Billy Harrelson, 88, husband of Lila Mae Hucks Harrelson, died at Bethea Retirement Community on Saturday, March 14, 2020.

     Mr. Harrelson was born on August 7, 1931, in Conway, SC, a son of the late Malcom and Mamie Thompkins Harrelson. He attended Horry County Schools and was an Army Veteran where he served in the 1^st Cavalry division in the Korean War. He was quite an entrepreneur, he owned Dr. Pepper and Canada Dry Franchises in Conway and Kingstree, Purina Feed Mill in Rowland, NC, and Harrelson Transfer Lines in Kingstree. Mr. Billy retired from Town of Kingstree as Water Superintendent.  He was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church and served as a deacon. Mr. Billy enjoyed going to church and spending time with family. He was a hard worker and never expected anyone to do something he wouldn’t do.

     Surviving Mr. Harrelson, in addition to his wife Lila Mae of 68 years, are: his son, Tony (Sybel) Harrelson, of Kingstree; his daughter, Billie Jo (Glenn) Lee, of Lake City; grandchildren, Curtis (Tiffany), Mark, Carrie, and Shane Harrelson; five great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Harrelson was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Baxley; and two sons, Rex Harrelson and Tommy Harrelson.

    Funeral services will be 1PM Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in Hillcrest Cemetery in Conway. Mr. Harrelson’s family will receive friends one hour prior the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

     Helen McGill Shuler Adams passed peacefully into the arms of her loving Lord on March 11, 2020, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina. Born to John Yancey and Pauline Watson McGill in the Cedar Swamp community of Williamsburg County on January 16, 1923, she outlived her ten brothers and sisters. She was also predeceased by two husbands: Molton Ancrum Shuler, a combat casualty of the Korean conflict in 1952, and Guy Dent Adams, who died of cancer in 1974. She is survived by a daughter, Sheryl Shuler McCutchen (Willie) and two sons, Malcolm Duane Shuler (Lawton) and Guy Dent Adams, Jr. (Linda Anne). She also leaves one grandson, Jonathan Shuler (Mandy), and four granddaughters, Elizabeth Shuler Griffin (Keith), Sarah McCutchen Schutte (Craig), Anne Miller Adams Harper (Walt) and Mary Webb Adams, as well as three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

     After graduation from Kingstree High School followed by Winthrop College in 1943, she worked briefly as a government decoding analyst for the Signal Corps in Washington, D.C. In 1944, she began a teaching career focused on early childhood education in Beaufort, South Carolina, before returning to continue in her beloved Williamsburg County. She worked as an elementary school teacher in the public schools and served as a Sunday school teacher for all ages. Her teaching efforts formed an integral part of Christian witness and education throughout the community.

      Despite the premature deaths of both husbands, she reared three children. She instilled in them lessons learned through her faith in Jesus, including the importance of service to others. She taught by example: she devotedly mentored individuals for years until they attained college degrees or became successful business owners; she instigated a furniture ministry to help those in need create a warm home; she worked tirelessly for numerous organizations such as the Kingstree Housing Authority, the Williamsburg County Council on Aging, the Disabilities and Special Needs Board – to name just a few. As an active member of Kingstree First Baptist Church, she opened her home to displaced travelers, hurricane victims, and summer youth workers. She would be the first to say, “To God be the glory” for being able to help meet the needs of others.

      A memorial service will be held at Kingstree First Baptist Church on Sunday, March 15, at 2 PM, followed by visitation in the family life center. Williamsburg Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kingstree First Baptist for the family life center.

     Everette Marion Disher, Jr., “Noody”, 72, husband of Sylvia Baxley Disher, died at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center on Saturday, March 7, 2020.

     Mr. Disher was born January 12, 1948, in Sumter, SC, a son of the late Everette Marion Disher and Anna Turner Disher. He worked at Colonial Rubber and as an SSP chip packing forklift operator at Nan Ya Plastics Corporation for 18 years.  Everette also enjoyed doing auto restoration.

