JoAnn Sauls Dorrell, 86, wife of the late Ralph McDuffie “Jeepy” Dorrell, Jr. passed away peacefully in her home on May 20, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Mrs. Dorrell was born February 16, 1938, in Kingstree, SC, the daughter of the late Joe Willard “J.W.” Sauls and Annie Dell McGee Sauls. She was a graduate of the University of South Carolina and earned a Master of Education Degree from SC State College and taught in the Williamsburg County School District elementary education for 37 years at Hebron, Cades-Hebron and Anderson Primary. JoAnn was an active and faithful member of Kingstree Second Baptist Church where she served as an adult Sunday School teacher, church historian, choir leader and member, and a member of WMS.

She is survived by: her children, Deborah Ann Halstead and Ralph M. “Rusty” (Brenda) Dorrell, III; grandchildren, Morgan (Charissa) Halstead, Joshua (Kameron) Halstead, Lindsay (Fernando) Morales, Samuel (Annie) Moore, Katelyn Bowen, Dustin Dorrell, and Wesley (Katie) Dorrell; and great grandchildren, Amelia Moore, Kelley Moore, Camila Morales, Leonor Morales, Sophia Morales, Elliott Vargas, Naomi Vargas, Vivian Halstead, and Brooklyn Halstead, and Gavyn Williams. . In addition to her parents and her husband, JoAnn was preceded in death by her daughter, Terri Bowen and her brothers Steve Sauls and Luther Sauls.

A celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held at 11 AM Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Kingstree Second Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Kingstree Memorial Gardens.  Her family will greet friends at the church beginning one hour before the service. Memorials may be made to Kingstree Second Baptist Church, 20 Dennis Avenue, Kingstree, SC 29556.     Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com

     Dorothy Louise “Dottie” Thornhill Gause, 70, passed away peacefully in her home on May 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

     Ms. Gause was born in Georgetown, SC on November 13, 1953, a daughter of the late Bob Edward Thornhill and Reba Sauls Thornhill Keefe. She was a graduate of Williamsburg Academy and attended Williamsburg Technical College. Dottie retired from NanYa Plastics and was a former secretary to the Williamsburg County Supervisor. Dottie loved going to the beach, camping with her family, shopping, and especially spending time with her kids and grandkids. She was a member of Kingstree Church of God.

          She is survived by: her daughters, Casey Gause (C.J. Jolly) of York, SC, Jessica (James) Colston of Oak Harbor, WA, and Brittany (Kevin) Carmon of Kingstree; grandchildren, Marleigh Carmon, Gabriel Carmon, and Paisley Colston as well as her honorary grandchildren, Noah Matthews and Raelyn Lee; her sister, Nancy T. Wilkes; her brother, Robert Thornhill; and former spouse, Ernest Gause. In addition to her parents, Dottie was preceded in death by her stepfather, Bill Keefe, and her niece Donna Wilkes Matthews. 

     A celebration of Dottie’s life will be held at 5 PM Monday, May 20, 2024, at Sandy Bay Pentecostal Holiness Church. Her family will greet friends at the church beginning one hour before the service and again following the service.

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

Carl LeRoy Cantey, Jr. passed away peacefully at home with his wife and children by his side on May 17, 2024, at the age of 77.  He was the only child of Carl LeRoy and Eleanor Baylor Cantey.  

LeRoy enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his greatest passion was dove hunting.  He loved sitting in the field with his beloved dog Cindy.  It didn’t matter if they killed any or not.  For over 30 years, he enjoyed going to the lake for a long weekend with his friends and fishing with his partner Jay Brown. They made many memories over the years. 

LeRoy was a master at cooking Bar-B-Q at Christmas for family and friends.  And, the Bar-B-Q chicken he cooked for his dove shoots was the icing on the cake.

LeRoy was a farmer all of his life and many “wanna be” farmers often called him for his expert advice.  He was known for working on his equipment more than he actually farmed.

He was a past Board Member of the Farm Agency and also the Farm Bureau.  He was a Deacon and Elder at McDowell Presbyterian Church in Greeleyville. 

Even though Liz and LeRoy only had two children, they helped mentor the young men who will carry him to his final resting place. 

