Gertrude Skelton Henderson Nix

EASLEY — Surrounded by most of her family, Gertrude Henderson Nix passed peacefully to Heaven May 11, 2018, at the Magnolias of Easley, where she had lived most of the last seven years.

She was born Martha Gertrude Skelton on March 3, 1920, and lived the majority of her 98 years in Pickens County.

She was predeceased by her parents, Clarence S. Skelton and Carrie Kelley Skelton, and her brother, Edward. She was also predeceased by her husband of 43 years and father of her children, Samuel I. Henderson; her second husband, Paul W. Nix; her son, Robert, and his wife/ her daughter-in-law, Frances Henderson; and her sons-in-law William G. (Bill) Walsh and Graham C. Gillespie.

She is survived by her daughters, Carol H. Walsh and Joyce H. Gillespie. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and their families: Karen Swafford (David), Gayle Hannon, (Scott), Bobby Henderson, Angie Dickmeyer (Tommy), Carmen Melton (Mark), Krystal Doherty (Tom), and Scott Gillespie (Cynthia); and 14 great-grandchildren.

Gertrude and her late husband, Samuel Henderson, were active as charter members of Gap Hill Baptist Church, where they both served in many capacities. She was the secretary and church historian. They were very creative and enjoyed ceramic and other classes together. She loved to sew, make quilts, embroider, crochet and knit and spent many loving hours teaching her daughters and her grandchildren these hobbies. She loved to cook, and everyone loved her “country cooking.”

She and her second husband, Paul Nix, were charter members of Ridgeland Drive Baptist Church. She had perfect church attendance for 43 years until her health declined.

Besides her family, another joy of her life was in helping others less fortunate — especially young people. She often let them help her and she repaid them with music lessons or nice shoes or clothes to wear to school or church. She provided supplies that would help them be able to continue their education. She delivered Meals on Wheels for many years.

She always had a smile on her face and was gracious to all — never failing to thank anyone for stopping by to see her and asking them to come again. She was an avid reader and enjoyed books delivered by the Pickens County library for many years. Residents at the Magnolias sometimes stopped in her doorway to listen to her read from the Bible or pray or sing. One of her favorite things was to sing with her guests. All who attended her 98th party enjoyed singing with her, especially when she broke into the beginning of a new song. She loved and was well-loved. She was blessed and gave blessings to all who knew her.

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Magnolias of Easley and Halcyon Hospice for their love and caring services.

Services were held May 15, at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens, followed by burial committal in the chapel immediately afterward. The service was conducted by Rev. David Swafford and Rev. Bobby Henderson. Pallbearers were grandsons, grandsons-in law and great-grandsons.

Memorials may be made to Ridgeland Drive Baptist Church, (designated to Meals on Wheels or Feed a Hungry Child Program) P.O. Box 208, Six Mile, SC 29682

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Anita Jennings Raines

GREER — Mrs. Anita Ann Jennings Raines, 59, passed away on Sunday, May 6, 2018, while surrounded by her family at home.

Born on Dec. 13, 1958, she was the daughter of Lila Holtz Jennings and the late Roy Wilson Jennings Sr. Mrs. Raines was of the Christian faith.

Surviving in addition to her mother is her husband, James E. Raines Jr.; son, J.R. Mealor; daughter, Michelle Jennings Parsons; brother, Jack Jennings (Rene); two sisters, Barbara Jennings Paris and Beverly Jennings Hand (Ronald, Jr.); sister-in-law, Phyllis Davis Jennings; granddaughter, Malory Parsons; and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was also predeceased by one brother, Roy Jennings Jr., and sister, Diane Jennings Lindsay.

Services were held May 12 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Memorials may be made to PruittHealth Hospice at 301 Halton Rd., Ste B, Greenville, SC 29607, or to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America at hdsa.org.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family in making arrangements.

Ralph Benny Guthrie

Pickens — Ralph B. Guthrie, 70, husband of the late Judy C. Guthrie, passed from this life Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at his home.

Born in Greenville County, Mr. Guthrie is a son of the late Austin W. Guthrie and the late Frances Maybelle Moore Guthrie.

