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,

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