MICHAEL WILLIAM PETERSON

SIX MILE — Michael William Peterson, 63, of Six Mile, passed away on March 25, 2021, due to health complications.

Michael was the son of the late Mike Sevegen and the late Dorothy Sevegen. He was a truck driver for 15 years until sustaining an injury that led to his early retirement. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, kids and grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. His family meant everything to him, and he was a great provider. He was a loving and compassionate man with a huge heart. He will be sorely missed.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Rodney Price.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Peterson; three daughters, Ashley, Dorothy and Karla Peterson; sister, Karen Stone; brothers, Ronnie and Robert Sevegen; and his six loving grandchildren, Ceira, Ariana, Levi, Alyssa, Tristan and Brayden.

The family will host a celebration of life at a later date.

The Standard Cremation and Funeral Center is serving the Peterson family. During this difficult and unexpected time, please respect the family’s privacy by sending condolences through message or by visiting standardfuneralcenter.com.

GLADYS IRENE WALKER EVETT-PITTS

WESTMINSTER — Gladys Irene Walker Evett-Pitts, 94, died peacefully at Hospice of the Foothills on Monday, March 22, 2021.

She was born on May 6, 1926, in Oconee County to the late Columbus and Annie Perry Walker. She married Nathan Evett in October 1944, and he preceded her in death in 1975. She later married Exie Pitts in April 1981, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 30, 1995.

For many years, Ms. Gladys worked at Jantzen Southern in Westminster. After retirement, she enjoyed making homemade quilts, canning vegetables, picking blackberries and having family concerts in her living room. It was not uncommon to show up at her home and leave with a fresh canned vegetable or a jar of homemade jelly. Ms. Gladys was a servant of God and a faithful member of Ozion Baptist Church, where she attended regularly until her health declined.

Left to cherish fond memories are a brother, Rev. Melvin Walker of Westminster; daughters, Hazel Walker, Lois Johnson, Edna Reid, Patricia (Rev. C. Lee) Grant, Gail (Rodney) Hunter of Seneca, Harriet Steele of Warner Robins, Ga., Janice (Gregory) Grant and Henrietta Johnson of Westminster; and sons, Rev. David (Mary) Evett, Rev. Alton (Debra) Evett of Westminster, Clark Evett of Anderson, Darrell (Lizzie) Evett and Michael (Johnetta) Evett of Seneca.

Ms. Gladys was blessed with 82 grandchildren, 130 great-grandchildren, 69 great-great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-great-grandchildren, for a total of 295, collectively. She was instrumental in caring for several generations of grandchildren, and she loved to hold as many as she possibly could. She had many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Along with her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by siblings, Quincy Higgins, Mamie Mickens, Loise, Jay and Snow Walker; children, Lizzie Hunter, Baby Evett, Catherine Brown, Roosevelt, and Nathan Jr. Evett, Claude, Horace, James and Alice Pitts, Pearl Triplett, Essie Pauling-Atkinson and Joe Evett.

A celebration of life was held at the Seneca Family Life Center on March 27.

Burial was held at Ozion Baptist Church, with Repass following at Blue Ridge Community Center.

BILLY RAY BELT

EASLEY — Mr. Billy Ray Belt, 94, husband of the late Ruth Redding Belt, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 26, 2021.

Born in Pickens County, the son of the late Thomas Belt and the late Minnie McKinley Belt, Mr. Belt retired from Southern Weaving and was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where he enjoyed spending time with the Fifty Plus Club. He was very talented and loved fixing things, but his greatest love was playing his harmonica for everyone and making them smile. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving are his son, Gary Belt (Ann) of Easley; his granddaughter, Crystal B. Walker (Justin) of Easley; and a sister-in-law, Florence Belt of North Carolina. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Belt was predeceased by 10 siblings, Oscar, Edna, Henry, Florabell, Ethel, Ruth, MaryLois, Marie, Maude and Lorene. He was the youngest and only surviving member of his immediate family.

Funeral services were held on March 29 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, with Rev. Paul Turner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 301 University Ridge, Suite 5850, Greenville, SC 29601.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

LUTHER BLACKWELL

SENECA — Luther Blackwell, 100, passed on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at Hospice of the Foothills.

Born on Sept. 9, 1920, he was the son of Jerry Blackwell and Arabell Long Blackwell.

