GERALD W. ELLENBURG

PICKENS — Gerald W. Ellenburg, 86, of Pickens, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.

Born in Pickens, he was the oldest son of the late Clyde Ellenburg and Ethel Nix Ellenburg.

Gerald is survived by his son, Richard Ellenburg; daughter, Tammy Boysworth (Autry); granddaughter, Tamara C. Boysworth; three brothers, Charles, Alton and Ricky Ellenburg; and three sisters, Glenda Wilson, Bertha Lou Woodring and Ella Mae Childs. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Irwin Ellenburg.

A funeral service for Gerald was held Aug. 6 at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home in Pickens. Gerald was laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

 

ANTHONY ELLIOTT DENTON

LIBERTY — Anthony Elliott Denton, but we all called him Tony, was 69 years old and lived in Liberty.

He left his earthly home on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at his residence, with his wife, Jackie, daughter, Rebecca, and son-in-law, Brad, by his side.

He was born in Greenville, on Feb. 4, 1955, to the late Johnny and Wilie Mae Denton.

Tony is survived by his wife, Jackie Denton; his daughter, Rebecca Futrell (Brad); his stepdaughter, Candis Mauldin (Mike), and their children Brittany Mauldin, Cody Mauldin, Destany Mauldin and Brady Mauldin and grandchildren, Ethen Mauldin, Levi Holcombe, Ivy Holcombe and Natalie Mauldin.

He is also survived by his brother, Mike Denton (Molly); his nephew, Chris Denton (Jill); and his niece, Kim King (Scott); as well as his great-nieces, Lauren Denton and Kayli Couch; his great-nephews, Tyler and Trey King; his cousins, Jerry Taylor (Carol), Glenny Jones, Ruth Ann and Jean; the mother of his daughter, Remonia Dolinger; and his beloved dog, Beau.

Throughout the years, he had a natural talent for mechanics and tinkering. He had many hobbies, but to name a few, he loved riding his Honda Goldwing, RC airplanes, carpentry, woodturning, 3D printing, pellet guns and assembling and learning to play the guitar. He previously lived in Damascus, Va., before moving back to South Carolina. He loved his family deeply, and he loved watching his favorite football team, the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The family would like to thank Tony’s oncology doctors, nurses and the care team at St. Francis for their kind and compassionate care.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 10 at LIFEchurch, located at 199 Thomas Mill Road in Easley.

Condolences for the family may be sent and viewed by visiting Palmetto Cremation Service, Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Neighborhood Cancer Connection (formerly the Cancer Society of Greenville County) or by donating blood to The Blood Connection.

 

BRENDA BLACK

LIBERTY — Brenda Lovell Black, a beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on Aug. 4, 2024, at the Rainey Hospice House.

Born in Liberty on Dec. 16, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Johnny and Ruby Kennemore Lovell.

Brenda was known for her love of camping and cherished spending time with her family, especially her son, Tim Black, granddaughter, Kylie Tester (William), and grandson, Kyle Black. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Rachel Ramey.

Brenda dedicated herself to caring for others while she worked at Liberty Adult Daycare for many years. She attended Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where she found solace and community. Brenda’s kindness and compassion touched the lives of many, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Although no formal services will be held, she will be laid to rest in a private service beside her husband at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

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

RONNIE SEXTON

LIBERTY — With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ronald W. “Ronnie” Sexton, a loving husband, father and brother, on July 31, 2024, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born on Nov. 1, 1952, in Pickens, he was a son of the late Sam Julius and Laura Mae Porter Sexton.

He was a devoted carpenter in the construction industry, working with David Watson for many years. His gentle nature and love for his family defined him, as he found joy in spending time with his wife, children, siblings and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Jeanette Sexton; a daughter, Ronda Moore (Jimmy) of Easley; a son, Toney Chastain (Kim) of Easley; two sisters, Charlene Baker and Sarah Moore; five brothers, Bill, Kenneth, Milton, Melvin and Gary Sexton; three grandchildren, Zachary Moore (Marisa), Brantley Moore and Cody Turner (Jennifer); and six great-grandchildren, Rayelynn, Scarlett, Ryder, Allie, Peyton and Brody.

His passions included all things racing, fishing and cherishing family moments, always embodying a youthful spirit. Being a member of the Easley First Pentecostal Holiness Church, he found solace in his faith.

Funeral services to honor Ronnie’s life were conducted Aug. 3 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. He was laid to rest at Golden Grove Wesleyan Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Emily Turner, and a brother, Richard “Terry” Sexton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easley First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 303 W. 6th Ave., Easley.

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

WILMA G. SUTTON

LIBERTY — Wilma G. Sutton, 81, of Liberty, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.

Born on Sept. 29, 1942, in Pickens, she was the daughter of the late Wilson Gilstrap and Faye Gilstrap. She enjoyed playing cards and Bingo, fishing and gardening, but more than anything, she loved spending time with her family. Her bird feeders were always full, her yard was always covered in flowers, and her christmas tree never had a bare spot.

Wilma is survived by her two sons, Michael Mann (Kay) and Roger Mann (Dawn); grandchildren, Heather Foster, Aaron Mann, Joshua Mann, Kevin Mann (Tiffany) and Hayley Ferguson (Shane); numerous great-grandchildren; and her brother, Wallace Gilstrap.

A visitation for Wilma will be held from 4-4:45 p.m. Aug. 9 at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home chapel, located at 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway in Pickens, followed by a memorial service at 5 p.m.

Contributions in Wilma’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Pickens Humane Society.

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

 

TINA WILSON PARKER

PICKENS — Tina Wilson Parker, 56, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Parker was born in Richmond, Ind., on Nov. 7, 1967, to the late William and Diann Wilson. She enjoyed being a member of the Clemson Kennel Club, where she bred Boston terriers, but most of all, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Mrs. Parker was of the Baptist Faith.

In addition to her loving husband, Stephen, of 31 years, she is survived by two daughters, Amanda Griggs (Wesley) and Ashley Parker (Heather); one son, Berkley Parker (Catelyn); five grandchildren, Maddalyn Griggs, Sydney Griggs, Trinity Griggs, Joseph Griggs and  Ariella Parker; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Funeral services are planned for 2 p.m. Aug. 9 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.

A visitation will take place prior to the service from 12:15-1:45 in the Garden Room.

The family is at the home of Amanda Griggs. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.