Mrs. Annie Mae Owens was born on May 2, 1939 to the late Mr. Lucious Williams Sr. and Mrs. Queen Esther Stokes Williams in Barnwell. She departed this life on Wednesday, December 21, 2016.

She established a relationship with Christ early in life and was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Barnwell where she served as a Deaconess and Trustee. She was a 1958 graduate of Butler High School.

Annie Mae was a true gem throughout the entire community of Barnwell. Her nurturing and loving spirit impacted many lives. She was briefly employed at Shuron

Inc. and K&M Manufacturing but her heart's joy came from caring for others. Annie Mae served as a caregiver for the young and old until her health required her to physically stop but, even then, her desire to take care of others never ceased.

Annie Mae was united in Holy Matrimony to Thomas Edward Owens on September 1, 1960. To this union, seven children were born.

Annie Mae's love and devotion for her family was unmatched. As a wife, she was dutiful and committed. As a mother her dedication was indescribable. Motherhood was truly her purpose and her daughters meant the world to her. Her parenting style instilled responsibility, integrity, dignity, a love of Christ and all mankind in all of her girls. She lavished just as much love on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and "spoiled" each and every one of them. Her legacy is one her family can forever cherish.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Edward Williams, sister Bernice

Williams, and grandson Thomas Patrick Felder.

Left to cherish fond and loving memories: her husband of 56 years, Deacon Thomas

E. Owens; daughters, Carolyn Simpson of Columbia, Charlene Darlington (James) of Barnwell, Deborah Owens of Barnwell, Libby Owens of Winter Haven, Fla., Tracey O'Neal (Michael) of Aiken, Monica Brown (Thomas) of Barnwell, Nakisha Owens of Barnwell; grandchildren, Tresha, Renaldo, Gale, Pia, Olemule, Charlencia, Tyisha, Chadric, Madison, Thomas III, Grayson; great-grandchildren, Thomas, Jaiden, Tristen; sisters, Bessie Williams of New York, New York, Joan Cohen (Ivan) of Barnwell; brothers, Charles Williams (Joeann) of Barnwell, Lucious Williams of Barnwell; sisters-in-law, Betty Williams of

New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Georgia Mae Williams of Allendale, Goldie Owens of

Brooklyn, New York, Gertrude Owens of Jersey City, New Jersey; a special niece and nephew, Cathy J. Barker and Larry James; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Annie Mae Owens was held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016 at Second Baptist Church in Barnwell with Rev. Tracey O’Neal as the eulogist and Rev. Phillip Thomas as the pastor/presiding official.

B.F. Cave Funeral Home in Allendale assisted the family with arrangements.

A memorial service for Belva Johnson Keisler, 73, of Williston, will be held 3 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2017 at Mt. Beulah Baptist Church with the Reverend David Richardson officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the church. Memorial contributions may be given in Belva’s memory to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, DUMC Box 3624, Durham, N.C. 27710.

Belva passed away on Monday, January 2, 2017.

Born in Aiken County, she was a daughter of the late Cullen R. Johnson and Beulah Coley Johnson and was married to the late Marrall Rudolph Keisler. She was a member of Mt. Beulah Baptist Church and a former member of Lexington Baptist Church. She worked in many different capacities as an LPN in the health care industry. She loved tending to her flowers, caring for her yard and sewing.

Survivors include her daughters, Laura Keisler (Dennis) Carter of Bonneau, Elizabeth K. “Beth” (Richard) Joye of Lexington; a son, Gregory “Greg” Marrall Keisler and daughter-in-law Stephanie G. Keisler of Lexington; a brother, Jeryl (Judie) Johnson of Windsor; sisters-in-law Shirley K. (Buzz) Lewis of West Columbia, Betty Faye K. (Billy) Bolen of Williston; brother-in-law, Robert A. (Cindy) Keisler of Irmo; sister-in-law, Elspye Johnson; grandchildren, Lindsay and Daniel Carter, Stephanie and Autumn Joye, Ashlyn and Carson Keisler and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Cyril Johnson.

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

Claude Ashton Manuel, 88, husband of Annie Harvey Manuel, died Thursday, January 5, 2017 in Fairfax.

Claude was born in Sycamore on August 4, 1928 and was the son of the late Asbury C. and Lizzie Mae Mixson Manuel. He was a member of the Fairfax First Baptist Church and an active member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans where he served as treasurer, the current chairman of the board at Water Holidays in Santee, served the town of Fairfax for 17 years as a member of the town council, served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Little Rock from February 1946 to December 1947, performed contract work for Exxon and was a member of the Jaycees and was a Masons.

