Patricia Ann Gibson

Easley — Patricia Ann “Pat” Gibson, 77, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, at her home.

Born in Buncombe County, N.C., the daughter of the late Rev. James Robert Gardner and the late Mary Leota Banks Gardner, Patricia retired from Ingles-Powdersville and was a member of Jones Hill Church of God. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed. Pat was loved by many.

Surviving are two daughters, Revonda J. Cudd of Easley and Beverly Lynn Gravley of Pickens; five grandchildren, Marshia Chappell, Tashia Jones, Dustin Cudd, Corbin Cudd and Brady Poole; 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Miss Gibson was predeceased by her son, James Christopher Gibson.

Graveside services were held Oct. 6 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown Easley, which is assisting the family.

Robert Layfette Lee

SENECA — Robert Layfette Lee, 79, of 111 Triangle Drive, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Oct. 2, 2017.

He was born in Walhalla and was the son of William Zetna and Marie Ingram Lee. He worked with Phillips Fibers and Kendall Company and was a member of Corinth Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Marcus Wayne Lee; and brother, William Zetna Lee and Steven Lee.

He is survived by his wife, Shelby Lee; sons, Lawrence Layfette Lee (Pamela), Douglas Edward Lee (Teresa) and Steven Ryan Lee; honorary son, Donny Gilliam; sisters, Joyce Bramlett (Kenneth), Peggy McCall (Clyde) and Marcia Hawkins (Roger); brother, Michael Lee (Louise); grandchildren, Jessica S. Pitts, Hillary Lee, Savannah Lee, Grayson Lee, Nolan Lee, Olivia Lee, Joanna Deaton and Jacob Deaton; and great-grandchildren, Roddy Pitts and Lily Grace Pitts.

Funeral services for Mr. Lee were held Oct. 6 at Corinth Baptist Church, with burial following in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Tim Tate, with Jacob Deaton and Marty McKee.

Flowers are accepted, or memorials be made to Corinth Baptist Church. Brown-Oglesby Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

www.brownoglesbyfuneralhome.com

Stanley LaRue Aultman

PICKENS — Stanley LaRue Aultman, 69, loving father, and husband of Linda Gail Reeves Aultman for 47 years, passed from this life on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Stanley was born on Christmas Day in Pickens County, a son of the late LaRue Teague Aultman and the late Fulton Aultman. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Stanley was owner/operator of Kountry Katering, where he shared good stories along with good food. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, a member of the American Legion and a longtime volunteer of Boy Scout Troop 51. He was a friend to all and never met a stranger.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Gail of the home; daughter, Suzanne Aultman of Greenville; brother, Bill Aultman (Linda); sister, Vicky Anthony (Jim); sister-in-law, Dottie Aultman; brother-in-law, Roger Reeves; and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his mother and father, Stanley was predeceased by two brothers, Robert “Bob” Aultman and Richard “Sanky” Aultman.

Services were held Oct. 7 at Grace United Methodist Church, with burial following at Holly Springs Baptist Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boy Scout Troop 51 c/o Mike Parrott, 106 Oak Haven, Pickens, SC 29671, Grace United Methodist Church, 309 E. Cedar Rock St., Pickens, SC 29671, or Cottingham House, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Aultman family.

Ressie Jane Lee Abercrombie Simmons

EASLEY — Ressie Jane Lee Abercrombie Simmons, age 92, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Sept. 26, in Easley, surrounded by her loving family.

Ressie was a graduate of Pickens High School and Draughon’s Business School in Greenville.

She and her husband, Ray, were married for 59 years and opened Simmons Sales and Service, repairing and selling lawn and garden equipment in Easley.

Ressie was an active member of Enon Baptist Church in Easley since 1949, where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir.

One of nine children, family was a centerpiece of her life.

In addition to being a natural musician, she was an excellent cook — many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren looked forward to meals at her home, especially her macaroni and cheese and green beans.

Holidays at her home will be lovingly remembered, especially Christmas. Summers were spent between their home in Easley and “the cabin” at Table Rock. A warm and welcoming person, she had a loving way of effortlessly making others feel at home and easily made lifelong friends, including Rod and his mother Jean Dixon from Australia. Guests were often greeted by a hearty “Hey there! Look who it is.” A wonderful decorator, Ressie was known for her superb sense of style, her laugh and spontaneous nature. She loved birds, gardening and reading, and her sisters were also her best friends. Always a slim woman, we always joked with her that she was on a diet to gain weight.

She loved her chicken legs and salty snacks and was a true night owl. Ressie was a woman with determination and grit.

