JOYCE GARRETT PATTERSON

LIBERTY — Joyce Garrett Patterson, 83, beloved wife of 63 years to Dennis Patterson, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

Born in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Rosa Stasney Garrett.

Joyce was a dedicated and faithful member of Flat Rock Baptist Church, where she served as secretary for many years. She was a true southern Christian woman with a heart of gold and unconditional love that she spread far and wide. Being a coach’s wife for numerous years, she enjoyed preparing large meals after the ballgames and taking care of the team as though they were her family. She was “a Mom to all,” making sure that the Patterson home was always open to friends, students and athletes.

To know Joyce was to love her. She was a friend to all, never meeting a stranger. During the storms of life, she was a ray of sunshine, always willing to lend a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on or just be a voice of reason during troubled times. Joyce’s love and compassion only allowed her eyes to see the good in people. Above all, she loved her Lord, her church and her family. Joyce’s legacy of love will carry on through each life she touched, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who loved her.

In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by three sons, Bobby Patterson (Teresa), Scott Patterson and Gene Patterson (Sabrina); granddaughters, Jordan (Joe), Molly, Kaitlyn, Taylor, Alexis (Tyler) and Rosie; grandsons, Christopher, Graden and Henry; great-grandchildren, Teagun and Griffin; a brother, Douglas Garrett Jr.; sisters, Ruth Cromer, Mildred “Mickey” Langford and Jane Patterson (Bill); and a sister-in-law, Roberta Garrett.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Wilburn Garrett and James “Seven” Garrett; a sister, Lois Patterson; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Garrett, Edna Garrett and Jean Garrett; and brothers-in-law, Gene Cromer and Pete Patterson.

A visitation was held on July 22 at Flat Rock Baptist Church. The funeral service was held on Saturday, July 23, at Flat Rock Baptist Church, with burial following in the Flat Rock Baptist Church cemetery.

Joyce believed education was very important, therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family requested that guests bring school supplies to be collected and donated to local children.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting thomasmcafee.com.

 

BETTY WILLIAMS

SENECA — Betty G. Williams, 81, wife of the late Kenneth “Ken” Williams, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at her residence.

Born in Pickens County, Betty was the daughter of the late Clarence Gilstrap and Myrtle Hudson Gilstrap. Betty was retired from Clemson University and Senior Catering. Betty was a Sunday school teacher and a member of Newry Church of God, a singer and lover of southern gospel music.

Betty is survived by her sons, Reggie Williams of the home and Steve Williams (Juanita) of Newry; grandchildren, Molly Williams of Newry, Kenneth Williams (Tiffany) of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Trina Stephens (Charlie) of Liberty; great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Silas, Chandler, Lil Charlie and Paislee; brother, Jr. Gilstrap (Susan) of Sunset; sisters, Barbara Gilstrap, Faye Gilstrap and Evelyn Gilstrap of Sunset, Ethel Childs of Anderson, Shirley Adams of Pickens and Myrtle Barker of Apopka, Fla.; loving fur babies, Fiona, April and Midnight; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alex and Florence Williams; brothers, Ernest Gilstrap and Frank Gilstrap; sister, Louise Barker; and her loving fur baby, Crawford.

A funeral service was conducted on July 24 at Newry Church of God, with burial following at Oconee Memorial Park.

The family members are at their respective homes. Flowers are accepted. Condolences may be expressed online by visiting sandiferfuneralhome.com.

Sandifer Funeral Home is assisting the Williams family.

 

BETTY HENDRICKS

SIX MILE — Betty Grant Hendricks, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 18, 2022, at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Born in Pickens, she was the widow of Charles Vando Hendricks and a daughter of the late Henry Clyde and Cora Victoria Holcombe Grant.

Mrs. Hendricks was a longtime member of Mt. Olivet Wesleyan Church. During her working career, she worked for Dr. Albert J. Reinovsky and later for the Acker Law Firm.