LeRoy was married to the love of his life for 55 years.  He is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Liz” Oliver Cantey, his son Jeff of Salters, his daughter Kim of Monroe, NC, his Goddaughter, Chelsea Harrison of Rock Hill, and his sleeping partner “Baby” cat. 

The celebration of LeRoy’s life will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree, SC. Interment will be at Kingstree Memorial Gardens following the service.  Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30pm on Tuesday, May 21 at the funeral home.  

                     Memorials may be made to Union Presbyterian Church, c/o Diane Boyd, 114 E. Brooks Street, Kingstree, SC 29556.  Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituaries page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com

     Julianne “Julie” McElveen Brown, 84, widow of James L. Brown, II of Kingstree, SC passed away peacefully in her home on May 2, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

      Mrs. Brown was born February 22, 1940, a daughter of the late Wilbert Erskine McElveen and Florence Epps McElveen in Kingstree, SC. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and attended Winthrop College.

     She returned home from college to marry her beloved high school sweetheart Jimmy Brown. They had two beautiful children, Lauri and Jay, whom she shared her love, life and faith with along with everyone she knew.

     She was a former employee for Baxter Laboratories and Kelly Nursing Home. She was a lifelong member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and taught Sunday School for 25 years. She was active in her community and church throughout the years. Mrs. Brown enjoyed fellowship with her many friends but most of all she enjoyed time spent with her beloved children and grandchildren at family celebrations, on their annual beach trips, and Clemson weekends. She loved cooking and sharing meals with family and friends.

     She is survived by her daughter, Lauri B. (Andy) Stevenson; her son, James L. “Jay” Brown, III; her grandchildren, Edward A. Stevenson IV (Jordan), William S. Stevenson (Haley), James M. Stevenson (Owens), Millicent Ann Brown; great granddaughters Preston and Evelyn Stevenson; and her sister Mary Jo Smith. In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Brown was preceded in death by her sister, Ginny McElveen Peele and her beloved granddaughter, Emma Kate Brown. Mrs. Brown’s family would like to give special thanks to the wonderful caregivers and the staff of Amedisys Hospice for the loving care given to her.

     Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM, Friday, May 10, 2024, at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church with burial at Kingstree Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Brown’s family will greet family and friends in Grace Hall at the church from 10 to 11 AM just prior to the service. 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 obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com

Nellie Morris Elliott “Nell” Mims, 88, wife of the late Theron “Buddy” Mims, died at home in Kingstree, surrounded by her beloved family, Sunday, April 14, 2024.

     “Miss Nell” was born June 25, 1935, in Williamsburg County, a daughter of the late Christopher Lawrence Morris and Sara Ellen Tisdale Morris. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and Williamsburg Technical College. She was co-owner of Kingstree Laundry and retired as a quality control lab tech from Baxter Labs. Mrs. Mims was a member of Second Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, taught a children’s Sunday school class, and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She was a member of VFW, American Legion, and Williamsburg Academy Founding Parents. She will be remembered for her sweet smile and her chocolate and carrot cakes.

      Surviving Mrs. Mims are: a son, Clifton Russell (Monica) Elliott of Conway, SC; 2 daughters, Teresa (Chuck) Sugar of Franklin, TN and Melinda (Chris) Dooley of Vidalia, GA; 2 step-daughters, Janice Frye of Kingstree and Nan (Jamie) Harrington of New Zion, SC; grandchildren, Russell Travis (Sarah) Elliott of Jacksonville, FL, Raven A. (Chuck) Mobley of Decatur, AL , Elliott L. Moshell and Jordan A. Moshell, both of Orange Park, FL, Blakely D. (Dylan) Jones of Eustis, FL and  Brennan M. Dooley of Celebration, FL; step-grandchildren, Derek, Tiffany and Brett Frye, Ashley (Wes) Coker, and Jessica Harrington; great grandchildren, Rachel Elliott, Christopher Elliott, Laurel Mobley, and Zachariah Mobley; step- great grandchildren, Coker and McKayla Frye, Quinton and Callie Jesse Coker, and Reese Harrington; several nieces and nephews; and honorary children and grandchildren, Matt & Nikki Adams and their children, Ashlyn and Lauryn Adams.