Ressie was predeceased by her parents, and her husband, Ray “Pop-Pop” Simmons. She is survived by her two sons, Douglas (Susan) Simmons of Lincolnton, N.C., and Tony (Frankie) Simmons of Easley. Beloved grandmother, she is survived by her six grandchildren, Andrew, Erin (Asbury), Lance, Travis, Tonijane (Partin) and Molly Simmons; and seven great-grandchildren, Braden, Cooper, Ryder, Morgan, Garrett, Coeben, Karli, Shelly and Liam.

Her surviving siblings are Virginia Brown, Marion Abercrombie, Helen Pace and Deborah Anthony. Other siblings were Christine Hayes, Dot McCombs, and Ronnie and Joe Abercrombie.

Services were held at Mountain View Funeral Home Sept. 28.

Memorials can be made to the Enon Baptist Church in Easley in Ressie’s name.

Ralph W. Grant

Pickens — Ralph W. Grant, 93, husband of Marilyn M. Grant, passed from this life Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

Ralph Grant was born at the home of his parents Henry Clyde and Cora Holcombe Grant on April 27, 1924, near Tater Hill in Pickens County.

Ralph was one of eight children. His early teen years were spent farming with his family on the Grant homestead on what is now Gravley Road in Pickens. Mr. Grant worked briefly for the Poinsett Lumber Company in Pickens before taking a job with Alice Manufacturing in Easley in 1946. In 1955, he left his job in the textile mill to become the Pickens and Oconee County distributor of Tom’s Foods of Columbus, Ga. His “Peanut Trucks” were a familiar sight around Pickens for the next 30 years. Ralph remained in this position until his retirement in 1985.

Ralph married the former Marilyn (Mae) McElhannon of Pickens in December 1945.

Together they raised their family and made their home on a portion of the original Grant farm on Gravley Road. They were devoted to each other for 71 years.

He was a member of Red Hill Baptist Church since 1956, where he held various positions of responsibility, such as chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School superintendent, chairman of the Building Committee, chairman of the Pastoral Search Committee, Baptist Men’s Brotherhood and Sunday school teacher. He was involved with Pickens County Meals On Wheels for more than 20 years and also served as director of the Pickens Senior Center, where he served as chairman of the Fund Raising Committee.

Survivors include his wife of the home; children, Ronnie (Kathy) Grant of Simpsonville, Dianne Grant (David) McLaughlin of Pickens and Becky Grant Anderson of Easley; grandchildren, Jeff (Colleen) Grant of Raleigh, N.C., John Grant (fiancé Alina Lottstein) of Greenville, Andy (Amanda) Bridgman of Pickens and Zach (Michelle) Bridgman; great-grandchildren, Tyler Crawford, Jeremy Wilder, Will Bridgman, Zachery Revis, Haley Bridgman and Karsen Bridgman; and siblings, Ray (Virginia) Grant of Pickens, Betty Grant Hendricks of Six Mile and Pat (Kathy) Grant of Easley.

Mr. Grant was predeceased by his parents; two infant children; brothers, Sonley Grant and Harold Grant; and sisters, Helen Yates and Drunell Chapman.

Services were held Sept. 30 at Red Hill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Gerald Martin, and the Rev. Jeremy Merck officiating, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Miracle Hill Ministries, 490 South Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 or Red Hill Baptist Church, 558 Red Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Grant family

Gladys A. Bates

Easley — Mrs. Gladys Aiken Bates, 85, wife of the late Richard Byrd Bates Sr., passed away Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, at Brookdale-Easley.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Garland and Hassie Galloway Aiken, Mrs. Bates was a graduate of Easley High School and retired from Alice Manufacturing-Elljean Plant. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church.

Surviving are a daughter, Angela Gross (David) of Easley; a special friend, Mendel Masters of Easley; a sister-in-law, Mary Bates Kay of Easley; three grandchildren, Richard B. Bates III, Natasha Hamby (John) and Zachary Gross; and four great-grandchildren, Abigail Bates, Olivia Bates, Connor Hamby and Madisen Hamby. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Bates was predeceased by two sons, Richard Byrd Bates Jr. and Gregory Bates; one brother and three sisters.

Funeral services were held Oct. 7, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown Easley, which is assisting the family.

Barbara N. Shealy

Easley — Barbara Nichols Shealy, 86, of Easley, widow of Dr. Gibson Shealy, passed away Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, at NHC of Mauldin.

