PRISCILLA ANN PHILLIPS WATSON

PICKENS — Priscilla Ann Phillips Watson, of Pickens Gardens, danced her way into glory on Sunday, May 23, 2021.

Born in Macon, Ga., she was a former staff member of The Feed Room restaurant and the Odds and Ends thrift shop in Pickens. Priscilla was a devoted member of Pickens Church of God and loved by her community. She never met a stranger, instead always finding new friends to invite to church.

She is survived by her son, Karl (Hali) Becker; brothers, Rick (Reba) Phillips and Barry (Linda) Phillips; two grandchildren; her church family; and many friends.

 

RANDY JAMES MCCALL

PICKENS — Randy James McCall, 60, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021, at his home.

Randy was born on Sept. 12, 1960, in Sodus, N.Y., son of the late Edward McCall and Edna Elizabeth Turner McCall. Randy was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and when he was not in the woods or on a lake, he liked singing karaoke. Randy also enjoyed camping, including the annual trip with his family to Tennessee Creek Campground. He loved spending time with his family and was of the Christian faith.

Surviving are his three children, Victoria Smith (Jessie James), Crystal Dawn Broome (Chris) and Randall Holdway McCall; three siblings, Edward McCall, Gerald McCall and Linda Merck (Randy); one sister-in-law, Patricia Turner; six grandchildren, Candise Renae Smith, Cameron James Smith, Bryson Isaiah Smith, Jamie Dale Smith Jr., Christian Nicole Smith and Chasidy Lynn Smith; and a special friend, Linda Anderson.

Randy was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Annette McCall, and one brother, Donnie Turner.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, from 1-2 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with Rev. Daniel Stancil officiating. A committal service will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

 

RICK GALLOWAY NOBLITT

CENTRAL — Rick Galloway Noblitt, 62, son of the late Eunice Noblitt and Kenneth Noblitt, passed away on Tuesday May 25, 2021, at his home.

Rick loved his family and grandchildren. His favorite thing to do was ride his motorcycle.

Survivors include two daughters, Jennifer Owens and husband Daniel of Easley and Casey Noblitt of Tennessee; two sons, Trapper Noblitt of Simpsonville and Billy Posey of Pickens; one sister, Tina Wilbur of Central; one brother, Rob Galloway and wife Shane of Easley; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Rick was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Benny Noblitt.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Galloway family.

 

CHARLES EDMUND OWEN

EASLEY — Charles Edmund Owen, 87, husband of the late Eloise Cox Owen and Irene Owen, both of Pickens, passed away on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at River Falls Rehab and Healthcare Center in Marietta.

A native of Rosman, N.C., Charles was born Aug. 20, 1933, the son of the late Otha Estell Chapman Owen and Fred Dillard Owen. Mr. Owen was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his four daughters, Almedia Baker (Leon) of Raleigh, N.C., Lynn Noa (Buch) of Winston-Salem, N.C., Kathy Talbert of Greenville and Venita Talbert (Terry) of Marietta; and his son, Ricky Owen (Elizabeth) of Pickens.

Mr. Owen was predeceased by his first and second wives; parents; one sister, Estelle Larsen; and four brothers, Howard Owen, Harold Owen and Edgar Owen.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Owen family.

 

JAMES KENNETH BALDWIN

PICKENS — James Kenneth Baldwin, 56, husband of Diane Gillespie Baldwin, passed from this life on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Easley, he was a son of James Harold Baldwin and Sadie J. Johnson. Kenneth enjoyed driving, but most of all he loved driving his 50th anniversary edition Ford Mustang.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 23 years, Diane of the home; his father, James; a daughter, Katie Hendrix (Roshara), of Douglasville, Ga.; two sons, Matthew Baldwin of Douglasville, Ga., and James Robert Baldwin of Liberty; and two brothers, Jeff Baldwin (Ruth Ann) of Easley and Christopher Baldwin of Dacusville.

Kenneth was predeceased by his son, Austin Dylan Baldwin, and a sister, Susan Baldwin Osborne.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Baldwin family.

 

MARY ELOISE GILSTRAP

NORRIS — Mary Eloise Gilstrap, 80, daughter of Elzie Moore and Mary Ellen Moore, passed away on Thursday, May 27, 2020, at her home.