     Surviving Mr. Disher, in addition to his wife Sylvia of the home, are: sons, Jimmy Ray (Dena) Disher; and Phil Disher, both of Kingstree; grandchildren, Kala Disher and Tyler Disher; great grandson, Rivers Keith Lee, affectionately known as “G.W.” and “Big Red”; and a sister, Jenny (Wayne) Corbett, of Kingstree. Mr. Everette was preceded in death by two sisters, Willaree Moates and Anna Faye Disher; and two brothers, Joe Disher and Pee Wee Disher.

     Funeral services will be 1 PM Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Sandy Bay Pentecostal Holiness Church, with burial in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. Mr. Disher’s family will receive friends on Monday, March 9, 2020 from 6PM to 8PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 44-A Markfield Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 or at www.lung.org.  

Mrs. Norma Grizzard Baylor, 77, widow of Lonnie Paul Baylor, Sr., died Monday, March 2, 2020, at her Grandson’s Home in Kingstree.
Mrs. Baylor was born August 11, 1942, in Augusta, GA, a daughter of the late Robert Norman “Bud” and Madge Knight Grizzard. Norma was a waitress at the Huddle House in Kingstree and she was a member of Kingstree Second Baptist Church.
Surviving are: her daughter, Tammy (Gary Timmons) Justice, of Manning; her son, Bobby (Diane) Baylor, of Kingstree; 5 grandchildren, Josh (Shana) Baylor, Heather (John) Timmons, Hannah (Wyatt Driggers) Justice, Tyler Baylor and Holdon Baylor; 1 step granddaughter, Jennifer (Nikkei) Timmons; 12 great grandchildren, Morgan Lane, Allie Baylor, JT Baylor, Addison Timmons, McKinley Timmons, Carter Timmons, Hampton Timmons, Paisley Eaddy, Gannon Driggers, Grace Timmons, Marlei Timmons, and Mason Timmons. In addition to her parents and her husband Lonnie P. Baylor, Sr., Norma was preceded in death by two sons, Edward Lewis Baylor and Lonnie Paul “Pretty Paul” Baylor, Jr.
Funeral services will be 11 A.M. Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in Williamsburg Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in Second Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour before the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Charles Larry Player, 76, husband of Sharon Johnson Player, died at home in Salters Friday, February 28, 2020.

     Mr. Player was born July 3, 1943, in Mount Pleasant, SC, a son of the late Daniel Early Player and Sarah Elizabeth McConnell Player. He was a graduate of Williamsburg High School in Andrews, SC, and was a US Navy veteran. Charles retired from Georgia Pacific, where he was the Purchasing Agent. He was a faithful member of Spring Gulley Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. Charles loved fishing and was devoted to caring for all animals, especially his fur babies at home.  

     Surviving Mr. Player, in addition to his wife Sharon of the home, are: daughters, Laurie (Tim) Campbell of St Stephen, Pam (Seth) Overton of Salters, and Shannon (John) Caison of Moncks Corner; sons, Larry (Tricia) Player of Moncks Corner and Shane (Michelle) Green of Summerville; 16 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; a brother, Ronald (Nancy) Player of Russellville; a sister, Christine (Tony) Strickland of Goose Creek; and a brother-in-law, Karl Robinson. In addition to his parents, Mr. Player was preceded in death by a son, Leonard Charles Player; 3 brothers, Dan, Leonard and Perry Player; 2 sisters-in-law, Victoria and Jane Player; 3 sisters, Lelia Robinson, Joann Howard, and Orene Player; and 2 brothers-in-law, Heyward Howard and Tony Strickland.

     A memorial service will be 1 PM Monday, March 2, 2020, at Spring Gulley Baptist Church. Mr. Player’s family will receive friends at the church beginning at 11:30 AM until time for the service. Memorials may be made to Spring Gulley Baptist Church, 2107 US Hwy 521, Andrews, SC 29510 or Alzheimers Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Constance “Connie” Elizabeth Smith Benton, 88, widow of George Ansel Benton, Sr., died Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at Carlyle Senior Care of Kingstree.

