GARY LESTER GREENE

EASLEY — Mr. Gary Lester Greene, 71, husband of Ruby Sloan Greene, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

Born in Six Mile, the son of the late Lester C. Greene and Ruth Bolding Gilbert, Mr. Greene was a member of Easley Church of God.

Surviving, in addition to his loving wife, are two sons, Ronnie Greene (Sherry) of Easley and Randy Greene (Andrea) of Greer; three grandsons, Samuel, Nicholas and Silas Greene; half-brother, Lonnie Gilbert (Amber) of Simpsonville; half-sister, Lisa Patterson (Chuck) of Pickens; stepmother, Mary W. Greene of Easley; three stepsiblings, Jean Hayes, Dale Aiken and Mickie Gilbert; and a lifetime friend, Don Sheridan.

Mr. Greene was predeceased by a stepsister, Judy Mann.

Due to the national COVID-19 crisis and CDC regulations, memorial services will held at Easley Church of God at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Mr. Greene to Easley Church of God, 511 W. Main St., Easley, SC 29640 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

JOSEPH EARL BANKS

LIBERTY — Joseph Earl Banks Sr. 74, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, April 23, 2020, in Asheville, N.C.

Born in Greenville, he is the son of the late Pink William and Mattie Louise Bennefield Banks, and husband of Jo Capps Banks.

Joseph proudly served in the United States Marines and was a Purple Heart recipient. He was a deacon and a Sunday school teacher for the Circle of Friends Sunday school class at Jones Avenue Baptist Church. Joseph and Jo enjoyed working in the garden and canning the fruits of their labor from their garden. Joseph loved spending time with his family, especially his fur babies, Millie, Preston, Patty and Sadie.

Survivors, in addition to his wife of 55-plus years Jo, include three sons, Joseph Banks Jr. (Amy) of Easley, William Banks of Belton and Stephen Banks (Cheryl) of Easley; one daughter, Jennifer Hickey (Paul) of Easley; a sister, Jean Sanders of Spartanburg; and a brother, Wallace Banks Of Augusta, Ga. Joseph also leaves eight grandchildren, Justin Banks, Chad Banks, Ryan Banks, Jason Banks, Trae Banks, Abram Banks, Krystal and Nicole Hickey to share in his memory.

In addition to his parents, Joseph was predeceased by a sister, Shirley Moseley, and a brother, Michael Banks.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis and in accordance with CDC guidelines, we are limiting the gathering to 50 persons or less in order to protect the health of the Banks family, our community, and our associates. We ask that you kindly respect this request for the benefit of all we serve.

A graveside service was held on April 27 at Hillcrest memorial Park in the Veterans Garden section with presentation of military honors.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Banks family.

LUCILLE GOLDSMITH TURNER

MARIETTA — Lucille Goldsmith Turner, 89, wife of the late James Samuel Turner, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 25, 2020.

Mrs. Turner was born in Travelers Rest, the daughter of the late Augustus and Fannie Brown Goldsmith.

Mrs. Turner retired after 50 years from JPS, Slater Plant. She was a lifelong member of Marietta First Baptist Church. Her faithful service included, prayer warrior, WMU director, BYW director, charter member of Senior Citizens group (Keenagers), Sunday school teacher, choir member, choir librarian, youth group leader, Acteens leader, women’s retreat member, and Welcome committee member. She enjoyed every aspect of the ministry of Marietta First Baptist Church. Her legacy has touched many throughout the generations.

Survivors include her daughter, Judy Swilley (Ray) of Easley and son, Don Alan Turner Sr. (Suzi) of Easley. Also surviving are four grandchildren, John Briggs (Christel), Jenny Kelley (Greg), Dr. Don “Alan” Turner Jr. (HopeEllen) and Adam Turner; and four great-grandchildren, Cooper Briggs and Cullen Kelley, Savannah and Connor Kelley.

Mrs. Turner was predeceased by her husband, parents, two brothers, Paul Goldsmith and Ralph Goldsmith; and five sisters, Evelene Hufflin, Eva Guest, Hattie Camden, Ella Holloway and Jenny Ledbetter.

A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family. A celebration service will be held at Marietta First Baptist Church at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Marietta First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 337 Marietta, SC 29661.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Turner Family.

