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.

Albert Hampton Skvarek, 75, husband of Gwendolyn “Gwen” Price Skvarek, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2024, at his home in Kingstree, SC.

Mr. Skvarek was born October 27, 1948, in Salters, SC, a son of the late John Skvarek and Victoria Ard Skvarek. He was a graduate of Greeleyville High School and was a veteran of the US Army, serving in Vietnam. Albert worked at Baxter Labs and DSM before he retired. He was a member of the Kingstree Moose Lodge # 1886, Swamp Fox- Moose Legion #74, and was a lifetime member of the American Legion.

In addition to his wife of 45 years Gwen,  Mr. Skvarek is survived by: his son, John Albert (Lauren) Skvarek of Moncks Corner, SC; and a brother, Joseph Bunyan Skvarek of Florence, SC. In addition to his parents, Albert was preceded in death by his sister, Sophia S. Lambert. Albert’s family would like to give a special thank you to Linda Hemingway and  Francine Barnes, as well as the staff of Amedisys Home Health and Amedisys Hospice for the loving care given to him in the last few years.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in Sandy Bay Cemetery. Per Albert’s request, attendees are asked to leave their neck ties at home.  Albert’s family will greet friends 6 to 8 PM Monday, January 15, 2024, at Williamsburg Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Sandy Bay Cemetery, c/o Mr. Doug Price, 1753 McCutchen Road, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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

     Margaret Hayes Stone, 91, wife of the late Clinton McKenley “Buddy” Stone, died Sunday, January 14, 2024, at her home in Kingstree, SC, surrounded by family.

     Mrs. Stone was born July 24, 1932, in Hyman, SC, a daughter of the late Holland Berry Hayes and Minnie Mae Earp Hayes. She was a homemaker who loved cooking and gardening. Mrs. Stone was a member of Kingstree First Assembly of God, where she was very active until her health failed.

     Surviving Mrs. Stone are: her daughter, Sheron (Wright) Miles of Kingstree; grandchildren, Andy (Pat) Miles, Clint (Danielle) Miles, Pam (Jason) Markland, Amanda (Jake) Stevens, and Amy (Pat) Burchell; great grandchildren, Aiden Miles, Cadie Miles, Ethan (Mary Louise) Miles, Garrett Miles, Kylie and Jackson Markland, Pita, Sophia and Trey Stevens, and Vayda Serrato; sisters, Vonnie (David) Turner and Jerrilyn (Van) Fraley; and special sister-in-law, Merilynn Hayes. In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Stone was preceded in death by her son Richard A. Stone, brothers, John Thomas Hayes, Ernest Hayes, and Earl Hayes, and a sister, Lois Wise.

     Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Monday, January 15, 2024, at Williamsburg Funeral Home, with burial at Kingstree Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Stone’s family will greet friends at the funeral home at 1 PM just prior to the service.

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

Sloane Ryann Plexico passed away peacefully in her mother’s loving arms with her daddy by her side on January 9, 2024. She was born on January 4, 2024, in West Columbia, SC to Ryan Plexico and Maggie Rodgers.

Sloane’s family had five precious days with her before she went to her heavenly home. Sloane experienced singing “Jesus Loves Me” with her mommy and daddy, holding hands and many kisses from her family, and being told “I Love You” an unaccountable amount of times. She was baptized on Friday, January 5th with her mommy and daddy by her side so when God needed her, she would know who he was. Her mommy got to help her with her first and only arts and crafts project. The name Sloane means warrior and she was a warrior from the time she took her first breath to her last.

Sloane was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Richard Henry Rodgers.

Sloane is survived by her sisters, Ada Marie and Vivianne Plexico; maternal grandmother, Libby M. Rodgers of Kingstree; paternal grandparents, Margaret and Harry A. Plexico, Jr., of Little Mountain; paternal great-grandmother, Barbara C. Plexico of Blythewood; aunts, Jennifer Burgess (Brian) of Kingstree, Kimberly Rodgers of Charleston, and Marie Newell (Will) of Lexington; cousins, Jenna Kate Burgess of Kingstree, and Ford, Garland, and Maggie Newell of Lexington. Sloane also had many great aunts and uncles and cousins who loved her dearly.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on January 12, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Caughman Harman Funeral Home – Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072. A memorial service will be held on January 13, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the chapel at Caughman Harman Funeral Home.

