MARTHA JOAN ALEXANDER

EASLEY — Martha Joan Alexander, 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Aug. 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born at home to the late Lewis and Glator Noblitt in Easley in 1933.

Together, she and her late husband, Kenneth Alexander, leave their legacy

VICTOR THOMAS SPEARMAN

EASLEY — Victor Thomas Spearman, 66, of Easley, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024.

Born in Easley, he was a son of the late Perilla Starr Hall and Rufus O. Spearman Sr.
Victor loved golf and watching NASCAR. He also proudly served with the U.S. Air Force for two years and the U.S. Navy for 12 years.

Victor is survived by a son, Jonathan Spearman of Orlando, Fla.; a daughter, Amanda Finesey (Sean) of Liberty; brothers, Rufus O. Spearman Jr. (Barbara) of Easley and Gary L. Spearman of St. Peters, Mo.; a sister, Donna M. Barker of Tennessee; and grandchildren, Gabriel and Lochlan Finesey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother,

GERALD W. ELLENBURG

PICKENS — Gerald W. Ellenburg, 86, of Pickens, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.

Born in Pickens, he was the oldest son of the late Clyde Ellenburg and Ethel Nix Ellenburg.

Gerald is survived by his son, Richard Ellenburg; daughter, Tammy Boysworth (Autry); granddaughter, Tamara C. Boysworth; three brothers, Charles, Alton and Ricky Ellenburg; and three sisters, Glenda Wilson, Bertha Lou Woodring and Ella Mae Childs. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews to cherish

DERRICK EDWARD COLLINS

LEXINGTON — Derrick Edward Collins, 43, passed away on July 14, 2024, in Lexington.

Born on Feb. 22, 1981, in Easley, Derrick was a dedicated professional who served Michelin Tire Corporation for 25 years. His remarkable skills in maintenance and passion for repairs were well recognized within his workplace. Derrick was also a graduate of Tri-County Technical College with an associate’s degree in industrial technology.

Beyond his professional life, Derrick was a man of many hobbies, including movies, music and a profound love for nature and science. His hands were often busy with projects around his home, such as building a chicken coop and a vanity mirror, reflecting his love for

BERTHA C. DAY

PICKENS — Our mama, Bertha C. Day, 91, of Pickens, went into the arms of Jesus at her Heavenly home on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Born in Pickens, she was the daughter of the late Brian and Eunice Clark.

On earth, mama worshiped at Blue Ridge View Baptist Church, where she sang and praised God.

Bertha is survived by her two daughters, Judy Seawright (Junior) and Tammy Whitlock (Chris); two grandchildren, Randy Whitehead (Melissa) and Travis Whitehead (Hannah); six great-grandchildren, Cassie Whitehead, Alysha Turner (Brendan), Amanda Whitehead, Bailey Whitehead, Lilly Whitehead and Michael White; sister, Verna Abercrombie; and brother-in-law, Roger Day.

In addition to her parents, she was welcomed into Heaven by her beloved husband, Glenn W. Day; daughter, Barbara Day; sisters, Jennette Riggins (Melvin) and Fannie Pace (W.T.); brother, Walt Clark (Tillie); brother-in-law, James Abercrombie; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; friends and family.

Friends and family said “See you later” during a service on July 23 at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens. Bertha was laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted, or contributions in Bertha’s memory may be made to Blue Ridge View Baptist Church Youth Fund.

We will see her again one sweet day, if we all trust in Jesus as our Lord.

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

VALDIMER ‘VAL’ S. DYCHES

EASLEY — Dr. Valdimer “Val” S. Dyches, of Easley, husband of Kathy A. Dyches, passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Orangeburg, he was the son of the late Valdimer S. Dyches Sr. and Nell Lide Dyches.

Val served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was strong in his Christian faith. He received his B.S. degree from Clemson University and his O.D. degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn. Dr. Dyches

DORIS HOLCOMBE

LIBERTY — Mrs. Doris Holcombe, 81, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

Mrs. Holcombe was born in Pickens on May 8, 1943, to the late Walt and Mae Bell Gillespie Wardlaw. She enjoyed bingo and going to yard sales and finding a great bargain.

