James William “Jimmy” Huggins, Jr., 73, died Friday, December 29, 2023, at MUSC Black River Medical Center in Cades, SC.

Jimmy was born March 7, 1950, in Hemingway, SC, the son of the late James William Huggins and June Hill Huggins Jarrett. He spent his early life in Hemingway and was a 1968 graduate of Kingstree High School. He attended Clemson University and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was a 1974 graduate of the University of South Carolina. Jimmy was an expert carpenter and like his great grandfather, William James Timmons Huggins, Jimmy crafted furniture, especially tables, a corner hutch, and bookcases, as well as the Hugo Hut. Jimmy was a member of Kingstree Moose Lodge #1886.

Jimmy is survived by his sisters, Sandy Huggins McCaskill of Glen Burnie, MD and Nancy Huggins Staton of Kingstree, SC; a niece, Nancy Hope McCaskill (Scott) of Millersville, MD; two nephews, Joe Staton of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, and Roscoe Nesmith (Wendy)  of Lexington, SC; great nephews, Christopher Staton and George Nesmith; and great nieces, Logan Malatesta and Morgan Nesmith.

Graveside funeral services, officiated by Rev. J. Robert “Bob” Huggins, pastor of Butler and Shiloh Methodist Churches, will be held 11 AM, Saturday, January 27, 2024, in the Old Johnsonville Cemetery, near his childhood home.  Jimmy’s family will greet guests following the service in Old Johnsonville Methodist Church fellowship hall across the street from the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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

Davyne Kelly Williamson, 84, wife of the late Alva Stephen “Bubba” Williamson, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Carlyle Senior Care surrounded by her beloved family.

Davyne was born August 5, 1939, in Charleston, SC, a daughter of the late William David Kelly and Marguerite Gertrude Boland Kelly. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School, Class of 1957. Davyne served as a secretary and bookkeeper at Kingstree Manufacturing, Kingstree First Baptist Church, Williamsburg Academy and USDA-FSA over the years of her working outside the home. She was a member of Williamsburgh Historical Society and enjoyed extensive genealogy. Davyne was also an accomplished floral designer and enjoyed crafts of all kinds.

Surviving Davyne are: her son, Alva “Al’ S. (Pam) Williamson, Jr. of Cades, SC; daughter, Debbie Williamson, DVM of Harwood, MD; grandchildren, Alva S. “Tripp” (Maggie) Williamson, III of Georgetown and Megan “Meg” Williamson (Clint) McDuffie of Kingstree; great grandchildren, Alva S. “Ro” Williamson, IV, and Ella Louise McDuffie; a brother, William David Kelly, Jr. of Charlotte, NC;  a sister, Lois Ann Graham Bowen of Lake City and her longtime beloved caregiver, Beulah McFadden.  In addition to her parents and her husband Bubba,  Davyne was  preceded in death by a grandson Samuel Kelly Williamson, brother, James Russell Graham, and sisters, Marguerite Stoddard and Patricia Inez Kelly.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday December 28, 2023, at Kingstree First Baptist Church, with burial in Williamson Cemetery. Davyne’s family will greet friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree. Memorials may be made to Williamson Cemetery, c/o Mr. Stan Williamson, 515 Live Oak Avenue, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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

Kingstree native Morgan Hunt Alsbrook, 71, passed away on November 30,2023, at her residence in Inver Grove, Minnesota. Born September 1,1952, Morgan was pre-deceased by her parents, Joseph Brockington Alsbrook, Jr. and Elizabeth Morgan Hunt Alsbrook. She is survived by longtime partner Holly Koski and son Jordan Hull of Hibbing MN, and by 3 siblings, Mary Vaughan Alsbrook and her son Joseph Morgan Hunt Alsbrook (Erin) of Charleston, Brooks Alsbrook of Dania Beach, FL, and Joseph Brockington Alsbrook, III (Vicky) of Charleston, and their daughters Lexa Skope (Jonathan), Sarah Horst (Matthew), and Chandler Brockington Alsbrook. Next generation survivors include great-nephews Greyson and Gavin Cole, Jack, Knox and Rhett Horst, and one great-niece, Piper Skope.

