BARBARA OWENS

PICKENS — Barbara Owens, affectionately known as Bobbie to friends and family, a much beloved wife to Fred Owens, devoted mother to Marty Sentell and Donna Mize (Tony) and wonderful “Nana” to Courtney Porter and special “Nana” to Michael Mize (Kayla), along with two great-grandchildren she adored watching grow, left this world to be with Jesus on Feb. 25, 2025, surrounded by her family at her home.

Bobbie was predeceased to heaven by her parents, Oather and Rosalee Pilgrim, and born on June 12 in Greenville.

Bobbie and Fred enjoyed 55 years of marriage together traveling, sharing life and enjoying their home and family and friends.

Bobbie was much loved by many and had some very close friends who she spent much of her earthly time enjoying, several who had gone on before her and some still living that include Laverne McGaha, Frances Summey, Evelyn Kay and Judy Collings.

Besides her family and friends, a great source of pride for Bobbie was her home and yard. She was always happy to talk about her flowers

Rather than a formal service, the family has chosen to honor Bobbie with an informal drop-in visitation at the family home at 196 Holliday Road in Six Mile from 1-3 p.m. March 8.

Should you choose to make a charitable donation in honor of Bobbie, her favorite charity was St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Bobbie left behind a legacy of unwavering love for those closest to her. Though she may be physically gone, her spirit will live on through the memories she created with family and friends.

We will honor Bobbie’s life by celebrating all the joy she brought into our lives. She touched our lives in immeasurable ways, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts forever.

CATHERINE FOWLER MAIER

EASLEY — Catherine Fowler Maier, wife of the late Robert (Bob) Lee Maier, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at the age of 93.

She was born in Connecticut, the daughter of the late Sarah (Sadie) Kelly Fowler and the late Arthur Fowler Sr., on June 30, 1931. Catherine grew up in the Bronx, N.Y., where she worked as a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone and Telegraph in the late 1940s and early ‘50s. It was there she met her husband Bob, the love of her life, at a neighborhood ice cream parlor. The couple built a home in Andover, N.J., where they raised their family of six children. Catherine was an avid reader and a good cook. She served her family hearty meals around the crowded and boisterous kitchen table and filled coolers with mountains of sandwiches for all-day trips to the Jersey shore. In 1971, she and Bob moved their family to Florida, where she opened a travel agency and led many groups of clients to travel destinations in Europe. She and Bob bought a summer home in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Cashiers, N.C., before retiring to Easley.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Pettigrew (Neal) of Blue Hill, Minn., her five sons, Robert F. Maier (Debbie) of Easley, Richard Maier of Lynchburg, Va., Christopher Maier of St Augustine, Fla., Matthew Maier (Carol) of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Stephen Maier (Jessica) of Beaufort, N.C.; her grandchildren, Sarah, Courtenay, Emily, Mark, Laura, Jason, Jeni, Justin, Bobby, Michael, Chris, Josh, Nicholas, Andrew and Jimmy; and 20 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Maier was predeceased by her brother, Arthur (Buddy) Fowler Jr., and two daughters-in-law, Patsy Maier and Elaine Maier.

The family will host a memorial service at a later date.

 

BOBBY LEE JENNINGS

EASLEY — Bobby Lee Jennings, 70, lifelong resident of Easley, went home to be with Jesus and his parents on Feb. 27, 2025.

Born in Easley on Feb. 26, 1955, he was the son of William W. and Willette S. Jennings. He was a 1973 graduate of Easley High School where he played football, baseball and basketball. He was a 1977 graduate of the Clemson University School of Forestry. He was married to Maria Parker Jennings for 47 years.

Bobby retired from Robinson Lumber Company, based in Louisiana, where he served as a lumber procurer for 40 years. He traveled all over the Southeast United States, Europe, Caribbean and Honduras.

One of the greatest accomplishments during his career was the drafting and writing of the SPIB Export Grading Rules.

At a young age, he attended church at Rock Springs Baptist Church, and he later attended First Baptist Church Easley.

