Bett Bley
Doris Elizabeth Bley, fondly known as “Bett”, succumbed to a fourteen-year battle against cancer on Thursday, June 7, 2007. She was surrounded by family and friends who faithfully supported her through the years. It is certain that all prayers for Bett gave her the strength and the courage to continue the valiant fight. Bett bravely fought the disease with dignity and humility.
To all who knew Bett, she was truly a child of God. She lived as she believed – serving the Lord, sensing and administering to those in need, and loving unconditionally. Her warm hugs and contagious smile conveyed the love that she had in her heart. Even though cancer has taken Bett’s physical life, it can never destroy her beautiful soul. Bett’s love for all of us, her children, family and friends, will continue forever.
Bett was born Oct. 20, 1969 in Greenwood, S.C. She attended Greenwood Schools and the S.C.
Governor’s School of Arts, where she pursued her gift of art. Bett also attended the University of South Carolina and Winthrop University. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she was active in Circle No 5. Bett was very involved in her children’s education, volunteering and attending school functions at Merrywood Elementary.
Bett is survived by her three children, Margaret Meadows, Isabel Benton and John Durham Bley.
Her children inspired her to continue her courageous battle; they were truly the “light of her life”. She is the beloved daughter of Cheryl Y. McCord and John Haddon McCord, Jr and his wife, Sandy R. McCord. She is also survived by her sister Amy McCord, her brother, John H. (Jack) McCord III, and her maternal grandmother, Mattie Y. West of Saluda. Bett’s family also includes Dr. and Mrs. Roger Bley, Cindy and William (Skillet) Ray, Mary and Mike Fulmer, a stepsister, Angie R. Ellis and husband, Jeff, nieces Alyson Ray and Madison Ellis and nephews Zachary Ray, Haddon McCord, and Triston Ellis. She is predeceased by her grandparents John H. (Red) and Doris C. McCord of Greenwood and Ansel M. Yarbrough of Saluda.
Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. David Mayo officiating. Burial to follow in Oakbrook Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends Friday night from 6 until 8 p.m. at Harley Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Michael Cobb, Thomas Harvin, Thomas Kinard, Keller Lawrence, Tony Makar, Jerry Stevens and Taylor Stokes.
Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Anderson, Rich Crabtree, Wes Few, Bob Erwin III, jon holloway and Furman Self.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646 or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1741, Greenwood, SC, 29648.
Bobby Cannon
ABBEVILLE — Bobby Cannon, 61, of Abbeville, widower of Sara Ann Cannon, died Thursday, June 7, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Harris Funeral Home.
James A. Erwin
ABBEVILLE — James A. Erwin, 88, of Abbeville, husband of Sarah F. Scott Erwin, died Thursday, June 7, 2007 at his daughter’s residence. He was born in Abbeville, SC, to the late Arthur E. and Minnie Lee Beauford Erwin. Mr. Erwin retired from Milliken Abbeville Plant after 35 years and was member of Ebenezer Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his stepson Cregg Booth.
Surviving Mr. Erwin, is his wife of the home; a daughter, Shirley Simpson and her husband, Dennis of Abbeville; a son, Charles Erwin and his wife, Marsha of Abbeville; two stepsons, Tony Booth and his wife, Shirley of Greenwood, and Jerry Miller and his wife, Joyce of Abbeville; four stepdaughters, Patsy Hodges and her husband, Barry of Dalton, GA, Gloria Booth of Belton, SC, Frances Gilliam and her husband, Samuel of Abbeville, and Vickie Ashley and her husband, Ronnie of Abbeville; a stepdaughter-in-law, Elizabeth C. Booth of Blythewood, SC; a sister, Louise E. Miller of Abbeville; two grandchildren; fourteen step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and thirteen step-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, 2007 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Ebenezer Methodist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Erwin may be sent to the Ebenezer Methodist Church, c/o Clarence Latham, 528 Bolt Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646 or to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
The family is at the home of Shirley and Dennis Simpson.
Harris Funeral Home of Abbeville is assisting the Erwin family.
Paunee McMahan
ABBEVILLE — Lillian “Paunee” Hardin McMahan, 88, formerly of Lowndesville, SC, resident of Abbeville Nursing Home, widow of Edward McMahan, died Thursday, June 7, 2007 at Abbeville Area Medical Center.
Born in Lowndesville, SC, she was a daughter of the late William Henry and Lillian Loner Hardin.
She was a retired textile employee with Rocky River Mills. Upon retirement she worked as a personal Health Care sitter. She was also a member of Lowndesville Baptist Church.
Survivors are: 1 son, John Ed McMahan and his wife, Pearl of Abbeville, SC; 5 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by 2 sons Wayne and Carroll McMahan.
Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 11 a.m. in Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Fred Griggs officiating.
The body is at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30 p.m. Friday evening. The family is at the home of her son Mr. and Mrs. John Ed McMahan, 301 Miller St., Abbeville, SC.
Memorials may be made to the Gideon’s International, Abbeville Camp, PO Box 1126, Abbeville, SC 29620.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville, SC, is in charge of arrangements.
James G. Williams
James G. Williams, 48, of 1019 Northlake Drive, husband of Anita W. Williams, died Thursday, June 7, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
The family is at the home.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.
Windell Aiken
ABBEVILLE — Windell Aiken, 83, of 1412 Davis Road, Abbeville, SC, died Sunday, July 1, 2007 at HospiceCare of the Piedmont, Greenwood, SC. He was the husband of Mary Davis Aiken.
He was born in Abbeville, SC, to the parentage of the late Frank Aiken and the late Marigene Ely. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Lola Bobo.
He served in the U.S. Army and was retired from CSX Railroad.
Survivors include his wife of the home; three daughters, Arlene Aiken of the home, Thelma Hill of Due West, SC, and Betty Davis of Abbeville, SC; one son, O’Dell (Jerome) Aiken of Anderson, SC; two brothers, Henry Jordan of Abbeville, SC, and Nathaniel Jordan of Hightville, MD; two sisters, Dorothy Tillman of Abbeville, SC, and Elizabeth Tate of Hightville, MD; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be Wednesday, July 4, 2007 at 1 p.m. at the Abbeville & White Mortuary, Inc. Eugene Brownlee Memorial Chapel, with Rev. Milton Aiken, officiating and Rev. Patricia Paul, assisting.
Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Abbeville, SC.
Viewing will be Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at the Abbeville & White Mortuary, Inc. from 1 p.m.-8 p.m.
The family is at the home.
Abbeville & White Mortuary, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Sue Ann Pruitt
McCORMICK — Sue Ann Pruitt, 68, of Highway 378 West, died Friday, June 29, 2007, at HospiceCare of the Piedmont in Greenwood.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., July 2, 2007, at Strom Funeral Home in McCormick.
Gloria Jane Tinsley
Gloria Jane “GoGo” Tinsley, 60, of 202 Sample Road, longtime companion of Edward Lee Strawhorn, died June 28, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Anderson County, she was a daughter of the late Harold and Virginia Tinsley.
She is survived by her companion.
Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Monday, in Upper Long Cane Cemetery in Abbeville. The family will speak to friends after the service at the graveside.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Honea Path, is in charge of arrangements.
Julia Parker Young
PINOPOLIS VILLAGE — Julia Agnes Parker Young, 90, of Broughton Hall Road, was called to life eternal on the thirtieth of June, 2007, by our heavenly father to continue her labors begun in this earthly life. She was born at Oakley Depot in 1916 and was a descendant of the Guyton family, French Huguenots, who came to Berkeley County in 1848 and built Oakley Plantation in 1858. The daughter of the late Samuel Pledger Parker and Louise Guyton Parker, she was the wife of the late Thomas E. Young, Sr., of Holly Springs, NC, her husband of 47 years. In addition to her parents and husband, she will join her beloved brother, Samuel Pledger Parker, and sisters, Elizabeth Parker Marion and Ann Louise Parker Burbage, affectionately called “Little Too” and “Big Too.”
Julia was a 1935 graduate of Memminger High School, Charleston, SC, and Lander College, completing her BS Degree in 1939 and recognized in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.
Her professional life began in education as a Home Economics teacher in Macedonia and an elementary school teacher in Berkeley County. In keeping with her love of children, who always managed to charm her, she later opened her home on the water’s edge of Lake Moultrie to begin the Punch and Judy Kindergarten, which she enjoyed for 13 years. She was an accomplished pianist and incorporated her love of music in a program that culminated in Punch and Judy kindergarten commencements of Broadway quality. In 1961 Julia began a second career joining Harriet Vardell and Elizabeth Bishop at the then Berkeley County Welfare Department where she stayed for twenty years, retiring as Director of the Department of Social Services.
Julia was a dedicated, life member of the Pinopolis United Methodist Church, directed the Methodist Youth Fellowship program during the 1950’s, and served over 50 years in the Charleston District of the United Methodist Women. She loved her church, family, friends, and her county, which she served well. In 1989, after the devastation of Hurricane Hugo, she assisted the Red Cross Disaster Relief effort by sharing her considerable knowledge of Berkeley County with volunteers who came from afar. Decades ago, Julia enjoyed her membership in the Pinopolis Book Club and Pinopolis Garden Club.
