Rita Beard McLellan, 84, of Barnwell, passed away Friday, October 13, 2017 at home.

She was born January 20, 1933 in Columbus, Georgia, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jackson Beard of Phenix City, Alabama. A retired school teacher, Rita lived in many places in North and South Carolina, including Florence, Hampton, and Allendale before finally settling in Barnwell. She taught at Guinyard-Butler Middle School her entire teaching career beginning in 1975. She retired at the end of the 1997-1998 school year where she helped charter the Junior National Beta Club.

She was a member of the Barnwell United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School. She was an avid bridge player, member of many bridge clubs, and was a founding member of the Winton Inn Bridge Club. She enjoyed traveling with friends, cooking for family, and doting on her grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Lynn McLellan and Donna Dodge (Johnny), both of Barnwell; grandchildren, Jason McLellan (Alisa) of Chicago, Illinois, Johnny Mac Dodge and Renee Dodge of Barnwell; two great-grandchildren, Cadden and Riley McLellan; and special cousins from Florida. She was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Beard; and her son, Bobby McLellan Jr.

The funeral will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the Barnwell United Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be at the Methodist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Barnwell United Methodist Church or the charity of your choosing.

Mole Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit the online register at molefh.com.

Funeral services for James Lawrence “Butch” Ballard, 70, of Barnwell, will be held 2 p.m., Friday, October 20, 2017 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston, with the Father Daniel Hank officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday.

Butch passed away on Tuesday, October 17 2017.

Born in Chesterfield County, he was a son of the late Carl Monroe Ballard and Eva Mae Plyler Ballard. He retired as co-owner of Ballard’s Café in Barnwell and worked as a security officer for Chem-Nuclear. Butch was always very active in his community, he was one of the first paid firemen for Barnwell County, he helped to organize the Barnwell County Fire Prevention program, he was a former captain of the Barnwell Fire Department, and was a charter member of the Barnwell Rescue Squad. He was a member of Hagood Avenue Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Deronda Schlins “Gena” Ballard; daughters, Cheri Renee Towne, Cheyenne Mae Ballard; sons, James Michael (Susan) Ballard, William Wesley (Christina) Towne; sisters, Vera Klutz, Jackie Mullinzx, Margie Ballard; grandchildren, Ansley Sweat, Colton Ballard, Jessica Ballard, Korbynne Hill, Lainey Ballard; a number of nieces and nephews; and his four-legged companions, Stash and Allie and Cocky his four-legged grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Evelyn Coombs, Joyce Grubbs, Ruth Burkett, Janice Cheek; his brothers, Carl Ballard Jr., Curtis Ballard and Bobby Witty.

Folk Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory, Williston, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for Susie Carroll Morris, 82, of Blackville, will be held 3 p.m., Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the Ashleigh Baptist Church, Blackville, with the Reverend Brandon Dobson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be given to the Gideon’s International, Barnwell Camp, P.O. Box 86, Williston, SC 29853.

Mrs. Susie passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2017.

Born in Bamberg County, she was the daughter of the late Marion Benjamin Carroll and Florie Dell Bassett Carroll and was the widow of Wallace O’Neal Morris. She was a member of Ashleigh Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for over 30 years in the Youth Department, was in the WMU and served on numerous committees at the church. She retired as secretary of Barnwell Eye Center.

Survivors include daughters, Sandra (Kenny) Dobson of Barnwell, April Cook (Eric Young) of Blackville; a son, Chris (Ronda) Morris of Blackville; grandchildren, Melanie Dobson, Reverend Brandon (Lauren) Dobson, Nicholas (Tiffany) Morris, Tabitha (Chris) Blume, Shannon Morris, Austin Morris, Cheyanne Morris and fifteen great-grandchildren; and a son-in-law, Steve Cook. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Clyde Carroll and Charlie “Robert” Carroll.

Folk Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory, Williston, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.

A Celebration of Life service for Leon Hampton “Bubba” Cushman, 87, of Windsor, will be held 3 p.m., Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Mt. Beulah Baptist Church with the Reverends Floyd Dukes and David Richardson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.

