THOMAS DALE STANCIL

EASLEY — Mr. Thomas Dale Stancil, 53, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 17, 2021.

Mr. Stancil was born in Easley, and was the son of the late Linda Pilgrim Stancil and husband of Cynthia Stancil.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include two daughters, Megan Julian (Trad) of Easley and Madison Holliday (Chase) of Central. Also surviving are two loving and precious grandchildren, Ida and Cecile Julian; a twin brother, Johnny Stancil of Greenville; a brother, Jamie Stancil (Missy) of Norris; and a sister, Becky Stewart of Central. Also surviving are an aunt, Kathy Grant, and uncles, Wesley Durham, Dale Pilgrim (Mary) and Rickey Pilgrim, all of Six Mile, all who raised Thomas after the passing of his mother.

Mr. Stancil was predeceased by an aunt who assisted in his raising, Carolyn Durham, and his grandmother, Cornelia Pilgrim, all who played a major role in

ELIZABETH F. BOWERS

CENTRAL — Elizabeth F. “Lib” Bowers, 92, a resident of Brookdale Assisted Living in Central, entered into eternal rest on Monday, June 14, 2021.

She was born in Piedmont on Sept. 1, 1928, to Esley and Nettie Freeman. She was the widow of Bill G. Bowers, Sr.

Lib was mother to six sons, Gaines Bowers Jr. (Mary Ann) of Lincolnton, N.C., Michael Bowers (Ella Mae) of Wellford, Ed Bowers of Seneca, John Bowers (Phyllis) of Easley, Phillip Bowers (Marsha) of Six Mile and George Bowers (Crystal) of Six Mile. She and her beloved husband raised their children with love and devotion in Six Mile.

Lib and Bill met while working in a textile mill, and they were married on July 3, 1948. Her primary vocation was as a mother and homemaker, and she used her

SHIRLEY ADAMS ABERCROMBIE

PICKENS — Mrs. Shirley Adams Abercrombie, 83, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 6, 2021.

Mrs. Abercrombie was born in Pickens County and was the daughter of the late Cecil C. Adams and Viola Willimon Gantt, stepdaughter to the late Woodrow Gantt and wife for 66 years to Charles W. Abercrombie.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, include a son, Chuck Abercrombie (Jeannie) of Pickens; daughter, Scarlot Abercrombie Hawkins of Pickens; three loving grandchildren, Travis Allen Cassell (Tori) and Zachary and Stephanie

PRISCILLA ANN PHILLIPS WATSON

PICKENS — Priscilla Ann Phillips Watson, of Pickens Gardens, danced her way into glory on Sunday, May 23, 2021.

Born in Macon, Ga., she was a former staff member of The Feed Room restaurant and the Odds and Ends thrift shop in Pickens. Priscilla was a devoted member of Pickens Church of God and loved by her community. She never met a stranger, instead always finding new friends to invite to church.

She is survived by her son, Karl (Hali) Becker; brothers, Rick (Reba) Phillips and Barry (Linda) Phillips; two grandchildren; her church family; and many

ROBERT EDWARD RAINES

PICKENS — Mr. Robert Edward Raines, 69, loving husband of the late Cathey Smith Raines, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2021, at St. Francis Hospital in downtown Greenville.

Robert was born in Easley on Aug. 9, 1951, to the late Marcus and Fannie Raines. He loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and was always willing to help anyone in need. Robert was a former football coach

IDA MARTHA FINLEY CANTRELL

CUMMING, GA — Ida Martha Finley Cantrell went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on May 5, 2021, at the age of 83.

Martha was born to Willie Mae Benjamin Finley and Ernest Edward Finley on Aug. 3, 1937, in Pickens.

As a child, she played the drums in the marching band and helped her father in their family-owned grocery store alongside her sister, Francis, and brother, Ernest Jr.