Claude was a maintenance supervisor for the Allendale Correctional Institute during their early years, served as maintenance supervisor for Scotsman Ice Systems and owned and operated Manuel’s Supply and Equipment for many years before retirement. After retirement he enjoyed many hours in his shop repairing golf carts.

Graveside funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Mrs. Annie Harvey Manuel; a son, Larry (Lynn) of Fairfax; a daughter, Claudia (Tim) Medlin of Sumter; two sisters, Mrs. Ralph (Jean) Ferguson of Fairfax and Mrs. Sherrill (Faye) Cochran; and four grandchildren, Miss Collins Medlin of Salt Lake City, Utah; Miss Ashton Medlin of St. Augustine, Florida; Miss Anissa Manuel of Bluffton; and Miss Claire Manuel of Fairfax.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2017 at Keith Smith Funeral Service, 128 Water Street, Allendale, S.C.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Fund at P.O. Box 1025, Fairfax, S.C.

Funeral services for Eddie Dean, 62, of 597 Oakland Drive, Allendale, were held 11 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2017, at Mt. Hope Baptist Church, Martin, with Reverend Wayne Bennett officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. 

On December 30, 2016, God in his infinite wisdom called Brother Eddie “Eddie Boy” Dean, a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and an untiring man of God to his heavenly home. Eddie was the son of Sarah Dean and the late Henry Jay Dean.

He attended Sumter County public schools and graduated from Sumter High School in 1972. Eddie graduated from Voorhees College in Denmark in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in History. In 1978, Eddie joined the South Carolina State Highway Patrol; where he served 38 years on the force.

Eddie accepted Christ as his savior at an early age. He was a member of Unionville AME Church of St. Charles. He matriculated to Mt. Hope Baptist Church in Martin where he served as a Sunday school teacher.

On December 17, 1977 Eddie and Florence Edwards were united in Holy Matrimony and to this union one son, Dwain Garvin Dean, was born.

Eddie was a member of the Allendale Masonic Lodge No. 53, a member of the NAACP, a faithful worker for Relay for Life, and an Assistant Associate Deputy with the Knights of Pythagoras District 10. 

He leaves to cherish his fond memories and legacy: a loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Florence Dean; a son, Dwain (Carol) Dean of Barnwell; six grandchildren: Dynesha Dean-reared in the home, Dwain Dean Jr., Dakarai Dean, Clark Dean, Claire Dean, and Collin Sitton; two great-grandchildren: Joshua Pettus and Kadence Dean; a loving mother, Sarah Jane Dean of Sumter; loving father and mother-in-law, Deacon William and Elizabeth Edwards of Martin; two sisters: Fredia Smith of Orangeburg and Katherine (Reverend Jimmie) Allen of Fort Washington, MD; two brothers: James C. Dean of Sumter and Carl A. (Gina) Dean of Raleigh, NC; sisters-in-law: Mary Ann (Harry) Anderson and Eleanor G. Jones-Edwards, both of Martin; brother-in-law, John Bennett (Adelle) Edwards of Martin; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and dear friends.

Allendale Community Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Bernice R. Williams, 73, was born on May 10, 1944 in Barnwell to Lucious Williams Sr. and Queen Esther Stokes Williams. She died December 20, 2016 in Yonkers, N.Y.

Funeral services were held on January 3, 2017 at noon at Hope Memorial Park in Barnwell. Interment followed at Hope Memorial Park in Barnwell. Informal visitation was held on Monday, January 2, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Guinyard and Sons Funeral Home Chapel.

Bernice was a graduate of the Barnwell County School Systems. Shortly after graduation, she moved to New York, where she spent the remainder of her years making many life-long friends. Bernice or Bern, as she was known to her family, will be remembered by all who knew her as a beautiful and caring person. She worked as a nurse at Francis Shcevier Nursing Center in Bronx, New York for over 30 years, retiring in 2007.

Survivors: Two daughters – Sharon Williams of Fayetteville, N.Y. and Dawn Williams of Yonkers, N.Y.; Three grandsons, Zachary Williams of Bellevue, Washington, Logan Williams Sr. of Barnwell and Kajuan Williams of Yonkers, N.Y.; One great-grandson, Logan Williams Jr.; Two brothers – Charles (Joann) Williams and Lucious Williams, both of Barnwell; Two sisters – Bessie Williams of Harlem, N.Y. and Joan (Ivan) Cohen of Barnwell; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Guinyard and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Robert Lee Jones, 73, of 76 Scuppernong Road, Barnwell, died January 9, 2017 at his home.

