Annie Ruth Tilley McCrary, the daughter of the late James Tilley and Rena Mack of Panama City, Florida, was born on October 10, 1951 in Barnwell County. She entered eternal rest on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

She received her education in the Allendale County Public School System. She worked at various jobs, including Sara Lee Sock/Hosiery Company, Milliken, SRP and King Bar-B-Que, until her health declined.

She lived in Barnwell County for many years and was a member of Rosemary Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and helped in other areas. She later relocated to North Carolina where she joined Gospel Light Word Ministry in Sanford, North Carolina and later moved her membership to Unity Powerhouse Holiness Church until her death.

She loved her children, grands and family and friends and will be deeply missed with her laughter, smile and sense of humor. Mrs. Tilley, as she was called, met no stranger with anyone she came in contact with.

She leaves to cherish her memories: two children that she loved dearly, Patricia Tilley of Panama City, Florida and Lati Tilley of Barnwell; her mother, Rena Mack of Panama City, Florida; her grandchildren: Tyteaaudria Hay, Ny’teria Hay, Lati Tilley, Tyquavin Tilley, Herman (Jacqueline) Tillery, Cuba Tilley, and Tanjo Do; and her great-grands are Riley Manuel and Londynn Davis.

Sisters: Marie (Emmanuel) Dempsey of Panama City, Florida, Delores Campbell of Panama City, Florida, Joyce (Thomas) Deloach of Barnwell, Bernice Peeples of Barnwell, Betty Dunbar of Columbia, Alberta Boyce of San Antonio, Texas and a special sister, friend and care taker, Ernestine Allen of Pittsboro, North Carolina.     

Brothers: Eddie (Celisa) Mack of Panama City, Florida, Dwight Mack of Panama City, Florida, Walter Robinson of Gastonia, North Carolina, Richard Robinson of Ocala, Florida, Melvin Span of Aikin, and Calvin Dunbar of Washington, D.C.

Special niece and nephew are Sherry Felder and Derrick Peeples, both of Barnwell. Special friends: Robin, Shirley, Emma, Sherly (she called Sherry Jean), Virginia, Bernetha (she called her momma care), Linda, Elaine, Christine, and Callie and a host of other relatives, friends, co-workers and church family.

Homegoing services were held Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Unity Powerhouse Holiness Church in Staley, N.C. with Pastor Cedric Lee officiating. Family and friends served as the floral bearers and pall bearers. Interment followed at Unity Powerhouse Church Cemetery.

Russell Funeral Home & Cremation in Siler City, N.C. was in charge of arrangements. 

A Memorial Service for Donna Elizabeth Miller Givens, 69, of Williston, will be held 3 o’clock p.m., Sunday, January 21, 2018 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston. The family will receive friends after the service at the funeral home on Sunday.

Donna passed away on January 18, 2018.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice Care of SC, 27 Hugh St., Barnwell, SC 29812. The family would like to thank the nurses of Hospice Care of S.C., including Tabitha, Cathy, Lisa, Cassandra, Karen and Angel for the kindness, care and compassion shown to Donna during her illness.

Born in Leonardtown, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Jim Miller and Willie Mae Hendrix Miller. She worked in the Accounting Department for the South Carolina Regional Housing Authority and attended the Williston First Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School, children’s church, was a GA Leader and was a pianist and organist.

Survivors include her husband, Durward “Roddy” Givens Jr. of the home; a daughter, Deanna G. Carroll of Blackville; a son and daughter-in-law Durward “Rodger” Givens III and Lauren; grandchildren, Benjamin (Chelsea) Holcomb, Andrew (Lacey) Holcomb, Destiny (DeeJay) White, Zoe Givens; great-grandchildren, Bethany Holcomb, De’Asia Jennings, De’Riyah Jennings; and Winston, her four-legged companion.

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

Funeral services for Tommy Sweat Jr., 64, of Barnwell, were held 1 o’clock p.m., Saturday, January 20, 2018 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston, with burial at the Barnwell County Cemetery by the airport. The family received friends from 11 o’clock a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home on Saturday.

Tommy passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.

Born in Barnwell County, he was a son of the late Frank Sweat and Florrie Still Sweat. He previously worked at Sandoz; loved fishing and hunting; was a Barnwell Warhorse and Carolina Gamecocks fan.