Morgan was an accomplished industrial draftsman for a Charleston military defense contractor.  She particularly enjoyed working in naval electronics, which led to exciting travel adventures to seaports on the east and west coast as well as Panama. After taking early retirement due to disability, Morgan lived in Boston and later, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Morgan treasured memories of happy times growing up in Kingstree, the house on Live Oak Avenue and her daddy’s hardware store.  She valued people over things, and the friendships she made sustained her throughout her lifetime. From childhood friends in Kingstree and the class of 1970 to her buddies at Limestone College to friends and coworkers in  Charleston and finally friends, family and caregivers in Minnesota, Morgan was admired and respected for her wit, her daring, her grace and her courage. She held her own against Multiple Sclerosis for over thirty-five years, and her strength and spirit are inspirational to those who knew her.

A graveside service will be conducted by Rev. Frank P. Seignious, III at 1:00 pm Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Williamsburg Cemetery in Kingstree,SC.

Herman “Alton” Boyd, Jr., 69, of Kingstree, husband of Diane Gilman Boyd, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Roper-St Francis Hospital in Charleston.

     Alton was born January 8, 1954, in Kingstree to Mona Rhodes Boyd and the late H. Alton Boyd, Sr.. He graduated from Williamsburg Academy and went on to graduate from Clemson University with honors in 1976 in Economic Biology. He was a member and Elder of Union Presbyterian Church in Salters, serving as a choir member who sang solos and Sunday School Treasurer. Alton retired from Wellman, Inc. after thirty plus years of service.

     One of his biggest accomplishments was achieving the Grand Slam with turkeys and having an article written about him. Not only was he an avid outdoorsman but loved deep sea fishing and birding with an active membership with the Arthur T. Wayne Society. Alton never met a stranger and had a story or 100 to tell. He loved to cook for dear friends, especially known for his Fire Chicken at the Wedgehill Dove Club with his beloved brother/best friend David.

     Surviving Alton, in addition to his high school sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Diane Gilman Boyd and his mother Mona Rhodes Boyd, both of Kingstree, are: his daughters, Laura (Matt) Rowland and Amy (Clay) St. John; son, Adam Boyd; grandchildren, Emily Claire Rowland and Henry Christopher Rowland; brother, David (Jamie) Boyd; sisters, Vickie B. Mitchell and Pam Boyd; sister-in-law, Gayle (Bob) Mone; nieces, Hannah M. (Colby) Cooper and Taylor (Eric) Matthews; nephews, Jon (Joanna) Mone and Jonathan Baxley; and his beloved dog Molly.

     Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM Friday December 15, 2023, at Union Presbyterian Church in Salters, with burial in the church cemetery. Alton’s family will greet friends Thursday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree. Memorials may be made to Union Presbyterian Church, c/o 114 E. Brooks Street, Kingstree, SC 29556, National Wild Turkey Federation, 770 Augusta Road, Edgefield, SC 29824-0530 or online at www.nwtf.org, or a charity of one’s choice.

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

Joseph Leon Coker, 58, died Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at MUSC Medical Center in Charleston, SC.

Mr. Coker was born March 7, 1965, in Columbia, SC, the son of the late Mary Coker Mitchell. He was a graduate of Irmo High School and  attended Charleston Southern University. Joseph was a chef at several restaurants in Murrells Inlet, SC and was the former owner of Cactus Kate’s in Coward. Joseph was also an accomplished artist.

