Jerry Lamar Alexander

SENECA — Jerry Lamar Alexander, 81, of 601 Northampton Road, Seneca, husband of Margaret Julia Land Alexander, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018.

Born in Cateechee, to Charlie and Myrtle Louise Butts Alexander, he is survived by his daughter, Ginger Lee Alexander Holdeman (Bob) of Irmo, and son, Scott Lamar Alexander (Mary) of Lexington, and grand-daughters Abby Holdeman, Ashlyn Alexander and Madison Alexander.

He was predeceased by his wife, parents, sisters Eva Simpson Robinson, Ethel Hopkins, Wilma Sanders and Jessie Mae James, and brothers Ralph, Garnet, Leon and Ed Alexander.

An award-winning author and syndicated editorial cartoonist, he was a retired owner of the Pickens Sentinel and of Leisure Media Inc., a magazine publishing firm.

A Navy veteran and Pickens Rotarian, he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by his club. In retirement, Jerry wrote and spoke on historical topics and lectured in Clemson University’s OLLI Outreach Program and to civic and church groups.

He authored 10 local history and genealogical books, seven written for the general public. Two of his books won Best in South Carolina honors.

A memorial service was held Nov. 10 at Seneca Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Seneca Baptist Church Building Fund. 1080 S. Oak St., Seneca, SC 29678.

Davenport Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Holcombe Gantt

LIBERTY — Mrs. Mildred Ophelia Holcombe Gantt, 93, wife of the late Roscoe Perry Gantt, passed away Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

Born in Pickens County, the daughter of the late Joseph Richard Holcombe and the late Olga “Ader” Sanders Holcombe, Mrs. Gantt retired from Easley Mill after 40 years of service and was a former member of Carolina Community Church and Rice’s Creek Baptist Church. She also visited many other local churches.

Surviving are a son, Jeff Gantt of Liberty; a daughter, Cheryl Ann Evite of Pickens; a sister, Peggy Lesley of Easley; two grandchildren, Tracy Glockwell and Rachel Tipton; and many great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Gantt was predeceased by six brothers, Bill, Ralph, Charlie, Hayward, Bud and John Holcombe; and two sisters, Etheleen Gantt and Geraldine Wyatt.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown. Burial will follow in Liberty Memorial Gardens.

The family is at the home.

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

Joel Carl Howard

CENTRAL — Joel C. Howard, 53, passed from this life Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.

Born in Pickens County on May 7, 1965 Joel is a son of the late Jacob Carl Howard and Gladys Eades Howard.

Survivors include a sister, Cynthia Farley of Central; a brother, Channing (Amanda) Howard of Stillwell, Okla.; and nieces and nephews, Ashlee Howard, Emily Howard, Zechariah Howard, Cianna Howard and Matthew Howard.

Joel was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Julian Howard.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Howard family.

Betty Lou Rampey

EASLEY — Betty Lou Littleton Rampey, 85, widow of William Calvin Rampey, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018.

Born in Salem, she was a daughter of the late Roy R. and Ollie Lewis Littleton. She worked with her husband in their family business, Calvin Rampey Furniture and Appliances, for numerous years and during her free time loved to read.

Surviving are a daughter, Krystal Pettigrew (Ian) of Taylors; three sons, Brad Rampey (Karen) of Easley, Kirk Rampey (Lisa) of Simpsonville, and Jim Wayland of Knoxville, Tenn.; three sisters, Bobbie Ann White of Tamassee, Carolyn Parham of Rutherfordton, N.C., and Mary Woodall of Easley; five granddaughters, Alicia Rampey, Lauren Rampey (Marco), Amelia Pettigrew, and Olivia and Caroline Rampey; and a daughter in law, Karen Ostrowski of Mill Spring, N.C.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Linda Crane and Charlotte Crowe, and two brothers, Roy Lewis and Billy Littleton.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks memorials be made to Gideons International, Liberty Camp, P.O. Box 112, Liberty SC 29657 or Duain Whittemore, Anchor Baptist Missions International, 3232 Hendersonville Highway, Pisgah Forrest NC 28768 (missions@anchorbaptist.org, 1-800-558-1160).

