NANCY ELAINE CANTRELL

PICKENS — Nancy Elaine Cantrell, 73, of Pickens, passed away on Jan. 23, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

She was a lifelong resident of Pickens and was known as Elaine.

Elaine was born Jan. 12, 1952, at Cannon Memorial Hospital to David Perry Pace and Bobby Evelyn Trotter, also both lifelong residents of Pickens County. She attended Pickens High School and graduated as salutatorian in 1970. She would go on to attend Clemson University and graduate with honors in education in 1973. During this time, she met her future husband, Wallace Nathaniel Cantrell, while working a summer job at Sangamo in Pickens. They married shortly after graduation.

Elaine and Wallace would have two sons, Scott Michael Cantrell in 1974 and Steven Eric Cantrell in 1975. She would continue to attend Clemson University and attained her masters in personnel services (guidance) in 1983.

Elaine would teach both at Pickens Junior High and Pickens High School for 35 years, teaching thousands of Pickens County students before retiring in 2015.

Elaine was also a writer and published 18 novels. She read passionately, and in retirement donated generously to humane causes all over the U.S. She loved animals of all kinds and did everything she

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

HAROLD PATTEN WELBORN SR.

PICKENS —
Harold Patten Welborn Sr., 90, of Pickens, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 11, 2025.

Born on Dec. 4, 1934, in Pickens, Harold was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Una Kelley Welborn.

A devoted family man, Harold is survived by his two children, Catherine W. Ayers (Wayne) and Harold Patten (Pat) Welborn Jr. (Patti); four grandchildren, Emily Knowles (Jon), Kevin Welborn (Candace), Kaycee Collins and Kelley McGaha (Matthew); and seven great-grandchildren, Taylor Knowles, Alexander Knowles, Tanaleigh Smith, Jackson Welborn, Henry Welborn, Sophie Welborn and Ivy-Claire McGaha.

Harold was a lifelong resident of Pickens, where he worked as an entrepreneur and farmer, carving out a legacy of hard work and perseverance. Although disabled from his time with the South Carolina Health Department, his entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. His life was marked by his deep faith, and he took great pride in being a faithful servant of the Lord, finding joy in living out the teachings of Jesus Christ. He was a proud member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher for many years. Harold was immensely proud of his family, and his love for them was evident in everything he did. His devotion to family, faith and hard work will remain an inspiration to all who knew him. His kind heart, humility and steadfast love will be greatly missed.

Harold was also predeceased by his parents, Henry Welborn and Buna Patten Welborn; and his brothers, John Welborn, Fred Welborn and Henry Welborn.

In addition to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his sisters, Sarah Rampey (James), Frances Welborn, Ruth Clark (Larry) and Clova Vaughan (Scooter); sisters-in-law, Barbara Welborn and Clara Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. Jan. 16 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with funeral services following at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gideons International of Pickens, P.O. Box 1538, Pickens.

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

DANIEL ELLENBURG

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel Cleveland Ellenburg, a beloved husband, father, brother and papa, on Jan. 9, 2025, at the age of 69.

Born on April 30, 1955, in Central, he was the widower of Sheila Chapman Ellenburg and a son of the late David “D.C.” and

KENNETH ‘KEN’ RAY RAMEY

MARIETTA — Kenneth “Ken” Ray Ramey, 61, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, at Achieve Rehab and Nursing Center in Anderson.

Born Dec. 15, 1963, in Pickens County, Ken was the son of the late Woodrow James Ramey and Oconna Lycnia Arnold. Ken was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and camping.

Survivors include his children, Ashley Thompson of Elko, Nev.; grandchildren, Katherine, Miki, Jesse and Dakotah;

ROGER RAY HAYES

PICKENS — Roger Ray Hayes, 78, of Pickens, passed away at home on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

Roger was born in Middlesboro, Ky., to the late Virgil Thomas and Gloria Ann Hayes. He was a member of Secona Baptist Church. Roger retired from Spinx as a District Supervisor and later worked at the North Bend Campground in Virginia. He had a strong work ethic which he instilled in his family. He enjoyed camping but more than anything loved spending time with his family.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years Annette Hayes; daughters, Angela Wood (Jeff), Thelma Vandergriff,