Surviving Mr. Coker are: his son, Austin Coker and daughter, Summer Coker, both of New Zion; a stepdaughter, Meredith (Cory) Biggs of Kannapolis, NC; a grandson Henry;  his brother, Robert Mitchell, III of Lexington; his stepfather, Robert “Bobby” Mitchell, Jr. of Lexington; his best friend, Greg Altman of Nashville, TN; and the mother of his children, Debra A. Reardon of New Zion.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Betty Pope Szczepanski, 85, wife of the late Frank Szczepanski, died Monday, November 20, 2023, at Carlyle Senior Care in Kingstree, SC.

     Mrs. Szczepanski was born February 13, 1938, in Marion County, SC, the daughter of the late Ephraim Pope and Beulah Rentz Pope. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and worked at Warsaw Manufacturing for many years and several other merchandise stores around town. “Miss Betty” enjoyed crocheting, especially baby blankets and many other crafts too. She was a member of Life Center Pentecostal Holiness Church where she happily served as a greeter.

     Surviving Betty are: her daughters, Denise (Billy) McKnight of Kingstree, SC, and Vicki (Darby) Fulton of Salters, SC; four grandchildren, Travis (Nancy) McKnight and Nicole (Trey) Coker, both of Kingstree, Dwayne (Joyce) Pate, of Sumter, and Elliott (Lindsey) Fulton, of Kingstree;  and son-in-law, Kris McGee, of Lake City. Also surviving Mrs. Szczepanski are six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and her husband Frank, Betty was preceded in death by her first husband, James Alton Haselden; daughter, LuAnn Welch; son-in-law, Gene Welch; grandson, Davy McKnight and granddaughters, Gina Welch, and Amanda McGee.

     A celebration of her life will be held at 4:30 PM Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Life Center Pentecostal Holiness Church, with a visitation beginning at 4 PM just prior to the service. The burial will be private. Memorials may be made to the Life Center Pentecostal Holiness Church New Building Fund, 2111 M.L. King, Jr. Highway, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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

Bobby Smith, 88, husband of Myrtle Gause Powell Smith, died Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Carlyle Senior Care in Kingstree, SC.

     Mr. Smith was born June 23, 1935, in Williamsburg County, a son of the late Ollie Steel Smith and Chloie Dewese Chinnes Smith. He was a graduate of Kingstree High School and was a veteran of the US Air Force. Bobby was a farmer and a self-employed carpenter. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and attended Kingstree Pentecostal Holiness Church.

     Surviving Mr. Smith, in addition to his wife Myrtle of Kingstree, are: stepchildren, Ricky Powell of Florence, Randy Powell of Kingstree, Ronald (Marian) Evans of Manning, Angela (David) Duke of Gaston, and Arnold Evans of Columbia; three brothers, Jimmy (Debbie) Smith of Culpeper, Virginia, Roy “Buddy” (Margaret) Smith of Pooler, GA, and Dickie (Johnnie) Smith of Florence; and a sister, Faye Osborne of Scranton. In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by stepchildren, Jerry and Donald Evans and Tammy Jones, brother, Raleigh Hugh “Bubba” Smith,  and sisters, Betty Floyd and Sybil Vause.

     A memorial service will be held at 12 PM Friday, November 10, 2023, at Williamsburg Funeral Home. Mr. Smith’s family will greet friends beginning at 11 AM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Kingstree Pentecostal Holiness Church Building Fund, PO Box 338, Kingstree, SC 29556.   Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com

Frank Wesley McIntosh, III age 79, of Camden, NC died on Friday, October 27, 2023, at his residence. Born in Ft. Dix, NJ on May 28, 1944, to the late Frank Wesley McIntosh, II and Ann Dugger McIntosh. As a Vietnam war veteran in the U.S. Army, Frank often attended reunions with his Scout Platoon #2-47 Infantry. After his service in the Army, he served in Hospital Administration as the Director of Human Resources at Beaufort Memorial Hospital and Loris Community Hospital. He was a long-time member of the Loris Civitan Club, serving in various officer positions. He was also recently a member of the River City Shag Club and a regular attender of Sawyers Creek Baptist Church.

