STACEY GRANT WORTMAN SHAVER

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — Stacey Grant Wortman Shaver, 43, of Kings Mountain, N.C., passed away on Aug. 13, 2023, at her home.

She was born in Mecklenburg County, N.C., and was preceded in death by her father, Gary Wray Wortman, and her brother, Travis Wortman.

Stacey was a former member of Kings Mountain Nazarene Church. She was a graduate of the Kings College Certified Medical Assistant program and worked in pediatrics and the medical field for several years.

She was also a graduate of Belmont Abbey College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree.

Stacey was employed by Cleveland County Schools and served as a teacher at Kings Mountain middle and high schools for the past four years. She was an accomplished dancer and danced with Dance Productions in Charlotte, N.C. Stacey was a member of a dance troop that won national awards and performed at the U.S. Olympics in Atlanta. She enjoyed teaching dance and gymnastics at Dance Reflections in Kings Mountain, passing along her love and talent to other young people.

Stacey was a devoted mother, and family was always her top priority. She possessed a sweet, loving and kind spirit that will be remembered by her family, her students and all who knew her.

Surviving are her children, Sydnie Hay, Clara Shaver and Brody Shaver, all of the home; her mother, Linda Wortman of Kings Mountain, N.C.; her sister, Shannon Childress of Greer; her nieces, Payton and Hunter Prince of Greer; aunts and uncles, Johnny Gillespie, Robbie Gillespie, Roger Gillespie (Linda), Kenny Gillespie, Jeff Gillespie, Sandy Gillespie (Barry Durham), Joan Williams (Mark), Lisa Lewis (Mark), Suzie Person (John) and Jeff Wortman (Debbie); and her father-in-law, John Shaver of Gastonia, N.C.

A private family service will be held. She will be interred at Lakeview Memory Gardens in York.

Memorials may be made to the Charles Lea Center Foundation at 195 Burdette St, Spartanburg, SC 29307 or to Hospice of Cleveland County at 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Guest register is available at harrisfunerals.com

Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, N.C., is assisting the family.

 

COY ENNESS WATSON

PICKENS — Mr. Coy Enness Watson went home to be with Jesus on Aug. 19, at the age of 81.

He was born on Sept. 29, 1941, to Bill and Edna Watson, along with his twin brother and “partner in fun and mischief,” Roy Watson.

He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 61 years, Joyce Watson; his children, Dale (Elizabeth) Watson and Rick (Leah) Watson; his grandchildren, Seth, Aaron, Macy, Grace and Ally Watson; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Powell and Thelma Clardy, and two brothers, Roy and (infant) Doyle Watson.

Coy retired from BASF, working there as an instrument technician for more than 28 years. He loved working with and raising beagles, along with rabbit hunting, as he was an active Beagle Club member. He was also an avid Clemson Tiger fan.

Coy was a lifetime member of Prater’s Creek Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, youth leader and softball coach. Coy’s heart for children seemed to model that of Christ wanting to help and love those in need. He loved to spend time with friends and family, especially if food, hunting or celebrating with his children and grandchildren were involved. In his last days, he shared how blessed he was with a life full of love from family, friends and especially Jesus, who was the source and reason for all his blessings.

He reminded those around him “Jesus loves you, and I love you.”

Funeral services were conducted on Aug. 22 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

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

 

NANCY D. ALBERTSON

EASLEY — Nancy Day Albertson, 83, wife of Jimmy Albertson, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.

Born in Easley, she was a daughter of the late Zury “Z.Y.” Yuber Day and Lois Jennings Day.

Nancy was an owner of Barnes Real Estate Company and enjoyed traveling, having traveled to the Holy Land and Hawaii, as well as many other wonderful places. She also enjoyed spending her time shopping.

In addition to her loving husband, Nancy is survived by her sister, Patricia Day Robertson; her nieces and nephews, Sharon Williams, Gwen Robertson and Garland Robertson; as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Dr. Rev. E.G. Robertson.

A funeral service for Nancy was held Aug. 19 at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Burial followed.

Please visit robinsonfuneralhome.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory – Powdersville Road.

 

NORVAL RAY PAINTER

LIBERTY — Norval Ray Painter, 65, loving husband of 43 years to Tracy Sherrill Painter, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, in Pendleton.

Born Oct. 23, 1957, in Portsmouth, Va., Ray was the son of the late Richard Maurice Painter and Alta Elizabeth Duncan Painter. Mr. Painter wore many hats over his 27-year career with Duke Energy. Most recently, he was an assistant on a special-needs bus for Pickens County. Ray always made friends easily and was known for his gregarious personality that would light up the room. He loved rock ‘n’ roll, motorcycles and cars, and the Washington Redskins (Commanders), and he especially loved his grandkids.

