LAVERNE ANNABELLE BENKO

 

LIBERTY — LaVerne Benko, wife of the late John Benko Jr., passed away Saturday Nov. 14, 2015, at McCall Open Arms Hospice House in Simpsonville.

Born in Valley City, Ohio, she was a volunteer for Pickens County Meals on Wheels and Hospice. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens.

LaVerne is survived by a daughter, Annette Robison of Ohio; a son, Tom Benko of Pickens; four grandchildren, Lelah Robison, Shawn Robison, Aaron Benko and Nathan Benko; and a great-grandchild, Ruby Laverne Benko.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Benko Jr., son, John Joseph Benko, and a brother, Robert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels or to Grace United Methodist Church of Pickens.

 

MARY D. ROBINSON

 

LIBERTY — Mary Diane Lollis Robinson, 49, of Liberty, died Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, at her home.

Born in Easley, she was a daughter of the late Roy Lollis and Mary Ruth Smith Roberts. She was a graduate of Liberty High School and was a former lab technician at Milliken Finishing Plant in Pendleton. She was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are a daughter, Kayla (Joshua) Browning of Liberty; brother, Josh (Shana) Lollis of Liberty; sister, Sandie Lollis (Tyler) Stewart of Liberty; and grandchildren, Karlee, Karis, Kari and Karlin Browning.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Vicky Shaver.

Funeral services were held Nov. 22 in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, with burial following in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Central.

The family requests flowers be omitted and memorials may be made to GHS Hospice of the Foothills, 298 Memorial Drive, Seneca, SC 29671.

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

 

 

BEN F. DURHAM

SIX MILE — Benjamin Franklin Durham, 74, husband of Hattie Virginia Keith Durham, departed this life on Nov. 19, 2015, following a period of declining health.

He was born in Six Mile, a son of the late Lawrence and Flora Mae Stephens Durham.

Ben was retired from Durham’s Automotive Machine Shop, where he was owner and operator of the family engine-rebuilding business. Ben was known throughout the Upstate for his engine work and go-kart racing. Prior to opening his machine shop, Ben was known for heavy equipment repair, logging and dirt track racing.

Ben is survived by his wife Virginia, his sons, Ronnie Durham (Kim) of Pickens, and Johnny Durham (Wanda) of Six Mile; his daughters, Nancy White (Phil) of Anderson, Linda Raines (Freddy) of Easley, and Lori Morton (Ricky) of Six Mile; eight grandchildren, Tonya, Terry, Mandy, Vincent, Richard, Kevin, Avan and Dani, and nine great-grandchildren, Shane, Brent, Andrea, Carter, Reagan, Eva, Tyler, Kelsie and Caleb; as well as brothers, Claude, Ken, Joe, and Roger Durham; and a sister, Bonnie Bryson.

In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by a son, Bennie Durham.

A graveside service was held Nov. 22 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

 

 

REX PAUL WADE

 

SALEM — Rex Paul Wade, born March 19, 1950, in Pickens, departed this life and entered eternal rest on Sept. 26, 2015.

His death follows that of his parents, Wilton Daniel and Jon Mary Wade. Rex is survived by his brother, Tim (Carol) of Rochester, N.Y.; sons Michael of Easley, and Matthew (Karen) of Mount Laurel, N.J.; granddaughters McKenzie and Ivy; nephews Brian (Kim) of Sumter, and Victor (Kim) of Altus, Okla., and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Rex was a 1969 graduate of Pickens High School and thereafter honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1969-1974. Following his Air Force service, Rex worked as a paramedic in Fairfield, Calif., a machinist at Ohio Gear, and from 1986 until his retirement in 2012, at Duke Energy.

Rex enjoyed trout fishing, repairing old Jeeps, riding his Harley and reading. Rex also had a lifelong affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America, from being a scout in his youth to serving as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 134 (Six Mile). Rex had a deep respect and admiration for Native American culture, as reflected in his collection of books, artwork and decorations. Most importantly, Rex was known for being a fun guy and willing to help anyone in need.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pickens County Library System in memory of Rex P. Wade.

A memorial to honor his life will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at Kings Grove Baptist Church in Central.

 

 

EMPHS RICHARD (E.R.) LEWIS

PICKENS — Emphs Richard (E.R) Lewis, 94, passed from this life on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015.

Mr. Lewis was born in Pickens County, son of the late Samuel and Alpha Clardy Lewis. He resided in Pickens until the last two years that he spent in Florence at Bethea Retirement and Elmcroft Assisted Living.

