BETTY JEAN CHRISMER

EASLEY— Betty Jean Chrismer, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 30, 2019.

She was born on Oct. 15, 1936, to the late Roy and Mary Reeves.

Mrs. Chrismer attended Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens and was a member at Zion Methodist Church in Easley. She truly loved entertaining friends and family, as she had a very generous heart. She also enjoyed making people laugh and to laugh herself. Those who knew her best also knew that she never met a stranger.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Chrismer; two sons, Robert Chrismer II (Jiamin) and David Chrismer (Michele); one daughter, Elizabeth Hitchcock (Ken); and two grandchildren, Johnny and Patrick.

A graveside service was held on June 3 in Hillcrest Memorial Park with Father Jim Dubrouillet officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Upstate at 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC, 29621, and Holy Cross Catholic Outreach at 558 Hampton Ave., Pickens, SC, 29671.

Messages of condolence may be expressed by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

MICHAEL PAUL BOHM

EASLEY — Michael Paul Bohm, 59, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at his home.

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he was the son of the late Frederick Walter and Anna Marie Kasner Bohm. Michael received an associate degree from Pinellas Technical College in Clearwater, Fla., and was an electronics technician with Abbott Laboratories in Liberty.

He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his nieces and nephews, and playing different instruments.

He is survived by two sisters, Michelle Papke of Fletcher, N.C., and Mindy Maiden (Chris) of Ladson; two nieces, Kristina and Caitlyn Papke; one nephew, Benjamin Maiden; one great-nephew, Jaxson Cooper-Papke; his stepmother, JoAnne Bohm; two stepsisters, Andrea Kay and Brook Turpin; two stepnieces, Taylor and Amanda Turpin; and one stepnephew, Jeffrey Kay.

Memorial services were held on June 2 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road which is assisting the family.

KENNETH E. COUCH

EASLEY — Mr. Kenneth Edward Couch, 81, husband of Florence Raines Couch, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 1, 2019.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Domer Edward Couch and the late Edna Norris Couch, Mr. Couch was a graduate of Dacusville High School and retired from Steel Heddle with more than 30 years of service.

He was a lifetime member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

Kenneth had a love for the outdoors and cutting wood, but most of all he loved spending his time on his tractor.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 19 years, are a brother, Thomas Earl Couch (Nancy) of Easley; two sisters, Audrey C. Robinson of Greenville and Joyce C. Jones (Bill) of Greenwood; a stepson, Michael Baker (Laura) of Easley; a stepdaughter, Cindy Davidson (Tommy) of Seneca; one niece, Nancy Janich; three nephews, Barry Couch, Tommy Jones and Mark Jones; and six stepgrandchildren, Seth, Brandon and Mason Baker, Kayla Golden, Jessica Gravely and Heather Davidson.

Funeral services were held on June 4 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, with Rev. Paul Turner officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

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

MARGARET GIBSON

EASLEY — Mrs. Margaret Gibson, 80, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, May 31, 2019, at her home while surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 23, 1939, in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Donald Laverne and Mary Watson Martin. Margaret was a graduate of Pickens High School and served as city clerk and treasurer for the city of Easley for many years. She was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and enjoyed being a part of church activities. She was very active with the cancer support group and loved her Sunday school class, Love in Action. In her spare time, she tended to her yard work and the upkeep of her flowerbeds.

Surviving are her loving and devoted husband of 61 years, Bobby Gibson; two children, Byron Gibson of Campobello and Phyllis Porter (Dale) of Piedmont; one sister, Mary Pickel of Easley; two granddaughters, Morgan Porter Collins (Geoff) of Piedmont and Emily Porter of Piedmont; one grandson, Brooks Gibson (Morgan) of Spartanburg; and two great-grandchildren, Benjamin Gibson and Layla Gibson. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Mac Martin.

Funeral services were held on June 3 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with Dr. David Gallamore officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church, 1430, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642, or to the Gideons International at 2939 Chesnee Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Gibson family in making arrangements.