     Mrs. Benton was born December 28, 1931, in Charleston, a daughter of the late Fritz and Blanche Miller Smith. She was a graduate of Greeleyville High School and Rice Business College of Charleston. Connie worked at Carolina Tobacco Warehouse in Kingstree and other tobacco warehouses in Lake City and Hemingway as a book keeper. She also arranged and led bus tours for groups from Kingstree and surrounding areas.

     Surviving are: her son, George A. “Boog” Benton, Jr. and his wife Carla, of Myrtle Beach; 2 grandchildren, Emily B. (Cobi) Christiansen, and Hugh Benton, both of Myrtle Beach; and 2 brothers, Fritz (Margaret) Smith and Ronnie (Ann) Smith, both of Kingstree.

      Funeral services will be held at 2PM Saturday, February 29, 2020, in the Williamsburg Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends an hour before the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Kingstree First Baptist Church, 400 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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Daniel Leroy Duke, 80, husband of Jeannette Osborne Duke, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, February 20, 2020.

     Mr. Duke was born March 12, 1939, in Kingstree, a son of the late William Fulton Duke and Clarice Maudolyne Buddin Duke. He was a graduate of Kingstree High School, Class of 1957, and was a US Air Force veteran. Dan retired after 33 years with Baxter and DSM as an industrial electrician and instrumental engineer. Born and raised on Black River, Dan was an avid fisherman. He served as a youth counselor for Woodmen of the World for many years, helping kids of this area by taking them to summer camp each year. A self trained carpenter, Dan enjoyed woodworking too. Mr. Duke was a faithful member of Mouzon Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon and the Superintendent of Sunday School.

     Surviving Mr. Duke, in addition to his wife Jeannette, are: a son, Gary Duke of Plano, TX; a daughter, Linda (Sam) Horton of Kingstree; a daughter-in-law, Mary Beth Young (Mike’s widow) of Rock Hill, SC; 5 grandchildren, Sam Horton, IV of Kingstree, Theresa Horton of Rock Hill, Mason (Josh) Horton of Kingstree, Michelle (J.J.) Fowler of Simpsonville, and Meredith Thompson of Virginia Beach, VA; 6 great grandchildren, Anna, Briar, and Charlotte Horton, Kaiser, Link, and Vesper Fowler; and several special nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Maudolyne, Mary Nell, and Betty, and a brother Bill; and 2 sons, Daniel Duke, Jr. and Mike Duke.

     Funeral services will be 4 PM Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Mouzon Presbyterian Church with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Duke’s family will receive friends beginning at 3 PM at the church. Memorials may be made to Mouzon Presbyterian Church, c/o Louise Mouzon, 2620 Sumter Highway, Kingstree, SC 29556.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

     Margaret Helen Lee McCollough, 89, widow of Wilmot Salters McCollough, Jr., passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at her home in Salters.

     Mrs. McCollough was born September 11, 1930, in Kingstree, SC, a daughter of the late Joe Douglas Lee and Edna Camilla Thornhill Lee. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and was the longtime bookkeeper at W.S. McCollough and Sons, Inc. in Salters. “Miss Helen” was a former member of The Kingstree Garden Club and was a volunteer at Williamsburg Memorial Hospital for many years. She was a dedicated member of Union Presbyterian Church where she served in The Leila Salters Circle.

     Surviving Mrs. McCollough are: a daughter, Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” (John) Yager of Mobile, Alabama; a son, Wilmot S.  “Mot” (Paula) McCollough, III of Sumter, SC; a granddaughter, Margaret Maree (Jeremy) Schottler of Vienna, VA; 2 great grandchildren, Molly Schottler and Mitchell Schottler; a dear sister-in-law, Faye Petrovitz; and a number of beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband of 42 years Wilmot, Helen was preceded in death by her grandson, Jonathan McCollough, 2 sisters, Lucille Ballentine McElveen and Magdalene Wilder Bushardt, and 3 brothers, W.D. Lee, Clinton Lee, and Colin Lee.

