Miscellaneous Darlington County, South Carolina Obituaries - 2001

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RICHARD W. BACOT
LAMAR – Services for Richard W. Bacot were held at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2001, in the Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home Chapel in Lamar. Private interment services will be held at a later date.

Mr. Bacot was received up into Glory on Wednesday, May 23. He was born in Newport News, Va., on March 30, 1921, and was raised in Lamar by his mother, the late Ruby Thelma Boykin and his step-father, the late Dr. T. J. Boykin. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II in the U.S. Navy. He married Judith M. Barrera, who died in 1994, in the Republic of Panama, where he worked for 36 years for the U.S. Army.

Surviving are four daughters, Ruby T. (Matthew) Murray of North Carolina, Adela J. (Richard) McBride of Lamar, Sela C. (Richard C. ) Marques and Rina C. (Silvio) Acosta, both of California; three sons, Ray E. (Cherryl) Bacot, Richard W. (Barbara) Bacot and Robert J. (Lupe) Bacot, all of Florida; 25 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Lambs Chapel, 3514 Southborough Rd., Florence, S.C. 29501.
 

MASTER CHAD DuBOSE
Services for Master Chad Edwin Dubose were held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 28, 2001, at Nazareth Apostolic Church with Bishop Vera Davis, pastor, officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with professional services entrusted with Hines Funeral Home.

Master Chad was born on Jan. 12, 1994, one of triplets, a son of Charles and Sharon Bacote Dubose.

Surviving other than his parents of the home are one brother, Charles Dubose Jr.; one sister, Chassidy Dubose; maternal grandmother, Sarah Bacote; paternal grandmother, Trubby Dubose; paternal grandfather, James Lee (Ruth) Dubose; two great-grandmothers, Henny Brown and Hallie Goodson.
 

RUSSELL CAGLE
SHELBY, N.C. – Services for Russell C. (Porky) Cagle, 26, will be held at 4 p.m. today, May 30, 2001, at the chapel of Norton Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Melton officiating. Burial will be in the Black Creek Cemetery.

Mr. Cagle died Friday, May 26. Born in Gaston County, N.C., he was a son of William Wesley Cagle Jr. and Joyce Faile Cagle. He was employed with Cunningham Brick Co.

Surviving are his parents of Hartsville; two brothers, David Cagle of Hartsville and Jeff (Dice) Cagle of Mt. Holly, N.C.; two sisters, Susan (Roger) Walters of Belmont, N.C., and Lisa (Ronald) Soles of Hartsville; maternal grandfather, Russell Faile of Alexis, N.C.; his fiance, Andrea Carpenter of Shelby, N.C.; her children, Carey, Crystal, Michael and Cynthia Carpenter and Marie Hodge, all of Shelby, N.C.; nephews, Rogers Walters Jr., David C. Cagle, Joseph Walters, Dempsey Soles; three nieces, Krystal Walters, Cassie Cagle and Chassidy Soles; and special friend, Chris Jones.

Memorials may be made to the family.
 

MACIE S. WITHERSPOON
DARLINGTON – Services for Macie Sims Witherspoon, 69, were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2001, in the chapel of Belk Funeral Home with interment following in Grove Hill Cemetery directed by Belk Funeral Home.

Mrs. Witherspoon, widow of Orin L. Andrews and Hubert H. Witherspoon, died Sunday, May 27, in a Florence hospital. She was born in Lancaster County, daughter of the late Pressley V. and Wilma Rhodes Sims. She was bookkeeper of Burch, Oxner and Seale accounting firm. She was a member of First Original Free Will Baptist Church, the Keenager Group and the Ladies Sunday School Class.

Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-laws, Michael V. (Karen) and Terry L. (Carolyn) Andrews Sr., both of Darlington; three grandchildren, Terry L. (Keisha) Andrews Jr., Mrs. Clark (Cellina Andrews) Epps and Ryan Michael Andrews; one great-granddaughter, Gracie Diane Epps; four brothers, Ed (Leola) Sims of Hartsville, Fred (Mollie) Sims of Virginia, W. J. (Marilyn) Sims and James (Sheila) Sims, both of Darlington; three sisters, Mrs. Bill (Lillian) S. Williams, Mrs. Margaret S. Koon and Mrs. Henry (Vera) S. Strickland, all of Darlington.

Mrs. Witherspoon was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Diane Andrews, three sisters, Nell S. Young, Sarah S. Poe and Mary S. Bailey.

Memorials are suggested to First Original Free Will Baptist Church, P.O. Box 441, Darlington, S. C. 29540.
 