She loved to read and watch western movies.

Surviving are a daughter, Cathy Looper (Stan) of Piedmont; two sons, Rev. Michael G. Hendricks of Hobe Sound, Fla., and Kevin V. Hendricks (Wanda) of Central; seven grandchildren, Michelle Hendricks, Carmen Hendricks, Stephanie Hendricks, Beth Hendricks, Anna Eaton (Chad), Tori Looper and Will Hendricks (Lindsey); 12 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Pat Grant (Kathy) of Easley.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers.

Funeral services were conducted on July 25 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial was at the Mt. Olivet Wesleyan Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice House of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

ANN EVERETT

CLEMSON — Mrs. Ann Rives Everett, 88, wife of the late M.Sgt. Jack H. Everett (USAF) Ret., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

Born in Selma, Ala., and a longtime resident of Savannah, Ga., she was the daughter of the late James Hugh Rives and the late Ann Judson Rives. Mrs. Everett was a retired nurse anesthetist and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Savannah, Ga.

Surviving are her children, Lt. Col. William R. Hestir (USMC) Ret. of Seneca, Mary Kay Taylor Eastis (David) of Roswell, Ga., and Benjamin D. Hestir of Central; her two sisters, Beulah Rives Wilson (John) of Clemson and Lucia H. Lockridge (Bob) of Germantown, Tenn.; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The family will host a memorial service at a later date.

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

S.A. ‘BUSTER’ PALMER

PICKENS — S.A. “Buster’ Palmer, 85, husband for 68 years to Loree Frazier Palmer, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at his home, with his loving family by his side.

Buster was self-employed as a paint contractor. He was an avid treasure hunter, an expert “wheeler and dealer.” Buster loved to fish, build and working on his car. He came from a large family and was one of nine siblings.

He is survived by his loving wife, Loree; his daughters, Debbie Kent (Johnny) of Taylors and Caroline Palmer of Pickens; his son, Benji Palmer (Dawn) of Pickens; grandchildren, Jennifer Bailey, Caitlin Palmer, Christopher Farhan, John Kent, Max Palmer, Sarah Lackey, Zachary Kent and Joe Palmer; and siblings, William Palmer, Reba Palmer, Sadie Palmer and Janice Palmer.

He was predeceased by his parents, Hollis and Lula Palmer; and siblings, Katherine Palmer, Tommy Palmer, Shirley Palmer and Jesse Lee Palmer.

A memorial service for Buster was held on July 24 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations is serving the Palmer family.

 

GREG EVATT

EASLEY — Bobby Gregory “Greg” Evatt, 60, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at his home.

Born in Greenville, he was a son of the late Patsy Ann Evatt Gray and Jerry Rodewald.

Mr. Evatt was the branch manager with Nicholas Financial in Greenville. He enjoyed anything baseball and attending concerts, but most of all he loved his family.

Greg is survived by his loving wife, Tonya LaJuan Moore Evatt; his daughter, Cassidy Evatt of Easley; his sister, Sabrina Riley of Easley; and his nieces, Emily Riley and Lesleigh Kilgore.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 27, from 1-2:45 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be at Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association WEB P.O. Box 97075, Washington, DC 20090-7075 or mda.org.

Please visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Powdersville Road, Easley.

 

MARY ELLEN SMITH

EASLEY — Mrs. Mary Ellen Smith, 86, loving wife of Bill Smith of Easley, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Smith was born in Easley on Dec. 22, 1935, to the late Melvin S. and Mary Louise Boggs Smith. She loved to laugh, dance and tend to her flowers. Mrs. Smith loved her family and especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed camping, especially on Smith Hill on Lake Keowee. Mrs. Smith was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

In addition to her loving husband, Mrs. Smith is survived by her three children, Sherry Freshwater (Jim) of Pickens, Glenn Smith (Sherry) of Liberty and Beth Henderson (Mark) of Easley; her three grandchildren, Jordan Gormley (James), Courtney Hess (Kevin) and Cala Casio (Russell); six great-grandchildren, Bryson, Bentley, Beckett, Carter, Kyleigh and Sebastian; and her nine siblings, Barbara Hudson, Jim D. Smith, Larry W. Smith, L. Dean Smith, Steve Smith, G. Neil Smith, Judy Lindsay, Nancy Gantt and Leona Flinchum.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by a sister, Lori Black.

