IRENE E. ANTHONY DYCHES

PICKENS — Irene E. Anthony Dyches, 75, of Pickens, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at North Greenville Hospital LTAC.

Irene was born on April 21, 1949, to the late William Alvin and Geneva Elizabeth Ramey Anthony.

Irene had a strong Christian faith, and she was baptized at Five Point Church on Dec. 17, 2017. Before her health declined, she enjoyed attending Mountain View Baptist Church in Six Mile. She particularly appreciated the ladies in her Sunday school class, who extended kindness and warmth, making her feel welcome and appreciated.

For most of Irene’s life, she was a bus driver for the School District of Pickens County, where she retired from with more than 20 years of service. During her younger years, she was the catcher on a USSSA women’s softball team that won many state and upper state championships.

Following her retirement, Irene devoted her time to various interests at home. She had a passion for cooking and trying new recipes. She enjoyed riding her golf cart around the family pond or stopping to fish. Her dog Wilbur was a great companion who was always with her. The beautiful trees and flowers around her home brought her immense happiness, and she could identify each one. She loved repairing, building and doing many things around her house. She even built a small koi pond, where she spent her time feeding her fish.

Irene was a beautiful, special lady with a heart of gold. Her kindness and generosity were evident through her mother-like love and care for others. She was a beloved Mother, Gran, sister and friend who will be deeply missed by all.

Irene is survived by her sister, Diane Hebb (Arch); brother, Dennis Anthony; children, Sharon Hager (Mike), Kathy Brezeale (Scott) and Steven Esuary (Anna); and grandchildren, Angie Hager (Emily), Cody Hager (Sarah), Jed Hager, Haley Troyer (Seth), Keith Brezeale (Lea), Katie Dickard (Jason), Karlyn Esuary and Isaac Esuary. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

Ms. Irene was preceded in death by eight siblings, Durrell, Larry, David, Truman, Johnny, Dwaine, Carson and Fred Anthony.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels at pcmow.org/memorial-honorarium/.

Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the family.

 

SHANNON ROBIN ALEXANDER

PICKENS — Shannon Robin Alexander, 40, daughter of Douglas R. Alexander and Glenda Campbell Alexander, passed away at her home on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Shannon was of the Southern Baptist faith, she looked forward to going to see movies, and she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Shannon was an employee of Reliable Sprinkler; she was a hard worker and loved her work family.

She is survived by her parents; her children, Lily M. Culpepper (Scott) of Easley and Memphis Alexander of Pickens; grandchildren, Lydia and Canaan; sibling, Amber McGaha (BJ) of Pickens; and a loving niece, Raven Watson (Tyler).

Shannon was preceded in death by her grandparents, Warren and Mary Lee Alexander, Bill Campbell and Lois Roper Campbell Bolding.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 18 in the sanctuary of Liberty First Baptist Church. Burial followed at the Old Bethlehem Church Cemetery in Pickens.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the Alexander family.

 

FARLEY DEAN MEDLIN

EASLEY — Farley Dean Medlin, 81, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at his home.

Born on June 16, 1943, in Pickens County, Farley was the son of the late John Thomas Medlin and Matildia Redding. Farley was a United States Army veteran. He loved watching NASCAR racing.

Survivors include his sister, Nona Posey of Easley.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Medlin was predeceased by three sisters and a brother.

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Jan. 22 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens, with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Interim Hospice for the kindness and care shown to Mr. Medlin.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Medlin family.

 

NETTIE ELIZABETH CENTER

EASLEY — Nettie Elizabeth Center, affectionately known as “Sis” passed away peacefully at her home in Easley on Jan. 12, 2025, at the age of 91.

She was born on Oct. 1, 1933, in Pickens, to the late Maggie Lee and Herman Duncan.

Lib was predeceased by her husband, Charles Center; and her siblings Judy Sentell, Mary (Monk) Parker, Ruby Breazeale, Wayne Duncan, Ronald (Runt) Duncan and Alex (Kim) Duncan.

She is survived by her siblings Donald Duncan and Gladys (Cricket) Gilstrap.

She leaves behind her loving family, including her daughters, Cynthia (Cindy) Britt and Vickie Gosnell (Mike); her grandchildren, Chelsea McBride (Benton), Callie Fleming (Matt), Michael Konduros (Darla) and Nicholas Konduros (Micki); and her beloved great-grandchildren, Mason and Lucy McBride.

A woman of deep faith, Lib’s relationship with the Lord guided and carried her throughout life. She was a devoted member of Monaghan Baptist Church and spent her days prayerfully and joyfully serving others.

Lib was a hardworking woman, beginning her career in textiles at Judson Mill and retiring as a supervisor from Celanese. She took her first job at Henry Elrod Photography Studio and continued her dedication to work well into retirement.