LESSIE M. ASHBY
LAMAR – Services for Lessie Marcus Lawyer-Ashby of Pleasant Grove, Ala., formerly of Darlington County, will be held at 3 p.m. today, May 30, 2001 in Barbara J. Hines Memorial Chapel, Brother Levern Kirkland, officiating. Burial will be in the Plaza Memorial Gardens, directed by Hines Funeral Home, Inc. of Lamar. The family will receive friends at the home of her sister, Christine Dunlap of 216 S. Darlington Street, Lamar.

Mrs. Ashby died Friday, May 25, 2001, in Alabama after an illness. She was born in Lamar, a daughter of the late James and Mary Kirkland Marcus. She attended the Darlingotn County public schools, graduating from Butler High School. She was married to the late Mason L awyer, two children were born in this union, one of which survives her. She later married William Ashby in 1965. She was a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church of Lamar and continued to serve the Lord after moving to Baltimore, Md. and later to Long Island, New York. After retirement she moved to Pleasent Grove, Ala. and jioined the Jones Chapel AME Church of Fairfield, Ala.

Survivors are a son, Stenson (Emma) Lawyer of Pleasent Grove, Ala., a sister, Christine Dunlap of Lamar; a brother, James Marcus Jr. of Baltimore, Md.; two grandchildren, Adrianne and Marcus Lawyer of Pleasant Grove, Md.; two sisters-in-law, Edell and Juliette Marcus of Baltimore, Md; and one aunt, Emma JOe of Wysackey, S.C.
 

SHAWN D. DARGAN
DARLINGTON – Services for Shawn Dominic Dargan, 35, were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26, 2001, in Macedonia Baptist Church with the Rev. D. L. Hughes, pastor, officiating. Burial followed in Faith Memorial Garden directed by Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. of Darlington.

Mr. Dargan died Sunday, May 20, in Fort Bragg, N.C., from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was born in Darlington, a son of Annie Mae Lide Dargan and Lindburgh Dargan. He was educated in Darlington County public schools, graduating from St. John's High School. He was a graduate of Richmond Community College. At an early age, he was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. After moving and making his home in North Carolina, he attended various churches. He was employed by CXS Railroad at the time of his passing.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Dargan of Rockingham, N.C.; his parents Annie Dargan and Lindburgh Dargan, both of Darlington; a daughter, Jasmine Dargan of Rockingham, N.C.; a brother, Linard Dargan of Darlington; two sisters, Yvonne Pierce of Florence and Yvette M. Jackson of Brooklyn, N.Y.; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Katie Lide, and special grandmother, Mrs. Elouise Cotton, both of Darlington; father and mother-in-law, David and Annette Watkins of Hamlet, N.C.; four sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law; uncles; aunts; nieces and nephews.
 

JAY JUNIOR CAPERS III
DARLINGTON – Services for Jay Junior Capers III, 39, were held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 25, 2001, in New Providence Baptist Church with the Rev. K. C. Brown, pastor, and the Rev. Coleman Cannon, officiating. Burial followed in Hoodfield Cemetery, directed by Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home.

Mr. Capers died Saturday, May 19, in a Florence hospital after an illness. He was born in Florence County, the only son and the youngest of the late Jay and Leona Taylor Capers.

He was a graduate of Mayo High School, Class of Ô79, after which he served his country in the U.S. Army. After serving his tenure, he was honorably discharged. At an early age, he joined New Providence Baptist Church. In the mid 1980s he moved to New Jersey, and there he joined Union Baptist Church where he served on the trustee board and sang with the BO Wilson Ensemble. He was employed with AMCAM Specialty Steel in Brunswick, N.J., where he was manager and order clerk.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Lynn Capers; two step-sons, Sean Kincaid of Atlanta, and Charles Kincaid of Morganton, N.C.; two devoted sisters, Mrs. Leona (James) Brown of South River, N.J., and Ms. Pearl B. Capers of Philadelphia; an aunt, Mrs. Fannie (Thill) Hudson of Darlington; two uncles, Perry Taylor Jr. of Darlington and Leo Moses of Massachusetts; brothers and sisters-in-laws; two nephews; a niece; and a godchild, Jennifer Gray of Darlington.
 

ROBERT L. SMITH
DARLINGTON – Services for Robert L. "Snow" Smith were held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2001, in Mt. Rona Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Matthew Robinson, pastor, officiated. Burial will follow in the church cemetery directed by Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home.

