Courier Obituaries 2-13-19
OPAL LEE STEWART BROOM
SIX MILE — Opal Lee Stewart Broom, 79, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019.
Born in Six Mile, she was the daughter of the late Burley James Stewart and Gertrude Messer Stewart. Mrs. Broom was a devoted Christian who loved worshipping the Lord. She was an active member of Keowee Baptist Church.
Mrs. Broom was a homemaker, master quilter and avid sports fan. She loved playing softball, trout fishing, gardening and golfing, especially with her husband, Hase. She loved to travel and road-tripped through all 48 continental U.S. states. When she was not on the road, you could find her at any number of sporting events, art exhibits, concerts, plays and school functions supporting all of her grandchildren. Her biscuits, pound cakes and apple butter were unparalleled, and you could always smell a fresh batch cooking when you entered her home.
Surviving are her one daughter, Cindy Broom Riddle; two sons, Greg Broom and wife, Valerie, and Chris Broom and wife, Frankie; one sister, Eloise Stewart Carver; brothers Milfred Jenkins Stewart and James Wilton Stewart; 10 grandchildren, Audra Bettinelli and husband, Jérôme, Laura Jane Gramling and husband, Phillip, Jacob Broom, Jarod Broom, John Broom, Jordan Broom, Thomas Broom, Tiffany Locke and husband, Marshall, Cory Cromer and wife, Natalie, and Shawn Cromer; and three great-grandchildren, Braxton, Davis and Sullivan Locke.
Mrs. Broom was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Hase Buford Broom. She was also predeceased by six siblings, Lola Faye Lusk, James Marvin Stewart, Etta Mae Beazeale and John Lesley Stewart, and infant sisters Shirley Jean Stewart and Pricilla Gayle Stewart.
Memorial services were held on Feb. 10 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
Memorials may be made in honor of Mrs. Broom to the Cancer Society of Greenville County, 113 Mills Ave., Greenville, SC 29605 or to Oconee Hospice of the Foothills, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29678.
Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens is assisting the Broom family in making arrangements.
JOHN CHILD
ANDERSON — John Mack Child, 86, of Anderson passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, at Rainey Hospice House.
Born on Nov. 9, 1932, in Cateechee, he was a son of the late Robert R. and Anna Belvia Rice Child. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Julia C. Garrett, and brother, Jim Child.
John was a graduate of Boys High School, class of 1951. He was a sergeant in the United States Army, having served during the Korean War. He retired with 40 years of service from Independent Life and was a member of Sandy Springs United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Vera Ethel Gilstrap Child; son, David P. Child; daughter, Celeste C. Honea; sister-in-law, Lynda Child; and grandchildren, Sydney Honea and John Thomas Garrett.
A funeral service was held on Feb. 1 at the McDougald Funeral Home, with Rev. Dan Batson and Rev. Cy Rogers officiating. Burial followed at New Silver Brook Cemetery with military honors.
RUSSELL ALLEN WHITLOCK
MOUNT PLEASANT — Russell Allen Whitlock, 70, husband of Tamara Jones Whitlock, died on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019.
Rusty was born Sep. 30, 1948, and grew up in Liberty, son of the late Joseph Allen Whitlock and the late Grace Lovell Whitlock. He attended Clemson University and Anderson College. He was retired from the Department of the Navy, where he traveled around the world as an electronics technician and served in the US Army National Guard. He was a longtime member and served on the council at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
He was also a member of the East Cooper Outboard Motor Club, Elks and the American Legion Post 1411. Rusty enjoyed shagging and playing golf and was an avid Clemson fan.
He is survived by his wife, Tamara Whitlock of Mt. Pleasant; three sons, Ryan Allen Whitlock (Gayle), Todd Graydon Whitlock (Allie) and Joseph Roland Whitlock (Courtney); grandchildren, Mason, Hunter, Delanie, Lola, Graydon, Norah and Declan; brother, Tommy Lee Whitlock (Sally); and uncle, James Lovell (Ann).
