Courier Obituaries 4-16-14
Mary Broome Blalock Wilson
Clemson — Mrs. Mary Broome Blalock Wilson, 90, of Winston-Salem, died Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Clemson Downs Retirement Center in Clemson.
She was born July 2, 1923 in Asheville, N.C. to William Edward and Cora Morgan Broome. Mrs. Wilson graduated from Mars Hill College and Wake Forest College in Wake Forest, N.C., where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She retired from Summit School in Winston-Salem, N.C., as secretary to the Headmaster after 29 years of service. Mrs. Wilson was a member of College Park Baptist Church. She loved music and played the piano at Reynolda Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Wilson is survived by her son, James Carey Blalock, Jr. and his wife, Janet Marlene Hall of Pickens; her sister, Barbara Sue Frazier of Greensboro; brother-in-law, Ernest Ziegler; nieces, Kristin Miller, Kimberly McKoin, Emily Royal and nephews, David, Don and Doug Broome, and Alan Ziegler.
Mrs. Wilson was preceded in death by her husbands, Dr. James C. Blalock in 1974 and David L. Wilson, Jr. in 2004. She was also preceded in death by her twin sister, Rosa Ziegler; her brother, William E. Broome, II and his wife, Dot Broome and her brother-in-law, Bryce Frazier.
The funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 2 at College Park Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. with Rev. Ramon Smith and Dr. Charles Edwards officiating. Burial followed at Forsyth Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Interim Healthcare Hospice, 155 Deacon Tiller Ct., Duncan, SC 29334 or to College Park Baptist Church, 1701 Polo Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com.
Emma Davis Bates
Easley — Mrs. Emma Davis Bates, 67, wife of Ronald Carl Bates, died Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at her home.
Born in Patrick County, Va., a daughter of the late Ernest Howard and Rada Goins Davis, Mrs. Bates retired from Walmart as a Customer Service Manager, and was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.
Surviving, in addition to her husband of 52 years, are a son, James Karl Bates (Leisa) of Greer; three daughters, Christine Bates Pace of Greenville, Paula Bates Fortenberry (Leland) of Campobello, and Victoria Bates Griffin (Alan) of Conyers, Ga.; two brothers, James Lee Davis of Salem, Va., and Jimmy Gray Davis of Roanoke, Va.; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bates was predeceased by one brother and one sister.
Funeral services were 12 p.m. Friday, April 11 at Christ United Methodist Church, Greenville with the Rev. Larry Smith officiating. Entombment followed in the Graceland-East Mausoleum.
Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 901 Easley Bridge Road, Greenville, SC 29611.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Nell Coffey
Easley — Nell Wanda Bussell Coffey, 82, widow of the late Rev. Robert Coffey, died Wednesday evening, April 9, 2014.
Mrs. Coffey was born in Broadhead, Ky. a daughter of the late Mitchell and Alice Bussell. In addition to being a pastor’s wife, she was retired as Director of the Summer Science and Engineering Program at Clemson University. She was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church in Easley.
Survivors include a son, Kevin Coffey (Sherry) of Simpsonville and Joyce Chaulklin of Richmond, Va. Grandchildren include Melody Ratliff, Kasey Coffey and Logan Coffey and a great grandchild, Melissa Spaine.
Funeral services were 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12 in the chapel at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens with the Rev. Dr. James Spencer, the Rev. Rodney Graham, and Mr. Logan Coffey officiating.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
Memorials may be made to Brushy Creek Baptist Church, 100 Clay Street
Easley, SC 29642 of www.BrushyCreekChurch.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Coffey family.
Charles W. Field, Jr.
Easley — Charles Wyatt Field, Jr., 64, of 105 Gilliland Avenue, died Thursday, April 10, 2014 at McCall Hospice House.
Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Charles W. and Minnie Lee Ferguson Field, Jr., Mr. Field retired as owner/operator of TireTech and was a member of Jones Avenue Baptist Church.
Surviving are two sons, Gary Lee Fields (Angela Nicole) and Jeremy Chad Fields, all of Easley; and three grandchildren, Madison Kelsey Fields, Parker Ashton Fields and Hailey Grace Fields.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Jessie Sentell
Liberty — Jessie Lee Swanson Sentell, 91, of 13 Willard Street, died Tuesday at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Oconee County she was the widow of James Edward “Ed” Sentell, and a daughter of the late Will and Agnes Henderson Swanson. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are a daughter, Judy Hamlin of Liberty; a son, Paul Sentell of the home; four sisters, Mary Hendricks of Easley, Aline Duncan of Greenwood, Reva Reeves of Easley and Norma Jean McCall of Easley; two brothers, Harold Swanson of Liberty and Luther Swanson of Easley; three grandchildren, Angie Hamlin Turner, Melissa Sargent and Donnie Westmoreland; and two great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Westmoreland; two sons, Terry Sentell and infant James Lee Sentell; a sister, Clara Kelley; and two brothers, Oliver and Hershal Swanson.
Funeral Services to honor the life of Mrs. Sentell were held Monday at 1 p.m. in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Rice’s Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Tommy E. Rogers
Easley — Tommy E. Rogers, 74, of Easley, husband of Janis F. Rogers, died Sunday, April 13, 2014.