Frank was a fun-loving guy who never met a stranger, he was always willing to lend a helping hand, and he loved working in his yard. He also took every chance he could to go to the beach and to have a good time with friends. But above all of this, his passion in life was his kids, his grandkids, and his family.

He is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth Uniacke (Sean) of Raleigh, NC; one son, Wes McIntosh (Michelle) of Camden, NC; one brother, Bill McIntosh (Lynn) of Seabrook Island, SC; sisters, JoAnn Gibbs (John) of Hilton Head Island, SC and Mary Wicker Hance of Kingstree, SC; and, five grandchildren Annika McIntosh, Alexandra McIntosh, Lillian McIntosh, Patch Uniacke, and Connor Uniacke.

A visitation/viewing will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Twiford Funeral Home, Elizabeth City, NC. A second visitation/viewing will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Williamsburg Funeral Home, 332 E. Main Street, Kingstree, SC 29556. A graveside service will be held at Williamsburg Cemetery in Kingstree, SC on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in his honor to the Loris Civitan Club (P.O. Box 451, Loris, SC 29569 c/o Larry Dawsey), Sawyer’s Creek Baptist Church (http://www.sawyerscreek.org/online-giving), or River City Shag Club (P.O. Box 426, Camden, NC 27921).

Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 is assisting the McIntosh Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com  or www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com

      Edith Carmen McClary Covington, 82, wife of Raymond Chesley Covington, died peacefully at home Monday, October 30, 2023, after a long illness.

     Mrs. Covington was born November 25, 1940, in Kingstree, SC, the daughter of the late Hugh Alex McClary and Edith L. Rodgers McClary. She was a 1959 graduate of Kingstree High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Coker College. Mrs. Covington taught business classes such as shorthand, accounting, typing, and bookkeeping for 22 years at Kingstree High School and Kingstree Senior High School. In 1985, following retirement, she and her husband Raymond opened R&CC Framers. Carmen was a lover of the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. She enjoyed photography, crafts with cones, pods, and dried flowers. She had a great love for her animals. She rescued animals in need, especially dogs and horses. She was an avid horseback rider and her prize Palamino was named Bess. Carmen also collected wren figurines.

     Surviving Mrs. Covington, in addition to her husband Raymond of Kingstree, are: sister-in-law, Janice Covington Russell of Sumter; cousins, Ondra (Bert) Hanna, Joyce Gibbons, Judy (Michael) McClary, Tammy (Gamby) Smith, and Melissa (Mike) Langmo; special friend Carol Clarke; and several nieces and nephews.

     Funeral services will be held at 3 PM Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree, with burial in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Covington’s family will greet friends from 6 to 8 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Williamsburg Baptist Church, 8378 Hemingway Highway, Kingstree, SC 29556 or Williamsburg County Animal Care and Control, 200 County Camp Road, Kingstree, SC 29556.  

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

     Thomas “Tommy” Randolph Goude, 83, husband of the late Betty Grier Goude, died Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Regency Hospital of Florence, SC.

     Mr. Goude was born January 25, 1940, in Hemingway, SC, the son of the late Liston Thomas Goude and Dorothy Douglas Goude. He was a graduate of Pleasant Hill High School and a US Navy veteran. Mr. Goude retired as head of maintenance at Baxter Health Care after more than thirty years of service. Tommy enjoyed working on electronics and computers as a hobby.

     Surviving Tommy are: his daughter, Marie G. (Doug) Filyaw of Cades, SC; two sisters, Louise (Steve) Richardson of Johnsonville and Annie Ruth Goude of Hemmingway; two grandchildren, Erin Filyaw (Josh) Pierce and Katie Filyaw (Byron) Coker, both of Hebron; daughter-in-law, Priscilla Goude of Florence; and a nephew, Brad Richardson of Johnsonville. In addition to his parents and his wife Betty, Tommy was preceded in death by a son, Thomas R. “Randy” Goude.

     Special thanks to the staff at MUSC Health Black River Medical Center, MUSC Florence, and Regency Hospital for their care and compassion.