Born in Leesville, Mrs. Shealy was a daughter of the late Josephus Samuel and Hattie Vestus Crout Nichols. She graduated from Batesburg-Leesville High School and Winthrop College. Mrs. Shealy was an active member of Easley Presbyterian Church for more than 40 years. She was a member of the choir, the Women of the Church, and she was a former deacon and involved in many children’s activities. Mrs. Shealy was active in her Garden Club and Bridge Club, and she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Surviving are her daughter, Kathy Shealy of Simpsonville; two sons, Gary Shealy (Wendy) of Charlotte, N.C. and Dale Shealy (Candice) of Fountain Inn; a brother, Charles Nichols of Leesville; and six grandchildren, Nicole Davis, Casey Roper, Clay Shealy, Jason Shealy, Olivia Shealy, and Nathan Shealy.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Shealy was predeceased by three sisters, Jo Nell Siegel, Laverne Wright and Leila Hoover.

Funeral services were held Oct. 8 at Easley Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Dr. William P. Seel officiating and burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, SC Chapter, 4124 Clemson Blvd.; Suite L; Anderson, SC 29621 or Easley Presbyterian Church, 200 South First Street, Easley, SC 29640.

Condolences may be expressed online at RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Macey Cecil

PICKENS — Macey Cecil, 78, of Pickens, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017, in Greenville.

Born in Eckman, W.Va., she is the daughter of the late Joseph and Femmie Mitchem.

Survivors include six daughters, Barbara Herman of Michigan, Sheila Karp (Greg) of Minnesota, Laura Burnheart of Easley, Debbie Sering (Tim) of Indiana, Johnnie McCarley (Gene) of Easley and Dawn Wester (Dave) of Simpsonville; one sister, Sylvia Sparks (Sherfield); and a brother, Joseph Mitchem, and brother-in-law Kelly Belcher. Mrs. Cecil also leaves 19 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren to share in her memory. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by a son, Joseph Leonard Cecil, a daughter, Kathy Gail Cecil, and a sister, Barbara Belcher.

Services were held Oct. 9 at Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Memorial may be sent to the charity of your choice, flowers will also be received.

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

Barry L. Phelps

EASLEY — Mr. Barry Linn Phelps, 64, husband of Joan Hilyer Phelps, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017, at his home.

Born in Baltimore, Md., he was a son of the late Frank Charles Phelps Jr. and the late Nellie Dillard Phelps.

Barry was retired from Easley Baptist Hospital and was previously employed with J.P. Stevens in Greenville. He was a mason and member of the Bates Masonic Lodge No. 189 A.F.M. He enjoyed woodworking and music.

Surviving are a daughter, Hilery Phelps Hennessee (Brad) of Easley; a grandson whom he adored, George Hennessee; and a brother, Frank Charles Phelps III (Kathy) of Easley.

A private service will be held by the family.

The family sincerely requests that in lieu of flowers, please listen to or play music in memory of Barry.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown Easley, which is assisting the family.

Joan Hilyer Phelps

EASLEY — Mrs. Joan Hilyer Phelps, 62, wife of the late Barry Linn Phelps, passed away Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of Anne Reeve Hilyer of Easley and the late William Joseph “Joe” Hilyer.

Joan was retired from the Pickens County Library, sharing her love of reading with the children of Pickens County. She also was previously employed with Easley Presbyterian Church Children’s Education and Head Start Center in Easley and authored two books to assist elementary teachers.

Surviving, in addition to her mother, are a daughter, Hilery Phelps Hennessee (Brad) of Easley; a grandson whom she adored, George Hennessee; a brother, William Britt Hilyer (Susan) of Pickens; and a sister, Sherry Hilyer Briggs.

A private service will be held by the family.

The family sincerely requests that in lieu of flowers, please read a book in Joan’s memory to a loved one.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown Easley, which is assisting the family.

Debra Brooks

Liberty — Debra Lynne Layman Brooks, 56, of 602 Hunter Mill Road, passed away Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 at her residence.

Born in Owensboro, Ky., she was the wife of John Mark Brooks of the home and the daughter of the late Billy Allen and Jewell Kelley Layman Sr. She was a 1979 graduate of Liberty High School. Afterwards, she attended Tri-County Technical College and then went on to Southern Wesleyan College. She was a loving mother and Nanny and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of West End Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, are two sons, Benjamin Brooks (Nancy) of Easley and Zachary Brooks (Ashton) of Liberty; a brother, Billy Allen Layman Jr. of Liberty; three grandchildren, Colt, Matty and Adelyne Brooks.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Jonathon Levi Brooks, and a brother, Jeffrey Scott Layman.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Brooks were held Oct. 7 at West End Baptist Church, with burial at Liberty Memorial Gardens following.

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

Edward Frank Teagle

Sunset — Edward Frank Teagle, 78, husband of Norma Case Teagle, passed from this life Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at his home.

