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Obituaries for the Week of May 4


Celia Bryson Gettys
Easley — Celia Bryson Gettys, 80, of Easley, wife of the late Richard Henry Gettys, died Monday, April 25, 2011.
Born and reared in Spartanburg, she was the daughter of the late Basford Belew Bryson and Ouida Scott Bryson. Following graduation from Spartanburg High School and Winthrop College, she began her teaching career in Cheraw.  After she was married, she taught in Beaufort, Dumfries, Va., and Spartanburg.  In 1962 she began a 26 year teaching career with the School District of Pickens County, which included positions at Easley High School and Easley Junior High School (now Gettys Middle School).  Mrs. Gettys served on the South Carolina State Board of Education from 1992 to 1995, and was elected chairman in 1995.  She was the first female to hold this position. She was a member of Easley Presbyterian Church.  Mrs. Gettys was involved in many organizations including The Blue Chip Ladies investment club, The Better Homes Club, ‘The Book Club’ and multiple bridge clubs.
Mrs. Gettys is survived by her sons Dr. Richard Henry Gettys, Jr. (Sherry Anne), Roddey Bryson Gettys (Jeanne), Robert Lesslie Gettys (Lee), all of Greenville and grandchildren Charlotte Gettys Meade, Meredith Gettys, Jack Gettys, Hank Gettys, Julian Gettys, Bobby Gettys, and Caroline Gettys.  She is also survived by siblings Ward S. Bryson, Mary Bryson Wilson and Basford B. Bryson and a stepbrother Charles F. West.
She was predeceased by a granddaughter Anne Scott Gettys, stepmothers Emma Bryson and Julia Bryson and a step-sister Elizabeth Wilson.
Memorial services were held on Thursday, April 28 at 3:30 p.m. at Easley Presbyterian Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easley Presbyterian Church, 200 S. First Street, Easley, SC 29640, GBS/CIDP (Guillain-Barre Research and Support) Foundation International, The Holly Building 104 1/2 Forrest Ave., Narberth, PA  19072, or the charity of one’s choice.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the physicians and staff at North Greenville Hospital for the loving care they provided Mrs. Gettys during her extended illness.
Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown is assisting the Gettys family.

Thomas Welborn
Easley — Thomas Wilkins Welborn, 48, of 315 East A Avenue, died, Sunday, April 24, 2011 at his home.
Born in Atlanta, a son of William Jackson and Elizabeth Poe Henderson Welborn of Easley, Mr. Welborn was the former owner/operator of East End Quick Mart and was of the Episcopal faith.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are two daughters, Alison Welborn White (Jason) of Wahalla and Arrington Page Welborn of Easley; two brothers, Jack Welborn (Lesa) of Mt. Airy, N.C. and Graham Welborn of Columbia; a sister, Elizabeth Gould (Michael) of Morganton, N.C.; two grandchildren, Wilkins White and Rollins White; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends from over the years.
Services were 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30, in the Markley Chapel of Christ Church Episcopal in Greenville with Rector Harrison McLeod and the Rev. Dr. Beryl Rosenberger officiating. Burial followed in the church yard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Amedisys Hospice, 880 South Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 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.

Floy Adams
Easley — Floy Lee Powell McJunkins Adams, 88, of Easley died Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Pickens.
Mrs. Adams was born in Hendersonville, N.C. a daughter of the late Waverly and Mamie Peahuff Powell. She was retired from the textile industry in Pickens County and was a member of Pendleton Street Baptist Church in Easley. She was twice married, first to the late John D. McJunkins and then to the late Monferd W. Adams.
Survivors include her sons Norman Carl McJunkins (Ruth) of Brunswick, Ohio, Billy Gene McJunkins (Patricia) of Cleveland, Ohio, Douglas Glen McJunkins (Anne) of Berea, Ohio, Julian Harold McJunkins (Patricia) of Williamston and Joey Lee McJunkins (Starla) of Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
Mrs. Adams was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents and husbands, Mrs. Adams was preceded in death by her son Clyde Wayne McJunkins, three brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. Saturday in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 330 Pickens, SC 29671 www.pickenshabitat.org or to Pendleton Street Baptist Church, 601 South Pendleton Street, Easley, SC 29640.