Survivors include his wife, Tracy Sherrill Painter of the home; his children, Wesley Painter (Michelle) and Jordan Painter (Ashley), both of Central; his grandchildren, Sam, Sarah, Brady, Marshall and Emerson; and siblings, Richard Painter (Annette) and Evelyn Whitley (Eddie). He was loved by all of his nieces and nephews.

Mr. Painter was predeceased by his parents.

A service date and time will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ray’s honor may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital by visiting donate.lovetotherescue.org/ or by calling 855-401-4897.

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

 

FLORA AZILEE CATER JONES

PICKENS — Mrs. Flora Azilee Cater Jones, 91, loving wife of the late Robert Jones, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at Manna Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Mrs. Jones was born in Pickens on May 8, 1932, to the late Willie and Velma Perritt Cater. She loved people and being a true military wife. Mrs. Jones retired as a seamstress before continuing her love for people, especially children, as a lunchroom substitute. She was an active member of Red Hill Baptist Church and loved her church family.

Mrs. Jones is survived by her two children, Lynnette Clark (Elvis) and Renee Dickard (Scott); her four grandchildren, William Clark, Natasha Clark, Justin Dickard (Marissa) and Alexis Dickard Bell (Michael); five great-grandchildren, Maddie Dickard, Jaxson Dickard, Mariah Bell, Makayla Bell and Jayden Bell; a brother, Austin Cater (Joann); and a sister, Ferra Porter.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Fletcher Cater and Ernest Clark; and her four sisters, Roberta Hall, Geneva Cater, Genell Crowe and Alma Riggins.

Funeral services were conducted on Aug. 18 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens. Video of the service is available on the Dillard Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Red Hill Baptist Church, 558 Red Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

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

 

JAMES H. NICHOLS JR.

DACUSVILLE — James Hugh Nichols Jr., 75, of the Dacusville community in Easley,  passed away on Aug. 18, 2023, after an unexpected, severe heart attack.

The loving son of James Hugh Nichols and Beatrice Busby Nichols, deceased, Jim treasured his upbringing in the Panama Canal Zone. He was a faithful, loving husband, exemplary father, loving PaPa, loyal friend and a sacrificial servant of the Lord.

Jim married Vivian Jeanette Jameson, and they recently celebrated 51 wonderful years together. He dated his bride and held her as his priceless jewel from day one. He was the father of three married sons, Scott (Anne), Chris (Courtney) and Travis (Ashley); and grandfather (PaPa) to Jackson, Malin, Amelia, Hanley, Emmaline, Felicity, Kennedy and Embree.

Jim’s greatest goal was the salvation of all his family and creating memories with those he loved. He wanted nothing but the best for his sons, daughters-in-love and grandchildren. He prayed for each of them and their salvation daily.

Jim was a proud graduate of the Citadel and faithfully served as an officer in the United States Army. He went on to receive his MBA from Memphis State University and then began his career with AT&T. Jim and Vivian lived in multiple locations from the Southeast to the Northeast until settling in the greater Houston area, Kingwood and Atascocita, for 31 years, where they established great friendships and poured their lives into a variety of ministries within their church.

Jim retired from AT&T after 34.5 years of service. He was always emphatic about the half! A few years after retirement, Jim and Vivian moved to the Dacusville community in 2019.

Jim lived a righteous life before the Lord. He was full of love, humble, self-controlled, kind, full of integrity and wise, and was the spiritual leader of the family. Jim had a deep, roaring laugh and a great sense of humor. He had a type A personality and had a plan for the plan for the plan. Jim always set to aim high and to do all things well. If Jim said he was going to do something, you had his word, and he’d always go above and beyond.

The memorial service was held at East Pickens Baptist Church in Pickens on Aug. 22, where family and friends celebrated the life and impact of James Hugh Nichols Jr.

Tributable donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project or the Pickens County Quilts of Valor honoring service members & veterans touched by war. For Quilts of Valor, checks can be sent to Quilts of Valor Pickens/Oconee County, Attn: Linda Hall, 2661 Earls Bridge Rd Easley, SC 29640. Memo: Tribute Jim Nichols.

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

 

JAMES CLIFTON  ‘BUD’ LITTLETON

NORRIS — James Clifton “Bud” Littleton, 86, went to be with his Lord peacefully in his sleep at his home Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Born Dec. 7, 1936 in Norris, he was the son of the late Jack and Vera Mae Herd Littleton and husband of 65 years to Patricia Ruth Simpson Littleton. Bud was a graduate of Liberty High School, class of 1955, and he had a successful career as a technician at Woodside Mills in Cateechee and Alice Manufacturing in Easley.