Mr. Smith died Friday, May 18, in a Florence hospital after an apparent heart attack. He was born in Darlington County, a son of the late Mack and Lottie Alston Smith. He was a graduate of Rosenwald High School Class of Ô64, and a life member of Mt. Rona Baptist Church where he was a member of the senior choir and the trustee board. He was a former employee of Fort James division of Dixie Cup for 37 years and from which he retired. After he retired, he was self employed as a tree service man.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Mrs. Rozena B. Smith of the home; three sons, Michael Smith, Robert Smith Jr. and Gerald Smith; a daughter, Geraldine (Terry Sr.) Pearson, Angela (Danny) Cannon who he reared as his daughter; 12 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; five brothers, Andrew (Sarah) Smith, Moses (Fredricka) Johnson, both of Darlington; David (Mary) Smith, James (Elizabeth) Moses, both of New York and Maylon (Helen) Johnson of Society Hill; a brother, Albert (Sarah Smith-deceased); three sisters, Bernice (Jake) Pinkney of New York; Evelyn (Rancy) Gee of Society Hill and Edell (Edward) Miller of Conn.; two brothers-in-law; a sister-in-law; nieces and nephews.
 

WILLIAM DAVIS
Funeral services for William J. Davis, 59, were held at 4 p.m. Monday, May 28, 2001, at the Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Ed Griggs officiated with burial in Westview Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Davis died Friday, May 25, 2001. Born in Hartsville, he was a son of the late Monroe W. and Dolly Mary Atkinson Davis.

Surviving are his daughters and sons-in-law, Terri and Stephen Reynolds of Lamar, Angelia and Paul Atkinson of Hartsville; sisters, Mary Morrison of Myrtle Beach, Sarah Doughty of Hartsville, Linda Plummer of Gastonia, N.C., Janice Teal of Lilburn, Ga., Kay Phillips of Overland Park, Kan.; brothers, Charles Davis of Florence, Randy Davis and Sammy Davis, both of Greer; grandchildren, Miranda Poston, Stephanie Reynolds, Dusty Reynolds, Austin D. Atkinson, Shane W. Atkinson; and great-grandson, Conner Wade Poston.
 

TOWNSEND McFARLAND JR.

Townsend McFarland Jr., 65, died Monday, May 28, 2001. Arrangements will be announced by Young & Young Funeral Home of Hartsville. The family will receive friends at the residence, 3877 Hartsville Hwy.

ELIZA RODGERS
Eliza Rodgers died Monday, May 28, 2001, in McLeod Regional Medical Center after an illness. Arrangements will be announced Young & Young Funeral Home.
 

ERNESTINE WRIGHTS
DARLINGTON – Graveside services for Ernestine Wrights, 68, will be held at 11 a.m. today, May 30, 2001, in the Florence Memorials Gardens directed by Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home.

Mrs. Wrights died Friday, May 25, at her residence after an illness. She was born in Horry County on July 7, 1932, a daughter of the late J. T. and Mabelle Demery. She was a housewife and enjoyed fishing.

Surviving are her husband, Loyd Wrights of Darlington; two sons, Bob (Diana) Wisniewski of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Raymond Wisniewski of North Carolina; one sisters, Albertine "Tina" Kirby of Florence; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
 

MAE O'NEAL
Funeral services for Mae Hendrix O'Neal, 81, were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2001, at the Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Gary Anderson officiated with burial in New Providence Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Kelleytown Baptist Church.

Mrs. O'Neal, widow of Wylie O'Neal, died Thursday, May 24, 2001. Born in Hartsville, she was a daughter of the late Hugh and Eula Gainey Hendrix. She was retired from Milliken with 40 years of service.

Surviving are her sons and daughters-in-law, E. W. and Ann O'Neal, Bobby and Becky O'Neal, all of Hartsville; daughter, Linda Shiflet of Hartsville; brothers, Bill Hendrix of Hartsville, Pete Hendrix of Rockingham, N.C.; sisters, Dorothy Dillon of Hartsville, Sue Lee McManus of Cheraw, Vonceil Holloman of Hartsville, Belva Prozzi of Hartsville; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Alfred O'Neal, and a brother, Buddy Hendrix.
 

THEO SANDERS
Theo Sanders died Friday, May 25, 2001, in a Florence hospital after an illness. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Hines Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the residence, 504 Howard Street.
 

ELLIE HUE NICKELSON
Ellie Hue Nickelson of 413 Brewer Ave. died Friday, May 25, 2001, in a local hospital after an illness. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Hines Funeral Home.
 

WILLIE WILSON
Services for Willie Wilson, 80, were held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2001, in Kay Branch Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery directed by Young & Young Funeral Home.

Mr. Wilson died Wednesday, May 23, at his residence after an illness. Born in Darlington County, he was a son of the late Harry and Lousie Brown Wilson Sr. He was a member of Kay Branch Baptist Church and received his education in the public schools of Darlington County.

