Milwee M. Schooley

Pickens — Milwee Mauldin Schooley, 94, widow of Roy Morris Schooley, died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, at her home.

Mrs. Schooley was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Waymon H. and Maude Chalmers Mauldin. She was a homemaker and a member of Pickens Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Schooley was the last surviving member of her generation. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brothers, Mason W. Mauldin, Dr. David W. Mauldin and sisters, Tabitha Ann Mauldin, and Jessie M. Holder.

A private graveside service will be held in the Holder Estate of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens with the Rev. Nath Briley officiating.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her caregivers, Debra Holder, Lavenia Putnum, Rhonda Lynch, and Candi Dunn.

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

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Schooley family.

Lib Oates

Easley — Elizabeth Higgins “Lib” Oates, 88, of 105 Mountain View Drive, wife of the late William Jasper “Bill” Oates, Sr., died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012.
Born in Pickens County, the daughter of the late OK Higgins, Sr. and the late Eva Farmer Higgins, Mrs. Oates retired from American Federal as a loan officer and later was a broker and owner of Oates Properties. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Easley where she belonged to the Fanny Freeman Sunday School Class and the senior choir, Heart Song. She was a volunteer with Baptist Easley Hospital and helped raised funds for the United Way. Mrs. Oates was a member of the Dorothy O. Scott Garden Club. Lib deeply loved her church family and friends. She met all challenges with incredible determination and strength. She will be remembered for her honesty, generous heart, laughter and loving tender spirit.

Surviving are a daughter, Elizabeth Higgins “Libby” Oates of Easley; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Leigh “Billie” Oates-Moore (James) of Greenville; her beloved great-grandson, Drayton William Moore; her niece’s dog, Coconut and her cat, Max.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Oates was predeceased by a son, William Jasper “Bill” Oates, Jr., by a granddaughter, Elise Higgins Oates, and by a brother, OK Higgins, Jr.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Dr. John Adams officiating. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church, 300 East First Avenue, Easley, SC 29640 or to the Pickens County Library System, 304 Biltmore Road, Easley, SC 29640.

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

Colleen Leaverton Schram

Easley — Colleen Leaverton Schram, 91, of 1005 Pelzer Highway formerly of Ashwood Ln., wife of the late Lawrence John Schram, died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2012 at McCall Hospice House.

Born Oct. 6, 1921 in Detroit, Mich, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Erna Naegele Leaverton. Mrs. Schram was a retired Tax Assessor in Pompano Beach, Fla. with 20 years of service. She was a member of the Easley Moose Lodge and St. Michaels Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Schram is survived by her daughter, Jean Sadlowski Hanley; sister, Darlene Highstreet (Edward) granddaughters, Ginger Ragsdale (Phil), Beth Elias, Susan Waters (Mike), Debbie Williams and Linda Smith (Mike); nine great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be conducted at later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615 or McCall Hospice House, 1836 West Georgia Rd., Simpsonville, SC 29680.

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

IsAac Maxel Cantrell

Easley — Isaac M. “Ike” Cantrell, 96, husband of Creola Murphree Cantrell, died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012 at his home.

Born in Six Mile, a son of the late Jacob L. and Mary Elizabeth “Lizzy” Edens Cantrell, Mr. Cantrell was a member of Secona Baptist Church, retired from The Singer Company and Curt Hall Auto Sales as well as a graduate of Six Mile High School.

Survivors include his wife of the home, a son; Joseph Lewis Cantrell (Kathy B.) of Summerville, a daughter; Sharron C. Godfrey of Easley, four grandchildren; Stacey Elgin (Randy), Sherry Myhand (Phillip) all of Easley, Brian L. Cantrell of Charleston, and Christy Sease (Anthony) of Summerville, six great grandchildren; Matthew Elgin, Mason Elgin, Haleigh Myhand, Parker Myhand, Rachel Sease, and Rhyder Sease and a sister; Willie Mae Cantrell of Spartanburg.
Mr. Cantrell was predeceased by his parents, five sisters and four brothers.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Dillard Funeral Home from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens with the Rev. Jeff Whaley officiating.

Memorials may be made to Journey Hospice 665 North Academy Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29601.

The family is at the home.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Cantrell family.