Funeral services were conducted on July 23 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers are accepted.

The family members are at their respective homes.

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

 

KENNETH S. ‘KEN’ O’SHEA SR.

SIX MILE — Kenneth S. “Ken” O’Shea Sr., 61, loving husband of 10 years to Ellen K. O’Shea, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022, at his residence.

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Ken was born Oct. 17, 1960, the son of the late Raymond Bowman and Evelyn Vangrol. Mr. O’Shea was self-employed as a mechanic and carpenter. In his spare time, he enjoyed boating, fishing, riding his motorcycle to the mountains, gardening and cooking. Above all, he was a family man and loved spending his time with them.

Survivors include his wife, Ellen; his children, Kenneth O’Shea Jr. (Ginny) of Central, Tammy Gunter O’Shea of Six Mile, Andy O’Shea (Missy) of Central and Kevin O’Shea (Rebecca) of Six Mile; grandchildren, Jasmine, Madison, Breanna, Christopher, Abigail, Cheyanne, Gabriel, Alexa, Gage, Xavier and Allisen; and siblings, Michael O’Shea, Emily Ashley, Franklin O’Shea Jr., Terry O’Shea, Doreen Bowman, Daren O’Shea, Patricia Vandeusen, Timothy Bowman, Bill Bowman, Wayne Bowman, Dawn Shove and Carol Deuel; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. O’Shea was predeceased by a brother, Ed Bowman.

The family will host a hog roast in Ken’s honor at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, at his residence, 2984 Walhalla Highway, Six Mile, SC 29682.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the O’Shea family.

 

BETTY ROPER KUNZ

SIMPSONVILLE — Betty Roper Kunz, 81, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at McCall Hospice House in Greenville.

A native of Pickens County, Betty was born on Feb. 16, 1941, the daughter of the late William Parker Roper and Rosa Burns Roper. Betty graduated from the Greenville General Hospital School of Nursing in 1961 and from Furman University in 1980. She worked as a nurse for more than 40 years in pediatric, psychiatric and occupational nursing. She retired after 20 years of employment at Leigh Fibers Inc. in Wellford. After retiring, she volunteered at Hillcrest Hospital.

A lifelong learner, Betty enjoyed reading, taking courses at OLLI and Greenville Tech, creative writing and doing her daily crossword puzzle. She delighted in music and in nature. More than anything, she cherished her family, friends and her faith. Betty was a member of McCarter Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder, taught Sunday school and led bible study.

Survivors include her significant other, Duane Lonkey of Simpsonville; her daughter, Carol Kunz and her husband Patrick Wright of Brevard, N.C.; grandchildren, Blake Stephens and Phillip Fletcher; and siblings, Francis Kuykendall, Montez Farmer and Rachel Watson.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Kunz was predeceased by her daughters, Susan Kunz Stephens and Katherine Kunz Kent; a brother, Rayford Roper; and three sisters, Sadie LeCroy, Millie Sue Cisson and Azilee Howard.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Betty’s honor may be made to the Cancer Society of Greenville by visiting  cancersocietygc.org or by mailing 113 Mills Ave., Greenville, SC 29605.

