BETTIE EDENS HOLLIDAY

PICKENS — Mrs. Bettie Edens Holliday, 89, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.

Bettie was born on March 6, 1934, in Pickens to the late George and Annie Chastain Edens. She was a member of New Life Baptist Church in Pickens. Bettie loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing and gardening. Family was important to Bettie, and she loved whenever they could all get together. She loved her cats.

Mrs. Holliday is survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, Bettie was preceded in death by her loving husband, James A. Holliday; two sisters, Catherine Gilstrap and Rachel Stewart; and two brothers, Carrol D. Edens and Carman Edens.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

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

 

CHASITY DENISE BLACK

MARIETTA — Ms. Chasity Denise Black, 47, of Marietta, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at her residence.

Ms. Black was born in Pickens, on Aug. 1, 1976, to the late Harold and Janice Black. She enjoyed watching wrestling on television, the band Alabama and both participating and watching sports. Ms. Black also enjoyed coloring and she worked with Better Skills in Pickens. An animal lover, Ms. Black cherished her two dogs, Boy and Girl. She was loved by everyone who knew her and will be missed greatly by her family and close friends.

Ms. Black is survived by her stepfather, Lonnie Landreth (Dawn) of the residence; two brothers, Kevin Black and Thomas Clifton Jr.; two sisters, Tasha Couch (Devoe) and Crystal Clifton; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held Nov. 20 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

The family is at the residence.

Flowers are accepted, or the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/donate.

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

 

CHARLES WILLIAM STEWART

 

PICKENS — Mr. Charles William Stewart, 87, loving husband of the late Mary Aiken Stewart, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at his daughter’s residence in Pelzer.

Mr. Stewart was born in Liberty on Feb. 1, 1936, to the late Columbus Webb and Della McGaha Stewart.

He was the former owner and operator of Stewart’s Heating and Air, where he considered being his own boss one of his biggest accomplishments before retiring in 1991. Following retirement, Mr. Stewart enjoyed fishing, hunting, farming and gardening. You could also always find him “spinning the yarn” like no other or engaging anyone willing in a debate. Mr. Stewart was also a proud “tinkerer” and would fix anything (even if it wasn’t broken). Most important to him was his family, and he cherished his time spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was an avid Clemson Tiger fan, a U.S. National Guard veteran, and a member of Keowee Baptist Church.

Mr. Stewart is survived by his three children, Sherry Riggins (Buford) of Pelzer, Hope Rogers of Six Mile and Chris Stewart (Jennifer) of Pickens; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth Mobley of Wilmington, N.C.

In addition to his loving wife of 66 years and parents, Mr. Stewart was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Brissey; three brothers, Robert Stewart, Allen Stewart and Roy Stewart; and two sisters, Olean Crowley and Eula Mae Stone.

Graveside funeral services were conducted on Nov. 18 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

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

REV. KATHY ELAINE HALL HARRIS

PICKENS — Rev. Kathy Elaine Hall Harris, 66, loving wife of Richard “Rick” Harris, passed away on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at her residence.

Rev. Harris was born in Gastonia, N.C., on Aug. 21, 1957, to the late Fred and Pauline Grindstaff Hall. She was the former pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Pickens and devoted her life to serving first and foremost, her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and then secondly, others through her ministry.

In addition to her loving husband, Rev. Harris is survived by her four children, Andrew Singh, Ryan Harris (Amanda), Stephen Harris (Ashley) and Elizabeth Lloyd (Austin); three grandchildren, Ellis Harris, Phillip Harris and Thea Harris; her three siblings, Debbie George, Nathan Hall (Phannee) and Randy Hall (Lyn); a niece, Amy G’fell; and three nephews, Joseph Hall, Daniel Hall and Spencer Mullinax.

In addition to her parents, Rev. Harris was preceded in death by a niece, Julie Mullinax.

Memorial services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Dec. 2 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. The family will greet friends following the service in the chapel. An inurnment will take place at a later date at Bush River Memorial Gardens in Irmo.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. David Griffin and the staff at Bon Secours Cancer Center, Via Health Partners, and especially their sweet hospice nurse, Carolyn, for their love, care and concern for Rev. Harris during her time with them. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to a charity of your choice that would honor Rev. Harris, her devotion to helping others, and the life she lived.

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

 

MICHAEL ANDREW BOYD

EASLEY — Mr. Michael Andrew Boyd, 50, passed away on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023.

