BECKY HOOKER

NORRIS — Carolyn Rebecca “Becky” Peele Hooker, 52, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, after an extended battle with MS.

Becky is lovingly remembered by her husband, A. Henry Hooker Jr.; a son, Nicholas Hooker (Hope), and granddaughter, Presley; mother, Marion Peele; brother, Carlton Peele (Lanie); nephew, Brady Peele (Jamie); niece, Meagan P. Schulenberg, and great-nephew, Maddox.

She was predeceased by her father, Bobby L. Peele.

Becky was a graduate of Clemson University’s nursing program and a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Norris. You never saw Becky without a smile on her face. She was well known for her card ministry and has mailed thousands of cards to anyone she knew of who needed some words of encouragement and to let them know that she was praying for them.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Norris Food Pantry at P.O. Box 130, Norris, SC 29667.

A memorial service was hosted by the family on Friday, March 5, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Easley, and a second was held on March 14 at Old St. George Baptist Church in St George.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

JAMES ROBERT BAGGETTE

EASLEY — James Robert Baggette, 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at McCall Hospice House.

The son of the late William Robert and Mary Durdin Baggette, Jim was predeceased by his wife, Carol J. Baggette.

A native of Venice, Ill., Jim was a longtime resident of Culver Lake, N.J., before residing in Easley. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and a master tool and die maker and plant manager for EJ Brooks Company in Newton, N.J.

An avid sportsman and hunting and fishing enthusiast, Jim loved spending time with his family and friends. Known as Big Jim to many, and a surrogate dad to several, he will be remembered for always greeting you with a big smile and teasing, kidding and joking with you in some way. He was a dedicated, loyal father, husband and friend, who always offered his help to anyone who needed it. He is loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his son, Dr. Joseph K. Baggette and wife, Ruth, of Wasilla, Ark.; his daughter, Shelly Patat and husband, Todd, of Easley; his grandchildren, Gaven and Kara Nelson, Aaron and Hayden Baggette and Gracie and Emme Patat; his brother, Jerry W. Baggette and wife, Gail, of St. Charles, Mo., and partner, Linda Buhr of Granite City, Ill.

A celebration of Jim’s life is being planned and will be held at a later date.

BOBBY SLOAN PEAY

WESTMINSTER — Bobby Sloan Peay, 87, husband of Mildred Pauline Smith Peay, passed away on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at his home.

Mr. Peay was the son of the late Gertrude Garrett Peay and Willie Peay. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. A special thanks to Hands of Mercy Hospice Care for the care they gave Mr. Peay during his illness.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years; two daughters, Teresa Maney of Oconee and Freda Boggs (Allan) of Six Mile; three sons, Richard Peay of Westminster, Danny Peay (Terrie) of Savannah, Tenn., and Sonny Peay of Westminster; two brothers, Mikey Peay (Pat) of Danielsville, Ga., and Kenneth Peay of Greenville; 17 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Peay was predeceased by his parents, three brothers, Buddy Peay, Donnie Peay and Billy Peay, and one great-grandson, Rhyder Ford.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, March 13, at Westview Cemetery in Walhalla..

The family requested that memorials may be made to Hands of Mercy Hospice Care, 12019 N. Radio Station Road, Seneca, SC 29678, or those wishing to send flowers, please send flowers that the family can plant in memory of Mr. Peay.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Peay family.

DAVID DICKSON COX

EASLEY — David Dickson Cox, 71, husband of Kathy Renfro Cox, passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2021.

Born in Easley, he was a son of the late Jim Frank Cox and the late Fannie Dickson Cox.

David worked as electrical superintendent with Walker & Whiteside Inc. for more than 52 years and was a member of Smith Grove Baptist Church.

In addition to his loving wife of 42 years, David is survived by a son, David Jason Cox of Anderson; a daughter, Katherine Ellen Cox of Easley; a grandson, Jase David Cox; three brothers, Jimmy, Hoke and Frank Cox; and three sisters, Betty Lou Duncan, Floree Pettit and Susie Hafner.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack and Wallace Cox; and two sisters, Johnnie Mary Floyd and Sarah Ann Stephens.

Funeral services were held on March 13 at the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home, Downtown.

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

LISA SMITH

EASLEY — Margaret Melissa Ann “Lisa” Smith, 58, of 114 Sherry Lane, died on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at her residence.