Surviving are his wife, LaDell Gilmore Wilson of Hartsville; two daughters, Patericia Wilson of Hartsville and Marilin Lewis of Albuquerque, N. M.; three sisters, Theo Delaine of Fayetteville, N.C., Mable Dix of Bridgeport, Conn., and Beulah Toney of Brooklyn, N.Y.; two brothers, George Moore of Wilmington, N.C., and Harry Wilson Jr. of Hartsville; and four grandchildren.
 

SHELBY A. FRATUS
DARLINGTON – Graveside services for Shelby Andrews Fratus, 48, were held at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2001, in Darlington Memory Gardens directed by Belk Funeral Home.

Ms. Fratus died Saturday, May 26, in a Florence hospital. She was born in Darlington County, a daughter of Adger and Dorothy Windham Andrews. She was an employee of Champus. Shelby always thought of others before herself and dedicated her life to her Lord and her work. She was a member of First Church of God.

Surviving in addition to her parents of Darlington, is her fiancee, Rick Carrigan, also of Darlington.

Memorials are suggested to First Church of God, 620 North Main Street, Darlington, S.C. 29532 or the Humane Society.
 

OLIN D. BURCH
Services for Olin D. Burch, 66, were held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 28, 2001, at Chapel Hill Baptist Church with the Revs. Grover Johnson, Phil Huggins and John Hamilton officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery directed by Norton Funeral Home.

Mr. Burch died Saturday, May 26. He was born in Chesterfield County, a son of the late Benjamin S. and Julia Sellers Burch. He was retired from Sonoco Products Co. after 28 years of service and the National Guard after 26 years of service. He was a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church, Hartsville Moose Lodge where he was past governor and received a fellowship degree, and was a member of the Old Timers Club.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Inez Robbins Burch of Hartsville; three daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl Burch, Pam and Terry Blackmon, Debbie and Mike Winburn of Hartsville; two sisters, Minnie B. Gore of Longs, N.C., and Julia Kelley of Columbia; and one granddaughter, Megan Winburn of Hartsville.

Memorials may be made to the Hartsville Moose Lodge.

ELIJAH FRIERSON JR.
CAMDEN - Services for Elijah Frierson Jr. of 711 Walnut Street died Saturday, May 26, 2001, at his residence after an illness. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Hines Funeral Home of Hartsville.

The family will receive friends at the home of his sister at 957 Brentwood Street, Lydia.
 

ELLIE H. NICKELSON
Services for Ellie Hue Nickelson will be held at 3 p.m. today, Friday, June 1, 2001, in Second Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Cemetery directed by Hines Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the home of his daughter, Evelyn Harkless of 412 Jasper Avenue.

Mr. Nickelson died Friday, May 25, in Carolina Pines Medical Center after an illness. He was born in the Pineridge Community and was the son of the late Richard and Meta Thomas Nickelson. He was educated in Darlington County public schools and worked as a carpenter all of his working life. He also taught carpentry at Florence-Darlington Technical College and Butler High School for several years. He was a married to the late Dorothy Chavis Nickelson and served in the United State Navy with an honorable discharge. He was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church.

Survivors are five daughters, Ginny Lee (June) Bacote-Wright of Charlotte, N.C., Evelyn N. Harkless and Missy Nickelson both of Hartsville, Melissa (Perry) Ellis of Columbia and Kimberly (Robert) Phillips of Darlington; five sons, Ellie Que (Lucretia) Nickelson of Prince George, Va., Bennie Lee (Eva Mae) Nickel-son and Tracy Nickelson both of Hartsville, Donnie Rogers and Darin Rogers, both of Columbia; a brother, Elick Nickelson of Washington, D.C.; a sister, Alvina Rodgers of Hartsville; 14 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and three sisters-in-law.
 

THEO SANDERS
Services for Theo "Slim" Sanders were held at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 31, 2001, at the Gilbert Hines Memorial Chapel with Rev. Eddie Green officiating. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery with professional services entrusted to Hines Funeral Home.

Mr. Sanders was born in the rural community of Lee County near Bishopville, one of three children of the late Moses and Ellen Pompey Sanders. He was educated in the Lee County public schools and his early life of work was with his family as a farmer. He was married to the late Sallie Robinson Sanders early in life. During his later working life he was employed with the Hartsville Oil Mill, he was a special deputy for the Darlington County Sheriff's Department and he was also a school crossing guard. He was also owner and operator of Theo's Pleasure Club.

Survivors include two daughters; Teresa Davis and Mattie Stephenson both of Hartsville; one son, Malvin Pearson of Baltimore, Md; one sister, Katherine Johnson of Harts-ville; a host of sisters- and brothers-in-law; very close family and friends.
 