     Funeral services will be 2 PM Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Union Presbyterian Church with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. McCollough’s family will receive friends following the service in the Martin Building at the church. Memorials may be made to Union Presbyterian Church, c/o Diane Boyd, 114 E. Brooks Street, Kingstree, SC 29556.

Melvin Wayne “Monkey” Tisdale, 63, husband of Katherene “Kat” Warren Tisdale, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, February 18, 2020, surrounded by family at home in Kingstree.

Monkey was born December 26, 1956, in Williamsburg County, a son of the late Elton and Anna Belle Locklear Tisdale. He was a graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and attended Williamsburg Technical College. Monkey worked at Colonial Rubber and Firestone and was a farmer. He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman and a NASCAR enthusiast.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Kat, are: a son, Ryan (Ashton) Tisdale; a daughter, Meagan (Pressley) Best, both of Columbia; his beloved dog Blanche; and his brother, Neil Tisdale, of Kingstree.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Friday, February 21, 2020, in the chapel at Williamsburg Funeral Home, with a burial in Tisdale Cemetery. Monkey’s family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Thursday, February 20, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 or American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

James Edward Adams, Jr., 55, died Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Williamsburg Regional Hospital.

     Mr. Adams was born July 20, 1964, in Kingstree, a son of the late James Edward Adams, Sr. and Joan Price Adams. He was a graduate of Kingstree Senior High and was a certified paramedic. Mr. Adams was the manager of the Railroad Auction Company in Kingstree and the owner of Carolina Trading Post of Florence.

    Surviving Edward are: his sisters, Vivian (Eddie) Moore, of Kingstree, and Alger (Barry) Holloman, of Florence; brother, Matt (Nicole) Adams, of Kingstree; nieces and nephews, Sierra (Justin) Gainey, Ashlyn Adams, Lauryn Adams, Adam Moore, and James Allen Moore; Fiancé, Jessica Ludwig and her children, Samuel, Cesar, and Robin.

     Funeral services will be held at 2PM Saturday, February 1, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home Chapel, with a burial in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8PM Friday, January 31, 2020 at Williamsburg Funeral Home.

    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kingstree Presbyterian Church, PO Box 904, Kingstree, SC 29556 or to the Spinal Bifida Association, 1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22209 or to the Edward Adams Fund, C/o Vivian Moore, 21 Designer Street, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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Charles LaVern “Vern” Shaffer, 91, widower of Catherine T. Shaffer, died on January 28, 2020, at Commander Nursing Center in Florence.

Mr. Shaffer was born April 5, 1928, in Redfork, OK, a son of the late Lynford and Lena Lucille Roach Shaffer.  He was a 1949 graduate of John Brown University, and was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War, and served the first two years on the USS Worcester, a light cruiser and flag ship, then having shore duty his last two years, stationed in Norfolk, VA. Mr. Shaffer taught Sunday school, and served as a deacon for many years at various Baptist churches.  He worked at the Smithsonian Institution as a Series Design and Production Manager that produced “Serial publications” for the various museums until he retired in 1978.  He served two four-year terms on the Board of Trustees for the SC Baptist Courier, serving in 1982-1986, and 1990-1994.  He was a member of Williamsburg Baptist Church. He was also an artist and a master wood worker.  Through the years Vern and his wife, Catherine took great joy in opening and sharing their home with both the adults and youth of their church family.  The Easter egg hunts they hosted continue to be one of the favorite memories shared by many who attended.

Mr. Shaffer is survived by his sister, Clarissa D. (Richard) Dempsey, of Fredericksburg, VA; nieces and nephews, Patricia (Kevin) Hollowell, Andrew Dempsey, Leigh Ann S. Dunigan, Rebecca Fields, Dena (Fredis) McKnight, Jeffery Tisdale, Chuck (Amary) Tisdale, Kevin Tisdale, and Larry (Jeanne) Tisdale; and many great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Catherine Tisdale Shaffer, he was preceded in death by his brother Glenn Shaffer, and his sister, Darlene Shaffer.

