli Wade; and great-grandchildren Haisley, Audrey and Judah.

Pallbearers were Tony Wade, Austin Wade, Tyler Wade, Clint Osbon, Tim Hall and Greg Pilgrim.

Funeral services were held on Dec. 6 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial followed the service at Robinson Memorial Gardens in Easley.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

JUDY LEE HOLMES

LIBERTY — Judy Lee Holmes, 76, of Liberty passed away peacefully on Dec. 6, 2024.

She was born on July 13, 1948, to Nolan and Elsie Smith. She was of the Baptist faith. She spent many years taking care of people and working as a CNA. She enjoyed crocheting and her cats.

Judy is survived by her husband, Wendell Holmes; her sisters, Brenda Wilson, Bobbie Hester and Sara Ann Stancil; her brother-in-law, Richard G. Holmes (Linda); and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held on Dec. 9 at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown, Easley.

A graveside service took place following the visitation at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

 

MILTON WHITLOCK

PICKENS — Milton Whitlock, 86, of Pickens, passed away peacefully on Dec. 6, 2024.

Born Jan. 21, 1938, in Liberty, Milton was a man of unwavering faith, devotion to family and remarkable craftsmanship.

A graduate of Liberty High School, Milton worked at Greenwood Mills for much of his life. Beyond his career, he was a talented craftsman, known for creating lifelike models of houses, barns and cars. He found joy in his blue Ford truck and took pride in making heartfelt handmade gifts for loved ones.

Milton’s faith guided his life. As a member and deacon of Northside Baptist Church, he found purpose in serving his community and singing hymns. He also enjoyed gardening, finding peace in nature’s beauty.

Milton is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Betty Whitlock; daughters, Kathy Francis and Kristy Mauldin (Ronnie); grandchildren, Katie Shelton (John) and Hunter Mauldin; great-granddaughter, Annamarie Shelton; and siblings, Gary Whitlock, Billy Whitlock, Marlene Wilson, Sarah Dillinger and Linda Sue Alexander.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Sarah Whitlock; and brothers, David and Cecil Whitlock.

Funeral services were held on Dec. 10 at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens, followed by graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville.

Milton’s favorite hymn, “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” reflects the life of devotion and love he leaves behind.

 

ELSIE ISLEY

EASLEY — Mrs. Elsie Watkins Isley, 99, wife of the late William Bud Isley, went to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, December 8, 2024.

Born on June 6, 1925, in Schoolfield, Va., she was a daughter of the late Sherman Verlin and Carrie Towler Watkins. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Elsie dedicated much of her career to the textiles industry. She worked for Chase Bag in Reidsville, N.C., and later retired from EMB Tex in Travelers Rest. Elsie had a passion for sports, particularly enjoying watching Clemson Tigers Football on television.

Her enthusiasm for the game brought joy not only to her but also to those around her.

A devoted member of Georges Creek Baptist Church in Easley, she nurtured her faith and shared it with her community.
She is survived by a daughter, Cindy Jolley of Easley; a grandson, Chris Jolley (Melanie Buchanan) of Kansas City, MO.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by two sisters; Mary Thacker and Vernie Childrey; a son in law, Larry Jolley.

The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 14, at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown.

The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow the service in Mountain View Memorial Park in Travelers Rest.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to The American Lung Association, lung.org.

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

 

ESSIE ‘FAYE’ BANKS

PICKENS — Essie “Faye” Banks, 84, of Pickens, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024.

Faye was born in Greenville, to James and Lillie Mae (Brewer) Gentry, on Nov. 14, 1940.

She married her husband Billy Banks on June 5, 1954. Five years later, in 1959, Faye and her family moved to Palm City, Fla. In 1995, Faye and her husband made their way back to South Carolina, where they settled in Pickens. She was a devoted member of New Life Baptist Church, located in Pickens. Her hobbies included reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing Canasta and seeing pictures of her family on Facebook.

Faye is survived by her children; James Banks (Susie), Billy Jr. Banks (Debbie), Mary Ann Bagwell (Tom), Jimmy Banks and Roy Banks (Kathy); sister, Betty Moore (Billy); 20 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Faye was predeceased by her husband Billy Banks Sr.; daughter Sarah Banks; parents James and Lillie Mae Gentry; brothers James Paul Gentry and Thomas Ray Gentry.

A visitation will be held on Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. and the graveside service will be held immediately after.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Memorial Funeral home will be assisting the family.