Courier Obituaries 9-18-24
FRED DODSON
WILLIAMSTON — Fred Lavern Dodson, 95, husband of the late Vivanee “Boots” Burton Dodson, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.
Born in Six Mile, he was the son of the late William Lester and Monte Inez Davis Dodson. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was retired from Employment Security Commission and a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Pelzer. Fred was named a Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Club of Seneca.
He is survived by a daughter, Sue Wood (Mark) of Pickens; stepchildren, Judy Roberson Fowler (Wayne) of Williamston and Billy Roberson (Carolyn) of Belton; grandchildren, Jonathan Fowler, Stephanie Ellenburg, Eli Dodson, Israel Dodson, Zoe Dodson, Malachi Dodson, Rebekah Dodson and Curtis Dodson; and great-grandchildren, Lily Fowler, Linley Ellenburg, Luke Ellenburg and Stella Dodson.
He was predeceased by a son, Freddy Dodson; daughter, Gayle Dodson; and sister, Oneida Mahaffey.
A funeral service was held on Sept. 12 in the chapel at Gray Mortuary in Pelzer.
Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, P.O. Box 268, Pelzer, SC 29669.
Condolences can be expressed at graymortuary.com.
RACHEL MEYER
EASLEY — Rachel Meyer, 88, of Easley, wife of Clyde Charles Meyer, passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at her home.
Born in Alexander, W. Va., she was the daughter of the late Odbert and Viola June Curry. She was a devoted caregiver to her husband and family. She especially enjoyed baking as her grandchildren looked forward to her zucchini bread each holiday season when staying with her. Her hands were never idle, whether she was working on a crochet project, crafting beautiful ceramics or later doing crossword puzzles.
Outside of the home, Rachel spent many years as the dedicated secretary at Rockdale County High School in Conyers, Ga. She also played an important role in the family business and later embarked on a successful career as a real estate agent, where her integrity and work ethic earned the trust of her clients.
In her free time, Rachel loved a visit to the casino, where her natural luck always seemed to follow her, much to the delight of her friends and family.
In addition to her husband of 69 years, she is survived by her two sons, Charles Randall Meyer (Melinda) and Harland Curry Meyer; four grandchildren, Charles Meyer, Madison Caroline Riddle (Dylan), Ellie Katherine Meyer and Connor Charles Meyer; and one great-grandchild, Isla Rae Riddle.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Coleman Curry; and two sisters, Mary Marguerite Curry Hefner and Charlotte Mayne Curry Woody.
A service was held in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road on Sept. 17, and burial followed at Robinson Memorial Gardens.
Flowers will be accepted.
Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.
WINSTON C. ‘WINK’ ROMINE
EASLEY — Winston C. “Wink” Romine, 79, loving husband of 53 years to Marcia R. Romine, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at his home.
Born June 19, 1945, in Oakland, Calif., Wink was the son of the late Talved Romine and Walteen Dyess Romine. Mr. Romine was a lifelong motorcycle rider who road raced motorcycles for years. He loved being in the desert, national parks and riding dirt bikes. He loved his friends and family dearly.
Survivors include his wife, Marcia Romine of the home; children, Tammy Cambell (Paul) of Huntsville, Ala., Rick Romine (Megan) of Crooksville, Ohio, and Emerson Romine of Easley; grandchildren, Donnie Glenn, Brandy Gleen, Breanna Romine, Emerson Romine II, Caidyn Romie and Braelyn Romine; great-grandchild, Jackson; and best friends, J.J Cardinal and Jim Dobson.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Romine was predeceased by a sister, Waltreen Romine.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wink’s honor may be made to your local humane society.
Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Romine family.
LINDA DIANE MURPHY KAY
PICKENS — Linda Diane Murphy Kay went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024 after a battle with short-term dementia.
Linda was born in Easley to the late Ida Maebell Gibson and William J.T. Murphy. In her earlier years, she was a caretaker at April Valley Nursing Home. A devoted member of Enon Baptist Church, she loved her family and was known for being “free-hearted.”
Linda is survived by her sister, Brenda Lollis (Bob) of Sunset, and two brothers-in-law, Donnie Duncan of Easley and Ray Brissey of Liberty. She had numerous nieces and nephews.
Linda was predeceased by three sisters, Viola Duncan, Hazel Duncan and Judy Brissey, and a special nephew, Tony Duncan, all of Easley. She was also predeceased by her first husband, Floyd Brissey, and her second husband, Harry Kay.