Bubba passed away Thursday, October 19, 2017. The family has requested that donations be given in Bubba’s memory in place of flowers.

Born in Aiken County, he was a son of the late Lewis Cushman and Dessie Beck Cushman and a beloved grandson of Leon and Carrie Beck. He was a member of Mt. Beulah Baptist Church and was a farmer for over 40 years. Through the years, Bubba had many friends with whom he loved and they were always willing to help each other.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Youngblood Cushman; daughters, Cindy C. Sizemore of Aiken and Pam Cushman of Windsor; a sister, Ann (Bill) Crout of Wagener; brothers, Buddy (Lois) Cushman, Charles (Dixie) Cushman, all of Windsor, Tommy (Ginger) Cushman of Columbia, Billy Cushman of North Carolina; grandchildren, Ciji (Ryan) Bell, Missy Bolen, Kelsie Bolen, Stephanie Sizemore, Kerri Sizemore and Abbie Sizemore; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Missy Bolen; and his sisters, Judy Norris and Margaret Holley.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Agape nurses for the care shown to their family and a special thank you to Phyllis and Jim Crow who he dearly loved.

Folk Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory, Williston, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.

Graveside services for Mary Crenshaw Bedingfield will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the family home at 701 Red Oak Road, Barnwell, SC 29812. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 24, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mole Funeral Home, 9399 Patterson Street, Barnwell, SC 29812.

Mrs. Bedingfield was born February 13, 1943 in Columbia and passed away October 19, 2017. She was the daughter of the late Leland and Mamie Crenshaw of Columbia. She attended Dreher High School and was a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a BA degree in Journalism.

She was predeceased by her husband, William Walter Bedingfield, and is survived by her children, Caroline (John) Creech of Columbia, William Walter Bedingfield Jr. (Shannon) of Columbia, and John Whitner Bedingfield (Paige) of Barnwell; six grandchildren; and a sister, Linda C. Chamlee.

She taught school in Barnwell for several years prior to becoming co-owner for 20 years of The Partridge Shoppe in Barnwell. She then became the Regional Manager for Doncaster, LLC before retiring in 2010.

Mary served on the Board of Visitors of the Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston and was a member of the Holy Apostles Church in Barnwell. She was also very active in community organizations. She was a member of the Wildwood Garden Club, the Sandlapper League, and the Winton Assembly. She also served on the Barnwell High School booster club for many years. Mary enjoyed watching her only granddaughter, Mary Walter Creech, compete in quarter horse barrel racing and watching her grandsons participate in athletic events.

Many thanks to Atria Forest Lake for their outstanding care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Animals Advocates, P.O. Box 1924, Barnwell, SC 29812 or Holy Apostles Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 207, Barnwell, SC 29812.

Mole Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit the online registry at molefh.com.

Glenn Franklin Ferguson, 71, passed away at Pruitt Health Bamberg on Friday, October 20, 2017.

Glenn was born in Allendale on February 2, 1946 and was a son of the late Winton Franklin Ferguson Sr. and Inez All Ferguson. He retired as store manager of Allendale IGA and had served in the S.C. National Guard.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the Mole Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the Hilda First Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held in the funeral home chapel on Sunday from 6-8 p.m.

Survivors include his sisters, Frances (Ellis) Smith of Hilda, Janet (Harvey) Joyner and Cynthia Towne of Olar. He was predeceased by siblings, Winton Franklin Ferguson Jr., Delores Ferguson and Dorothy Ferguson.

Mole Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign the online register at molefh.com.

Blanche Chesser Carroll Vickers was born on March 30, 1937 and passed away on Oct. 18, 2017. After a short illness, she passed peacefully with family present.

She leaves three children, five grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Also, she is survived by one brother and numerous nieces and nephews.

Instead of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to a charity of their choice.

Arrangements are being handled by Palmetto Cremation Society.

Mr. Willie J. Williams (aka “Bollie”), age 58, of 2074 Dexter St., Blackville, died on October 20, 2017.

He was born on July 9, 1959 and was the son of the late Willie and Willie Mae Williams.