Mary is survived by her children, Teana Reece (Marty) of Pickens and Tammy Masceri of Norris; grandchildren, Tammy Jean Masters, Dice Masters, Eddie Joe Redding, Ginger Euneake Willis (Jeremiah), Joseph Masceri, Dillon Reece, Kelly Masceri and Bradie Reece; great-grandchildren, Andrew Masters, Yona Newcomer, Wolf Willis and Hunter Willis; and a great-great-grandchild, Toby Jacob Masters.

Ms. Gilstrap was predeceased by her parents; children, Ginger Ellen Redding (Edgar “Eddie”) and Thomas Reece (Marty); and sisters, Alice Stone, and Helen Simmons.

The family hosted a memorial service on May 30 at the home of Tammy Masceri.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Gilstrap family.

 

EARLINE STROUD COOLEY

EASLEY — Mrs. Earline Stroud Cooley, 87, wife of the late James “Ed” Edward Cooley, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thurday, May 27, 2021.

Born in Galivants Ferry, a daughter of the late Ernest Stroud and the late Johnnie Odie Henderson Stroud, Mrs. Cooley was a graduate of Floyd’s High School and retired from Buncombe Street United Methodist Church Nursery School with 20 years of service. She was a member of Berea First Baptist Church.

Surviving are her three daughters, Deonda C. Weldon (Jim) of Clemson, Debra C. Galloway (Joey) of Easley and Robin C. Elliott (Randy) of Trophy Club, Texas; her two brothers, Nelson Stroud (Barbara) and Milton Stroud (Betty), both of Ware Place; her two sisters, Lydia Vaughn (Robin) of Powdersville and Nedra Styles of Mauldin; her four grandchildren, Michelle McWhorter (Chris), Alison White (Jason), Taylor Elliott (Laurel) and Arrington Watson (Ben); and her 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Cooley was predeceased by three brothers and one sister.

Funeral services were held on May 29 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Private entombment will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum at a later date.

Flowers will be accepted, and memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

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

 

JIM GILSTRAP

 

EASLEY — Jimmy Dewain “Jim” Gilstrap, 72, of West Church Road, died on Friday, May 28, 2021, at his residence.

Born in Greenville, he was the husband of 33 years to Martha Ray Robertson Gilstrap and a son of the late James Guy and Burley Thomas Gilstrap. Mr. Gilstrap was a United States Navy veteran and served during the Vietnam War era. He was retired from KEMET Electronics, where he worked for 32 years. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved spending time with his family and being outdoors, either fishing or hunting and working in his yard with his wife. He was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, is a sister, Betty Sue Eyerman of Easley; a brother, Tommy Ray Gilstrap of Huntsville, Ala.; his sister-in-law, Susan Birch of Waterloo; his daughter-in-law, Adrian Heatherly of Pelzer; two grandchildren, Brett and T.J. Heatherly of Pelzer; and his dog, Barney.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepson, Stevie Heatherly; and a brother, James Bobby Gilstrap.

RUTH T. WELCH

EASLEY — Ruth Thompson Welch, 95, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at her home.

Born in Newberry County, she was a daughter of the late Clyde and Florence Murray Thompson.

Mrs. Welch was retired from J.P. Stevens after 42 years of dedicated service. She was a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church and enjoyed camping, fishing, shopping and quilting.

Surviving are her children, Barbara Lunsford (Harold) of Easley and Diane Lawrence (Steve) of Redmond, Ore.; grandchildren, Danny Thomas (Harriett) and Brian Alexander; great-grandchildren, Cody Thomas, Casey Thomas, Breanna Alexander and Logan Alexander; and great-great-grandchildren, Brantley and Bralin of the home and Nathaniel, Colton and Kelli.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Robert “Bob” Price; her second husband, Herbert “Shorty” Welch; a son, Dennis Welch; a grandchild, Clifton Thomas; a great-great grandchild, Aubree; sisters, Cathleen Shields, Lavenia Ammons, Gertie Pearson and Helen Lewis; and brothers, George and Albert Thompson.

Funeral services were held on June 1 in the chapel at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial was held at Whitmire Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Building Fund, 101 Pisgah Road, Easley, SC 29642 or Pruitt Health Hospice, 301 Halton Road, Unit B, Greenville, SC 29607.

The family will be at the home.