Upon graduating high school, Martha moved to Atlanta to pursue a career as a registered nurse. She attended Crawford W. Long Nursing School in Atlanta, then went on to work as a registered nurse in pediatrics then spent most of her

DORIS HART GRANGER

EASLEY — Mrs. Doris Hart Granger, 75, loving wife of Mr. William “Butch” Granger, passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

Mrs. Granger was born in Greenville on Aug. 23, 1945, to the late Ralph and Callie Fowler Hart. She retired from her passion after 38 years from Baptist Easley Hospital as a registered nurse. Mrs. Granger loved her family, and most of all, her Lord and Savior. She

ARNOLDEAN BRADFORD

EASLEY — Mr. Arnoldean Bradford, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

Mr. Bradford was born in Elbert County, Ga., on June 8, 1935, and was the son of the late Collie Bradford and Hazel Partain. He was a loving husband to Joyce Phillips Bradford.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Joyce Bradford; a daughter, Robin Snelson (Tommy) of Easley; grandchildren, Van Massingill (Haley), Alicia Reddy (Kevin) and Bailey Bradford (fiancé Lukas); daughter-in-law, Amy Bradford; and the love of his life, great-granddaughter, Paetyn Reddy. Also surviving are stepgrandchildren, Eric Snelson (Joy), Ashley

BOBBY ALAN MCCUE

EASLEY — Mr. Bobby Alan McCue, 69, husband of Linda May Kohl McCue, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 25, 2021.

Born in Greenville County, a son of the late George Walter McCue and the late Carolyn Lesley McCue, Mr. McCue retired from the structural steel industry and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Vietnam War, and served as a Sky Soldier with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 21 years, are two daughters, Julie McCue Cassell and her husband, Stacey, of Easley and Alice McCue Yatsenyuk of Anderson; a brother, Joe Ronald McCue, and his wife, Lothel, of Easley; a stepson, Jeremy Bartlett and Ama Bartlett of Alburnett, Iowa; a stepdaughter, Amanda Rose and her husband, Kevin, of Alburnett, Iowa; and nine grandchildren, Griffin Cassell, Sophia Yatsenyuk, Kolton, Kassidy, Keenan, Kale and Karson Rose and Zachary and Abigail Bartlett.

In addition to his parents, Mr. McCue was predeceased by two brothers, George Patrick McCue and James William McCue.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, at Rock Springs Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. David Gallamore officiating. Burial will follow in the Corinth Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. on Thursday at the church, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mr. McCue to Upstate Warrior Solution, P.O. Box 27232, Greenville, SC 29616; or by visiting upstatewarriorsolution.org.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Marion, Iowa.

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

MICHAEL TOMMY MEDLIN

NORRIS — Mr. Michael Tommy Medlin, 58, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 22, 2021, after a long battle with cancer.
Mr. Medlin was born in Pickens County and was the son of the late Roy Dee Medlin and Margie Alice Medlin and longtime special friend to Terri Cleffman.

Survivors include his mother; his special friend of 23 years, Terri Cleffman of Norris; brothers, Steve Huffman (Carole) of Norris and Garry Huffman of Westminster; and his special pet, Benny.

Mr. Medlin was of the Baptist faith and a member of Norris First Baptist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman, loving whitewater kayaking, hiking and fishing for anything that would bite. He just loved anything to do with the outdoors and being on the go. He was a longtime dog enthusiast, loving many fur babies over the years.

A visitation for extended family and friends will be held at Dillard Funeral Home on Saturday, May 1, from 2-4 p.m.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Medlin family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at donate.lls.org or by contacting Donor Services at POB 98018 Washington, DC 20090 or by phone at 888-557-7177.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

JOE DAVID GALLOWAY

EASLEY — Mr. Joe David Galloway, 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 17, 2021.
Mr. Galloway was born in Pickens and was the son of the late Lonzo Galloway and Rosa Murphree Galloway and husband to Bobbie Morgan Galloway.

Survivors, including his wife of 68 years, include a son, Joey Galloway (Debra) of Easley; two daughters, Teresa Heintzman (Michael) of Fayetteville, Ark., and Bron Kelley (Andy) of Piedmont; six precious grandchildren, Cole and Karson Galloway, Caroline and Michael Heintzman and Anna Drew and Heath Kelley; and one precious and loving great-grandchild, Eli Galloway.