Funeral services will be held 3:00PM, Wednesday, February 12, 2020, in Williamsburg Baptist Church, 8378 Hemingway Hwy, Kingstree, SC.  Visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:00PM in the church.  Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Williamsburg Baptist Church, c/o Merianne Cowley, 2111 Thurgood Marshall Hwy, Kingstree, South Carolina, 29556. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituaries page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Mrs. Sandra Gayle Hindman Strong, 68, of Kingstree, was surrounded by her family and entered into eternal rest on Wednesday January 22, 2020, at MUSC Florence Medical Center following a brief illness.

     Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, Chester Eugene and Catherine Merle Folk Hindman; her brother, Allen Hindman, and her nephew Christopher Hindman all from Bamberg, SC.  She was also predeceased by her loving mother in law Mrs. Era Flowers Strong of Kingstree, SC.

     Gayle was born August 12, 1951, in Colleton County, SC. She was a graduate of Bamberg High School and the South Carolina School of Banking. To have known Gayle is to have known love. She loved spending time with her husband John, sitting in her swing at home, watching her birds gather around the feeder, and working in her yard. On Friday nights she loved visiting her mother in Bamberg as they tuned into the Bamberg-Ehrhardt Red Raider football games to cheer them on. Gayle loved spending time working on crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles. She loved large family gatherings in Bamberg and sitting on the wrap around porch.  She looked forward to the family trips to Edisto Beach each summer.  She was a loyal and dedicated employee that enjoyed working for many years at Kingstree Federal Savings & Loan.  Above all, she loved her grandchildren. You could find her at every sporting event, play production, school function, and awards ceremony cheering them on, proudly telling anyone and everyone that those were her grandbabies. Gayle was made to love. Her warm hugs, her little waves from her spot on the back steps, and the way she cared about and loved each and every one of her family members, close friends, and strangers alike came together to create the beautiful soul that was Gayle Strong.

     Gayle is survived by her loving husband, John E. Strong of Kingstree, SC, her daughter Angela (Scott) Feagin of Salters, SC and by her adored grandchildren, Hannah (Shae) Lane of Salters, SC, Mara Louise Feagin and Luke Malloy Feagin of Salters, SC.

     Also surviving are her siblings: Donna (David) Sumler of Moncks Corner SC, Cheryl (Buddy) Evans of Bamberg SC, Greg (Karrene) Hindman of Williston SC, and Gina (Gene) Williams of Bamberg SC.

     Her nieces and nephews are numerous and greatly loved their Aunt Gayle. Gayle was a part of a large family and was loved by many cousins and extended family and friends. Anyone that knew Gayle knew that humble, kind, and giving are words that describe her perfectly.

     The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree, SC. Visitation with the family will also be at the funeral home starting at 10 a.m. prior to the service.  Interment at Kingstree Memorial Gardens following.

     Memorials may be made to Williamsburg Academy Development Board, 1000 Sandy Bay Road, Kingstree, SC 29556 or Kingstree United Methodist Church, 510 N. Longstreet Street, Kingstree, SC 29556. Flowers are also accepted.

Mr. Brown was born February 27, 1935, in Kingstree, SC, a son of the late Willie E. and Mabel McCutchen Brown.  Mauldin was a true sportsman who loved the outdoors and everything in nature. He was an active farmer for over 50 years and was still on his tractor 2 months ago. His love of farming was infectious! He also loved his time working at the two plantations in later years. He found it a very rewarding experience and made great lifetime friends. He loved his family and delighted in sharing special times such as vacations with his family. His love for horses began when he was a child and he passed that love on to his children and grandchildren. Papa had many, many dear friends, some of which checked on him daily like Allen Foster and Dr. Ray Dominici, Sr.. When he was your friend you knew you were blessed.

While we will miss him greatly, we rejoice in his full life and that he is dancing with Moma in Heaven now.