Survivors include his children Angie (Russell) Overton, Robby Sweat, Brad Sweat (fiancé Christie Quattlebaum), Amanda Smith; siblings Gloria Sweat, Ann (Terry) Pressley, Darill (Lavon) Sweat; a special aunt Ruby Aubert; his fiancé Melissa Collins and her children Jessica (Clint) Bolen, Sabrina (D.J.) Collins, James Churchwell, Gary (Laurie) Prince; seven grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; special friends Donald Cave, Jimmy Bodiford and Norman “Jaybird” Williams.

He was preceded in death by his brother Frank Sweat.

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

J.L. “Jake” Keele, 92, of Barnwell, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2018 in the Regional Medical Center, Orangeburg.

Mr. Jake was born April 29, 1925 in Aiken and was a son of the late Lonnie and Nellie Toole Keele. He was a Navy veteran of WWII and retired millwright having worked at Shuron Inc. and Allied General. He was a devoted member of the Barnwell United Methodist Church. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2018 in the Barnwell United Methodist Church with the Rev. Fred Buchanan officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery on Hagood Ave. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at Mole Funeral Home. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Barnwell United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 126, Barnwell, SC 29812 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

He is survived by his daughter, Judy (Billy) Westmoreland of Barnwell; his son, Lonnie (Sue) Keele of Chapin; grandchildren, J.J. (Laurie) Westmoreland and Dawn (Mike) Butts, Jessica Keele, Jacob Keele and Kendall Bregovi; great-grandchildren, Avery Westmoreland and Natalie Westmoreland and Caroline Bregovi. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Willie Dell Still Keele, and infant son; a brother, Holley Keele; and sisters, Bobbie K. Givens and Glynis K. Moore.

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

Funeral service for Laura Bell Jeffcoat Chavis, 70, of Blackville, will be held 3 o’clock p.m., Wednesday, January 24, 2018 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston; burial will be in the Williston Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.

Laura passed away on Monday, January 22, 2018.

Born in Old Dunbarton, she was a daughter of the late John Jay Jeffcoat and Lottie Bell Kennedy Jeffcoat and was married to the late Clyde Chavis. She was a member of Ashleigh Baptist Church and was a homemaker.

Survivors include a daughter, Peggy C. (James) Etheridge; a son, Michael (Ashley) Chavis, all of Blackville; a sister, Gale Kinard of Barnwell; grandchildren, Randy Wall, Heather Wall, Michael Chavis, Zachary Chavis, Preston Chavis; great-grandchildren, Brynn Scott and Laken Scott.

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

James W. Blackwell Sr., 80, of Barnwell, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018 in the Hitchcock Center in Aiken.

J.W. was born on February 28, 1937 in Stilson, Georgia. He was a son of the late James Rufus and Mariee Blackwell Sheffield. He retired from the U.S. Navy and had served in Vietnam. He was a retired systems analyst with Northrop-Drummond Corp.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 3 p.m. in the Mole Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Great Salkehatchie Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the services.

Survivors include his son, James W. (Beth) Blackwell Jr.; sisters, Virginia (Billy) Clifton Denmark and Mollie (Vernon) Cheek of Barnwell; brothers, James R. (Doris) Sheffield Jr. of Hampton, Harry A.(Bobbie Jean) Sheffield of Cummings and Don E. (Nancy ) Polk of Bluffton; sister-in-law, Linda Sheffield; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Adrene Creech Blackwell; his son, Artie Blackwell; and brother, Perry C. Sheffield.

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

Funeral services for Verna Givens Murphy, 84, of Williston, will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2018 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston, with the Reverend Floyd Dukes officiating; burial will be in the Williston Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. Donations may be given in Verna’s memory to the Williston Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 367, Williston, SC 29853.

She passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Beverly Jackson for the continuing care, love and support given to their mother during the last 8 years; they also appreciate the nurses and staff of Trinity Hospice for their love and care.

Born in Williston, she was a daughter of the late H. E. Givens and Susie Ray Givens and was married to the late Joseph Clifford Murphy Sr. She graduated from the S.C. School of Banking at the University of South Carolina. She previously worked for the Bank of Williston, C & S Bank and retired as Assistant Vice President of First Citizens Bank in Williston. She was a member and officer of the South Carolina Women’s Bankers Association and was a member of the Williston First Baptist Church. Verna was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who always put their needs before her own.

