Lendon Richard Simmons

Pickens — Lendon Richard Simmons, age 81, husband of Patricia Ann Childs died Monday Aug. 4, 2014 at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Simmons was born in Griffin Community Pickens, a son of the late Jesse Marion Simmons and Artie Lee Hayes Simmons. Mr. Simmons was a member of TurnPoint Community Worship Center of Easley.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, two daughters; Sherree Robinson and husband Wayne of Pickens, Sharon Nealy and husband John of Pickens, four sons; Richard Simmons and wife Georgia of Easley, Ronnie Simmons and wife Elaine of Pickens, Randall Simmons and wife Patricia of Pickens, Roger Simmons and wife Debbie of Pickens, one sister Frances Gillespie of Pickens, 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Simmons was predeceased by his parents, one sister Jessie Lee Simmons, three brothers, Edd Simmons, Edward Simmons and Sherril Simmons.

Graveside Service was 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 at Griffin Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to TurnPoint Community Worship Center Building Fund, 1700 Mt. Tabor Church Road, Easley, SC 29640 or Griffin Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1629 Pumpkintown Highway, Pickens, SC 29671.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Simmons family.

Gina B. Donn

Easley — Gina Bryant Donn, 58, of 109 South 6th Street, Easley, died suddenly on Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at Easley Baptist Hospital.

Born in Anderson County, she was the daughter of Ernest E. Bryant of Pickens and the late Grace Spearman Metz.

Gina earned an Associate Degree from Tri-County Tech and was an excellent seamstress having worked for Patti Fashions of Pendleton for a number of years. She was a member of Sharon United Methodist Church.

Also surviving are a son, Bryan (Karen) Rowland of Simpsonville; a daughter, Grace Ann Rowland (Marshall) Reed of Piedmont; grandchildren, Ashton Reed, Kelsie Rowland and Brendan Rowland; brother, Danny Bryant (Toni) of Anderson; sisters, Deborah Stultz (Robert) of Elridge, Md., Inga Johnson (Kevin) of Summerville, and Ramona Marquez (Wilford) of Albuquerque, N.M.; and Step-Mother, Nell Bryant  of Pickens.

Private services will be held at a later date.

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

Richard Keel Morris

Easley — Richard Keel Morris, 80, of 208 Cedar Circle, husband of the late Mary Frances Ellison Morris, died Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014 at Hospice of the Upstate.

Born in Robersonville, N.C., a son of the late William R. and Mathelda Sarah Keel Morris, Mr. Morris retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 20 years of service and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, Charles Morris of Easley; and a brother, Robert Morris of Carthage, N.C.
Graveside services, with military honors, were 3 p.m. Thursday at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

Roberta Clark Nations

Pickens — Roberta Clark Nations, 88, of 716 East Cedar Rock Street, died on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014 at Manna Health and Rehab.

Mrs. Nations was born in Pickens County, daughter of the late William Elford and Lelia Day Clark and wife of the late Carl Nations.  She retired from Upjohn Health Care and was a member of East Pickens Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, Gary Nations and his wife Donna, of Pickens; one sister, Tessie Masters both of Pickens; one grandson, Andrew Nations and his wife, Adair of Pickens; two great grandchildren, Cooper and Alexandria Nations of Pickens.

A gathering of family and friends will be 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 17 at Secona Baptist Church Family Life Center in Pickens.

The family is at the home of Gary Nations, 221 Rolling Green Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Memorials may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 704 S. Pendleton Street, Easley, SC 29640.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett – Robinson Funeral Home, Central, which is assisting the family.

Richard B. Bates, Jr.

Easley — Richard Byrd Bates, Jr., 59, of 132 Biltmore Circle, husband of the late Teresa “Tret” Tipton Bates, died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Pickens County, a son of Gladys Aiken Bates, and the late Richard Byrd Bates, Sr., Mr. Bates was employed with Glen Raven Mills in Anderson and was former owner of Bates Textile Services. He was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are a son, Richard B. Bates, III; a daughter, Natasha Hamby (Jon); a sister, Angela Gross (David); and four grandchildren, Madisen and Connor Hamby and Abigail and Olivia Bates.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

Nora Black Ward

Easley — Nora Smith Black Ward, 88, of 700 Zion School Road and wife of the late Raymond Carlton Ward, died Saturday Aug. 2, 2014 at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Mrs. Ward was born in Pickens County to the late Vernon and Mae Smith. She retired from Gerber Childrenswear and was a Baptist.

Surviving are two sons, Michael Lee Black (Sandy), of Anderson and Steve Rodney Black, of Easley; two daughters, Patricia Lynn Venable and Pamelia Kay Dodd (Ray), both of Easley; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
A memorial service was held at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown.

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

Chloe Campbell

Liberty – Chloe Elizabeth Wardlaw Campbell, 72, formerly of Liberty, died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014 at Anderson Area Medical Center.

Born in Anderson she was the widow of Charles Vernon Campbell and a daughter of the late Leland Howard Wardlaw and Ruby Hawkins Campbell. She was a member of Calumet Baptist Church.

Surviving are two sons, Coburn Campbell of Williamston, and Theron Campbell of Liberty; four grandchildren, Brandon Campbell, Jesse Campbell, Nicole Loera, and Courtney Campbell.

She was the last survivor of her immediate family.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. Campbell were 3 p.m. Sunday at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Joyce G. Aafedt

Easley — Mrs. Joyce Ginsbach Aafedt, 70, wife of Warren William Aafedt, died Friday, Aug. 8, 2014 at Cottingham Hospice House.