Benjamin S. Brooks
Easley — Benjamin S. Brooks, 80, of 107 Summer Street, died Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at his home.
Born in Royston, Ga., a son of the late O.A. and Adlaide Abbott Brooks, Mr. Brooks retired from Woolworth Distribution Center after 17 years of service. He served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Frances Stowe Brooks of the home; two sons, Benjamin Sanford Brooks, Jr., (Angie) of Easley, and Johnathan Matthew Brooks of Spartanburg; a brother, Charles Brooks of Williamston; two sisters, Sara Davison of Royston, Ga., and obit@independentmail.comJeanette McCurry of Ellijay, Ga.; four grandchildren, Adam Brooks, Kyle Brooks, Jennifer Brooks and Rachel Brooks. 
In addition to his parents, Mr. Brooks was predeceased by three brothers, Jewell Brooks, Willie Brooks and Paul Brooks, and by three sisters, Lillian Phillips, Ruby Voyles and Mary Elrod.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Friday at Mauldin First Baptist Church with the Rev. Wade Leonard and the Rev. Dr. L.E. Williamson officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Sandy Moore, CNA for her love and support and to Amedisys Hospice.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601 or to the Arthritis Foundation, 1892 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Pete Wilson
Six Mile — Jerome B. “Pete” Wilson, 62, of Six Mile, died Tuesday, April 26, 2011.
Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late Raymond Eskew and Wilma Cromer Wilson. He was retired from Oconee Nuclear Station and a Master Gardner at Clemson University. Pete was an assistant leader with the Boy Scout Troop 51 and was of the Church of God Faith.
Surviving are his wife, Dortha G. “Dot” Wilson; a son, Raymond Scott (Cassandra) Wilson, of Greenville; a daughter, Charlene Gail (Joey) Thompson, of Liberty; and grandchildren, Haley Elizabeth Wilson; Joshua Edward Wilson; Matthew Jacob Wilson; Emily Rose Wilson; Jeremy Scott Gantt; Justin Wayne Gantt; and Matthew Joseph Thompson.
He was preceded in death by a son, John Byron “Joby” Wilson.
Private Memorial Services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cancer Center of the Carolinas, 3 Butternut Drive, Suite B, Greenville, SC 29605.
Online condolence may be left at www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Wilson family.

Brenda Grant Parsons
Pickens — Brenda Grant Parsons, 64, of 130 Northfield Road, died on Wednesday April 27, 2011 at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.
She was born January 17, 1947 in Greenville, the daughter of the late Rev. Edgar Gamewell Grant and the late Louise Morgan Grant. She was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens.
Survivors include her husband, Charles A. “Al” Parsons of the home, also her daughter and son-in-law Amy and Chet Breazeale of Pickens and her son Chad Parsons also of Pickens. Also surviving are two granddaughters Finley Kathryn Breazeale and Susann Elyse Breazeale of Pickens and her brother and sister-in-law Haskell E. Grant and Judy of Powdersville.
A service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the life of Mrs. Parsons was held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at Grace United Methodist Church, 309 Cedar Rock Street with the Rev. Jimmy Dillard and the Rev. Dale Harward officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 309 East Cedar Rock Street, Pickens, SC 29671 or to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
A message of condolence may be left for the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.

Estelle Bolick
Central — Estelle Porter Bolick, 64, of 129 Melanie Lane, died, Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at Greenville Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Pendleton, she was a daughter of Mildred Crowe Porter and the late Alvin Porter. She was formerly employed by West Point Stevens in Clemson. Mrs. Bolick was a member of Fairview Baptist Church in Norris. She was generous, full of life, and always happy. She enjoyed traveling to the mountains, going to her grandchildren’s many events, and relaxing on the front porch. She will be missed by all who knew her loving presence.
Surviving in addition to her mother of Central is her husband of 44 years, Curtis Bolick of the home; a daughter, Cindy Garrett and her husband Charles of Six Mile; a son, Steve Bolick of Central; two sisters, Bonnie Porter of Central, and Maybelle Perry and her husband J.W. of Easley; a brother, Robert Porter and his wife Evelyn of Central; five grandchildren, Cody Bolick, Abbey Bolick, Clint Garrett, Tyler Bolick, and Carter Garrett.
In addition to her father she was predeceased by a brother, Virgil Porter.
Memorial services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Bolick were 11 a.m. Saturday at Fairview Baptist Church.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Fairview Baptist Church, 766 Kelly Mill Road, Six Mile SC 29682.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