Survivors include her daughter, Penny (Bobby) Johnson of Aiken; sons, Joseph Clifford “Cliff” (Elaine) Murphy Jr. of Jesup, Ga., Scott K. (Melinda) Murphy of Williston; grandchildren, Scott Kevin Murphy II, Patrick Taylor (April) Murphy, Caitlin (Michael) Hunt, Kearston Johnston, Cameron Johnson, Logan Johnson, Tiffany (Scotty) Butts; great-grandchildren, Bentley Murphy, Lauren, Olivia and Kylie Murphy, Taylor and Haley Butts.

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

Howard Gordon Dickinson Jr., 83, of Barnwell, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at his home.

Howard Jr. was born on June 12, 1934 in Hampton County. He was the son of Howard G Dickinson Sr. and Olive Faust Dickinson. He retired from the Savannah River Plant with 40 years’ service and was a member of the Hagood Ave. Baptist Church and was a U.S. Army veteran. He was an avid Clemson Tiger fan and loved to hunt and fish. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2018 in the Hagood Ave. Baptist Church with Dr. Ken Catoe officiating. Burial will follow in the Barnwell Co. Memorial Cemetery at the airport. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the church.

Survivors include his wife, Medoweise Gillam Dickinson of Barnwell; daughter, Pam (Wesley) Zissett of Norway; sons, Howard “Tad” (Julia) Dickinson and Gordon “Gordy” (Beth) Dickinson of Barnwell; grandchildren, Eric and Brantley Dickinson of Barnwell; sisters, Betty Dickinson Eubanks of Barnwell and Billie Dickinson Dobbs of Denmark. He was predeceased by family friend, Maybelle Mitchell whom lived in the Dickinson home for many years.

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

Susie Russell Thomas, age 88, wife of Billy A. Thomas, died Sunday, January 28, 2018 at her residence in Fairfax.

Mrs. Thomas was a native of Bamberg, and a daughter of the late John Marvin and Marie Crummie Russell. She was a homemaker and member of Bethel Baptist Church. Susie was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, active in church and community organizations and she loved to bake and share it with the community.

Graveside funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery with the Reverend Brian Henderson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.

Survivors include her husband, Billy A. Thomas; one son, Michael Thomas; two daughters, Gail T. Williamson and Terri T. Veletto; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Norma Jean Bell and Verna Mae Padgett; and extended family member John Everett McInnis. She was predeceased by one son, Lamarr Thomas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 6498 Confederate Hwy., Fairfax, SC 29827.

Keith Smith Funeral Service, 128 Water St., Allendale, (803-584-2492) is assisting the family with arrangements.

Funeral services for Peggie Jean Bolick Tutt, 65, of Windsor, will be held 11 o’clock a.m., Thursday, February 1, 2018 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston, with the Reverend David Richardson officiating; burial will be in the Mt. Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, January 31 at the funeral home.

Peggie entered into eternal peace on Sunday, January 28, 2018.

Born in Aiken County, she was a daughter of the late James Henry Bolick and Muriel Georgia Hall Bolick and was married to Samuel Emmons “Sam” Tutt. She formerly worked in the weaving department at King’s Mill and the Graniteville Company.

Survivors include her husband of the home; 4 children; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; a sister, Alice B. Bates; a brother, James L. Bolick; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sisters, Hazel B. Steverson and Sherry Lynette B. Tutt.

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

Michelle Leigh Stephenson, wife of Terry Stephenson, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.

Michelle was born in Greer and raised in Simpsonville to her parents, William and Linda Bridgeman Frasher. She was a homemaker and a huge Clemson Tigers fan.

In addition to her husband Terry, she is survived by her two sons, Torrey Stephenson of Las Vegas, NV and Zachary Stephenson of Jackson; brother, Steven Frasher of Simpsonville; and special niece, Madison Frasher also of Simpsonville. She is also survived by her four-legged children, Sid and Isabella, who truly miss her.

Memorial service will be held at a later date in Williston. In lieu of flowers please contribute to your local animal shelter in her honor.