Betty Owens Lappin

Easley — Betty Owens Lappin, 83, of 206 Asbury Circle, wife of the late Royal Eugene Lappin, died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012 at McCall Hospice House after a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Davenport, Iowa, Mrs. Lappin was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marie Eikam Owens. She graduated from Davenport High School and attended the University of Iowa. Mrs. Lappin was a member of Easley Presbyterian Church. For many years, she volunteered for Baptist Easley Hospital and the Shriners Hospital for Children, and she was a former Welcome Wagon Hostess. In addition, Mrs. Lappin was a co-founder of the Blue Chip Ladies Investment Club, and she was a former substitute teacher at Easley Junior High as well as Easley Senior High School. She enjoyed knitting “Blankets of Love.”
Surviving are her three sons, Thomas E. Lappin and his wife, Maria, of Greer, David O. Lappin and his wife, Harriet, Daniel C. Lappin and his wife, Kim, all of Easley; two daughters, Nancy L. Callahan and her husband, Sonny, of Greer, and Lisa L. Lucas and her husband, Barry, of Cumming, Ga.; 11 grandchildren, Christopher (Brie) and Marisa Lappin, Chelsea and Zachary Lappin, Benjamin (Kristen) and Matthew (Ashley) Lappin, Kelli and Jacob Callahan, Clay, Ben and Eliza Lucas; three great-grandchildren, James Royal, Hayley, and Aubrey Lappin, as well as an expected great-grandson; and three step-grandchildren, Grady, Brian (Melanie) and Casey (MarthaAnn) Callahan.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Friday in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road with the Rev. Christie Gravely and the Rev. Casey Callahan officiating.

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

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605 or McCall Hospice House, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

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

Wanda Rampey
Liberty — Wanda Davis Rampey, 52, wife of Daryl Alan Rampey, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012 at her home.

Born in Greenville to the late Jonah and Betty Tedder Davis, Wanda was a homemaker and a good Christian who dearly loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, Shaun Bennefield (Krystal) of Easley, Travis Bennefield of Liberty, and Christopher Rampey (Nichole) of Liberty; a brother, Donnie G. Davis of Garner, N.C.; three sisters, Helen Eller (Cecil) of Mauldin, Jackie Hopkins (Dennis) of Liberty, and Kim Bishop (Leonard) of Easley; and nine grandchildren, Austlynn Hogue, Deven Hogue, Austin Bennefield, Noah Bennefield, Breanna LaBlanc, Katie Bennefield, Karlie Bennefield, Cohen Bennefield, and D Rock.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Kevin Bennefield.
A private memorial service will be at a later date.

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

Arnold Leslie

Easley — Mr. Arnold Lee Leslie, 68, died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012 at Rainey Hospice House, Anderson.

Born in Elberton, Ga., the son of the late Harold Arnold and Annie Bell Teat Leslie, Mr. Leslie retired from the School District of Pickens County and was the former owner of Leslie Lock and Key. He was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

Surviving is his wife of 40 years, Faye Blackston Leslie.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, prior to the service.

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

Margaret Ann C. Kosinski

Clemson — Margaret Ann Chastain Kosinski, 63, of 303 Tamassee Drive and wife of Robert J. Kosinski died Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 at her home.

Born in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late Frank H. and Helen Ann Cox Chastain.  Margaret Ann was the owner and operator of Tiger Lily Gifts and Flowers in Clemson.  She was a graduate of University of Georgia and earned her Masters Degree in Plant Pathology from Clemson University.  She was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Clemson.

Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Bobby Walker of Sanford, Fla. and Jody Walker of Columbia.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 4 p.m., Friday at the church with Father Gregory West officiating.

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

Billy Holcombe

Easley — Billy Allen Holcombe, 74, of 843 Old Stage Coach Road, died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Joseph R. and Olga Sanders Holcombe, Mr. Holcombe self employed truck driver and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Surviving are his wife, Carrie Hooper Holcombe of the home; a son, Allen Holcombe of Easley; two daughters, Kendall Durham (Scott) and Lisa Arrowood (Larry), all of Easley; a brother, Ralph Holcombe of Easley; two sisters, Peggy Holcombe of Easley and Mildred Gantt of Liberty; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, three step-granddaughters and two special nieces, Judy Robinson and Jane Nix.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Holcombe was predeceased by four brothers, Charlie Holcombe, Edward Holcombe, Heyward Holcombe and John Holcombe, and by two sisters, Geraldine Wyatt and Etheline Gantt.

