MARGARET ELLEN WALDROP

PICKENS — Margaret Ellen Waldrop, 84, loving wife of John “Bud” Waldrop, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Waldrop was born in Pickens on May 21, 1938, to the late Clyde David and Annie Mae Anderson Roberts. She retired from Alice Manufacturing at the Elljean Plant and enjoyed being involved at her church, Pickens View Wesleyan, and supporting them in whatever role she could. Margaret loved traveling, especially to the beach, and cooking for her family every Sunday, but “Nanny’s” passion was taking care of her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.

In addition to her loving husband, Bud, of 66 years, Mrs. Waldrop is survived by her four children, Debbie Ellison (Tony), Tracy Pechthalt (Danny), Jan Stephens (Doug) and Jonathan Waldrop (Kayla); 10 grandchildren, Kyle Ellison (Virginia), Kaleb Ellison (Jen), Kirk Ellison (Erin), Kara Newton (Brandon), Natania Pechthalt, Stephanie Davis (Cody), Ryan Stephens (Stacie), Andrew Stephens, Ayden Waldrop and Avery Waldrop; nine great-grandchildren, Hart Ellison, Maggie Ellison, Kate Ellison, Rose Ellison, Salley Claire Ellison, Scott Ellison, Alice Ellison, Flossie Ellison, Naaman Newton and Baby Newton who is on the way; and a brother, Jerry Roberts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Avanelle Moore.

Funeral services were held on May 19 at Pickens View Wesleyan Church, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Pickens View Wesleyan Church building fund.

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

 

TAMMIE SIMON

LIBERTY — Tammie Simon, 64, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023, at her home.

A native of Pickens County, Tammie was born on April 13, 1959, daughter of Donald Eugene Marshbanks and Bennie Jean Morgan. Mrs. Simon loved her family dearly. She loved to work puzzles and go camping.

In addition to her parents, Tammie is survived by her son, Paul Simon of Pickens; a sister, Missy McCall (Joe) of Easley; and a brother, Rondal Scott Nalley of Easley.

A memorial service to honor Tammie’s life will be held at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Simon family.

 

PHILLIP ‘PHIL’ MILTON HARRIS

PICKENS — Phillip “Phil” Milton Harris, 61, loving husband of 43 years to his childhood sweetheart, Christine Harris, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at his home.

Born on Feb. 3, 1962, in Pelzer, Phil was the son of the late Denny and Jewel Ruth O’Banion Harris. Mr. Harris worked as a welder for Excalibur Tool until his health declined. He loved his dogs, playing the drums, collecting guns and especially enjoyed watching Clemson Tigers and Carolina Panthers football games.

Survivors include his wife, Christine Harris of the home; his two daughters, Sunshine Harris and Tuesdey Henderson; two grandchildren, Macie McLaughlin and Kurt Henderson; one great-granddaughter, Hadlee Jones; and one sister, Marcelle Miller.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Harris was predeceased by a brother, Collins Harris.

Graveside services were held on May 22 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Harris family.

 

PATRICIA MORGAN MELLARD

SUNSET — Patricia Morgan Mellard, 81, formerly of North Charleston, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

Patricia was born on May 2, 1942, in Charleston, the daughter of Erman Chancey Morgan and Sally Bernice Glisson Morgan. She was a graduate of North Charleston High School and Palmer Business College.

She is survived by her husband, Raymon Mellard; her daughter, Cynthia Mellard; her sister, Kathy Hurst; and her brothers-in-law, Robert McElhenney and Danny Mellard.

She was preceded in death by her son, Timothy Raymon Mellard; her parents; her brother, Buddy Morgan; and her sisters, Laura Ledford, Shirley McElhenney and Ann Morgan.

Her funeral service was held at the graveside on Saturday, May 13, at Carolina Memorial Gardens.

 

HARRY L. VARN JR.

 

EASLEY — Mr. Harry Lee Varn Jr.,74, husband of the late Carol Elaine Black Varn, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023.

