Joyce Willis

Liberty — Naomi Joyce Cantrell Willis, 81, of 104 Norwood St., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at Country Care in Fair Play.

Born in Liberty, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Nora Gilstrap Cantrell. She retired from Baptist Easley Hospital and was a member of Liberty First Baptist Church.

Surviving are a daughter, Jennie Minyard-Buckley (Dean) of Seneca; a son, Randy Willis (Lisha) of Liberty; a sister, Grace McAlister of Central; three grandchildren, Lacey Crowe (Jason) of Otto, N.C., Judson Minyard III of Seneca, and Jennifer Buckley of Denver, Colo.; and two great-grandchildren, Granger Crowe and Alexis Crowe.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Willis were held March 10 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, with burial following at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Foothills Humane Society, 500 Five Forks Road, Liberty SC.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Katie Grant Chapman

Pickens — Katie Sue Grant Chapman, 83, of Pickens, wife of the late B.D. Chapman, went home to be with her Lord peacefully on Monday, March 6, 2017.

Born on June 24, 1933, in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late William Clifton and Mary Olive Ward Grant. Mrs. Chapman was a charter member of Cove Creek Baptist Church, where she enjoyed singing and praising God in the church choir. She was very involved in her community, from working for the School District of Pickens County to volunteering at Cannon Memorial Hospital for several years. Mrs. Chapman loved cooking and crocheting quilts for her grandchildren and family.

Surviving are two daughters, Elaine Holcombe of Pickens and Kathy Layton (Tom) of Easley; three sons, Russell Coy Chapman of Pickens, Stanley Chapman (Teresa) of Easley and Ted Mansell Chapman of Easley; six grandchildren, Suzanne Rampey (Randy), of Old Fort, N.C., Justin Holcombe (Katie) of Easley, T.J. Layton (Kelly) of Easley, Tyler Layton of Greenville, Brent Chapman (Holly) of Easley, and Quenton Chapman of Easley; five great-grandchildren, Elaina Rampey, Hanna Holcombe, Wyatt and Emery Layton, and Harper Chapman; a goddaughter, Bobbie Ferguson of Georgia; two sisters-in-law, Cleon Durham and Ruth Aiken, and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, a son-in-law, Greg Holcombe, a mother and father-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Roe Chapman; two brothers, Jack and James Grant, and a sister, Willie Mae Garrett, preceded her in death.

Services were held March 12 at Dillard Funeral Home, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

A special thank you to the staff of Capstone and Palladium Hospice, especially Jason Sloan and the CNAs for all of the care and compassion given to Mrs. Chapman and her family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Miracle Hill Ministries, 117 Drummond Lane, Pickens, SC 29671.

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

Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens, (864) 878-6371.

Susan U. Wallace

Clemson — Susan Ellen Ulmer Wallace, 65, widow of Myles Stuart Wallace, died March 5, 2017.

Born in Demopolis, Ala., she is a daughter of Nellie Regina Whitfield Ulmer of Demopolis and the late Millard Barton Ulmer.

She was a graduate of the Demopolis schools and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree from University of Alabama and her Ph.D. in agronomy from Iowa State University. Susan Ulmer (later Wallace, after meeting Myles, a professor of economics) came to Clemson University in 1980 from Iowa State University, where she received her Ph.D. She was hired as assistant professor in the agronomy and soils department, teaching and doing research in crop physiology. She taught courses in plant science, seed technology, environmental science and crop physiology and ecology and was honored by the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences for her teaching talents. She directed the course work and research of several masters and doctoral students, and her office door was always open to any student with a question or concern.

Her research was primarily with soybeans, and her emphasis was on how the crop responded to various management practices, such as tillage and seeding rates, and to stress factors like drought and damage from excessive deer populations. Interdisciplinary cooperation was a hallmark of Dr. Wallace’s research, which helped increase the impact of her research on the well being of the state’s farmers. She was widely published in the Agronomy Journal and Crop Science, and was an active member of the American Society of Agronomy She always insisted that her graduate students publish their findings in reputable scientific journals, which assisted them in getting a good start on productive careers. Another talent of Dr. Wallace was her ability to relate to farmers and their crop production problems. She was always in demand as a speaker at field days, county agent in-service trainings and crop advisor events. She enjoyed the interaction with the people who farmed and those who talked to farmers. Susan was a member of the D.A.R., Colonial Dames and Magna Charta Dames. She was a member of Temple of Israel in Greenville. Susan enjoyed teaching, working with farmers, traveling, kayaking and writing.