Born in Jeffersonville, Ind., a son of Saralee Armstrong Boyd of Easley, and the late John Henry Boyd, Mr. Boyd.

He received his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Greenville Technical College and was a retired engineer. He was a member of Easley First Baptist Church.

Michael was an avid outdoorsman. He loved camping and fishing, and anything that pertained to being outdoors. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his two sons, Gabriel N. Boyd and Ian G. Boyd, both of Greenville; and his brother, John D. Boyd (Kara) of Athens, Tenn.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

 

CARLA SUE AIKEN

EASLEY — Carla Sue Aiken, 52, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at her home.

Born Dec. 25, 1970, in Flint, Mich., Carla was the daughter of the late Charles Jay Aiken and Billy Baldwin Aiken.

Survivors include her siblings, David Aiken (Kelly), Cathy Johnson (Tom), EJ Aiken, Patricia Myers, Jeffrey Aiken and Ruth Ann Nugent (Mark).

In addition to her parents, Ms. Aiken was predeceased by a brother, Charles Robert Aiken.

A regular church service will be held at Fairview Independent Baptist Church in Pickens, on Sunday, Nov. 26, commencing at 11 a.m., as we gather to honor Carla’s remarkable journey and impact she made during her time on earth. Following the service, a dinner will be held, and then a celebration of Carla’s life will be held at 1 p.m. allowing loved ones to share memories and find solace in one another’s presence.

There will also be a memorial service for Carla Sue Aiken on Jan. 6 in Mt. Morris, Mich. Details to follow.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Aiken family.

GEORGIA ANN HUFFSTICKLER HARVEY

PICKENS — Mrs. Georgia Ann Huffstickler Harvey, 85, loving wife of the late Charles E. “Sonny” Harvey, passed away on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at AnMed Health Cannon in Pickens.

Mrs. Harvey was born in Greenville, on Jan. 5, 1938, to the late Rufus C. Huffstickler and Mary Elizabeth Cannon Huffstickler.

She enjoyed playing cards and had a fondness for animals, especially her beloved dog, Daisy. Mrs. Harvey was of the Southern Baptist faith.

Mrs. Harvey is survived by her three children, Cindy Arnold of Franklin, N.C., John R. Reeves Jr. of Pickens and Mark Reeves of Salem; her five grandchildren, Robby, Jacob, Charlie Raye, Brooke and Erin; and her four great-grandchildren, Austin, Brooks, Amelia and Callan.

Graveside services were conducted on Nov. 12 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

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

 

ELIZABETH HENDRIX

EASLEY — Mrs. Nina Elizabeth Garrison Hendrix, 84, wife of the late Don Victor Hendrix, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023.

Born in Greenville County, a daughter of the late Melvin Lee Garrison and the late Ethel Garren Garrison, Mrs. Hendrix was a graduate of Dacusville High School and a homemaker. She was a faithful longtime member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

Surviving are her two sons, David Hendrix (Janice) of Travelers Rest and Michael Hendrix of Anderson; her daughter, Rita H. Delegatti (Richard) of Greenville; a sister, Brenda Griffin (Carl) of Travelers Rest; six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Hendrix was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Garrison and Leroy Garrison; two sisters, Gail Stribling and Faye Culbreth; and two grandsons.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 16 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Easley. Burial followed at the church cemetery.

 

CONNIE DOUGLAS ‘DOUG’ FINNEY

 

PICKENS — Connie Douglas “Doug” Finney, 78, loving husband of 25 years to Margaret O. Finney, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at St. Francis Downtown Hospital in Greenville.

A native of Pickens County, Mr. Finney was born on April 24, 1945, the son of the late Connie Amaziah and Esther Boozer. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army. He served as a past president of the Rotary Club and was a member of the Masons. Doug enjoyed attending church and singing in the choir and volunteered to care for seniors in many ways. Mr. Finney was a family man who loved them all dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret O. Finney of Pickens; children, Michael Douglas Finney (Christine) of Kohler, Wis., DeLana Finney (Mandi) of Lilburn, Ga., and Clara C. Kirk (Asher), Kaleb Mentrikoski, Talia Mentrikoski, Emily Kilgen, all of Pickens; and grandchildren, Ashlyn, Joshua, Alyssa, Cory, Arrow and Brigita.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Finney was predeceased by a son, Eric Shawn Kirk, and a daughter, Pamella Love Kirk.

A visitation was held on Nov. 20 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens, with a memorial service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Doug’s honor may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels by visiting pcmow.org/memorial-honorarium, by mailing 349 Edgemont Ave., Liberty, SC 29657, or by calling (864) 855-3770.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Finney family.