     In addition to her parents and her husband Buddy, Nell was preceded in death by her first husband, Alex Clifton Elliott; sisters, Elizabeth Burrows, Lillie Tisdale, Barbara Taylor and Elma Mills; and brother Martin Morris.

     The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Mims and staff, Amedisys Health nurse, Crystal Epps Scott, and Amedisys Hospice staff, Jimmy, Melissa, Marilyn and Suzanne.

            Funeral services, conducted by Rev. Walt Proctor and Rev. Donnie Witherspoon, will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Williamsburg Funeral Home with burial in Piney Forest Cemetery, Andrews, SC. Mrs. Mims’ family will greet friends at 5-7 PM Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Kingstree Second Baptist Church, 20 Dennis Avenue, Kingstree, SC 29556.  Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituaries page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com

     Edgar Heyward Baker, 67, died unexpectedly at his home in Kingstree, SC on Thursday, April 11, 2024.

     Heyward was born August 13, 1956, in Kingstree, SC, a son of the late Emiel Cathcart Baker and Opal Desiree McGee Baker Harrison. He was a graduate of Williamsburg Academy and attended College of Charleston, and Wharton Business School. After 29 years with the Department of Agriculture, Heyward retired as Director of Federal Crop Insurance’s Risk Management Division in Washington, DC and returned to SC to stretch his career with crop insurance to become a consultant and salesman and start a new career as a real estate professional. Upon returning to his hometown of Kingstree, Heyward renewed his interest and love for his community and was appointed to the Town of Kingstree Board of Zoning Appeals and was elected to the Williamsburg County School Board. He loved and was loved by his family, and he always made sure to attend every softball game, dance recital or beauty pageant involving his great nieces. Even though Heyward never fathered a child, he loved children and was father to many. He believed strongly in education, hence his interest in becoming a member of the Williamsburg County School Board. He also wanted all to be able to further their education and be successful in life. Heyward loved to travel, especially when it involved great meals in fine restaurants.

      Surviving Mr. Baker are: his nieces, Leesa Baker (Kee) Belue and Emily Baker (Josh) Kellahan; great nieces, Avery and Ellie Belue and Emelia and Tanner Kellahan; and sister-in-law, Nancy Harrington Baker, all of Kingstree. He also leaves behind cousins and dear friends who will miss him greatly. In addition to his parents, Heyward was preceded in death by his brother Emiel Cathcart Baker, Jr.

            A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, May 11, 2024, at Mount Vernon Methodist Church, 84 Mount Vernon Road, Greeleyville, SC 29056.   Heyward’s family will greet friends beginning at 10 AM in the fellowship hall at the church just prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Mount Vernon Methodist Church, Cemetery Fund, c/o Amy Sanders, 3508 Sandy Bay Road, Kingstree, SC 29556 or Williamsburg Technical College Foundation, 601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., Kingstree, SC 29556. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituaries page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com

Lucy David Ward (May 21, 1945-March 31, 2024) died peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Lake City, SC, the daughter of the late Hamer Everett and Janie Small David.

Lucy is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, David O Ward, her three daughters: Jennifer Leigh Spires (Wes), Meredith Jane Carr (Donavan), and Kelly Elizabeth Ward, four grandchildren, and a brother, Dr Hamer Everett David Jr.  She is also survived by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law as well as a number of other relatives including cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Lucy graduated from Winthrop University with a degree in Elementary Education.  She started her teaching career at Six Mile Elementary School in South Carolina.  Her career continued first as mother of her three girls.  Then later, upon her children reaching school age, she returned to preschool education, first at Main St United Methodist Church in Waynesboro, VA, followed by Westlake Village United Methodist Church Preschool in Westlake Village, CA.  Upon returning to South Carolina, she continued preschool education at Christ Church Episcopal Preschool in Greenville, SC.

Her passion for influencing the learning process in preschool age children was exemplified by the creation of innovative visual and tactical teaching aides that could be used in all teaching environments.

Over the years, she enjoyed her time with her grandchildren, playing the piano, sewing, quilting, reading, and church activities including bell choirs and leading “crafty ladies” groups.  In her later years, she crocheted and knitted scarfs, hats, and lap blankets for charitable donations to those in need.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to either (1) Epworth Children’s Home (PO Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250) or (2) Union Presbyterian Church, Salters, SC, 29590 (c/o Diane Boyd, 114 E Brooks St, Kingstree, SC, 29556).

