Jane Ellen Atkinson Craig

PICKENS — Jane Ellen Atkinson Craig of Pickens died peacefully surrounded by her family on Feb. 27, 2018.

Jane was born on Jan. 8, 1933, in Orangeburg. She was predeceased by her parents, Aubrey Law and Edna Hough Atkinson. Jane graduated in 1951 from Greenwood High School and Winthrop College in 1955. Jane married her husband of more than 60 years, Olin Lemuel Craig, on May 18, 1957. Prior to moving to Pickens, Jane served as executive assistant to the president of Palmetto Baking Company and also as a secretary for SCE&G. She was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens and later Bethesda United Methodist Church in Powdersville. Jane was very much a child of the South, welcoming to friends and strangers alike. She was a warm homemaker, while also helping to guide the family business, Craig Oil Company, with her husband. Jane loved playing bridge with her friends, traveling the world with her husband, and doting on her grandchildren. Warmly called Mama J, she lived to love us all. Jane met all of life’s blessings and challenges with a sense of humor and optimism. Mama J’s passion was helping, supporting and loving her family and she will be deeply missed by us all.

Jane is survived by her husband, Olin Lemuel Craig, her children, Michael Lin Craig (Kitzi) of Greenville, Rebecca Craig Robinson of Greenville and Steven Earl Craig (Molly) of Charleston, along with eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents, Jane was predeceased by a brother, Aubrey Law “Bunnie” Atkinson, granddaughters Aubrey Ann Craig and Rebecca Elizabeth Craig and a great granddaughter, Kellie Rynn Martin.

Services were held March 2 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel.

Burial will be private at the Craig family cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Community of the Foothills, 205 Bud Nalley Drive, Easley, SC 29642 or to Kellie Rynn Academy, PO Box 2301, Greenville, SC 29602 or kellierynnacademy.com

REV. Michelle Lavengood DeRossett

LIBERTY — The Rev. Michelle Lavengood DeRossett, 31, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Michelle was born on Aug. 7, 1986, in Kokomo, Ind., to Brian and Katrina Powell Lavengood. She had many accomplishments in her life. Her greatest accomplishment was being a mother. Michelle grew up a member of Greentown Wesleyan Church in Greentown, Ind., where she also graduated high school from Eastern High School. Michelle was always volunteering her time to the community in which she lived. Some organizations she was associated with include Global Partners Missionaries, CHEE, La Leche League, the Marion Easter Pageant, GAP Girls, SWU Accountability Group, the Dynasty Girls, Pre-Teen Praises, the Eastern Orchestra and Girls’ Choir, and she was also an advocate for foster-to-adopt programs. Michelle was a member and the assistant pastor of Hilltop Wesleyan Church in Liberty.

In addition to her parents, Michelle is also survived by her husband, Kevin DeRossett; four beautiful children, Olivia Reece, Erilyn Pyke, Noelle Trace, and Aubrey Elise; two sisters, Amanda (Ryan) Weaver and Kara (Chris) Pogue; mother and father-in-law, Don and Janet DeRossett; sister-in-law, Kayla DeRossett; and grandparents, Jean Lavengood, Wayne Powell and Betty Wilson. She also leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and disciples.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 2, at Southern Wesleyan University in the Newton Hobson Auditorium with the Rev. Daniel Van Cise and the Rev. Scott Uselman officiating.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Greenville Health System, the Carolinas Medical Center and their CVICU/ECMO team, for all of the care and compassion shown during this difficult time, and for seven beautiful bonus days with Michelle. Memorials may be made to the Southern Wesleyan University Ministerial Division. Gifts may be given online at swu.edu/give and select Michelle DeRossett Memorial. Memorial gifts may be made by check or phone as well. Please call (864) 644-5008 for details and use Michelle DeRossett Memorial in the memo line.

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

JANE ELLEN ATKINSON CRAIG

PICKENS — Jane Ellen Atkinson Craig of Pickens died peacefully surrounded by her family on Feb. 27, 2018.