ELIZA L. RODGERS
LYDIA - Services for Eliza Lugenia Rodgers, 87, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2001, in Ebenzer United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Sandy Bluff United Methodist Church Cemetery directed by Young & Young Funeral Home.

Mrs. Rodgers died Monday, May 28, in McLeod Regional Medical Center after an illness. She was born in Lee County, a daughter of the late Jack and Alma Parott Benjamin. She was a member of Ebenzer United Methodist Church, Sunday school secretary, communion steward, United Methodist Woman and the Order of Eastern Star.

Surviving are her husband, James Rodgers of Lydia; two daughters, Viola (Nich) Arthur Jr. of Lydia and Violet (Charlton) Campaigner of New York, N.Y.; a sister, Ethel Montgomery of Hartsville; three grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; nieces nephews and other close relative and friends.
 

TOWNSEND McFARLAND
DARLINGTON - Services for Townsend (Joe) McFarland Jr., 65, will be held at 4 p.m. today, June 1, 2001, in New Hopewell Baptist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery directed by Young & Young Funeral Home.

Mr. McFarland died Monday May 28, at his residence after an apparent heart attack. He was born in Darlington County, a son of the late Townsend and Lelia Young McFarland. He was a graduate of Rosenwald High School and was a Navy veteran. He was a member of New Hopewell Baptist Church, the Old Timers Club and was retired from Sonoco Products Company.

Surviving are six daughters, Sylvia McFarland, Kimberly McFarland, Tonya McFarland, Angela (John) Cottingham and Kenya McFarland, all of Darlington, and Jackie McFarland of Hartsville; three sons, Anthony McFarland of Hartsville, Townsend (Melissa) McFarland of Highpoint, N.C., and Michael (Domique) McFarland of Darlington; six brothers, Carey (Mable) Turner and Jimmy (Margaret) McFar-land, both of Hartsville, the Rev. Jerome (Laura) McFarland and Baron (Linda) McFarland, both of Washington, D.C., James (Catherine) McFarland of Charleston and Tommy (Helen) McFarland of Brooklyn, N.Y.; 18 grandchildren and a special friend, Veroncial Mark of Hartsville; a host of nieces, nephews and other close relatives and friends.
 

LOIS WALTERS COKER
Lois Walters Coker, 91, of Hartsville, widow of Robert R. Coker, died Thursday. Arrangements will be announced at a later time.

LOIS WALTERS COKER
Funeral services for Mrs. Lois Walters Coker, 91, were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2001, at First Baptist Church. The Rev. Dr. Bob Cline and Dr. Jim Daniels officiated with burial at Magnolia Cemetery directed by Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Coker College, Clemson University, or the Salvation Army.

Mrs. Coker died Thursday, May 31, at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville. Born in 1910 in Caldwell, Idaho, Mrs. Coker was the daughter of the late Theodore A. Walters, former Idaho Attorney General and Assistant Secretary of the Interior under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

She came to Hartsville in 1936 when she married Robert R. Coker, a leading agriculturist and businessman, who for many years headed Coker Pedigreed Seed Company. Robert Coker was the grandson of Major James Lide Coker, founder of Coker College and Sonoco Products Company.

Mrs. Coker loved and supported learning throughout her life. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Idaho and a master of arts degree in American History from the University of California at Berkeley. Mrs. Coker taught in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Idaho, at a college in Washington, D.C., and in Hartsville's public schools.

She had also served as the national director of the Tamassee D.A.R. School near Greenville, and on the Darlington County School Board. Additionally, Mrs. Coker had served on many statewide boards, including the American Cancer Society and 4-H, and she organized the Girl Scouts of America in Hartsville. Mrs. Coker and her husband played major leadership roles at Clemson University and Coker College, supporting many educational programs and other projects at these schools. She also researched and wrote a history of Hartsville.

Mrs. Coker is survived by a daughter, Ione Coker Lee of Atlanta, Ga.; a son, William C. Coker of Pawley's Island; a granddaughter, Sarah Lee Elson, who resides in London; grandson Jonathan Coker Lee of Atlanta; and three great-grandchildren, Isabel, Everett, and Edward Elson.
 

HAZEL COOKS
DARLINGTON - Services for Hazel Cooks, 59, will be held at 2 p.m. today, June 6, 2001, in Harold L. & Dorothy J. Young Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery directed by Young & Young Funeral Home.

Mr. Cooks died Friday, June 1, in McLeod Regional Medical Center after an illness. He was born in Sumter County, a son of the late Joseph and Dora Cooks. He was a member of Macondia Baptist Church in Ansonia, Conn., and received his education at Butler High School.