In addition to his wife, his family includes brother in-law Tommy Parker (Denise) of Easley and his two nieces, Madison P. McKenzie of Greenville and Morgan P. Beasly of Travelers Rest.

He is also survived by his godchildren, Rob Hughes (godson) of Lake City, Fla., and Kara Smith Dove (goddaughter) of Easley.

Bobby loved the Lord, his wife, his family and life. His favorite pastimes were eating BBQ, spending time his fur-babies, Clemson football, fishing and hunting. He also loved to travel with his wife.

A celebration of life service was held March 4 in the chapel at Rock Springs Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 123 Antrim Drive, Greenville, SC 29607; First Baptist Church Easley, 300 East 1st Ave., Easley, SC 29640; or Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642.

Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the family.

 

SHIRLEY MAY HENDRICKS

EASLEY — Shirley May Hendricks, 66, loving wife to Adrian Harold Hendricks, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born on Feb. 12, 1959, in Harlan, Ky., Shirley was the daughter of the late Roy Wood and Elizabeth Day Wood. Mrs. Hendricks was of the Pentecostal faith. She was a great cook who made the best omelets and cast-iron cornbread. She loved life and enjoyed painting by number and playing UNO. She loved her family dearly, especially her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Adrian Harold Hendricks of the home; children, William Wood (Pam) of Eastanollee, Ga., Crystal Woodall (Frank) of Greenville and Elizabeth Jones (William) of Dacusville; grandchildren, Alex, Lillian (Matthew), Jade, Rain, Brooke, Kayla and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Emerald, Junior, Peyton, Malia, Kulia, Shai and Everliegh; siblings, Katie Davis of Alabama, Ann Sanders of Piedmont and Joann Sanders (Junior) of Pickens; second mother, Kathy Bagwell of Easley; and a special friend, Jane Chandler (Rickey).

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hendricks was predeceased by a grandson, Joshua Wood; great-grandson, Enzo Jenkins; brothers, Leroy Wood and Freddie Ray Wood; sisters, Sue Cassell, Davola Wood and Judy Chastain; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, June and Hubert Hendricks.

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. March 6 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Shirley’s honor may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital by visiting donate.lovetotherescue.org or by mailing 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Hendricks family.

 

HELEN RUTH KEPPLER GORRONDONA THIBODEAUX

PICKENS — Helen Ruth Keppler Gorrondona Thibodeaux, 86 of Pickens, after a long battle with cancer, passed away on February 24. She is survived by her loving husband Devron Thibodeaux; sister, Mary Virginia “Ginger” Keppler; brother, Frederick “Fritz” (Earl) Keppler; her cherished children, Danika Gorrondona, Morla Gorrondona and Thane (Maria) Gorrondona; and her step-children, Therese (James) Stuckey, Elizabeth Thibodeaux, Angelle Thibodeaux and  Paul (Minette) Thibodeaux; grandchildren, Kohler Lipson, McKenzie McCloskey, Christopher Gorrondona, Andrea Gorrondona, Natalia (James Samuel) Gorrondona, Matteo Gorrondona, Sarah (Brandon) Montalbano, Rachel Stuckey and Matthew Stuckey; five great-grandchildren. Helen Ruth is predeceased by her beloved first husband Donald Gorrondona and her parents Lloyd Keppler and Helen Kohler Keppler.

A graduate of Holy Angels Academy, St. Mary’s Dominican College, and Loyola University Institute of Ministry where she achieved a master’s degree in Theology. She was a life-long teacher of both physical education and religion: a reflection of her appreciation of the cultivation of both body and soul. She began and ended her teaching career in her spiritual home of New Orleans – starting with St. James Major School, continuing to St. Joseph’s Academy, and retiring from Archbishop Chapelle High School as head of the religion department. She is past-president of the St. Mary’s Dominican College Alumnae Association, and a member and past-president of the Pickens Garden Club.