Funeral services will be held on January 14, 2017 at noon at Second Baptist Church in Barnwell with Rev. Phillip Thomas and Elder Bobby Dukes officiating. Interment will follow at Hope Memorial Park.

Robert Lee Jones was the son of the late Hamp Jones Sr. and Willie Mae Samuel Jones. Informal visitation will be held Friday, January 13, 2017 at the Guinyard and Sons Funeral Home Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m.

Survivors: Wife – Theresa Jones of the home; One son – Bobby Lee Jones of Barnwell; One daughter – Brenda Adams of Snelling; One stepson – Damon (Patricia) Hargrove of Greenburg, N.Y.; One stepdaughter – Janine Spence of Bayshore, N.Y.; Nine grandchildren – Henry Highsmith, Keith Jones, Timothy Jones, Aiden Jones, Milton Patterson Jr., Sekina Ray, Brittney Lott, Kimberly Berry and Bryce Johnson; Sixteen (16) great-grandchildren; Two brothers – Hamp (Carrie) Jones Jr. and Jasper (Mary) Jones Sr. of Barnwell; Three sisters – Shirley (Willie) Pope, Alice Solomon and Annette Brown, all of Barnwell; One sister-in-law – Anna Jones of Barnwell; One aunt – Margaret Hankerson of St. Augustine, Fla.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Guinyard and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Claude Edward McCain of Denmark passed away on Jan. 13, 2017. He was born on September 14, 1924, a son of the late H.C. McCain and Julia Margaret Riley McCain.

He graduated from the Denmark Public Schools in May 1941. He was active in school activities and was taught to play the piano and organ by his mother and her sister, Esther. He earned spending money as a projectionist for the Dane Theater and delivering coal for his father’s coal yard.

Claude entered Clemson University in Sept. 1941, but after Pearl Harbor, the College President called the student body together and explained that they would be allowed to finish their first year and then report to the U.S. Infantry for Basic Training. Upon completion, he was transferred to Communication School in Macon, Ga. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Headquarters Company of the 30th Infantry Division, first Battalion, 7th Army. They fought through Sicily, invaded Italy and established the beach head at Anzio where they were pinned down in a foxhole for four months before they broke out and continued fighting through Italy. At night, he led patrols to determine strengths and weaknesses of the enemy, returning before daylight.

Eventually, his unit was sent to Sardinia to train for the invasion of Southern France. Claude fought his way through France, Germany, and into Salzberg, Austria where the war in Europe ended. His unit had been alerted for the invasion of Japan. He was appointed Battalion Sgt. Major.

When his military service was concluded, Claude rejoined his father and older brother William Riley McCain, in the H.C. McCain Insurance agency in Denmark. He was active in civic and community affairs, serving on the Board of Directors for SCE&G Denmark, Security Federal Bank and Loan of Aiken, and First National Bank of Denmark. He was vice chairman of the Board of Directors of Voorhees College. He also served Bethel Park Methodist Church as organist for 15 years. He was elected to the S.C. House of Representatives from Bamberg County for four years and was appointed to the S.C. Insurance Commission where he served as Chairman for 15 years. Claude was active in the Masons and was recently awarded a plaque acknowledging 70 years of service. He was active in the Lions Club.

He is survived by his brother Spruce McCain (Lucy) of Columbia and numerous nieces and nephews and many cousins. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his older brother, William Riley McCain and sister, Margaret Ann McCain Herndon.

He will be truly missed by his family and all those that knew him for his great sense of humor and love for his fellow man. Claude was a mentor to many young men and financed the education of several. There was a twinkle in his eye when something delighted him.

The family is eternally grateful for the loving care of his caregivers, Brenda Singleton, Ronsome Howard, Flora Robinson, Trina Johnson, VA Nurse Beth Weaver, and Grove Park Hospice.

Pastor Terry Roof of Bethel Park Methodist Church is conducting the service Monday, January 16 at noon in Denmark with U.S Army rites accorded. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Park United Methodist Church, 25 Beach Ave. Denmark, SC 29042 or to the Denmark Cemetery Fund P.O. Box 387, Denmark, SC 29042.