Mr. Galloway was predeceased by two brothers and eight sisters. He was the last of his siblings.

Mr. Galloway loved his hunting and fishing. He was a bird hunter and an avid trout fisherman. Mr. Galloway enjoyed his hunting dogs and his personal pet companions. He was a lover of seeing his dogs work in the field. His enjoyment of hunting included his hunting buddies Rut Galloway, Scotty Galloway and Terry Thomas, who shared Dad’s hunting passion. Dad had a love of restoring and trading cars that he did with his son, Joey. He loved his family.

A graveside service was held on April 22 at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Galloway family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

LOUISE REID EVANS

PICKENS — Mrs. Louise Reid Evans, 58, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

Mrs. Evans was born in Bronxville, N.Y., and was the daughter of the late J. Austin Lyons Jr. and Carol Lyons and wife to Daniel Evans.

Survivors include her husband of 15 years, Daniel Evans of Pickens; mother, Carol Lyons of Hendersonville, N.C.; a brother, Austin Lyons of New York City; a brother-in-law, Tim Pilgrim and his wife, Judy; and a brother-in-law, Benny Evans. Mrs. Evans also had several loving nephews and a niece.
Mrs. Evans was a member of Berea First Baptist. She was strong in faith and loved sharing with people in written form as a pen pal to people all over the world. She enjoyed all the NCIS TV shows, along with her soap operas and most of all her Hallmark Channel. Mrs. Evans was a loving wife to her husband and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 30, at 10 a.m. in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Berea First Baptist Church, 529 Farrs Bridge Road, Greenville, SC 29611.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Evans family.

The family would like to thank all of the nursing staff and doctors at Greenville Memorial Hospital, staff of Interim Healthcare and staff at Easley Dialysis for the wonderful care given to Louise.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

ELLIE PAIGE BURNETT

EASLEY — Miss Ellie Paige Burnett, infant daughter of Joshua James “Josh” and Lauren Paige Campbell Burnett, passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

In addition to her parents, Ellie Paige is survived by her brother, Jackson James Burnett of Easley; her paternal grandparents, Joe and Paula Burnett of Pickens; an aunt and uncle, Madison and Jason Wilson of Easley; a first cousin, Carson Wilson; her maternal great-grandmother, Wanda Campbell; and her paternal great-grandmother, Helen Morris of Pickens.

Ellie Paige was preceded in death by a maternal grandmother, Sherrie Campbell.
Graveside services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, at Mountain View Memorial Park in Travelers Rest.

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

RITA PARKER

PICKENS — Rita Stewart Parker, 60, of Pickens, died on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at Prisma Health-Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Pickens, she was the widow of Bobby Carroll Parker and a daughter of the late John Robert and Vivian Stancil Stewart.
She retired from Cornell Dubilier and was of the Church of God faith.

Surviving are a brother, Allen Stewart of Pickens; two sisters, Sherry Atwood of Liberty and Susan Rollins (Donnie) of Liberty; three nieces, Misty Atwood, Nikki Niemela and Lauren Wagner (Nick); a nephew, Dakotah Rollins; and a great-nephew, Adrian Atwood.

Private services will be held at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

BARRY JOEL MARCUS

PICKENS — Barry Joel Marcus, 54, son of the late Mary Cardelia Wilson Marcus, passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at AnMed Hospital in Anderson.

Survivors include his father, Dennis Jack Marcus of Easley; two daughters, Dianna Nichole Moore of Texas and Sarah Onna Salthouse of Taylors; two sons, Dennis Joel Marcus of Taylors and Michael William Marcus of Taylors; one brother, Mark Marcus of Easley; and two grandchildren, Nolan and Camden Moore.

Barry was predeceased by his mother, Mary Cardelia Wilson Marcus.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Marcus family.