The funeral service was held on Feb. 10 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Interment with military honors followed in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were made by J. Henry Stuhr Inc. Mount Pleasant chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 604 Pitt St., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting jhenrystuhr.com.
HOPE NIX STEPHENS
EASLEY — Hope Nix Stephens joined the angels in heaven on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019.
She was retired from Techtronic Power Equipment Medical Division (aka TTI Group, Singer and Ryobi) after 44 years of service. She also enjoyed trips to the beach, listening to her favorite preachers and playing with her cherished cat Bella, aka Kitty. Hope was the daughter of the late Elmer Day and Sallie Kate (Riddle) Nix, and she was the wife of the late Earl Olin Stephens.
Surviving are two sisters, Freda Nix Warlick and Connie Joyce Nix, both of Easley. In addition, Hope had three nieces, Alisha (Warlick) Robinson, her first niece, of Liberty, Erika Michelle Ellison, with whom she was especially close, of Atlanta, Ga., and Elyssa Maree Hendrix, her “little buddy,” of Easley, and one nephew, Brent Warlick of Easley. Hope also has two great-nephews, Garrett and Gabriel Robinson of Liberty, and one great-niece, Bryson Warlick of Easley. The family would also like to recognize Hope’s beloved neighbors, Kathy and Joe Leopard, and much-loved supervisor, Tony Sorrells and his wife, Tammy (Dodgens) Sorrells. Hope also had three neighborhood children whom she loved as her own even into their adulthood, Jennifer (Allen) Norris, and Steven and Michael Stancell.
A graveside service was held on Feb. 11 at Greenlawn Cemetery in Easley, with Brother Verne Swan officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Country Santa in person at 112 Reece Lane or by mail at PO Box 856, Pickens SC, 29671. Country Santa may be reached by phone at (864) 898-4422.
DAVID MILTON GARRISON SR.
LIBERTY — David Milton Garrison Sr., 71, of 410 Liberty Highway, died on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Marietta, he was the widower of Shirley Swayngham Garrison and a son of the late Lee and Beulah Willis Garrison. He was retired from Greenville County, where he worked in the maintenance division. Milton was a friend to everyone. He enjoyed going to the Jockey Lot every week, but more than anything, he loved his grandchildren. He was a Mason and a member of Golden Creek Baptist Church.
Surviving are a daughter, Angela Nix (Kevin) of Liberty; a son, David M. Garrison Jr. (Susan) of Liberty; two brothers, Dennis and Leonard Garrison, both of Greenville; a sister-in-law, Judy Brooks of Liberty; a brother-in-law, Roger Dalton of Liberty; and six grandchildren, Trey Garrison, Cameron Garrison, Samuel Garrison, Sabrina Bryson, Courtney Duncan and Cory Bryson.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Ronald Garrison.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Garrison will be held at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, at Golden Creek Baptist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary. Burial will follow at Liberty Memorial Gardens.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Golden Creek Baptist Church, 477 Golden Creek Road Liberty, SC 29657.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
“I Love You More…” —Milton.
PEARLINE THOMAS MCCALL
PICKENS — Pearline Thomas McCall, 87, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Pearline had been a resident at The Haven in Greenville for the past four years, where she was lovingly cared for by the wonderful, caring staff who always affectionately called her “Grandma.”
Born in Pickens County, the daughter of the late O’Neal and Norma Thomas, she was retired from Cornell Dubilier and was a member of Midway Baptist Church.
She is survived by a son, James McCall, and daughter-in-law, Linda Holcombe McCall; a grandson, Kevin McCall (Heather); twin great-grandchildren, Liam and Emerson McCall; brothers, Larry, Bobby and Cecil Thomas; sisters, Frances Cody, Hilda Barton and a twin Pauline Armstrong.
She was also predeceased by her husband, Harold McCall and a son, William McCall; a sister, Josie Snipes; and two brothers, Arthur and Lloyd Thomas.
Funeral services were held on Feb. 12 at Midway Baptist Church, with the Rev. Tony Stancil and Rev. Terry Perish officiating. Honorary seating was reserved for the Midway Ladies Sunday School Class. Burial followed at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.
