Margaret Leila Masters

Easley — Mrs. Margaret Leila McGimpsey Masters, 97, of 304 Old Stagecoach Road, wife of the late Alonzo Floyd “Red” Masters, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, at Manna Health and Rehab in Pickens.

Mrs. Masters was born on Jan. 8, 1917, in Boydeton, Va., to the late Walter Alexander McGimpsey and Cora McGimpsey Norman. Mrs. Masters was retired from Mayfair Mills Glenwood Plant as a weaver and in her free time enjoyed writing poetry, painting and spending time with her family. She was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Six Mile.

Mrs. Masters is survived by two sons, Ricky Masters and Randy Masters, both of Liberty; three daughters, Vonnie Wylie (Jim); Pat Knox (Waymon), and Lynda Duncan (Wayne), all of Easley; a special son-in-law, Roy Lesley, of Greenville; 24 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two daughters; Sybil Lesley and Betty Sloan; and a sister; Hazel Evatt.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26, in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Rick Hayes and the Rev. Carlton Cleveland officiating. Interment followed at Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church Cemetery in Liberty.

Memorial donations may be made to Ark Hospice, 101 Grace Drive, Easley, S.C. 29640.

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

Clyde Milton Dillard

Easley — Clyde Milton Dillard, 85, of 211 Sunset Drive, died, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Andrew Bolt and Gladys Ruth Black Dillard, Mr. Dillard retired as plant maintenance foreman with Platt-Saco Lowell and was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church, where he was also an usher. Mr. Dillard was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served with the First Infantry Division during the Korean War.

Along with his wife, Mr. Dillard delivered Meals on Wheels for many years.

Surviving are his wife, Doris Ellen McCall Dillard of the home; son, Curtis Dillard and wife, Sara Jo, of Fountain Inn; a brother, Jerry Dillard of Easley; and two grandchildren, Joshua Dillard and wife, Carly, and Candace Dillard. In addition to his parents, Mr. Dillard was predeceased by a son, Randy Clyde Dillard, a daughter, Teresa Dillard Mills, three brothers, Wayman, Cleo and Paul Dillard and by a sister, Viola Edith Porter.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Brushy Creek Baptist Church, 100 Clay Street, Easley, S.C. 20642, to Heartland Hospice, 421 South East Main Street, Simpsonville, S.C. 29681, to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 184, Easley, S.C. 29641 or to Guardian Home Care, 28 S. Commerce Street, Liberty, S.C. 29657.

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

Robin Melo

Easley — Mrs. Robin Beth Revis Melo, 32, of 156 McRogers Drive, Easley, wife of Sergio “Checo” Melo, died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Mrs. Melo was born on March 4, 1982, in Greenville to the late R.B. Revis and Mrs. Linda Revis. She was a stay-at-home mother who enjoyed spending time with her family. Mrs. Melo was an avid Clemson Tigers fan. She attended and was baptized at United Wesleyan Church.

In addition to her husband and mother, Mrs. Melo is survived by four children; Jessica, Jacob, Jenger, and James Melo, all of the home; three sisters; Jennifer Huffstetler (Victor), of Pickens; Spring Bridgers (Cannie), of Lexington; and Joni Revis, of Easley. Mrs. Melo is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father, Mrs. Melo was preceded in death by a daughter, Megan Melo.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with the Rev. Jim Workman officiating. Interment followed at Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to assist Mrs. Melo’s children, c/o Linda Revis, 553 Old Cedar Rock Road, Easley, S.C. 29640.

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

Ernest Gambrell

Liberty — Ernest C. Gambrell, 62, of 306 Overbrook Drive, died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, at his residence.

Born in Greenville, he was a son of the late James and Lula Brownlee Gambrell.

He was a member of Bates Masonic Lodge No. 189 AFM, the Hejaz Shrine Temple and the York Rite. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and attended Fellowship Community Church.

Surviving are his wife, Martha B. Gambrell of the home; two daughters, Melissa Garcia of Easley, and Kristy Gambrell of the home; a sister, Frances Jones of Greenville; two grandchildren, Kayla Vigliotti and Hunter Ramey; and a great grandson, Luca Vigliotti.

