Category Archives: Obituaries
Courier Obituaries 7-3-24
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
Courier Obituaries 6-24-26
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
Courier Obituaries 6-19-24
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
Courier Obituaries 6-12-24
MELISSA DENISE ‘MISSY’ CHILDS
PICKENS — Melissa Denise Childs, 53, loving wife of 34 years to Marvin D. Childs, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at AnMed Medical Center in Anderson.
Born Dec. 16, 1970, in Pickens County, Melissa was the daughter of James E. Stansell and Shelia Stansell. Melissa was a graduate of Pickens High School and Greenville Technical College. She loved the outdoors and people; she never met a stranger in her life. She was a great wife, mother, Mimi, baby girl and best friend.
Survivors include her husband, Marvin D. Childs of the home; a son, Matthew D. Childs (Shana) of Pickens; a granddaughter, Emily B. Childs of Pickens; parents, James E. Stansell and Shelia Stansell of Six Mile; and two sisters, Kristi Stephens and Jenna Powell, both of Pickens.
Mrs. Childs was predeceased by a sister, Jordan Lindsey.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 12, from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. in the
Courier Obituaries 6-5-24
DERRILL EDWARD ‘BUDDY’ BOTTOMS
LIBERTY — Derrill Edward “Buddy” Bottoms, 85, loving husband of 63 years to Carolyn Chandler Bottoms, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 27, 2024, at his home.
Born March 3, 1939, in Oconee County, Buddy was the son of the late C.L. Bottoms and Ella Mae Henson Bottoms. Mr. Bottoms was of the Church of God faith. He built a successful business at Buddy’s Chainsaw in Pickens. He was a good, gentle person who loved his family and looked out for others. He enjoyed boating and fishing and loved flying his model airplanes.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Chandler Bottoms of the home; son, Mike Bottoms (Angie) of Liberty; grandchildren, Rebecca Addison (Ryan) of Clemson and Jared Bottoms (Shelby) of Liberty; and great-grandchildren, Elliott, Charlie and soon to be a third.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Bottoms was predeceased by a brother, Morris
Courier Obituaries 5-29-24
RANDALL EUGENE CHISM
EASLEY — Randall Eugene Chism, 41, loving husband of 15 years to Tracy Galloway, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at his home.
Born Aug. 20, 1982, in Greenville County, Randall was the son of the late Eugene Chism and Betty McJunkin Allen. Mr. Chism was of the Baptist faith. He was a good man and would do anything to help others. He was a great cook and a master of the grill. He was a great auto mechanic and enjoyed racing RC brushless cars. He loved the Outer Banks and building fires on the beach. Randall loved his family
Courier Obituaries 5-22-24
HAZEL F. EVANS
SIX MILE — Hazel F. Evans, 91, of Six Mile, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024.
She was born in Oconee County to the late Russell William Campbell and Annie May Holcombe Campbell. She was raised in Fair Play and lived out the rest of her life in Six Mile. She retired from West Point Stevens after 23 years and was widely known for selling at the Pickens Flea Market for many years. Her love for life was baking cakes and pies, gardening and planting flowers. She was a longtime member of the Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy.
She is survived by her children, Amos Clifton Evans Jr. (Phyllis), Daniel Wayne Evans (Kathy), Stephen Evans (Michelle), Rachel Elaine Goss (Roger), Shannon Arnold (Jon) and Janice Young (Bryan); one sister, Betty Campbell
Courier Obituaries 5-15-24
LARRY RUDOLPH WHITLOCK
CENTRAL — Larry Rudolph Whitlock, 77, loving husband of 58 years to Fannie Elizabeth Whitlock, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Baptist Easley Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Born Dec. 9, 1946, in Piedmont, Larry was the son of the late William Rudolph Whitlock and Ethelene Black Whitlock. Larry was a hardworking family man. He enjoyed chocolate ice cream and fried apple pies. His passion was working on hot rods and engines. Larry had many trades and taught himself how to work on cars, and restored a 1931 five-window coup Model A.
Survivors include his wife, Fannie Elizabeth Whitlock of the home; a daughter, Pamela Burrell (Daniel) of Pendleton; grandsons, Justin Burrell and Cody Burrell; sisters, Joann Todd (Richard) of Six Mile and Lynn Greer of Williamston; and many loving and caring nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Whitlock was predeceased by a brother, Donnie Whitlock, and
Courier Obituaries 5-8-24
DONNA GUY
PICKENS — Donna Guy, 78, of Pickens, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Donna was born in Burlington, Vermont to the late George and Alice Hutchby. She was raised atNazareth Orphanage in Raleigh, N.C. She graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School. During her working life, she was an insurance agent at Nationwide and a dedicated caregiver. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed medical mysteries and inspirational books. She loved to bake pound cake and cookies and enjoyed baking for all of her friends, family and for anyone who made a difference in her life. Donna was kind hearted and generous. She
Courier Obituaries 5-1-24
MARGARET FUJI KELLY SMITH
DACUSVILLE — Margaret Fuji Kelly Smith, 75, passed away on March 26, 2024, after a three-year battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family and husband of 57 years.
Born Aug. 28, 1948, in Yokohama, Japan, Margaret was the daughter of Yoshie Sugizaki Kelly and the late Edward L. Kelly.
Margaret worked in the banking industry and retired after 45 years of service. Her dedication to serving others is a reflection of her successful