Itau Fowler Ellison

Easley — Mrs. Itau Fowler Ellison, 87, wife of the late Homer Charles Ellison, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2013 at her home.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Thomas Julius and Maude Maybell Pilgrim, Mrs. Ellison retired from Woven Electronics and was a member of Zion United Methodist Church, where she was active in the church and belonged to United Ministries.

Surviving are a son, Roy Charles Ellison (Kathy) of Easley; a daughter, Joyce Elaine Ellison of Easley; two grandchildren, Joshua Ellison and Amanda Bennefield (Clint); three great-grandchildren, Tyler Musselman, and Reagan and Jackson Bennefield; and her extended family, Jane and Tessa O’Rourke, and Dylan and Braden Mills.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Ellison was predeceased by three brothers, Gordon, Julius, and Thomas Fowler; a sister, Christine Fowler Bagwell; and a great-grandchild, Erin Bennefield.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Hospice Care of South Carolina, and especially her nurse Pam Campbell, RN, for the love and care they provided to Mrs. Ellison.

Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605; to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148; to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 2357, Easley, SC 29641; or to the Salvation Army, 102 Stewart Drive, 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.

  

Elisabeth D. Kimbler

Clemson — Elisabeth “Beth” Davidson Kimbler, 67, of Clemson died on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013 following a long battle with cancer.

Born in Detroit, Mich., her childhood was spent in Mullens and Paden City, W.Va.  She was predeceased by her parents Arthur N. Davidson and Maxine Garrett Feldmeier. In her life she was a loved and loving spouse who supported her husband’s career.  She also had her own accomplishments including work during the Apollo and Skylab projects at NASA Bermuda Tracking Station and becoming a self-taught computer graphics artist.  She loved to read from Shakespeare to murder mysteries and was a better photographer than she admitted to be.

She is survived by her husband, Delbert of the home; brothers, Michael A. Davidson of Sierra Vista, Ariz. and Charles N. Davidson of Mason Neck, Va.; brother-in-law, James D. Kimbler of Charlotte, N.C.; and brother and sister-in-law, Thomas A. and Ann Kimbler of Franklin, Tenn.

A Memorial Service celebrating Beth’s life was held at 1 p.m., Sunday in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central. A graveside committal service was followed in Woodland Cemetery on the campus of Clemson University.

Those wishing to make a special remembrance are asked to donate to the Sam Mills Keep Pounding Fund of Carolinas Healthcare Foundation, 1221 East Moorehead St., Charlotte, NC 28204 www.givecarolinas.org.

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

 

Nancy Lynn Sheffield

Liberty — Ms. Nancy Lynn Sheffield, 43, of 490 Odell Road, died after a long courageous battle with a brain tumor on Tuesday Oct. 8, 2013 at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Born Feb. 13, 1970 in Statesboro, Ga., she was the daughter of the late Emmitt Hilton and Bobbie Howell Sheffield. She was a member of Concord Baptist Church and Brooklet United Methodist Church in Brooklet, Ga. She lived life to the fullest and she loved to be around people and especially children. One of her favorite things was watching wrestling on Monday and Friday nights. She retired from Georgia Southern University where she worked as a custodian for many years.

Surviving are four sisters, Glenda Brown and Janie Sheffield both of Liberty, Loveta Key (Mike) of Pickens, and Irene Stewart (Jerry) of Garfield, Ga.; two brothers, Pete Sheffield of Brooklet, Ga. and Lonnie Sheffield of Gaston; Nieces and Nephews, Christopher O’Neal, Samantha Sheffield, Brittany Bickel, Ashley Griffith, Jamie Sheffield, Kathryn Holcombe, Shannon Sheffield, Aaron Key, Stephanie Sheffield, and Andrew Key; and 11 great-nieces and nephews.

Local funeral services to honor Nancy’s life were 7 p.m. Thursday at Concord Baptist Church in Pickens.

Services in Georgia were 11 a.m. Saturday morning at Brooklet United Methodist Church. Burial followed at Immanuel Baptist Church Cemetery, in Brooklet, Ga.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Concord Baptist Church, Youth Ministries, 723 Concord Church Road, Pickens SC 29671.

A special thanks to her dear friend, Dr. Jeff Edenfield and staff who were beside her the entire time of her sickness.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com or www.joineranderson.com.