JERRY WAYNE JAMES

EASLEY — Mr. Jerry Wayne James, 69, husband of Patricia “Pat” McCombs James, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 25, 2020.

Born in Greenville County, a son of the late Calvin “Buss” Edward James and the late Otis Elizabeth Gilstrap James, Mr. James was a graduate of Easley High School, employed with BI-LO for 40 years and previously worked with Winn-Dixie. He was the owner and operator of James Motor Inc. for 32 years.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 53 years, are a son, Jeremy Wayne James (Andrea) of Liberty; a brother, Floyd James (Martha) of Easley; a sister, Brenda James Gatlin (George) of Pickens; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Faye Ellenburg (Alton), Bonnie McCombs, Jimmy McCombs and Nancy Turpin (Robert), all of Easley; three grandchildren, Londyn James, Jacob Powell and Brantley Powell; and one great-grandchild, Braxton Alexander.

In addition to his parents, Mr. James was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Heyward and Levenia McCombs; and a brother-in-law, Bobby McCombs.

Memorial services were held on April 28 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. The service was live streamed at robinsonfuneralhomes.com/downtown-chapel-live.

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

RYKER ZAYNE PADGETT

EASLEY — Ryker Zayne Padgett passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

He was born on Jan. 7, 2020, in Easley. Ryker was the son of Kaylee Brendale Padgett.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his grandmother, Donette Padgett; grandfather, Uriah Wood; an uncle, Tristen Padgett; an aunt, Blair Wood; a great-grandmother, Mary Padgett; a great-uncle, Bill Jerome Padgett; a great-aunt, Stella Padgett; and four cousins, Haylee and Landon Padgett and Evan and Nathan Carter.

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

DANIEL SKINNER

SUMTER — Daniel Erwin Skinner, 82, formerly of Liberty, died on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at Sumter-East Health and Rehab in Sumter.

Born in Six Mile, he was a son of the late John Earle Skinner Sr. and Norma Alma Willis Skinner. He was a member of First Baptist Church Liberty.

Surviving are a brother, John Earle Skinner Jr. of Granbury, Texas, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Glenn Skinner.

A private burial will take place at Westview Cemetery.

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

RALPH DOUGLAS SWANSON

EASLEY — Mr. Ralph Douglas Swanson, 72, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Oliver Swanson and the late Ruth Smith Brown, Mr. Swanson was a graduate of Easley High School and was a retired mechanic. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Vietnam War.

Surviving are three daughters, Jan Brier (Martin) of Liberty and Kristal Manley and Rachel Swanson, both of Anderson; a sister, Faye Buckley of Liberty; and five grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Swanson was predeceased by a brother, Eric Brown.

Graveside services were held on April 27 at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

FRANCES LOVENIA DARNELL

EASLEY — Frances Lovenia Darnell, 96, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, in Greenville.

Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Vessie and Reba Masters Brackens and wife of the late Frances Marion Darnell.

Frances loved working in her yard and growing all sorts of flowers. Her favorite quote was “I’m going home to feed my soul,” which meant she was going to read her bible.

Survivors include two sons, Marion Darnell (Nancy) of Easley and Gerald Darnell (Carolyn) of Piedmont; and a sister, Claris Hamlin of Easley. Frances also leaves five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild to share in her memory.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a previous husband, Donald Hart, and a sister, Lois Bowie.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis and in accordance with CDC guidelines, we are limiting the gathering to 50 persons or less in order to protect the health of the Darnell family, our community and our associates. We ask that you kindly respect this request for the benefit of all we serve.

The family will be having an intimate graveside service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorials be sent to Kindred Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Darnell family.

JUDY FINLEY MEALOR

LIBERTY — Judy Finley Mealor, 80, passed from this life on Thursday, April 9, 2020.

Born in Pickens, she was the daughter of the late Oree and Ruby Alexander Finley.

She is survived by her loving children, Teri Garrett (Roger), Tami Looper (Keith) and Tonya Perritt (Jim); a sister, Linda Merck (Richard); her grandchildren, Jaymie Anderson ( Erik), Jeremy Garrett (Marie), Kyle Perritt, Jonathan Garrett, Justin Perritt and Tyler Mealor; and great-grandchildren, Colton, Joey, Crayton, Averie and Addison.

