Patsy B. Reece

Liberty — Patsy Bearden Reece, 66, of 119 Towns End Drive, died Monday, Nov. 25, 2013.

Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Sarah Gravley Bearden. Ms. Reece was a Homemaker.

Surviving are her children, Ronald Reece (Pam) of Liberty and Angie McClain (Ricky Dodgens) of Pickens; four grandchildren, Hope Caldwell, Cody Reece, Jody Reece and Dakota McClain; four great grandchildren; and a sister, Martha Walker (Steve); and her loving best friend E.R. Reece.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Mary King and a brother, Cecil Bearden.

Graveside services were held on Friday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. in the mausoleum of Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Reece family.

Gale Christian

Clemson — Gale Ann Cannon Christian, 60, of Clemson, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 at Oconee Medical Center.

Gale was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. and lived there until she moved to California with her husband Neil in 1991. After he retired in 1994, they moved to Clemson. Gale was a former employee of Blue Ridge Orthopaedics in Seneca and Clemson Community Care. Gale enjoyed traveling, reading, and attending live music, hockey and baseball. She was also a collector of cookbooks and animal figurines. She loved her cats and dogs.

She is survived by her husband, Neil H. Christian. Also surviving are her son, Sean Myler of Ocala, Fla.; step-daughter, Lori Christian of Rescue, Ca.; brother Mannis “Rich” Cannon of Pittsburgh, Pa.; sisters Pat Fortunato and Gerry Forbes both of Pittsburgh, Pa.; two grandsons and three great grandsons.

She was predeceased by her parents Catherine Hoffman Cannon and Harry Cannon; and her sister Judy Weber.

The family is holding private services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gale’s memory to the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF), in care of FoxNest Veterinary Hospital, 10445 Clemson Blvd., Seneca, SC 29678.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.

Odell Weaver

Easley — Odell Clifton Weaver, 93, husband of the late Mamie Sue Melton Weaver, died Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 at his residence.

Born in Blountsville, Ala., to the late Ennis and Lelia Weaver, Odell served in the Army Air Corps for 10 years, where he received the Korean Service Medal, two Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. After his discharge from the military, Mr. Weaver worked for Duke Power until his retirement. Odell loved to cook, some his favorite foods to prepare were sweet potatoes and vanilla wafer pound cake.

When he wasn’t with his friends and family, Mr. Weaver could be found driving around town in his ‘93 Cadillac. He was a long time member of Easley Church of God, where he was part of Wayne Capps Sunshine Class.

Mr. Weaver is survived by a son, Robert Clifton Weaver, of Easley; a grandson, David Tyler Weaver; a brother, Tommy Weaver, of Oneanta, Ala.; two sisters, Betty Shelton and Barbara Land, both of Oneanta, Ala.; numerous nieces and nephews; special family members, Lois and Lynn Capps; and good friend, Randy Hendricks, who was his caregiver.

In addition to his wife of 72 years and parents, he was predeceased by his twin brother, Ocie Weaver.
A celebration of Mr. Weaver’s life was 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 in the Easley Church of God sanctuary, with the Revs. Dr. T. David Sustar and Steve Knight officiating. Burial followed in Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory in Brevard, N.C.

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

Fred Walker

Easley — Alfred Lee “Fred” Walker, 65, husband of Sandra Gail Seawright Walker, died on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013 at McCall Hospice House.

Born in Pickens County, to the late M.B. and Beatrice Hannah Walker, Fred was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. After his time in the service, Mr. Walker started his own construction company, Barns Unlimited, as well as owning and operating West Main Auto Sales in Pickens. When he wasn’t working, Fred was with his family, whom he loved more than anything else. Mr. Walker’s third love was traveling. His favorite place he visited would have to be the Amish Countryside in Pennsylvania. He enjoyed seeing and studying the details of the buildings they constructed. He was a former member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and currently a member of Blue Ridge View Baptist Church, where he has been a member for the past 10 years.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son, William Stacy Walker, of Easley; a daughter, Kimberly W, Williams (Jim) of Easley; two brothers, Raymond Walker (Neomia) and Charles Walker (Martha), both of Easley; five sisters, Mary Dunlap, of Simpsonville, Eleanor Hunter (Jimmy), Nancy Marchbanks, Shirley Hanson (Benny), and Donna Hanson (Jack), all of Easley; four grandchildren, Breanna Walker, Brandi W. Benton (Mason), Walker Williams, and Samuel Williams; and two great-grandchildren, Grayson Walker and Aubrey Benton.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Walker was predeceased by a brother, Jimmy Walker.