In honor of Sloane’s memory, donations can be made to the Ronald McDonald House or Special Olympics of South Carolina

Professor Tisdale was born in Williamsburg County South Carolina. He served in the United States Navy, obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from Newberry College in 1961, and completed his master’s degree in international relations from the University of South Carolina in 1965. Professor Tisdale taught political science, international relations and comparative government at Manatee (Junior) Community College in Bradenton, Florida for 47 years. He loved teaching and discussing politics with his students and family and was known for his colorful, mock political rallies he would organize with his students. He also loved world travel, hunting, preserving nature, and telling stories about his youth and growing up in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.

He is predeceased by his Father, Varnie Clifton Tisdale; Mother, Kathleen (Thelma) Tisdale; and sister, Carol (Tisdale) Sanders.

He is survived by his wife, Barry Puett (Bradenton, FL); his first wife, Mary Ann (Watkins) Tisdale (originally of Newberry, SC); his second wife, Susan M. Zimmer (Tampa); sons: Laurie Clifton Tisdale (Georgia); Joseph Watkins Tisdale (Tampa); Robert Paul Tisdale (Los Angeles); and Barry Powers “Jack” Puett (Bradenton, FL).

Robert C. Tisdale will be laid to rest at the Tisdale Family Cemetery in Kingstree, South Carolina on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 1 PM.

Betty Boyd McCrea, 96, wife of the late Thomas “Martin” McCrea,  passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at her home in Kingstree, SC.

     Mrs. McCrea was born July 1, 1927, in Columbia, SC, a daughter of the late Emmett Henry Boyd, Sr. and Laura Hamlet Boyd. She was a homemaker, worked at Baxter Labs for some years, and operated Two Seasons Fruit Stand in Pawleys Island for many years.

     Mrs. McCrea is survived by one son, Hugh (Linda) McCrea of Kingstree.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons, Bill McCrea, and Emmett McCrea, three sisters, and one brother.

     A graveside funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, January 14, 2024, in the Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family has requested memorials be made to the American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/, or by mail- American Heart Association,  PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

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

Richard Arnold Stone, 71, died Sunday, January 7, 2024, at his home in Kingstree, SC, surrounded by family.

     Mr. Stone was born June 28, 1952, in Kingstree, the son of Margaret Hayes Stone and the late Clinton McKenley “Buddy” Stone. He was a graduate of Kingstree High School and a veteran of the US Air Force. Richard retired from Greentree Financials.

     Surviving Mr. Stone, in addition to his mother Margaret, are: his daughter, Amy Burchell;  his sister, Sheron (Wright) Miles; and nieces and nephews.

     There are no services planned at this time.

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

Joyce Hudson Epps, 66, wife of the late David Epps, died Saturday, January 6, 2024, at  home surrounded by family.

     Mrs. Epps was born November 19, 1957, the youngest of three children to the late Gene Hudson and Hazel Miles Hudson. She was a graduate of Williamsburg Academy and retired after thirty plus years from Santee Electric Cooperative. Even before retiring from Santee Electric in 2018, she enjoyed traveling and organizing gatherings for her family and friends. Generous with her time, talents and possessions, Joyce looked for opportunities to assist whomever she could. She was capable of finding a solution to any problem that arose and many people relied on her as a regular source of guidance. Joyce was a member of Hebron Independent Church and recently attended Millwood Methodist Church.

Joyce is survived by: her children, Eric (Tina) Holladay, Ryan (Suzanne) Holladay, and Angie (Chris) Brown;  grandchildren, Alexis Holladay, Carson Holladay, Kaylee Holladay, and Olivia Holladay; sister, Claire (Len) Gaskins; and many family members and friends who were precious to her. In addition to her parents and her husband, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Steve Hudson.

     A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Monday, January 8, 2024, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree. Joyce’s family will greet guests beginning at 1:30 just prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The National Kidney Foundation online at www.kidney.org.