Surviving to carry on her strength of character and love of life are her daughter, Judith Young Ash and husband, Charles of Pinopolis; her son, Thomas E. Young, Jr. and his wife, Catherine of Charleston; her grandchildren, Bernard Snow Ash of Lake Tahoe, CA, Guyton Parker Ash of Charleston, SC, and Isabelle Sydney Young of Columbia, SC; a great-granddaughter, Phebee Snow Ash of Lake Tahoe, CA;
In thanks to God for the compassion, inspiration, and faith that Julia’s life represented, a celebratory service will be at eleven o’clock on Tuesday, the third of July, 2007 at her beloved Pinopolis United Methodist Church, officiated by the Reverend Richard Broomall, with a service of committal following in Smyrna United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from five to seven Monday, the second of July, 2007 at Dial-Murray Funeral Home, Moncks Corner. Flowers are welcomed or memorial contributions may be made to Pinopolis United Methodist Church, PO Box 521, Pinopolis, SC 29469.
Brian J. Daly Jr.
ABBEVILLE — Brian J. Daly Jr., 48, husband of Tracy Hagen Daly, died Sunday, July 1, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Harris Funeral Home.
Mary Cooper Davis
ABBEVILLE — Mrs. Mary Cooper Davis, residing at 646 New Zion Road, Abbeville, S.C.,wife of the late Charlie Davis Jr., died Sunday, July 1, 2007 at her home. She was born July 23, 1922 in Greenwood, S.C., to the late Walter Cooper and the late Allie “Sweet” Richie Cooper. She was formerly employed in the Greenwood District 50 school system at Emerald High School as a custodian.
She was a member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Promised Land, where she was a former choir member. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, James Walter Davis of the home, one sister of the home, Mattie E. Cooper, one granddaughter, and a devoted niece and caregiver, Marion E. Cooper of the home. Graveside services will be July 3, 2007, 11 a.m., at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, with the Rev. Cornell Morton officiating.
The family is at the home. Robinson and Son Mortuary, Inc. is assisting the Davis family.
Billy Ray Williams
HODGES — Billy Ray Williams, 60, of 613 E. Grumling Road, husband of Patricia Jordan Williams, died Monday, July 2, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Greenwood.
Maxey Briley
PIEDMONT — Maxey Carlton Briley, 62, of 415 Camden Drive, husband of Dolorez Briley, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007, at his home.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Greenwood.
Billy Parker
ABBEVILLE — William Edwin “Billy” Parker, Jr., 74, resident of 33 Pine Drive, husband of Alice Pruitt Parker, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007 at Abbeville Area Medical Center.
Born in McCormick, SC, he was a son of the late William Edwin, Sr. and Woodrow Wilson Parker.
Billy was a retired automotive mechanic with Prince Motor Co. After retirement Billy began working for the SC Highway Department, from which he last retired. He was also a member of Lebanon Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife Alice Pruitt Parker of the home; a son, Lowrie Parker and his wife, Lisa of Abbeville, SC; 2 granddaughters, Jessica Lee Parker and Chelsea Nicole Parker.
He was preceded in death by a son William Edwin Parker, III and his beloved dog Corky.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007 at 11 a.m. in the Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home Chapel, with the Revs. Arnold Johnson and Robbie Burton officiating. The burial will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. The family is at the residence, 33 Pine Drive Abbeville, SC.
Memorials may be made to Lebanon Presbyterian Church 698 Mt. Carmel Road, Abbeville, SC 29620 or to Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 Church St., Abbeville, SC 29620.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville, SC, is in charge of arrangements.
Dawnita Burgess
Dawnita Michelle Burgess, 34, of 119 Barkwood Lane, died Saturday, August 11, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Gaston County, NC, she was a daughter of Mary Louise Turner and the late Jimmy Herlong. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving is her mother and stepfather, Ray Turner, of the home; three daughters, Sierra Dawn Walker of Florida, Courtney Lee Burgess and Taylor Renee Burgess, both of Spartanburg; a son, Dennis Edward Walker of Blacksburg; a sister, Windy Hicks of Umatilla, FL; and a brother, Stephen Herlong of Jefferson City, GA.
The family asks that memorials be made to Harley Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 777, Greenwood, SC to the account of Ms. Burgess.
No services are planned at this time.
Harley Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
James Herbert Chiles
James Herbert Chiles died at his home, 215 Siloam Church Road, Friday, August 10, 2007.
He was born in Greenwood County to the late Annie Pearl Carter Chiles and the late Doc Chiles.
He was a member of Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Epworth.