He worked for Roper Motor Company for more than 25 years, managing their Pickens location. Upon retirement, he worked part-time at Tinsley Crane Chevrolet and as a bailiff at the Pickens County Courthouse for 23 years, where he retired for a second time at the age of 88. He was a member of East Pickens Baptist Church, where he served as usher for 50 years. He was also a veteran of WWII, having served in the U.S. Navy.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 74 years, Hazel Seaborn Lewis; a daughter, Joyce Nicholson (Don) of Darlington; grandchildren, Donna Nolan (Tommy) of Marion and Kim Eubanks (Paul) of Pawleys Island; and great-grandchildren Mallory, Jacob and Janie Nolan, and Stella and Dupree Eubanks.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his son, Steven Richard Lewis, a brother, Bruce Lewis (Irene) of Cateechee, and sisters, Sadie Ulstad (Vern) of Anaconda, Mont., Nina Lewis and Hazel Holder (Weldon) both of Pickens.

Funeral services were held Nov. 19 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with The Rev. Jamie Duncan and The Rev. Tom Jones officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agape Hospice, 2182 W. Evans St., Florence, SC 29501.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

 

WILLIE FAYE PAINTER WALDROP

EASLEY — Willie Faye Painter Waldrop, a long-time resident of Easley, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, at The Pines of Davidson, N.C.

Born on July 26, 1918, in Easley, to Charles Samuel Painter and Nellie Lesley Painter, she was married to William Ralph Waldrop for 63 years.

She loved her life as homemaker, wife and mother and was known for her beautiful smile and love of life. Willie and Ralph were long-time members of Geer Memorial Baptist Church and spent much of their early life working with young people in church-related programs, believing that investment in the lives of youth is a worthy goal. Close friends and acquaintances were the fortunate beneficiaries of her quick wit and sense of humor. She played practical jokes, wrote both serious and comical poems about friends and family, and planned and participated in skits. Even staff and friends in assisted living and healthcare settings enjoyed her wit and sense of mischief.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Sheila W. Cothran (Roger) of Davidson, N.C., and Cathy W. Ragsdale (Glenn) of Okatie; three grandchildren and their spouses, Terri and Craig Orange of Black Mountain, N.C., Lee and Felicia Cothran of Durham, N.C., and Lindsay and Brian Adams of Charlotte, N.C.; and six great-grandchildren, Caleb and Colter Ellis, Bridger and Tucker Cothran, and Sage and Cana Adams.

A funeral service was held Nov. 21 at Robinson Funeral Home in Downtown Easley, officiated by Rev. Philip McAlister, with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Geer Memorial Baptist Church, 911 S. Fifth St., Easley, SC 29640 or Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 705 Griffith St., Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036 (donatehospice.org).

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

 

 

JAMES D. WHITMIRE

 

EASLEY — James David Whitmire, 67, formerly of Belt Road and husband of the late Patricia Dover Whitmire, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015.

Born in Greenville County, he was the son of the late Claude Jefferson Whitmire and Lora Belle Medlin Whitmire.

Mr. Whitmire was an electrician and a U.S. Navy veteran.

Surviving are his sons, Kevin Owen of Liberty, Jeff Whitmire of Travelers Rest and Brad Whitmire of Liberty; five grandchildren; and a sister, Janelle Gravely of Greenville.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Gene Whitmire.

Graveside services were held Nov. 21 at Red Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Pickens.

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

 

FRANCES S. HARE

EASLEY — Frances Shealy Hare (Granny/Nannie), 91, of The Magnolias of Easley and formerly of 144 Jewel St. in Pickens and widow of the late Wyman Hare, passed away of natural causes on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2015.

A native of Saluda, she was the daughter of the late Leevil and Lyda Metts Shealy.

Surviving are two daughters, Donna Richardson of Seneca and Merri Lynn Williamson of Charlotte; three grandchildren; Janet, Kyle and Stephen; four great-grandchildren; Joshua, Jordan, Kathryn and Brittany; and four great-great-grandchildren Nathaniel, Isabella, Sophia and MaKenna.

A celebration of life for Frances (Granny) will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens on Nov. 29 at 3 p.m. The family will greet family and friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Grace United Methodist Church, Pickens. A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

 

J. RICKEY DEROSSETT

 

SIX MILE — J. Rickey DeRossett, 64, husband of Donna Massingale DeRossett, passed from this life Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, at his home.