Funeral services were 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with the Revs. Dr. Stewart Houston and Dr. David Gallamore officiating. Friends and family served as pallbearers. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Cold Springs Mennonite School, 168 Cold Springs Church Road, Abbeville, SC 29620.

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

Aiden Michael Peace

Pickens — Aiden Michael Peace, 8 day old son of Christa Nicole Peace and Blake Dover, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013.

Surviving in addition to his parents is his sister, Sophia Peace; his aunt Marie Peace and his grandparents, Crystal Peace of Easley, Chris Peace and Jan Maready of West Virginia, Sue Dover, Mary and Larry Wimpey, Mindy and Tony Gantt, Curtis and Shannon Dodgens all of Pickens, Shirley Leopard and Chris Orban of Easley.

Aiden was predeceased by a nephew C.J. Dodgens

Graveside services were held on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12 p.m. in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Peace family.

Hazel Gillespie

Liberty — Hazel Hammond Gillespie, 91, of Anderson Highway, Liberty, wife of the late Lake Ervin Gillespie, died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Mrs. Gillespie was born on Feb. 10, 1922 in Anderson County, a daughter of the late William John and Emma Brewer Hammond. Mrs. Gillespie was the youngest and last surviving child of 17. She was a charter member of Bethel Church of God and has been most recently attending Flat Rock Baptist. Mrs. Gillespie was a wonderful Christian lady who loved her family and church. She enjoyed canning and freezing the vegetables that she and Lake grew in their huge gardens. They were always happy to share with friends and family.

Surviving are two daughters, Kathy Clardy and Joan Clardy (David); a son, Keith Gillespie (Gaye) all of Liberty; three grandchildren, Paula C. Bagwell (Terry), Ashley C. Turner (Brian) and Bronson Gillespie (Jennifer); one great-grandson, Jaxon Lake Turner.

In addition to her husband of 61 years and her parents, Mrs. Gillespie was predeceased by a son-in-law, Paul Clardy; six brothers and 10 sisters.

The family would like to personally thank her sitters who loved and cared for her the past few years and the wonderful staff at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Funeral services were 3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Flat Rock Baptist Church Building Fund, 115 Slab Bridge Road Liberty, SC 29657.

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

J.T. (Jake) Madden

Pickens ­— J.T. Madden, 82, of Moorefield Memorial Highway, died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 at his home.

Born in the Eastatoe Valley of Pickens County, he was the son of the late Tillman and Janie Chapman Madden. Mr. Madden was retired from ARA Food Services after 40 years of service. He was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church, Masonic Lodge #79 A.F.M. and was a U.S. Air Force Veteran.

Surviving is his wife of 50 years, Peggy Cole Madden of the home; a daughter, Deirdra Madden of the home; a sister, Dot Duncan (Thurman) of Pickens; a brother, Mike Chapman (Jan) of Easley; loving and heartfelt family who called Mr. Madden “Papa”, Tonya Woody (Brad), Stephanie Vinson (Brandon), Hanna Woody, Sydney Woody, Ashton Woody, and Savannah Vinson; and three nieces, Linda Gail Bagwell, Susan Rogers and Sharon Millwood.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Marvin and Earl Madden.

The family would like to thank Dr. Snipes and his staff and Journey Hospice for their exceptional care provided to Mr. Madden.

Funeral services were held on Saturday Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Holly Springs Baptist Church Fellowship Building Fund, 3450 Table Rock Rd., Pickens, SC 29671.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Madden family.