 

DIXIE WHITMIRE MICKLER

CLEVELAND — Dixie “Doodles” Whitmire Mickler was born in New Orleans, La., on July 26, 1954, to James Paul Whitmire and Bonnie Jane Shelton.

She spent most of her childhood and teenage years in Rosman, N.C. and then Pickens. More recently, she was a resident of Cleveland, Tenn., for the past 10 years, where she received her eternal reward in the evening hours of Monday, Nov. 13, at the age of 69.

A 1972 graduate of Pickens High School, her first job was at the Pickens Ice Cream Parlor, where she was an employee of Leland and Lib Chappell. She was known and loved by many in the Upstate of South Carolina, especially in Pickens, where she spent several years working as a legal secretary and then for the public school system. Her decision to give her heart to Christ at six years of age, and her subsequent passion for serving Him, was exceptional and apparent to all who knew her. She never allowed the difficult circumstances of her childhood and teenage years to dissuade her from being joyful and kind to others, a precious and supportive wife to her husband of 48 years, John-Robert, a fabulous mother to their children, John Christopher and Nicole, and a true friend to many. Dixie had a unique and exceptional connection to God that was the result of a dedicated prayer life, and she was truly a Proverbs 31 woman.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father and her brothers, Louis, George and Charles Ashe, and her sisters, Louise and Sarah.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, John Christopher Mickler (Kathleen), of Lone Oak, Texas, and daughter, Dixie Nicole Mickler, of Houston, Texas. She is the grandmother to John Porter Mickler and Mabel June Mickler of Lone Oak, Texas. She is also survived by a brother, Grady (Ophelia) Ashe of Pickens, and sister, Helen (Wayne) Pearson of Liberty. Her extended family of sisters-in-law Patricia (Marty) Sluder and Jan (Daniel) Long and brother-in-law Steve (Sandra) Mickler were blessed when she joined the family on April 20, 1975.

A visitation was held on Nov. 17 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with a funeral service following.

Honorary pallbearers were nephews Brad Mickler, Jesse Long, Jared Long and Craig Sluder and great-nephews Gabriel Rollins and Ben Sluder.

Diagnosed at age 57 in Dallas, Texas, with early-onset advanced-stage Alzheimer’s disease, she was cared for by her husband John Robert, her mother-in-law, Christine Mickler, who labored diligently every day to support her care, and the caregivers of AWA In-Home Care Services and Hospice of Chattanooga, Tenn. The family would like to thank everyone who prayed and supported John Robert and Dixie through this time. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, Cleveland Office, 2145 Keith St. NW, Cleveland, TN 37311.

Till we meet again!

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Mickler family.

 SARAH ‘GWEN’ ABEE

EASLEY — Gwen Abee, a loving and selfless woman, passed away peacefully in her home in Easley, on Nov. 9, 2023

Born on Jan. 10, 1952, Gwen was a beacon of kindness and generosity throughout her 71 years of life.

Gwen was the cherished daughter of Juanita Barnett and the late Kenneth Barnett. She was the beloved wife of the late Wayne Abee, with whom she shared many years of love and companionship. Gwen was a devoted mother to her children, Heather Abee (Daniel), Jonathan Abee (Barbara) and Chris Abee (Dakota); and grandchildren, Brandi Abee, Gabriel Adams, Mikael Adams, Morgan Abee and Jerrith Abee. Her love for her family was boundless, and she was a constant source of support and encouragement for them.

Gwen was also a dear sister to Brenda Miller, Wanda Culpepper, Karen Gray, Donna Tinsley and David Barnett. Her siblings will remember her as a pillar of strength and a confidante who was always ready to lend an ear or offer a word of advice. Her family was her world, and she was the heart of theirs.

In addition to her roles as a wife, mother and sister, Gwen was a dedicated volunteer in her community. She had a heart for service and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need.

Her selfless nature and kind spirit were evident in all she did.

Gwen also had a passion for fishing. She found peace and tranquility in the simple act of casting a line and waiting for a bite. This hobby was a testament to her patience and her love for nature.
Gwen Abee was a woman of great love and kindness. She was selfless in her actions and always put the needs of others before her own. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her legacy of love and generosity will continue to inspire those she left behind.

In the words of her family, “Gwen was the epitome of love and selflessness. She was a beacon of kindness in our lives, and we will forever cherish the memories we made with her.” Gwen Abee will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her loved ones.