“She fought a good fight and finished her race”

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

William Bennett Massingill

 

Easley — Mr. William “Bill” Bennett Massingill, 81, husband of Joyce Acker Massingill, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2013.

Born in Easley, the son of the late D.C. Massingill and the late Leola Carter Massingill Griffith, Bill was a graduate of Easley High and Clemson College; he also served in the U.S. Air Force.

He retired from the School District of Pickens County, where he worked at Simpson Academy for fifteen years. Bill was a member of Easley Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon and Elder, was a life-long Clemson fan and faithful member of IPTAY, and also a member and past President of the Easley Lions Club.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons, Ben Massingill (Debbie) of Easley, and Mark Massingill (Laura) of Greenville; and five grandchildren, Krista and Will Massingill, and Dixon, Andrew, and Sarah Kate Massingill.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Easley Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Christie Sweeny Gravely and the Rev. Dr. Bill Seel officiating. A private burial took place in Robinson Memorial Gardens, prior to the service.

Escorts of Honor were the members of the Thursday Morning Prayer Group of Easley Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Easley Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 200 South 1st Street, 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.

 

Fay Ellenburg

Pickens — Marjorie Fay Dailey Ellenburg, 81, of 1121 Walhalla Highway, died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013 at her residence.

Born in Bonnie Blue, Va. she was the widow of Cote Lesley Ellenburg and a daughter of the late Jonah and Nettie Gibson Dailey. She worked as an L.P.N. in many upstate hospitals and nursing homes. She loved arts, crafts, sewing, and also she loved her yard, where she planted her flowers, and shrubs. Mrs. Ellenburg was a member of Porters Chapel United Methodist Church.

Surviving are a daughter, Sheila Day (Ricky) of Pickens; a son, Wayne Ellenburg (Debbie) of Pickens; a sister, Sue Kemp (Bill) of Michigan; three grandchildren, Travis Noblitt (Heather), Anna Davis (Rick), and Dirk Ellenburg (Ashley); two great grandchildren, Savannah Noblitt, and Sydney Davis; a special friend and caregiver, Jennifer Patterson.

Graveside services for Mrs. Ellenburg were 1 p.m. Friday at the Ellenburg Family Cemetery in Sunset. No formal visitation is planned.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

Jackie Fowler

Easley — Jacqueline “Jackie” Turner Fowler, 71 of Easley, died Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 at her home.

Born in Greenville County, a daughter of the late Rev. John Thomas and Maude Shelton Turner, Mrs. Fowler retired as secretary with Holder Properties and was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Melvin C. Fowler; a son the Rev. Robert S. Fowler and wife, Diane; a daughter Denise Baldwin and husband, the Rev. Rick; a brother, James Turner and wife, Lucile, of Marietta; five grandsons, Josh (Tiffany), Zachary (Jade) and Jeremy Baldwin, Andy (Susanna) and Jacob Fowler; and one great-grandson, Caleb Richardson.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Fowler was predeceased by two brothers, the Rev. Calvin and J.B. Turner and two sisters, Corrine Turner Darnell and Lilly Mae Turner Duncan.

Funeral services were 11 a.m. Monday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Robert Fowler and the Rev. Rick Baldwin officiating. Entombment followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brushy Creek Baptist Church, 100 Clay Street, Easley, SC 29642.

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

 

Ricky Medlock

Marietta – Mr. Ricky Medlock, 56, fiance’ of Kristy Gambrell Martin, died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013.

Born in Greenville County, the son of Elaine Childs Medlock and the late James Albert Medlock, Mr. Medlock was a furniture uphosterer and attended Fellowship Community Church.

Surviving, in addition to his mother and fiancee’, are a son, Ryan Medlock of Marietta; three daughters, Sheena and Gina Medlock, both of Greenville, and Crystal Holcombe, of Easley; three sisters, Dianne Snow (Wayne), of Travelers Rest, Tonya Farrell (Randy), of Marietta, and Sheria Sterling (Gary), of Dacusville; and five grandchildren, Desiray Durham, Randy Turner, Castin and Bella Palm, and Javin Wright.

In addition to his father, Mr. Medlock was predeceased by a grandson, Riley.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Mountain View Memorial Gardens, Travelers Rest.

Memorials may be made to the Ricky Medlock Fund, c/o The Bank of Travelers Rest.

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

 

Steve James

 

Easley — Steven (Steve) Daniel James, 67, husband of Mrs. Antha Hamlin James, the love of his life, died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013 after 21 courageous years of battling multiple sclerosis.