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

Joseph Philip Lazzari, Jr., 97, husband of Zeloree Scott Lazzari, died Friday, January 5, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.

Mr. Lazzari was born April 10, 1926, in Boston, MA, a son of the late Joseph Philip Lazzari, Sr. and Anita Latola Lazzari. Mr. Lazzari was a US Navy veteran, serving as a First-Class IC Electrician during World War II and The Korean War.  He was an engineer for Carolina Power and Light Co, retiring after 36 years. Mr. Lazzari was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and served on the Parish Council. He enjoyed golf and fishing and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and Clemson Tigers fan. He was a member of the Kingstree Moose Lodge. While living in Sumter, SC, he was a member of the Civitan Club, where he served as state president and was named Man of the Year.  Also in Sumter, he established and was scout master to the first special needs Boy Scout troop, which was sponsored by the Civitan Club.

Surviving Mr. Lazzari, in addition to his wife  of 72 years Zeloree of Kingstree, are: two sons, Eric (Donna) Lazzari of Wilmington, NC and Phil (Mary Frances) Lazzari of Georgetown; seven grandchildren, Katie Lazzari, Carolyn (Mathew) Prisco, Ken (Jackie) Lazzari,  John  (Liz) Lazzari, Neal (Sandy) Humphrey, Olivia (Grady) Jarman, and Theodora (Dustin) Fitzgerald; and nine great grandchildren, Airlie, Della, Anna, Aiden, June, Luna, Tess, Sophia, and Freya.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree. The Lazzari family will greet friends following the mass at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org/memorial.

A committal service will be held 11 AM, Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Tisdale Cemetery. Mr. Lazzari’s family will greet friends following the service in the cemetery.

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

Carroll Staggs Hammet passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 3rd, 2024, at the age of 92.

The daughter of Roy and Doris Staggs, Carroll, the oldest of three children, was born on December 20^th, 1931, in Bemidji, Minnesota.  Carroll and her family spent several fond years on her Grandparent Carroll’s farm in Orangeburg, SC, before settling in Kingstree, SC.   Carroll attended Kingstree High School where she was an honor student and enjoyed being on the basketball team.

Carroll met George Barr Hammet Jr., also of Kingstree, and the two were married on June 1^st, 1951.   They proudly raised four daughters: Susan Smith (Jerry) of Columbia SC, Ginger Odom (James) of Pawleys Island, SC, Mary Mallick (Bruce) of Georgetown, SC and Novia Cooper (Russell) of Salters, SC   They also had seven grandchildren: Jer Smith (Ashley) of Chapin SC, Megan Senn (Kyle) of Chapin, SC, Josh Odom (Rebecca) of Southampton, N.Y., Lindsey Richardson (Aubrey) of Murrells Inlet, SC, Laura Eanes (Brandon) of Anderson, SC, Russ Cooper of Salters, SC, and William Cooper (Colleen), also of Salters, SC.  Carroll and George were also the proud Grandparents of 11 great-grandchildren. Carroll is also survived by a brother, Reverend Chuck Staggs (Mary) of Sumter, SC. Carroll was preceded in death by her husband George Hammet and her sister Lorraine Gordon (Roy) of Fort Mill, SC.

Carroll was a founding and faithful member of Kingstree Presbyterian Church.  Carroll served as the church historian for many years, taught the Ladies’ Sunday School class, hosted many youth group activities at her home and was active in the Women’s Circle group.  She proudly represented her church when she attended the Presbytery annual meetings. She supported the mission work and trips hosted by the church.  Carroll also enjoyed serving as President and being a member of the Kingstree Garden Club for many years. She enjoyed flower arranging and working in her yard. She comforted many through her card sending ministry.   She was a loyal employee at Welch’s Insurance in Kingstree for 37 years.  At the age of 50 Carroll decided she wanted to further her education and earned an associate degree in English from Williamsburg Technical College.