Kathryn Beatrice

Couch Holder

Pickens — Kathryn Beatrice Holder, age 90, wife of Edgar O. Holder, died Thursday Nov. 28, 2013 at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Mrs. Holder was born in Easley, a daughter of the late Mamie Fair Ellen Owens and Edward Domer Couch. Mrs. Holder was longtime member of Pickens First Baptist Church and a member of T.E.L. Sunday School Class. She was a Bank Teller for 20 years, starting out at South Carolina National, then working with Pickens Bank and Bankers Trust. After retiring from Bank of America she worked with her husband as a Bookkeeper for Ace Sales and Consultants until 2011. She also was a graduate of Easley High School.

Survivors include her husband of 71 years, one daughter, Diane Hutton (Ed) of Seneca; one son, Dean Holder (Ruth) of Pickens, eight grandchildren; Jeff Holder (Liza), Chris Wilson (Jim), Anna Glenn (Jack), Jennifer Winch (Cary), Charlie Ellenburg (Megan), Elise Tuck (Bart), Grace Anne Hutton, Meredith Hutton and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Holder was predeceased by her parents, five brothers and six sisters.

A Funeral service was held Sunday Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. in Dillard Funeral Home Chapel.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Willows of Easley, Presbyterian Home and Cottingham Hospice House of Seneca.

Memorials may be made to Dream Center of Pickens County, P.O. Box 203, Easley SC 29641.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Holder family.

Betty Jo Medlin

Norris — Betty Jo Weems Medlin, 70, of Robinson Bridge Road, died Nov. 29, 2013 at her home.

Born in Pascagulah, Miss., she was the daughter of the late Julius and Lucy Greer Weems. Mrs. Medlin was currently employed with the Greenville Hospital System and was a member of Five Point Fellowship in Easley.

Surviving is her husband of the home, Guy C. Medlin; two sons, David Medlin (Payton) and Daniel Medlin (Buffy) all of Norris; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; a sister, Margie Medlin of Norris; and a brother, James Weems (Kim) of Norris.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Charles Weems and wife Frances; and a brother-in-law, Roy Medlin.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Medi Home Hospice, 203 Central Park Ln. Seneca, SC 29678.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Medlin family.

Kathy M. Young

Clemson — Kathy Young, 62, of Clemson, died on Nov. 30, 2013, with her loving husband by her side.

Kathy was born Dec. 15, 1950, in Charleston, to Ed and Ann McLendon. She graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1969 and received a B.A. in Childhood Education from Clemson University in 1973. She married Ron Young on July 14, 1974, and they resided in Clemson for the past 35 years.

She taught elementary and preschool children for many years before retiring as the director of the Fort Hill Preschool in 1998. She loved her students, her family, her friends, shopping for antiques, going to the beach, and cheering for her Tigers. In 2002, she was named Tiger Brotherhood’s Mother of the Year in recognition of her service in the community and of her being a mom away from home for many Clemson students. Her unbreakable spirit inspired all who knew her and her genuine kindness made all who came in contact with her feel welcome.

She is survived by her husband Ron; sister Carol Ann Phelps of Greer; son and daughter-in-law Will and Michelle Young of Greenville; son and daughter-in-law Kyle and Jamie Young of Clemson; and seven grandchildren, Brody (12); Bailey (9); Watson (8); Wells (6); Bella (4); Brownley (3 and a half); and Baze (6 months).

A celebration of her life was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m., at Clemson First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to: The Clemson Child Development Center, 216 Butler Street, Clemson, SC  29631, Clemson Community Care, 105 Anderson Highway, Clemson, SC  29631; or First Baptist Church of Clemson at 397 College Avenue, Clemson, SC  29631.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.

Ronald J. Webber

Central — Lt Col Ronald James Webber, 59, of 117 Honeycomb Lane and husband of Judy Earles Webber, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013 at the Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

He was born in Ft. Wayne, Ind. the son of Ruth Rannow Webber of Hendersonville, N.C. and the late Richard N. Webber. He was a graduate of Ohio State University and earned his Masters Degree from Xavier University. Ron was the Coordinator of Career and Secondary Education with the Pickens County School District and was a Lt. Col. with the U.S. Army Reserves. He served in Iraq and Kuwait and was awarded the Bronze Star while serving during Iraqi Freedom. Prior to coming to Pickens County, he retired from the Ohio School System. He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Clemson.