A memorial service will be held in memory of Fraser G. Creech Friday, February 2, 2018 at Greenlawn Baptist Church in Columbia. The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m.

Fraser G. Creech passed away January 28, 2018 at Palmetto Baptist Hospital after struggling with declining health for two years. Born in 1930 to Farrell and Agatha Still Creech, Fraser was raised in Barnwell County. She was a graduate of Blackville High School and North Greenville College.

She lived out her faith to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by serving in ministry across South Carolina for over 40 years. Early in her service, she served as Secretary at First Baptist Church of Sumter. Then, she served as the Education Director at First Baptist Church of Marion for 37 years. She served on the Board of Trustees at North Greenville College from 1979-1983.

During her retirement, she was a member of Greenlawn Baptist Church where she faithfully served in the Children’s Ministry, as a Sunday School teacher, Prayer Committee Chairperson, and as a volunteer who was instrumental in helping to organize and complete other ministry opportunities at Greenlawn. Fraser took an active role in the International Student Ministry at the University of South Carolina by serving as a mentor to international students who attended the university. Fraser enjoyed her monthly “Lakeshore Luncheon” and frequent visits with her friends and family.

Fraser was predeceased by her parents, Farrell and Agatha Creech, and sisters Miriam C. Collins, Wilma C. Gunter, and Carol Elaine Creech.

She is survived by a sister, Nell (Frankie) Peters of Barnwell, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her “family in love,” Wayne, Susan, and Catherine Roe. The family would like to express their gratitude to Linda Griffin, the members of Greenlawn Baptist Church, and the staff Brookdale Living for their love, care, and support of Fraser during the last months of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Greenlawn Baptist Church.

Joe Nathan Jones was born to the late Willie and Rosa Mae Jones on November 7, 1955 in Barnwell.

He received his education at Barnwell High School and was a graduate of the class of 1975. He was employed by Dixie-Narco for 30 years. He also worked at Barnwell Elementary School for several years. His favorite things were cooking on the grill and he had a love for sports. He studied the Bible and learned about Jehovah and his purpose for mankind.

Joe met and married Emma Nimmons on September 26, 1986.

One brother, James Edward Jones, preceded him in death.

Joe departed this life on Thursday, December 26, 2017 at the Aiken Regional Medical Center.

Joe leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Emma Jones of the home; three children, Eric (Caitlyn) Jones of Columbia, and Felicia and Candice Jones of Barnwell; 10 sisters, Louise Jacobs, Mary Alice Jones, Ethel (John) Odom, and Dorothy Devoe of Philadelphia, Pa., Helen Jones, Ellen Jones, Lovette (Tommy) Love, Gloria Brown, Rose (Edward) McKethan and Doris Green, all of Barnwell; four sisters-in-law, Carolinda Jones, Queenie (James) Sanders, Patricia (John) Odom, and Shirley (Samuel) Jenkins; one brother-in-law, Willie (Joyce) Sanders; two aunts and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The funeral was held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at noon at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness in Barnwell. Brother Carl Adams officiated.

Guinyard & Sons Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Veronica “Rhonda” Baxley Dials, 61, of Columbia passed away peacefully at her home on January 29, 2018 after a prolonged illness.

She was born Veronica Louise Baxley on May 17, 1956 in Barnwell County to the late Joseph Clayton Baxley Sr. and Betty Smith. She was a widow to the late Bruce Dials of Gaston. She was a homemaker most of her life. She was an avid Gamecock fan, loved to cook for her family and was an extreme animal lover.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 11 a.m. in Mole Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Mizbah Methodist Church Cemetery in Olar. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Rhonda leaves behind her loving brother, Joseph Clayton Baxley Jr., and his wife Danielle and daughter Kaycee of Swansea; sister-in-law, Jane Irwin Baxley of Swansea; niece, Heather Stanley, and her husband Allen and children Ava Grace and Nathan of Swansea; niece, Cali Baxley of Las Vegas; half-sister, Linda Walters and niece Kathy Walters of Fayetteville, N.C.; and niece, Kay Sasser of Lakeview. Rhonda also leaves behind her special friend Craig Sandsted of West Columbia, who was faithfully by her side when the time came. Also, many other family members that will miss her dearly.