A Memorial Service will be April 20th at 2:00 PM at Union Presbyterian Church in Salters, SC, 29590.

Robert Francis “Frank” Small, Jr., 60, passed away at his home on March 23^rd, 2024.

Robert was born August 29, 1963, in Lake City, SC the son of the late Robert Francis Small, Sr. and Laura Easler Small Howell. He proudly served in the Army and National Guard. Mr. Small was a member of Greeleyville Baptist Church. Robert loved his Lord first and family second. His third love was his music. Robert was so proud of his two children Zackary and Nicole.  He loved being a member of Redemption Crossing band, playing and singing in church, and writing and recording his own music. This made him so happy.

Surviving Mr. Small are: his son, Zackary Ryan Small of San Antonio, Texas;  daughter,  Laura Nicole Small of Virginia; a sister, Sherry Small (Rooster) Cannon of North Charleston; two nephews, Rhame B. “Chip” Cannon and Matthew Easler Cannon; aunts, Rose Easler and Nell Easler; and many cousins. In addition to his mother and father, Robert was preceded in death by his stepfather, James Armond Howell.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rose Easler and Sandy Byrdic for all their love and care.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 12^th, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Greeleyville Baptist Church with a memorial service following at 2:00 PM.  Memorials may be made to Greeleyville Baptist Church, PO Box 276, Greeleyville, SC 29056. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituaries page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com

Edna Earle Sellers Brown, 88, wife of the late Charles Brent Brown, died at home in Kingstree on Thursday, March 14^th, 2024.

Mrs. Brown was born December 4th, 1935, in Conway, SC, the daughter of the late Nollie Derwood Sellers and Nettie Emily Watts Sellers. She was a graduate of Conway High School and retired from Farmers Telephone Cooperative. Mrs. Brown was a member of Cedar Swamp Methodist Church. She loved her family, especially the time she had with her grandchildren. Edna enjoyed sitting on her front porch and working in her yard as well as shopping with her friends and watching Fox News daily. Mrs. Brown never missed a hair appointment and any time you saw “Nana” she was dressed “to the nines”, looking like Hollywood!

Mrs. Brown is survived by: her son, Greg Brown of Kingstree, SC; daughter, Lisa Sawyer of Evans, GA ; sister, Margie Pendleton of Huntington Beach, CA; grandchildren, Austin (Katelyn) Brown of New York City, NY, Emily Brown of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Jack Calhoun of Charlotte, NC and Christian Sawyer and Dylan Sawyer both of Evans, GA. In addition to her husband and parents Mrs. Brown was preceded in death by her sister, Phyllis Harrell and her brother, Robert Sellers.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mrs. Edna’s dear friends Myra Nuttall and Roland Harrell for all their love and care.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Cedar Swamp
Methodist Church with burial in Cedar Swamp Methodist Cemetery. Mrs. Brown’s family will greet friends just prior to the service from 12 to 1:30 PM at the church. Memorials may be made to Cedar Swamp Methodist Church, c/o Myra Nuttall, 272 Cedar Swamp Road, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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

     Arnold Lanier “Bobo” Hanniford, Jr., 68, husband of Gail Tisdale Hanniford, died Friday, March 1, 2024, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC. 

     Mr.  Hanniford was born December 6, 1955, in Kingstree, SC, a son of the late Arnold Lanier Hanniford, Sr. and Ruth Pierce Hanniford. He was a graduate of Hebron High School and was a long-time volunteer firefighter with the Olanta Fire Department. Bobo was a pipe fitter and was in the fire protection business for forty years. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, woodworking, and spending time with family, and he especially enjoyed a good joke. He attended Lane Methodist Church.

         In addition to his wife Gail, Mr. Hanniford is survived by: children, Lillian Abrelle Hanniford Williamson (James A. Williamson), Casey L. Hanniford (Richie Cantley), and Brittany G.. Hanniford; grandchildren, Olivia Williamson, Iva Kate Williamson, Hadley Cantley, and Madison Cantley; sister, Laney Miles; brother, David (Linda) Hanniford; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bobo was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, his maternal grandparents, and an infant brother.