A special thank you to his granddaughter Carla for such good care these last couple of months and to Amedisys Hospice nurses, Sonya and Winona for your excellent care.

Surviving Mr. Brown are: his children, Thomas M. Brown, Jr., of Kingstree, Eunice B. (Steve) Beard, of Columbia, Mary Alice Brown, of Mt. Pleasant, and Michael D. (Abigail) Brown, of Cordesville; 11 grandchildren, Thomas M. (Angie) Brown, III, Carla B. (Robbie) Smith, Christopher D. (Mandy) Brown, Nicole Beard, Rachel Beard, Stephanie B. (Jamie) Tindle, Jennifer Knight, Katie Knight, Jillian Leigh (Josh) Long, Michael David (Cassidy) Brown, Jr., and William Samuel (Kayli) Brown; and 18 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and his wife Azalee, Mr. Brown was preceded in death by four sisters, Thelma Haddock, Dorothy McCullough, Helen Foxworth, and Madeline McElveen, and three brothers, Edwin Brown, Alton Brown, and Bobby Brown.

Funeral services celebrating Mr. Mauldin’s life will be 2 PM Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home, with burial in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 2 PM before the service and following the service at Brown’s Barbecue.  Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Kingstree First Baptist Church, 400 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituaries page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Margaret Tanner Epps, 89, widow of C.W. Epps, died Sunday, January 19, 2020, in Trident Hospital in Charleston.

     Mrs. Epps was born May 17, 1930, in Williamsburg County, a daughter of the late Jasper and Ettie Hanna Tanner. She was a graduate of Indiantown High School and was a home maker. Mrs. Epps was a member of Kingstree First Baptist Church.

     Surviving Mrs. Epps, are: a daughter, Donna (Terry) Love, of Kingstree; a son, Charles Epps, of Walterboro; a special daughter, Lisa Tarte, of Prosperity; sisters, Iona Prow, of Thompson, GA, and Jean Ozee, of Montgomery, AL; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Margaret was preceded in death by her daughters, Frances Tisdale and Peggy Boatwright; brothers, Levon Tanner, Raymond Tanner, and Jerriell Tanner; sisters, Lydia Hughes, Lola Patrick, and Beverly Dunn.

     A graveside service celebrating Margaret’s life will be held at 2PM on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends after the service and other times at the home of Donna Love. Memorials may be made to Veteran’s Victory House, 2461 Sidney’s Road, Walterboro, SC 29488.

Blanche Elizabeth “Beth” Epps Phillips, 71, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Sumter East, HR in Sumter, SC.

Beth was born February, 7, 1948, in Kingstree, SC, a daughter of the late Thomas Olin Epps, Jr. and Melba Hendrix Epps. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and Betty Stevens Cosmetology Institute. Beth was a talented pianist who played “by ear”, never using a sheet of music. Her friends and family enjoyed listening and sometimes singing along. Beth was a member of Kingstree United Methodist Church.

Survivors are: two sons, Bobby (Sandi) Turner of Cades and Daniel Turner of Sumter; one brother, Michael (Sandra) Epps of Kingstree; four grandchildren, Emily Turner, Wesley Turner, Abbie Turner and Kate Turner; and two great grandchildren, Morgan Turner and Colton Turner. In addition to her parents, Beth was preceded in death by a sister Claire Epps Morris, a brother, Thomas Olin Epps, III, and a son, Robby Turner.

Graveside funeral services for Ms. Phillips will be 2 PM Tuesday, January 21, 2020, in Williamsburg Cemetery. Beth’s family will receive friends following the service in the cemetery, weather permitting or at Williamsburg Funeral Home, if not.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

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Miss Florence Delmont Rodgers, 88, passed away Friday, January, 17, 2020, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, SC.