Surviving are his wife, Kathy Lee Cooks of Darlington; two daughters, Betty Jean Cooks of Ansonia,Conn.; and Veronica Lee of Charlotte, N.C.; four sons, Hazel Cooks Jr. and Ebenezer Caines, both of Ansonia, Conn., James Cooks and Harris Cooks, both of Derby, Conn.; six brothers, Calvin (Mary) Cooks and Lesty Cooks, both of Darlington, Joseph Cooks and Andrew Cooks, both of Ansonia, Conn., Clarence (Evelyn) Cooks of Tulsa, Okla., Cleveland (Eva) Cooks of Houston, Texas; 12 grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and other close relatives and friends.

McKINLEY WHEELER SR.
Services for McKinley Wheeler Sr., 80, will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 7, 2001, in Harold L. & Dorothy J. Young Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in New Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery directed by Young & Young Funeral Home.

Mr. Wheeler died Friday, June 1, in Richmond, Va., after an illness. He was born in Darlington County, a son of the late Benjamin and Luvenia Wheeler. He received his education in Darlington County public schools and was an Army veteran.

Surviving are two sons, McKinley (Cora Bell) Wheeler Jr. of Trenton, N.J., and Isaac (Bessie Mae) Wheeler of Chesterfield; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
 

ELIJAH FRIERSON JR.
CAMDEN - Services for Elijah Frierson Jr. were held at 12 noon on Saturday, June 2, 2001, at New Jerusalem Baptist Church with the Rev. Dwight Nelson officiating. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery directed by Hines Funeral Home.

Mr. Frierson died Saturday, May 26, at his residence after an illness. He was the son of the late Elijah and Beulah Mae McCoy Frierson Jr. He was educated in the public schools and at Florence-Darlington Technical College where he received a degree in air conditioning. Mr. Frierson was enlisted in the United States Army and continued to served his country in the National Guard from which he retired in 1978.

Survivors are four daughters, Regina F. Boyd of Walterboro, Thereasa Kline of New Jersey, Natasha Frierson of Myrtle Beach and Scand Tammy Frierson of Bronx, N.Y.; a son, Rodney Gaskins of New York; two step-sons, Timothy Staggers of Camden and Robert Rutherford of Cassett; six sisters, Catherine F. Jacobs of Bronx, N.Y., Mary Frances Jones, Marjorie F. Reddick and Bonnie Frierson, all of Hartsville, Betty Branch of Houston, Texas, and Patricia F. White of Raleigh, N.C.; two brothers, Emanuel Frierson of Lydia and Jerome Frierson of Tennessee; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

CARL B. FINCH
DARLINGTON - Memorial services for Carl Bryant Finch, 73, were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2001, in the chapel of Belk Funeral Home.

Mr. Finch died Saturday, June 2, in a Florence hospital after an illness. He was born in Halifax County, N.C., the son of the late Julian Carl and Etta Joan Sheffield Finch. He served his country in the U.S. Army and Navy. He was employed in construction for most of his life and was a member of the Moose Lodge.

Surviving are six sons, Steve Finch and Tony Finch of Emporia, Va., and Jerry Finch, Kenneth Finch, James Finch and Gregory Finch, all of Columbia; a daughter, Linda Kitchen of Emporia, Va.; a sister, Mary Carlisle of Roanoke Rapids, N.C.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a dear friend, Louise Byrd of Darlington.
 

DELBERT J. VAUGHN
DARLINGTON - Funeral services for Delbert J. Vaughn, 89, were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2001, in the chapel of Belk Funeral Home. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 4, in Rose Hill Cemetery in Ashland, Ken.

Mr. Vaughn died Thursday, May 31, in a Florence hospital after an illness. He was born in Van Leer, Ken., the son of the late John and Mattie Wolf Vaughn. He was married to the late Ethel C. Neil Vaughn. He was a foreman in the coal mines for many years and currently attended Freedom Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, David R. Vaughn of Simpsonville; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Ronna V.) Askins and Ms. Sara M. Price, both of Darlington; four grandchildren, Greg Askins, Marsha Lee Askins, Marian Louise Askins, Blake Price; two great-grandchildren, Chris Askins and Zack Askins; and one sister, Juanita Miles of San Diego, Calif.

Mr. Vaughn was preceded in death by two brothers, Johnny Vaughn and Hubert Vaughn.

Memorials may be made to the Darlington Free Medical Clinic, 203 Grove St., Darlington, S.C. 29532.
 