          Graveside funeral services will be held at 4 PM Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Tisdale Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Tisdale Cemetery, c/o Mike Tisdale, 1149 Doc Kellahan Road, Kingstree, SC 29556, or The Shepherd Center, SCI, 2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30309-1465 or online at www.shepherd.org

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

Dr. Edward Cecil Johnson, 79, husband of Judy Jackson Johnson, died Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at home in Kingstree, surrounded by family.

     Dr. Johnson was born May 15, 1944, in Charleston, SC, a son of the late Jack Frank Johnson and Annie Louise Falkenstein Johnson. He was a member of the first graduating class at A.C. Flora High School and received a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of South Carolina. He graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN and served as an optometrist in Kingstree for 43 years, retiring in 2022. Dr. Johnson was a veteran of the US Air Force. He left his service as a Captain and served as a navigator in Vietnam. He was a longstanding member of the Kingstree Lions Club and was a former District Governor. His passions included traveling with family and friends, following all USC Gamecocks sports and was a particularly huge baseball fan. Combining two of his loves, he visited every baseball stadium in the Major Leagues. In addition to his optometric practice, Dr. Johnson taught physics and calculus at Williamsburg Academy for many years. He was a faithful member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon, elder, and Sunday School teacher.

     Surviving Dr. Johnson, in addition to his wife of 45 years Judy, are: his son, Brian Edward Johnson of Charleston; his daughter, Kelly J. (Christopher) Fleming of Durham, NC; grandchildren, Anna and Jackson Fleming of Durham; 3 brothers, Dr. Jack F. (Tripp)  Johnson of Gilbert, Dr. William A. (Sandra) Johnson of Elgin, and Dr. R. Michael (Medora) Johnson of Columbia; and many dear nieces and nephews.

     A service of worship and thanksgiving will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. Dr. Johnson’s family will greet friends in Grace Hall at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 just prior to the service.  Interment will be at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery at a later date.  The family would like to express their gratitude to the providers of Amedisys for their care, kindness and attention during Dr. Johnson’s time at home in hospice care.  Memorials may be made to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 411 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556 or the Lions Club International Foundation, online at https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate or mail to LCIF, 300 W. 22^nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

A graveside service for Edward Leonell Pender, Jr. will be conducted February 17, 2024, at Union Presbyterian Church, 4501 M.L. King, Jr. Hwy., Salters, SC at 3:00 PM with a reception immediately following.

The son of Edward L. and Kathryn Swindler Pender, Eddie was born in Charleston, SC on October 14, 1942, was a graduate of Dreher High School, the University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) and Schiff Scoutt Reservation (Mendham, NJ). After serving in the Professional Service of the Boy

Scouts of America for seven years, he was employed as a national sales representative by Colonial Rubber Company and Cooper Tire and Rubber Company from which he retired in 2006.

A member of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, he was a Deacon and attended the Men’s Bible Class. A Master Mason, he was a Past Master of Inglesby Lodge #267 in Greeleyville, SC and was a member of both the Sons of the American Revolution and the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Additional memberships were in the Robert Burns Society, the St. Andrews Society, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Scottish Heritage USA, the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of

Jerusalem, the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Blue Ridge and Southern Rubber Groups.

Family and friends will remember Eddie for his quick wit, love of golf and hunting, and ability often to “save the day” with his problem solving (including prom dress shopping and furniture hauling). He was a voracious reader, drawn particularly to stories of the West and the outdoors, especially ones penned by Southern authors such as Archibald Rutledge. Eddie was a student of grammar, all things Scottish and famous for his barbeque chicken, blackberry cobbler and grits. “Grandaddy” was also known to thrill his grandchildren with an outstanding impersonation of Donald Duck and his ability to build an exceptional marshmallow roasting fire.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Faye James Pender, daughter Eliza Legare Pender Foster and her husband, the Reverend Edward Jay Foster, Jr., daughter Margaret Ellen Pender, grandsons Ethan James Foster and Blake Edward Foster, granddaughter Abbey Margaret Foster and sister Virginia Pender Riddle.

In addition to the graveside service, the family will also receive friends Friday, February 16, 4:30- 6:00 PM at Anchor Investment Management, 3205 Devine Street, Columbia, SC and Saturday,

February 17, 9:30-11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church 1324 Marion Street Columbia, SC 29201 in Jackson Hall.