Born in Pickens County, Steven was an agent for AllState Insurance Company. He was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church and a Vietnam Veteran having served with the United States Air Force. Mr. James was a Mason at Lodge 235 in Liberty.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 47 years, are a son, Barry Steven James and his children, Morgan Alexis James, Barry Michael James, Kayla M. Hardee, and Kevin Moore; a daughter, April James Hayes and husband, Leo Hayes, and their children, Konner Steven Johnson, Chris D. Hayes, Ansley C. Hayes, and Kelsey F. Hayes; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Harriet Blanton; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. James was predeceased by Lillie Rice “Mama” James, who raised him; two brothers, Randall James and Michael James Norton; and a sister, Brenda Winkleman.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 at Brushy Creek Baptist Church. Entombment followed in the Chapel of Reflection Mausoleum Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 105 Lovett Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 or Brushy Creek Baptist Church, 100 Clay Street, Easley, SC 29642.

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

 

Maudia Craine

Liberty – Maudia Hinton Craine, 86, wife of the late Miles Thomas Craine died Friday, Oct.11, 2013.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late John Samuel and Mary Emma George Hinton, Mrs. Craine retired from ECP Company and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Surviving are five daughters, Edith Tripp (Laverne) of Gallatin, Tenn., Earlene Tompkins (Clarence) Mary Sloan (Steve) Narvis Hart (F.C.) all of Easley and Janice McQueen (Richey) of Liberty; a sister, Carolyn Wiggins of Fountain Inn; a brother, the Rev. Patrick Malone of Phoenix, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren, Robb and Terry Tripp, Joy Crumpton, Shannon Tompkins, Danna Kirk, Toni Suchka, Christy Acosta, Clay Hart, Kevin Roe, Lori West and Janlyn Murphy; 15 great-grandchildren, Rose, Madison, Lacey, Hannah, Lawson and Isabella Tripp, Savannah, John Huey and Annalese Kirk, Chase and Addison Suchka, Connor and Caitlin Acosta, Kayla Roe and Bayleigh West, Dylan Phillps, Aryanna Murphy; one great-great-grandchild, Rylie Geary and many nieces and nephews whom she loved.

Graveside services were 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Heart of Hannah Outreach, 11400 Old White Horse Road, Travelers Rest, SC 29690 or Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road Easley, SC 29642.

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

 

Nettie Jane LeRoy

Liberty — Nettie Jane Jones LeRoy, 61, of 312 Dream Lane died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013 at Glorified Nursing Home in Greenville.

Born in Rock Hill, she was the widow of the late Michael E. LeRoy and the daughter of the late Winfred A. and Annie Mae Springs Jones. She was a homemaker and attended Hampton Park Baptist Church.

Surviving are a daughter, Mellissa LeRoy of Liberty; two sons, Michael A. LeRoy and David S. LeRoy both of Greenville; and a grandson, John Claude LeRoy.

A graveside service to honor the life of Mrs. LeRoy will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Graceland West Cemetery. No visitation is planned.

The family will be at the residence. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

Roy E. Cantrell

 

Easley — Roy E. Cantrell, 88, husband of Evelyn Duncan Cantrell the love of his life for 69 years died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Lee Robert Cecil and Sallie Lucretia Chapman Cantrell, Mr. Cantrell retired from Alice Mfg. Elljean Plant and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Cantrell was an avid outdoorsman his entire life. He was a US Marine Veteran served in the Central pacific area 1943 until 1945 Marshal Island Operations.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are three sons, Chris, Ty and Toby Simmons; one brother, Robert Cantrell; two sisters, Ruth Phillips and Joan King; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who were special to him

Funeral services were 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial 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.

 

Junior Batson

Central — Preston Calvin “Junior” Batson, 45, of Windy Lane, died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013.

Born in Pickens County, a son of Patricia Marlene Hamilton and the late Preston Calvin Batson, Sr., Junior was employed as an electrician with Central Textiles.

Surviving are his wife, Connie Goody Batson; a brother, Jason Batson; two sisters, Nancy Ann Chandler and Brinda Gean Nix; two step-sons, Christopher Bailey and Cory Bailey; a step-daughter, Carrie Morgan; and seven grandchildren.

