CHARLOTTE TURNER BUTTS

CLEMSON — Charlotte Turner Butts, widow of Leverett Belton Butts Jr., passed away peacefully at home in Clemson on Oct. 2, 2021.

She was born Jan. 13, 1922, in Newnan, Ga., to Henry and Savannah White Turner. She graduated from Newnan High School and, subsequently, from West Georgia College and the University of Georgia. She began her career as a teacher, but soon moved to Atlanta, where she found work as an executive secretary. When America entered World War II, she resigned from her secretarial position to work for the War Department in Atlanta. In 1952, she began working at Delta Air Lines as a secretary. In 1992, she retired from Delta as an administrative assistant for in-flight services.

She married Leverett on Nov. 1, 1942, and together they had four children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leverett, and three of her four children, Annie, Mildred and Leverett III.

She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Bruner (Richard) of Clemson; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend gratitude and love to Emma Hagood, who took such excellent care of “Granny Char,” to Tammy Bagwell, who doted on her, and to Amedisys Hospice Care for their outstanding care and support during the last weeks of her life.

A celebration of her life was held on Oct. 9 at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Clemson University Foundation, in memory of Charlotte Butts to the Clemson University Scroll of Honor, P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633 or to the charity of your choice.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Cremations.

 

TOM MAYNOR

EASLEY — Thomas Lee “Tom” Maynor, 72, died on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, at Cottingham Hospice House.

Born in Asheville, N.C., he was the widower of Donna Franklin Maynor and a son of the late Carl and Mary Lou Maynor.

He graduated from Clyde A. Erwin High School in Leicester, N.C., and for many years was the owner/operator of Diamond Auto Sales in Easley. Tommy had such a quick wit and a love for people.

Surviving are a son, Lee Maynor (Susie) of Garner, N.C.; a sister, Ann Bailey (Philip) of Easley; two grandchildren, Juliano and Alex; and a great-grandson, Kaiden.

No formal services will be held, but the family had a gathering to honor his life on Oct. 7 at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

JUDY ELAINE MURPHY BRISSEY

EASLEY — Judy Elaine Murphy Brissey, 69, passed away on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021.

Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late William “J.T.” and Maebell Gibson Murphy.

Mrs. Brissey retired from the School District of Pickens County as a bus driver after almost 20 years and was a member of 5 Point Church. She loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Brissey is survived by a son, Michael Brissey (Amy) of Pickens; daughters, Cynthia Stancil and Kayla Crawford (Ranzie), both of Easley; grandchildren, Jessica Pasqualicchio (Tony), Jordan Brissey, Megan Julian (Trad), Madison Holliday (Chase), and Mackenzie and Brantley Crawford; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Mavrick, Ida, Cecile, Dallas and Kaylin; sisters Brenda Lollis (Bob) of Sunset, and Diane Kay of Easley; brother-in-law, Donald Duncan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her longtime companion, Jacky Hellams; and sisters, Viola Duncan and Hazel Duncan.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 9 at the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home, Downtown. The burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

 

JUDY E. REID

EASLEY — Judy Ellenburg Reid, 84, beloved wife of the late James O. “Jim” Reid, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at her home.

Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late Ralph S. Ellenburg and Clovie Dodson Ellenburg.

Mrs. Reid was retired from Sauer-Danfoss. Prior to her retirement, she was employed with Alice Manufacturing for 25 years. She was an active member of Jones Avenue Baptist Church and the C.W. Lyle Sunday School Class. She loved her Lord, her family and church family and enjoyed cooking, sewing and spending time in her daily Bible reading.

Surviving are her sons, Randall Bryant (Rhonda) of Inman and Keith Bryant (Mary) of Easley; grandchildren, Heather Aiken (Matthew), Kevin Bryant, James Purnell, Keith Purnell (Nicole), Randy Bryant (Ann) and Travis Bryant (Rebecca); 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Janice McCullough (Tommy) of Easley; and a brother, Joel Ellenburg (Mary) of Easley.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a stepdaughter, Teresa Keasler.

The family received friends on Oct. 6 at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with the funeral service following at the funeral home chapel. The burial was at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The service was streamed live at robinsonfuneralhomes.com.

Honorary escort was the C.W. Lyle Sunday School Class.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the building fund of Jones Avenue Baptist Church, 614 Ross Ave., Easley, SC 29640.