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

 

MARY ELLEN SMITH

EASLEY — Mrs. Mary Ellen Smith, 86, loving wife of Bill Smith of Easley, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Smith was born in Easley on Dec. 22, 1935, to the late Melvin S. and Mary Louise Boggs Smith. She loved to laugh, dance and tend to her flowers. Mrs. Smith loved her family and especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed camping, especially on Smith Hill on Lake Keowee. Mrs. Smith was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

In addition to her loving husband, Mrs. Smith is survived by her three children, Sherry Freshwater (Jim) of Pickens, Glenn Smith (Sherry) of Liberty and Beth Henderson (Mark) of Easley; her three grandchildren, Jordan Gormley (James), Courtney Hess (Kevin) and Cala Casio (Russell); six great-grandchildren, Bryson, Bentley, Beckett, Carter, Kyleigh and Sebastian; and her nine siblings, Barbara Hudson, Jim D. Smith, Larry W. Smith, L. Dean Smith, Steve Smith, G. Neil Smith, Judy Lindsay, Nancy Gantt and Leona Flinchum.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by a sister, Lori Black.

Funeral services were conducted on July 23 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers are accepted.

The family members are at their respective homes.

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

 

KENNETH S. ‘KEN’ O’SHEA SR.

SIX MILE — Kenneth S. “Ken” O’Shea Sr., 61, loving husband of 10 years to Ellen K. O’Shea, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022, at his residence.

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Ken was born Oct. 17, 1960, the son of the late Raymond Bowman and Evelyn Vangrol. Mr. O’Shea was self-employed as a mechanic and carpenter. In his spare time, he enjoyed boating, fishing, riding his motorcycle to the mountains, gardening and cooking. Above all, he was a family man and loved spending his time with them.

Survivors include his wife, Ellen; his children, Kenneth O’Shea Jr. (Ginny) of Central, Tammy Gunter O’Shea of Six Mile, Andy O’Shea (Missy) of Central and Kevin O’Shea (Rebecca) of Six Mile; grandchildren, Jasmine, Madison, Breanna, Christopher, Abigail, Cheyanne, Gabriel, Alexa, Gage, Xavier and Allisen; and siblings, Michael O’Shea, Emily Ashley, Franklin O’Shea Jr., Terry O’Shea, Doreen Bowman, Daren O’Shea, Patricia Vandeusen, Timothy Bowman, Bill Bowman, Wayne Bowman, Dawn Shove and Carol Deuel; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. O’Shea was predeceased by a brother, Ed Bowman.

The family will host a hog roast in Ken’s honor at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, at his residence, 2984 Walhalla Highway, Six Mile, SC 29682.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the O’Shea family.

 

BETTY ROPER KUNZ

SIMPSONVILLE — Betty Roper Kunz, 81, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at McCall Hospice House in Greenville.

A native of Pickens County, Betty was born on Feb. 16, 1941, the daughter of the late William Parker Roper and Rosa Burns Roper. Betty graduated from the Greenville General Hospital School of Nursing in 1961 and from Furman University in 1980. She worked as a nurse for more than 40 years in pediatric, psychiatric and occupational nursing. She retired after 20 years of employment at Leigh Fibers Inc. in Wellford. After retiring, she volunteered at Hillcrest Hospital.

A lifelong learner, Betty enjoyed reading, taking courses at OLLI and Greenville Tech, creative writing and doing her daily crossword puzzle. She delighted in music and in nature. More than anything, she cherished her family, friends and her faith. Betty was a member of McCarter Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder, taught Sunday school and led bible study.

Survivors include her significant other, Duane Lonkey of Simpsonville; her daughter, Carol Kunz and her husband Patrick Wright of Brevard, N.C.; grandchildren, Blake Stephens and Phillip Fletcher; and siblings, Francis Kuykendall, Montez Farmer and Rachel Watson.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Kunz was predeceased by her daughters, Susan Kunz Stephens and Katherine Kunz Kent; a brother, Rayford Roper; and three sisters, Sadie LeCroy, Millie Sue Cisson and Azilee Howard.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Betty’s honor may be made to the Cancer Society of Greenville by visiting  cancersocietygc.org or by mailing 113 Mills Ave., Greenville, SC 29605.

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