Surviving are her brother, M. B. Ulmer (Lewanna Caldwell) of Inman; sister, Regina Galloway (James) of Demopolis, Ala.; nephews, Cole and Bart Galloway and Richard Wallace; nieces, Kristi and Kim Ulmer; great nieces and nephews, Eitan Ulmer, Nell, Nico, Nathan, and Nevan Galloway, and Justin, Dayna and Bradley Wallace.

Funeral services were held March 10 in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central, with Rabbi Jeremy Master officiating and burial following in Woodland Cemetery on the campus of Clemson University.

The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorials be made to Demopolis City Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 1338, Demopolis, AL 36732, Pickens County Humane Society, 500 5 Forks Road, Liberty, SC 29657, or to South Carolina State Botanical Gardens, 150 Discovery Lane, Clemson, SC 29631.

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

Fred Oglesby

Easley ­— Mr. Fred Oglesby, 85, husband of the late Brenda Carol Hawkins Oglesby, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Fred Oglesby Sr. and the late Bonnie Mae Hooper Oglesby, Mr. Oglesby was a retired residential paint contractor and attended Easley Church of God. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in the Korean War.

Surviving are five sons, Sidney Oglesby (Renee) of Pickens, Steve Oglesby (Lisa) of Liberty, Stan Oglesby (Teresa) of Berea, Scott Oglesby of Pickens and Jody Oglesby (Michelle) of Easley; two sisters, Jo Ann Pike (Bruce) of Greenville, and Louise Lyda of Easley; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Oglesby was predeceased by a stepson, Mike Waldrop; a brother, Walter Oglesby; seven sisters, Jessie Mae Posey, Ellen Gilbert, Lenora Oglesby, Emma Bridges, Mary Frances Oglesby, Ruth Oglesby and Ruby Oglesby; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held March 11 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with Rev. Steve Knight officiating and burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Park with military honors.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff members of Hospice Compassus and Greenville Memorial Hospital for the love and care they have provided for Mr. Oglesby.

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

Gladys Foster

Liberty — Gladys Mae Looper Foster, 77, of 8217 Liberty Highway, died Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at the home of her daughter.

Born in Dacusville, she was the widow of C. Eston Foster, and a daughter of the late Jim Garrick and Eunice Mae MacDonald Looper.

She retired from Greenville Memorial Hospital, where she worked as an R.N. for 25 years. She was a member of Flat Rock Baptist Church, and loved gardening and her cats.

Surviving are two daughters, Libby Maw (Rusty) of Liberty, and Robin Brock (Keith) of Duncan; two sisters, Vera Brown of Jenkensville, and Agnes Kay of Gum Log, Ga.; two brothers, Rev. Jim Ed Looper of Easley, and Donald Looper of Easley; two grandchildren, Ashley Finley and Jeremy Gregg; also surviving are five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Evelyn McAlister.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. Foster were held March 10 at Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements

Nell Thomas Kirkland

PICKENS — Nell Thomas Kirkland, 81, wife of Henry Kirkland, passed from this life Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017.

She is the daughter of the late Samson and Winnie Thomas.

Mrs. Kirkland retired from Holly Springs Elementary School as a data entry clerk and was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Henry Kirkland; two daughters, Amy Kirkland of Tucker, Ga., and Kim Pettit of Salem; and one sister, Barbara Thomas of Pickens. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Kirkland was predeceased by three sisters, Ella Mae Thomas, Helen Gilstrap and Evelyn Jones; and three brothers Miriam Nix, Walter Thomas and Lloyd Thomas. Mrs. Kirkland also leaves three grandchildren to share in her memory, Joseph Cassell, Nicholas Pettit and Emily Pettit.

Services were held March 11 at Dillard Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Kirkland family.

Rev. Chris Walker

Easley — The Rev. Christopher James Walker, 55, of Easley, husband of Christine Snare Walker, went home to be with his Heavenly Father, Thursday, March 9, 2017.

Born in High Point, N.C., he was the son of Peggy Greene Walker of Archdale, N.C., and the late Jimmie Walker.

Pastor Chris Walker was called to shepherd Georges Creek Baptist Church in Easley in the fall of 2014. He attributes his salvation and spiritual formation to the ministries of the Oak Grove Baptist Church, and the Gospel Baptist Church in his hometown of High Point. He is a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. (1984) and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tenn. (1987). Prior to his coming to Georges Creek, Pastor Chris served churches in Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia. His primary spiritual gift is that of the “Pastor/Teacher” (Eph. 4:11). His passions were studying God’s Word, preaching and teaching, and one-on-one ministry with the body of Christ. He also enjoyed singing Christian music as an expression of worship and for the encouragement of the local church.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and an occasional round of golf. He was an avid reader who loved reading the sermons and writings of the Puritans, as well as taking mental vacations with great spy novels.