Helen Ruth loved art, music, culture and traveling to new places. She loved gardening, especially saving distressed plants. She was a canny bargain-hunter and self-published author of the book, “New Orleans, a Shopper’s Notebook”. She had a sense of adventure and enthusiasm for traveling to new places which was tested by hurricane Katrina. Having lived in New Orleans her entire life, she packed up and, with her beloved mother Nana, joined Devron as he began his new position at the research station at Clemson and she did so with optimism, courage and an open heart. Certainly, despite the long distances between her and her children Helen Ruth remained a constant and loving mother.

Through every struggle and especially her last, Helen Ruth’s prayer was for God to grant her courage and strength. She truly was the embodiment of these virtues at remarkable degrees throughout her illness. In all of this she remained kind, welcoming, giving, and graceful – a true beautiful Southern Lady.

All are invited for Visitation followed by Mass on Saturday, March 8 beginning at 10 a.m. to be held at St. Andrews Chapel located at the corner of Edgewood Ave. and Sloan St. in Clemson.

We so appreciate the tireless dedication to the care and support Helen Ruth received from Dr. Jeff Edenfield and his staff of the Prisma Cancer Institute as she struggled all those years to control the cancer. They have truly become our family. We also want to thank the Hospice of the Foothills staff who graciously and generously assisted in her care in the final weeks of her life. The family would like to thank Debbie Lessard especially for her continued support for Helen Ruth’s struggle with cancer for the past 10 plus years.

A memorial service for Helen Ruth is planned in her hometown of New Orleans. Our intent is for it to take place on her birthday, April 11. Details will be available soon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to any of the following: the Marianites of Holy Cross Congregational Center at 75520 Hwy 1081, Covington, Louisiana, 70435; Hospice of the Foothills, 390 Keowee School Rd., Seneca, SC 29672; or St. Andrews Catholic Church, 209 Sloan St., Clemson, SC 29631.

Thank you for your remembrance.

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

 

LORI JEANETTE MCATEE

EASLEY — Lori Jeanette McAtee, 62, loving wife of 44 years to Raymond Richard McAtee, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born on Nov. 22, 1962, in Ashtabula, Ohio, Lori was the daughter of the late Joe Paul Trent and Betty Lee Kibbee.

Lori worked as a certified nursing assistant, where she touched the lives of many people she cared for. She had a deep passion for helping others and brought comfort to those around her. Outside of her work, Lori enjoyed playing Bingo, traveling and spending time at waterparks. Above all, she cherished her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved them with all her heart. Her beloved dachshund, Lucy, will also miss her greatly.

Surviving Lori are her loving husband, Raymond Richard McAtee, of the home; children, Raymond Richard McAtee II (April) of Liberty, William “Billy” Joseph McAtee (Rebecca Luker) of Rosman, N.C., Jessica Lee Richmond of Taylors and Jennifer Renee Hughes (Zak) of Easley; 19 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Jennifer Zigmont (William) of Rock Creek, Ohio, Heather Trent (Brad Edens) of Liberty, Michael Trent of Liberty and Timothy Trent of Ashtabula, Ohio; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friend and soul sister, Menika Little.

In addition to her parents, Lori was predeceased by her son, Adam Ryan McAtee; brothers, Randall Scott Kibbee and Tracy Leon Trent; and sister, Bettina Ann Trent.

Lori will be greatly missed by her family and friends, whose lives she touched with kindness, love and compassion.

Funeral services were held on March 3 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the McAtee family.

THOMAS ‘TR’ RAY BOWEN

PICKENS — Thomas “TR” Ray Bowen of Pickens, born November 6, 1949, 75, to the late Guy Ray Bowen and Aileen Smith Bowen, rode off into the sunset on February 15, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter and adventure. A true country boy at heart. He loved his life on his own terms. Whether it was in his Ford pickup truck on the farm, cruising on his Harley just to feel the wind in his face, kicking back on the beach, playing weekly golf with his Duke Power friends, coaching soccer and travel baseball, or cheering on his beloved Clemson Tigers. He knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life!