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

 

MELVIN CARLO FINCANNON

LIBERTY — Mr. Melvin Carlo Fincannon, 68, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 24, 2021.

Mr. Fincannon was born in Central and was the son of the late John Thomas Fincannon and Christine Edens Fincannon and husband to the late Jo Ann Lesley.

Survivors include two grandchildren, David Fincannon (Casey) of Powdersville and Danielle Fincannon, serving in Germany in the United States Army; and a loving and precious great-grandson, Axel. Also surviving are sisters, Hazel Wardlaw (Robert), Sarah McCall (Bruce), Irene DeGregorio (Randy) and Ethel Stamey (Travis); and brothers, Edward Fincannon (Patty) and JW Fincannon (Mary).

Along with his wife, Jo Ann Fincannon, Mr. Fincannon was predeceased by his son, Rod Fincannon, and a sister, Mildred Fincannon.

Mr. Fincannon is a longtime resident of this area. He enjoyed gardening and cutting his grass. He was a lover of dogs and had a very special companion named Coco. He also enjoyed going fishing from time to time.

A graveside service will be scheduled and announced in the coming days.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Fincannon family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

 

SUZANNE ARCHER FORTUNE

PICKENS — Suzanne Archer Fortune, 78, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, May 22, 2021.

Suzanne is the beloved wife of the late David Edward Fortune, CW4 (Ret.) and former POW of the Korean War. She is survived by her daughter, Tamatha Sue Fortune, and granddaughter, Kylie Madison Lundy, both of Charlotte, N.C.

Suzanne was born in Johnson City, Tenn., in 1942 to the late Flemons A. and Laura Cridlin Archer. She worked in civil service for the federal government and was a member of Pickens View Wesleyan Church. She enjoyed visiting her friends at the Senior Center, where she starred in a variety of theatrical performances. Suzanne was known for her compassionate nature and generous heart. Her greatest love and joy were for her family. She will be deeply missed by many who loved her dearly.

Relatives and friends were invited to a graveside service that was held on June 1 at Robinson Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hagood Community Senior Center, 129 Schoolhouse St., Pickens, SC 29671 or a charity of your choice.

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

 

PATRICIA ANN DEFIELDS

SENECA — Patricia Ann DeFields, 79, passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021 at Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born in Worcester, Mass., on Dec. 17, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Esther Kibby Sanford.

Mrs. DeFields is survived by her two sons, David Reed of Seneca and Ron Reed of Ohio. Also left to share in her memory is one grandson, David Reed Jr.

In addition to her parents, Harold and Esther Sanford, she was predeceased by her husband, William Martin Reed Jr.

No formal services are planned at this time.

 

 

SIDNEY B. WHITLOCK

 

LIBERTY — Sidney B. Whitlock, 93, beloved husband of the late Dorothy Elizabeth Smith Whitlock, entered into eternal glory on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, after an extended illness.

Born in Six Mile on Aug. 21, 1927, Sidney’s life centered around service to God, his country, family and community. An Army veteran, he served in Germany during WWII. After returning home from the war, Sidney worked at Woodside Mills. He then worked for Robinson Funeral Home, where he retired after more than 50 years of dedicated service. In his spare time, he enjoyed repairing washers, dryers and other appliances. It was during each of these endeavors where his kindness, generosity and gentle spirit were evident to all who knew him. He was a member of Calumet Baptist Church for more than 60 years, where he was a former deacon and treasurer. He also was a former trustee for the Pickens County School Board.

In addition to his wife, Sidney was predeceased by his parents, Hershel Bunyon and Margaret “Maggie” Satterfield Whitlock; a sister, Inez Holliday; and brothers, Joe, Ander, Paul and Hershel Whitlock.

Surviving are his children, Wanda Whitlock Stewart (Ed) of Easley, Ronnie Whitlock (Debbie) of Liberty, Kaye Whitlock Fowler (Randy) of Liberty, Jane Whitlock Moorehead (Aaron) of Westminster; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Elmer Whitlock of Central.

A funeral service was held on May 29 at Calumet Baptist Church. Burial was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor the life and memory of Sidney Whitlock may be made to Calumet Baptist Church Building Fund, 400 S. Peachtree St., Liberty, SC 29657 or Pruitt Hospice, 1510 N. Fant St., Anderson, SC 29621.

The family will be at their respective homes.

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