Pastor Chris married his college sweetheart, Christine Snare Walker, in March of 1988, and the Lord has blessed their lives with four daughters, Rachel Walker of Lynchburg, Va., Katie Walker, FaithAnne Walker and Hannah Walker, all of Easley; and a brother, Mark Walker (Ann) of Archdale, N.C.

A memorial service was held March 12 at Rock Springs Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Windwswept Academy P.O. Box 1576, Eagle Butte, SD 57625.

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

Truman L. Black

Easley — Mr. Truman Luther Black, 75, husband of the late Sarah Wardlaw Black, passed away Monday, March 13, 2017, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Pickens County, the son of the late Luther Riley and Hattie Ofia Brooks Black, Mr. Black was a retired carpenter and a member of Galilee Baptist Church.

Surviving are two sons, Daniel Black (Sharon), and Jeffery Black, all of Easley; two daughters, Tonya Salazar (Misael), and Susan Salazar (Obed), all of Easley; 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Black was predeceased by a sister, Linda Louise Black.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 16, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, prior to the service.

The family is at the home.

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

Winfred E. Trotter

Liberty — Winfred Elmer Trotter, 86, husband of the late Ella Mae Porter Trotter, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 12, 2017.

Winfred was born in Pickens County a son of the late Tommy E. and Marie Smith Trotter. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and was a U. S. Navy veteran. A farmer at heart, Winfred always had cows and was known far and wide for his honey harvesting. Many times he was called upon to retrieve swarms of bees attached to houses, barns and shrubbery. He would always bring them home and make room on his property to add yet another hive to his collection. He was a member of The Pickens County Beekeepers Association and was voted “Beekeeper of the Year” for South Carolina for many years.

For many years, Winfred operated a small-engine repair business at his home, working on mowers, tractors and other yard equipment. He was retired from Dillard Funeral Home as a funeral assistant, a job he enjoyed because he was always in contact with other people and he had a servant’s heart.

Survivors include his daughter, Cindy T. Talley (Wayne) of Easley; and his sons, Allen T. Trotter (Melanie) of Liberty and Dwayne W. Trotter (Katrina) of Montana. His grandchildren include Matthew Henry Trotter, Kemper D. Talley, Todd A. Trotter, Jeremy Kirk Talley, Killian J. Talley, Levi Trotter, Samuel L. Trotter and Ava G. Trotter.

The family will receive friends at Dillard Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 16.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, March 17, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens, with the Rev. Scott Willis and the Rev. Dr. John Adams officiating. Entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens alongside his beloved Ella Mae.

The family is at the home of Cindy and Wayne Talley.

Memorials may be made to Patriot Hospice, 54 Bear Drive, Greenville, SC 29605

Ronald Duane Langham

PICKENS — Ronald Duane Langham, beloved husband of the late Melba Langham, passed away March 6, 2017.

Beloved father, brother, grandfather and friend, Ron loved his horses, and loved his muscle hot rod cars. He also loved fishing. He enjoyed having his dump truck business, and his nickname was Flip-Flop. He was a very hard worker. When he was younger, he served in the U.S. Air Force and had an honorable discharge. He lost his wife, Melba, too soon, and he raised three girls on his own. He was a cancer survivor. Ron was an honest and straightforward man, but caring unto others. His family has the utmost respect for this man. He is so loved by his family. We will truly miss him.

Survivors are daughters, Kim Langham Campbell (Ronnie), Kristen Leigh Langham and Lisa Langham Black (Steve). Grandchildren are Kara and Ian Black and Caleb and Chase Black. Great-grandchild is Kesley Black.

Survivors also include a sister, Beverly Grubb, and her sons, Derek and Darin Grubb.

Mr. Langham was predeceased by his wife and parents.

Graveside services with military honors were held March 9 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Pallbearers were Steve Black, Ian Black, Caleb Black, Noah Black and Justin Kelley.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations is serving the Langham family.

DOROTHY ROENA “RO” McJUNKIN

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. —Dorothy Roena “Ro” McJunkin, 94, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2017.

A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Weymouth Funeral Home, 12746 Nettles Drive, Newport News, VA 23606.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.