With deep gratitude, the family extends a special thank you to the nursing staff of Greenway at Still
Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community and the Prisma Health Hospice team for their
extraordinary care of Eddie in his final months.

Memorials may be sent to: First Presbyterian Deacons Fund (1324 Marion Street, Columbia SC 29201); Reformed University Fellowship (PO Box 890004, Charlotte, NC 28289-0004); Union Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Diane Boyd, 114 E. Brooks Street, Kingstree, SC 29556 ; or The Sounds of Grace (www.thesoundsofgrace.com); 28 Palmer Drive, Sumter, SC 29150)

Ryder Lee Welch, son of Brenna Leigh Welch, died Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in his mother’s arms at MUSC Shawn Jenkins  Children’s Hospital in Charleston.

     Ryder was born December 13, 2022, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, SC. Following his premature birth, he was moved to Children’s Hospital for treatment in the NICU there. He was then moved to the PICU for the remainder of his hospital stay. He had a great will to live and battled back after many setbacks in his thirteen months of life.  

    Surviving Ryder, in addition to his mother Brenna, are: grandmother, Jill Thomas Roark; grandfather, Robbie Thomas; great grandparents, Jerry Lee Thomas, Marianne and Landy Thomas and Sharon Coker Dukes; aunts, Taylor Welch and Rylie Ann Roark; special friend, Jessie White; and many “aunts” and “uncles” at the ER at Black River Medical Center in Cades. Ryder was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ryan Roark, great grandmother, Maybelle Thomas, and great-great grandparents, Hugh and Mary Smith.

     Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree. Burial will be private. Ryder’s family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service at 1:00 PM. Memorials may be made to McLeod Health Foundation, Children’s Hospital NICU, PO Box 100551, Florence, SC 29502 or MUSC Foundation, Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital NICU and PICU, 18 Bee Street, MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425 or online at giving.musc.edu.

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

Jacqueline “Jackie” Hardee Howard, 96, wife of the late Colvin Howard, died Monday, February 5, 2024, at McLeod Health Clarendon in Manning, SC.

     “Miss Jackie” was born August 22, 1927, in Kingstree, SC, the daughter of the late D.D. Hardee and Isabelle Player Hardee. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and Winthrop College with a degree in Home Economics. She was a Home Economics teacher in McClellanville, SC before moving to Hollywood, CA where she worked in a bank and later met and married Colvin Howard. They lived in Malibu, CA and she taught in the California school system. In 1970 she returned to Kingstree with Colvin, where they lived happily, becoming active members of the Kingstree community, including Kingstree United Methodist Church where Jackie had been a longtime member. In the 80’s they moved to Manning to live on Lake Marion.

         Miss Jackie is survived by: a niece, Margie (Terry) Thurston of Highland Lake, AL; a nephew, Jim Black, also of Highland Lake; and special cousins, Buddy (Sherry) Knott, Deedy Knott, Donna Pratt, and Marian Faulk. In addition to her parents and her husband Colvin, Miss Jackie was preceded in death by a niece, Chloe Black.

      Funeral services for Mrs. Howard will be held 11 AM, Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Kingstree United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at Kingstree Memorial Gardens. Miss Jackie’s family will greet friends and family in the Ladies Parlor at Kingstree United Methodist Church beginning at 10 AM prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Kingstree United Methodist Church, 510 N. Longstreet St, Kingstree, SC 29556, or Second Chance Animal Shelter, 5079 Alex Harvin Hwy., Manning, SC 29102 or Venmo: @ASCASManning.

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

Suzanne Michelle Jernigan “Suzie” Huff, 55, died suddenly Sunday, February 4, 2024, at MUSC Black River Medical Center in Cades, SC.