In addition to his father, Junior was predeceased by his daughter, Crystal Batson.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family is at the home of his mother, Patricia Marlene Hamilton, 302 East Beattie Street, Liberty, SC 29657.

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

 

Stacy Helton

Easley — Stacy Cantrell Helton, 41, wife of Michael Jesse Reid, died Saturday Oct. 12, 2013.

She was the daughter of James E. and Jane B. Cantrell.

Surviving, in addition to her husband and parents, are two sons, Caleb and Nathanial Hiott; a daughter, Emily Reid; a granddaughter, Amelia Durham; special cousins, Scott Raines, James “Jason” Moore and Teresa Kraft; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 in the Dacusville United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be immediately following the service, at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dacusville United Methodist Church or Dacusville United Methodist Women, 1365 Thomas Mill 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.

 

Jay Dewitt Hill

Rutherfordton, NC — Jay Dewitt Hill of 1760 Maple Creek Road, Rutherfordton, N.C., died Oct. 12, 2013 at his home with his family at his side.

Born July 27, 1929, Mr. Hill was a lifelong resident of Rutherford County. He was the son and only child of the late Walter Ray and Maebell Shehan Hill. Also, he was a grandson of the late John and Katie Callahan Hill and the late Joe and Nancy Cooper Shehan. Mr. Hill attended the local schools and furthered his education at Wofford College. While attending high school, he worked in the afternoons at the Winn-Dixie store in Rutherfordton. Later he went to work for Deering Milliken in the Time Study Engineering Department.

Several years later he joined Chemical Leaman Tank Lines in Spartanburg and retired from there after 25 years of service. Not long after retiring from Chemical Leaman Tank Lines, he joined the North Carolina Department of Transportation in various capacities and finally retired form there after 18 years of service at the age of 79-1/2.

Mr. Hill served his country during the Korean conflict. He joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed for two years in the disbursing office at San Diego, Calif. An additional two years was spent in Submarine development at the Submarine Base at Groton, Conn.

Mr. Hill was a lifelong member of Piedmont Baptist Church. He was an outdoors person and loved to work in his garden, on the farm here at home and on the McGrew estate in Pickens. He also loved playing golf as long as his health permitted.

In 1950, Dewitt married his high school sweetheart, the former Betty McGrew- a native of the Oolenoy Section of Pickens County.

After his tenure in service, they returned home to Rutherfordton and built their house on Maple Creek Road where they have resided for the past 56 years. Dewitt and Betty enjoyed traveling to most of the 50 states including Hawaii, and also an extensive tour of Europe.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters and their husbands: Sandra and Sam Freeman of Bostic, N.C., and Susan and Phillip Sain of Rutherfordton; Three grandchildren and their spouses: Benson and Amanda Freeman of Bostic, Travis and Rebecca Sain of Rutherfordton, and Nicole and Danny Conley of Rutherfordton. Also surviving are seven great grandchildren.

A private memorial service for the family was conducted in the Chapel of Crowe’s Mortuary at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14 with the Revs. Tom Frady and Ad Hopper officiating.

Interment followed in the Piedmont Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family suggest that memorials be made to the Piedmont-Pleasant Hill Community Building Maintenance Fund c/o Mr. Stan Liebel, Treasurer, 1093 Maple Creek Road, Rutherfordton, NC or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

 

JOANN LOOPER GARRETT

PICKENS — JoAnn Looper Garrett of Pickens died peacefully, surrounded by her 

family, on Sunday evening, Oct. 13, 2013 at 7:35 pm.

She was born on Aug. 8, 1934 in Dacusville, to Dee Ervin and Christine Edens Looper. JoAnn was retired from Alice Manufacturing Company in Easley where she worked for over 30 years. Her life and legacy were her family.

The dignity and strength of character with which she lived her life she maintained to the end of this life’s journey.

She is survived by sister, Opal Looper Anthony of Dacusville; son, Michael (Nita) 

Garrett, of Marion, Ill.; son, John (Paula) Garrett, of Normal, Ill.; son, Stephen 

(Kathy) Garrett, of Olathe, Kan.; and Jimmy Garrett of Easley. Also surviving are 

grandchildren, Megan Barrett and Chris, BJ, Nathan, Benji, Jon, Matt, Jason 

and Justin Garrett; and 12 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Wallace and Lloyd Looper, and sister, Sara Nelle Atkins.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The Palmetto Mortuary of South Carolina is assisting the Garrett family.