The family members will be at their respective homes. Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

 

Jean Young Reeves

LIBERTY — Mrs. Mattie Jean Young Reeves, 82, wife of Donald Leon Reeves, went to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018.

Born in Six Mile, a daughter of the late Jay Austin Young and the late Pauline Farmer Young, Mrs. Reeves was an active member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and the Inspiration Bible Fellowship Class. With her husband, they served as greeters for church services for more than 20 years.

She first moved from Six Mile to Liberty to start her first job at Rexall Drug Store. Later she found great joy in serving as a teacher’s aide for the kindergarten class at Liberty First Baptist Church, and then in the hearing-impaired class at Liberty Elementary School. She finished her working career at Cornell Dubilier in Liberty, working in production, where her husband worked in sales.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and especially spoiling her grandchildren with her cooking. She was delighted with the recent arrival of her first great-grandchild.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 61 years, are a son, Keith Reeves (Lynn) of Liberty; a daughter, Pamela Reeves Cash (Chris) of Greensboro, N.C.; three brothers, James “Joe Dean” Young, Coy Young and Gary Young of Six Mile; three sisters, Eunice Pilgrim and Carolyn Wade of Six Mile, and Varina Turner of Liberty; three grandchildren, Nathan Cash (Ally) of Thomasville, N.C., Ashton Reeves Gibson (Josh) of Easley and Nicholas Reeves of Liberty; and one great-grandchild, Caleb Gibson. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Reeves was predeceased by three brothers, Jay “Bud” Young, Tommy Young and Weldon Young; and one sister, Martha Bagwell Childers.

Funeral services were held Nov. 10 at Rock Springs Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. David Gallamore officiating, followed by burial in the church cemetery.

The Inspiration Bible Fellowship Class served as escort of honor.

Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642.

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

Shirley Clark

LIBERTY — Shirley Louise Gillespie Clark, 70, of 119 Cheryl Lane, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, at St. Francis Hospital.

Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of the late Roy Richard and Eva Mildred Reece Gillespie.

Shirley was a loving nanny, her favorite flower was a sunflower, and she enjoyed just being home with her family and her flower garden.

Surviving are a daughter, Bridget Gilreath of Liberty; a son, Jessie Clark (Laura) of Liberty; two sisters, Linda Bolding of Easley and Alice Robbins of Greenville; a brother, Paul Gillespie of Liberty; her longtime companion and friend, Oscar McClain of Liberty; four grandchildren, Brittany Leslie (Cody), Kaiti Thomas (Logan), Heather Craine (Barry), and Dean Waldrop; and seven great-grandchildren, Blaze, Justice, Ryder, Leila, Micah, Cherish and Asher.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Doyle B. Gillespie.

Funeral services to honor Shirley’s life were held Nov. 10 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, with burial following at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Joy Newton

CENTRAL — Joy Newton, 84, passed away Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Brookdale Greenville Memory Care facility after an extensive battle with dementia.

Joy was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on June 1, 1934. Her parents were George and Mable Schmidt. Joy married her husband, Milton Stacy Newton, on April 30, 1960. They were married 17 years until his death in 1977. Together, they lived in Huntingdon Valley, Pa. Joy was a homemaker and mother of three children. Following her husband’s death, she worked at Temple University in the school of business. Joy had a passion for travel and visited many exciting places including Africa, Alaska, Turkey, Spain, England, Haiti and several other countries. She was always active in her church and enjoyed listening to gospel music. She moved to Central in 2003. She worked as a volunteer at Helping Hands of Central. Joy loved the beach and visited yearly with her family. As an only child, Joy readily embraced her husband’s large family, the Newtons. She enjoyed visiting with them at the family reunion every year.

Joy is survived by her daughters, Sharon Stacey Newton (Hardy Smith) and Sandra Gail Hall (Tucker) of Central; son, Robert Kent Newton (Ginger) of Westminster; eight grandchildren, Nicki Clark-Mount (Josh), Tyler Hall, Brandon Hall, Courtney Newton, Austin Hall, Karli Clark, Dylan Hall and Ben Newton; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, George and Mable Schmidt, her great-aunt, Elsie Bumgardner, and her husband, Milton Stacy Newton.