     Suzanne was born July 7, 1968, in Statesboro, GA, a daughter of Belinda Campbell Turner and the late Harry Joe Jernigan. Suzie was a CNA with a huge heart. She gave of her time and love to help so many. She was a member of Midway Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

     Surviving Suzie, in addition to her mother Belinda of Dillon, are: her son, Shane (Anita) McCrea of Sumter; grandchildren, Christopher Tisdale and Sara, Scott, and Ethan Hodge; great grandchildren; her brothers, Joe (Karan) Campbell of Kingstree and Darren (Lou Ann) Jernigan of Statesboro, GA; her sister, Nicci (Jason) Soles of Statesboro, GA;  a number of nieces and nephews; and  her beloved fur baby, Negan. In addition to her father Harry,  Suzie was preceded in death by her first husband, John Quincy “Jay” Ross, IV and her daughter, Christina Michelle Tisdale.

     A celebration of Suzie’s life will be held at 6:30 PM, Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree.  The family will receive friends beginning at 5 PM until the time for the service. A luncheon for the family will be held at 12 Noon that same day at Midway Evangelical Presbyterian Church in New Zion. Memorials may be made to Williamsburg Funeral Home, 332 E Main St. Kingstree, SC 29556 to assist with medical and funeral expenses. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Mrs. Edith Taylor Rigdon, 96, wife of the late Elzie A. Rigdon, died Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at home in Galivants Ferry, South Carolina surrounded by family.

Mrs. Rigdon was born April 11, 1927, in Alma, Georgia, a daughter of the late Kathleen Cason Taylor and Jake Taylor. She was a mom, homemaker , and kindergarten teacher for over 25 years. She rarely went anywhere that she didn’t run into one of her kindergarten babies which always made her smile. Mrs. Rigdon was an active member of the Kingstree First Baptist Church until 2019 when she relocated to Galivants Ferry with her daughter.

Surviving Mrs. Rigdon are her daughters, Andrea (Mac) Kelly of Galivants Ferry, Susan (Ray) Warren of York, SC; grandchildren, Britt (Trey) Shelley, Kyle (Keisha) Warren and Caroline Warren Clayton; great grandchildren Drew Shelley, Ann Shelley(Nathan) Winburn , Nathan Warren and Whitt Clayton. Mrs. Rigdon is also survived by her sister, Latrelle Mann of Baxley, Georgia.  In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Rigdon was preceded in death by her brothers Herbert Taylor, Morris Taylor, and Hubert Taylor.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Kingstree Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Rigdon’ s family will greet friends at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to the graveside service at 2:00 p.m.

    Memorials may be made to Aynor Methodist Church, PO Box 348, Aynor, SC 29511.  Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com

Edward Harrison “Ed” Harville, 78, passed away Friday, January 26, 2024, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC.

     Ed was born August 5, 1945, in Danville, VA, the son of Evelyn Perkins Harville and Theodore Harrison Harville. He was educated in Danville where he excelled at track, setting several speed records.

     Ed entered the US Army and trained at Ft. Jackson. He was stationed in Germany for three years where he ran for the US Track Team all over Europe. He was also the photographer for the Third Division.

     After discharge from the Army, Ed began a career in Store Planning and Retail Merchandising for Belk Stores in Charlotte, NC. While there he met and married Gloria Byrdic from Kingstree.

     They relocated to Williamsburg County where Ed began 34 years of service with the Williamsburg County Fire Department. He was instrumental in starting the county fire department and worked his way from Firefighter/Mechanic to Fire Chief. He advocated for a Training Facility, modeling a rural specific firefighter training program. After retiring from the fire service, Ed became a custom cabinetmaker, designing and building kitchens and home interiors for many clients in the surrounding area. Throughout his life, Ed was an avid outdoorsman, loving backpacking, hunting and fishing.

    Ed is survived by: wife, Gloria Byrdic Harville; daughter Erin (Scott) Schwasnick of Greenville, SC; grandsons, Jacob and David Schwasnick; sisters, Jane (Kyle) Everett of Plano, TX and Ann (Gene) Burnett of Wesley Chapel, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

      A memorial service celebrating Ed’s life will be held at 3 PM Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Headquarters Station, Williamsburg County Fire Department, 2100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Highway, Kingstree, SC. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online at www.cancer.org or to a charity of one’s choice.