Surviving is a sister, Mae (Anthony) Calhoun of Abbeville; four brothers, Robert Chiles of Abbeville, Bennie (Patrish) Chiles of McCormick, Bell (Grace) Chiles of Greenwood, and Johnny Chiles of Greenwood.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Parks Funeral Home with the Reverend Arthur Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Epworth.
Pallbearers will be nephews.
Flower bearers will be friends of the family.
The family is at the home of his sister Mae Calhoun, 196 N. Mill Road, Abbeville County.
Parks Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Fred Dodgins
NINETY SIX — Fred Harold Dodgins, 79, resident of 417 South Cambridge Street, husband of Rose Whitlock Dodgins, died August 12, 2007 at Hospice House in Greenwood.
Born in Oconee County September 2, 1927, he was a son of the late Cornelius and Julia Gillespie Dodgins. He was a US Navy Veteran having served in WW II, Korea and Vietnam retiring after 22 years service with the rank of Postal Clerk First Class. He also retired from Greenwood Mills – Sloan Plant.
Mr. Dodgins was a member of West Side Baptist Church in Greenwood.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are step-sons, Larry McElroy of Bradley, Steve Webber of Bradley and Benny Webber of Greenwood; three step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Graveside services with full military honors will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Greenwood Memorial Gardens with Reverend Chuck Sprouse officiating.
The family is at the home and will receive friends at Blyth Funeral Home from 7-8:30 Monday evening.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Dodgins family.
Ralph K. Lindsey
Ralph K. Lindsey, widow of Mary Downing Lindsey, died at his home, 403 Bypass 25 N.E., Saturday, August 11, 2007.
The family is at the home.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Parks Funeral Home.
R. B. Massey
JOHNSTON — Services for R. B. Massey, age 82, will be held Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the Johnston Presbyterian Church with burial to follow in Sunset Gardens Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends at Bland Funeral Home Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Johnston Presbyterian Church, c/o Mr. Harry Bell, 1829 Highway 23, Ward, S.C.
29166.
Mr. Massey, a native of Toccoa, Ga., died Saturday, August 11, 2007. He was a son of the late Robert and Marie Weldon Massey. Mr. Massey retired from construction work as a pipe fitter. He was a Navy Veteran of World War II and was a member of Johnston Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include his wife of fifty years, Dale Yonce Massey; a son, Larry Yonce and wife, Judy of Greenwood; a sister, Bessie Howard of Owensboro, Ky; brothers, John Massey of Huntsville Ala. and George Massey of Greenwood; a granddaughter, Amy Yonce Bartley, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Bland Funeral Home of Johnston is assisting the Massey family.
Dakota Miller
NINETY SIX — Anthony Dakota Miller, 11, of Ninety Six, son of Robert E. Miller, Jr. and Tina Turner Miller, died Saturday, August 11, 2007.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home and Crematory.
Cynthia Witt
Cynthia Lynne Witt, 51, of 230 East Cambridge Avenue, Apt.106, died Saturday, August 11, 2007 at her home.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late Jack and Grace Manley Dillashaw. She was a homemaker.
Surviving are two daughters, Beth Patterson-Hales of Greenville and Michele Luther of Missouri; one son, Robbie Patterson of Greenwood; a sister, Peggy Reynolds of Waterloo; a brother, Darrell Dillashaw of Greenwood; and six grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time.
Harley Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Leroy ‘Rabbit Dog’ Dansby
GREENWOOD — Leroy “Rabbit Dog” Dansby, 51, of 218 Sloan Ave., husband of Margaret Ferguson, died Aug. 13, 2001, at Self Memorial Hospital.
Born in Edgefield County, he was a son of the late Timothy and Cleo Dansby. He was a logger for Earnest Ouzts Logging Co. and a member of Springfield Baptist Church, Edgefield County. He attended Brewer High School, where he was a former bus driver.
Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, Daryl Hill of Greenwood; four stepsons, William Ferguson, Ricky Ferguson, Michael Ferguson and Johnnie Ferguson, all of Greenwood; a stepdaughter, Malissa Ferguson of Greenwood; four brothers, Timothy Dansby and William Dansby, both of Washington, D.C., Chris Dansby and Thomas Dansby, both of Maryland; four stepbrothers, Joe Morgan of Promised Land, William Morgan and Leroy Morgan, both of Greenwood and John Morgan of McCormick; five sisters, Ola Mae Dansby and Gladys Wilson, both of Maryland, Annie Ruth Harlem of Atlanta and Mozell Foster and Helen Yeldell, both of Greenwood; four stepsisters, Alberta Cunningham of McCormick, Luberta McIntyer and Annie Mae Gaines, both of Maryland and Mary Sue Morgan of Atlanta; four grandchildren, and a great grandchild.
The family is at the home. Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc., which is in charge.