Thomas was a devoted husband of 51 years to his beloved Jeannie, proud “Pops” to his son and best friend Cody, and the most loving “Papa” to his beautiful granddaughter, Savannah Grace. “Gracie” as he fondly called her, was the light of his life. He adored every moment with her and passed down his love of adventure and fun.

Tommy and Jeannie shared a special love for Pawleys Island, their favorite getaway year around. It was where they spent summers and winters, dreaming of Cody, taking long walks in the coastal breeze, fishing in the creeks and making lifelong friends. Life delt the two of them one of its hardest blows when they lost Cody at the young age of 30, but Tommy carried his son’s memory in his heart every single day. Now they are reunited once again, riding roads we can’t see yet.

Tommy’s sense of humor was as legendary as his storytelling, always bringing smiles and belly laughs to those lucky enough to know him. If there was fun to be had, Tommy was at the center of it, making every moment count. And when football and baseball season rolled around, you could always find him decked in Orange or Purple cheering on his Tigers with pride.

Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every roar of an engine, every ocean breeze and every Clemson victory. “TR” was an IPTAY member for 45 years. Ride free Tommy, we will see you down the road.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held this Spring or early Summer at Pickens Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Jeannie asks that you give to the charity of your choice of just watch a sunset and raise a glass in Tommy’s honor.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Bowen family.

 

OLUS WYATT GILSTRAP

EASLEY — Olus Wyatt Gilstrap, 85, of Easley, passed away on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025.

Born in Pickens, on May 30, 1939, he was the son of the late Van and Rosa Gilstrap.

Olus was a respected member of the Bates Masonic Lodge for many years. In his leisure time, he enjoyed golfing, bowling and deer hunting. He retired from AMECO in Greenville at the age of 59 after a dedicated career.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Gilstrap; his children, Charles Gilstrap, Cynthia Gilstrap and Michael Gilstrap; his grandchild, Justin Earl Lusk; his brother, JW Gilstrap; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Olus was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Clyde Gilstrap.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

A graveside visitation for Olus was held March 2 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens, followed by a graveside service.

 

FRED BURLISON

LIBERTY — It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Frederick Alan “Fred” Burlison, who left this world on Feb. 25, 2025.

Born on Sept. 5, 1948, in Norwich, N.Y., he was a son of the late Dwight and Irene Rifanburg Burlison.

Fred lived a life marked by compassion and a love for nature. He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, having served on the USS Independence from 1965-69, where he cherished his time in service for his country.

He was a dedicated nurse’s assistant, supporting countless individuals in his community with kindness and care. His commitment to helping others was evident both at work and in his everyday life. He had a genuine passion for life, which he shared through his love of photography, gardening and fishing. He also had a knack for finding beauty in the simple moments, capturing them with his camera, and he found joy in nurturing his garden and spending time by the water. He will also be remembered for his adventurous spirit, particularly his enthusiasm for picking wild mushrooms.

Fred leaves behind his beloved sons, Scott and Andy Burlison, who will carry his memory forward with love and pride. He also is survived by five grandchildren, Scott Burlison, Maggie Peterson, Hannah Burlison, Dillon Burlison and Emma Burlison; and great-grandchildren, Blake, Everleigh and Tyler.

His warmth, humor and zest for life will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

In this time of sorrow, let us come together to celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, laughter and cherished memories. Rest in peace, Fred. Your spirit will always be a part of us.

No services are planned. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is serving the family.

 

LILLIAN NICHOLSON

EASLEY — Mrs. Lillian Bryant Nicholson, 94, wife of the late Doyle Heyward Nicholson, went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Perry Marion Bryant and the late Roxie Gilstrap Bryant, Mrs. Nicholson was a graduate of Easley High School and retired from the real estate industry. She was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church, where she belonged to the Joy Sunday School Class.

Lillian loved cooking, the outdoors and fishing, but her greatest love was for her family. She will be dearly missed by all that loved and knew her.