A funeral service for Linda was held Sept. 17 in the chapel of Dillard Memorial Funeral Home in Pickens. She was laid to rest beside her parents and sisters at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials can be made in her honor to Enon Baptist Church of Easley.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
LOTTIE ELIZABETH ‘LIBBA’ LYNCH LASHLEY
CLEMSON — Lottie Elizabeth “Libba” Lynch Lashley, 84, of Clemson, widow of Edwin “Ed” Roy Lashley Jr., passed away Aug. 30, 2024.
Born in Augusta, Ga., she was the daughter of the late Walter Hiram Lynch Jr. and Agnes Barron Lynch. When Libba was five years old, her father passed away from heart issues. Agnes gathered her two children and moved back home to Rock Hill.
Libba went to Winthrop Training School from kindergarten through high school. She then went to Salem College, where she received her bachelor’s degree, and she received her master’s from Clemson University.
Libba began teaching math at Seneca High School in the late 1960s. By 1971, she transferred to D.W. Daniel High School, where she spent most of her career. In 1980, Libba facilitated bringing the first personal computers to Daniel High. In 1983, she was the first woman and the first person from South Carolina to receive the honorable Presidential Award for Math and Science, which was signed by President Ronald Reagan. In 1987, she transferred to the School District of Pickens County as director of math and science. In the 1990s, she moved on with a group of others to form the AOP Hub, which was affiliated with Clemson University. In her retirement years, she enjoyed participating and supporting her husband, Ed, in the Golden Corner Lakes Sail and Power Squadron.
Libba Lashley is survived by her son, Edwin R. Lashley III; and her brother, Walter H. Lynch III.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Breast Cancer Foundation, and/or Pruitt Hospice services.
Memorial services for Libba were held Sept. 15 in the chapel of Duckett – Robinson Funeral Home.
STEPHEN ‘WADE’ CRENSHAW
PICKENS — Stephen “Wade” Crenshaw, 67, passed away on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, surrounded by family and friends in Pickens.
Born May 3, 1957, in Toccoa, Ga., Wade was the son of the late Thomas Russel Crenshaw and Vera Julia Sheppard Crenshaw. Mr. Crenshaw was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was loved by everyone. He could do magic with a piece of wood. He is now saying “No Worries.”
Survivors include his brother, Wayne Crenshaw (Terry); and nephew, Matthew Crenshaw, and family.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Crenshaw was predeceased by a brother, Walter L. Crenshaw.
Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Crenshaw family.
MARTHA DURHAM THRASHER
PICKENS — Martha Durham Thrasher, 92, of Pickens, passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.
Martha was born in Pickens to the late Lela Bolding and Qunnie Watson. She was a member of Fair Play Church of God and enjoyed her time as a Sunday school teacher. She was an avid reader and loved spending time with her family.
Martha is survived by her daughter, Shirley D. Kelley; son, Michael W. Durham; grandchildren, Madaisha Parham, Amber Kelley and Brandon Durham; great-grandchildren, Matthew Tyler and Megan Moon; two great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mary Brown.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents; son, Roger “Don” Durham; and brothers, Randolph Watson and Ray Watson.
A funeral service was held Sept. 14 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Martha was laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Hospice of the Foothills.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
NELLIE C. ‘MEMA’ KARR
EASLEY — Nellie C. “Mema” Karr, 72, passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at her home.
Born July 7, 1952, in Central, Mema was the daughter of the late Pehlam Gambrell and Betty Collins Gambrell. Mrs. Karr worked her career in textiles. She was a huge Clemson Tiger fan. She loved visiting Cherokee and going to the beach at Oak Island, only to put her feet in the water. Her great-granddaughters were her life.
Survivors include her children, James Karr (Teresa) of Dacusville and Tracy Adams (Charles) of Easley; grandchildren, Travis Roper (Anna), Brianna Roper, Dillon Roper (Rachel), Ethan Karr, McKenzie Karr and Tyler Adams; great-grandchildren, Khole, Brynlee, Aubree and one namesake on the way; special cousins, Bobby Gambrell and Heyward Phillips; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Karr was predeceased by her husband, Donnie Karr; a sister, Lucille Brooks; and brothers, Larry Gambrell, Jerry Gambrell and an infant brother.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mema’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting stjude.org/.
Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Karr family.