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

Mrs. Sarine was born March 5, 1942, in Kingstree, SC, the daughter of the late John Luther Frierson and Meta Willis Frierson. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School, managed Gamble’s Liquor Store and Family Dollar and retired from Fresenius Medical Care in North Charleston. She enjoyed fishing, camping, and baking and was always involved with the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Sarine is survived by: a daughter, Mandi (Bob) Nance of Hartford, KS; three sons, Emory Leverette and Darren Sarine, both of Walterboro, and Gerry L. (Renee) Sarine of Summerville; grandchildren, Jamie Bowen, Christopher Yeo, Katrina Leveille, Cody Yeo, Zachary and Tucker Nance, Alexis Sarine, and Amber Sarine; eight great grandchildren; a brother, Roy (Nancy) Frierson of North Carolina; and niece and nephew, Sherry and Bryan.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 3 PM Saturday, January 27, 2024, in Mount Vernon  United Methodist Church Cemetery. Levelia’s family will greet friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

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

Edwin Virgil “Sonny Boy” Nexsen, Jr., 85, husband of Ruth McGee Nexsen, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, January 18, 2024.  

     Mr. Nexsen was born August 7, 1938, in the Millwood Community of Kingstree, SC, the son of the late Edwin Virgil Nexsen, Sr. and Crawford McClary Nexsen. He was a graduate of Kingstree High School where he excelled in sports, especially football, track, and baseball. He was a star running back for the Boll Weevils, won awards in track, and signed to play baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1958, but decided that “living out of a suitcase” was not the life for him. He returned to the family farm and retired from farming at the age of 75. Mr. Nexsen was an avid fisherman and hunter and was a former member of the Bryant Hunting Club. He especially enjoyed watching and following the Carolina Gamecocks. He was a member of Millwood Methodist Church.

         In addition to his wife of 65 years Ruth,  Mr. Nexsen is survived by his son, Steve E. Nexsen; daughter, Melanie L. Nexsen; granddaughter, Mary Beth (Neal Price); great granddaughter, Kate Price; and his dog Dixie. In addition to his parents Mr. Nexsen was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Nexsen Seeger and Mary Nexsen Rohe.

     The family would like to extend a special thank you to Denise Young Bryant of Amedisys, Kimberly Banks, and the Agape Care Group for the loving care given during his illness.

     Funeral services will be 3 PM Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Williamsburg Funeral Home with burial in McClary Cemetery. Mr. Nexsen’s family will greet friends just prior to the service from 2 to 3 PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Millwood Methodist Church, c/o Jamie Brown, 1560 Millwood Road, Kingstree, SC 29556 or Lane Methodist Church, c/o Mrs. Cornelia Bell, 20 Marble Road, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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

Nettie Sue Williams Sibley passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Select Specialty Hospital in Augusta, Ga. She was 76 years old.

The funeral will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 20 at Fairfax First Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at noon prior to the service.

Mrs. Sibley was born March 1, 1947, in Kingstree, S.C. and was the daughter of the late Taylor and Frances Williams.

She was a faithful member of Fairfax First Baptist Church, Fairfax, S.C. Mrs. Sibley served in many aspects of ministry including Vacation Bible School, Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas child boxes, and fed everyone with meals and cinnamon buns. Her life was marked with service and a heart for ministry. Her loves were her husband, her children, grandchildren, and honestly, everyone’s children.

Mrs. Sibley, and her husband, were former Georgia Baptist Children’s Home parents for 10 years. Moving often, they never hesitated to plug in and serve faithfully in ministry at the churches where they were members.

Mrs. Sibley is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Stanley Warren Sibley and her children, Warren Taylor Sibley (Myradel) of Americus, Ga., Andrew Kirkland Sibley (Jessica) of Cleveland, Tenn., and Shannon Sibley McDuffie (Jonathan) of Douglas, Ga.; six grandchildren, Elijah, Esther, and Caleb Sibley; Cole, Luke, and Ben McDuffie. She was also a grandmother to multiple foster children.

She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Steve Brewer, and survived by her sister Ophelia Williams Brewer and brother Levin Taylor Williams. She is survived by a niece and nephews; Kris Brewer, Alexia DelMoro, Taylor Brewer; Charlie and Taylor Williams.

A Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Fairfax Baptist Church with Rev. James Davis officiating. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Fairfax First Baptist Church, P.O. Drawer 820, Fairfax SC 29827 or the charity of your choice that Mrs. Sibley also supported.

Keith Smith Funeral Service, 128 Water Street, Allendale, SC 29810. 803-584-2492.