Memorial services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Crosswell Apostolic Church, Latham Road, Easley. No visitation is planned.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

Coy Posey

Easley — William Coy Posey 89, of Rice Road, died, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 at his home.

Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Henson and Lillie Chastain Posey.

Mr. Posey was retired from Platt Saco-Lowell. He was a member of the Pickens County Bee Keepers Association and was a member of Arial Baptist Church.

Surviving is his wife of the home, Nona Medlin Posey; two daughters, Felicia Ritchie (Mike Staton) of Travelers Rest and Teresa Dempsey (Tim) of Easley; seven grandchildren, Jason Harvell, Travis Harvell, Toni Cantrell Birt, Matthew Dempsey, Rue Thompson, Chase Posey and Daniel Posey; three great grandchildren; and a sister, Shirley Chappell of Greenville.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers and a sister.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 27, at 2 p.m. at Arial Baptist Church. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Memorials may be made to Arial Baptist Church, 618 Rice Road, Easley, S.C. 29640.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Posey family.

Frank Murphree

Pickens — Franklin Hovie Murphree, 79, of Table Rock Road, died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014.

Born in the Shady Grove community, he was the son of the late Hovie Alva Murphree and Jessie Winchester Murphree Chastain.

Mr. Murphree was retired from General Electric in Greenville after 27 years of dedicated service. He was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church and the Men’s Sunday School Class and was a U.S. Navy veteran.

Surviving is his wife of 50 years, Martha Strickland Murphree; a daughter, Anita Murphree of Pickens; a son, Frankie Murphree of Pickens; three grandchildren, Brayden Murphree, Haley Phillips and Tyler Murphree; and a sister, June Huddleston of Taylors.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Virginia Jones, and three brothers, Aaron, Don and Marvin Murphree.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 3 p.m. at Holly Springs Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

The Men’s Sunday School Class was asked to serve as Honorary Escorts.

Memorials may be made to the MUSC Kidney Transplant Center, 171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, S.C. 29425.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Murphree Family.

Peggy J. Leatherwood

Marietta — Peggy Jean Leatherwood, 55, of Popoage Drive, wife of the late Thomas Dale Leatherwood, died at her home on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014.

Born in Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Onnis and Gloria Dillard Carr.

Peggy was formerly employed with Easley Custom Plastics.

Surviving is a daughter, Joy Phillips (Keith) of Alabama; two grandchildren, Kanyon and Karley Phillips; and a sister, Linda Jones of Alabama.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Bonnie, and three brothers.

No services are planned.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion that was given to Peggy.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Leatherwood family.

Henry G. Lesley, Jr.

Easley — Henry Gordon “Junior” Lesley Jr., 88, of 204 Pope Field Road, died at home on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014.

Born in Pickens County on June 12, 1926, he was the son of the late Henry Gordon Lesley Sr. and Lillian Lessie Marchbanks Lesley.

Mr. Lesley was the owner of Liberty Drive Garage for 40 years. He was a member of Easley First Wesleyan Church, a member of the Palmetto Knife Club and a U.S. Air Force veteran of WWII.

Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Louvenia “Geraldine” Brown Lesley of the home; a son; a daughter; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and a sister, Grace Houston of Easley.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Hazel Southerland.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 1:30 p.m. at Easley First Wesleyan Church. Burial followed in M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson with military honors.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery, 140 Inway Drive, Anderson, S.C. 29621.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Lesley family.

Doris Jean Leslie

Central — Doris J. Leslie, 73, died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at the Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Born in Salem, a daughter of Clara Bell McCall Bradley of Central and the late John Franklin Talley, Mrs. Leslie was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, reading and fishing, but closest to her heart was the love she had for her family, and especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her mother of Central; two daughters; Virginia Porter (Chris) of Pickens; Jane Whitmire (Gary) of Pickens; two sons; Melvin Talley, of Pickens; Phil Leslie of Central; two sisters; Ruth Reid (Mark) of Pickens; Louise Johnson (Johnny) of Pickens; five brothers; John Talley (Doris Ann) of Pickens; Sylvester Dryman (Faye) of Central; Chester Dryman of Central; Clyde Dryman of Franklin, N.C.; and R. L. Talley (Louise) of Pickens.