Luther served in the Navy from 1942-1946 and later worked in textiles as a fixer. In his past time, he loved the Atlanta Braves and going fishing.

In addition to his wife, Mamie Edwards Blackwell, survivors include one daughter, Martha (Glen) Findley, and one son, Doug (Thelma) Blackwell. Luther also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Luther was predeceased by first wife, Mary Jones Blackwell; daughter, Marlene Blackwell; sons, Johnny Blackwell, Steven Blackwell, Jerry Blackwell, Bobby Blackwell and Tommy Blackwell; siblings, Fannie Webb, Bessie Towe, Effie Hunnicutt, Hattie Harris, Annie Mae Todd, Sallie Burton and Edd Blackwell; and twin brother, Arthur Blackwell.

Funeral services were held on March 29 at the Keowee Funeral Services chapel. Burial followed at Oconee Memorial Park.

MARY RUTH BALDWIN LUNNY

EASLEY — Mary Ruth Baldwin Lunny passed away at Baptist Easley Hospital from COVID-19 complications on March 27, 2021.

She was born to Earl and Virginia Baldwin in Oconee County on Sept. 12, 1952.

Ruth is survived by a son, William Michael Adams of Comer, Ga.; grandchildren, Brian (USMC), William, Joshua, and Michael Adams and Daniel, Samantha and Charles Boone; great-grandchildren, Emily and Ethan Boone; siblings, Jim Baldwin, John Baldwin (Mary) and Brenda Washington (Tom); and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Lunny was predeceased by her parents; a daughter, Sharon Lynn Boone; and brothers, Ralph Earl Baldwin, Jerry Douglas Baldwin, Morris Lee Baldwin and Billy Ray Baldwin.

Ruth will be greatly missed by her friends, coworkers and family. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Thanks to the wonderful nurses, Melanie and Carol at Baptist Easley Hospital and others.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Lunny family.

KEITH EDWARD DODSON SR.

PICKENS — Keith Edward Dodson Sr., 80, passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at his home.

A native of Pickens County, Mr. Dodson was born Dec. 12, 1940, the son of the late Claude Westle and Essie Dodson.

Keith enjoyed gardening AND coaching the Wildcats softball team back in the ‘80s, and he loved his family.

Mr. Dodson is survived by a daughter, Ginger Annette Dodson, and a son, Allen Dodson, both of Pickens; four grandchildren, Chad Dodson, Alisha Dodson, Travis Dodson and Leland Dodson; and two special friends, Miles Bernard and Ward Barbey.

In addition to his parents, Keith was predeceased by a son, Keith Edward Dodson Jr.; a sister, Florence Holder; and brothers, Harold Dodson, Hovey Dodson, R.G. Dodson and Coy Dodson.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Dodson family.

CAROLYN TURNER

LIBERTY — Carolyn Louise Turner, 81, of Liberty, died Sunday, March 28, 2021, at Prisma Health-Baptist Easley.

Born in Seneca, she was the widow of Ruben Turner and a daughter of the late Julius and Sophia Foster Addis.

Carolyn was a member of Golden Creek Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and also a nurse for many years. She loved to knit, do crossword puzzles and spend time with her family. Throughout the years, she made many family members wedding dresses.

Surviving are two sons, Kevin Turner (Christy) of Liberty and Ricky Turner of Seneca; three grandchildren, Ashley Stewart (Kent) of Glenville, N.C., Kimberly Turner of Mountain Rest and Matthew Turner of Walhalla; and one great-grandson, Bryan Satterfield.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Turner will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, at Golden Creek Baptist Church. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary.

The family members will be at their respective homes.

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

SHIRLEY MAE MCJUNKIN SUTHERLAND

PICKENS — Shirley Mae McJunkin Sutherland, 84, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

Mrs. Sutherland was born in Pumpkintown and was the daughter of the late Eula Mae McJunkin. She was the loving wife of the late James Thomas Sutherland.

Survivors include her son, Bobby Earl Sutherland, and a daughter, Norma McCollum (Donald Jr.), both of Pickens. Also surviving are brothers Harold Nix (Charlene) and James Nix and sister Betty Dunn, all of Pickens; grandchildren, Sarah Wilson (Raymond) of Easley, Kimberly Phillips of Liberty, Laura McCollum (Casey Wakeham) of Taylors, Shane Sutherland of Powdersville, Jason Sutherland of Pickens, James Sutherland (Christina) of Georgia and Bruce Sutherland of Connecticut. Mrs. Sutherland has a number of beautiful and precious great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Sutherland was predeceased by two sons, Warren Thomas Sutherland and Bruce Allen Sutherland.