THOMAS READETT
PICKENS — Thomas Readett, 73, loving husband of 53 years to Rita F. Ridley Readett, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at St. Francis Downtown Hospital in Greenville.
Born May 2, 1951, in Greenwood, Thomas was the son of the late Ray Fielding Readett and Mary Nettie Henry Readett. Mr. Readett was a United States Coast Guard veteran. He retired from Duke Power after 35 years of employment. Mr. Readett was a member of Camp Creek Baptist Church in Central, where he helped with their webpage and web streaming services. He enjoyed fishing and wood carving.
He loved his family dearly and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Rita F. Ridley Readett of the home; two sons, Josh Readett (Stephanie) of Sunset and Justin Readett (Hannah) of Gatesville, Texas; seven grandchildren, MaKayla, Brayden, Ivan, Ezra, Lawrence, Suellen and MillieRose; and a brother, David Readett (Marion) of Clover.
Mr. Readett was predeceased by his parents.
Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. Sept. 19 in the sanctuary of Camp Creek Baptist Church, with funeral services to follow at 3 p.m. Burial and military honors will follow the service in the Camp Creek Baptist Church cemetery.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations in Thomas’ honor may be made to the Camp Creek Baptist Church Mission Program, 116 Camp Creek Road, Central, SC 29630.
Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Readett family.
BARBARA ANN STANCELL
EASLEY — Barbara Ann Stancell, 86, passed away on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
Mrs. Stancell was born in Pickens County on June 12, 1938, to the late Ivy and Wanza Freeman. She was a member of Calvary Hill Baptist Church. Mrs. Stancell loved reading, going on trips, dancing, winning at Bingo and especially spending time with her family.
Mrs. Stancell was survived by her son, Gary Stancell (Crystal); two grandsons, Charles Gary “Casey” Stancell III and Jackson Marion Stancell; three brothers, Tommy Freeman, Bobby Freeman and Sammy Freeman; and four sisters, Sue Ellison, Patsy Bagwell, Jane Todd and June Nix.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Stancell was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Gary Stancell Sr.; three brothers, Broadus Freeman, Jimmy Freeman and David Freeman; and one sister, Debbie Patterson.
The family would like to say a special thank you The Commons Independent Living for their special care of Ann over the last several years.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Cottingham Hospice House, located at 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC, 29672.
A graveside service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sept. 18 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:45-2:45 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
JASON HOLLIDAY
LIBERTY — With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mr. Jason W. Holliday, 87, who died peacefully on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Liberty.
Born on Jan. 10, 1937, in Six Mile, he was the widower of Essie Jean Holliday who was his high school sweetheart and a son of the late Woodrow and Floycie Carroll Holliday.
He was a long-time member of Flat Rock Baptist Church. In his earlier years, he found joy in woodworking and gardening. Those who knew him remember him as a sweet, gentle soul with a passion for creating with his hands and tending to nature.
After proudly serving in the United States Air Force for 20 years, reaching the rank of MSgt, he dedicated his post-military life to serving his community as an equipment operator for Pickens County, where he later retired. Left to cherish his memory are three daughters, Melinda Siefert (Scott) of Taylors, Nancy Smith (Dwayne) of Liberty and Julie Burgess (Tony) of Liberty; a brother, Rabon Holliday (Eleanor) of Easley; four grandchildren, Hannah Smith, Sydney Galloway (David), Jared Burgess (Allison) and Rev. Jamie Burgess (Ivy); also surviving are 11 great grandchildren, Cross, Jadyn, Bella, Justice, Emmie, AJ, Jace, Annette, Joshua, Selah and Essie.
In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by a grandson, Jason Patterson, a sister, Judy Holliday and two brothers, Preston and James Holliday.
Funeral services to celebrate and honor Mr. Holliday’s life will be conducted 3 p.m. on Sept. 24, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. He will be laid to rest beside his wife at Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Tues. from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Flat Rock Baptist Church, 115 Slab Bridge Road, Liberty. The family will be at their respective homes.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
DORIS ANN SCRUGGS
EASLEY — Doris Ann Scruggs, 85, loving wife of the late Harold Scruggs, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
A visitation will be held Friday, September 20 from 10 until 10:45 a.m. at Nine Forks Baptist Church followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will be held in Nine Forks Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheel, 349 Edgemont Ave, Liberty, SC 29657, or at https://pcmow.org/. Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes of Greenville is assisting the Scruggs family. Online condolences can be left at www.thomasmcafee.com.