KATHLEEN LILY STEPHENS THOMAS

PICKENS — Kathleen Lily Stephens Thomas, 82, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Pruitt Health and Rehabilitation in Six Mile.

Born on Sept. 7, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Homer and Zelpha Bearden Stephens. Kathleen was retired from Ryobi, and she enjoyed playing senior bingo with her sister and word search puzzles.

Surviving are her husband, James A. Thomas; two sons, Arthur Thomas and Johnny Thomas (Nancy); one sister, Opal Jean Davis; two brothers, Leroy Stephens and Lloyd Stephens; six grandchildren, Heather, Holly, Somer, Jodi, Jonathan and Elizabeth, 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Kathleen was also predeceased by three children, Mitchell Thomas, Leland Thomas and Lisa Thomas, and seven siblings.

Funeral services were held on June 4 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with the Rev. Roger Stephens officiating. Burial was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Church of God, 428 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Thomas family in making arrangements.

BETTY LOU PATTERSON BROOM

PICKENS — Mrs. Betty Lou Patterson Broom, 81, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at home while surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Aug. 7, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Fuller and Nora Mae Powell Patterson. Betty was a member of Rocky Bottom Baptist Church, and she enjoyed gardening and bird watching.

Surviving are her husband of 65 years, Clifton Broom; one daughter, Cathy Wilson (George); three sons, Shannon Broom (Shannon), Rickey Broom (Shelia) and Randy Broom (Jodi); three brothers, Tom Patterson (Betty), Albert Patterson (Sylvia) and Preston Patterson; and 24 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on June 4 at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with the Rev. Danny Parton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Broom family in making arrangements.

BETTY J. RUSHTON

EASLEY — Mrs. Edna Elizabeth “Betty” Jenkinson Rushton, 89, wife of Harry Guilford “Gil” Rushton Sr., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 2, 2019.

Born in Greenville County, Mrs. Rushton was a daughter of the late Joe Thomas Jenkinson Sr. and the late Lula Edna Parsons Jenkinson. Mrs. Rushton graduated from Greenville High School and Draughn’s Business College, and she was crowned Miss Greenville in 1949. She was formerly employed with The Greenville News and the Clemson University athletic department. Mrs. Rushton was a homemaker and a member of Easley First Baptist Church.

Betty was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who adored her family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 70 years, are two sons, Dr. Harry Guilford “Gil” Rushton Jr. and his wife, Denise, of McLean, Va., and Douglas Edward “Doug” Rushton of New Orleans, La.; a daughter, Janet Rushton “Jan” Overton and her husband, Benson, of Clemson; a brother, Charles Benjamin Jenkinson and his wife, Gloria Jean “Georgia” Jenkinson, of Greenville; a sister, Evelyn Carolyn “CJ” Bigger and her husband, Dr. John F. Bigger Jr. of North Augusta; four grandchildren, Dr. Hilary Rushton, Callie Rushton, Douglas Rushton Jr. and Manning Rushton; and two stepgrandchildren, Joe Conrad and Taylor Conrad. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Rushton was predeceased by a brother, Joe Thomas Jenkinson Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at Easley First Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. John Adams officiating. Private committal services will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:15 p.m. on Saturday at the church, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Easley First Baptist Church, 300 East First Avenue, Easley, SC 29640.

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

DONNA HOWARD BRISSEY

PICKENS — Donna Brissey, 60, wife of Rev. Mike Brissey, passed from this life on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at her home.

Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of Charles William and Mary Aiken Stewart. She was a memberA of Keowee Baptist Church and was attending Northside Baptist Church. Donna was previously employed in the health care industry, where she took care of many folks.

Survivors include her husband, Rev. Mike Brissey of the home; her parents, Charles and Mary Stewart of Pickens; a son, Josh Howard (Sherrell) of Six Mile; a daughter, Della Howard of Pickens; grandchildren, Jimmy Waters, Josie Whitten, Aaron Armstrong and Jonathon Howard; great-grandchildren, Graysen Whitten and Gabe Waters; sisters, Sherry Riggins and Hope Rogers; and a brother, Chris Stewart.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, at Keowee Baptist Church, with the funeral to follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pickens County Humane Society, 500 Five Forks Road, Liberty, SC 29657.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the Brissey family.