Known for her sweet and kind spirit, Lib will be remembered for her incredible cooking, hosting and her love for her parrot, Baby. Her family and her garden brought her the most joy, and she left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Services were held on Jan. 14 at Dillard Funeral home and Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Ave., Liberty or Lutheran Hospice, 429 N. Main St., Suite 3, Greenville, SC 29601.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

SCOTT ELLIOT JACKSON

LIBERTY — Scott Elliot Jackson, 54, passed away Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.

Born on Oct. 16, 1970, in Boca Raton, Fla., Scott was the son of Richard Gordon Jackson and the late Linda Prowll Jackson. Mr. Jackson would always help folks when he was able to. He enjoyed hiking and watching motorcross racing.

Survivors include his son, Nicholas R. Jackson of Boca Raton, Fla.; a sister, Laura Mazer (Derick) of Boca Raton; two brothers, Ryan Jackson and Keith Jackson (Georgette), both of Boca Raton; and father, Richard Gordon Jackson.

Mr. Jackson was predeceased by his mother, Linda Prowll Jackson.

A memorial service will be held on Feb. 1 at Glick Family Funeral Home in Boca Raton, Fla. Time will be announced later.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Jackson family.

 

NOAH CHRISTOPHER BOWMAN

LIBERTY — Noah Bowman, 25, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Noah courageously lived a full life despite Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy.

Noah graduated from D.W. Daniel High School in 2019 and helped manage the football team. He was a Christian, trusted the Lord and loved people. Despite his condition, he was joyful, courageous and left most people feeling renewed just by being with him. When able, Noah participated in Outdoor Dream adventures, sibling visits with his family, movies and adventures to watch Clemson. In more recent years, he enjoyed using his computer to meet people, play games and learn new things.

He is survived by his brother and confidante Isaac, brothers Jacob and Michael Bashor (Ellie) and sister Kayla Bashor (Brett), along with his mother Becky. He also is survived by his grandmother, Shirley Bowman; aunt, Kelly Gilstrap (Randy); cousins, Becca Privette (Charles), Foster Bozard (Kathryn), Steve Gilstrap (Michelle), Ashley James (Scott) and Stan Gilstrap (Tiffany); and niece and nephew, Amara and Link Bashor.

The family is grateful to the physicians at Prisma Health and the fellowship at Five Point Church and later Flat Rock Baptist Church for their care and love.

Additionally, the family thanks teachers and staff at Liberty Elementary, R.C. Edwards and D.W. Daniel for their investment in Noah’s life. Since 2016, Noah received care from young men, mostly SWU students, who gave him a sense of brotherhood. The family is grateful for those Godly men.

There was a celebration of life Jan. 18 at Flat Rock Baptist Church in Liberty, with a time of greeting afterward in the fellowship hall.

Instead of flowers, honorariums can be made to the D.W. Daniel Athletic Booster Club, Football, 140 Blue and Gold Blvd., Central, SC 29630.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

EUGENE PALMER

EASLEY — Eugene Palmer, 74, of Easley, passed away on Jan. 12, 2025.

He was born on Jan. 9, 1951, to Richard McMurray Palmer Sr. and Vanessa Brown Palmer. He went to school at Tri-County Technical College, where he earned a degree in accounting. Eugene worked as a painter for Greenville Memorial Hospital for many years. He enjoyed fishing, darts, the Eagles football team and spending time with his family.

Eugene is survived by his sons, Richard W Palmer and Eugene L Palmer (Amanda); a brother, Roy Palmer (Linda); a sister, Sarah McDonald (Tommy); five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 18 at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown, Easley.

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

 

EVELYN MERCK

SIX MILE — Evelyn Kay Merck, a mother and grandmother, peacefully passed away at the age of 92 on Jan. 15, 2025.

Born on Dec. 23, 1932, in Seneca, she was the widow of Claude Franklin Merck and a daughter of the late Lemuel and Eva Ruth Wilson Kay.

Mrs. Merck found her passion in cosmetology and, inspired by her love for beauty and service, received her license at the age of 40.

A longtime member of the Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy.

Surviving are daughter, Theresa Allred (Jim) of Cary, N.C.; her son, Lamar Merck (Antonia) of Six Mile; a sister, Elizabeth Satterfield; a brother, David Kay; six grandchildren, Ty Merck, Holly Hollingsworth, Adam Merck, Lyric Merck, T.J. Allred Johnson and Jammie Allred Napper; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Nathan, John Samuel and Joseph Andrew Kay.

Private burial will be held at Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy cemetery.

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

 

RACHEL BOLDING HARRISON

PICKENS — Rachel Bolding Harrison of Pickens passed away peacefully at home with family on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

She was a sweet, generous spirit who was loved by all who knew her. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends or her adoring fur babies. She loved to play the piano. She was a lifelong member of Mountain View Baptist Church. She retired from the Pickens County Health Department.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Donald Harrison. Also surviving are her sons, Kevin Harrison (Machele) and Kerry Harrison; granddaughters, Leigh Jenkins (Matt) and Nicole Owens (Matt); and great-grandsons, Easton Jenkins, Logan Owens and Nolan Jenkins.