EARL W. PATTERSON

EASLEY — Mr. Earl W. Patterson, 76, of Easley, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Patterson was born in Brevard, N.C., on July 7, 1948, to the late Bert and Bertha Powell Patterson. He was a member of Pendleton Street Baptist Church. Mr. Patterson enjoyed working on cars, going on fishing and hunting trips, watching NASCAR, collecting coins, reading and watching old westerns, and you could always find him snacking on some candy. He was truly a man with many talents. Mr. Patterson will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Lorena Powell Patterson; four children, Sherry Patterson, Shelia Anderson Newton (Dan), Jackie B. Smith and Shane Patterson (Jenna); nine grandchildren, Desiree Hickey, Dana Sayers, Ashley Cassell, Lindsey Anderson Adams, Brandon Smith (Ashley), Fischer Smith, Makayla Patterson, Mckenzie Patterson and Alexia Cleveland; 12 great-grandchildren, Teya Hickey, Dakota Sayers, Lailah Sayers, Kailey Sayers, Dawson Cassell, Kaydance Cassell, Jonah Cassell, Raven Adams, Oliver Adams, Carter Smith, Cassidy Smith and Roman Patterson; two sisters, Helen Banks and Linda Black; and one brother, Jimmy Patterson.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Patterson was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Cisson and Mollie Patterson; and one brother, Bert Patterson Jr.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Dec. 18 at Bible Baptist Church in Pickens. The family will receive friends prior to the service at church from 12:45-1:45 p.m.

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

BRENDA WILBANKS STEPHENS

SIX MILE — Brenda Wilbanks Stephens, 70, loving wife to the late Glen Allen Stephens Sr., passed away on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Oconee Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born March 25, 1954, in Brunswick County, N.C., Brenda was the daughter of the late Jim Wilbanks and Lula Benton

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

HELEN ELIZABETH SINGLETON

SIX MILE — Helen Elizabeth Singleton of Six Mile, wife to Richard (Dick) Harlan Singleton, passed away at age 89 on November 30, 2024.

Helen received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Furman University in 1957. She shared her love of music with many others through a long career in music education. This included teaching in Pickens area elementary schools, private piano lessons in her home, and many years at Six Mile Elementary while simultaneously serving as organist and pianist at First Baptist Church of Pickens, First Baptist Church of Clemson, and Mount Zion United Methodist Church. While

RUTH STEWART

LIBERTY — Ruth Mae Stewart, 94, formerly of Liberty, passed away Nov. 24, 2024, at the Rainey Hospice House.

Born on Oct. 2, 1930, in Easley, she was the widow of William Dyre “Junior” Stewart Jr. and a daughter to the late Guffie and Lillian Davis McCall.

Ruth was a devoted homemaker who found joy in decorating her home for every season and preserving her garden harvests. She was always very generous to provide their garden harvest with everyone.

Ruth’s caring spirit extended beyond her household, as she dedicated her time to serving others and embodying a servant’s heart alongside her late husband. Her selflessness shone through in her role as a caregiver and her involvement in teaching Sunday school, where she shared her love for the Lord and touched the lives of many.

A hard worker in all aspects of her life, Ruth also found joy in the simple pleasures, such as watching wrestling matches and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid Clemson football fan, but enjoyed going to anything her children and grandchildren were involved with. Ruth’s dedication to her family and community will be remembered fondly by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Ruth is survived by her loving son, Tony Stewart (Janet); three grandchildren, Bryan Bagwell, Hilary S. Joseph (Elijah) and Natalie S. Barrow (Chad); and four great-grandchildren, Ryan and Reagan Joseph and Lilly and Cason Barrow.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Vikki Bagwell; a sister, Gladys Thomas; and three brothers, Jake, Charles and Kenneth McCall.

A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrange

MICHAEL BRUCE DOVER

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Michael Bruce Dover on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at his residence.

Born on Dec. 8, 1956, in Easley, to the late Horace E. and Iris McKinney Dover, he was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Mike was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam era in Germany as a mechanic. He

GRACE NIX MEECE

LIBERTY — Grace Nix Meece, 81, loving wife to George Meece, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at her home.

Born Aug. 13, 1943, in Pickens County, Grace was the daughter of the late Charlie T. Powell and Edith Brown Powell. Mrs. Meece enjoyed traveling and especially liked going to the beach. She enjoyed fishing and crocheting. She loved her friends and family dearly.

Survivors include her husband, George Meece of Liberty; daughter, Gail Browning (Roger) of Liberty; loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Nancy Senter, Patricia Morgan (Jeff) and Lillian