Peggy Porter

Easley — Peggy Jean Christopher Porter, 81, widow of Elbert Sheridan Porter, died, Tuesday evening, Jan. 28, 2014 at Heartland Mannor West in Greenville.

Mrs. Porter was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Cody and Estelle Valley McCollum Christopher.  She was retired from Ryobi Motor Products in Pickens and was a member of Tabor United Methodist Church.

Survivors include one son and two daughters, Janet Porter Donald of Pickens, Mitchell Porter (Lynn) of Easley, and Tina Melissa Porter St. Jean (Steven) of Powdersville, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Porter was predeceased by sisters, Lucille McJunkin and Linda Wiggins, and brothers, Billy Joe and Charles Christopher.

A memorial service was 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at Elljean Baptist Church in Pickens with the Rev. Doctor Steve Ellis officiating.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Porter family.

Amelia Youngblood

Pickens — Amelia Earhart Hendricks Youngblood, 82, widow of William S. Youngblood, died Monday, Jan. 27, 2014 at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Mrs. Youngblood was born in Pickens, daughter of the late Julius Ernest and Alma Edens Hendricks.  She worked at The Pickens County Health Department and later retired from the South Carolina Department of Social Services and she was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two sons, W. S. Youngblood, Jr. of Easley and Mark A. Youngblood (Karen) of Pickens, a daughter, Julie Ann Youngblood of Pickens, a granddaughter, Jennifer Feraco (Rob) of Easley, daughter-in-law, Shirley Youngblood and a special friend, John Robert Hayes.

A memorial service was 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 in the chapel at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Youngblood family.

James McQueen

Liberty — James Edwin McQueen, 80, of 168 Rolling Hill Road, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2014 at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Born in Easley he was a son of the late Homer Richard and Ruth Brown McQueen.

He retired from Singer and was a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church.

Surviving are his loving wife of 35 years, Alice C. McQueen of the home; two daughters, Rose Langford of N.C., and Rita Webb of Belton; a son, Dale McQueen of Anderson; two step daughters, Rita Watts of Pickens, and Karen Chapman of Seneca; a step son, Barry Duncan of Pickens; two sisters, Bobbie Lofton of Hartwell, Ga., and Dot Foster of Easley; a brother, Joe McQueen of Pickens; 12 grandchildren, five great grandchildren; a special friend, Buddy Sexton.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a son, Ricky McQueen.

Graveside services for Mr. McQueen were 3 p.m. Monday at Liberty Memorial Gardens.  No formal visitation is planned.

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

Gloria Welborn

Easley — Gloria Stegall Welborn, 76, wife of James Daniel Welborn, died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 at Capstone Health and Rehab.

Born in Pickens County, Mrs. Welborn was a daughter of the late Cull and Cleo Smith Stegall.  She was a nursing assistant for Blue Ridge Nursing Home for over 35 years and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, are two sisters, Marilyn Finley and Bobbie Ann Stegall and two step-children, Ricky and Vicky Welborn.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Welborn was predeceased by two brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services were 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.  Burial followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

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

Franklin J. Harkins

Easley — Franklin J. Harkins, 80, husband of the late Cathleen Ramey Harkins, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2014 at The Magnolia’s of Easley.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late John Walter and Helen Ellenburg Harkins, Mr. Harkins retired from Saco Lowell and was a member of Calvary Hill Baptist Church.  Frank was a veteran of the Korean War having served with the U.S. Army where he received the Korean Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Surviving are four sisters, Gladys Williams (Wyatt), Ann Whitlock, Bertie Gibson (Larry) and Laura McDonald (William); a sister-in-law, Bonnie Harkins; two nephews, Ronald Harkins and Eric Whitlock; and three nieces, Lisa Adcox, Sharon Gibson-Martin and Sherry DiPietro.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Harkins was predeceased by a brother, James E. Harkins and by a brother-in-law, Johnny Whitlock.

Funeral services were at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.  Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agape Hospice, 6705 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611 or Calvary Hill Baptist Church, 501 Rampey Street, Easley, SC or to the charity of one’s choice.

Cards of condolence may be sent to Gladys Williams, 205 Bud Nalley Drive, Easley, SC 29642, or online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Harold C. Abercrombie

Pickens — Harold Clayton Abercrombie, 79, husband of Bobbie J. Abercrombie, died, Friday, Jan. 31, 2014.

Mr. Abercrombie was born in Oconee County, a son of the late W. J. Glazner Abercrombie and the late Frances Alexander Abercrombie.  He was retired from Pickens County Vehicle Maintenance as supervisor and also from the Pickens Fire Department.  Mr. Abercrombie was a member of Little River Baptist Church and attended Enon Baptist Church in Easley.  He was a U. S. Air Force Veteran.

Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Bobbie J. Porter Abercrombie, his son, Ken Abercrombie (Marie) of Six Mile, and his twin brother, Howard Abercrombie of Seneca.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Abercrombie was preceded in death by a brother, Wilmer Abercrombie, and sisters, Pauline Orr, Gladys Smith, Beatrice Orr, and Vera Burrell.

Services were 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 in the chapel at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens.  Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, South Carolina Chapter, 4124 Clemson Boulevard, Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621-5528, or to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Abercrombie family.

Margaret James

Easley — Margaret Satterfield James, 64, wife of Barry L. James, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014.

Margaret was born in Six Mile, a daughter of the late Dewitt and Thelma Henderson Satterfield.  She was a homemaker and a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church.