Survivors include brothers, James “Jimmy” Guthrie (Deborah) and Randy Guthrie (Sue Ann); and sisters, Linda Guthrie Batson (Barry), Shirley Nahhas (Eddie) and Patty Looper Guthrie.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents, his wife, a daughter, Bonnie Mae Guthrie, brothers, Rev. Lewis J. Guthrie and Harold Austin Guthrie, and a sister, Darlene Frances Guthrie.

A graveside service was held May 10 at Roanoke Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Guthrie family.

Estelle J. “Mema” Smith

LIBERTY — Estelle Jones “Mema” Smith, 93, of Liberty, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 8, 2018.

Born in Spartanburg, she was the widow of E. Melvin Smith and a daughter of the late Joseph and Carrie Lee Ruppe Jones.

Mrs. Smith retired from Sangamo with 30 years of service and was an avid flower gardener. She was a longtime member of East Side Baptist Church, where she belonged to the Ruth Bible Class and was a Sunday school teacher for numerous years.

Surviving are two daughters, Hazel Bowen (Charles) and Evelyn Smith, all of Liberty; a son, Charles M. Smith (Janette) of Easley; four sisters, Christine Smith, Irene Dodgens and June Galloway, all of Liberty, and Viola Tate of Taylors; three brothers, Chris and Raymond Jones, both of Liberty, and Boyce Jones of Pickens; two granddaughters, Heather Massingale and Jennifer Wojtalik (Zach); and three great grandchildren, Garrett Massingale and Reese and Wyatt Wojtalik.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Jones.

Funeral services to honor Mema’s life were held May 12 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, with burial following at Liberty Memorial Gardens. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Gideons International, Liberty Camp, P.O. Box 112, Liberty, SC 29657.

The family will be at their respective homes. Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Janice R. Torres

EASLEY — Mrs. Janice Lynn Raines Torres, 57, wife of Gerardo Torres, went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, May 8, 2018.

Born in Pickens County, the daughter of Geraldine Johnson Raines of Easley and the late Arthur Warren “Tot” Raines, Mrs. Torres was a graduate of Pickens High School and was employed with Cash Time Inc. She was a member of Peters Creek Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to her husband and mother, are a daughter, Stasha Denise Childress of Easley; a brother, Denny Robert Raines Sr. (Nancy) of Pickens; a nephew, Denny Robert Raines Jr. of Easley; a great-nephew, Kevin Michael Raines, and a great-niece, Taylor Michelle Raines.

Funeral services were held May 11 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

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

William Archie Willoughby

PICKENS — William Archie Willoughby, 77, passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2018.

Archie was born in Abbeville County on Nov. 14, 1940, to the late Calvin and Genobia Willoughby.

He was married for 52 years to the love of his life, Linda Cannon Willoughby, and was adored by his daughters, Lisa Willoughby Murray and Lori Willoughby. The lights of his life were his granddaughters, Heather O’Sullivan (Jonathan) and Kelly Layton (TJ) of Dacusville, along with his five great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Cooper, and Cannon O’Sullivan and Wyatt and Emery Layton.

Archie was predeceased by his parents, a son, Michael Willoughby and a brother, Aaron Willoughby, along with his in-laws, Gene and Ethel Cannon.

A Navy veteran, he retired after more than 30 years with Singer/Ryobi in Pickens and was also employed with Pickens County recycling after his retirement.

Because he was a faithful member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church in Pickens, the family asks that memorials be made to the church in his honor.

The funeral was held May 11 at Mountain Grove Baptist Church, officiated by Reverend Tony Stancil.

Pallbearers were Steve Coleman, Tommy Webster, Pat Turner, David Porter, Jonathan O’Sullivan and TJ Layton.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the excellent service and care that Kindred Home Health and Hospice provided to them.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Willoughby family.

Evie Jean Moore

CENTRAL — Evie Jean Horton Moore, 80, of 301 Kelly Mill Road, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at the Cottingham Hospice House.

Born in Easley, she was a daughter of the late Clarence Oliver and Glevelan Reid Horton.