Born in Schenectady, N.Y., he is a son of the late Edward Ellsworth Teagle and the late Mary Elizabeth Baumgras Teagle.

Mr. Teagle found fulfillment in serving others, he served his country and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired with IBM. Edward served his church family as well. A member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, he served as organist there as well as serving in his community, where he was fire commissioner, part of the Shady Grove Fire Department, the ER Management Team and he enjoyed being a ham radio operator as well.

Those left to carry on his memory are his wife, Norma of 36 years of the home, children, Elaine Voelker (Michael) of Newbern, N.C., Edward Scott Teagle (Wendy) of Mauldin, Christopher Eric Teagle (Amy) of Beaver, Pa., and his eight grandchildren.

A service to honor the life of Mr. Teagle was held Oct. 9 at Shady Grove Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Jack Cannon, Rev. Joe Pace and Rev. Matt Danuser.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Teagle family.

Lucille C. Lesley

EASLEY — Lucille Crum Lesley, 82, of Zion Church Road, wife of the late Wallace Dean Lesley, passed away Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, at her home.

Born in Greenville County, she was a daughter of the late James Edgar Crum and Georgia Ellen Ross Crum.

Mrs. Lesley was a 1952 graduate of Easley High School. She was retired from Pickens County School District after 23 years of dedicated service and was a member of Easley Church of God. She loved serving her Lord and Savior through many capacities of her church. She also loved caring for and cooking for her family, friends and complete strangers. She was especially devoted to and adored her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are her daughters, Wanda Lesley Hicks (Larry) of Anderson, Robin Lesley Buckley (Seth) of Moore, and Deana Lesley Nations of the home; grandchildren, Jessi Gilliam (Randy), Dusty Hicks, Rocky Hicks (Jessica), Jacob Buckley (Sloane), Caleb Buckley, Eli Buckley, Micah Buckley and Chaps Nations; Great-grandchildren, Aron and Savannah Gilliam, Taya, Jaylan and Elijah Hicks; a brother, Ross Crum of Six Mile; and a special caregiver, Judy Henderson.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Sheryl Lesley; sisters, Grace Lackey, Elizabeth Greer and Evelyn Bagwell; and brothers, Leonard Crum and Richard Crum.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30-2:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice, 15 Brendan Way, Suite 100, Greenville, SC 29615.

The family will be at the home.

Condolences may be expressed online by visiting robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home- Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Jane E. Talley

EASLEY — Jane Evans Talley of Easley passed away on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 at the McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville.

Born on Dec. 8, 1935, in LaGrange, Ga., she was the daughter of the late B.A. Evans Jr. and Ruth Harris Evans. She was a member of George’s Creek Baptist Church.

She is survived by her children, Dennis C. Talley (Patty) of Williamson, Ga., Susan Cox (David) of Easley, Laura Tapp (Bill) of Central, Michelle Little (David) of Easley and Chris Talley (Paige) of Easley; and one brother, B.A. Evans III “Alec” (Martha) of LaGrange, Ga. She is predeceased by her husband, Cecil T. Talley and eldest grandson, Matthew Cox. She was the loving grandmother of 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held Oct. 8 at Robinson Memorial Gardens, Powdersville Road, with the Rev. Chase Blankenship officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the McCall Hospice House (1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680).

Condolences may be expressed online by visiting robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Luther E. Bagwell

LIBERTY — Luther E. Bagwell, 91, of 6 Edgewood St., died Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, at Manna Health and Rehab in Pickens.

Born in Liberty, he was the husband of Ruby Chapman Bagwell for more than 70 years. He was a son of the late George Adolfus and Emma Pace Bagwell and the last surviving member of his immediate family. Mr. Bagwell retired from Liberty Denim and worked in the textile industry in Liberty for more than 60 years. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of East Side Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, Randy Bagwell (Deborah) of Easley, Rev. Benny Bagwell (Beth) of Franklin, N.C., and Mark Bagwell of Columbia; seven grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five sisters and 10 brothers.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Bagwell were held Oct. 9 at East Side Baptist Church, with burial at Liberty Memorial Gardens following.

Floral arrangements are appreciated but memorials may also be made to The Baptist Easley Foundation for the Heart Rehab Center: PO Box 1988 Easley, SC 29641 or East Side Baptist Church: 920 Anderson Drive Liberty, SC 29657.

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

Scott A. Crooks

EASLEY — Scott Anthony Crooks, 41, of Floyd Circle, passed away Friday, Oct. 6, 2017.

Born in Greenville County, he is the son of Janice Day of Easley and the late Eddie Wayne Crooks.

Scott enjoyed repairing cars and collecting different items.