Born in Easley, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth Hayes Smith and Maryanne Wilson Edwards. She enjoyed drawing and doing all types of crafts. She especially enjoyed reading her Bible. She was of the Baptist faith

Surviving are her two sons, Justin Edwards (Ashley) of Liberty and Andy Edwards of Iva; a brother, Dale Smith of Spartanburg; two stepsisters, Greta Fields of Pickens and Nikie Stephens of Six Mile; two stepbrothers, Ted Edwards of Liberty and Billy Edwards of Six Mile; and four grandchildren, Austin, Richard, Colten and Jaxon.

The family received friends on March 12 at Liberty Mortuary.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

CHARLES EUGENE SMITH

NORRIS — Charles Eugene Smith, 68, died on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at the home of his daughter.

Born in Oconee County, he was a son of the late Bertha Smith Roach.

He was a self employed tile installer for many years.

Surviving are a son, Scott Smith (Sommer) of Central; two daughters, Christy Lawless of Norris and Chastity Medlin (Jay) of Pickens; two stepdaughters, Robbie Franks of Anderson and Sheba Smith of Anderson; 13 grandchildren, Casey Clayton, Elizabeth Clayton, Steven Caddell, Jadyn Medlin, Anthony Caddell, Chase Smith, Caitlin Smith, Emma Norris, Brandy Fowler, Alexis Franks, Brandon Franks, Tyler Meadows and Kailee Meadows; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Charlie Smith of Seneca; three sisters, Shirley Eller of Salem, Mary Ann Veal of Walhalla and Polly McJunkin of Westminster; and his lifelong friend, Rita Goss.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Smith; a son, Christopher Smith; and a brother and two sisters.

To celebrate his life, the family will host a memorial service on Sunday, March 21, from 2-4 p.m. at the home of Jay and Chastity Medlin, 2210 Fox Squirrel Ridge Road, Pickens SC 29671.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

GRAHAM WATSON

LIBERTY — Graham Watson, 66, husband of 44 years to Jamie “J.J” Jones Watson, passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021, at Easley Baptist Hospital.

Graham loved woodworking, off-road jeep excursions, beach trips and camping trips, but there was nothing he loved more than spendingtime with his family and grandchildren.

Mr. Watson is survived by his loving wife J.J., a daughter, Amanda Arledge (Corey) of Easley; a son, John Watson (Buffy) of Pickens; grandchildren, Brody and Bryce Watson and Sealey and Gray Arledge; a sister, Rose Powell (Dale) of Tulsa, Okla.; and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Watson.

Graham was predeceased by his parents, Hagood Beco Watson Sr. and Mildred Lucille Gillespie Watson, and a brother, Hagood Beco “Buz” Watson.

Funeral services for Graham were held on March 12. Burial followed the funeral at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to East Pickens Baptist Church.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Watson family.

MARY ROSS BENDER

LIBERTY — Mary Ross Bender, 85, died on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Prisma Health-Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Greensboro, Ala., she was the widow of Louis C. Bender and the daughter of the late Charles William “Charlie” and Mary Virgie Hill Ross.

Mrs. Bender was a member of Trinity Wesleyan Church. Prior to settling in South Carolina to be closer to her family, she lived in Tuscaloosa, Ala., for more than 50 years, where she was deeply involved with Tuscaloosa First Wesleyan Church, where she led many small women’s groups and also taught numerous Sunday school classes.

She was an administrative assistant for many years with the Alabama State Oil and Gas Board. She was a master seamstress, a student of the Bible, a mentor and a Bible teacher. However, most importantly, she loved the Lord and her family.

Surviving are two daughters, Pamela Oglesby (Don) of Greer and Paula Hodges (Kedar) of Central; four grandchildren, Brian Hodges (Andrea), Jennifer Stout (Danny), Robin Perry (Jonathan) and Laura Witte (Cyrus); and seven great-grandchildren, Meredith, Jacob, Jeremiah, Nathaniel, Toby, Aaron and Arya.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Gaines and Gadson Ross.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Bender will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, at Trinity Wesleyan Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2:15 p.m. at the church.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, at Memory Hill Gardens in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Trinity Wesleyan Church for International Missions, 700 Issaqueena Trail, Central SC 29630.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

ROY MERLE CISSON

CLEVELAND — Roy Merle Cisson, 77, husband of the late Alma Jean Hardin Cisson, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at his home.

Mr. Cisson is survived by daughters, Missy Trotter (Billy) of Cleveland and Amanda Phillips (Jason) of Cleveland; a son, Tony Cisson of Cleveland; grandchildren, Susan Freeman (Adam), Holly Christie (Kyle), Lindsay Carper (Logan), Emily Newton (Cody), Ginny Cisson, Maggie Cisson, Cobe Phillips, Branson Phillips and Avanna Phillips; and great-grandchildren, Lydia Freeman, Colton Newton, Bentley Newton and one on the way, Ellie “Puddin” Christie.

