#funeral arrangement Spartanburg

[elcollinsfuneralhomellc]

8 Tips for Selecting Funeral Flower Arrangements

The loss of a loved one is excruciatingly painful for family and friends. During this tough time, the gift of a floral arrangement can be a sign of love, strength and support to the grieving. However, choosing the perfect funeral floral arrangements can be overwhelming, especially with numerous florists out there. Below are a few tips for selecting the right funeral floral arrangement.

1. Know The Flowers

Certain flowers actually carry certain meanings. Therefore, a florist would advise you to pick carefully. For instance, geraniums indicate comfort while tulips are for care or forgiveness. It's better to know what each flower signifies before getting one.

2. Know The Colors

Just as flowers mean something, their colors also indicate a different meaning. For instance, blue stands for peace or serenity while red means courage, beauty or love. If you pick a flower you love, make sure the meaning aligns with your sentiments.

3. Choose A Proper Design

Not every style of floral arrangement goes with a funeral setting. The most appropriate designs for funerals include casket arrangements, sympathy bouquets, wreaths and vases.

4. Get The Timing Right 

You must also keep in mind the time of sending the floral arrangement while selecting one. You can send floral arrangements on the day of the wake of the burial. You can also send them during the memorial service.

5. Know The Recipient

Cultural differences also come in the way of one's perception of certain flowers. For instance, Greeks often prefer white flowers during such sad times.

6. Write A Proper Message

While it can be hard to express your feelings during these times, we urge you to be mindful of the feelings of the deceased's friends and family while drafting a small message.

7. Don't Go Overboard

You have to remember that it's not always better to get bigger, flashier floral arrangements. It's always best to keep it simple and not make a large display out of it.

8. Contact A Florist ASAP

Once you know what it is you want to send, make sure you contact a florist. The last thing you want to do is send your condolences late.

Are you confused about which florist to go to? You can reach out to us at E. L. Collins Funeral Home. We offer all kinds of funeral arrangement services. You will find the perfect flower that you're looking for here.

[galleryofunknowns]

Edwin Augustus Harleston (b.1882 - d.1931), 'Miss Bailey with the African Shawl', oil on linen/canvas, c.1930, American, currently in the Johnson Collection, Spartanburg, SC, USA.

Constantly constrained by both racial barriers and family duty, Edwin Augustus Harleston, who was once described by W. E. B. DuBois as the “leading portrait painter of the race,” was never able to fully devote himself to his art. Born in Charleston, South Carolina to a prosperous African American family, “Teddy” Harleston graduated as valedictorian from the Avery Normal Institute, the first accredited secondary school for African Americans in the area. He went on to attend Atlanta University, where he studied under DuBois, a renowned scholar and future co-founder of the NAACP. His enduring relationship with DuBois fueled Harleston’s academic ambitions and political activism. Determined to rise to his mentor’s challenge to the “talented tenth,” Harleston “took seriously his moral obligation to serve as a guide for [his] race” and would later serve as the first president of the Charleston chapter of the NAACP in 1917. Following his college graduation, Harleston enrolled at the prestigious School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, foregoing his admission to Harvard. Over his six-year tenure in Boston, his instructors included Frank Benson and Edmund Tarbell; in 1924 and 1925, Harleston was a summer student at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Despite his promising start as a professional artist in Boston, Harleston was pressured by his father to return to Charleston in 1912 and assume responsibilities with the family funeral home. The tension between family obligations and artistic passion pervaded Harleston’s adult life. In 1920, he married Elise Forrest, who became a respected photographer. Two years later, the couple opened a photography studio—which included space for Edwin to paint—across the street from the Harleston Funeral Home. A first for the African American citizens of Charleston, the establishment sought “to furnish the people of this community who are interested in works of art with portraits, in the following media, oil painting, charcoal, pastel, and French crayons.” In the years that followed, Harleston met with modest success as a painter; racial prejudices and segregation prevented several high profile commissions from coming to fruition and derailed a planned 1926 exhibition of his work at the Charleston Museum. In response, Harleston turned his attention to painting working African Americans. In a 1923 letter to Elise, he explained his plan to carry on the legacy of Henry Ossawa Tanner by portraying blacks “in our varied lives and types with the classic technique and the truth, not caricatures . . . to do the dignified portrait and take the picturesque composition of arrangements or scenes showing the thousand and one interests of our group in industry, religion, general social contact.”

