BARBARA ALIENE GILSTRAP

SUNSET — Barbara Aliene Gilstrap, 88, of Sunset, passed from this life to her heavenly home on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Barbara was born in Pickens County on Nov. 28, 1935. She was a faithful member of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, where she served as Sunday school secretary for many years. Barbara was retired from Winn-Dixie Inc. as a well-known, favorite cashier.

Barbara was the fourth child of 11 children born to Clarence Elwell and Myrtie Hudson Gilstrap of Sunset.

She is survived by one brother, Clarence E. Gilstrap Jr. (Susan) of Sunset; five sisters; Myrtle Barker of Apopka, Fla., Ethel Child of Anderson, Evelyn Gilstrap of Sunset, Shirley Adams of Pickens and Faye Gilstrap of Sunset; nine nephews; seven nieces; and numerous grand-nieces and nephews.

Barbara was predeceased by two sisters, Louise G. Barker and Betty G. Williams; and two brothers, B. Ernest Gilstrap and Frank W. Gilstrap.

A funeral took place on Oct. 15 at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church in Sunset, followed by a burial in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, c/o treasurer Beverly Jenkins, 314 Todds Creek Road, Central, SC 29630.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

TRENTON JAMES BLACK

EASLEY — Trenton James Black, 40, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Bishopville.

Trent was the son of Rhonda Black of Easley and the late Greg A. Black.

Trent is survived by his daughter, Kielyn Riddle; his maternal grandmother, Betty Breazeale; a niece, Rylee Black; and a special brother, Melvin Bennefield.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Ryan Black and Travis Black; his father, Greg Black; maternal grandfather, James W. Breazeale; and paternal grandparents, Robert and Geneva Black.

Trent was a product of a system that failed him for years — Mental Health, Judicial and Corrections. Trent loved children, the elderly and animals and would defend them, help them and protect them. He was fiercely protective of his momma and grandma. He loved motorcycles, drag races and rap music so loud you could hear him coming. He had a heart of gold and would help you when needed.

Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. Nov. 1 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens, with a memorial service to follow at 3 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Black family.

 

DON V. DICKARD

LIBERTY — Don Victor Dickard, 85, of Dundee Road passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at his home.

Born in Easley, he was the widower of Betty Ross Dickard and a son of the late Walker E. and Cecil Gilstrap Dickard. Mr. Dickard previously served as postmaster in Iva and was postmaster in Liberty when he retired in 1992 after 33 years of service. He began his career with the postal service as a supervisor in Liberty, Belton, Greer and Greenville prior to becoming postmaster.

He was a longtime member of Flat Rock Baptist Church and previously a member of the Pickens County Water Authority and director of the Liberty Area Fire District. He served seven years as secretary-treasurer and bookkeeper for Southside Rural Water District. He was a past master and life member of Liberty Masonic Lodge No. 235 A.F.M., where he had also served as secretary. He was also a Shriner and a former member of the Iva and Pickens-Liberty Lions Clubs.

Surviving are his daughter, Sandra Nabors (Clifford) of Liberty; a son, Joey D. Dickard of Greenville; three grandchildren, Brandy Porter (Koty), Bret Nabors (Tiffany) and Adam Dickard; eight great-grandchildren, Savannah, Madison, Brooklyn, Blakelee, Brayden, Skylar, Chase and Dakota; two sisters, Joyce Durham of Pendleton and Shirley Durham of Liberty; and four brothers, Wayne, Doug, Roger and Keith Dickard, all of Liberty.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Judy Dickard and Susan Osteen.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Dickard were be held on Oct. 13 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. He was laid to rest following the service at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

The family will be at the home. You may share a memory and offer condolences to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

BENJAMIN MORTON

EASLEY — Mr. Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Morton, 86, husband of Ruth Finley Morton, went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024.

Born in Anderson County, the son of the of the late Shuler Morton and the late Sarah Thacker Morton, Mr. Morton retired from Greenwood Mills-Liberty and attended 5 Point Church.