     A graveside funeral service will be held 2 PM Friday, October 27, 2023, at Kingstree Memorial Gardens. A viewing will be held Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree. Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or online at www.dav.org  or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or online at www.woundedwarrior project.org.

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

Emily April Dorrell Blocker, 46, wife of Michael Blocker, died Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital after a long, heroic 6-year battle with breast cancer.

     Emily was born December 2, 1976, in Kingstree, the daughter of Kathryn Thompson Dorrell and the late Barry Miller Dorrell. Emily was a 1995 graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and attended Coastal Carolina University. She was a pharmacy tech with Walmart for thirteen years. Emily became a strong advocate for breast cancer research and support to many women who received that diagnosis. She always wanted to help others, so she listened, gave advice, encouraged them, and raised awareness about the disease. She worked with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Organization to further her reach in helping others, participating in races, walks, and fundraisers.

     Surviving Emily, in addition to her husband Michael of Greenville and her mother Kathy of Kingstree,  are: four daughters, Ryan, Mya, Cori, and Tori, all of Greenville; two brothers, Phillip (Marisor) Dorrell of Baldwin, MD and Billy (Amber) Dorrell of  Rock Hill, SC; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her father, Emily was preceded in death by her brother Joseph Byron “Joey” Dorrell.

     A memorial service will be held 3 PM Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Overbrook Baptist Church at 1705 E. North Street,  Greenville, SC 29607. Emily’s family will greet friends in Kingstree from 3 to 5 PM Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Williamsburg Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380 or online at www.komen.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

     Mary Jane Coward Richardson, 77, wife of Jimmy Richardson, died Sunday, October 1, 2023, at MUSC Health Black River Medical Center in Cades, SC.

     Jane was born July 28, 1946, in Kingstree, SC, the daughter of the late James Peden Coward and Jewel Irene Cleveland Coward. She was a 1964 graduate of Kingstree High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Francis Marion University. Jane was an elementary school teacher in Williamsburg County School District for 17 years. She was a member of the Margaret Gregg Gordon Chapter of The Daughters of the Revolution and was a member of Kingstree Presbyterian Church. Jane enjoyed reading and loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

     Surviving Jane, in addition to her husband of 59 years Jimmy, are son, Lance Richardson  and daughter, Jeanine McCrea, both of Kingstree, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 6:30 PM Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Kingstree Presbyterian Church, 229 Sumter Highway, Kingstree, SC 29556.  Jane’s family will greet friends at the church from 5:30 to 6:30 just prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Kingstree Presbyterian Church, PO Box 904, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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

William Wright “Billy” McAllister, 76, husband of Jeanette Feagin McAllister, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, Sunday, October 1, 2023.

     Billy was born March 31, 1947, in Kingstree, SC, a son of the late William W. McAllister and Rowena Powell McAllister. He was a graduate of Kingstree High School who served as a firefighter in Chattanooga, TN, worked in construction at Farmers Telephone Co-Op, and owned and operated a home repair and construction business to complete his career. Billy also served in the US Army National Guard in Tennessee and South Carolina. He was a member of Broad Swamp Pentecostal Holiness Church and attended Cades Pentecostal Holiness Church.

     Surviving Billy, in addition to his wife of 57 years, Jeanette, are:  his son, Andy (Tammy) McAllister of Myrtle Beach; grandchildren, Drew (Sara) McAllister of Myrtle Beach, Austin (Cassidy) McAllister of Scranton, Brian McAllister of Kingstree, and Paige, Emma, Mary Helen and Lizzie Kellahan of Kingstree; daughter-in-law, Tracy Floyd McAllister of Kingstree; sister, Rose Carraway of Latta; and dear friends who were like his children, Conrad and Blair Kellahan of Kingstree; and a beloved family member, Wanda Lynch, who assisted in caring for Billy during his illness. In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Brian McAllister, brothers, Charles and Carl McAllister, sisters, Libby Matthews, Ann Dukes, and Deola Cumbee.

