BARBARA ALIENE GILSTRAP

SUNSET — Barbara Aliene Gilstrap, 88, of Sunset, passed from this life to her heavenly home on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Barbara was born in Pickens County on Nov. 28, 1935. She was a faithful member of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, where she served as Sunday school secretary for many years. Barbara was retired from Winn-Dixie Inc. as a well-known, favorite cashier.

Barbara was the fourth child of 11 children born to Clarence Elwell and Myrtie Hudson Gilstrap of Sunset.

She is survived by one brother, Clarence E. Gilstrap Jr. (Susan) of Sunset; five sisters; Myrtle Barker of Apopka, Fla., Ethel Child of Anderson, Evelyn Gilstrap of Sunset, Shirley Adams of Pickens and Faye Gilstrap of Sunset; nine nephews; seven nieces; and numerous grand-nieces and nephews.

Barbara was predeceased by two sisters, Louise G. Barker and Betty G. Williams; and two brothers, B. Ernest Gilstrap and Frank W. Gilstrap.

A funeral took place on Oct. 15 at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church in Sunset, followed by

KATHLEEN GILLESPIE WATSON

SIX MILE — Kathleen Gillespie Watson, 94, died peacefully at home on Oct. 3, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

She joined C. E. (Ed) Watson, her husband of 73 years, her parents, Janie Walker Gillespie and Lawrence Eugene Gillespie, and her six older siblings, who were all waiting for her in heaven.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn (Ralph) Bolding, Cindy (Garnett) Watson and Steve Watson; her grandchildren, Katie (Geoff) McDowell, Brian (Jamey) Bolding, Gabe (Aleesha) Bolding, Jessica (Tyeler) Prater, Jon (Lauren) Bolding, Jahanna (Tim) Schwab, Josiah Bolding, Walker (Caitlin) Watson, Meggie (Josh) Roseborough, Jordan and Justice Harrison; 18 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Doris (Boyce) Whitman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kathleen was a lifelong member of Praters Creek Baptist Church, where she was a constant, faithful witness within the church community. She taught Sunday school, initiated the senior

JUNE DARLENE JAMES

EASLEY — June Darlene James, 71, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born Jan. 23, 1953, in Easley, June was the daughter of the late Ralph Stegall and Ruby Jean Cisson Stegall. Mrs. James enjoyed word puzzles and watching wrestling. She loved to shop at thrift stores and go out to eat at restaurants.

Survivors include her two sons, Charlei Brain James and Tavis Woodson James, both of Easley.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. James was predeceased by a sister, Janice Cisson Stegall Watson; a nephew, Russell Ryan “Rusty” Stegall; and grandmother, Pearl Cisson Garrett.

The family held a memorial service Sept. 25 in the sanctuary of New Foundation Baptist Church in Easley.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

GARETH OSGOOD

PICKENS — Gareth Osgood, 83, passed into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Osgood was born on Feb. 1, 1941, in Troy, N.Y., to Millard and Joyce Lewis Osgood. He was a dedicated member of Oolenoy Baptist Church until his health began to decline. Mr. Osgood served with pride and honor in the United States Navy. Following his service, he became a PADI master scuba

TERESA ANN REECE

PICKENS — Teresa Ann Reece, 57, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Born Nov. 1, 1966, in Anderson, Teresa was the daughter of the late James Edward Dodgens and Patsy Ann Dove. Mrs. Reece enjoyed camping, listening to old country music, coloring and doing word searches. She especially liked to get together with friends and family and socializing. She loved her

FRED DODSON

WILLIAMSTON — Fred Lavern Dodson, 95, husband of the late Vivanee “Boots” Burton Dodson, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Born in Six Mile, he was the son of the late William Lester and Monte Inez Davis Dodson. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was retired from Employment Security Commission and a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Pelzer. Fred was named a Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Club of Seneca.

He is survived by a daughter, Sue Wood (Mark) of Pickens; stepchildren, Judy Roberson Fowler (Wayne) of Williamston and Billy Roberson (Carolyn) of Belton; grandchildren, Jonathan Fowler, Stephanie Ellenburg, Eli Dodson, Israel Dodson, Zoe Dodson, Malachi Dodson, Rebekah Dodson and Curtis Dodson; and great-grandchildren, Lily Fowler, Linley Ellenburg, Luke Ellenburg and Stella Dodson.

He was predeceased by a son, Freddy Dodson; daughter, Gayle Dodson; and sister, Oneida Mahaffey.

A funeral service was held on Sept. 12 in the chapel at Gray Mortuary in  Pelzer.

Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, P.O. Box 268, Pelzer, SC 29669.

Condolences can be expressed at graymortuary.com.