She retired from Ryobi and was a member of Gap Hill Church of God where she was active with the nursing home ministry.

Surviving are her husband, Ernest E. Moore of the home; four sons, Phillip Moore (Sheila) of Central, Terry Moore (Pam) of Tamassee, Mike Moore (Cindy) of Liberty and Keith Moore (Arlina) of Cullowhee, N.C.; two sisters, Christine Davis of Greer, and Pat Chambers of Greenville; a brother, Larry Horton of Easley; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Moore were held May 12 at Gap Hill Church of God, with burial following at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

Janie Lawton Liptak

PICKENS — Janie Lawton Liptak, 84, of Pickens went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday March 9, 2018 in her home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Lawrence Lawton and Ruth Teston Lawton, her first husband, Woodrow Jones, and her second husband of 33 years, Joseph J. Liptak.

Janie was born in Augusta, Ga., and graduated from Thomas Edison High School in Miami, Fla. She held many jobs in the health care field and in industry. After retirement, she enjoyed teaching Sunday school and working in her yard. Everyone who knew Janie was touched by her gentle and loving spirit that exemplified her love for her Savior.

Survivors include a stepson, Joseph John Liptak Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colo.; three brothers, James Lawton of Burbank, Ill., Randall Seigler (Regina) of Lancaster, Texas, and David Seigler (Molly) of Waxahachie, Texas; her nephew/caregiver, Rick Jones (Pam) of Easley; nephews, James T. Lawton and Paul L. Lawton; and nieces, Jacquelyn Sell, Jo Faulkner, Barbara Bishop, Ashley Conner and Jennifer Seigler.

The family wishes to thank Stephanie Wagler and Carla Turner for their love and compassionate care to Janie.

Services were held March 13 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel. Memorials may be sent to The Father’s Vineyard in Pickens. Online condolences may be sent to Dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Liptak family.

Mrs. Edna S. Chastain

PICKENS — Mrs. Edna Springfield Chastain, 95, of Pickens, and wife of the late Oscar Clenith Chastain, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at McCall Hospice House.

Born in Greenville, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Leona O’Shields Springfield.

Mrs. Chastain was retired from the former Gayley Plant in Marietta and was a member of Bethany Church of God in Pickens.

Surviving are two sons, Walter Evan Chastain (Gwynne) and Lee Chastain; one daughter, Carletta Chastain; one daughter-in-law, Julie A. Chastain; one brother, Wayne A. Springfield; two sisters, Brenda Jones and Barbara Robertson; eleven grandchildren, Julie G. Hauser (Bobby), Michael E. Chastain (Laura), Shirley J. Kirby (Dennis), Mark A. Chastain (Robin), Mary L. Little (Tandy), Michael C. Chastain (Lindsey), Shawn J. Chastain, Crystal N. Chastain, C. Blake Chastain (Erica), R. Caleb Chastain (Kelli) and Austin C. Patterson; twenty-six great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Chastain was also predeceased by one son, Michael Blaine Chastain; one grandson, John Edward Chastain; one daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Chastain; one son-in-law, Steve Wilson; and a great-granddaughter, Wylder Rae Chastain.

Services were held May 14 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with the Rev. Roger Stephens and Rev. Barry Dilworth officiating, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Church of God, 428 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens, SC 29671, or to Cannon Hospital, in memory of her son, Michael B. Chastain, 123 WG Acker Drive, Pickens, SC 29671.

Ruby Virginia Painter

PICKENS — Ruby Virginia Painter, 88, of Pickens, passed away May 6, 2018, at her home in Pickens.

Born in Cherokee County, she was the daughter of the late William Smith Wofford and Hattie Lelia Peeler.

Ruby is survived by a daughter, Anita Rogers (Larry) of Pickens; a son, Walt Painter (Bobbie) of Sunset; grandchildren, Brandon Painter of Greenwood and Traci Rogers of Anderson; and great-grandchildren, Brittney Painter and Levi Painter both of Liberty. An extra special thanks goes to very special friends, Brenda Hoffman, Deborah Siegel and Kathy Leopard. In addition to her parents, Ruby is predeceased by a son, John Painter.