Funeral services were 3:30 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Randy Smith officiating. Burial, with military honors, followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

Charles Julius Hunter

Easley — Charles Julius Hunter died Friday, Nov. 16, 2012.

He was born in Easley on June 22, 1966 to Valerie Cannon Hunter and Charles W. Hunter, Jr. (Ernestine). At an early age, he joined Pickens Chapel U.M.C., and attended various churches in Greenville until his illness. Charles received his education at Pickens High School and South Carolina State University, where he played football and basketball. Charles devoted more than 20 years in the field of Logistics at Interfilm Corporation, Greenville; and East Teak Corporation in Donalds, where he held numerous professional certifications in the business manufacturing field. He will be remembered for his love of mankind and compassion for others.

He leaves to cherish his memory: a son, Julius C. Hunter (Evelyn) of Atlanta, Ga.; two loving sisters, Margaret A. Hunter of Washington, DC, and Alesia A. Hunter of Easley; one brother, Adrian M. Hunter of Charlotte, N.C.; one step-brother, Frank Gray of Greenville; one grandson, Micah Clem Hunter of Atlanta, Ga.; one nephew, Bruk Hunter of Charlotte, N.C.; a devoted companion, Yvonne Washington of Greenville; uncles, aunts, cousins, and a host of friends.

Funeral service was Wednesday, Nov. 21 2 p.m. at Watkins, Garrett & Woods Mortuary in Greenville. Interment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Pickens.

Watkins, Garrett & Woods Mortuary is assisting the Hunter family.

Tara M. Dodson

Easley — Tara M. Dodson, 23, died Nov. 20, 2012.

She was born in Easley a daughter of Silas B. Dodson of Six Mile and Brenda Gail Duncan of Easley and was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. 

Surviving in addition to her parents are a brother, James Allen Dodson of Salem; sisters Candace Dodson and Jessica Bradshaw both of Easley, Crystal Dawn Dodson of Westminster, Kendra Durham of New Orleans, La. and Tanya Medlin of Six Mile; grandparents, Bob and Edna Reese of Easley; friend Heather Johnson of Easley; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Tara Michelle Dodson were 3 p.m., Friday in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central. Burial followed in Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Tara Michelle Dodson Funeral Fund, C/O First Citizens Bank.

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

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the Dodson family.

Al Kirk

Simpsonville — Albert Edgar “Al” Kirk, 65, of 18 Chantilly Rue Court, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012 at his home.

Born in Spartanburg, a son of the late Ernest and Betty McAbee Kirk, Mr. Kirk retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 20 years of service and was a member of Rice’s Creek Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Joan Roper Durham Kirk of the home; two sons, Jerry Durham of Mauldin and Gerald Durham of Liberty; a daughter, Angela Durham of Lyman; a brother, Tommy of Greenwood; a sister, Rebecca Dorr of Anderson; five grandsons and one great-grandson.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Kirk was predeceased by a brother, Louis Kirk.
Memorial services were held Sunday at 3 p.m. at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

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

Peter Them

Pickens — Peter Frederich Them, II, 67, husband of Mary Carolyn “MC” Them of Pickens died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012.

Peter was born in Charleston, son of the late Frederich Norman and Mary Doran Them. He was a graduate of Bishop England High School in Charleston, The Citadel Class of 1967 where he received a BS in Political Science. In 1973 Peter received a J. D. degree from The University of South Carolina School of Law. He was admitted to the SC Bar in 1973. He was a U.S. Army veteran where he served in Viet Nam. Prior to moving to Pickens, Peter was active in the practice of law in the low country having served in private practice in both Monks Corner and Summerville. He also served as assistant solicitor in the First Judicial Circuit in Dorchester County, served as legal advisor to The SC Department of Corrections, and served as member and President of the Dorchester County Public Defenders Board and a member and past President of Dorchester County Bar Association. Peter also served as municipal judge in Ridgeville. In the upstate, Peter was in private practice in Pickens, and retired as an Assistant Solicitor with the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Greenville. He also served on the public defender board and represented victims being served by The Julie Valentine Center in Greenville. Peter was a member of both, The South Carolina Bar Association and Pickens County Bar Association, the State and National Trial Lawyers Associations, The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the SC Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Mary Carolyn “MC” Them of the home, daughters, Loriann Lake Them and Melissa Katherine Them both of the home and his grandson, Gavin Richard Silvers also of the home. Also surviving are sisters, Doran Them Tileston of Charleston and Kristina Them Thomason of Mt. Pleasant.