She was predeceased by her parents, George and Hattie Mae Bolding; a sister, Vivian Bolding (infant); a brother, Randolph Bolding; and a nephew, Bill Bolding.

Funeral services were held Jan. 20 at Mountain View Baptist Church in Six Mile. The Revs. Rick Hayes and Scott Willis will be officiating. The burial was private.

Please omit flowers. Mom loved animals. Memorials may be made to the Oconee County Humane Society TNR Program, 1925 Sandifer Blvd., Seneca, SC 29678, or to the Pickens County Humane Society in Liberty.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Harrison family.

 

THELMA ‘BUNT’ GILSTRAP

PICKENS — Thelma “Bunt” Gilstrap, 96, of Pickens, passed away on Jan. 16, 2025, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca. She was born on Sept. 4, 1928.

Bunt leaves behind a loving legacy, including three daughters, Judie Holt, June Walker (Sam) and Vickie Lanoue (Philip); seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Bunt was preceded in death by her beloved husband, B.F. Gilstrap.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful doctors and nurses at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital. Special thanks also go to the compassionate hospice caretakers at Cottingham Hospice House, whose kindness and care enriched Bunt’s life and brought comfort to her family during this difficult time.

Bunt’s family warmly invites all who knew and loved her to celebrate her remarkable life. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Jan. 25 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bunt’s honor may be made to Samaritan’s Purse by visiting samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/thelma-bunt-gilstrap-pickens-sc/.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Gilstrap family.

 

J.W. SMITH

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts and joyful memories that we announce the passing of James William “J.W.” Smith, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and community member.

Born on April 15, 1926, in Liberty, he was the widower of Sarah Ann Hughes Smith and a son to the late Ellis William and Mamie Barnette Smith. Mr. Smith passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at the Foothills Presbyterian Home in Easley, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers. He leaves a legacy of love, kindness and dedication that will be cherished by all who knew him.

J.W. spent most of his adult life as a passionate self-employed residential builder and was known for his incredible skills and commitment to his craft. He loved what he did and took immense pride in being able to provide quality homes for families in the community. For 55 years, he shared his wisdom and faith as a dedicated member of Norris First Baptist Church, where he taught the J.W. Smith Sunday school class. His warmth and guidance touched countless lives through his unwavering service.

J.W. had a passion for gardening and loved to share his vegetables with neighbors and friends. He also had a special enthusiasm for horses and carriages, some of which he used for providing carriage services for brides and grooms. He delighted in sharing joy with the neighborhood children by taking them for rides in his wagon, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served his country during World War II, showcasing not only his courage, but his commitment to a greater cause.

Beyond his professional and military achievements, he was a true family man, survived by his loving daughter, Linda Simpson (Ken), and son, Roger Smith (Karen). He is also survived by four grandchildren, Chad Simpson (Kela), Jared Simpson (Carla), Jessica Satterfield (Brett) and Tyler Smith (Mashea); and seven great-grandchildren, Kadence, Landon, Tanner, Kamdyn, Paxton, Elizabeth and Stran. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

J.W. cherished the moments spent with his family and friends, always ready to offer a helping hand or a warm smile.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Melvin and Doyle Smith.

The funeral service was held at Norris First Baptist Church on Jan. 21, and burial followed at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend a very special appreciation to the many staff members of the Foothills Presbyterian Home for the incredible love and care that was shown to Mr. Smith during his time there.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Norris First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 130 Norris, SC 29667.

You may share memories and offer condolences to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

SAMUEL BARRY BREZEALE

PICKENS — Samuel Barry Brezeale, 82, of Pickens passed away Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at his home, after bravely fighting a fierce battle with lung cancer.

Born to the late Bruce and Alma Willimon Brezeale, Sam was a member of Red Hill Baptist Church and attended Northside Baptist Church in Pickens. He was a former co-owner of B and B Express Trucking and Hank and Sam’s Gulf and Wrecker Service. Sam was a United States Navy veteran.

Surviving are his daughter, Kimberly (Robby) Wood and her mother, Dianne Moon Hodge, all of Tigerville; a grandson, Trey (Ansley) Wood of Travelers Rest; a granddaughter, Hayden Wood of Clemson University; and his sister, Meriam B. Young of Pickens. Additionally, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Sam was predeceased by a sister, Colleen Brezeale, and a brother, Keith Brezeale.

At Sam’s request, there will be no formal visitation or funeral. Instead, his wish was for his family to scatter his ashes privately at a future date. His family wishes to thank Cindy Brezeale, Tommy Stephens and Irene Owens for their generous help in Sam’s care. He is loved and will be greatly missed.

The family members are at their respective homes.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Brezeale family.