Mrs. Sutherland was of the Baptist faith. She loved working and growing her garden and her flowers. She worked most of her career in the textile industry, knowing the meaning of hard work. She enjoyed flea markets and pinching her pennies until they squeaked. She was caring to everyone she come into contact with, and she never met strangers.

A chapel service was held at the Dillard chapel. Burial followed at the Mountain Grove Baptist cemetery.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Sutherland family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

PHYLLIS JO KELLEY CARTER

LIBERTY — Phyllis Jo Kelley Carter, 57, gained her wings on Monday, March 22, 2021.

Her death was the result of an accidental overdose, which has left her family devastated.

She was born Oct. 25, 1963, as the first child of Maurice and Jo Kelley.

Phyllis never wanted to be defined by her mistakes or addiction. She was once a beautiful, loving, fun, free-spirited, smart lady who fell into the grips of addiction for many years. She was outspoken, very feisty, loved to talk, loved music and was an avid Clemson Tiger football fan. Her sense of humor was unique, but those who knew and understood her loved her wit. She loved her family and friends deeply.

As her family, we chose to speak about her addiction and recovery. Phyllis had found recovery; her life had changed for almost two years. March 2021 (a few weeks ago) she chose to use again, and this time it took her life. She does not want this for others. She wants people to know there is hope, faith and recovery. Our prayer is that this honest obituary will help save at least one person.

Please do whatever you can to fight it so that another family does not have to feel what every one of us who has lost a loved one to overdose is feeling right now.

She leaves behind her parents, Maurice and Jo Kelley; a daughter, Briana Plyler; a son, Austin Hiott; a granddaughter, Gabrielle; a sister, Melissa “Sissy” Henderson (John); brother, Tony Kelley; nieces, Jamie Broome (Monty), Jessie Bryant and Erin Kelley; nephews, Zak Bryant and Kase Kelley; four great-nieces and a great-nephew expected in May 2021.

Phyllis’ life was honored at a service on March 27 at Emmanuel Full Gospel Tabernacle.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Kelley family.

LARRY KAY HENDRICKS

EASLEY — Larry Kay Hendricks, 82, husband of Brenda Holland Hendricks, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at his home after a brief illness.

Larry was the son of the late Wister and Lila Hendricks.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda; three sons, Scott of Liberty, Greg (Tina) of Easley and Shawn of Easley; one daughter, Kathy (Scott) Dublin of Due West; stepchildren, Lisa (Eric) Garris of Melbourne, Fla., and Lane Goelz of Virginia Beach, Va.; nine grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Larry loved the Table Rock and Dacusville area, where he lived most of his life. He and Bobby Richardson founded a successful business in 1967, Hendricks & Richardson Inc. in Piedmont. In 1988, Larry and sons launched Hendricks Fabrication in Piedmont. In addition to his businesses, he was a two-time national champion driver in SCCA Showroom Stock A-Class. In his early years, Larry loved racing cars and motorcycles regionally and locally. Later, he enjoyed golfing, hiking, walking and horseback riding with his buddies in the Upstate, as well as Wyoming, Montana and Virginia. Larry loved the west and enjoyed many trips to that area with his family and friends.

A celebration of life service was held on March 27 at the Pinnacle Pavilion at Table Rock State Park in Pickens

Larry was predeceased by his parents, stepbrothers, Ben Hendrix and Bruck Hendricks, and stepsister, Elsie Hunt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Table Rock State Park, 158 E. Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC 29671. Memorials will be used to maintain and improve park trails.

A private burial will be held at a future date at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Pickens.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the Hendricks family.

DOYLE CANTRELL

PICKENS — Mr. Doyle Cantrell, 93, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

Mr. Cantrell was born in Pickens County and was the son of the late Seth D. Cantrell and Mellanee Holder Cantrell. He was a loving husband to Betty Ruth Cantrell.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Ruth Cantrell of Pickens; a son, Stan Cantrell (Gaye) of Powdersville; four grandchildren, Crystal and Channing Cantrell and Eric and Amy Patterson; and three loving and precious great-grandchildren.