In addition to her parents, Judy was predeceased by two brothers, Kenneth Finley and Jerry Finley, and a grandchild, Joshua Garrett.

The family will have a private graveside service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Mealor Family.

JOYCE ROSEMETH ‘ROSE’ NABORS

EASLEY — Joyce Rosemeth “Rose” Nabors, 83, wife of the late Freddie L. Nabors, passed away on April 26, 2020.

Survivors include a daughter, Marian Barbare of Easley; sons, Mark (Debbie) Nabors of Easley and Russell Nabors of Easley; grandchildren, Jacob and Joshua Duncan; brothers, Tommy (Teresa) Burdine and Joe (Gertrude) Burdine; and a sister, Margaret (Edward) Richardson.

Rose was predeceased by her husband; her parents, Mason and Myrtle Burdine; a brother, J.B. Burdine; and sisters, Wilma and Patricia Burdine.

Rose was an active member of Cedar Rock Baptist Church in Easley, where she was a Sunday school teacher. She also was active in G.A.s and Acteens at Cedar Rock Baptist Church.

A private burial will be held on Wednesday, April 29, for family only.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Nabors family.

BRENDA JOYCE ROACH

PICKENS — Brenda Joyce Roach, 76, wife of Tony D. Roach, passed away on April 25, 2020.

Survivors include her husband, Tony; a son, Patrick (Hope) Chapman of Greer; a daughter, Carla (Hal) Stone of Six Mile; grandchildren, Grayson, Olivia and Seth Chapman, and Cody and Tyler Stone; a brother, Robert Baker; nieces, Connie Brand and Jeannie Green; and nephews, Hugh Green and Steve Baker.

Brenda was predeceased by her parents, Carl Baker Sr. and Ora Mae Keith Baker; a brother, Carl “Bud” Baker Jr.; and a sister, Ethel Green.

A private burial will be held on Thursday, April 30, for family only. Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Roach family.

ELIZABETH ‘BETTY’ Backfield

PICKENS — Elizabeth “Betty” Backfield of Pickens, died on the morning of April 20, 2020. She was 86.

The daughter of Capt. J. Hinton Graves Jr. and Ellen Keogh, she was born in Upper Darby, Pa. She moved several times as a child due to her father’s Navy career, but graduated from Bayside High on Long Island and always considered herself a New Yorker. Contemplating the religious life, she attended Nazareth College in Kentucky before discerning a different calling and graduating from the Lenox Hill Hospital School of Nursing in Queens, N.Y.

In 1958, she married psychiatrist Hajdar Xhema, of Tupale, Kosovo, Yugoslavia, and lived with him and their four children (Liz, Tony, Aziza and Ellen) in Rye, N.Y. Following Dr. Xhema’s death, she settled in Williamsburg Va., where she remained for decades. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary while working as a nurse and teacher and raising four children as a single mother. In the 1990s, she would return to William and Mary, earning a master’s degree and working as a counselor for abused women.

In 1974, she married Sgt. Joseph (“Joe”) Backfield (U.S. Army – Ret.) of Brooklyn, N.Y., who had three children from a previous marriage (Fred, Mike, and Ruth). The couple had one child (Sam) together.

Betty will be remembered for her warmth, her moral conviction, her intellectual curiosity, her laugh and her slightly impish sense of humor. A devout Catholic, Betty was an active parishioner at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Williamsburg, Va., and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens. She poured herself into caring for others through her chosen professions of nursing, teaching, counseling at-risk women and most especially in the raising of her children, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her husbands, Hajdar and Joe, and her brothers, Joey and Jim. She is survived by her sisters, Barbara and Martha, eight children and stepchildren, 25 grandchildren, and an increasing number of great-grandchildren.

Due to pandemic-related restrictions, she was buried next to her late husband, Joe, in a small, private service at the Parklawn-Wood Memorial Park in Hampton, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Betty may be made to the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy (sisterfaustina.org), the Cardinal Newman Society (newmansociety.org), or the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (scnfamily.org).

Online condolence may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Backfield Family.