Informal visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Guinyard and Sons Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be held on October 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church in Blackville. Interment will follow at Hope Memorial Park in Barnwell.

Survivors include: his loving and devoted wife, Angelyn C. Williams of Blackville; two beloved children, Shelby K. Williams and Trey L. Williams (from his union to Shirley K. Williams), both of Barnwell; one stepson, Clayton O. Collins of Blackville; two grandchildren, Zailia K.N. Williams and Kaiden M. T. Roberts; six sisters, Ethel (Jerry) Berry of Columbia, Pearlene Lee, Albertha Williams, and Evelyn (Herman) Thomas, all of Blackville; Rita (Ronnie) Pernell of North Augusta, Clarisa Anderson of Lynn, Mass.; four brothers, Sammie Lee (Cherlyn) Williams and Elliott Williams of Blackville, Jerry Williams of Detroit, Mich., Cordova Williams (brother/cousin) of Brooklyn, N.Y.; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Collins of Blackville; two aunts, Essie Womble of Hartford, Conn. and Willie Dell Toole of Blackville; and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Guinyard and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Harold Z. Wolfe, 88, passed away at home in Spartanburg on Sunday, October 22, 2017.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Morgan Wolfe; children, Beth Wolfe Ellis and husband Tim, Catherine Wolfe McMakin and husband Chuck, Cindy Wolfe Haggerty and husband Al, all of Spartanburg, and son, Hal Wolfe and wife Nancy of Peachtree City, Ga.; grandchildren, Shannon McMakin Griffith and husband Jason, Christine McMakin Cantrell and husband Jason, Cameron Haggerty and wife Amanda, Summer Ellis Nunn and husband Michael, Stuart Haggerty and wife Melissa, Morgan Wolfe Homan and husband Chris, Brian Wolfe, Maggie Haggerty; sisters, Betty Faye Wolfe Fletcher of Williston (deceased), and Clara Gene Finley of Brevard, N.C.; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A native of Williston, he moved to Spartanburg in 1963 with his wife and four children. He was the son of Lois Catherine Woodward Wolfe and Harold Zendervester Wolfe Sr. of Williston.

Harold attended Clemson University, became a professional engineer and had a career as an instrumentation engineer with Savannah River Site and then several engineering and architectural firms in Spartanburg and Greenville.

Harold served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Spartanburg several times over many years. He taught Sunday School there and he and his wife Betty were greeters at the Dean Street entrance for many years.

Harold was a member of Woodmen of the World, he was a long-time member of the Spartanburg Evening Lions Club, serving as president several times and received the lifetime membership award. He was a Certified Master Gardener; a member of the Spartanburg Men’s Garden Club, serving as president; he served many years on the board at Mountain View Nursing Home.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 from 12-1:30 p.m. at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. The funeral service followed at 2 p.m. in the chapel with the Reverends Bob Neely and Sal Barone officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mobile Meals Service, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304.

An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com.

William E. White, 68, of Fairfax, died Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Agapé Hospice House - Columbia after an extended illness.

He was a former contractor, cabinet maker and musician; he was born March 18, 1949 in Arlington, Virginia. He was predeceased by his father, James P. White; mother, Frances Ferguson White; sister, Betty White and stepmother, Marcella White.

Survivors include his son, Dagan White and family, as well as long-time friends, Afra McClanahan and Nell Ray Walling.

A private burial is planned.

Folk Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory, Williston, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.

A Celebration of Life Service for Larry Craig Lynch, 56, of Barnwell, will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Bethany Baptist Church, Barnwell, with the Reverend Robert Altman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be given in Larry’s honor to Bethany Baptist Church, P.O. Box 156, Barnwell, SC 29812.

Larry passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2017.

Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Larry was a son of the late Robert Lynch and Dorothy Mae Odom Lynch. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church and was an avid fisherman.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Samantha and Jamie Ashby of Barnwell; grandchildren, Maddox and Brenleigh Ashby; sister, Donna Baughman of Prosperity; brother, Robbie Lynch of Newberry; nieces, Jessica Hall, Lisa Wash, Brandy Lynch and C. C. Lynch.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Tim Lynch.