A visitation was held Wednesday, May 9, from 2-3 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home. A service will follow in the Funeral Home chapel at 3 p.m. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Online condolence may be sent to Dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Painter family.

Roger Dale Elliott

SIX MILE — Roger Dale Elliott, 74, went to be with his Lord Thursday, May 3, 2018, in his home.

Roger was born in Oconee County to the late Tipp and Nora Elliott and is the husband of Gail Elliott.

Roger proudly served in the United States Air Force. He retired as a welding mechanic and is a member of Mile Creek Baptist Church in Six Mile.

Survivors include his wife, Gail, of 43 years; three sons, Samuel Elliott (Brandi) of Six Mile, Roger Dale Elliott Jr. (Regina) of Jacksonville, Texas and Jeffery Elliot (Sarah) of Longview, Texas; a brother, John Wayne Elliott of Mountain Rest; a sister, Elnora Elliott (Ray) of Pickens; three grandchildren, Brody and Logan Elliott of Six Mile and J.R. Elliott of Texas; and two sweet sisters-in-law, Joy and Jan. Roger was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Eugene Elliott.

Services were held May 5 at Mile Creek Baptist Church in Six Mile, with burial following in the church cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to Dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Elliott family.

Debra Ann Latour

CENTRAL — Debra Ann Latour, 59, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Monday, May 7, 2018.

Born in Anderson County, Debra is a daughter of Betty Sue Towe Reece and the late Calvin Mann Jr.

Survivors include her mother of Pickens; a daughter, Christy Mann of Pickens; a son, Jessie Black of Central; grandchildren, Joshua Black and Daniel Black; a brother, Calvin Mann III (Joyce); and sisters, Elinda Harrison (Randell) and Tina Epps (the late Daniel Epps). Debra was also loved by many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father, stepfather, Rudolph Reece, a brother, Steve Mann, and a sister, Theresa Morgan.

A memorial service was held May 11 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, officiated by the Rev. Greg Phillips.

Memorials may be made to Pickens County Humane Society, 500 Five Forks Road, Liberty, SC 29657.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Latour family.

Martha Ann Porcher

SIX MILE — Martha Ann Porcher, 77, wife of Joseph Scott Porcher, passed from this life Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at Seneca Health and Rehabilitation.

Born in Anderson County, she was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Iler White. Mrs. Porcher was a member of Keowee Baptist Church and was known for her many years of serving the mentally handicapped children of the School District of Pickens County.

Survivors include her husband, Scott, of 26 years, of the home; sons, Larry (Martha) Holliday of Six Mile, David Holliday of Central and Brian (Amanda) Holliday of Central; daughters, Mary Ellen (Greg) Caddell and Shiela Lynn Wood; grandchildren, Crystal (fiancé Tyler Skelton) Holliday, Hannah (Robert) Rollins, Nathan (Audrey) Holliday, Noah Holliday, Angie (Whitney) Hayes, George Caddell and Joseph (Christina) Caddell; and three great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Porcher was predeceased by her parents, her first husband, Lawrence “Whitey” Holliday, and brothers, Bill White, Caroll White, Kent White and Jimmy White.

Services were held May 17 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, officiated by the Rev. Bobby Stewart and the Rev. Jim Ed Looper, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens officiated by Mrs. Porcher’s son, Larry Holliday.

Memorials may be made to Keowee Baptist Church, 544 Keowee Baptist Church Road, Six Mile, SC 29682.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Porcher family.

Evelyn Margaret Arnold

CENTRAL — Evelyn Margaret Arnold, 97, of Central, died May 10, 2018, at the Lila Doyle Nursing Home in Seneca.

Born in Central, she was the daughter of the late Alpha Martin Sheriff and Lena Virginia (Pace) Sheriff.

She was predeceased by husbands, Fred McSwain Cox and Edwin Marvin Arnold; brother, Floyd Sheriff, and sister, Mildred Hinton. Mrs. Arnold had two children, Fred McSwain Cox Jr. and Beverly Ann Mullaney.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Lila Doyle Nursing Home for being part of her family for the last seven years.