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are one son, Mikhail E. Webber of Central; three daughters, Marie J. Webber of Santa Monica, Calif., Michelle R. (Gary) Schussler of Hoschton, Ga. and Melissa M. (Jeremy) Tackett of Central; three brothers, Richard Webber of Oak Ridge, Tenn., Raymond Webber of Huntington Beach, Calif. and Robert Webber of Meban, N.C.; two sisters, Renee Gauchat of Lemont, Ill. and Ruthann Weil of Granger, Ind.

In addition to his father he was predeceased by a sister, Rita Francis Webber.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1 p.m., Monday at St. Andrew Catholic Church with burial. A burial with full military rites followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the The Cottingham Hospice House, In care of OMC Foundation, 298 Memorial Drive, Seneca, SC 29672 or to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Duke University Medical Center, UMC Box 3624, Durham, NC 27710.

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

Dale “DB” Aiken

Pickens — Roy Dale Aiken, 57, of 103 Farmgate Road, died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Liberty he was a son of Edna Ellenburg Aiken and the late Lee Roy Aiken. He was a graduate of Pickens High School, Tri County Technical College, and spent his career in textiles working for Alice Manufacturing at the Elljean Plant. Dale was an avid and loyal Clemson Tiger Fan, but most importantly he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Surviving in addition to his mother of Liberty are his wife, Pam Fuller Aiken of the home; two daughters, Brandi Aiken of Easley, and Crystal Hickey (Chris) of Pickens; two sons, Matthew Aiken (Melissa) of Greenville, and the Rev. Wayne Bearden (Andrea) of Fort Wayne, Ind.; two brothers, Melvin Aiken of Easley, and Larry Aiken of Liberty; eight grandchildren.

Funeral services to honor Dale’s life were conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel by the Rev. R. Wayne Bearden. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville SC 29615.

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

Essie D. Lewis

Pickens — Essie Durham Lewis, 96, of 312 Shady Grove Road, wife of the late Ivory Cleo “Red” Lewis, died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013.

Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late John and Melissa Breazeale Durham. Mrs. Lewis was formerly employed with Stone Manufacturing, The Pickens Insurance Agency and former owner of Lewis’ Grocery. She was a member of Eastside Baptist Church in Liberty and the Ruth Bible Class.

Surviving is her son, Robby Lewis (Patty Lewis) of Pickens; two grandchildren, Michelle Lewis of Taylors and John Michael Lewis (Angela Hope) of Central; two great grandchildren, Taylor and Jordan Lewis; and a sister, Virginia D. Norwood of Central.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Edna Clement and five brothers, Fred, Carl, T.J., Cliff and Fletch Durham.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Lewis family.

Linda Gail Collins Cater

Pickens — Linda Gail Collins Cater, age 61, wife of the late James Henry Cater died Sunday Dec. 1, 2013 at her home.

Mrs. Cater was born in Pickens County a daughter of the late Ophelia Galloway Collins and Cullen Clayton Collins. Mrs. Cater attended Wayside Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters; Candice Henson of Liberty, Shannon Cater of the home, two grandchildren; Jamie Lee Bagwell and Kimberly Bagwell both of the home, one sister; Betty McDonald husband James of Pickens.

Mrs. Cater was predeceased by her husband, parents, one brother Thomas Clayton Collins.

Funeral Service followed at Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 3 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home in the chapel. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Cater family.

Mildred Sue Kelley

Pickens — Mildred Sue Kelley, age 56, wife of Tony Kelley died Monday Nov. 25, 2013 at Cannon Hospital.

Mrs. Kelley was born in Pickens County daughter of Floree E. Lesley Roach of Pickens and the late Harley Roach. Mrs. Kelley was a member of Pickens View Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, mother and three sisters; Nancy Poole (Jerry) of Pickens, Frances Foster (Robert) of Pickens, Debra Camp (Tommy) of Pickens, two brothers; Harley Roach Jr., of Pickens and Danny Roach (Cynthis) of Pickens.

Mrs. Kelley was predeceased by her father and four brothers; Douglas Roach, Willie Ray Roach, Horach Roach and Terry Roach.

A graveside service was held 3 p.m. Friday Nov. 29 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Kelley family.