Mrs. Leslie was predeceased by her father and two daughters, Shirley and Jeanette Leslie.

Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 26, in the chapel at Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed at the Whitmire Family Cemetery in Salem.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Leslie family.

Pamela Gilbert Smith

Easley — Pamela G. Smith, 46, wife of Scott Smith, died, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014.

Born in Greenville, Mrs. Smith was a daughter of the late Ray Gilbert and Annette Aiken. Pamela was a K5 teacher for more than 10 years in the School District of Pickens County.

Survivors include her husband of 26 years, two sons; Robbie Smith and Joey Smith, both of Easley, two sisters; Angie Motes (Travis) of Taylors; and Missy Krieger (Reverend Mark) of Powdersville; six nieces and one nephew.

In addition to her parents, Pamela was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Elizabeth B. Smith.

A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, at New Works Fellowship, 1478 Hunts Bridge Road, Easley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Lung Association in South Carolina Upstate, 2030 North Church Place, Spartanburg, S.C. 29303.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Smith family.

Elizabeth “Beth” Finley

Easley — Beth Finley died Tuesday, Dec. 23, after a long illness.

Beth is survived by her sons, Jeff and Chris. Jeff, his wife, Cindy, and their four children, reside in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Chris and his wife, Lisa, make their home in Taylors.

She is also survived by her brother, Harold Turbyfill, and sisters Elva Simmons and Janie Edgerton. Harold and his wife, Diane, reside in Spruce Pine, N.C. Elva and her husband, Tom, live in Old Fort, N.C. Janie and her husband, Ed, make their home in Durham, N.C.

She is predeceased by her husband, Don Finley, and her parents, Glenn and Essie Turbyfill.

Beth, a native of Crossnore and Spruce Pine, N.C., moved to Liberty in 1959. She and Don moved to Easley in 1966. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Family Practice Center for 20 years. Later in life, Beth worked as a day care provider for children at Geer Memorial Baptist Church in Easley. For the past four years, Beth has lived in an assisted care facility in Hendersonville, N.C.

Beth loved flowers, gardening and caring for her menagerie of dogs, cats, pony, birds and other animals in need of a home. She enjoyed drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway and considered that stretch of road the most beautiful in the country. Most of all, she loved her family and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 1 p.m., in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

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

Blanche Birchfield

Reeves Van Nelson

Jacksonville, Fla. — Blanche Birchfield Reeves Van Nelson, 88, of Jacksonville, Fla., died Monday, Dec. 22, 2014. Mrs. Van Nelson was formerly from Pickens.

She was the daughter of the late Tom and Gladys Birchfield.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Louise Durham Finley

Easley ­­— Louise Durham Finley, 85, wife of the late Edgar David Finley, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Oconee County, a daughter of the late Plumer Pascal and Julia Cora Satterfield Durham, Mrs. Finley retired from the Slater plant of J.P. Stevens and later retired from Hamrick’s of Berea. She was a member of Nine Forks Baptist Church.

Surviving are two sons, Larry Finley and his wife Donna, of Greer, and Louie Finley of Dacusville; two daughters, Mary Arnette and her husband Davis of Seneca, and Nancy Crowe and her husband Cress, of Dacusville; two sisters, Virginia Hayes and Katherine Brown; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; and her loving cats. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Finley was predeceased by a son, Carl Finley; two daughters-in-law, Marion and Trish Finley; two brothers and one sister.

Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, in Mountain View Memorial Park, Travelers Rest, formerly known as Grand View Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the organization of one’s choice.

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

Mary Helen Hayes

Gilstrap Watson

Pickens — Mary Helen Hayes Gilstrap Watson, 84, born in Pickens, died Dec. 21, 2014.  She was a resident of Capstone Health and Rehab.