Folk Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory, Williston, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for Mr. George Washington, 78, of 375 Spruce Street, Allendale, were held 1 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2017 at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Daniel Latimer officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Mr. George Washington was born to the late Rufus and Essie Mae Washington on July 6, 1939 in Allendale. George gained his wings on October 24, 2017.

George attended the public schools of Allendale County in Allendale. Shortly after high school, George began his career singing traveling to different cities with the Swanee Quintette, Tommy Ellison and the Singing Stars, The Starlight Supremes and the Dixie Jubilee. George sang background at one point for James Brown. After traveling on the Gospel Circuit, George decided to settle down and was joined in Holy Matrimony to Josephine Williams for 47 years.  

Over the next 30 years, George had several occupations driving trucks and school buses. He owned his own truck logging business and was a devoted church member until his health began to fail.

He was preceded in death by his eight siblings: Henry Washington, Brooks Washington, Charles Washington, Willie Washington, Essie McGraw, Laura Lee Cave, Annie Ruth Allen, and Martha Washington. 

George leaves to cherish his fond memories: his loving wife, Josephine Washington; his eight children: Vearner Washington and Debra Thomas both of Savannah, Ga., Ruth Givens of Girard, Ga., George Washington Jr. of Tampa, Fla., Stacey Washington of Clifton, N.J., Valessa Washington of Memphis, Tenn., Danielle Washington and Leon Washington, both of Atlanta, Ga.; two sisters: Rosa Mae (Archie) Williams and Geneva (Raymond) Rae, both of Winter Haven, Fla.; one brother, Tommy Washington of Albany, Ga.; 22 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Allendale Community Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Nancye Bousman Owens, 82, of Barnwell, passed away October 31, 2017 in Columbia.

Born April 5, 1935, Nancye was the elder daughter of the late Tate and Golda Evans Bousman. Nancye spent her formative years in Pensacola, Florida and in 1952 moved to Greenville, South Carolina to attend Furman University. Upon graduation from Furman in 1956, she married Allen Jennings Owens, II. Nancye taught in three Barnwell County schools totaling 33 years of service, touching countless students’ lives. She was very active in many civic and social clubs and a longtime member of Barnwell Presbyterian Church.

Nancye is survived by her husband of 62 years, A. Jennings Owens II; daughter, Judi Owens Baxley; grandson, Morgan (Tonya) Baxley; and great-granddaughter, Abigayle Bodiford, all of Barnwell; sister, Judy (Bill) Earp of Louiville, Kentucky; niece, Lisa E. Nesmith and her family of Danville, Kentucky; nephew, Ted Earp and his family, stationed in Lyon, France; brother-in-law, Dean E. Owens and nephew, Clay Owens of Columbia.

A celebration of Nancye’s life will be held during a memorial service, Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Barnwell Presbyterian Church with Rev. Frank Cunningham and Rev. David Turner officiating. The family will receive friends after the service during a reception in the church Fellowship Hall.

A private family interment will be held. In lieu of food and flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Barnwell Presbyterian Church or the charity of one’s choice.

Mole Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit the online registry at molefh.com.

David Earle Meyer, age 59, passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at home in McClellanville, S.C.

David enjoyed his Harley Davidson motorcycles, breeding and raising his boxer dogs. He had a heart full of love and joy and he was a generous and faithful man who was loyal to his family and many friends. David was a former longtime resident and employee of Standard Coffee in Atlanta, Ga. and more recently employed by Boeing in Charleston.

He is survived by his three children; one daughter, Tiffany Michelle Meyer and husband Rene Aljure of Seattle, WA, two sons, David Claxton Meyer of Winder, Ga., and Derek Lee Meyer and partner, Miranda Cummings as well as twin grandsons, David Lee Meyer and Caleb Lee Meyer, all of Athens, Ga. He is survived by three siblings, Charles Olan Meyer III and wife Dorothy of Albany, Ga., James Dunbar Meyer and partner Sherlene Smith of Buford, Ga. as well as Susan Harriet Meyer Byrd and partner Royce Phillips of McClellanville. David is the third son of the late Charles Olan Meyer Jr. and Lulalee Jones Meyer. He is also survived by three nephews and one niece, an aunt, an uncle as well as many cousins.