Born in Orangeburg, the son of the late Harry Lee Varn Sr. and the late Opal Wells, Mr. Varn was the retired owner and operator of South Star Mobile Home Sales, attended Easley First Pentecostal Holiness Church and was a proud member of the Teufelshunde Motorcycle Club.

He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served in the Vietnam War.

Harry had a huge heart and would always lend a hand to those in need. He was a huge animal lover and a loving grandfather. Mr. Varn will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving are his son, Christopher Varn (Julie) of Easley; his daughter, Robin Johnson of Williamston; his grandchildren, Corey Johnson, Christopher Varn (Regina), Brittany Parker, Kaylalyn Goad, Jenna Goad, Meagan Todd (Jason) and Chelsea Goad; and his great-grandchildren, Karson, Kaliber, Mackenzie, Landen, Madison, Cassidy, Jace, Noah and Adalynn.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Varn was predeceased by a son-in-law, Larry Johnson; and a great-grandchild, Aubry Grace.
Funeral services were held on May 19 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed at Robinson Memorial Gardens with military honors.

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

 

JAMES STEVEN KITCHENS

LIBERTY — James Steven Kitchens, 62, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Born on May 26, 1960, in Fort Worth, Texas, James was the son of Marge Harrison (Rex) and the late James Elvis Kitchens. Mr. Kitchens enjoyed building and restoring cars, riding motorcycles and drag racing.

Survivors include his children, Shannon Tollison (Kevin) of Greenville, Stephanie McClain (Jamie) of Liberty and Taylor Kitchens of Liberty; his mother, Marge Harrison (Rex); his grandchildren, Sophia, Bentlee, Chevy, ElleeMae, JoelLee, Jamesie and Stevie; a sister, Mitzi Dawkins (Chris) of Easley; and a brother, Tim Kitchens (Leisa) of Easley.

In addition to his father, Mr. Kitchens was predeceased by a sister, Teresa Watt.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, May 23, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations in James’ honor may be made to Team Gleason (ALS) Foundation, P.O. Box 24493, New Orleans, LA 70184.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Kitchens family.

 

WANDA L. POWELL

LIBERTY — Wanda L. Powell, 65, loving wife of 44 and a half years to Randall T. Powell, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at her home.

Born on Nov. 29, 1957, in McCaysville, Ga., Wanda was the daughter of the late Kenneth Lewis and Molly T. Dyer Lewis. Mrs. Powell graduated from Pickens High School in 1976 and then earned her degree in nursing from Greenville Technical College, where she was on the dean’s list. After graduating, she worked in the cardiac care units at Greenville Hospital System and Baptist Easley Hospital, as well as Oakmont and Laurel Hill nursing facilities.

Wanda loved her family dearly. She most enjoyed attending her grandsons’ various activities. She never missed a game, competition or awards ceremony.

Survivors include her husband, Randall Powell of the home; her daughter, Melissa Smith (Brady) of Pickens; and her three grandsons, Will Smith, Alex Smith and Matthew Smith.

Mrs. Powell was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Molly Lewis of Pickens.

Visitation was held on May 19 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens, with a funeral service following. Burial followed the service at the Bethlehem Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Powell family.

 

MARY SONS WHITEHEAD

MARIETTA — Mary Sons Whitehead, 85, loving wife of 50-plus years to the late Jack R. Whitehead Jr., passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at her home.

Born on April 20, 1938, Illinois, Mary was the daughter of the late Robert Lee Sons and Blanche Estella Guile Sons. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will truly be missed.

Survivors include her children, Celeste Harris of Marietta, Jack Whitehead III (Judy) of Easley, Tammy Tyson (Mike) of Denver, Colo., and David Whitehead (adopted) of Sevierville, Tenn.; a sister, Estella Ann Martin of Illinois; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Whitehead was predeceased by her husband and her parents.

Visitation took place on May 21 in the chapel of Cross Roads Baptist Church, with graveside services following at the Cross Roads Baptist Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Whitehead family.