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

Funeral services for Robert Love, 80, of Blackville, will be held 2 o’clock p.m., Saturday, February 3, 2018 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston; burial will be in the Mt. Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m., until the time of the service at the funeral home on Saturday.

Robert passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2108.

Born in Orangeburg County, he was a son of the late Shellie Love and Pearl Knight Love. Robert was a member of Healing Springs Baptist Church. He was a self-employed beef cattle farmer who loved his animals. Robert was a loving husband and father.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Edna M. Bell Love of the home; daughters, Rita (Neal) Morris of Snelling, Marie Brickle (Jimmy Owens) of Orangeburg; sons, Terry (Becky) Love of Blackville, Roger (Denise) Love of Barnwell, Kevin Love of Monetta; sisters, Shirley Martin of Lexington, Carolyn (Bill) Frye of Barnwell; brothers, Billy (Bonnie) Love of Denmark, Jackie (Juanita) Love of Atlanta, Ga.; 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert Love Jr. and brothers, Charles, Wilbur and Lennon Love.

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

Funeral services for Ted Wallis Craig, 84, of Elko, will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church with Dr. Chris Mullennix and the Reverend Floyd Dukes officiating; burial will be in the church cemetery. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, February 5, 2018 at Folk Funeral Home, Williston. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Alan, Caleb, Dave, Edgar, Joshua, Michael and Nolan Craig. Honorary Pallbearers will be Don Bolton, Larry Fail, Mike McCarty, Gene Nix, Michael Nix, Walker Nix, Clint Youngblood and Derek Youngblood.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given in Ted’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, South Carolina Chapter, 4124 Clemson Blvd.-Ste L, Anderson, SC 29621 or Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, P.O. Box 151, Drayton, SC 29333.(www.hpcfoundation.org).

Ted passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Ted was a lifelong resident of Elko, where he was a successful farmer having owned and operated Craig Farms for 56 years. Ted was the son of the late John C. Craig and Lorena Craig Hallman. He attended Clemson University and was a member of Clemson Iptay for 55 years. He served as a member of the U.S. Air Force National Guard and was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for 47 years. Ted served on the board of directors of Southern Bank in Williston, owned and operated Craig’s Auto Parts in Williston and Springfield and Craig’s Barbecue in Williston. He served on the Barnwell County Development Board and the ASCS committee in Barnwell for many years. He was a member of the S.C. State Firemen’s Association, a County Forestry board member, a member of the Elko Fire Department and was a member of the Woodmen of the World. Ted served on the board of Trustees at Jefferson Davis Academy and was very instrumental in the school being established. Ted was a servant, his passion in life was his family, farming and he enjoyed fishing.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Patty L. Craig; five sons, David Thomas Craig of Elko, John Michael (September) Craig of Aiken, Ted Patrick (Connie) Craig, Mickey Wallis (Tina) Craig, Christopher Kelly (Tina) Craig, all of Elko; grandchildren, David Thomas (Shannon) Craig Jr., Edgar Allen Craig, Victoria Elizabeth (Zac) Drafts, John Michael Craig Jr., Alan Childress Craig, Caleb Bradley Craig, Joshua Cade Craig and GeorgiaAnne Craig; great-grandchildren, Emma Grace Craig and Nolan Thomas Craig; a step-sister, Nancy Hallman Boco; a step-brother, U.S. Army RET. B.C. “Chuck” Hallman Jr.

The family would like to thank Angel Brabham, Karen Smith, Casandra Brown, Lisa Greenwood and Hospice Care of South Carolina for their care and Ms. Pearline Berry for her care and compassion shown to them during Ted’s illness.

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

Funeral services for Geneva Cynthia Kearse, 79, of 7169 Beaver Dam Drive, Fayetteville, N.C., formerly of Allendale, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018 at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Calvin Brewington Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Geneva Owens Kearse was born in Allendale County on August 6, 1938 to the late Hansford Owens and the late Virginia Ford Owens. She was educated in the public schools of Allendale County. At an early age she joined St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church and was later baptized. She relocated to Fayetteville, North Carolina and joined the Beauty Spot Baptist Church and later joined New Genesis Fresh Start Ministries; where she was a faithful member and the Mother of the Church. Geneva enjoyed working in her garden, doing word puzzles and decorating. Her favorite pastime was reading the Bible and watching Christian television.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Carlos L. Kearse-Morrell; two sisters: Eardine Owens and Claritha Brown; and one brother, Bernard Owens Sr.