CLAUDE D. TURNER

EASLEY — Mr. Claude Dewey Turner, 87, husband of the late Doris Jones Turner, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 31, 2019.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Noah and Omie Woodall Turner, Mr. Turner was retired from the South Carolina Department of Transportation and was a member of Geer Memorial Baptist Church. He was a Master Mason with the Bates Lodge No. 189 AFM and a Hejaz Shriner. Mr. Turner was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Korean War.

Surviving are three grandchildren, Anesha Smith (Allen), Jermain Carman (April) and Bradley Kay; a step-daughter, Sharon Kay Looper (Tom); and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Turner was predeceased by 10 brothers and two sisters; and his step-son, Ray Carman.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

The family would like to express a special thank you to Eric and Pam Parker for the love and care they have provided for Mr. Turner.

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

MIKE “POP” CASSELL

EASLEY — Mr. Michael “Pop” Cassell, 72, husband of Becky Sims Cassell and the late Beverly Jean Shippam Cassell, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019.

Born in Pickens County, the son of the late Arthur Edward Cassell and the late Lois Elizabeth Bowen Cassell, Mr. Cassell retired from Stevens Aviation with 50 years of service and was of the Wesleyan faith. He was a U.S. Navy veteran.

Pop always had kind words for all and never met a stranger. He was an avid NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt fan. Mike loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons, Stacey Cassell and his wife, Julie, of Easley, and Heath Cassell and his wife, Earlene, of Easley; a step-daughter, Ashley Leitherer and her husband, Jim, of Columbia; and four grandchildren, Hannah Cassell, Griffin Cassell, Parker Cassell and Alexis Leitherer.

In addition to his first wife and parents, Mr. Cassell was predeceased by a sister, Sandra Cassell Nalley.

A celebration of Mike’s life was held on May 31 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

Memorials may be made to Homestead Hospice, 3453 Pelham Road, Greenville, SC 29615.

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

CARL W. SEABORN

LIBERTY — Carl W. Seaborn, 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at the Rainey Hospice House.

Born in Six Mile, he was a son of the late Charles Detrich “Dee” and Dulcenia Puckett Seaborn.

Mr. Seaborn worked at Easley Mechanical and then later retired from the School District of Pickens County, where he was the plumbing supervisor.

He was a United States Army veteran and a member of East Side Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara Cartee Seaborn of the home; a daughter, Tanya S. Eckard of Liberty; a son, Barry Seaborn of Liberty; three sisters, Ruth Craig of Easley, Eloise Secilot of Columbus, Ohio, and Frances Curlee of Simpsonville; and one brother, James Seaborn of Six Mile. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Hunter Eckard, Zachary Seaborn, Morgan Eckard and Kayleigh Seaborn.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Vera Griffin, Winnona Gillespie, Grace Carrere, Audrey Davis and Eula Dorsey; three brothers, Benny, Ralph and Charles Seaborn; and his son-in-law, Theron Eckard.

Graveside services to honor Carl’s life were conducted on May 30 at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to East Side Baptist Church, 920 Anderson Drive, Liberty SC 29657. The family will be at the home.

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

JOHN B. HUNTER SR.

LIBERTY — John Bennett Hunter Sr., 88, of 207 Apple Drive, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Liberty, he was the widower of Lucille Posey Hunter and a son of the late Waldo and Jennie Sorrells Hunter. He was the owner/operator of T.E. Jones Furniture Store in Liberty for many years.

Mr. Hunter was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, and attended Golden Grove Wesleyan Church. He was a member of the Liberty Lions Club and the Frank D. Callaham American Legion Post No. 67.