     Miss Rodgers was born May 26, 1931, in Williamsburg County, a daughter of the late George Dewey and Bertha Mae McClary Rodgers. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and was a saleslady at Belk and B.C Moore’s for many years. She also farmed, but her love of watching things grow really stood out in her vegetable and flower gardens. They were something to behold and she enjoyed sharing both the vegetables and flowers with family and friends. Miss Florence was a member of Williamsburg Baptist Church and a former member of Beulah United Methodist Church.

     Survivors are: nieces, Cynthia Ward (Milton) Gantt of Conway, Tanya Thompson (Roger) Fuller of Ladson, and Ondra Rodgers (Bert) Hanna of Kingstree; nephews, David Gregg (Julie) Ward of Florida and George Edward (Laura) Ward of Kingstree; great nieces, Gracelynn Hanna and Amanda Gantt (Adam) Tobin; great great niece, Emery Rose Tobin; sister-in-law, Betty Lynn Rodgers of Kingstree; and special friend, Ann Munn of Kingstree. In addition to her parents Miss Florence was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Barbara Rodgers Ward and Diane Rodgers Crosland; 2 brothers, Andrew D. Rodgers and George Shadrick Rodgers; and a nephew, Rhett Ward, Jr.

     Funeral services for Miss Florence will be 2 PM Monday, January 20, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home with burial in McClary Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning one hour before the service (1 PM). Memorials may be made to Williamsburg Baptist Church, 8378 Hemingway Highway, Kingstree, SC 29556.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Mrs. Teresa Anne DuBose Tisdale, 65, wife of Earl K. Tisdale, died Wednesday, January 15, 2020, in McLeod Hospice House.

     Mrs. Tisdale was born February 26, 1954, in Florence, a daughter of the late Elby Ray and Mello Snow McCutcheon DuBose. She was a member of the formerly Pine View Pentecostal Holiness Church.

   Surviving in addition to her husband, Earl K. Tisdale are: her children, Ronald Keith Tisdale, Cristy Tisdale, James Tisdale, Earl K. Tisdale, Jr., Stacy Archie, all of Sumter; and John Mims, of Johnsonville; 14 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; a sister, Janet (Terry) Weeks, of Moncks Corner; a brother, Elby R. DuBose, Jr., of Sumter; and a brother in law, Clifford Baxley, of Turbeville. Mrs. Tisdale was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald E. DuBose, of Sumter; and a sister, Gail Baxley, of Turbeville.

     Funeral services for Mrs. Tisdale will be 2 PM Saturday, January 18, 2020, in the chapel at Williamsburg Funeral Home, with burial in Gibbons Cemetery, 7920 Puddin Swamp Road, Turbeville, SC 29162. Her family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Friday, January 17, 2020 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Gibbons Cemetery Fund, c/o Stanley Gibbons, PO Box 162, Turbeville, SC 29162.

Louise Shirer Spivey, 99, widow of John Alford Spivey, Sr., died Monday, January 13, 2020, in Morningside of Georgetown, SC.

Mrs. Spivey was born May 13, 1920, in Johnsonville, SC, a daughter of the late Ernest Stanley and Ruth Lifrage Shirer. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and Palmer Business School. Over the years she worked at Williamsburg ASCS office, Colonial PCA, and Pee Dee PCA. Mrs. Spivey was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors are: three sons, John Alford “Al” Spivey, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Hickory, NC, Stephen “Steve” Lane Spivey of Salters, and Berry Ernest “Bunny” Spivey and his wife Leslee of Salters; eight grandchildren, Suzanne Spivey (Ty) Brown, Alice Spivey (Anthony) Teague, Sara Jane Spivey (David) Templeton, Shelley Spivey (Eddie) Parker, Shannon Spivey (Michael) Lizewski, Stephen Shawn (Donna) Spivey, Mary Grace Spivey (Sam) McGee, and Catherine Spivey (Grady/”Chip”) Brown; 16 great grandchildren, Summer Brown (Andrew) Morrison, Samuel Grayson Brown, Mary Kathryn Brown, Noah Alexander Brown, Claire Anna Hutto, Nicholas Glen Hutto, Ellery Grace Templeton, Katherine Louise McGee, Elizabeth Grace McGee, Grady Allen Brown, III, Edward Lane Parker, Caleb Winston Parker, John Alexander Lizewski, Matthew Stephen Lizewski, Christian Bailey Spivey, and Bryson Stephen Spivey; three great, great grandchildren, Maelynn Abigail Parker, Dallas Alford Parker, and Elizabeth Lynn Parker; one brother, Julian Carlisle (Jean) Shirer; and three sisters, Virginia Shirer Fletcher, Pauline Shirer Baker, and Mary Emily Shirer (Leonard) Trout. In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Spivey was preceded in death by two brothers, Ernest Stanley Shirer and Francis Marion Shirer.