     Graveside funeral services will be held 2 PM Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Smith Cemetery in Cades, SC. Billy’s family will receive friends and family 5-7 PM Tuesday, October 3^rd at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN or online at www.stjude.org.

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

Linda Grimes Tisdale, 76, wife of Clark Tisdale, Jr., died peacefully, Saturday, September 30, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.

     Linda was born February 4, 1947, in Charleston, SC, a daughter of the late Lewell Grimes and Edna Blakely Grimes. She was a graduate of Murray High School in Charleston, SC. Linda retired as a customer service representative from Farmers Telephone Co-Op after 20 plus years of service. She was a very active member of Union Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir and participating in the Leila Salters Circle. Linda especially enjoyed their family trips to the beach and supporting their grandchildren in all of their endeavors, especially sports events. Linda’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to her special friends and church family that supported her during her illness.

     Surviving Linda, in addition to her husband of 54 years, Clark Tisdale, Jr., are: children, Carla T. (Danny) Vega of Chapin, SC, Gregory C. (Jill) Tisdale of Kingstree, and Dawn (Mac) Wadford of Kingstree; grandchildren, Alexa (Joshua) McCleery, Daniel, Josie, Carly, Vera, Faith and Zoe Vega, Sarah Blakely (Paul) Amann, Reed Tisdale, Anna Tisdale, Madi Wadford, Ty Wadford, and Audrey Wadford; sisters, Betty Carrigg of Charleston, Pat Davis of Yonges Island, Amanda Johnson of Bloomington, MN, and Mary Conway of Charleston; sister-in-law, Janice Knight of Charleston; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her brother Michael Grimes and her sister, Doris Darling.

     Funeral services will be held 2 PM Friday, October 6, 2023, at Union Presbyterian Church with burial in Tisdale Cemetery. Linda’s family will greet friends 6 to 8 PM Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree. Memorials may be made to Union Presbyterian Church, c/o Mrs. Diane Boyd, 114 E. Brooks Street, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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

Roland Curtis Williamson, 82, husband of Francine Sweeney Williamson, died Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at MUSC Florence.

Roland was born May 28, 1941, in Kingstree, a son of the late Hoyt Stephen Williamson and Bertie Caulder Williamson. He was a graduate of Kingstree High School and St. Andrews Presbyterian College and did graduate work at University of Georgia. Roland was the owner of Williamsburg Travel.

Surviving Roland, in addition to his wife Francine are:  his two sons, Jason (Melissa) Williamson of Canton, GA and Justin (Tarah) Williamson of Savannah, GA; a daughter, Erin (Heath) Avery of Hamilton, AL; grandson, Tristin Williamson; 2 brothers, Aubrey (Emma Lois) Williamson of Kingstree and Joe Williamson of Cades. In addition to his parents, Roland was preceded in death by brothers, Laverne Williamson, Alva “Bubba” Williamson, and Henry Williamson.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Kingstree First Baptist Church with burial in Williamson Cemetery. Roland’s family will greet friends 5 to 7 PM Friday, September 29, 2023, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree. 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 obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com

Gayle Hapeshis, widow of George Hapeshis, died on Monday September 4, 2023, at her home in Kingstree. Gayle was born in Hartsville, SC on June 23, 1950, to Ransie Colon Johnson and Ola Mae Edwards Johnson. She was a high school graduate, having attended Darlington and Florence County schools then later becoming a certified nursing assistant. Her life’s mission was being a mother and grandmother while graciously caring for others. She also worked at Belk in Kingstree and delighted in the opportunity to care for children and others in her community. She loved her neighbors and devoted her life to her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Spending time with her grandchildren was her favorite thing to do. Gayle was a member of Kingstree First Baptist Church     .