Surviving are three daughters, Kathy Smith (Greg) of Pickens, Leesa Brothers (Bill) of Liberty and Tracie Hamilton (Michael) of Central; a son, Bennett Hunter (Judy) of Liberty; his twin brother, Joe Hunter of Liberty; six grandchildren, Sandee Smith, William Brothers (Chelsea), Kimberly Nicholson, Addison Hamilton, Cain Hamilton and Taylor Hamilton; and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his good friend, Dorothy “Dot” Pilgrim; and a special niece and nephew, Rev. Lewis and Nancy Edwards.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Martha Parker and Mary Jones, and two brothers, Jimmy Hunter and Charles Edwards.

Funeral services to honor Mr. Hunter’s life were conducted on June 1 at Golden Grove Wesleyan Church. Burial was held at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorials be made to Golden Grove Wesleyan Church, Youth and Children Program, 7997 Moorefield Memorial Highway, Liberty SC 29657.

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

STEVEN CHARLES PACE

EASLEY — Steven Charles Pace, 58, passed from this life on Thursday, May 30, 2019.

Steve was born in Pickens County, a son of Alma Pace and the late Gene Pace. He was a member of Easley First Baptist Church since he was a child and had currently been attending with his mother. He was saved at 5Point Church in Easley four years ago and loved this church family as well. He was a faithful employee with General Electric with more than 30 years of service and loved the GE family so much.

Steve’s life passion was letting other know what Jesus had done in his life and spending time with family. Being an avid outdoorsman, he loved bow hunting, fishing and sharing what he had learned over the years in these areas with loved ones.

Survivors include his mother, Alma Pace of Easley; a son, Travis Pace (Dixie) of Easley; grandchildren, Savannah Pace and Landon Pace; a brother, Alan Pace (Glenda) of Franklin, Tenn.; and a sister, Gail Grant (Barry) of Easley.

A memorial service was held on June 3 in the sanctuary of Easley First Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. John Adams of Easley First Baptist Church and Pastor Dean Herman of 5Point Church of Easley.

In place of flowers, the family requests that anyone wishing to honor Steve’s memory do so by making memorials to Easley First Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, 300 E. First Ave., Easley, SC 29640.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Pace family.

JO ANN DILLARD COCHRAN

SIX MILE — Jo Ann Dillard Cochran, formerly of Six Mile, moved to her final home in heaven on Saturday, June 1, 2019.

Born in Pickens County to James Austin Dillard Sr., and Nell Josephine Gaines Dillard, she was married for 49 years to William Harold (Bill) Cochran Sr. of Six Mile. Jo Ann was a graduate of Pickens High School, Mars Hill College and Stetson University, and also earned a master’s degree from Clemson University. For many years, she taught in the Pickens County school system, at Easley Christian School and at Tri-County Technical College.

Jo Ann’s priorities were simple — faith and family. A member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Six Mile, she was active in many areas of service in the church, including missions, teaching Sunday school, and beginning the church’s prayer ministry. As a teacher, and as an advocate for the disadvantaged, she saw those roles as opportunities to love others practically in the name of Christ. She rarely, if ever, spoke about her acts of service to others, and never considered her work on behalf of others as anything out of the ordinary — it was just an outflowing of her faith and compassion

A full-time mom for many years, Jo Ann loved her family and many friends. She encouraged, instructed, guided and loved them all well. Known to be quiet, curious and studious, she rarely was seen without a book in her hand. She also was known for fierce determination, a ready laugh and a gentle, kind demeanor. In her later years, she faced many challenges, but adapted and met them all with grace, courage and a peaceful, joyful spirit.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Nell and Austin Dillard, and her husband, Bill Cochran. She is survived by her son, William Harold (Hal) Cochran Jr. of Clemson, and her daughter, Anita Cara Cochran of Chattanooga, Tenn. Additionally, she is survived by many nieces and nephews, and the staff of the Willows of Easley, who have cared so well for her for the last nine years.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 5, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., and on Thursday from 2-2:45 p.m. at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home in Pickens. The service will be held on Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with Rev. Rick Hayes, and Rev. Ted Allston officiating. Interment will be immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain View Baptist Church International Mission Fund, or to Compassion International. actforcompassion.com/jo-ann-Cochran.