MARGARET SUE WILBANKS

PICKENS — Margaret Sue Wilbanks, 68, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

She resided in Pickens and was the daughter of Ben and Callie Ann Goss Wilbanks.

Ms. Wilbanks, as described by her family, was a very loving woman and an avid fan of the Pittsburg Steelers.

She is survived by a nephew, Danny Ramey and his wife, Sherry; sisters, Joyce Towe and Vivian Galbreath; brothers, Waymen Wilbanks, Doyle Wilbanks, Gerald Moore and Clyde Moore; many nieces and nephews; as well as a special friend, Frances Chafin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Mary Ellen Watkins, Carolyn Chappell and Florene Ramey; and a brother, Harold Paul Wilbanks.

Graveside services were held on April 26 at the Double Springs Methodist Church cemetery, with Cathy Watkins officiating.

DAVID ZANE ROBERSON

EASLEY — David Zane Roberson, 48, husband of Emily Webb Roberson, passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

Born in Knoxville, Tenn., he was the son of Judy Sanderson Mayson (Gene) and the late Ronald Joe Roberson.

Zane was a member of Six Mile Masonic Lodge No. 339 and a Shriner. He was an avid golfer and collector of vintage toys. Zane loved creating things with his hands, from anything such as wood all the way to vinyl decals.

In addition to his mother and wife of 20 years, Zane is survived by a son, Brody Roberson; a daughter, Brandy Roberson; a sister, Tiffany Diaz of Easley; two stepbrothers, Chris Mayson of Taylors and Edward Woodford Jr. of Greer; a stepsister, Sandy Wheeler of Knoxville, Tenn.; three nephews, Javen and Kaleb Diaz and Colin Mayson; and dear friends, Gilbert Diaz and Marty Street.

A memorial service was held on April 23 at the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home, Downtown.

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

BOBBY JOE CHAPMAN

PICKENS — Bobby Joe Chapman, 66, who spent 24 years with the love of his life Marcell Harding, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Chapman is survived by the love of his life, Marcell; sons, Chris Chapman (Tooter) of Easley, William Chapman (Crystal) of Pickens and John Chapman (Jessica) of Pickens; a stepdaughter, Michelle Leonard of North Carolina; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Chapman of Pickens; and a stepbrother, Sam Chapman.

Bobby was predeceased by his parents, Homer Henry Chapman and Alice Mae Simmons Chapman; and a brother, Billy Jean Chapman.

The family held a memorial service in the fellowship building of Mountain Grove Baptist Church on April 22.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the Chapman family.

MICHAEL ELLIS BARROWS

PICKENS — “For God so loved the world, He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Michael Ellis Barrows, 83, passed away into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.
A sergeant in the U.S. Marines Corps, he was taught to become a great leader and coach. This led him to join the team at Mal-Tool and Engineering, where he spent 28 years before retiring as their production control manager.

Mike leaves behind his wife, Virginia; daughters, Linda Vincze (Les) of Ashford, Conn., and Michele Oktay (Kurt) of Garland, Texas; stepson, Brett Hansen (Jodi) of Stafford, Conn.; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Origene and Nadine Barrows; his daughter, Lucinda (Cindy) Barrows; stepson, Brian Hansen; his brothers, Hap, John, Joseph, Maurice and David; and his sisters, Nadine (Pinky) and Mary.

Mike loved Jesus and was an active member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church in Pickens. He loved his family, fishing, golfing, reading, the great outdoors and helping others.

Mike and his love, dedication, wisdom and generosity will be missed.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later time to be determined.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Barrows family.

JAMES ‘JIM’ WESLEY CHILDS

GREENVILLE — Dr. James “Jim” Wesley Childs, 82, of Greenville, passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021.
Born in Liberty, he was the son of the late Glenn Childs and Grace Childs Gravely.

Dr. Childs was a pre-med graduate of Clemson University and earned his doctorate of medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed his surgical internship and residency, as well as a fellowship in cardiac and thoracic surgery, from the Medical College of Virginia.