Mrs. Holcombe is survived by one daughter, Tina Hanscomb; six grandchildren, Ansley Coleman, Gavin Coleman, Cory Hall, Jesse Hall, Amanda McGinnis and Doris Ann Phillips; three great-grandchildren, Eli McGinnis, Ashton Hall and Cali Hall; and one sister, Betty Plumbly.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Holcombe was preceded in death by three daughters, Debbie Lynn Chapman, Sylvia Jane Kelly and Linda Ann Hall.

The family would like to give a special thanks to her two

GUSSIE LAVAUGHN ROSS

PICKENS — Gussie LaVaughn Ross, 80, passed away on July 8, 2024, after several years of declining health.

Miss Ross was born on Oct. 28, 1943, and was the daughter of the late William A. “Gus” Ross and Flora Aiken Ross of Rocky Bottom, S.C. She graduated Pickens High School in 1961 and entered Anderson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, beginning a nursing career that ultimately spanned over four decades. She first worked at Anderson Memorial Hospital and later at Duke University, where she assisted with multiple kidney transplants in the pioneer years of transplant operations. She spent most of her adult life living in Stone Mountain, Ga. serving as a charge nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital in downtown Atlanta, opening the HIV/AIDS floor in the late 1980s and then moving to the Tuberculosis unit until her retirement. She had a special connection with the local homeless population near the main hospital and took extensive lengths to care for their physical and other needs, earning a special recognition from Georgia legislators in 1985 for her work with the poor and needy. She was beloved by her colleagues and patients for her exceptional knowledge and care and remained on the Grady staff until her retirement in December 2005.

She never married and had no biological children, but “Aunt Von” helped raise a whole army of “younguns” in her lifetime. Her nieces, nephews, and their children and grandchildren (and anyone else who came along with them) were privileged to hear her belly laughs and her stories about the crazy happenings in an inner-city hospital. She loved flea markets and thrifting and always

LILLIE MAE CHASTAIN

EASLEY — Lillie Mae Chastain, 88, of Easley, passed away at her home on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

Mae was born on May 9, 1936, in Pickens County to the late Wydman and Edna Browning. She was a homemaker who loved God, her family and her home. She was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley. She loved listening to gospel music; reading poetry and books, especially her Bible.

Mae is survived by her three daughters, Linda Wade of Easley, Patricia LaChance (Jeff) of

AUDREY VAUGHN VICKERY

EASLEY — Audrey Vaughn Vickery, 90, of Easley, wife of the late Joseph William “Joe Bill” Vickery, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Born in Marion, N.C., she was a daughter of the late Thomas N. Vaughn and the late Eunice Smith Vaughn. Audrey was a member of Rockvale Baptist Church.

She was a beloved soul known for her meticulous bookkeeping skills. Audrey lived a life filled with grace and elegance that was evident not only in her work but also in her personal pursuits. Beyond her professional endeavors, Audrey was cherished for her warm personality and kind heart. She had a passion for sewing, creating beautiful pieces with skill and finesse. Known to be a classy and sophisticated lady, Audrey’s sense of style was admired by all who knew her. Her impeccable taste in fashion reflected her poise and refinement. Ms. Vickery will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, kindness and elegance.

Audrey is survived by a daughter, Maria Mathis Cox (James); eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a special friend, retired Rev. Gordon Moore; and brother, Tommy Vaughn.

Along with her late husband and parents, Audrey was predeceased by sons, Mark V. Holt (Dovie), Robert H. Holt and

MELVIN ‘PUDD’N’ ALEXANDER

SUNSET — Melvin Alexander (Pudd’n), 76, loving husband of 41 years to Carole Alexander, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, at his home.

Born May 1, 1948, in Pickens, Melvin was the son of the late Walter Alexander and Lelia Dutton Alexander. Melvin loved his family dearly. He enjoyed playing softball and he was an avid fisherman. He loved watching golf and watching the Clemson Tigers and Atlanta Braves.

Survivors include his wife, Carole Alexander of the home; a son, Jon Byers (Shannon) of Vale, N.C.; a daughter, Amanda Stewart (Jay) of Sunset; grandchildren, Keagan Black (Katie), Daulten Stewart (Anna), Cole Stewart, Tanna Stewart, Sara Byers, Greg Lowman, Dylan Lowman and Tommy Pace; great-grandchildren, Emma Black, Mary Beth Black, Jonah, Brooklyn, Trinity and baby girl Stewart on the way; a