     Surviving are her children; daughter, Shelby Sutusky of Irmo, sons Philip Hapeshis (Marsha) Of Walhalla, Chris Hapeshis (Maggie) of Pawleys Island, Louis Hapeshis (Wendy) of Central, grandchildren; Jim and Georgia Kellahan, Stella Sutusky, Madison and Karsyn Hapeshis, Addy and Ava Hapeshis, Nicholas, Lauren, and Sydney Hapeshis and two sisters; Louise Dye and Melinda Gandy both of Hartsville. She was preceded in death by her husband, her brothers, Jimmy Johnson and Pete Johnson, sisters, Lois Boykin and Shelby Hall, and son in law, Stephen Sutusky.

     A graveside service will be held at 2 PM, Friday, September 8, 2023, at Piedmont Cemetery in Bishopville, SC. The family will receive friends from 11AM – 12PM Friday, September 8, 2023, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree.

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

Jennie Burgess Cox of Kingstree, SC died on Thursday, August 17, 2023, in Murrells Inlet. Jennie was born in Kingstree on September 9, 1928, to James Keels Burgess and Sallie Bartell Burgess. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and Winthrop College. She taught for 26 years at Williamsburg Academy and in Williamsburg County Schools. She enjoyed substitute teaching for many years after retiring. Jennie was an active member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and the Berean Sunday School Class. She enjoyed playing bridge, shanghi, and hanging out with “the Girls.” She was an avid Clemson Tiger fan and world traveler. Jennie was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was pre-deceased by her son, Bill Cox.

Surviving are her daughter, Carolyn McGill of Murrells Inlet, her daughter-in-law, Sally Cox of Beaufort, her grandchildren, Chase McGill (Margaret) and Browder McGill of Pawley’s Island, Billy McGill (Julia) of Mt. Pleasant, Witt Cox (Sarah) of Beaufort and Jennie Cox of Charleston, and her great-grandchildren, Mary Mac, Charlotte, and Davis McGill and Hazel and Hewitt Cox.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1PM, Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.  The family will receive friends following the service in Grace Hall.  The burial will be private. 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.

Joan Baker Thompson passed away peacefully at her home in Myrtle Beach on August 7^th, 2023. Her son, Chris, and her dear friend and private nurse, Kim, were at her side. She was ninety years old.

Mrs. Thompson was born in Kingstree, S.C. on May 30, 1933, to the late Ruby Cantey Baker and the late Joseph Fletcher Baker. She was predeceased by her husband of almost fifty years, H. Erwin Thompson, Sr.

Surviving Mrs. Thompson are her two sons whom she adored, H. Erwin (Ki) Thompson, Jr. and his wife, Carol, of Murrells Inlet, and Dr. D. Christopher Thompson of Myrtle Beach. Also surviving her are her beloved siblings and their spouses, which include Dr. F. Keels Baker and his wife Laura of Manning, Jeri B. Phillips and her husband Leroy also of Manning, and Angie B. Bland and her husband Jimmy of Mayesville. In addition, Mrs. Thompson is survived by a host of treasured nieces and nephews who meant the world to her and whom she loved visiting and hosting.

Mrs. Thompson earned her B. S. and MAT degrees from Winthrop College in 1955 and 1975 respectfully. She continued her education in 1976 at The University of South Carolina where she obtained certifications to serve as principal, superintendent, and vocational director for the State of South Carolina.

As a consummate educator and administrator, Mrs. Thompson enjoyed a stellar career in education that spanned more than five decades. During the early part of her career, she taught math and home economics in Hampton, Virginia; Indiantown, S.C.; Kingstree, S.C.; and Richmond, Virginia. In 1974, she became the State Director of Home Economics Education, in Columbia, S.C., working directly under Dr. Cyril Busbee. Upon her return to Kingstree in 1978, Mrs. Thompson spent the next twenty years serving in a variety of positions including as the Principal of Kingstree Junior High School, the Principal of Kingstree Senior High School, an institution that she had served some thirty years prior as its first female student body president, and as the Assistant Superintendent of Education for Williamsburg County Schools. After a brief retirement in 1998, she returned to the profession that she loved so dearly in 2002 to serve as Head of School for The Williamsburg Academy, in Kingstree, for an additional eight years.