Folk Funeral Home, Denmark, is assisting the family. Please visit their online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Edna Walker Hurst, 90, passed away at her home on Saturday, January 14, 2017.

Mrs. Hurst was born in Barnwell County on July 24, 1926. She was a daughter of the late John William and Josephine Walker. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother and will be missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 16 in the Mole Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will follow in Farmington, Missouri on Friday, January 20 at 2 p.m. in the Doe Run Cemetery with Cozean Funeral Home of Farmington, MO in charge of those arrangements.

Survivors include her sons, John Earl Hurst of Barnwell and Joseph Eugene Hurst of Fairfax; daughter, Edna Hurst (Robert Stein) Wampler of New Ellenton; step children, Dorothy Landers, Lee Hurst, and Bud (Sue) Hurst; brother, Joe Ashley (Marie) Walker of Martinez, Ga.; 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Charles Hurst; sons, Jimmy Dale Hurst and Walter Franklin Hurst; sisters, Owena W. Wood and Johnnie W. Cook, Victoria Wilson, and Altanease Winn; a brother, John O. Walker, and her beloved pet, “Scott”.

The family would like to thank Halcyon Hospice for the love and support they have provided.

Mole Funeral Home assisted the family with Barnwell arrangements. Please sign the online register at molefh.com.

Stacy L. Gainey, 49, of Barnwell, went into eternal rest on January 10, 2017.

A memorial service was held Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Dyches Funeral Home Chapel, Barnwell, officiated by Rev. Glenn Orr. Family received friends following the service.

Stacy was born in Berkley County, Ga. to the late Harry Robinson and Carolyn Taylor. He was a member of Morris Chapel Church. He was a loving brother who loved to eat and loved kids. He was a friend to all and will be missed by many.

Survivors are his loving, devoted mother, Carolyn Taylor and Henry Taylor of the home; six sisters, Nicolette Robertson of Manning, Samantha (Joseph) Wright of Elko, Marie (Wade) Stockton of Smyrna, Ga., Suzanne (Mark) Yates of Graniteville, Kimberly Williams of Cochran, Ga. and Melinda Hallingquest of Lake City, Fla.; four brothers, Anthony Taylor of Knightsdale, NC, Henry (Aisha) Taylor Jr. of Blythewood, Nikia Taylor of Arizona and Brad Sanders of Cochran, Ga.; loving, devoted second mother, Vicki (Russell) Youmans of Barnwell; loving, devoted friend, Mary Workman; stepchildren, April (Dennis) Harley of Barnwell and Ricky Workman of Barnwell; loving and devoted grandmother, Mattie Dent of Aiken; two aunts, Ernestine Robertson and Shirley Washington of Cochran, Ga.; and a host of uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Tracy Robertson and Timmy Robertson, and one aunt, Ella Willis.

The family entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements.

Funeral services for Edith Lowe Martin, 83, widow of Marshall L. Martin Sr., will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the Mole Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Turner officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the hour of service. Burial will follow in the Barnwell County Memory Gardens on Reynolds Road.

Mrs. Martin was born in Calhoun Falls on October 9, 1933. She was a daughter of the late James Albert and Sarah Owens Lowe. She retired as a secretary with the Engineering Department with the SCDOT in Orangeburg. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her son, Marshall (Marian) Martin Jr.; daughter, Lee Ann Riddle; brothers, Brian (Ann) Lowe and Patrick Lowe; grandchildren, Brad (Mandy) Martin, Rob (Elizabeth) Martin and Christopher Riddle; great-grandchildren, Quinn Edie Martin and Anne Shealy Martin.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Pruitt Health of Barnwell, The Ladies at the Table, and caregivers, Beverly Chase and Anna Swindle for all the love, support, and encouragement shown to Mrs. Martin and her family.

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

Mr. Charlie G. Cave, age 89, departed this earthly realm on January 13, 2017 in Beaufort, where his soul took peaceful flight to meet his God and Creator in that bright, celestial world and to rejoice forevermore around God’s Throne.

Charlie Garrett was born the youngest of four siblings to the late Mr. Lucious Cave and Mrs. Rosa Mixon Cave in Old Barnwell County on September 18, 1927. He received his early formal education in the public schools of Allendale County. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and remained an active and lifelong member of the Union United Methodist Church in Kline. From his beloved parents and very first role models, he learned the value and importance of godly character, love of family, strong work ethics, discipline, education and service to others.