He was certified as a diplomat by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery. Dr. Childs was a fellow with the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the South Carolina Surgical Society, the South Carolina Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, the Humera Surgical Society and the Greenville County Medical Society.

Dr. Childs proudly served his country as a field surgeon in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Vietnam, where he was awarded The Bronze Star, and at the U.S. Army Hospital at Fort Campbell, Ky.

Dr. Childs’ medical career began in 1973 with Surgical Associates of Richmond, Va., as an attending surgeon. In 1974, he co-founded Greenville Surgical Associates, and he was an attending surgeon with the Greenville Hospital System and St. Francis Hospital. In 2005, Dr. Childs joined the University Medical Group, Department of General Surgery as an attending surgeon for the Greenville Hospital System until his retirement.

Dr. Childs was a true healer, initially as a surgeon and then as the leader of the Healing Prayer Ministry of First Presbyterian Church. He was deeply devoted to his patients and both their medical and spiritual needs, and he counseled everyone he encountered to trust God.

When he wasn’t caring for patients, Dr. Childs was usually at church. He was an ordained Elder, and he remained actively involved in numerous church committees and activities over the course of his life, having attended a Session meeting the week before his death.

Dr. Childs loved spending time boating on Lake Keowee, reading a good history, science or apologetics book and spending time with his family. As a lifelong Clemson fan, he was particularly pleased with the team’s recent national championships.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 55 years, Anne Acker Childs; his daughter, Caroline Childs Dunaway, her husband, Tim, and their children, Ryan Elizabeth Dunaway and Timothy Christian Dunaway, of Sewanee, Ga.; his son, James Wesley Childs Jr., his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Katherine Elizabeth Childs, James Wesley Childs III and John Wythe Childs, of Birmingham, Ala.; and his son, Dr. David Dixon Childs, his wife, Dr. Christine Childs, and their children, Celeste Amelia Childs and Noelle Annelise Childs, of Winston-Salem, N.C.
The family will meet with friends on Wednesday, April 28, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in the chapel of Greenville First Presbyterian Church, with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Healing Prayer Ministries team of Greenville First Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that memorials be made to the Healing Prayer Ministries of Greenville First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Washington S., Greenville, SC 29601.

His family will be at the Childs family home.

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

KENNETH LEROY ‘LEE’ RAINES

EASLEY — Kenneth Leroy “Lee” Raines, 53, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

Born in Greenville County, the son of Kenneth Leroy Raines Sr. and Jean Horton Raines, both of Easley, Mr. Raines was a graduate of Wren High School, a retired manager from Wright Turf Farm and a jeweler. He was in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and a member of 5 Point Church.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his daughter, Racheal Kathryn Raines of Taylors; his son, Samuel Lee Raines of Easley; his sister, Heather Marie Raines Streater of Duncan; his grandchild, Ezmaye Raines; and a niece and nephew, Kas Streater and Mason Streater.
Private memorial services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home With a Heart, 220 James Mattison Road, Liberty, SC 29657.

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

JARVIS EDWARD DONALD

PICKENS — Jarvis Edward Donald, 76, passed away in the arms of his loving wife Elizabeth “Lib” Ellenburg Donald, of 56 years, on Monday, April 19, 2021, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Jarvis was a member of Glassy Mountain Baptist Church in Pickens. He was a faithful servant of the Lord who served in many capacities throughout his life.

Mr. Donald is survived by his loving wife, Lib; his daughters, Jenny Powell (Greg) of Charleston, Martha Lizer (Bob) of West Virginia, Christa Donald of Pickens and Celia Bridges (Marc) of Pickens; grandchildren, Nathan Powell, Jonathan Powell, Joseph Lizer (Lindsey), Mary Lizer, Josh “Roe” Durham, Caleb Durham (Brier), Aaron Durham (Rachel), Tanner Bridges and Naomi Bridges; six great-grandchildren; a nephew, Stacey Maroney, along with many other nieces and nephews; a sister, Geraldine “Gerri” Smith (Richard) of Anderson; sister-in-law, Geraldine Donald; and brother-in-law, Wade Phillips of Florida.