Graveside services will be held at the Barnwell County Memorial Cemetery in Barnwell at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 5, 2017 with Rev. Billy Mew officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the name of David Meyer to the Atlanta Boxer Rescue, Inc., 5322 Vinings Lake View, Mableton, GA 30126, http://www.atlantaboxerrescue.org/donate.

Arrangements are being handled by Mole Funeral Home in Barnwell. Please visit the online registry at molefh.com.

Funeral services for Pinckney Oneal Hutson, 92, of Healing Springs, were held 3 p.m., Sunday, November 12, 2017 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston, with Reverend George Still and Dr. Donald Prevatt officiating. Burial will be held at the Barnwell County Memorial Cemetery by the airport with Military Honors accorded. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, November 11 at the funeral home.

Mr. Hutson passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2017.

Born in Blackville on May 11, 1925, he was a son of the late George Dewey Hutson and Lou Ellen Rowell Hutson. Mr. Oneal attended Faith Christian Church, retired as a self-employed farmer and was a U.S. Army veteran having served his country honorably during WWII and in Korea. Mr. Hutson had a strong love for his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Elizabeth W. Hutson; his daughters, Shirley (Donald) Prevatt, Lucy Blackwell, Teresa (Jerry) Lewis; sons, Joseph Allen Hutson, Everett Oneal (Margaret) Hutson; grandchildren, Carol Knight, Preston (Tina) Prevatt, Betty Jane (Mike) Mata, Bryan Blackwell, Janicea Blackwell, Amy (Jared) Lynn, Amanda (Alan) Castleberry, Neal Hutson, Michael (Sarah) Hutson, Melissa (Matthew) Rhoad, Daniel Lewis, Nathan Lewis; great-grandchildren, Robin, Adam, Austin, Tiffany, Hudson, Kaytlyn, Storm, John, Jessica, Jennifer, Bryson, Ellis, Preston, Brenton, Shelby, Alan James “A.J.”, Rhett, Holston, Averley, Chandler and Haley, great-great-grandchildren, Chandler, Caroline and Madison Grace; sister Geraldine (Hampton) Carroll; brothers, Etheridge (Mary Ann) Hutson, Bobby Gene (Caroline) Hutson, Frankie Hutson, Deacon Hutson.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Carrie Nell Rhoden, Cornelia Hutson; brothers, Emory Hutson, Mailon Hutson; son-in-law, Harold Blackwell III.

Folk Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory, Williston, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.

On Thursday, November 9, 2017, Elizabeth Wilson Morris entered into eternal peace.

Elizabeth was born to Maebell and Romie Wilson on March 27, 1926, in Allendale. After graduation Elizabeth spent a short time with Western Union in Charleston. She returned to Allendale and soon met George Heyward Morris from Barnwell. Time passed and Heyward, as he was known, went off to service and ended up in Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. Elizabeth claimed she wrote him every day and maybe so because on a leave from service, Heyward proposed to her. The story goes she hid behind the bedroom door when Heyward asked Romie if he could marry his only daughter. They married and shortly after Heyward had to return to Alaska. Elizabeth and Heyward lived in Allendale where their union was blessed with two daughters and one son, Linda Gayle Morris, Mary Jane Morris, and George Heyward Morris Jr. Elizabeth worked for Southern Bell in Allendale until the office was closed.

In 1965 and 1966, Elizabeth and Heyward started construction on a home in Barnwell. Upon moving to Barnwell, she worked for State Bank & Trust, Farm Bureau and State Farm before retirement. Elizabeth enjoyed every moment she could have with her grandchildren, Tonya Elaine McConnell, Rhett Keenan Wall, Jeremy (Rachel) Wall, Justin (Nicole) Wall and Kevin (Malerie) Wall; great-grandchildren, Parker, Fate, Ella Kate, Caroline, Paxton and Winston.

