Zelene Epps Kempson, 91, widow of Harold L. Kempson, died Sunday, June 24, 2018, in Heritage Home of Florence.

Mrs. Kempson was born October 15, 1926, in Kingstree, a daughter of the late George LeRoy Epps, Sr. and Gladys E. Epps. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and Draughon’s Business College in Columbia. Mrs. Kempson retired as head buyer for Belk in Kingstree after 25 years of service and opened her own clothing store, Zelene’s, which she operated for over 15 years. She was a member of The Pilot Club for over fifty years, having served two terms as president. Mrs. Kempson was honored by the Chamber of Commerce with “The Merchant of the Year” award in 1984 and again in 1990. Zelene enjoyed painting wooden figurines, directing numerous weddings, and family vacations at the beach. She was a member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.

Surviving Mrs. Kempson are: her brother, Joe Daniel “Dan” Epps, of Kingstree; several nieces and nephews; and several grand nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband Harold, Zelene was preceded in death by a brother, George LeRoy Epps, Jr., and her sisters, Lucille Epps Cooke, Miriam Epps Bradham, and Pauline “Polly” Epps Johnson. Mrs. Kempson’s family would like to thank the staff of Agape Hospice for the loving care given to Zelene during her last illness.

Funeral services celebrating Zelene’s life will be 11 AM, Tuesday, June 26, 2018, in Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, with burial in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in Grace Hall at the church. Memorials may be made to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 411 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituaries page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.