Born in Jamestown, N.D., a daughter of the late Raymond “M.J.” and Beryl Sisco Ginsbach , Mrs. Aafedt retired from CVS Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician and was a member of Eastside Baptist Church. Joyce received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of North Dakota-Ellendale.

She was strong in her faith and had a wonderful relationship with her Lord and Savior.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 49 years, are a son, Daniel Aafedt (Karen) of Vernon, Conn.; a daughter, Michelle Aafedt of Windsor, Conn.; a brother, R. Lee Ginsbach of Aberdeen, S.D.; two sisters, Jean Weatherly of Bismarck, N.D., and Nancy Wolf of Jamestown, N.D.; and three grandchildren, Riley, Clayton, and Dylan Aafedt.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Cottingham Hospice of the Foothills, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672, or to the charity of one’s choice.

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

Helen Lucille

Gilstrap Holder

Pickens — Helen Lucille Gilstrap Holder, 87, of Bethlehem Ridge Rd, wife of the late Harold “Bud” H. Holder Jr., died Friday, Aug. 8^th, 2014 at Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Ga.

Mrs. Holder was born Sept. 25, 1926 in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late J. Walter and Lucille Couch Gilstrap. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Easley and the Wesley Class. A graduate of Easley High School, Mrs. Holder worked for Ballentine Grocery and worked at Sangamo Electric in the payroll department until she met and married the love of her life, she then became a homemaker and was the “sunshine” of everyone’s world.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law Dora and Ricky Fowler of Liberty, four grandchildren Ashley and Lindsey Fowler of Liberty, Justin Fowler of Greenville, and Joy Hester of Powdersville, two great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Holder was deceased by two sisters, Elizabeth G. Owens, and Kathryn G. Mullinax.

Funeral services were conducted at 12 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11 in the Chapel of Dillard Memorial Funeral Home. Interment followed in the Holder Estate of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of The First United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 589, Easley, SC 29641, or to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Ga.

The family would like to thank all of the praying, caring, and loving individuals that helped talk care of Mrs. Holder in the recent months. A special thank you to Marcelle Miller who helped when she was home for a short time.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Holder family.

Cora Lee McCall Powell

Pickens — Cora Lee McCall Powell, age 75, died Friday Aug. 8, 2014 at her home. Mrs. Powell was born in Pickens County a daughter of the late Robert Coleman McCall and Mae Galloway McCall.

Survivors include two daughters; Priscilla Wleklinski and husband Joe of Easley, Carolyn Kelley and husband Anthony of Six Mile, two sons; Jeffery Powell of Pickens, Patrick Powell of Liberty, one sister; Earsley Jane McCall Clemons of Six Mile, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Powell was predeceased by her parents, one sister and four brothers.

A Graveside Service was Monday, Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. in Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Powell family.

Viola Dillard Porter

Liberty — Mrs. Viola Edith Dillard Porter, 89, wife of the late James Carl Porter, died Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014 at her home.

Born in Pickens County, the daughter of the late Andrew Bolt and Gladys Black Dillard, Mrs. Porter retired from Wometco Vending Company and was a member of Enon Baptist Church.
Surviving are two sons, Harold Franklin Porter (Margie) of Liberty, and Douglas Randell Porter (Tammy) of Simpsonville; one daughter, Diane Porter Williams (Michael) of Easley; two brothers, Jerry and Clyde Dillard, both of Easley; four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Porter was predeceased by three brothers, Paul, Cleo, and Wayman Dillard; and one grandson, Shane Ainsley Williams.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family is at the home.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, 421 S.E. Main Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

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

Betty Brock Kay

Easley — Betty Brock Kay, 83, wife of Joseph Franklin Kay, died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Greenville, a daughter of the late Raymond and Lillie Mae Fletcher Brock, Betty was a graduate of Parker High School and went on to work at Southern Bell, where she held positions as an operator and training supervisor. She finished her career in the business office as a customer representative, after over 30 years of service, in 1983. Betty was a world traveler; her favorite place she visited was France/Europe.

She enjoyed quilting, crossword puzzles, and game shows, especially Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She was a member of McKissick Memorial Methodist Church until its merger and has been a member of Arial United Methodist Church since. She was also a member of the Pioneers of America and the McKissick Quilting Club.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 52 years, are a son, Stephen Kay (Tammy); two sisters, Elsie Phillips and Mildred Chapman; four grandchildren, Alex Kay (Carla), Justin Kay (Barbie), Stephen Kay and Leona Gaskill (Vernon); nine great-grandchildren, Christopher Kay, Bella Kay, Chelsey Bigham, Chanda McDaniel, Connor Kay, Cash Gaskill, Simon Gaskill, Elliott Ballentine and Sidney Raines; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends and caregivers, Angela Childs and Penelope Archie.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Joseph B. Kay; two brothers, Charles and Todd Brock; and an infant sister, Margaret Elizabeth Brock.

Funeral services were 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Graceland West Cemetery, Greenville.

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

Betty Jean Miller

Six Mile — Betty Jean Poore Miller, 80, wife of the late M. C. Miller, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2014.

Mrs. Miller was born in Oconee County, a daughter of the late Alvin Eugene and Maggie Lena Bowen Poore. She was retired as a weaver with Woodside Mills and was a Baptist.

Survivors include her son, Donnie Lee Miller (Juanita) of Central and step-daughter, Nancy Rose Willimon Boggs of Seneca. Grandchildren include Wayne Miller and Wanda Sanchez and she is also survived by brothers and sister, William Maurice Poore of West Union, Lane E. Poore of Seneca and Harriett Elizabeth Merck of Six Mile.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens with funeral services following at 3:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Family members will be at their respective homes.

Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way

Greenville, SC 29615 or to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720 www.diabetes.org

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Miller family.