Please consider honoring Joy with a donation to the Humane Society or The Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home.

Janie H. Eller

CENTRAL — Janie Hunter Eller, 81, widow of Billy Otto Eller, passed away, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, at Pruitt Health in Six Mile.

Born in Oconee County, she was a daughter of the late William Oliver and Bertha Watkins Hunter. Janie was a homemaker.

Surviving are sons, Dennis Mark Eller (Deborah) of Liberty, James David Eller (Dede) of Pickens, Daniel Jay Eller of Dacusville and Roger Dale Eller (Autumn) of Liberty; daughters, Cheryl Eller King (Stephen) of Greenville, Cynthia Ann Reid (Randy) of Pickens, and Sheila Elaine Cantrell (Lloyd) and Kimberly Eller Brummitt (Shane), both of Central; sister, Mary Ladd of Easley; grandchildren, Adam Eller, Natasha Kehrley, Shannon Eller, Amanda Sisk, Brad Sisk, Katie Miller, Melissa Raisley, Stephanie Smith, Eric Reid, Chris Cantrell, Josh Cantrell, Rachael Lum, Sabrina Eller, Jesse Eller, Ben Eller, Cameron Eller, Garrett Eller, Noah Eller, McKenna Eller, Trista Eller, Zane Eller, Xander Eller, Deyton Brummitt, Emily Brummitt and Carter Brummitt; and 18 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by brothers, Clifford Hunter, Earl Hunter, Harrison Hunter and Ernest Hunter; sons, Fredrick Otto Eller and Timothy Clay Eller; and sister, Julia Nicholson.

Graveside services were held Nov. 12 at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

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

Doris Allgood

LIBERTY — Doris McWhorter Allgood, 97, of 305 Odell St., passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, at Brookdale Living Center.

Born in Liberty, she was the widow of Carl Kenneth Allgood and a daughter of the late John Odell and Ella Rogers McWhorter.

Mrs. Allgood attended Draughon’s Business College and later retired from the South Carolina Employment Security Commission after 35 years of service. She was a longtime member of Liberty First Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, John F. Allgood (Anita) of Liberty, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Vera Goodwin and Pallie Nalley, and three brothers, Robert, Grady and William McWhorter.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Allgood were held Nov. 11 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, with burial following at Westview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Liberty First Baptist Church, Building Fund, PO Box 207, Liberty SC 29657.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Sonya Shirley

LIBERTY — Sonya Louellen Gravley Shirley, 45, of Liberty, passed away on Friday Nov. 9, 2018, at her home.

Born on Feb. 15, 1973, in Pickens County, she was the daughter of Gene and Carol Dewees of Easley. Sonya was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Liberty. She enjoyed singing and spending time with her family.

She is also survived by her children, Corey Owens and Makynsi Owens of Easley; a special nephew, Tristan Burell; a special aunt, Gail Taylor, and two special uncles, Billy Rowland and Bobby Rowland. Sonya was predeceased by her brother, Joey Gravley.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Greenville, with burial to follow at Grace Baptist Church in Liberty.

The family will be at the home of the mother, Carol Dewees.

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

Myrtle Maebell Merck

CENTRAL — Myrtle Maebell Merck, 77, passed from this life Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.

Born in Pickens County Myrtle was a daughter of the late Frank Jefferson Merck and Vera Gertrude Dodd Merck. She was a member of Gap Hill Baptist Church and was formerly employed by Sir Shirtmaker.

Survivors include five brothers, Hueston (Josephine) Merck of Central, Jimmy Merck of Brevard, N.C., Richard (Linda) Merck of Easley, Leon Merck of Central and Thomas (Wanda) Merck of Central; a special niece, Keila Yoda of Liberty; a brother-in-law, Thomas McAnulty of Central; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Myrtle was predeceased by her parents, a sister, Bobbie McAnulty, and a niece, Melissa Merck.

Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at Gap Hill Baptist Church, with a funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. officiated by Dr. Boyce Whitman and Rev. Billy Ray Merck. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted. The family members are at their respective homes.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Merck family.