Jarvis was predeceased by his parents, Plumer Franklin Donald and Mary Keaton; a brother, Franklin Donald; and a sister, Rachel Phillips.
Jarvis was a dedicated employee of Singer/Ryobi for 37 years.

Funeral services were held on April 23 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Bryan Cole. Pallbearers were grandsons, and honorary escorts were granddaughters. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with Bob Lizer and Cole.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Glassy Mountain Baptist Church Mission Fund, (1103 Farrs Bridge Road, Pickens SC, 29671)
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Donald family.

JAKE SANFORD

LIBERTY — James Carl “Jake” Sanford, 89, died on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at the home of his caregiver/sister-in-law, Betty McCullough.

Born in Westminster, he was the son of the late Thomas N. and Ida Ramey Sanford.

He received his high school certificate through the U.S. Army and later attended carpentry school. He was a retired carpenter. In his younger years, he was the owner and operator of the Tugaloo Grill in Fair Play. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed camping and outdoor activities. He also loved to garden, growing flowers, tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables.

Jake was a United States Army veteran from 1953-1955, where he served in the Korean War.

Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Mary Taylor of the home; a daughter, Melissa Jane Sanford Smith (Bryan) of Liberty; three grandchildren, Jaimie Smith Brunner (Tim) of Easley, Jason Ross Smith (Chelsea) of Anderson and Rylee Marie Medlin of Liberty; five great-grandchildren, Kira, Greyson, Kassi, Blakely and Nora; one brother, Floyd Sanford of Walhalla; and one sister, Florence Carey (James) of Easley.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Nathan Sanford, DeWitt Sanford and Randall Sanford; and sisters, Mary Peasley, Blondell Wilson and Francis Owens.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to his caregivers, Betty McCullough, William “Billy” Pittman Jr., Sharita Freeman and Leon Ouzts.

Funeral services to honor Jake’s life will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial will be at Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday prior to the service from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the mortuary.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Piedmont Hospice, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

MARIA CELINA ‘TITA’ TOBON

EASLEY — Maria Celina “Tita” Tobon, 80, passed away at her residence on Friday, April 23, 2021.

A beloved mother of six, Maria Celina was born in the beautiful and lush town of Cañasgordas in Colombia, South America. As a young lady, she had a passion for singing and the arts. She was featured on a local radio station before committing to marriage and a slew of children.

In 1972, she moved to Rhode Island, where the textile industry provided her family’s livelihood. A few years later, her large family would again pack their bags, this time to the warm state of South Carolina. During this time she began a love of country music, Clint Eastwood movies, sewing, gardening and raising her girls and son.

Maria, as she was known in Easley, was a well-known cook, especially for her delicious and savory empanadas. She could be found daily at the local Starbucks for her grande soy chai tea latte with caramel drizzle and her local gas station for her favorite Marlboro lights. She was also talented with her painting, designing jewelry, flower arranging and making any craft of any kind.

Tita, as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her, delighted in her Christmas traditions and being thoroughly spoiled by her. Tita would treat them to dance moves, jokes, lots of chocolate and stories from her “old country.” To her children, she was the biggest source of love, and she believed that her kids could do anything. She was the best fan anyone could have hoped for. She was full of fire, strength and love. Magic surrounded her days and she was always excited to have a guest over. No one was turned away, and she always had a kind word and big hug before leaving. She will be greatly missed.

Maria Celina is survived by her six children, Mary Parton (Charles) of Brightwood, Va., Carlos Tobon of Easley, Diana Tobon (Alberto Rodriguez Mata) of Liberty, Gloria Smith (Derek) of Easley, Ingrid Mode (Timothy) of Easley and Leesa Brotherton (Christopher) of Greenville; her sister, Elvia Restrepo of Colombia, South America; a brother, Ruben Osorio of California; 17 grandchildren, Eric Parton, Leandra Tobon, Chase Tobon, Cortney Compton, Juan Miguel Austin, Victoria Austin, Charline Austin, Bryan Ivery, Adrian Ivery, Andre Smith, Deven Smith, Scott Mode, Zackary Mode, Alexander Brotherton, Sofia Celina Brotherton, Nicolas Brotherton and Viviana Brotherton; and two great-grandchildren, Natalie Ivery and Keaton Jayce Smith.