Bud was a gentle, quiet soul, always sharply dressed in his favorite bowtie, and a man of few words, but when he spoke, everyone listened. He had a mischievous side that he used on a lot of his grandchildren. Papa loved spoiling his grandchildren with ice cream probably as much as they loved receiving it.

Bud is survived by his loving wife, Ruth, of 65 years, and three daughters, Shelia Stone of Travelers Rest, Sophia James (Jerry) of Easley and Kim Keller (Avery) of Greenville. He also leaves eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren to share in his memory.

In addition to his parents, Bud was predeceased by a grandson, Garion Barber; a sister, Doris Flanagan; a brother, Wallace Littleton; and an infant grandchild.

A visitation was held on Aug. 22 at the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. A funeral service followed at the chapel, with Rev. Jerry James, Rev. Roger Couch and Rev. Zach Shaw presiding. Burial was at West View Cemetery in Liberty.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BNC Ministries, 120 Mission Dr, Easley, SC 29642, or any mission of your choice.

The family will be at the home.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Littleton family.

 

 

SGT. MAJ. (RETIRED) CHARLES HARRY DOUNELIS

DACUSVILLE — Sgt. Maj. (retired) Charles Harry Dounelis, 94, of Dacusville passed away on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Brown Dounelis; son, Scott Kelley (Sherian); brother, Phillip Dounelis; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charlie was born in Keene, N.H., to Harry John Dounelis and Sally Lavinia Fisher, who predeceased him along with brothers John Dounelis and Geroge Dounelis.

Charlie was a highly decorated Army combat veteran who served in Vietnam and other locations. He graduated in 1980 from Limestone College.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m. at Robinson Memorial Gardens, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Dacusville United Methodist Church, 1339 Thomas Mill Road, Easley, SC 29640 or P.O. Box 1265, Easley, SC 29641.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Dounelis family.

 

CLARENCE W.  ‘JIM” THORNTON JR.

LIBERTY — Mr. Clarence W. “Jim” Thornton Jr., 85, of Liberty, loving husband of the late Ruth Chidsey Thornton, passed away peacefully in his sleep to meet his Savior Jesus Christ and Father God on Aug. 18, 2023, at his residence.

Jim was born in Spencer, Ohio, on Oct. 6, 1937, to the late Clarence and Anna Dague Thornton. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1955 and shortly after married the love of his life, Ruth Chidsey on Feb. 4, 1956. Together, they had five children and celebrated a marriage of 51 years together before her passing. Jim and Ruth ran the “Jim and Ruth’s Save More Market” for 13 years before he began working for Prudential Insurance, when they moved to Lorain, Ohio. After 25 years of selling insurance, he was able to retire at the age of 55, and following his retirement, they moved to Liberty in 2003. Following the death of his beloved wife, he found company and love with Valaree Hino, who took care of him and David for the last 16 years with love and patience.

Jim is survived by his five children, Jim Thornton (Susan), Tim Thornton (Fran), David Thornton, Ann Boquette (Russ) and Lee Thornton (Tina); his 12 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his loving wife of 51 years, Jim was preceded in death by his two brothers, Gordon Thornton and Keith Thornton; and his three sisters, Janice, Eleanor and Lois.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

The family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service at Dillard Funeral Home.

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.

 

FLORA AZILEE CATER JONES

PICKENS — Mrs. Flora Azilee Cater Jones, 91, loving wife of the late Robert Jones, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at Manna Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Mrs. Jones was born in Pickens on May 8, 1932, to the late Willie and Velma Perritt Cater. She loved people and being a true military wife. Mrs. Jones retired as a seamstress before continuing her love for people, especially children, as a lunchroom substitute. She was an active member of Red Hill Baptist Church and loved her church family.

Mrs. Jones is survived by her two children, Lynnette Clark (Elvis) and Renee Dickard (Scott); her four grandchildren, William Clark, Natasha Clark, Justin Dickard (Marissa) and Alexis Dickard Bell (Michael); five great-grandchildren, Maddie Dickard, Jaxson Dickard, Mariah Bell, Makayla Bell and Jayden Bell; a brother, Austin Cater (Joann); and a sister, Ferra Porter.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Fletcher Cater and Ernest Clark; and her four sisters, Roberta Hall, Geneva Cater, Genell Crowe and Alma Riggins.

Funeral services were conducted on Aug. 18 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens. Video of the service is available on the Dillard Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Red Hill Baptist Church, 558 Red Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

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

 

MICHAEL WAYNE BOATRIGHT

LIBERTY — Michael Wayne Boatright passed away on Aug. 15, 2023.