Mr. Cantrell was predeceased by his first wife, Emmie Mae Cantrell; a son, Dean Cantrell; a daughter, Cynthia Carol Galloway; a number of brothers and a sister. Mr. Cantrell was the last of his siblings.

Mr. Cantrell served in the United States Army during WWII, was a sharpshooter and a private first class at honorable discharge. He worked the majority of his career at Poinsett Plant, Abney Mills as a slasher room foreman. He was a Mason and Shriner. He loved to garden and adored family. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church.

A service was held at Dillard Funeral Home chapel on March 27. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Cantrell family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

JAMES D. PERRY

CENTRAL — James D. Perry, 82, husband of 63 years to Bonnie Jean Finley Perry, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at his home.

James is survived by his wife, Bonnie; a daughter, Brenda Medlin (Timbo) of Central; sons, Donnie Perry (Terri) of Six Mile and Robert Perry of Six Mile; grandchildren, Jimmy Medlin (Courtney), Sgt. First Class (U.S. Army) Bonnie Medlin, Jamie Perry (Pamela), Haley Perry of Florida, Private First Class (U.S. Army) Dylan Perry (Avery) and Dalton Perry; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Jordan, Chandler, Anthony and Tripp; a sister, Anvie King (Horace) of Liberty; brothers, Charles Perry of Clemson and John Perry (Gertrude) of Fountain Inn.

Mr. Perry was predeceased by his parents, Fred A. Perry and Ida Alexander Perry; grandchildren, Wendy Roach and Brandy Perry; a sister, Sarah Tezbir; and a son, James Timothy Perry.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Perry family

MARVIN JOSEPH MOSLEY

LIBERTY — Marvin Joseph “Joey” Mosley passed from this life on Saturday, March 20, 2021.

Joey was born in Easley, a son of James Harry and Kathy Denise McCall Mason. He spent his career as a tree surgeon.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Mosley of Pickens; daughters, Cherish Mosley of Fair Play and Shannon Gillespie of Liberty; son, Terry Bearden of Pickens; his parents of Easley; sisters, Marie Gilbert of Liberty and Tobie Griffin of Easley; brother, Tony “Anthony” Turner of Easley; three grandchildren, Zoey, Zeke, and Chance; and a great-granddaughter, Natalie.

Joey was predeceased by a sister, Yvonne Mosley; and grandparents, Fate and Mae McCall.

No public services will be held.

BETHEL ILLENE EVETTE HUDSON

PICKENS — Bethel Illene Evette Hudson, 82, left her earthly home and met her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 28, 2021.

Bethel was born on Sept. 15, 1938, in Easley, daughter of the late Bruce and Marie Hayes Evette. A native of Pickens County, Bethel remained a true Pickens resident throughout her entire life. After marriage, Bethel and her late husband, Charles Edward Hudson, built a beautiful home and family in Pickens, never relocating. She had a close relationship with her husband of 61 years — whenever you saw one, the other was nearby. In her spare time, Bethel enjoyed bird watching, listening to gospel music and watching her rose bushes bloom. The most important aspect of Bethel’s life was loving and supporting her family. Bethel gave her life to Christ at Antioch Baptist Church, where she was a member with her daughter, Lisa.

Bethel was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Surviving are her three children, Eddie Hudson (Tina), Patrick Hudson (Kay) and Lisa Stewart (Brian). She also leaves behind to cherish her memory four grandchildren, Rebecca Shook (Jonathan), Brent Hudson (Danae), Rachelle Hudson and Hannah Hudson (fiancé Matthew); and four great-grandchildren, Jacob Shook, Cooper Shook, Logan Hudson and Kennedy Hudson. Upon her arrival in heaven, Bethel was greeted by her two grandchildren, Kelli Hudson and October Hudson; her three siblings, Jesse Evatte; twin sister, Ethel Smith; and sister, Ruby Smith; and one great-grandchild.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Bethel’s caregivers, Carla Luciano and her daughter, Christina Turner, Tammy Ferguson and Lana Campbell, for their wonderful care and love.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 1, from 1-2 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow in the Dillard Funeral Home Chapel at 2:15 p.m., with the Rev. Barry Pace officiating. Committal services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Church Missions Fund, P.O. Box 602, Pickens, SC 29671.

The family will be at the home.