In August 1956, Mr. Cave was united in holy matrimony to the former Verdell Ella Reddish of Blackville, and to this union, his two beloved sons were born: Michael Garrett Cave and Carlos Vergil Cave. They were happily married for 26 years before Mrs. Cave’s untimely death in July 1982.

In later years, he was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, his brother and his firstborn son, Michael Garrett.

In July 1985, Mr. Cave was united in holy matrimony to Mamie Holly Townsend, a native of Barnwell County. They were happily married for nearly 32 years until his death, and from this union, he inherited three loving, young adult daughters: Sherrell, Lisa and Jennifer.

As an adult, Mr. Cave farmed in Old Barnwell County but later pursued small business interests in Allendale, ranging from a mechanic’s garage to real estate ventures. For a number of years, he was also one of the lead singers with the local gospel quintet known as The Friendly Five. He and his first wife, the late Mrs. Verdell R. Cave, established the Cave Funeral Services of Allendale in 1960. And, in 1966, they opened a funeral home in Ehrhardt to serve residents of Bamberg County.

Ever the civic-minded, progressive and concerned citizen, Mr. Cave believed fiercely in the enrichment, support and uplift of local youth, which led him to run for and win a seat on the local Allendale County School Board of Trustees—a position that he held with distinction for 42 years from 1970 to 2012. He also served faithfully as a member of the Allendale Masonic Lodge #53, the local Allendale County Chapter of the National Association of Colored People (NAACP) and other civic organizations.

Mr. Cave is survived by his wife of the home, Mrs. Mamie H. Townsend Cave; four children: Carlos V. Cave Sr. (Shirley) of Bluffton; Sherrell Y. Lane of New York; Lisa A. Townsend of Virginia; Jennifer M. Norfleet (Doug) of Virginia; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; six godchildren; four sisters-in-law: Onetha Holly, Dorothy Kirby, Alpha Anderson and Eliza Cave; two brothers-in-law: Ben Holly (Elizabeth) and Julius Green (Rosalyn); a faithful cousin and caregiver, Marie Hankerson; a beloved cousin and employee, Bernard Brown; as well as other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and colleagues.

The funeral service was 1 p.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at the Union United Methodist Church in Kline with words of comfort by Rev. Dr. Eddie C. Williams. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

B.F. Cave Funeral Chapel assisted the family with arrangements.

Mr. Herman Lee Hallingquest, aka “Shorty”, age 70, was born on July 21, 1946, in Blackville, to the late James Hallingquest Sr. and Juanita Lee Bellinger Hallingquest.

At an early age, he sought God’s direction and guidance, and joined the Bethany Baptist Church in Blackville.

Herman received his education in the Blackville Macedonia School System in Blackville. He worked at Shuron Textron in Barnwell for 19 years and for Bechtel Savannah River Company for 23 years before retiring.

“Shorty”, as he was affectionally known, was a loving and kind person, and will be remembered for the love he had for his family and friends.

He was married to his loving wife, Virginia Hallingquest, for 50 years.

Besides his parents and grandparents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Dennis Hallingquest, and two sisters, Fredrenia and Roszenia Hallingquest.

On Thursday, January 18, 2017, our Heavenly Father called him from labor to reward at his home in Barnwell.

Herman leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted wife, Virginia O’Berry Hallingquest of Barnwell; two daughters, Wanda (McKinley) Calhoun of Barnwell and Hermenia (Damian) Roberts of North Augusta; five grandchildren, Philip Johnson Jr., Darius Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Zoey Roberts, and Zia Roberts; two great-grandchildren;seven honorary grandchildren, Edward Johnson, Derrick Hallingquest, Jaquay Daniels, Rhianna Johnson, Niedra Parker, Marquise Dykes and Envy Brown; five brothers, James (Annette) Hallingquest, Ronald (Margaret) Hallingquest, Donald (Diane) Hallingquest, and Dean Hallingquest, all of Barnwell, and Wayne (Doris) Hallingquest of Blackville; two sisters, Loretta Bellinger of Barnwell and Christine Bellinger of Athens, Ga.; mother-in-law, Albertha O'Berry of Barnwell; six sisters-in-law, Betty McClain, Lydia Sherman, Mary Johnson, Brenda O'Berry, Geneva Mack, and Louise O'Berry, all of Barnwell; four brothers-in-law, Earl (Claretha) O'Berry, Eugene (Gloria) O'Berry Jr., Shelton (Ella) O'Berry Sr. and Ernest Workman, all of Barnwell; two aunts, Mable Bellinger of Blackville and Ella Way of Brooklyn, NY; two special nieces, Tonya Ash, and Paris McClain of Barnwell; one special nephew, Arnez Hallingquest of Charlotte, NC; onespecial cousin, Juanita Williams of Barnwell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and sympathizing friends.

The funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, January 23, 2017, at Shepherd House Ministries in Barnwell with words of comfort by Rev. Gloria B. O’Berry. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

B.F. Cave Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Funeral services for Alberta Widener Vinson, 78, of Williston, will be held 2 p.m., Thursday, January 26, 2017 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Dan Fogle officiating. Burial will be at the Mt. Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery, Windsor. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be given to Rosemary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 409, Williston, SC 29853.

Mrs. Alberta passed away on Monday, January 23, 2017.

Born in Aiken County, she was a daughter of the late Jessie Abram Widener and Nettie Widener Widener. She was first married to the late James Alex Freeman and was the widow of Jack Vinson. She was a homemaker and was a member of Rosemary Baptist Church.

Survivors include her son, Kenneth James Freeman of Williston; sisters, Violet Pennington of Williston, Tina Smith of Seneca and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Smith and a brother, J. P. Widener.

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

William Ronnie Knopf, 63, of Olar, passed away on January 24, 2017 in the Regional Medical Center, Orangeburg.

Ronnie was born in Orangeburg County on August 16, 1953 and was a son of Elizabeth Padgett Knopf and the late Myer Knopf. He was a former employee of Holland Hitch Company of Denmark.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2017 at George’s Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Ted Still officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2017 at Mole Funeral Home of Barnwell. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Survivors include his wife, Jaci Powell Knopf of Olar; his mother, Elizabeth Padgett Knopf of Olar; daughters, Angela (Christopher) Evans of Hampton and Nancy (Randy White) Knopf of Barnwell; sisters, Shelby Knopf Miller, Betty Knopf Beard and Susie Knopf Adcock; grandchildren, Michael and Aurora Evans, Archie, Freedom and Allister White. He was predeceased by a brother, Jimmy Knopf.

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

Joseph Henry Jones of Barnwell passed away on January 28, 2017.

He is survived by his wife, Julie; son William; daughter Juliet, all of Barnwell; and one brother, Stephen of Shelby, N.C. Henry was preceded in death by his father Robert, mother Mabel and brother Bobby.

Henry had a B.A. in English, Masters in Education and Ed. Specialist degree. He retired from teaching English.

Henry will be laid to rest on January 31, 2017 at the Barnwell Co. Memorial Cemetery at the airport. Funeral services will be held that day at 2 p.m. in the Mole Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from noon until 2 p.m.

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

James Elmer Still went to be with The Lord after a short battle with cancer, on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 2:10 a.m.

He was born in Barnwell on June 10, 1928.

In addition to his parents, Amos Kirby Still and Ida G. Grubbs Still, James is predeceased by his loving wife of 26 years, Wilma Fender Still.

Jim was one of eleven children, and is survived by his brother, Kirby Still.

Mr. Still has many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who call him Dad, Papa, and Pa.

He had a knack for nicknames he lovingly bestowed spontaneously on many of his grands. Juicy, Fancy Pants, Oreo, and Naked as a Jay bird were some of the most memorable.

James was a big-rig driver for thirty-plus years.

His memory was amazing until a few weeks of his passing. He recalled many names and places; and we'd call him instead of resorting to a GPS.

James served his country proudly during the Korean War and carried battle scars with him. He never complained.

Mr. Still will be remembered for his kind and loving nature as he doted on his family and gave freely to strangers in need.

Jim accepted Jesus as his Savior and stated he was ready to go to heaven when God was ready to receive him. His faith was strong. When he was unable to go to church physically, he listened to preaching on the radio for hours.

Many were blessed by a meal, his humor, and his grace extended.

The family wants to thank each one who called, sent messages, and prayed. Thank you for sharing in this time of sorrow. We are rejoicing that he no longer has pain, and one day we will join him in heaven with our Lord and Savior.

Memorial services were held with Pastors Rick Parker and Karl Baker at Landmark Baptist Church, Oakatie, on January 24, 2017.

From his family-our loving sentiment, "All of us loves all of you."