Mr. Rogers was born in Pickens County, the son of the late Frank L. Rogers and Marjorie Crowe Rogers Yates. He was a retired Lieutenant with the Easley Fire Department and also had retired from Crane Chevrolet. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a life member of Bates Masonic Lodge # 189 and attended Rock Springs Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Angela Watson (Greg) of Easley; a sister Kay Burgess of Greenville; two grandsons, Justin and Ben Watson (Arrington) of Easley.
Graveside services were held 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16 in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomescom or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Yvonne Pratt Sanderson
Easley — Mrs. Yvonne Pratt Sanderson, 87, wife of the late David Waters Sanderson, died Monday, April 14, 2014 at her home.
Mrs. Sanderson was born in Lauderdale County, Ala., a daughter of the late Fred and Wilton Chandler Pratt. She was a homemaker and a fashion designer.
Surviving are a son, Dan Wayne Sanderson (Marilyn) of Franklin, Tenn.; two daughters, Linda Jane Guice (Larry) of Covington, La., and Judith Sanderson Mayson (Gene) of Easley; one sister, Mary Jane Jackson (Bobby) of West Lake, Ohio; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Sanderson was predeceased by two sisters, Evelyn Rollin and Peggy Hall.
Private graveside services will be held in Grandview Cemetery, Maryville, Tenn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 900 East Main Street, Suite E., Easley, SC 29640.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Jessie James Crenshaw
Easley — Jessie James Crenshaw, 92, of 140 Bovine Ln., husband of the late Meadry Adcox Crenshaw, died Friday, April 11, 2014 at Redeemer Health and Rehab.
Mr. Crenshaw was born Feb. 7, 1922 in Oconee County. He was a retired self employed plumber and was of the Baptist faith.
Mr. Crenshaw is survived by his daughter, Beatrice Smith (Gary); seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his son, Edward Crenshaw; daughter, Frances Aiken and sister, Nanny Russo.
Funeral services were conducted at 3 p.m. Monday, April 14 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Burial followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens.
Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road is in charge of arrangements.
Michael Powell
Easley — Michael Douglas “Honnie” Powell, 68, husband of Joyce Brown Powell, died Friday, April 4, 2014 at his residence.
Mike was born on Feb. 14, a “real sweetheart” in the Dunean Community of Greenville to the late Ralph and Hazel Westbrook Powell. He graduated from Parker High School, and served in the U.S. Navy for four years. Mike was employed with Otis Elevators, Michelin Tire for 18 years, Republic Railroad and at Lockheed Martin.
He also owned and operated his own business, Gone Hawg Wild Barbeque-On Site Catering.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of 42 years, is a daughter, Tracey P. Lyons (Patrick), of Spartanburg, a son, Lanny B. Powell GySgt. USMC (Ret.) (MSgt. Sonia F. Powell USMC), a daughter Darla Powell Welsh (Tony), of Greenville; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Donnie, Buddy and Ralph Powell, Jr.
Funeral Services were 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 7 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Burial followed in Graceland-West Cemetery, Greenville.
Memorials may be made, in honor of Mike, to the Dunean Historical Society, 33 Smythe Avenue, Greenville, SC 29605.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsofuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Ray Reece
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Cleveland – Clyde Ray Reece, 68, of 111 Green Acres Drive, died peacefully at his residence Saturday, April 12, 2014.
He was surrounded by his loving family who was the pride and joy of his life. He was the loving husband to his wife of 47 years, Barbara Hayes Reece, and was a son to the late Lee Elmer and Lucy Thomas Reece, Sr. He served his country in the U.S. Army and went on to serve in the National Guard for almost 25 years. He was retired from JPS in Slater-Marietta and was a faithful member of Concord Baptist Church.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are two daughters, Karen Holder(Billy) and Sharon Maready(David) all of Pickens; two sisters, Lucille and Pat McJunkin, both of Cleveland; a brother, Lee Reece, Jr. of Ridgeway; and three granddaughters, Kayla Holder, Melanie Maready and Kaitlyn Holder.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Beulah McJunkin; and a brother, Dennis Reece.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Reece will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Concord Baptist Church. Burial with military honors will be at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will be at the residence. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Providence Hospice: 202 Wall Street Piedmont, SC 29673. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Maybelle M. Batson
Pickens — Maybelle M. Batson, age 75, wife of the late Bill O. Batson, died Monday April 14, 2014 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Mrs. Batson was born in Pickens County a daughter of the late Minnie Mosley Nix.
Mrs. Batson was a member of Cove Creek Baptist Church. She was avid gardener and loved fishing. Her pride and joy was her grandchildren.
Survivors include three daughters; Debbie Holder and husband Dee of Pickens, Sherry Owens and husband Charlie of Easley, Kerry Gossett and husband Barry of Easley, one sister; Ethelene Syles of Pickens, four grandchildren; Deedra Yoder, Drake Brown, Kaden Gossett, Parker Owens and five step grandchildren.
Mrs. Batson was predeceased by her husband, mother, two sisters and three brothers.
Visitation will be Wednesday April 16 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cove Creek Baptist Church with funeral service to follow at 12 p.m. Burial will be at Old Toxaway Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will be at their respective homes.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Batson family.