To know Wayne was to love him, and he returned that love with actions. He was willing to help others using his many talents: car repair, car painting, yard work, house building, renovations, moving, house painting — you name it.

Wayne loved his family fiercely and would do literally everything in his power to keep them safe and cared for. He was wrapped around his daughters’ pinky fingers, buying what they wanted as well as needed. This applied to Sue as well, often buying things above budget to show his love.

Wayne learned car mechanics at an early age from his dad. He excelled in many aspects of this, but in later years especially enjoyed body work and painting.

He enjoyed purchasing wrecked Camrys and transforming them so family and friends could have a reasonably priced car to drive.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, golfing, camping, boating, skiing, hiking, traveling, gardening and spending quality time with family and friends. He enjoyed every activity to the fullest and did nothing halfway.

Wayne’s work career was varied — from being a manager at Hardee’s to owning an Exxon Station and helping test clay for a clay mining company. He began his 33 years at Savannah River Plant in 1984 and retired in 2017.

After Wayne’s salvation experience in 1987, he was a faithful member of Lakeside Baptist Church in Clearwater, where he taught Sunday school, was a teen leader, girls’ softball coach, usher and part of the volunteer grounds keepers. He became a member of Camp Creek Baptist Church in Six Mile in July 2021 when he and Sue moved to Liberty.

Surviving Wayne are his wife of more than 48 years, Sue; his daughters, Amy (Stan) and Cecilia (David); grandchildren,  John Michael, Austin, Caleb, Zeke, Nadia and Joanna; and his brothers and sisters, Jim Boatright, Mae Andrews, Tony Boatright and Maxine Boatright.

Special, sincere thanks to all family, friends, care helpers and Amedysis Hospice Care, who helped our family during these difficult times.

Visitation took place at Lakeside Baptist Church in Clearwater on Aug. 19, with a memorial service following. There was no graveside service.

Flowers can be sent to Lakeside Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at mountainviewfunerals.com.

Memorials can be made in Wayne’s honor to Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Park Road, Ste 250, Charlotte NC 28209 — .alz.org/sc.

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

 

JOHN PRESTON DERRICK SR.

LIBERTY — John Preston Derrick Sr., 81, loving husband of 61 years to Louise Trotter Derrick, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family.

A native of Pickens County, Preston was born Aug. 23, 1941, the son of the late Garnet Wade Derrick Sr. and Ressie Mae Adams Derrick. Mr. Derrick graduated from Easley High School in 1960. He was owner and operator of several convenience stores in the Easley area. Preston was known for his prolific nicknames for his children and grandchildren. He always enjoyed having a good time and cutting up with them. Before his declining health, Preston enjoyed working in the yard and gardening. He also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Mr. Derrick is the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Survivors include his wife, Louise Trotter Derrick of the home; his children, Sherri Derrick Cox of Liberty, Sheila Derrick Gilpin (Everett) of Easley and John Preston Derrick Jr. of Liberty; grandchildren, Brandi Cox Riddle (Chris Linville), Brett Robert Cox and Graysen Trent Gilpin (Ashton); and great-grandchildren, Brayson Riddle and Tyler Riddle.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Derrick was predeceased by his siblings, Leon Derrick, Bonnie Holden, Elizabeth Turpin, Jane Crenshaw, G.W. “Garnet Wade” Derrick Jr., Floyd Derrick, Margaret “Tootsie” Watson, Marion Derrick and Claude Derrick; and a son-in-law, Tommy Cox.

Graveside services were held on Aug. 18 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations in Preston’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org or Shriners Children’s Hospital at lovetherescue.org.

The family will be at the home.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Lutheran Hospice for their excellent care during Preston’s illness. The children and grandchildren would like to give special thanks to their mom/grandma for her many years of love and care for their daddy/papa.

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

JILL ANN HENDRIX

PICKENS — Jill Ann Hendrix, 66, loving wife of 40 years to Mark Hendrix, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday., Aug. 12, 2023, at her home.

Born July 11, 1957, in Greenville County, Jill was the daughter of the late James B. Bowen and Jodi Langley. Mrs. Hendrix was retired from Furman University. She enjoyed camping and going to the beach and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Mark Hendrix of the home; her two daughters, Shelley Searcy (Michael) of Pickens, and Amber White (Chris) of Ga.; grandchildren, Blake Hall (Kaitlyn) and Tyler Hall (Kamry Spivey); great-grandson, William “Willie” Hall; and a niece, Jodi Birdwell.

Mrs. Hendrix was predeceased by her parents.

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