Charlie E. Dixon, 88, of Barnwell, passed away on January 29, 2017 at his home.

Mr. Dixon was born in Glascock County, Georgia, a son of the late Hubert and Zulene Williams Dixon. He was a retired employee of the Savannah River Plant with 33 years’ service. He was a member of the Barnwell First Baptist Church.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Barnwell County Memory Gardens on Reynolds Road. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Regency Hospice or the charity of one’s choice.

Survivors include his daughter, Bobbie Dixon “Frankie” Bennett of Lexington; daughter-in-law, Karen S. Dixon of Brevard, N.C.; niece and nephews raised by Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, J.L. Thompson, Donnie Thompson, John Kenny Thompson and Kathy Thompson Shaw; grandchildren, Shawn Hazel, Debbie Barney, Dedra Clark, Damon Dixon, Daren Dixon and Donya Jacobs. He was predeceased by his wife, Darthie B. Dixon; son, Wendell Dixon; and nephew, Sam Thompson. The family would like to thank Regency Hospice and Circle of Love Caregivers for the love and care shown Mr. Dixon during his illness.

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

Mrs. Carolyn Durbin Musen, 90, of Blackville, went to be with her Lord on Monday, January 30, 2017.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, February 3, 2017 at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home Chapel in Orangeburg with the Reverend Drew Kornreich officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackville Cemetery.

She was the only child of the late William and Hazel Durbin of Ashland, Kentucky. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Dr Harold L. Musen. Carolyn and Harold met at Ashland Junior College in Kentucky, and were married on July 5, 1949. After several moves as Harold pursued his post-graduate degrees in agronomy, they made their home in Blackville where they raised their family.

Carolyn was a warm and loving Christian woman who always put those she loved ahead of herself. She was a stay-at-home mother while her children were young. Later, she worked as a dietitian in a Blackville nursing home for several years. She was a member of First Southern Methodist Church of Williston for many years. She also served Meals on Wheels and attended Christian Women's Club.

Carolyn is survived by her four children: Susan Knight (Ray) of Sandy Run, Tim Musen of Barnwell, Karen Fox (Norman) of Appleton, WI, and Patricia Elliott (Scott) of Aiken; her six grandchildren: Lisa Myrick, Matthew Creswell, Catherine Fox, Spencer Fox, Rebecca Fox, and Deborah Elliott; as well as five great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Morningside of Orangeburg, Calhoun Convalescent Center and Regency Hospice, who cared for her in her declining health.

Dukes-Harley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.dukesharleyfuneralhome.com.

Audrey Dixson Hodges, 97, of Barnwell, passed away on January 8, 2017.

A graveside service is planned for Saturday, February 4, 2017 at noon at Hope Memorial Gardens in Barnwell.

Mrs. Hodges was born August 1, 1919 in Barnwell and was preceded in death by her husband, George Hodges of New York, her father, Dr. David J. Dixson, mother, Virginia Ryan Dixson, and brother, Dr. David R. Dixson Sr. of Barnwell.

Mrs. Hodges was educated in the Barnwell public school system and graduated from South Carolina State College in 1939 where she was a member of the Alpha Xi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She received a master’s degree from Columbia University before teaching in the Florence County public school system. While teaching in Florence, Mrs. Hodges was a charter member of the Delta Omacron Sigma chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She retired to Barnwell after years of teaching in the South Carolina and New York public school systems.

Audrey leaves behind a nephew, Dr. David R. Dixson Jr.; grandnieces, Michelle, Katheryn and Sara Dixson; great grandniece, Kendall Chaney; cousins, Frank Staley and Yvonne Holt; and other loving family and friends.

Lacy Brown Ryals, 87, of 65 Palmetto Street, Barnwell, died on Jan. 28, 2017 at PruittHealth-Barnwell.

Service will be held on Feb. 3, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church in Barnwell with Rev. Phillip Thomas and Rev. Isaiah Odom officiating. Interment will follow at Hope Memorial Park. Informal visitation will be Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the Guinyard and Sons Funeral Home Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m.

Ryals was the daughter of the late Lacy Barthalomew and Katie Bells Brown.

Survivors include: her devoted son, Melvin (Gail); a loving sister, Vera; a sister-in-law, Diana; nine grandchildren, Douglas, Jenee, Trina, Alan, Reyeal, Jennifer, Lisa, Bryan and Brandon; 18 great-grandchildren; and a number of other relatives and friends.

Guinyard and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.