Surviving in addition to his mother, Janice Day, are his sons, Evan Crooks, Tyler Crooks and Austin Crooks; grandmother, Willavene Day; his loving girlfriend, Lynn Green; a brother, Chad Crooks; and half brothers, Zachary Crooks, Jesse Crooks and Charlie Crooks.

Scott was predeceased by his father, Eddie Wayne Crooks and grandparents, J.B. Day, and George and Olivia Crooks.

A graveside service was held Oct. 10 in Day Family Cemetery in Easley.

Flowers will be accepted.

Condolences may be expressed online by visiting robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Pat Wilson

CENTRAL — Patricia “Pat” Duncan Wilson, wife of the late James Garrison Wilson Jr. went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, at her home.

Mrs. Wilson was born in Whitmire, and was the daughter of the late, Oren Cecil Duncan and Minnie Estelle McMillan Duncan South. She attended Furman University, worked for J.P. Stevens in Clemson for many years and retired from Reliable Sprinkler. She was a member of Central Church of God.

Surviving are two sons, Jimmy Wilson (Cheryl) of Central and Gerald Wilson (Rebecca) of Liberty; two daughters, Angela Neeley (Greg) of Central and Beverly Dalton (Ken) of Pickens; grandchildren, Allen and Andrew Wilson, Brad Wilson (Trista), Tony Butler, Samantha Alexander (Trent), Amber Wilson, Kayla Landingham (Stephen), Tyler Neeley (Kayla), Lindsey Cram (Patrick), Alex Dalton (Laura) and Madison Dalton; great-grandchildren, Kadence, Jackson, Tori, Trey, Cooper, Talan, Corbin and Carson.

Funeral services were held Oct. 8 in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, with burial following in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to, Central Church of God, 592 Silver Creek Road, Central, SC 29630.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral, which is assisting the family.

John H. Matthews Jr.

EASLEY — Mr. John Hinton Matthews Jr., 88, husband of Shirley Hall Matthews, passed away Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, at St. Francis Hospital.

Born in Cumberland County, N.C., the son of the late John Hinton Matthews and the late Martha Ann Starling Matthews, Mr. Matthews was a retired vice president of sales with American Liba Textile Company and a member of River Road Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served during the Korean War.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 55 years, are a daughter, Tammy M. Knight (Jimmy) of Easley; a son, David Glenn Sessoms (Wanda) of Rock Hill; five grandchildren, David Sessoms (Julie), Matthew Sessoms (Katie), Jamie Knight, Ashley Knight and Bradley Knight; and six great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Matthews was predeceased by five sisters, Bessie Mae Young, Nellie Inez Matthews, Eunice Marie Butler Leonard, Christine Shaw and Elizabeth McIntosh.

Funeral services were held Oct. 4 in the Mausoleum Chapel of Greenville Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615, or to the Greenville Humane Society, 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Blanche T. Jackson

Central — Blanche Elizabeth Tinsley Jackson went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 9, 2017, at Hospice of the Upstate in Anderson.

She was born on Nov. 6, 1927, to the late Mattie Bell Gordon Tinsley Merck and the late Fred Tinsley. She was also preceded in death by her stepfather, Leroy Merck.

She was a 1946 graduate of Central High School in Central, where she was named Miss Central High and was an exceptional basketball player. She was a dedicated member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Central, where she taught Sunday school to first and second grade children for more than 50 years.

She honored the Lord with the gift of song as a member of the church choir, where she sang with a beautiful alto voice. She retired from LaFrance Industries where she was an employee for more than 40 years. She was an avid Clemson fan, and everyone knew it because of the Tiger Paw on her glasses.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Alice Jackson Nixon (John) of Abbeville and Nancy Jackson Fulghum (Tim) of Six Mile; grandchildren, David Nixon (Danielle) and Carrie Nixon Bolt both of Abbeville, Mark Bryson (Kristie), Cynthia Bryson Shedd, and Adam Bryson (Anna) all of Six Mile, Amanda Fulghum of Asheville, N.C., and Stacy Fulghum of Oak Island, N.C. She was blessed with 14 great-grandchildren, whom she adored. She also leaves behind her sister, Jo Ann Merck Simpson of Central, brothers, Harold Merck (Lenora) of Simpsonville, Wallace Merck (Sharon) of Greenville and Steve Merck of Central.

A special recognition of gratitude goes to the entire staff at North Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care and Hospice of the Upstate in Anderson for the wonderful love and care shown to our mother.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in mother’s memory to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC, 29621, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 3041 Highway 133, Central, SC, 29630, or Pickens County Meals on Wheels, PO Box 184, Easley, SC, 29641.

The family will be receiving friends at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 12:30-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12.

The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central.