She entered into eternal rest on Monday, February 5, 2018 at the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Geneva leaves to cherish her fond memories, two daughters: Vivian (Edwin) Morrell of Fayetteville, N.C. and Cynthia Mays of Aiken; a sister, Iva Lee Wesley and a brother, David Owens, both of Allendale; five grandchildren: LaToya Odom, Kenisha Morrell, Hammie Mays III, Jennifer Myers and Ryan Myers; 12 great-grandchildren; one special friend, Theresa Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives and caring friends.

Allendale Community Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

John Stoney Sanders Jr., age 90, of Allendale, died Saturday, February 10, 2018.

Mr. Sanders was a lifelong native of Allendale and the son of the late John Stoney and Nina Flowers Sanders Sr. He was a graduate of the Citadel, U.S. Air Force veteran and retired from the U.S. Postal Service. He was a member of Swallow Savannah United Methodist Church. Stoney lived life to its fullest, enjoyed people and will be missed by his family and many friends. Allendale has lost a true icon.

Graveside services will be Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Swallow Savannah Cemetery with Reverend George Hudson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the graveside.

Family members include nieces and nephews, special great nieces and nephews, Shannon Ferril (Norman), Leigh Ann Ferrill Garlington (Gene), Andy Wright (Courtney) and Brad Wright (Alicia).

Memorial contributions may be made to Swallow Savannah Cemetery, P.O. Box 306, Allendale, SC 29810.

Keith Smith Funeral Service, 128 Water Street, Allendale, (803-584-2495) is assisting the family with arrangements.

Marilyn Yvonne (Dyches) Lutes Drew of Viera, Fla. departed our world to be in the arms of God on February 7, 2018.

Born October 22, 1934 in Hilda to George Roy Dyches and Janie Lou Hutto Dyches, she grew up in Barnwell and was a graduate of Dreher High School in Columbia. Following high school, Mrs. Drew became a secretary with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Savannah, Ga. and New York City. She later retired as branch manager of Bank of America in Barnwell. Throughout her life, Marilyn loved playing piano, gardening, reading and playing bridge.

Marilyn’s love of life and indomitable spirit will live forever in the hearts of everyone she touched. She is survived by her loving husband of over 20 years, Mr. William M. Drew of Viera, Fla.; son, Colonel Charles D. Lutes (USAF, Retired) of Alexandria, Va.; granddaughter, Erin Van Kirk of Dallas, Texas; grandson, Andrew Lutes of Alexandria, Va.; and three great-grandchildren.

A remembrance service was held on February 9 at the Indian River Colony Club in Viera, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to the American Heart Association.

Funeral services for Guy Edwin Cooley Sr., 84, of Williston will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Elko Baptist Church with the Reverend Tom Baker officiating. Burial will be at the Williston Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2018 at the funeral home, Williston. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers memorials be given to Elko Baptist Church, Mission Fund to Madagascar, P.O. Box 277, Elko, SC 29826.

Edwin died Saturday, February 10, 2018 at his home.

Born in Honea Path, he was a son of the late Allen Brooks Cooley Sr. and Mallie Marie Skelton Cooley and was married to the late Miriam Kitchings Cooley. Edwin enjoyed calling people on the phone discussing politics and Gamecock football. He loved his family and especially loved listening to his grandchildren play their violins. He was an active member of Elko Baptist Church.

Survivors include his daughter, Beth (Charles) Smoak of Fort Mill; a son, Guy Edwin Cooley Jr. of Jackson; grandchildren, Kathryn Claire, Caroline Olivia, William Christopher, Margaret Mae and Jonathan Nicholas Smoak; mother-in-law, Frances Kitchings Sessions; sisters-in-law, Linda (Bill) Johnson, Betty Cooley; brothers-in-law, Wallace (Sheryl) Kitchings, Gene Kitchings; nieces, nephews and dear friends, Patrick and Pem Richardson. The family would like to also thank all of his many friends and family members who have called, carried him places, and most of all the care and compassion shown to their dad in years past.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Allen Brooks Cooley and Richard Carol Cooley Sr.

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