A graveside service will be held May 10.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Trinity Wesleyan Church, 700 Issaqueena Trail, Central, SC, 29630.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at robinsonfuneralhomes.com.

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Jerry Beam Payne

PICKENS — Jerry Beam Payne of Pickens passed away Sunday, May 6, 2018, at 11 p.m.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cynthia Payne; adopted daughter, Michelle Gunderson (Glenn) of Stockbridge, Ga.; four grandchildren, Megan Gunderson, Mallory Gunderson, Garrett Gunderson and Morgan Gunderson, all of Stockbridge, Ga.; two great-grandchildren, Kami Branner and Liam Lucarell of Stockbridge, Ga.; two nephews, Stan Strickland (Eve) of Loris and Jay Strickland of Florence; and one niece, Audra Martinez of Dallas, Texas.

Jerry was an avid fisherman and loved golf for all of his life. He was a member of Raptor’s Flying Club, R.C. planes; however he could no longer enjoy his hobbies to health concerns.

Sara Kircus Pilgrim

PICKENS — Sara K. Pilgrim, 90, wife of the late Calvin Pilgrim, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, May 11, 2018.

Born in Oconee County, she was a daughter of the late James Henry Kircus and the late Mattie Evatt Kircus.

Sara was retired from Libco Mills in Liberty but worked after retirement in the cafeteria for numerous schools around Pickens County and The Ice Cream Parlor. Mrs. Pilgrim also volunteered her time at Cannon Hospital. One of her favorite pastimes was working with flowers in her yard. Sara was an active and faithful member of Mountain View Baptist Church and the choir. She enjoyed going on summer mission trips and participating in senior activities, including music and dancing.

Survivors include two daughters, Diane (Sammy) Little of Pickens and Marsha (Rick) Reeves of Liberty; a brother, Harley (Jerri) Kircus of Greenville; a sister, Barbara Moore of Union; four grandchildren, Kim (Mark) Cisson, Angie (Tommy) Webster, Dusty (Heather) Reeves and Sam (Cheryl) Little; six great grandchildren, Allie Webster, Lucy Cisson, Emma Reeves, Cooper Cisson, Stone Little and Zoleigh Little; and a longtime family friend, Barbara Ann Alexander.

Mrs. Pilgrim was predeceased by her parents; her husband; brothers, James Kircus and Edward Kircus; sisters, Eleanor Brejcha and Leila “Tiny” Carter; and a great-grandson, Luke Cisson.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Willows of Easley and Providence Hospice for their love and care for Mrs. Pilgrim.

Services were held May 14 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, officiated by the Rev. Bob Dickard and the Rev. Rick Hayes, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Providence Hospice Care, 202 Wall Street, Piedmont SC 29673, or the Mountain View Baptist Church Choir, 336 Mountain View Church Road, Six Mile, SC 29682.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Pilgrim family

Mary Frances Elrod

CENTRAL — Mary “Frances” Wheeler Elrod, 84, widow of Allan Lawton Elrod, went home to her Lord Sunday, May 13, 2018.

Born in Stephens County, Ga., she was a daughter of the late Millard G. and Annie Scott Wheeler. Frances was a homemaker, loving mother, grandmother and G.G. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church.

Surviving are daughters, Sharon McAnulty (Frank), Debbie Stone (Johnny) and Tammy Manley, all of Central; sons, Kem Elrod of Central and Greg Elrod (Regina) of Seneca; sister, Teresa Bell of Central; grandchildren, Derek Stone, Keith Elrod, Andy McAnulty, Brandi Elrod, Jennifer Elrod, Nickle McAnulty, Michael Stone, Stephanie Collins, Angelene McAnulty, Adam Elrod, Joseph Collins and Casey Elrod; and great-grandchildren, Deliliah Thompson, Brielle Young, Iris McAnulty and Israel McAnulty.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by brothers, George Wheeler, Winford Wheeler and Roy Wheeler; sister, Annie Lois Wheeler; and great-grandson, Jayden Stone.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Oconee Memorial Park.

The family will be at their respective homes.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.