Surviving are a son, Michael Nicholson and his wife, Sylvia, of Easley; a daughter-in-law, Sara Nicholson of Irmo; her sister, Louise Holcombe of Greenville; her grandchildren, Bradley Nicholson (Amanda), Brian Nicholson (Sheree), Erin Nicholson Canady (Walt Smith) and Chris Nicholson (Carolyn); and her great-grandchildren, Michael Nicholson, Caitlyn Nicholson, Ronan Canady, Reagan Nicholson, Braylon Nicholson and Will Nicholson.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Nicholson was predeceased by a son, Ron Nicholson; her brother, Marion Bryant; and an infant granddaughter.

Funeral services were held on March 1 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with Rev. Rodney Graham officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Lillian to the Building Fund of Brushy Creek Baptist Church, 100 Clay St., Easley, SC 29642.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff members of Viva Senior Living and Cottingham Hospice House for the love and care they provided for Mrs. Nicholson.

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

 

MARY KATHERINE STUART MILLWOOD

ALABAMA — Ms. Mary Katherine Stuart Millwood, 90, wife of the late Rev. Pete J. Millwood, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Fort Payne, Ala..

Katherine was born on June 12, 1934 to the late Claud and Ollie Smith Stuard of Spartanburg and was one of 12 siblings.

Katherine married Pete Millwood on Aug. 29, 1952, and they were blessed with four children. When Mr. Millwood was called into the ministry, she served beside her husband at several United Methodist churches in Upstate South Carolina. Upon his retirement, they joined Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens. Throughout the years, she was active in church groups as well as senior groups. Katherine also worked in retail and retired from Bi-Lo, Inc. Her Christian life and love of the Lord was as lovely as the flowers and plants she enjoyed throughout her home and in her yard. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed completing word puzzles.

Her life will always be cherished and remembered by her survivors.

Surviving children include Kenneth Millwood (Sharon) of Sunset, Johnny Millwood (Brenda) of Six Mile and Susan Johnson (and her husband, Fred) of Rainsville, Ala. Katherine’s seven grandchildren who she adored include Kenna Chandhok (Ollie) of Frisco, Texas, Benjamin Millwood (Tracey) of Flowery Branch, Ga., Stephen Millwood (Paula) of Six Mile, Dustin Millwood (Kyla) of Six Mile, Phillip Johnson (Page) of Rainsville, Ala., Paige Williamson (Marcus) of Rainsville, Ala., and Peyton Richey (Daniel) of Rainsville, Ala.

Additionally, Katherine delighted in seeing her precious great-grandchildren, Olivia Chandhok, Ace Chandhok, Jeremiah Millwood, Brett Millwood, Tristan Millwood, Kaylin Millwood, Kylie Millwood, Tucker Johnson, Beau Johnson, Parker Williamson, Quinn Williamson, Clark Williamson, Ellis Richey and Sarah Richey (arriving soon). Ms. Millwood was also blessed to have three surviving sisters, Kay Osment, Peggy Holden and Inez Ramsey.

 

JEFF SCRUGGS

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Walter Jeffrey Scruggs, who passed away peacefully on Feb. 26, 2025, at the age of 57.

Born on May 16, 1967, in Easley, he was a son of the late Walter Truman and Sandra Gail Roper Scruggs.

He was a gentle soul who found joy in the simplest of pleasures. He adored his nieces and nephews, embracing them as if they were his own grandchildren.

His warmth and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit will be remembered through the laughter and love he shared with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his aunt, Barbara Martin, and his uncle, Billy Roper. Also surviving are a niece, Sidney Clayton, her two children, Ford and Brixton, and a nephew, James Scruggs.

His journey through life may have had its challenges, but he met each day with a grace that inspired those around him. Though his time with us was too brief, his memory will forever remain etched in our hearts.

The family will host a memorial service at a later date.

As we say goodbye, let us remember Jeff not just for his departure, but for the countless ways he brightened our lives. We will carry his memory with us always, finding comfort in the impact he made on our hearts.

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