Mr. DeRossett was born in Pickens, son of James Clyde and Esther Mildred Reece DeRossett.

Mr. DeRossett was retired from the United States Army and from the School District of Pickens County, Clemson Elementary. He was a member of Concord Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife, those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Esther Marie Baldwin of Six Mile; two grandchildren, Gracie and Garrett Baldwin; and two brothers, Ronald DeRossett and Donald DeRossett of Pickens.

In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his son, Michael DeRossett.

Funeral services were held Nov. 19 at Dillard Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service.

Memorials may be made to the Concord Baptist Church Building Fund at 723 Concord Church Rd, Pickens, SC 29671 or concordbaptistministries.org.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

 

CATHERINE E. GILSTRAP

SUNSET — Catherine Elizabeth Edens Gilstrap, 84, of Sunset and widow of Robert Austin Gilstrap, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, in Greenville.

Mrs. Gilstrap was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late George C. and Annie Chastain Edens. She was a homemaker and a member of Midway Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughters; Sheila Hein (Randy), Lynne O’Donald (Roger) and Janice Merck (Hal) all of Sunset; a sister, Bettie Holliday of Pickens; grandchildren, Gabriel Hein, Danielle Hein, Faith Hein (Cody), Austin O’Donald (Meryl), Brenna Wells (Sam) and Halle Merck; and great-grandchildren, Phoebe O’Donald, Gus O’Donald and Carey Anne O’Donald.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Gilstrap was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Cristalyn O’Donald; brothers, Carmen and Carroll Edens; and a sister, Rachel Stewart.

Funeral services were held Nov. 21 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to The American Diabetes Association at www.Diabetes.org.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

 

 

JAMES ROBERT TROTTER

 

LIBERTY — James Robert Trotter, 60, husband of the late Nancy Lou Aiken Trotter, passed from this life Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at his home. Mr. Trotter was born in Easley, son of the late Ralph M. and E. Louise Connor Trotter.

Mr. Trotter served in the U.S. military, worked at Alice Manufacturing’s Ellison Plant as shop supervisor and was a member of the Enon Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish his memory include two daughters, Jennifer (T.J.) McSweeney of Easley and their children Trey, Kadan and Justice McSweeney; and Melissa (Benny) Rampersad of Spartanburg and their children Madison, Kaylee and Logan Rampersad; two sisters, Sara Trotter and Iva (Dwight) Holcombe; and a sister-in-law, Brenda Trotter.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Trotter was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Trotter.

Funeral services were held Nov. 21 at Dillard Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greenville Humane Society at 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607 or at greenvillehumane.com.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

 

 

NORMAN GARFIELD DAVIS

 

GREER — O’Shields Davis went to be with the Lord Sunday Nov. 22, 2015 at his home. Mr. Davis was born in Pickens County the son of the late Katomah Crenshaw Davis and Henry Holbert Davis.

Mr. Davis loved working with bees and providing honey for his friends and family. He was retired from Ryobi after working 42 years and also attended Northside Baptist Church. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Corporal.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, three sons; Ricky Lee Davis (Susanne) of Abbeville, Brian Steven Davis (Vicki) of Pickens, Travis Craig Davis (Kelli) of Walhalla; seven daughters; Susan Diane Phillips (Derick) of Walhalla, Sharon Lynn Mauldin (Danny) of Easley, Kimberly Renee Reeves (Greg) of Pickens, Lisa Dawn Nations (Neal) of Piedmont, Deborah Gayle Loftis (Jeff) of Greer, Cindy Carol Roberts (Dale) of Easley, Tabitha Nichole Russell (Erik) of Williamston; four sisters; Velma Roselle Anderson, Sevilla Inez Duncan, Shirley Yvonne Edens (Dwight) all of Pickens, Wanda Juanita Burgess (Jack) of Liberty; four brothers; Henry Hoyle Davis of Greenville, Doyle Holbert Davis (Trula) of Pickens, Donald Garvin Davis (Jean) Pickens, Douglas Gerald Davis (Brenda) of Greenville, 31 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Nov. 25 at Dillard Funeral Home Chapel at 1p.m. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Mr. Davis was predeceased by his parents, one sister, Wilma Avinalle Crane, one brother, Truman Wilson Davis and  one grandson Christopher Lee Reeves and one granddaughter Erica Lee Davis.

The family will be at their respective homes.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Davis family.