Jane was born on Jan. 8, 1933, in Orangeburg. She was predeceased by her parents, Aubrey Law and Edna Hough Atkinson. Jane graduated in 1951 from Greenwood High School and Winthrop College in 1955. Jane married her husband of more than 60 years, Olin Lemuel Craig, on May 18, 1957. Prior to moving to Pickens, Jane served as executive assistant to the president of Palmetto Baking Company and also as a secretary for SCE&G. She was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens and later Bethesda United Methodist Church in Powdersville. Jane was very much a child of the South, welcoming to friends and strangers alike. She was a warm homemaker, while also helping to guide the family business, Craig Oil Company, with her husband. Jane loved playing bridge with her friends, traveling the world with her husband, and doting on her grandchildren. Warmly called Mama J, she lived to love us all. Jane met all of life’s blessings and challenges with a sense of humor and optimism. Mama J’s passion was helping, supporting and loving her family and she will be deeply missed by us all.

Jane is survived by her husband, Olin Lemuel Craig, her children, Michael Lin Craig (Kitzi) of Greenville, Rebecca Craig Robinson of Greenville and Steven Earl Craig (Molly) of Charleston, along with eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents, Jane was predeceased by a brother, Aubrey Law “Bunnie” Atkinson, granddaughters Aubrey Ann Craig and Rebecca Elizabeth Craig and a great granddaughter, Kellie Rynn Martin.

Services were held March 2 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel.

Burial will be private at the Craig family cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Community of the Foothills, 205 Bud Nalley Drive, Easley, SC 29642 or to Kellie Rynn Academy, PO Box 2301, Greenville, SC 29602 or kellierynnacademy.com

Gene Davis

LIBERTY — Tommy Eugene “Gene” Davis, 74, of Odell Road, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2018.

Born in Abbeville County, he was the son of the late Tommy Lee Davis and Frances Willoughby Davis.

Mr. Davis was a graduate of Central Wesleyan College. He was self-employed and was a member of Praters Creek Baptist Church in Six Mile. He also proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

Surviving are his wife of the home, Jo Ann Couch Davis; and many special friends and extended family.

Funeral services were held March 3 at Praters Creek Baptist Church, with burial following in Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully ask that memorials may be made to Prater’s Creek Baptist Church Mission Fund, 621 Prater’s Creek Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

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

Lou Ellen Hughes

NORRIS — Lou Ellen Fincannon Hughes, 86, of 190 Golden Creek Road, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Dacusville, she was the widow of Ray E. Hughes and a daughter of the late Arce and Cora Harris Fincannon.

She was a member of Amazing Grace Fellowship and loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Surviving are three daughters, Rachel Beck of Norris, Ruth Burrell of Liberty and Ruby Williams of Norris; a son, Gene Hughes of Dacusville; four sisters, Micky Hughes of LaFrance, Katherine Kelley of Six Mile, Lula Mae Jones of Toccoa, Ga., and Betty Garvin of Walhalla; three brothers, Harold Fincannon of Myrtle Beach, Marion Fincannon of Fair Play and Carlis Fincannon of Saluda; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Ladd, and three brothers, Thomas, Welford, and Jimmy Fincannon.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Hughes were held March 2 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, with burial following at Memory Gardens.

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

Louise Berry

PENDLETON — Louise Owen Berry, 93, of Pendleton, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Born in Central, she was the widow of William B. “Bill” Berry Jr. and a daughter of the late Crayton B. and Ollie Gillespie Owen.

She retired from Cannon Mills (Central Textiles) and later was a volunteer with Helping Hands for 20 years. Louise was a devoted member of Cannon Memorial Baptist Church and was a friend to everyone.

Surviving are a daughter, Brenda B. Kelley of Pendleton; a son, Wayne Berry (Brenda) of Greensboro, NC; five grandchildren, Dr. Bill Berry Jr., Greg Berry (Ashlie), Chad Berry (Jill), Bryce Kelley (Shanna) and Berry Kelley (Melissa); and 10 great-granddaughters.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by three sisters, Lois Gilliam, Ruth Martin, and Edna “Baby” Craig; three brothers, Tom, J.C. and William “Shine” Owen; and a son-in-law, John Larry Kelley.

Memorials are requested to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson SC 29621.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Berry were held March 3 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. with entombment following at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff of Brookdale in Central for the excellent care and love shown to our mother, and also the staff of the Rainey Hospice House for all their love, care, and support.

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

Basil James Phillips

EASLEY — Basil James Phillips, 83, went to be with his Lord Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, at his home in Easley.