Mrs. Thompson loved her community, and she loved working to improve the lives of others. To that end, she was a former President of The Kingstree Rotary Club, a former member and Chairman of the Board of Williamsburg Technical College, an active member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, member of the Kingstree First Baptist Church’s Decorating Committee and a Deacon in The Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. In 2001, she was named “Benefactor” by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.         

In the autumn of Mrs. Thompson’s life, she developed a very deep affinity for beautiful sunsets. She saw them as colorful symbols of God’s goodness, grace and power. Accompanied by her son, Chris, she had the opportunity to view many amazing sunsets from such places as Alaska, Curacao and St. Croix. However, some of her most memorable sunsets were seen during dinner from the terrace of the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, and from small sailing vessels floating freely between Key West and Sunset Key. At these special moments, she never failed to speak of the closeness that she felt to God and of the awesome beauty and majesty of the earth that he had created.

Ki and Chris would like to thank Dr. Raymond K. Allen of Kingstree for his dear friendship and the exceptional medical care given to their mother over the past thirty-five years. In addition, they would also like to thank their mother’s last, best friend, confidant, and exceptional private nurse, Mrs. Kimberly Harlan, for the care, unwavering love and devotion shown to their mother throughout the last four years.

A funeral service is planned for Wednesday, August 16^th at 2 PM at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church in Kingstree. Interment will follow at Williamsburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm in Grace Hall located adjacent to the church sanctuary.  The Rev. Josie Holler is officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 411 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556, or a charity of one’s choosing.

Ms. Judith Ann Osborne, 68, died Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Summerville Community Hospice House in Summerville, SC.

     Ms. Osborne was born January 23, 1955, in Manning, SC, a daughter of the late William Otto Osborne and Virginia Irene O. Osborne. She was a graduate of Goose Creek High School and was a civil servant secretary for the US Navy in North Charleston.

     Surviving Ms. Osborne are: a sister, Evelyn O. Justice of N. Charleston; a niece who was like a daughter to her, Jennifer O. Parker; and several other nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Judith was preceded in death by siblings, William Larry Osborne, Vivian O. Humbert, and Henry Laverne Osborne.

      A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Greeleyville Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery, 281 Easler Highway, Greeleyville, SC  29056.

     Online condolences can be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.williamsburgfuneralhome.com

     Mr. Oneil Bernard Byrdic, 82, died Sunday, July 30, 2023, at his home in Lexington, SC.

     Mr. Byrdic was born April 8, 1941, in the Suttons Community of Williamsburg County, SC, a son of the late Paul Monroe Byrdic and Gertrude Cantley Byrdic. He was a graduate of Greeleyville High School and was the owner/operator of Byrdic’s Heating and Cooling before retiring.  Oneil enjoyed working on small projects, riding around, and spending time with family and friends.  He was a member of Cades Baptist Church.

     Surviving Mr. Byrdic are: his daughter, Jan (Terry) McElveen of Lexington; his son, Neil (Angie) Byrdic of West Columbia; grandson, Shawn (Troy) McElveen of Naples, Italy; granddaughter, Kaitlin McElveen of Spartanburg, SC; sister, Jeretta Brasington of Summerton; brother, Pete (Lettie) Byrdic of Conway; Best Buddy, Al (Brenda) Epps of Kingstree; special granddaughter, Hunter (Christopher) House of Buford, GA; special friend, Renee` (Jeff) Wallace of Lexington; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Oneil was preceded in death by brothers, Monroe Byrdic and Roger Byrdic; sisters, Janice Lambert and Jenvia Laird.

      A memorial service will be held 2 PM Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree, SC. Oneil’s family will greet friends following the service.

     Memorials may be made to Cades Baptist Church, PO Box 69, Cades, SC 29518.  Online condolences can be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.williamsburgfuneralhome.com