Barbara Ann Levering
Liberty — Barbara Ann Phillps Levering, 65, of 193 Farmers Hill Road, died peacefully Thursday, April 28, 2011 at Emeritus in Greenville following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Midland Park, N.J. she was a daughter of Helen Phillips and the late James Phillips.
Barbara will always be remembered for her love of animals, her passion for caring for them, and especially her pride and joy, her appaloosa horse “Lady Thunder”.
Surviving in addition to her mother of Easley is her husband, William “Bill” Levering of the home; a sister, Susan Stroud and her husband Dr. Lawrence Stroud of Pendleton; her mother in law, Dora Gunther of Bound Brook, N.J.; two brothers in law, Bob Levering of Tennessee, and Albert Levering and his family of New Jersey; two nephews, Sam Young, Jr. and his wife Reagan, and Todd Young and his wife Ashley; and four great nieces.
Memorial services to remember the life of Mrs. Levering were 2 p.m. Sunday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel.
The family respectfully requests that flowers be omitted and memorials be made to, Cancer Center of the Carolinas, Clinical Research, 900 W. Faris Road, Greenville SC 29605.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.


Jason L. Smith
Easley — Jason Leland Smith, 76, of 117 Wedgewood Drive, dearly beloved husband of Carolyn Burdette Smith, died Thursday, April 28, 2011, at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Brevard, N.C., a son of the late Jess Allen and Lilly Mae Orr Smith, Mr. Smith was a graduate of Central Wesleyan College and retired as a teacher and coach with Pickens Junior High School after 30 years of service.  He was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church where he was past chairman of the Administrative Board and teacher of the Lucille Searcy Sunday School Class. Mr. Smith was a member of Gideons International and Kairos Prison Ministries.
Surviving are his wife, Carolyn Burdette Smith of the home; a son, the Rev. Reginald “Reggie” Robert Smith (Ginger) of Greenville; a daughter, Angela Ruth Scott (James Curtis) of Easley; a brother, Ernest Smith (Mary) of Lehigh, Fla.; a sister, Lucy Parris (Bill) of Brevard, N.C.; and three grandchildren, Alexis Elizabeth Scott, James Tyler Scott and Emily Michelle Smith.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was predeceased by four brothers, Allen, Frank, David and Fred Smith and by a sister, Leona Mae Pressley.
Memorial services were 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Andrew United Methodist Church with the Rev. Barry Cannon and the Rev. Reggie Smith officiating.  Private committal services will be held at a later date.
Members of the Lucille Searcy Sunday School Class along with Edgar Cox, Doug Lollis, the Rev. Julian Ford, the Rev. Bruce Cleasby, Fred Owens, Ned Owens and Jimmy Owens were invited to serve as honorary escorts.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 309 Pelzer Highway, Easley, SC 29642.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Furman Haskett, Sr.
Sunset — Furman Ray Haskett, Sr, 81, of 130 Wilfur Lane, died Friday, April 29, 2011 at his residence.
Born in Sylva, N.C. he was a son of the late J.P. “Parker” and Bertha Nicholson Haskett. He retired from the trucking industry where he worked in sales and management for many years. Mr. Haskett was a U.S. Navy veteran and was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Wilma Cooper Haskett of the home; three sons, Ray Haskett, Jr. of Pickens, Roger Haskett of Easley, and Mark Haskett of Anderson; a step daughter, Lisa Hudson of Pickens; a brother, Parker Haskett of Pickens; five sisters, Jane Patterson, Jo Anders, Shirley Elrod, Fran Wood, and Reba Chastain; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother and six sisters.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Haskett were Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials are requested to Pine Grove Baptist Church, Bus Fund, PO Box 902, Sunset SC 29685.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Bridget Riddle
Liberty — Bridget Jackson Riddle, 28, of 124 Freedom Way, died Friday at Baptist Easley Hospital from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Born in Easley, she was the wife of Bobby Ray Riddle of the home, and the daughter of Randall D. Jackson of Liberty and the late Rhonda Kelley Jackson. She was a homemaker and attended Fellowship Baptist Church.
Surviving in addition to her husband and father are two daughters, Macy and Bailee Riddle of the home; three sons, Drayton, Tristan and Caydence Riddle of the home; a brother, Cruize Jackson and his wife Kayla of Liberty; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Memorial service for Mrs. Riddle was held at 5 p.m. Monday at Fellowship Baptist Church.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libetrymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