The family will be at their respective homes.

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

 

NEOMIA S. WALKER

EASLEY — Neomia Sheriff Walker, 76, of Turpin Drive, beloved wife of Raymond Walker, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021.

Born in Greenville County, she was the daughter of the late Johnson Allen Sheriff and Ruby Smith Blackston.

Mrs. Neomia touched so many young lives during her career. She taught 3K and 4K at Easley First Baptist Church for more than 29 years and was a teacher’s assistant at West End Elementary School and Liberty Elementary School until her retirement. She was an active member of Rock Springs Baptist Church, where she was the church organist for 53 years and was a member of the Jim Merritt Sunday School Class. Neomia loved her Lord and her family and enjoyed shopping, sewing, cooking and baking.

In addition to her husband of 58 years, she is survived by her loving son, Brian Walker and his wife, Tammy Forrester Walker, of Easley; her furry companion, Sophie; sisters, Elaine Edwards and Debra Lyda, both of Pickens; and brothers, Larry Blackston of Anderson and David Blackston of Pickens.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 1 at Rock Springs Baptist Church, with the burial following in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the music ministry of Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642.

The family will be at the home.

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

 

THOMAS ALVIN (TOM) CASSELL

CLEVELAND — Thomas Alvin Cassell, 85, son of the late Waymon Holland and Mamie Duke Cassell, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at his home. Tom was a proud retiree of Milliken in Marietta.

A native of Greenville County, he was born on Dec. 19, 1935. Tom was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Pickens.

Survivors include his three children, Lynn Cassell Cobb, Victor Ray Cassell and Cathy Cassell Swayngham (Tom); five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Cassell was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn Cassell; his oldest son, Russ Cassell; six brothers, Edward Cassell, Gordon Cassell, W.H. Cassell, Robert Cassell, David Cassell and James Cassell; and his seven sisters, Vallie Monroe, Eleanore Wrenn, Vera Hunnicutt, Lois Evette, Dot McConnell, Bernice Gallamore and Marie Crumpton.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 11 a.m. at Mountain View Memorial Park, located at 7 Duncan Road, Travelers Rest, SC 29690.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, located at 620 Pleasant Grove Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Cassell family.

 

JUANITA B. CANNON

LAURENS — Juanita B. Cannon, 53, passed from this life Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021.

Juanita was born in Laurens County, a daughter of the late J. W. Bagwell and the late Carrie Mae Davenport.

What made Juanita the happiest was her grandchildren, butterflies, playing farm games on her tablet and watching “Twilight” movies.

Survivors include her daughters, Ashley Bagwell of Liberty and Leigh Anne Monterroso (Uciel) of Belton; grandchildren, Kaeli, Clay, Scotti, Eli, Colton and Lyla Mae; and siblings, Virgil Bagwell, Shirley Oglesby, Fay Jones, Sherry and Carrie Knight and John Knight.

Juanita was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Linda “Jenny” Littlefield, Johnny Godfrey, Gail Martin and Ronnie Bagwell.

A service was held on Oct. 11. It was officiated by Rev. Robert Fowler.

Mama loved her family and her doggy, Cocoa. She will always be in our hearts.

Mountain View Funeral home is serving the Cannon family.

 

RUBY JENKINS

PICKENS — Mrs. Ruby G. Jenkins, 92, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Mrs. Jenkins was born on March 5, 1929, to the late J. Aaron Gilstrap and Ebbie Hudson Gilstrap. She was a beloved mother and grandmother and loved her family with all her heart. She was adventurous and enjoyed traveling with her sister, Flora, and her children. One of her favorite places to spend time with family was Lake Keowee. Her smile would light up any room she entered.

She is survived by one daughter, Lynne Grant (Dan) of Pickens; five sons, Denny Jenkins (Vickie) of Marietta, Mike Jenkins (Beverly) of Central, Tommy Jenkins (Judy) of Liberty, Robby Jenkins of Pickens and Terry Chandler (Judy) of Easley; one grandson, Chuck Grant of Kennesaw, Ga.; one granddaughter, Amanda Jenkins of Myrtle Beach; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Jenkins was preceded in death by one brother, Jesse Gilstrap, and one sister, Flora Chandler.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13, in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel. Interment will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Wednesday at Dillard Funeral Home.

Flowers are accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, in care of Sadie Nix, PO Box 513, Pickens, SC.