Funeral services for Mrs. Spivey will be 11 AM, Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree, followed by burial in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Spivey’s family will greet family and friends beginning at 10 AM Saturday at the funeral home just before the service.               

  Memorials may be made to Pine Grove Baptist Church, c/o Mrs. Leona Gamble, 281 Hines Road, Greeleyville, SC 29056 or Tidelands Community Hospice, 2591 N. Fraser Street, Georgetown, SC 29440.

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Cecil Parker Walker, 81, died Friday, January 3, 2020, in MUSC Health-Carolinas of Florence.

     Mr. Walker was born November 1, 1938, in Kingstree, a son of the late Cecil Reid and Edna Parker Walker. He was a graduate of Kingstree High School and an Army veteran. Cecil worked for Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in the Signal Department, and later for Suburban Propane, and retired from Mishoe Oil and Propane Company. He was a member of Lane United Methodist Church and a former member of Lane Town Council.

     Survivors are: sisters, Leila W. Hogan, of Greenville, and Mattie W. (Richard) Bradford, of Sumter; nieces, Laura (Alan) Foster, Kathy (Roe) David, Julie (J.N.) Strausbaugh, Freda Drake, Sandra Bradford and Melinda Bradford; nephews, Rick (Tina) Hogan and Dickie Bradford; dedicated friends, Mildred Cooper, Ed Bell and James Palmer.

     A memorial service for Mr. Walker will be 1 PM Friday, January 10, 2020, at Lane United Methodist Church, with burial in Union Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Mr. Cecil’s family will greet friends at 12 noon just before the service at Lane United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Lane United Methodist Church, PO Box 38, Lane, SC 29564.  

Joy Langston Duke, 86, widow of Robert Edward Duke, passed away Thursday, January 2, 2020, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence.

     Mrs. Duke was born August 11, 1933, in Florence County, a daughter of the late G.W. Langston and Urah McKenzie Langston. She was a member of Kingstree Presbyterian Church. In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Duke was preceded in death by: her first grandson, Travis Hales; her siblings from the first family, Pressley Langston, Hattie Kirby, Vivian Langston, Olive Vause, Stephen Langston, Bonnie Jones and Katie Welch; and her siblings from the second family, Edith Johnson, Odell Lambert, Lucy Enter, and  Thomas D. Langston.

     Surviving are: 2 daughters, Gaye D. (Hank) Leviner, of Wallace, SC and Gwen D. (Keels) Kirby, of Hebron; 3 grandchildren, Samantha H. (Matthew) Hill, Bart E. (Jennifer) Kirby, and Rebecca H. (Mike) Duncan; 7 great grandchildren, Kendall Ann Hill, Walker, Wyatt, and Madalynn Kirby, Ashlyn Stutts, and Connor and Caroline Joy Duncan; several nieces and nephews who are very special; many caring friends- too many to name- who visited and called “Miss Joy”; and two very dedicated companions who gave “Miss Joy” tender, loving care for the past few years, Debbie Filyaw and Alicia Shaw.

     A celebration of Mrs. Joy’s life will be held 3:30 PM Sunday, January 5, 2020, in the Williamsburg Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home at 2:30 PM just before the service. Memorials may be made to Kingstree Presbyterian Church, PO Box 904, Kingstree, SC 29556.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.