Ben loved camping, hunting, fishing, yard selling and gardening — he just loved the outdoors. He was a true family man who loved his family dearly. Ben will be missed by all that loved and knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 23 years, are two sisters, Jo McCall of Easley and Elizabeth Davenport of Anderson, and two granddaughters, Stephanie and Jennifer.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Morton was predeceased by a brother, M.J. Morton; a sister, Lillie Mae Bishop; and two step-daughters, Jean and Kathy.

A private burial was held at Robinson Memorial Gardens. The family will host a memorial service, to be announced, at a later date.

The family is at the home of his sister, Jo McCall, at 403 Randall Road in Easley.

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

 

MIKE PARKER

LIBERTY — Michael Anthony “Mike” Parker, born on Sept. 7, 1955, in Greenville, peacefully passed away on Oct. 11, 2024, at his home in Liberty. He was the son of the late Bobby Parker.

He was a proud veteran and sergeant of the United States Air Force. He dedicated more than four decades of his life to Duke Energy, where he made countless friendships that lasted throughout his life.

Known for his love of coaching recreation baseball and football, Mike poured his heart and soul into mentoring young athletes. Always putting his family first, he treasured every moment spent coaching his boys, especially in baseball.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Mandy Parker; a son, Toby Parker; a grandson, Colton Parker; a granddaughter, Michaela Parker; his mother, Barbara Chapman and his sister, Lisa Carver. Also surviving is an aunt who was more like a sister, Judy Messer (James), and numerous other extended family members and close friends.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Michael Todd Parker, and a sister, Becky Parker.

A man of integrity and dedication, Mike will be dearly missed by all who knew him. To honor his life and legacy, a celebration of Mike’s life was held on Oct. 15 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel.

In accordance with Mike’s wishes, he will be cremated and laid to rest by his son Todd during a private service at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life lived to the fullest and the memories that will forever remain in our hearts.

Rest in peace, dear Mike. Your warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

All his friends and former players are invited to share their favorite memory of Mike by visiting his obituary page at libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

MARK DON LAMBERT

PICKENS — Mark Don Lambert, 66, passed away on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family.

Born Aug. 9, 1958, in Mobile, Ala., Mark was the son of the late Bill Lambert and Mary Lambert. Mr. Lambert enjoyed riding motorcycles with his cousin Jim, gardening, fishing and taking care of his cats.

Survivors include his daughter, Nicole Butler (Richie) of Summerville; grandchildren, Aubreah Butler and Josh Butler; brothers, Matt Lambert and Leon Lambert; nieces, Lauren Scott and Nicole Beasley; nephew, Ocean Lambert; cousins, Ruth Carlisle (Alex), Heide Stuart, Jim Lambert (Gigi) and Harry Lambert Jr. (Lynn); and his cat, Phideaux.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lambert was predeceased by his wife, Suzanne Lambert; a brother, Ziggy Lambert; and an uncle, Harry Lambert Sr.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Mrs. Teresa of Aunt Sue’s Restaurant and all the staff, as well as Linda and Carl of Walhalla for your friendship.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Lambert family.

 

FLOYD L. WILCOX JR.

EASLEY — Join us as we celebrate the life of Floyd Lewis Wilcox Jr., a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, born in Seneca Falls, N.Y., on Sept. 6, 1958, to the late Floyd L. Wilcox Sr. and Ardotha “Dot” Melton Wilcox.

Floyd passed away peacefully on Oct. 8, 2024, in Greenville.

Floyd was a man of many passions, including his love of CB and HAM radios as a proud member of the Anderson Radio Club. He found solace in the great outdoors and enjoyed fishing for any catch that would tug on his line.

His devotion to his wife, Jackie, for 46 years was unwavering, and his daughter, Christina, and her husband, Jason, were always taking him on outings and adventures and shared countless treasured moments together. He also leaves behind his brother, Phillip, with whom he had many fond memories. Floyd’s dedication to his family extended beyond his immediate circle, making lasting memories with those he held dear.

A hardworking individual, Floyd spent years in maintenance with Walgreens Distribution Center. His commitment to his work was matched only by his commitment to his loved ones.

In honor of Floyd’s life, a heartfelt funeral service was held in chapel of Liberty Mortuary on Oct. 11, where we came together to cherish the memories and legacy he leaves behind. He was laid to rest at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

You may share memories and offer condolences to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.