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

 

DORIS BURGESS

NORRIS — Doris Gilstrap Burgess, 70, died on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at her home.

Born in Easley, she was the widow of Milton Clyde Burgess and a daughter of the late J.B. and Annie Stewart Gilstrap.

She worked many years in grocery and was a member of Cateechee Baptist Church, where she led the Ladies Group for many years.

Surviving are two daughters, Jennifer Beacham (Billy) of Norris and Crystal Long (Billy) of Greenville; three grandchildren, Bobby Long, Colt Beacham and Autumn Long; a brother, Sammie Gilstrap of Pickens; and a sister, Martha Gibson of Walhalla.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, David, Herbert, Herman “Pete” and Joe Gilstrap.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. Burgess were conducted on Oct. 12 at Liberty Memorial Gardens. No formal visitation is planned.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Cateechee Baptist Church, Homeless Ministry, PO Box 515, Norris, SC 29667 or the American Cancer Society, 115 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

ROY BILL WATSON

PICKENS — Roy Bill Watson, 80, loving husband of 53 years to the late Patty Bell Watson, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, at his home.

A native of Pickens County, Roy was born on Sept. 29, 1941, son of the late Bill Eunice Watson and Edna Lala Holliday Watson. Mr. Watson worked at Davis Electrical, Fluor Daniel, Yeargin Electrical and the School District of Pickens County until his retirement. He enjoyed farming and loved to joke and make others laugh. He was a member and deacon at Praters Creek Baptist Church in Pickens.

Survivors include one daughter, Donna Watson Lamb (David) of Easley; one son, Ted Watson (Michelle) of Pickens; five grandchildren, Cameron Lamb (Chandler), Rebecca Hayes (Trevor), Ryan Lamb, Hanna Watson and Kerington Lamb; one brother, Coy Watson (Joyce) of Easley; and two brothers-in-law, Mike Bell (Debbie) of California and Dan Bell (Lynn) of Easley.

In addition to his parents and wife, Patty, Mr. Watson was predeceased by two sisters, Thelma Clardy and Barbara Powell.

Visitation was held on Oct. 7 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with the funeral service following. Burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Roy’s honor may be made to Praters Creek Baptist Church, 621 Praters Creek Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Watson family.

 

ESTHER NAOMI WINCHESTER KELLEY

PICKENS — Esther Naomi Winchester Kelley of Pickens, 87, widow of the late Jerry Walter Kelley, entered her heavenly home on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021.

She was the daughter of the late Benjamin Tillman Winchester Sr. and the late Allie Bertie Collins Winchester. She was a homemaker and a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church, where she was a part of multiple music ministries, including singing in the choir and playing handbells.

Mrs. Kelley cherished her family. She was born into one of the most respected families in Pickens and was a member of a large and loving family. She was renowned for her cooking, which was her gift of love to her family and to others. Her sourdough bread was legendary, as were many of her dishes. Her grandchildren could always expect one of her delicious cakes for their birthdays, a gift she continued into the last days of her life.

Mrs. Kelley was a devoted wife to her husband of 67 years, and they loved traveling together. She was always behind the wheel of her trusty Cadillac. She even taught the grandchildren how to drive in her Cadillac while practicing loops around the circular driveway of her home.

She is survived by four daughters, Carolyn Holder (Steve) of Lilburn, Ga.; Joyce Gillespie (Tommy) of Pickens; Marie Finley of Easley; and Frances Stewart (Phil) of Pickens; 10 grandchildren, Kelley Reid (Tim), Nikki Culbertson (Matt), Matthew Holder (Shilo), Heather Simmons (Lance), Cherie Yarborough (Clint), Meghan Knapp (Eric), Carly Fitzpatrick (Kason) and Tiffany, Sabrina and Sarah Stewart; 19 great-grandchildren; and six sisters, Ruth Hinkle, Janie Sorrells, Myrtie Cochran, Mary Hull, Leona Crowther and Christine Kearney.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Kelley was predeceased by five brothers, Daniel, Ben, David, Hubert and Valley Winchester; three sisters, Martha Reavis, Evelyn Breazeale and Elizabeth Howe; and a grandson, Samuel David Stewart.

Visitation will be from 1-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at Grace United Methodist Church on Cedar Rock Street in Pickens, with the funeral services at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 309 E. Cedar Rock St., Pickens, S.C. 29671.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Kelley family.