Roy was predeceased by his wife, his parents, Vernon Avery Cisson and Effie Annie Ledford Cisson, and a brother, Kenneth Cisson.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 21, at Carson’s Creek Baptist Church at 2747 Connestee Trail in Brevard, N.C.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Cisson family.

HOYT J. SPLAWN

LIBERTY — Mr. Hoyt J. Splawn, 84, husband of Sylvia Turner Splawn, passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2021.

Born in Rutherfordton, N.C., a son of the late Robert Splawn and the late Hallie Searcy Splawn, Mr. Splawn retired from Pickens County with 30 years of service, was of the Baptist faith and loved the outdoors, especially fishing and deer hunting.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 62 years, are two sons, Robert Splawn (Michelle) of Liberty and Roger James Splawn (Debbie) of Blair, Okla.; a daughter, Dolly S. Jackson (Theron) of Central; two brothers, Ben Wyatt and Mike Splawn, both of Spartanburg; three sisters, Faye Chappell of Easley, Margaret Campbell of Landrum and Linda Shults of Spartanburg; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Splawn was predeceased by two brothers, Billy Splawn and Grover Splawn; and two sisters, Mary “Lib” Ridgins and Ola Ree Gowans.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. You may live stream the service at 2 p.m. by visiting robinsonfuneralhomes.com/downtown-chapel-live.

The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, prior to the service.

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

TRUMAN J. ACKERMAN

EASLEY — Truman Jennings Ackerman, 20, passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.

Born in Greenville County, he was the son of Helen Kimberly “Kim” Jennings of Easley, and the late Charles Patrick “Rebel” Ackerman. Truman was a graduate of Mayland College and was employed with Cook Out in Easley.

Truman was full of life and loved riding motorcycles with his friends, but his greatest love was for his family, especially his mother, Kim, who he loved dearly. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his grandpa and grandpa-mother, Ed Jennings and Nancy Jennings; grandma, Georgia Ackerman; his girlfriend, Kendra Ricketts; his best friends, Sway Lahue, Max Miller, Buddy and Debra Phillips and Rusty and Judy Collings; and his beloved dogs, Todd and Julie.

In addition to his father, Truman was predeceased by his grandfather, Thomas Ackerman.

A memorial ride to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, April 10, at a time and location to be announced.

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

CHARLES TAYLOR ‘BUTCH’ BLACK JR.

EASLEY — Mr. Charles Taylor “Butch” Black Jr., 64, loving husband of Mrs. Robin Lynn Meador Black, passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

Butch was born in Gastonia, N.C., on June 22, 1956, to Janet Stutzman Black of Stanley, N.C., and the late Charles Taylor Black Sr. He was a man with a joyful spirit and a servant’s heart. He was full of integrity and blessed others with his generosity. Butch was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who instilled family values throughout his life and was the true definition of being a Godly man. He enjoyed camping and fishing, was a U.S. Navy veteran and attended Calvary Chapel in Travelers Rest.

In addition to his loving wife of 43 years, Butch is survived by his three children, Alana Principato (Joe) of Easley, Kyle Black (Becca) of Charlotte, N.C., and Bethany Edwards (Chris) of Taylors; his five grandchildren, Aven, Fallyn, Kingston, Lennox and Reynah; two brothers, Kenny Black (Glenda) of Mt. Holly, N.C., and Tommy Black (Crystal) of Stanley, N.C.; and a sister, Kathy White (Hank) of Matthews, N.C.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, at Hillcrest Memorial Park with U.S. Navy military honors.

The family is at the residence.

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

BETTY JO SUTTON

LIBERTY — Betty Jo Sutton, 86, died on Friday, March 12, 2021, at Prisma Health-Baptist Easley.

Born in Morristown, Tenn., she was the widow of Augustus Sutton Sr. and a daughter of the late Theodore and Alice Trent Bowman.

She retired from BASF and was a longtime member of Central Church of God of Prophecy.

Surviving are a son, Michael Bishop of Easley; two daughters, Terrie Fowler (Wayne) of Gaston and Alice Tillotson of Liberty; six grandchildren, Toby Bishop (Melinda), David McCarson (Debbie), Brian McCarson (Patti), Kevin McCarson (Charlsye), Wanda Meredith (Adam) and Alisha Tillotson (Craig); 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a step-daughter, Diane Aultman of Columbia; a stepson, Gus Sutton Jr. of Lugoff; and a sister, Joanne Smith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Marvin Bishop; her daughter-in-law, Sandra Bishop; and several brothers and sisters.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Sutton will be private. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park. For those wishing to pay their respects, her remains will lie in state on Wednesday, March 17, at the Liberty Mortuary from 10 a.m.-noon.