She was the daughter of the late Richard J. and Zoa Trotter Hayes.

She was a nurse for Dr. E. Gaine Cannon at his Pickens clinic and later Cannon Hospital, as well as Dr. A. J. Reinovsky, for many years. Before retirement, she was a nursing home CNA.

She is survived by her son, Don Gilstrap of Seneca; daughters Jo Ann G. Brewer of Easley and Kim W. Mote of Pickens; grandchildren Kenny Gilstrap, Ted and Russ Brewer,  Brian Caldwell and Jenny C. Cassell; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Louise H. Ellenburg (Rev. James E.); and special friend, Pat Martin.

She was predeceased by her parents, a son, Rick Watson; brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Majorie Keith Hayes of Davenport, Fla.; brother-in-law, the Rev. J. E. Ellenburg. She was also predeceased by spouses Jacob Gilstrap and Bill Watson.  She was a member of Victory Baptist Church.

A memorial service was held at her home church, Victory Baptist Church, on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m. Graveside service was held at Griffin Baptist Church in Pickens.  Memorials may be made to Victory Baptist Church, 1832 Powdersville Road, Easley, S.C.  29642.

Milford Ray Bracken

Easley — Milford Ray Bracken, 88, husband of Jeanette Pace Bracken, died
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, at his home.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Albert Tinsley and Fredricka McCall Bracken, Mr. Bracken was the founder, owner, and operator of Ray Bracken Nursery. He was a member of Georges Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a former deacon, trustee, and Sunday school teacher, and was a U.S.
Army veteran having served in WWII.

Mr. Bracken was a charter member and past president of the S.C. Nursery and Landscape Association, where he received the Lifetime Fellow Award, and also
received the Slater Wight Memorial Award for outstanding achievement to environmental horticulture presented by the Southern Nursery Association.

He patented the “Bracken’s Brown Beauty” Magnolia.

Ray was a truly good man and his love for his family showed. He was a pioneer in the nursery industry, and his knowledge and kind heart was
extended to so many over the years.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 63 years, are two sons, Doug P. Bracken of Easley, and David B. Bracken (Candice) of Sunset; two daughters, Teresa B. Burdine (Tommy), and Pam B. Dillon (Eric), all of
Easley; one sister, Laura Clements of Seneca; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bracken was
predeceased by three brothers, Alvin, Jack and Cecil Bracken; and five sisters, Vera Kelly, Meda Tinsley, Leva Tinsley, Ruby Stokes and Myrtle Greer.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road.

Entombment followed in the
Chapel of Reflection Mausoleum of Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Georges Creek Baptist Church, 1991 Saluda Dam
Road, Easley, S.C. 29640, or to the charity of one’s choice.

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

Christopher L. Johnson

Easley — Christopher Lee Johnson, 17, of Easley, died Dec. 27, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.

Christopher was born in Greenville on Sept. 21, 1997, to Christopher Harvey Johnson and Kelly Lee Stringfellow Johnson.

Christopher was an eleventh grader at Easley high School, where he was a member of the Easley High School Marching Band. He was a very special young man who always thought of others before himself. He always had a smile on his face and a song in his heart. Even through his sickness, he always had a positive outlook on life and wanted everyone around him to be happy. His love for his family, especially his little sister, Kimberly, his music and the Mustang car will always be forever cherished.

Surviving in addition to his parents is his sister, Kimberly Johnson; his grandparents, Kathy Taylor of Easley; Linda Johnson of Pickens; Steve Johnson of Marietta; and Cliff and Linda Stringfellow of Belton; a great-grandmother, Barbara Stringfellow of Anderson; and his loving extended family.

A service to celebrate Christopher’s life will be held on Friday, Jan. 2 at 3 p.m. at Marathon Church in Powdersville, with the Rev. Jamie Hammett officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the church.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Duke University School of Medicine, The Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, 382 Hanes Building, DUMC Box 102382, Durham, N.C. 27710 or to the Easley High School Marching Band, 154 Green Wave Blvd. Easley, S.C. 29642.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com

The family will be at their respective homes.