RACHEL MEYER

EASLEY — Rachel Meyer, 88, of Easley, wife of Clyde Charles Meyer, passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at her home.

Born in Alexander, W. Va., she was the daughter of the late Odbert and Viola June Curry. She was a devoted caregiver to her husband and family. She especially enjoyed baking as her grandchildren looked forward to her zucchini bread each holiday season when staying with her. Her hands were never idle, whether she was working on a crochet project, crafting beautiful ceramics or later doing crossword puzzles.

Outside of the home, Rachel spent many years as the dedicated secretary at Rockdale County High School in Conyers, Ga. She also played an important role in the family business and later embarked on a successful career as a real estate agent, where her integrity and work ethic earned the trust of her clients.

In her free time, Rachel loved a visit to the casino, where her natural luck always seemed to follow her, much to the delight of her friends and family.

In addition to her husband of 69 years, she is survived by her two sons, Charles Randall Meyer

JARRETT RYAN PHILLIPS

EASLEY — Jarrett Ryan Phillips, 27, passed away on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at Greenville Memorial Hospital due to a motorcycle accident on Aug. 21.

He got saved in May and loved The Lord and talked about Jesus all the time.

Born Feb. 27, 1997, in Easley, Jarrett was the son of Rickey Phillips and Beverly Worley Phillips. Jarrett loved working on cars, carpentry work and helping family and friends out with things they needed help with. He loved his family and his precious little 3-year-old daughter, Virginia JoAnn Phillips (nickname Annie Mae). He loved his cat, Max, and enjoyed holding him, and Max loved him and he misses him so much. He looks for him to come home every day from work.

Survivors include his father and mother; his brother, Justin Phillips of the home; sister, Christie (Richard) Yates of Liberty; brother, Jason Phillips (Kylene) and niece Allie of Moore; nephew, Dylan Phillips (Hannah), great-niece, Josie, and a great-nephew that will be born in seven weeks, Samson, of Liberty; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Paul and Ellen Nix Phillips, maternal grandparents Roy and Virginia Patterson Worley, and a cousin, Adam Clark Harris.

A memorial service was held Sept. 10 at Glenwood Baptist Church in Easley, with pastor Robert Fowler preaching.

Palmetto Cremation Services is assisting the family.

GAIL DEAN O’SHIELDS

LIBERTY — Gail Dean O’Shields, 78, loving wife to Jerry Wayne O’Shields, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at her

JACKSON WARNER DUNCAN SR.

PICKENS — Jackson Warner “Jack” Duncan Sr., 85, passed away Aug. 27, 2024, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Mr. Duncan was born in   Sept. 24, 1938, to the late Furman and Winnie Duncan. He was retired as owner and operator of Duncan Grading. Mr. Duncan was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church. He was a lifelong resident of Pickens. Mr. Duncan loved to be outdoors, hunting, racing, football and working.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Mary Anna Duncan; three sons and their wives, Jack Duncan Jr. (Rachel), Freddie Duncan (Wanda) and Eddie Duncan (Teresa), all of Pickens; nine grandchildren, Jessica Worthington (Harris), Shane Duncan (Becca), Kayce Owen (Matthan), Richard Duncan, Brandon Duncan (Charlesie) and Bryson Duncan (Ashley), all of Pickens, Rebekah Rice (Logan), Andrew Simmons (Erin) and Paige Ellison (Rylee); 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Shelby Crowe.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Duncan was preceded in death by his six siblings, Robert, Jerry, Billy and Mickey Duncan, Loretta Ellenburg and Kathy Lackey Putnam; and an infant granddaughter, Anna Duncan.

Graveside services were conducted at Hillcrest Memorial Park on Aug. 30. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

GALE ELIZABETH HARBIN

EASLEY — Gale Elizabeth Harbin (Beth), 74, of Easley, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024.

Born in Anderson County, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Geraldine Royster.

Beth was born July 9, 1950 in Anderson and grew up in Pendleton. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and wife who

TREVOR ZION BAUKNIGHT

EASLEY — With humble acceptance of God’s will, we announce the passing of Trevor Zion Bauknight, 55, on Aug. 22, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Amanda Cox, both of Easley and formerly Sumter.

Born in Kingsport, Tenn., and raised in Sumter, he was the son of Amanda Mosier Bauknight and Dennis Lehman Bauknight.

Trevor attended his beloved Sumter High School, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, with degrees in religious studies and history.

Trevor was a project manager and editor at Martin Printing. He worked for The Sumter Daily Item for many years, and whether you knew it or not, you probably saw him on the sideline of a high school football game under those Friday night lights. He was also the art education director for the Sumter County Gallery of Art.

There are no words to explain how incredibly special he was. He was

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,