Mr. Phillips is the husband of Jeanie Phillips and the son of the late Basil Italie Phillips and Bonnie Fae Painter Phillips.

Mr. Phillips graduated from St. Johns High School in Johns Island in 1952. He was an Eagle Scout and member of The Order of The Arrow. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard. He earned music degrees from North Greenville Junior College (1961), Mississippi College (1963) and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky. (1967). He was also licensed to preach in 1973.

His passion was music, and he served Baptist churches in South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky and Mississippi in the capacity of minister of music. He also used this passion to help others through music therapy at Crossnore School and Children’s Home in North Carolina. He was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley.

Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Jeanie Phillips of Easley; three sons, James David Phillips (Sonja) of Texas, Steven Roland Phillips of Edgefield and William Allan Phillips of Stone Mountain, Ga.; one daughter, Joyce Phillips Johnson (Tom Hackelman); grandchildren James Chandler Phillips and Sheridan Haley Johnson of Oklahoma and Tyler Hunter Phillips of Florida; two stepchildren, Alison Kelley (Mike) and Alan Dempsey (Tracey); and stepgranddaughter, Jordan Heath, all of Easley; and nieces, nephews and extended family. Mr. Phillips also leaves to share in his memory a previous wife, Sandra Jean Geddings Phillips. In addition to his parents, Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruth Phillips Waring, Helen Phillips Flanders and Mary Phillips White Williams.

A visitation was held Tuesday, March 6, and services will be held at Rock Springs Baptist Church at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7. The burial will take place at the M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson.

The family asks that memorials be sent to Kindred Hospice.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Phillips family. Online condolence may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

Thomas McLeod Goforth

PICKENS — Thomas McLeod Goforth, 71, widower of Caroline Ratterree Goforth, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, at St. Francis Hospital Downtown Greenville.

Tom was born in Rock Hill and was a son of Sarah McLeod Goforth of Rock Hill and the late Harry Butler Goforth. He graduated from Clemson University with a bachelors of science in geology and later earned a master of fine arts degree from Clemson. After graduation, Tom served the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps as a lieutenant (junior grade). He was a lifelong educator and retired with 28-plus years of service. Notable among his duties as a teacher are the Sea Island School for the Arts he created and directed in Beaufort County and the gifted and talented program he led for students at Pickens Elementary. After “retirement,” he delved into the world of native ferns and opened Crowdog Native Ferns and Gardens. He continued his path as an educator, sharing his knowledge of native ferns up and down the eastern part of the U.S. and beyond.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his son, Dr. Reuben R. Goforth and wife, Laura Ann Esman, of West Lafayette, Ind.; brother, Harry Butler Goforth Jr. of London, England; sisters, Nancy Spaugh Neely of Columbia, Martha Blackwell of Rock Hill and Mary Lou Wright of Weaverville, N.C.; and granddaughter, Anna Caroline Goforth.

Memorial services were held at Table Rock State Park Lodge on March 6.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his favorite charitable organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, Heifer International, UNICEF and South Carolina Educational Television.

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

Edrew Pilgrim

SIX MILE — Jessie Edrew Pilgrim, 61, of 128 Justin Lane, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 2, 2018, at St. Francis Hospital.

Born in Six Mile, he was a son of Christine Maxey Pilgrim and the late David Edrew Pilgrim.

He was a retired logger and truck driver.

Surviving, in addition to his mother of the home, are four sisters, Eydie Robinson of Easley, Nancy Greer of Mayo, Laura Holder of Six Mile and Cheree Aiken of Central; six brothers, Leroy, Danny, Jimmy, Keith, Greg and Brent Pilgrim; and numerous nieces and nephews he adored.

Funeral services to honor Edrew’s life were held March 5 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, with burial following at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, Source Code IIQ170788777.

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

Cherie Reilly Lark

PICKENS — Cherie Reilly Lark, 61, passed away Friday, March 2, 2018.

Cherie was born and grew up in Miami, Fla. After graduating high school, she became a flight attendant for several years. She moved to Pickens, where she met and married Jimmy Lark, her husband of 17 years. She worked at the Rock at Jocassee Golf Course, where she managed the restaurant and bar. Cherie was an avid golfer and was the women’s club champ for 10 years in a row.