NOVEL M. HUNTLEY
DARLINGTON - Services for Novel Morris Huntley, 75, were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2001, in the chapel of Belk Funeral Home. Interment followed in Grove Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Huntley died Thursday, May 31, at her residence after an extended illness. She was born in Williamsburg County, the daughter of the late T. J. and Nita Fulton Morris. She graduated from Andrews High School and McLeod Infirmary School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse at McLeod, Wilson Clinic and Hospital, and retired from DHEC after 22 years. Mrs. Huntley was a member of First Baptist Church and the Smyre Bible Study Group of the Ruth Sunday School class of the church. She was also a member of Young at Heart Senior Citizens Group, and St. David's Chapter of the Eastern Star where she served as the Past Matron.

Surviving are her husband of 54 years, Preston T. Huntley of the home; a daughter, Juanita "Nita" Huntley of Darlington, a step-son, Preston T. Huntley of Florence; a step-grandson, Preston T. Huntley II of Blythewood; a step-great-grandchild, Faith Elizabeth Huntley; one brother, Heyward G. Morris of Conway, and a nephew, Jack Morris of Georgetown.

Mrs. Huntley was preceded in death by a brother, Luther H. Morris, and a step-grandson, Patrick Miles Huntley.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 297, Darlington, S.C. 29540 or the Darlington Free Medical Clinic, 203 Grove St., Darlington, S.C. 29532.

FRANK A. JOHNSON
Mr. Frank Arthur Johnson died Sunday, June 3, 2001, at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Hines Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the residence at 1212 Robinson Street.

MARTHA JOHNSON
DARLINGTON - Services for Martha "Mott" Johnson, 59, were held at 4 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2001, in New Providence United Methodist Church with the Rev. Roberta Josey, pastor, officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery directed by Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home.

Mrs. Johnson died Monday, May 28, at her residence after a long illness. She was born in Camden, the daughter of the late Tom and Gracie Mae Murphy. She was a widow of Roosevelt Johnson. She attended Camden High School and graduated from Butler High School. She was a member of New Providence United Methodist Church. Mrs. Johnson was a former employee of Nytronics of Darlington until 1979.

She was preceded in death by three children, Patricia Ann, Barbara Ann and Roosevelt Jr. and a grandson, Larry Gundy Jr.; four brothers also preceded her in death.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Gloria (Larry) Gandy of Darlington and Mrs. Bernetha (Maurice) Cooper of Sumter; three sons, Foster (Rhonda) Johnson, Frankie (Genita) Johnson and Junior (Julie) Johnson, all of Darlington; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Willie Mae (Andrew) Douglas of Darlington, Mrs. Mary Lee Fountain of Sanford, N.C., and Gracie Mae (Hank) Gurley of New Jersey; two brothers, John Henry (Louise) Murphy of Hartsville and Frank (Fannie) Murphy Jr. of Sanford, N.C.; mother-in-law, Mrs. Ola Mae Douglas of Florence; aunts; uncles; sisters and brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews.

DONELLA THOMAS
DARLINGTON - Services for Donelle "Bobbie" Thomas, 65, were held at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 31, 2001, in The House of God Church in Florence with the Rev. Elijah Green, pastor, officiating. Burial followed in Faith Memorial Gardens directed by Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home.

Mrs. Thomas died on Monday, May 28, in a Florence hospital after an illness. She was both in Darlington County, a daughter of the late Melvin and Donella Williams Green. She received her education in the Darlington County public schools and was a graduate of Mayo High School and Florence-Darlington Technical College. At an early age, she joined Providence United Methodist Church. She lived all of her life in Darlington County, where she was gainfully employed as a dietitian at Bethea Baptist Home, Faith Nursing Care Facility and Commander Nursing Home from which she retired.

Survivors include her husband, Willard Thomas Sr. of Delray Beach, Fla.; two daughters, Willie Mae Thomas Smith (Randolph) and Cynthia Thomas (Ronald) Jackson, both of Darlington; seven sons, Wilbur (Scooter) Thomas Jr., Eric Thomas, Jimmy (Betty) Thomas, Archie Lee Thomas, Calvin B. (Sarah) Thomas, all of Darlington and Gerald "Abduel Hakeem" (Elizabeth) Thomas of Florence; 45 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; four brothers, Edward (Gladys) Green of Delray Beach, Fla.; Melvin (Edna) Green of Finkler, Boyd Green of Nichols and Clyde (Elizabeth) Green of Darlington; two brothers-in-law, Junior Thomas of Delray Beach, Fla., and McNeil Thomas of Brownsville, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Ms. Alberta Bruce of Jersey City, N.J.; two special daughters, Cynthia McCray and Clara James; a special niece, Rose Chandler of N.Y.; other nieces and nephews.