Mary Pepper
Easley — Mary Ruth Pepper, 81, died Saturday, April 30, 2011, at Capstone Health and Rehab.
Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Claude and Ruth Sheriff Pepper, Miss Pepper retired as an insurance agent with Hagood Insurance Agency after more than 40 years of service. She was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church where she was the former teacher of the Junior Sunday School Class.
Surviving are a sister, Annie Lou Able of Easley; a sister-in-law, Thelma M. Pepper of Easley; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Miss Pepper was predeceased by two brothers, Reuben Pepper and Harold Pepper and by a sister, Sara Pepper.
Graveside services were 2 p.m. Monday at Fairview United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Fairview United Methodist Church, c/o Sherrie Holland, 315 Hall Road, Easley, SC 29642.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Elsie Bruce
Liberty — Elsie Rackley Bruce, 91, of 107 Pineview Drive, died Saturday, April 30, 2011 in Portsmouth, Va.
Born in Pickens County she was the widow of Waybus G. Bruce and a daughter of the late John Thomas and Geneva Farmer Rackley. She retired from Woodside Mill, and was a member of Roanoke Baptist Church. She enjoyed being involved with Pickens County Seniors Unlimited in Liberty.
Surviving are a daughter, Evelyn Baker and her husband Otho of Portsmouth, Va.; a son, Wade Bruce of Liberty; 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; and a special niece and caregiver, Julia Moody of Easley; a special son in law, Waymon Pace of Pickens.
In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by her daughter, Elaine Pace, three sisters, and six brothers.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Bruce will be 2 p.m. Thursday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Entombment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
The family will be at the residence. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements

Ruth H. Crowe
Six Mile — Ruth Elizabeth Hudson Crowe, 85, of Heritage Healthcare of Six Mile, and formerly of Mt. Bethel Church Road, died Sunday, May 1, 2011.
Mrs. Crowe was born in Pickens County daughter of the late Walter Valasco and Hannah Spearman Hudson. She was a homemaker and a sitter for the sick and shut-in and she was a member of Cannon Mountain Baptist Church in Pickens.
Surviving is her daughter Michelle Tallman (Dennis) of Pickens and two grandchildren Barry Tallman (Amanda) and Shannon Yoder (Linwood) and great grandchildren Landon and Lauren Tallman and Arianna Yoder all of Pickens.
Mrs. Crowe was twice married, first to the late Mack Millan Norris and then to the late Leon W. Crowe. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her son Stephen Norris.
Funeral services were conducted 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 3 in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens with the Rev. Shem Durham officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, South Carolina Chapter,
4124 Clemson Boulevard, Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621-5528.

Tommy Hartis
Easley — Thomas “Tommy” Edison Hartis, Jr., 57, of 105 Halifax Road, died Sunday, May 1, 2011, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Charlotte, N.C., Mr. Hartis was a son of the late Thomas Edison and Pat Griffin Hartis. He graduated from Garinger High School and UNC-Charlotte. After 30 years of service, he retired from Duke Energy-Oconee Nuclear Station. Mr. Hartis faithfully served Easley Presbyterian Church.
Surviving are his wife, Mecia Koutroulias Hartis of the home; a son, Jason Hartis of Philadelphia, Pa.; a daughter, Keeke Hartis of Houston, Texas; an aunt, Margaret Reid of Jacksonville, Fla.; and his best friends, Steve and Elizabeth Byerly of Atlanta, Ga. and Dale Talbert of Beverly Hills, Calif. He leaves behind a loving extended family including many cousins.
Funeral services were 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Easley Presbyterian Church. Burial followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley.
Active pallbearers were Donny Simmons, Spencer Bryan, Chad Lister, Sandy Clark, George Kares, and Mike Adams. Escort of Honor were his high school friends.
Memorials may be made to Easley Presbyterian Church, 200 South First Street, Easley, SC 29640.
The family would like to thank Dr. Treece, the physicians at Pulmonary Disease Associates, as well as the nurses and respiratory therapists in the CCU of Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Vallie Mae McCall Stewart
Liberty — Vallie Mae M. Stewart, 72, wife of Carl Stewart for 53 years, died Sunday May 1, 2011 at McCall Hospice House.
A daughter of the late Ed and Florence McCall she was a very special wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was of the Baptist faith, a retiree of Greenwood Mills and a breast cancer survivor.
Survivors include her husband of the home, two sons; Carl Wayne Stewart (Kay), Bobby Joe Frizzell (Charity), a daughter and best friend Jerry Frizzell, three brothers; Lewis McCall (Joyce), Jim Edd McCall (Linda), and Mack McCall, a sister; Lynn McCall Lindsey (Frank), two granddaughters; Harley Cheyenne Frizzell, and Brandi Riddle, a great granddaughter; Ashley Nicole Stewart and a great grandson; Briggs Riddle.
Mrs. Stewart was predeceased by a son; Jerry Russell Stewart, a brother; J. D. McCall, and two sisters; Sara McCall Alexander and Ruby McCall Durham.
The funeral service was in the chapel at 11 a.m. at Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
Expressions of sympathy may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.