Services will be private.

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

The family requests flowers be omitted and memorials be made to The Julie Valentine Center for Sexual Assault and Recovery, 2905 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611.

Dillard Funeral Home is serving the family.

Ruby C. Gilreath

Easley — Mrs. Ruby Cisson Gilreath, 86, wife of Clinton A. “Whitey” Gilreath, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012 at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late James Edward and Addie Stone Cisson, Mrs. Gilreath retired from Dan River Textiles, with 45 years of service and was formerly employed at The Southerner Restaurant. She was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, are two sons, Alton Lee “Butch” Futrell of Six Mile and Raymond Edward Futrell (Bobbie) of Greenville; two daughters, Shirley Crittenden (Ralph) of Easley and Ellen Watson (Don) of Archdale, N.C.; two sisters, Jessie Pressley (Allen) of Greenville and Alvertia Edwards of Newport News, Va.; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gilreath was predeceased by a son, Lewis Futrell; two brothers, two sisters and two grandsons.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 309 Pelzer Highway, Easley, SC 29642 or to Conrad Memorial Baptist Church, 1920 North Centennial Street, High Point, NC 27262.

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

Tim Lakey Rice

Franklin, N.C. — Tim Lakey Rice, age 96, of Pickens, formerly of Franklin, died Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012. 

She was born in Macon County, the daughter of the late William Joseph Lakey and Maggie Green Lakey.  She was a homemaker, and a member of Emmanuel Church.  She loved to cook pound cakes and read her Bible.  She also liked gardening and growing flowers. 

She is survived by two daughters, Helen Long of Easley and Mary Ann Rogers and husband Alex of Cashiers Valley, N.C.; two sons, Earl Rice and wife Shirley of Pickens and John Rice and wife Patricia of Stanley, N.C.; step‑son, James Loy Rice of Burlington, N.C.; 17 grandchildren, 35 great‑grandchildren and nine great‑great‑grandchildren also survive.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Div Rice, daughter, Gladys Sewell, sisters, Julie Vanhook and Mary Houston, and three step‑sons, LeRoy Rice, Cecil Glenn Rice and Ward Cleveland Rice.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home, with the Rev. Billy Rice and the Rev. Van Long officiating.  Burial was in Riverview Cemetery.  Pallbearers were David English, Bill Houston, Scott White, Jeff Rice, Eddie Rice, Chance Raxter, Joseph Long, and Gregg Hayes.

Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Leland T. Kelly

Six Mile — Leland Thomas “Boudon” Kelly, 69, of Powder Mill Road, died Monday, Nov. 26, 2012.

Born in Long Island, N.Y., he was the son of the late Ralph and Eleanor Evatt Kelly. Mr. Kelly was retired from the Oconee Nuclear Station of Duke Energy and was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Clemson.

Surviving is his wife of the home, Mary C. Kelly; daughter, Theresa Kelly-Dunkley; son-in-law, Jeff Looper; four grandchildren, Kelsey Dunkley, Jordan Dunkley, Kaitlyn Dunkley, and AFC Christopher Looper; “Adopted” grandchildren, Ben, Cade, and Dylon; son, Tony Kelly; nephew, Russell Kelly; sister, Nell Snipes; brothers, Hal Kelly (Gennis) and Roger Kelly (Brenda).

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Nov. 28 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Clemson with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 1 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gap Hill Baptist Church, 733 Kelly Mill Rd., Six Mile, SC 29682 or St. Andrews Catholic Church, P.O. Box 112, Clemson, SC 29633.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.
The family will be at the home.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Kelly family.