GERALD ROGERS
PICKENS — Kenneth Gerald Rogers, 88, of De Ann Drive, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at his home.
Born in Liberty, Mr. Rogers was a son of the late Jack and Elizabeth Gantt Rogers.
Mr. Rogers was retired from Alice Manufacturing’s Elljean Plant. He attended Easley Bible Methodist Church, where he enjoyed the senior Sunday school class taught by David Armstrong. He enjoyed woodworking and carpentry and proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Esther Elaine Coleman Rogers; stepsons, Rickey E. James (Karen) and Kenneth E. James, all of Pickens, and Stephen R. James (Tomi) of Knoxville, Tenn.; daughters, Ann Dalton (Clarence), Sandi Stancil (Perry), Phyllis McGaha (Pete), Donna Page (Larry) and Deb Hare; a special granddaughter, Brittney Grover; a granddaughter, Tamra Imundo and several other grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Jackie Roper of Greenville and Linda Patterson (Donnie) of Pickens; and a brother, Bobby Rogers (Louise) of Easley.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Patricia Gwinn, and brothers, Jack Desmond Rogers, James “Peanut” Rogers and Larry Rogers.
Funeral services were held on Feb. 12 at Easley Bible Methodist Church, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easley Bible Methodist Church, 855 Gentry Memorial Highway, Easley, SC 29640.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown Easley, which is assisting the family.
BARRY ANTHONY PINION
EASLEY — Barry A. Pinion, 47, passed from this life on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at his home.
Born in Pickens County, he was a son of Linda Parham Pinion of Easley and the late K. V. Pinion.
Survivors include his mother, Linda of Easley; a daughter, Sierra Pinion of Easley; sons, Christopher (Christy) Clark of Charleston and Levi Pinion of Pickens; grandchildren, Naomi Clark and Alice Clark; and brothers, Bryan (Tammy) Pinion of Pickens and Kevin Pinion of Easley. Also surviving are uncles, J. D. (Judy) Pinion and Junior (Edith) Parham; aunts, Norma Sue Strader and Doris (Sam) Breazeale, as well as several cousins.
To know Barry was to know the love he had for his children and how they were the joy of his life. He enjoyed watching Clemson football and spending time with his brothers and his mother. Because of Barry’s love of the Lord, he had a heart of gold and would lend help to anyone in need.
A visitation will be held from 12:30-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Pinion family.
JOHN HOMER “JIMMY” THOMPSON
EASLEY — Jimmy Thompson, 80, passed from this life Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at his home.
He was born in Pickens County, a son of the late James Wilson Thompson and the late Easter Lake Stokes Thompson. Jimmy was a member of Elljean Baptist Church.
Survivors include a sister, Kathy (Steve) Riddle of Easley, a brother, Lee (Ann) Thompson of Easley, and six nephews.
Jimmy was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Jerry Thompson and Billy Thompson.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, officiated by Aaron Riddle.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Interim Hospice, 16 Hyland Road, Greenville, SC, 29615.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Thompson family.
ERNEST FRANK LOOPER SR.
EASLEY — Ernest Frank Looper Sr., 79, husband of the late Toni Looper, passed into eternity on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019.
Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Leonard Pickens Looper and Pearl Lance Looper.
Frank was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. He was a Mason and a Shriner and was proud to sit on the Pickens County Board of Disabilities.
Survivors include his son, Frank Jr. (Frankie) Looper of Pickens; granddaughters, Vikki Looper and Rosemary Swan; grandson, Ernest “Ernie” Franklin III (Kaylan) Looper; great-grandchildren, Naomi, Wesley and Lin; one brother, Leonard Looper; brother-in-law, Domer (Carol) Reeves; brother-in-law, Raymond Williams; and sister-in-law, Jimmie Ray Reeves.
Frank was predeceased by his parents, his wife and a sister, Louise Gossett.
Memorial services for Frank will be at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Alzheimer’s Association.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Looper family.