A livestream of her service will be available at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, by visiting her obituary at libertymortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Central Church of God of Prophecy, 107 Martin St., Central SC 29630.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

ALICE W. DORN

CENTRAL — Alice White Dorn, 100, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at her home in Central.

Alice was born in South Miami, Fla., the only daughter of the late Harold Wesley and Mabel Frances White Dorn, who were pioneers of the area that would eventually become part of a bustling city. Throughout her life, Alice fondly told stories of a happy childhood “growing up in the sticks” and recounted tales of the early days of a bygone era where she and her brothers ran barefoot through the groves of mangoes, avocados and citrus, eating fruit directly from the trees.

Her parents were pioneers in tropical horticulture. Her father and his brother, Robert, built a thriving tropical fruit business, shipping the new crops of mangoes and avocados to various cities throughout the country. Her mother wrote books and gave lectures on tropical flora and started the first garden club of South Florida. They were surrounded by good friends Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, David Fairchild and John Gifford, all notable pioneers.

Alice attended Shorter College prior to enlisting in the Marines in WWII, where she was stationed at Cherry Point, N.C. Upon her return, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Miami in 1948 and a Master of Social Work from Boston University in 1951. Her career in social work spanned 30 years, with positions at Boston Children’s Hospital, the Cleveland Psychiatric Institute and Case Western Reserve University. It was at Case Western that she met her beloved friend and long-term companion, Helen J. Stacy. Alice and Helen moved to Central in 1980, where they lived in retirement and enjoyed a quiet life. Alice enjoyed visiting her summer cottage in nearby Highlands, N.C., attending classes at the Center for Lifelong Learning, travel, book clubs with friends, and keeping up with current events. She was a devout animal lover and gave a home to countless cats and dogs over the years. She was a member and volunteer at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, where she made many friends. She had a wonderful sense of independence that was unique for women of her era. Her laugh and quirky sensibility will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by a large extended family of nieces and nephews, including Pam Brown of North Carolina, Sherri Lynn of Washington, Karen McFalls, Barbara Watts, Jennifer Diaz and Philip Dorn, all of Georgia, Ric Davenport of Connecticut, Julie Bullard, Kristin Koepenick, and Joshua Evans, all of Georgia, Leslie Allen of North Carolina, Becky Evans of Montana and many other great and great-great nieces and nephews.

In her final years, Alice was blessed with many enriching relationships with friends and caregivers in the Central and Clemson community. There are too many to enumerate, but beloved to Alice were Pamela Rupert, Faye Stancil, Vicki Strickland, Nancy Oates, Rose Marie MacDonald and Mary Hughes.

In addition to her parents, Alice was predeceased by her brothers, Lewis Dorn of Highlands, N.C., Philip Dorn and Kenneth Dorn of Miami, Fla.; her niece, Katherine Evans of Dahlonega, Ga.; and Helen Stacy.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Laura Conrad officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of your choice.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.

DANIEL LEE FIELDS

PICKENS — Daniel Lee Fields, 31, son of Kurtis L. Fields and Elizabeth Bobo Fields, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 7, 2021.

Daniel was a veteran of the United States Army. He served as a combat engineer in South Korea and Iraq. He was an avid outdoorsman, and he loved to fish and hunt.

Daniel is survived by his father, Kurtis L. Fields of Cayce; his mother, Elizabeth Bobo Fields of Pickens; brother, Heath Fields (Lauren); sister, Beth Styles (Chase); brother, Charlie Rollins; grandmother, Shirley Fields; niece, Ellie Kate; and nephew, Sawyer Styles.

Mr. Fields was predeceased by his grandparents, Don C. and Idalee Bobo and Ronald M. Fields.

Daniel was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens. A private memorial service will be held for Daniel.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Fields family.

LINDA SUE JOHNSON

WESTMINSTER — Linda Sue Johnson, 64, passed away on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in Greenville.

Born in Seneca, she was the daughter of the late Wade and Maude Nicholson.

Linda is survived by a son, Nick Bryant; two daughters, Stacy Bryant of Seneca and Lee Bryant of Westminster; a brother, John Oakley of Walhalla; and a sister, Rosa Lee Tannery of North Carolina. Linda also leaves seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren to share in her memory.

In addition to her parents, Linda was predeceased by a sister, Patsy Cheek.

Funeral services were held on March 13 at Keowee Funeral Services. Burial followed at Whitmire Cemetery in Salem.

Online condolences may be sent to keoweefuneralservices.com.