Carroll and George were known for having an open-door policy for their family and friends.  There was always room at their table for one or two more. They loved spending time at the family cabin on Black River. They enjoyed attending and supporting many sporting events at Williamsburg Academy.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Landings of Georgetown for always treating Carroll with dignity and respect. A graveside service will be held at Williamsburg Cemetery in Kingstree, SC on Sunday, January 7^th at 2:00pm.   The family will visit with friends immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to Kingstree Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 904, Kingstree, SC  29556 or to Williamsburg Academy Booster Club, P.O. Box 2 Kingstree, SC. 29556.

Dr. William David Witherspoon, Jr. died of complications from ALS at Season’s Hospice in Rochester, Minnesota on December 30, 2023. David was born on April 12, 1959, to Linda Johnson Witherspoon and William David “Billy” Witherspoon in Dillon, South Carolina. He was proceeded in death by his father.  David is survived by his wife of 42 years, Louise Atkinson Witherspoon, two daughters, Virginia McIntosh Witherspoon, Gillen Witherspoon Schecter (Aaron), and son, William David Witherspoon, III (Julia). He leaves four grandchildren Louise Atkinson Merritt, Edward James Merritt, William David Witherspoon, IV, and Adeline Rose Witherspoon. He is also survived by his brother Hubert Craig Witherspoon (Fran) and sister Linda Anne Witherspoon Adams (Dent), brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert Edward Atkinson, Jr (Stephanie) and Ernest McIntosh Atkinson (Kelly) as well as ten nieces and nephews and twelve great nieces and nephews.

David loved his family, and after 32 years in the Midwest he delighted in retiring to the Southeast and spending more time with family and friends at the beach and the farm, reuniting with his Conway High School friends, fishing and enjoying the outdoors, and applying his agronomy education to perfecting his yard at the beach and land at the farm. David truly loved entertaining his family and friends at the beach and farm, showing midwestern friends his love for the beach, taking people salt-water fishing, and creating a hunter’s paradise at the farm. When watching his grandchildren fish at the farm or learning to swim in the pool at the beach he often said, “this is why I built it.” David was the most positive person; he gave thanks to God for the almost ten years that he lived with ALS, never angry about the diagnoses and handling the progression of the illness with grace and never letting it slow him down. David had many hobbies and rode his motorcycle across the country shortly after his diagnosis and retirement. During the last nine years of his life David walked Gillen down the aisle, was Will’s best man, and met his four grandchildren. More than once, Virginia overheard him saying to the babies, “I am so glad I got to meet you.” Louise was the love of David’s life and his true partner, holding down the fort at home with three children while David worked and traveled, and then being by his side every day after his diagnoses and retirement. David and Louise did not let ALS slow them down. Three weeks before his death David and Louise flew to spend the holidays with their Midwest-based children and grandchildren, traveling with oxygen, other required equipment, and their beloved dogs, Bandit and Bruiser.

David had a fulfilling career in agriculture. David earned a PhD in plant breeding and genetics from North Carolina State University. Prior to that he earned his master’s degree in agronomy from his beloved Clemson University and graduated with lifelong friends and a degree in biology from the Citadel. The family moved to Marshall, Missouri in 1986 for David to start a research station for Garst Seed Company. While David loved plant breeding, he eventually transitioned to the business side of agriculture, and the family moved to Ankeny, Iowa where David became the Director of Marketing and then President and CEO of Garst Seed Company. After Syngenta acquired Garst, David worked in various roles for Syngenta ending his career as the Head of Renewable Fuels for North America. When he retired, Syngenta gave him the “Energy Award,” for his achievements with the company and the passion he was known to bring to the work. David brought excitement and passion to everything he did, and he drew his strength and inspiration from his relationship with Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church in Kingstree on Saturday, January 13 at 11 AM with Rev. Josie Holler officiating, followed by visitation and a luncheon at Grace Hall. Williamsburg Funeral Home will oversee arrangements. In honor of David’s love of hosting people at “Camp David,” anyone interested in seeing the farm can join the family there after the luncheon. There will be a roaring fire in the cook shed and tours of the farm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 411 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556 (https://www.williamsburgpresbyterian.org/giving/) or the ALS Association (als.org.)