Margaret was the loving wife of Barry L. James of the home and loving mother to her children, a son, Scott James (fiancée Ashley Gilstrap) of Anderson and a daughter, April Price (Stuart) of Easley.  Also surviving are her grandchildren, Lauren and Rylee and her brother, Tommy Satterfield (Beth) of Greenville.

In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by a brother, Milton Satterfield.

Funeral services were conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jack MaHaffey officiating.  Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, 4174 Dacusville Highway, Easley, SC 29640.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the James family.

Betty L. Blackmon

Six Mile — Betty Lewallen “Lew” Blackmon, 83, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at Clemson Downs.

Mrs. Blackmon was born in Oconee County, a daughter of the late Thomas W. and Jewel Defoor Lewallen and wife of Robert B. Blackmon.  Mrs. Blackmon was a master gardner, candle maker, spinner and weaver.  She had a masters degree from the University of Illinois, and taught English as a second language at First Baptist Church of Clemson, where she was also a member.

Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Bruce Blackmon and his wife Barbara of Central, Frank Blackmon and his wife Toni of Northeast, Md.; one daughter Julia Wrench of Mammoth Springs, AK; 10 grandchildren, Sara Black and her husband Joel, Lorena, Ian, Amber, Stephanie, and Ryan Blackmon, and Savannah, Stefan, Cierra, and Canaan Wrench; two great grandchildren, Nick and Jacob Black; daughter-in-law, Anne Blackmon of Sorrento, Ill.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Mark Blackmon.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at Clemson First Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Memory Gardens, Clemson.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to SOUP, c/o of First Baptist Church of Pendleton, 351 S. Broad Street, Pendleton, SC  29670.

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

Travis Williamson

Liberty — Lt. Col. James Travis Williamson, USAF Ret., 69, of 169 Airport Road died peacefully Saturday at Greenville Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Salters, he was the husband of Virginia McDonald Williamson of the home and a son of the late Berry Isaac and Janie Lucy Covington Williamson.  He was a 1967 graduate of Clemson University and was an avid Clemson Tiger sports fan.  He also served his country during the Vietnam War.  He was currently employed with Ford, Bacon & Davis in Greenville and was a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter, Rebekah Hemphill(Jason) of Pickens; four sons, David Williamson(Kim) of Cincinatti, Ohio, Chaz Williamson(Eileen) of Omaha, Neb., Brian Williamson of Liberty and Adam Williamson of Central; four sisters, Marjie Kellahan of Kingstree, Elsie Jones of Florence, Marie Anderson of Anderson, Ind. and Victoria Williamson of Rockville, Md.; a brother, Ray Williamson of Columbia; and eight grandchildren, Gernazil, Christopher, Justin, Jeslyn, Noah, Seth, James and Jessica.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by two brothers, Eldred and Ollie Williamson.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Williamson were held at 11 Wednesday at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church.  Burial was at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veteran’s Cemetery in Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Solid Rock Baptist Church: 1126 Old Norris Road Liberty, SC 29657. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Frances A. Merrell

Easley – Frances A. Merrell, 93, of Easley and Reno, Nev. died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at her home.
Born in Crawfordsville, Ind., Mrs. Merrell was a daughter of the late Raymond R. and Martha Ruth Houlehan Merrell.  She graduated from Upper Darby High School and cum laude from Drexel University where she was President of the Student Body.  She received a Masters degree in Education with several Post Graduate Professional Counselor and Specialist Certificates at University of Nevada-Reno.  Mrs. Merrell worked as a HS Counselor for 26 years for the Washoe County School District in Reno, Nev.  Mrs. Merrell was a former Secretary of Nevada School Counselors Association.  She was a member of Hidden Valley Country Club and Greenville Country Club.  She was a member and former president of Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada and a member of the Greenville U-U Fellowship.  She was a gifted artist, dancer, conversationalist and friend.  She enriched our lives.
Surviving are daughters, Ruthann T. Earl and her husband Karl of Easley, Karen T. Anderson and her husband Larry of Castle Creek, N.Y. and Lea D. Taylor, D.V.M., of Corvallis, Ore.; sister, Marjorie M. Wille, of Port Ludlow, Wash.; grandchildren, Stephen Earl and his wife Kristy, Christopher Earl and Taylor Helfand; great-grandchildren, Mila, Addyson and Cassandra Earl.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Greenville Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, 1135 State Park Road, Greenville.
Memorials may be made to the Nature Conservancy or to the Greenville UU Fellowship, 1135 State Park Road, Greenville, SC 29609.
The family wishes to express deep appreciation to Fran’s caregivers, Pat Rice, Tanya Howard and Wendy Runion and to the staff of Journey Hospice.

Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, is assisting the family.

Ray Durham

Pickens -­— Ray Durham, 86, of Pickens, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2014.

Mr. Durham was born in Six Mile, a son of the late Hebrew Anderson and Gertrude Willimon Durham.  He was a retired timber contractor and had also owned and operated logging and lumber companies in Pickens and Anderson Counties.  He was of the Baptist Faith and served in the U. S. Navy.

Survivors include his sons, Ronnie Durham (Rita) and Barry Durham (Sandy Gillespie) all of Pickens, grandchildren, Slade Durham, Scarlett Griffith, Scott Durham, Matt Durham, and Andy Durham.  Great grandchildren include Katy Griffith, Eli Durham, Olivia Durham, Bryant Durham, and Avery Durham.  Also surviving is a sister, Gerone Wilson.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Durham was preceded in death by brothers, Marlowe, Otis, and Randy Durham and the mother of his sons, Genevieve Roper Durham.

A graveside service was held 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Memorials may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, PO Box 184, Easley, SC 29641.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Durham family.