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Linda Gayle (Carl) Cope, Mary Jane (Carlton) Wall and George Heyward Morris Jr.; one brother, Russell Mathis (Coreen) Wilson; three nephews; and her four-legged companion Nubbin. She is also survived by her second family, the Reverend Freddie and Mary Bush, who treated her like their own.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Romie Mathis and Maebell Hart Wilson; her husband, George Heyward Morris Sr.; grandson, Rhett Keenan Wall; and two brothers, Charles Lynburg Wilson and James Wilson.

The family will receive friends at 1 o’clock p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Siloam United Methodist Church on Highway #3, south of Barnwell. Service will follow at 2 o’clock p.m. on Monday with the Pastors Fred V. Buchanan, Jr. and Freddie Bush. Interment will follow at the Barnwell County Memory Gardens on Reynolds Road.

Folk Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory, Williston, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit our online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for Bobby Ray Abbott Sr., 64, of Healing Springs, will be held 2 o’clock p.m., Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at the Blackville First Baptist Church with the Reverend Jeffrey Ray officiating. Burial will be in the Blackville Cemetery with Masonic Rites Accorded. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, November 14 at Folk Funeral Home, Williston.

Bobby passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2017.

Born in Orangeburg County, he was a son of the late Jessie Lee “Sonny Boy” Abbott Jr. and Alberta Porter Abbott. He previously worked as a transportation supervisor at SRS. He was a member of Healing Springs Baptist Church and Blackville Masonic Lodge #63. He loved hunting and fishing; he especially enjoyed his time on the Edisto River.

Survivors include his wife, Peggy Smyly Abbott; a son, Bobby (Alissa) Abbott Jr. of Blackville; daughters, Allison (Jason) Chatfield of Williston, Brittany Abbott of Columbia, Stephanie (Jason) Davis of Barnwell, Christina (Bobby) Collins of Aiken, Rebecca Templeton (Trey Chavis) of Barnwell; grandchildren, Catherine Abbott, Kyler Martin, Dawson Abbott, Michael and Sarah Chatfield, Austin and Caylee Davis, Sheldon and Leighton Collins, Braelyn and Jayden Chavis; brothers, Donnie (Donna Jean) Abbott, Patt Abbott, all of Healing Springs, and Hariel “Jay” (Betty) Corley and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Folk Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory, Williston, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Lois Yarbrough “Yarby” Eaves, 104, of Barnwell, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 13, 2017.

Mrs. Eaves was born in Leesville on May 14, 1913. She was the daughter of the late Rev. William Peurifoy Yarbrough and Rosa Lentz Etheredge Yarbrough. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Barnwell. She taught first grade for 30 years in the S.C. Public Schools in Pelion, Dunbarton and Barnwell. She moved to Barnwell County in 1937. She married Frank Buist Eaves Sr. on June 20, 1941. They were married for 50 years when he passed away in 1991.

She loved staying busy and being productive and sharing her handiwork with others. She especially enjoyed knitting. Mrs. Eaves in her later years knitted dishrags that she gave to her friends and family.

Mrs. “Yarby” had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh with her dry wit and funny sayings. Her visitors often said she boosted their spirits when they felt down. She enjoyed the art of homemaking and being a wife and mother. Mrs. Eaves found pleasure and contentment at home and at church with friends and family. She was always thankful for God’s blessings and provision. The Lord was her source of joy and strength. She believed in prayer for every detail of life and the Lord looked after her for 104 years.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. in the Barnwell County Memorial Cemetery at the airport with Rev. Dale Hutto officiating. The family will receive friends after the services at the cemetery.

Mrs. Eaves is survived by three children and their spouses, Buist and Susan Eaves of Rock Hill, Terrel and Debby Eaves of Aiken, and Sara and Roger Allen of Douglas, Ga.; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mole Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign the online register at molefh.com.

Jean Orr Belcher (nee Betty Jean Orr) of Rock Hill died on November 13, 2017, at the age of 86.