HAROLD L. "CASEY" JONES
Funeral services for Harold Lamont "Casey" Jones, 86, were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2001, at First Baptist Church. The Rev. Dr. Bob Cline officiated with burial in Magnolia Cemetery directed by Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, 181 East Evans Street, Suite 206, Florence, S.C. 29506 or American Cancer Society, 123 Westover Drive, Hartsville, S.C. 29550.

Mr. Jones, husband of Hazel L. Jones, died Thursday, May 31, 2001. Born in Harnett County, N.C., he was a son of the late William and Sadie Jones. He was a member of First Baptist Church and was a veteran of World War II, having served in the European Theater. Until his retirement in 1980, he was the manager of Belks. He served as chairman of the Merchants Division and for 20 years, he served as chairman of the Parking and Beautification Committee. He was a Commander of VFW Post 9228. He was a member of Hartsville Masonic Lodge # 173 and a Shriner.

Surviving are his wife of Hartsville; daughter, Mrs. Barbara J. Crocker of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren, Thomas L. Crocker of Jacksonville, Fla., Louise C. Taylor of Beaverton, Ore., Leigh Shuster of Castle Rock, Colo.; great grandchildren, Mandy and Casey Shuster of Castle Rock, Colo.
 

M. LAVERNE HUGGINS
Funeral services for Marion Laverne Huggins, 74, were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2001, at Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Tim Tomlinson officiated with burial in Magnolia Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Peachtree Christian Hospice Home, 3430 Duluth Park Lane, Duluth, GA. 30096.

Mr. Huggins, husband of Connie Lawton Huggins, died Sunday, June 3, 2001. Born in Darlington County, he was a son of the late Heyward and Vermelle Gainey Huggins. He was a member of West Hartsville Baptist Church. He retired from Sonoco after 43 years and was a member of the Old Timers and Retirees. He was a member of Hartsville Masonic Lodge # 173 and Omar Temple of the Shrine.

Surviving are his wife of Hartsville; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Janet Huggins of Belvidere, Ill.; daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Thomas M. Frazier and Sally Ann P. Yarborough, both of Hartsville, Cathy Lou P. and Thomas Jones of Liburn, Ga., Jane P. and Fred Boykin of Decater, Ga.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, June Huggins.
 

MARY B. O'NEAL
Funeral services for Mary Bedenbaugh O'Neal, 79, were held at 3 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2001, at Black Creek Baptist Church. The Rev. Roger Martin and the Rev. Tom Swilley officiated with burial in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery directed by Brown-Pennington- Atkins Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Black Creek Baptist Church or American Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852.

Mrs. O'Neal, widow of Holland O'Neal, died Saturday, June 2, 2001. She was a daughter of the late William T. Bedenbaugh and Annie Bedenbaugh Frye. She was a member of Black Creek Baptist Church.

Surviving are her sons and daughters-in-law, Eugene D. and Ingrid O'Neal of Blythewood, Thomas H. and Dawn O'Neal of Charlotte, N.C., Doyle W. and Cindy O'Neal of Hartsville; brother, Kenneth Bedenbaugh of South Carolina; sister, Betty Smith of South Carolina; six grandchildren.
 

LOUIE W. THOMPSON
Services for Louie W. Thompson, 80, were held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2001, at Emmanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. John Hamilton officiating. Burial was in the Westview Memorial Cemetery directed by Norton Funeral Home.

Mr. Thompson died Sunday, June 3. He was born in Darlington County, a son of the late Jessie A. and Eva Eloise Goodson Thompson. He was retired from Sonoco Products Co. after 42 years of service, member of the Old Timers Club, Hartsville Masonic Lodge, Emmanuel Baptist Church and was a WWII Navy veteran.

Surviving are his wife: Mrs. Agnes Truett Thompson of Hartsville; two sons, Louis Wayne Thompson of Gainesville, Fla., and Mickey Thompson of Rome, Ga.; five grandchildren, Lindsey and Lauren Thompson of the University of South Carolina Mandi Thompson of Atlanta, Ga.; Laura Thompson of Georgia Tech, Brad Thompson of Clemson University; one brother, Marion Joseph Thompson of Florence; three sisters, Mrs. Becky Hester of Bryson City, N.C., Mrs. Virginia Cooper of Wilmington, N.C., and Mrs. Myrtle Humphries of Florence.

Memorials may be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church Building Fund, 949 North Marquis Hwy. Hartsville, S.C. 29550.

RETHA G. ALLEN
Retha Geraldine Allen died Sunday, June 3, at her residence after an illness. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Hines Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the residence, 1927 Blanding Drive.
 

REV. EARL L. CRUMMY
VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Rev. Earl Lee Crummy, formerly of Darlington County, died Monday, June 4, 2001, in Valdosta, Ga., after an illness. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Hines Funeral Home.


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