Donations can be made via check and mailed to The Storehouse @ 5 Point, P.O. Box 1827
Easley, SC 29641 or electronically to the link below and memo in memory of Gwen Abee to The Storehouse, app.securegive.com/5PointChurch/main/donate/category .

 

PATRICIA ‘PAT’ ‘TRISH’

ANNIE MATTHEWS

SIX MILE — Patricia “Pat” “Trish” Annie Matthews, 63, loving wife of the late Mack Matthews, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Born Dec. 28, 1959, in Atlanta, Ga., Pat was the daughter of the late Jimmy and Winnie Coker. Pat enjoyed fishing and gardening. She loved her dogs and her family, especially her grandbabies.

Survivors include her fiancé, Alan Cannon; her son, Brandon Matthews (Brittany) of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Karis, Peyton, Caydence, Ayden and Daxon; a sister, Brenda Crenshaw; a nephew, David Coker; and two nieces, Tammy Leroy and Sherry Ledford.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Matthews was predeceased by a son, Shane Matthews; brothers, Billy Coker and Timmy Coker; sisters, Betty Smith and Joyce Hawkins; a nephew, Toby Crenshaw; and a brother-in-law, Doug Crenshaw, who was known as “Uncle Dudley.”

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations- Pickens Chapel is serving the Matthews family.

 

 

JOE MILTON BRIDGES JR.

LIBERTY — Joe Milton Bridges Jr., 58, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Westminster.

Born Oct. 14, 1965, in Greenville, Joe was the son of the late Joe Bridges Sr. and Lois B. Worfolk.

Survivors include his sisters, Catherine Amann of Evansville, Ind., and Elizabeth Mosley of Pickens; brothers, Terry Amann of Rochester, N.Y., and Steven Bridges of Pickens; his companion’s children, Floyd “Mickey” Neal and William “Bo” Price; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; an aunt, Betty Divito; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Bridges was predeceased by a sister, Jody Burdette; a brother, Jerry Bridges; his companion Kay Price, and her daughter, Dedra Neal Breedlove.

A memorial service was held on Nov. 20 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Bridges family.

 

JAMES TIMOTHY BROOKS

CENTRAL — James Timothy Brooks, 62, loving husband of 37 years to Janet Kay Pilgrim Brooks, passed away on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at AnMed Health Cannon Hospital in Pickens.

Born July 8, 1961, in Easley, James was the son of the late Samuel Brooks and Grace Pauline Chastain Brooks. Mr. Brooks loved classic cars and attending car shows. He enjoyed cooking and baking cakes. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Janet Brooks of the home; a son, Justin Brooks (Holly) of Six Mile; seven grandchildren, Carter, Nora, Ellis, Lilly, M.J., Bella and Allen; a niece, Darla Ramey (Alan) of Liberty; a nephew, Troy Brooks (Marci) of Liberty; two great-nieces, LeAnn and Willow; and a great-nephew, Luke (Sarah).

In addition to his parents, Mr. Brooks was predeceased by two brothers, Carl Brooks and Wayne Brooks.

A visitation was held on Nov. 21 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens, with a memorial service immediately following.

Flowers will be accepted.

 

BARRY LAYNE REEVES

CLARKSVILLE — Barry Layne Reeves, 56, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023.

Born Oct. 10, 1967, in Pickens, Barry was the son of Rev. Phillip A. Reeves and the late Daisy Lou Hayes Reeves. Barry enjoyed being in the mountains, riding his Harley and helping those around him. He made it his mission to help people any way he could, from people and their quality of life, to communities and workplaces. No matter where he was, Barry left a path of positively impacted people. He propelled himself against all odds and made it his own way. He could be serious and intimidating, but was never too proud to bring a smile to everyone around him and have fun and break out in what he would call a dance. He loved to make people laugh, smile and feel valued.

His legacy remains with his children, Gregg Reeves of Seneca, Chelsey Reeves, Matthew Reeves and Rebecca Reeves, all of Manchester, Tenn., and Michael Richards of Kingsport, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren, Gregory Reeves Jr., Abbigail and Caroline Reeves, Drew, Ayden, Mason, Noah and Jacob Scheideler, and Jackson and Lily Thornton; a sister, Denise Raines of Pickens; and a brother, Phillip Reeves (Dee) of Powdersville.

In his next life, he is joined with his mother and the love of his life, Dawn Lee McKenna Reeves. Flowers will be accepted.

A graveside service was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens on Nov. 19.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Reeves family.