A native of Inman, Jean was predeceased by her husband, Posey Belcher Jr., and by her parents, Esther Burgess Orr and Warren Herbert Orr. Jean was a 1949 graduate of Inman High School, where she was the valedictorian. She graduated magna cum laude from Furman University in 1953, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education.

Jean began her teaching career in 1953 at Laurel Elementary School in Greenville. In 1954 she married Posey Belcher Jr., and moved to Durham, N.C., where she taught elementary school while her husband attended seminary and pastored a small church in Washington, N.C. Following a two-year pastoral internship in Mobile, Ala., Jean and Posey moved to Barnwell, where Posey served as the pastor of Barnwell First Baptist Church for nineteen years. In 1972 Jean returned to her teaching career at Barnwell Elementary School after a fifteen-year hiatus to rear her four children. In 1978 the Belcher family moved to Walterboro, where Posey served as the pastor of Walterboro First Baptist Church for sixteen years. Jean continued teaching at Hampton Street Elementary and Black Street Elementary schools in Walterboro.

After retiring in 1994, Jean and her husband moved back to Barnwell, where they became deeply involved in community activities. In 2006 the Belchers moved to Rock Hill, where their older daughter lives. They eventually settled at Westminster Towers, a nearby continuing care retirement community with rehabilitation and health facilities.

Jean received several honors and awards for her service to children and the community. She received the Teacher of the Year Award for Black Street Elementary School for the 1993-1994 school year. In 1997 during her retirement, Jean was the founder and first president of the Barnwell County Arts Council, and the Jean Orr Belcher Scholarship Fund was established by that organization in her honor in 2005 after she retired from several years of service as president. In 1998 Jean was named the Barnwell Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year.

Jean’s life was devoted to serving God, her family, and the children of the community. In addition to her unwavering support of her husband’s ministry, she made her own contributions to the ministries of their churches in numerous ways. She was a children’s choir director, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, pianist, and choir member. If she knew of children who needed transportation to Sunday School, she made sure that they got to and from church, often driving them herself. Her passion for children, whether her own or those in the community at large, was readily apparent. She was tireless in her efforts to improve the educations, circumstances, and the lives of the youngest members of the community. Her children each received a broad education, including the standard academic curricula as well as opportunities to explore other disciplines, especially music. All four children completed high school at the top of their classes and went on to graduate magna cum laude from Furman University and to complete graduate degrees. In 2006 Jean was honored to be named the South Carolina Mother of the Year.

The family is grateful to the staff and community of Westminster Towers, Westminster Health and Rehabilitation, HomeBridge, and Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill for becoming Jean’s good friends and providing her the care she needed. They are also thankful for her Oakland Baptist Church family and for their support and care during Jean’s years in Rock Hill, as well as for her many friends who have stayed in touch, many of these from Posey and Jean’s former churches.

Surviving Jean are her son David Orr Belcher and wife Susan of Cullowhee, N.C., her son Philip Burgess Belcher and wife Kelly of Asheville, N.C., her daughter Elizabeth Belcher Mixon and husband Ben of Rock Hill, S.C., and her daughter Miriam Belcher Ponder and husband Dean of Huntersville, N.C. Their grandchildren are Owen Belcher and wife Olga Shupyatskaya of Rochester, N.Y., Kera Belcher of Raleigh, N.C., Sarah Mixon and Eleanor Mixon of Rock Hill, S.C., and Noah Ponder of Huntersville, N.C. She is also survived by her sister, Martha Orr White, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean’s memorial service will be held at the Barnwell First Baptist Church on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at 2 p.m. The burial will follow at 3 p.m. at the Old Baptist Cemetery in Barnwell. Both the memorial and graveside services will be conducted by Rev. David Turner, a long-time friend of the Belchers and a former pastor at Barnwell Presbyterian Church. Prior to the memorial service, the family will receive friends in the sanctuary of the church at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Posey and Jean O. Belcher Organ Concert fund at Furman University, an endowment created by the Belcher children in honor of Posey and Jean’s 50th wedding anniversary; the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship; the Barnwell County Arts Council; or Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill.

Mole Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit the online registry at molefh.com.