She later went to work at Carolina Nephrology of Greenville, where she worked until her passing. They were her “working family” and we want to thank all the doctors, nurses and office personnel for all of their love and support during her illness.

She was such a loving and outgoing person. Chuck said it best — to her everyone else came first. Cherie will live on in the hearts and memories of her family and many, many friends.

Surviving are her parents, Don and Gail Reilly of Miami, Fla., now of Pickens; a brother, Paul Reilly (Diane); a niece, Krystina, and her three children; a nephew, Kevin Reilly (Ashlie), and two children; her partner and fiancé of 16 years, Chuck Nalley of Williamston; Chuck’s daughter, Chrissy (Nick), of Lexington, and their two children; and Chuck’s son, Cody (Leigh), and their four children.

Funeral services were held March 6 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

MSGT. Harold F. Bayne

PICKENS — Harold F. Bayne, 72, loving husband of 45 years to Janice Bayne, passed from this life on March 2, 2018.

Born in Greenville County, he was the son of the late Barnie and Mary Bayne.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Natasha Bayne Bryant of Pickens; grandchildren, Maddison Alyssa Bryant (Ethan Lee) and Todd Michael Bryant; a sister, Elizabeth Faye Bayne; a brother and sister-in-law, Marion and Mick from England, and all of his England family.

Harold was predeceased by his parents, twin sons, Jason and Steven Bayne and a brother, Charles Bayne

Harold was a retired master sergeant of the U.S. Air Force and a Vietnam War veteran.

Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, in the Mountain View Funeral Home chapel, with the funeral to follow at 2 p.m. with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Disabled Veterans of American Foundation.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Bayne family.

John D. Willis

CLEMSON — John Daniel Willis, 34, sailed out of the storm of pain and chaos into the love, grace and mercy of the Divine on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018.

One of the last entries in his journal read, “I’m grateful to have a relationship with God.”

He was born in Galveston, Texas on May 20, 1983. At age 2 and a half, he moved with his parents to Clemson in December 1985. He loved playing baseball and excelled at soccer, especially on the Seneca soccer team. He graduated from Seneca High School in 2001. John also attended Landmark College in Vermont and Minneapolis Community and Technical College in Minnesota. He had charm, a beautiful smile and an infectious sense of humor. He was an extremely gifted artist and a passionate salesman who approached life with sensitivity and kindness. His struggle with the disease of addiction was brutal and heartbreaking. The disease may have taken his body, but it could not steal his soul. As the late German poet Ranier Maria Rilke once advised, “Be patient towards all that is unsolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves. Then gradually, you will live into the answers.”

John is survived by the love of his life, his son, Isaiah Carter, 6. He leaves behind his loving family, father, Tim S. and mother Lynda L. Willis of Clemson; his younger brother, David T. Willis of Bozeman, Mont.; and grandparents, John and Maxine Willis of Ridgeland, Miss. He also leaves behind several wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Willis M. and Mary A. Middleton.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Clemson. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the church’s Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Tim Willis Student Mission Fund, First Baptist Church, 397 College Ave. Clemson, SC 29631; The Launching Pad Recovery, 2107 North Decatur Rd. Unit 527, Decatur, GA 30033; or FAVOR Greenville Attn: Mary Harris Edwards, 335 Woodruff Rd. Suite 303 Greenville, SC 29607.

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

Clarence H. Chambers Jr.

EASLEY — Clarence Harlen Chambers Jr., of North Fish Trap Road, passed away Monday, March 5, 2018, at his home.

Born in Greenville County, he was a son of the late Clarence Harlen Chambers Sr. and Georgia Ann Durham Chambers.

Mr. Chambers was retired from Southern Weaving. He was a member of Brandon Baptist Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and watching any sports.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann Brooks Chambers; daughters, Ann Margaret Bunch of Easley and Sandra Lynn Spangler (Robert) of Honea Path; grandchildren, Charmaine Pool, Nicholas Bunch, Jeremy Bunch and Carl Holliday Jr.; a great-grandson, Benjamin Pool; sisters, Margie Hoffman and Shirley Burdette of Easley and Doris Ragan of Travelers Rest; and a brother, David Chambers of Easley.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Eddie Chambers.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens in Pickens.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the family.

The family will be at the home.

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