Maria Celina was preceded in death by her parents, Jorge and Ana Julieta Osorio; and a sister, Dora Delazerda.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 9-10 a.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service, at Dillard Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude at stjude.org/donate.

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

WAYNE DUNCAN

EASLEY — Mr. Wayne Berry Duncan, 79, husband of the late Viola “Punky” Nix Duncan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 23, 2021.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Herman Duncan and the late Magglee Smith Duncan, Mr. Duncan retired from Burlington Northern Railroad and the city of Easley. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church and a U.S. Army veteran, having served two tours in the Vietnam War.

Surviving are two sons, Benjamin W. Duncan and Jason Clint Duncan, both of Easley; two daughters, Christina Bucio and Annett Lynn Duncan, both of Great Falls, Mont.; a stepson, Alvin Timothy Rhodes (Robin) of Easley; a stepdaughter, Teresa Gilstrap (James) of Liberty; a brother, Donald Duncan of Easley; two sisters, Elizabeth Center and Gladys Viola Gilstrap, both of Easley; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Duncan was predeceased by two brothers, Alex Duncan and Ronald Duncan; and three sisters, Judy Sentell, Mary Parker and Ruby Breazeale.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, prior to the service.

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

ETHAN BROWN

LIBERTY — Ethan Wayne Brown, 28, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, April 23, 2021, following a courageous battle with Neurofibromatosis (NF2), a genetic disease that affects your nervous system.

Born in Greenville, Ethan graduated from Liberty High School in 2010 and was a member of East Side Baptist Church. After being diagnosed with his illness in 2008, he never looked back. His strong faith inspired so many. He was blessed with a loving and supportive network of family, friends and caregivers. He never let his illness hold him back from experiencing all life had to offer.

He was blessed to meet many people through his travels and participate in numerous excursions all around the country. A simple visit to his room would be inspiration to many, just seeing his many hunting trophies. The Outdoor Dream Foundation held a special place for Ethan, Brad Jones and all the volunteers who gave him an opportunity to create so many special memories.

There are so many people to thank, and please know that Ethan loved you all. A very special thank you to his East Side Baptist Church Family and the staff of Upstate Maternal Fetal Medicine for all your love and support.

Surviving are his parents, Rick and Jan Brown of the home; his grandparents, Gary Whitlock and Jerry and Edith Brown, all of Liberty; his aunt, Kelley Cox of Liberty; two uncles, Scott Whitlock (Teresa) of Liberty and Randy Brown (Tracy) of Easley; his loving cousins, Matt Brown (Robin), Melanie Atkins (Dustin), Hailey Maus (Michael), Kayla McClain (Jonathan) and Kristen Cox (Charldon); a special brother, Keylen Rice; a special big brother, Ian Desmond; and very special friends, Sam and Angie Kelly.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Bonnie Whitlock.

Funeral services to celebrate Ethan’s life were conducted on April 27 at East Side Baptist Church by Rev. Joshua Hughes and Rev. Mark Kannarney. Burial was held at Flat Rock Baptist Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Outdoor Dream Foundation, outdoordream.org, P.O. Box 802, Anderson SC 29622.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

JOHNNY E. ELLIS

SUNSET — Johnny E. Ellis, loving husband, father and grandfather, walked through the valley and arrived at his heavenly home on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.

Born Aug. 13, 1944, John was the son of the late Fred and Sue Edwards Ellis and the brother of Bob (Joan), Rick (Vickey), Joe (Debbie) and Dot (Ron) Persik.

He left behind his wife, Linda; son, Jason; stepdaughters, Sharon Biggs and Lisa Sloan; grandchildren, Isaiah, Silas and Rory Ellis; and