Harleston often used photographs taken by Elise as source material for his portraits. One example of this practice is Miss Sue Bailey with the African Shawl, widely regarded as one of the artist’s finest works. Sue Bailey, a New Yorker with extensive connections in Harlem’s cultural community, was the national traveling secretary for the YWCA and, in that role, visited Charleston to establish a high school chapter for African-American girls. The three-quarter seated pose executed in strong color, reflects the artist’s sure academic foundation and mastery of mood. Harleston was quite proud of the portrait and entered it in the 1930 Harmon Foundation Awards.

In addition to portrait commissions, Harleston also created paintings depicting many of the local figures—such as black street vendors—featured in works by other artists of the Charleston Renaissance era. In 1930, Aaron Douglas, one of the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance, invited Harleston to assist him in completing a mural commission at Fisk University in Nashville. Harleston readily accepted the younger painter’s offer and spent several months working on the project alongside him. The unfinished murals form a backdrop to Harleston’s 1930 portrait of Douglas, a departure from more typical neutral backgrounds seen in other portraits, like that of Miss Bailey.

Edwin Harleston died from pneumonia at the age of forty-nine in Charleston. Today, his works are represented in the collections of the Gibbes Museum of Art, Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Art, and the California African American Museum. (x)

[full-imagination]

David Edward Tate

David Edward Tate, 80, died April 8, 2021 after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was born June 23, 1940 in the Republic of Panama. Son of the late Jesse DeWitt Tate and Ethel Westman Tate, he grew up in the Panama Canal Zone with his parents, his older sister Louise, and numerous pets, including his beloved Javelina, Moochie. An avid outdoorsman from childhood onward, he spent many happy hours hunting and fishing in and around the Canal Zone. After graduation from Balboa High School, he journeyed to Atlanta, Georgia. In Atlanta, he saw his first snowfall and completed Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Named the Pi Tau Sigma Outstanding Senior in Mechanical Engineering, another highlight was a blind date with Jane Johnston. Instantly appealing to one another, they were married in December 1963. The couple journeyed to Fort Benning Georgia to serve his Army commitment in the Army Corps of Engineers. Along the way, David earned the coveted Paratrooper Wings, completing five jumps including a night jump. Additionally, he attained the marksmanship rating of Expert with the M14 rifle and the .45 automatic pistol. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1965 and made a safe return in 1966. After his honorable discharge from the Army, David and Jane moved to Spartanburg SC. David and Jane commenced a lifelong affiliation with First Presbyterian Church at that time. The family had expanded with three energetic sons, and by 1972, David was ready to go into business for himself, founding Tate Metalworks in April 1972. By dint of hard work and much skill, David and Jane grew the business over the years, with David stepping aside as President of the company in 2013 and handing the reins over to his son Brian. Although fully engaged at work, David made time for his church, serving First Presbyterian as Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and on a host of committees. Additionally, he and Jane were both heavily involved with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, with David serving as scoutmaster, and with all three Tate boys attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Jane died in 2013, and David stayed busy with outdoor and family pursuits. In the meantime, a family friend arranged a date with the lovely widow Betty Reagan. Eventually, they were married, and a harmonious new family unit was created, now expanded to three children, two step-children, and eight grandchildren. No summary of David’s living life to the utmost is complete without discussing his mechanical and outdoor pursuits. He assembled and disassembled entire \cars, skillfully conceived, designed and fabricated complex custom pressure vessels, caught a 70-pound tarpon on a fly rod, and took a 300-pound grouper with a spear gun while Scuba diving. A masterful hunter, he took feral hogs from a helicopter in Western Texas, used thermal imaging, on foot, to carry out successful night hunts for feral hogs, built his own muzzleloaders, successfully used to take deer. Living life to the maximum, this one-man episode of Wild Kingdom made his own free-range sausage that is the stuff of family legend. A vital element of all of Dad’s adventures was that all of them took place accompanied by his sons and grandsons so that all of these epic occasions became joyous family outings. Predeceased by his first wife Jane Johnston Tate, parents Jesse Dewitt and Ethel Westman Tate, and sister, Louise Tate Schlegel, he leaves behind an expansive and loving family unit. Surviving family includes sons, David Tate, Jr. (Danielle) of Louisville, Kentucky, Grant Tate (Becky) and Brian Tate (Jeannie), both of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Jay Reagan (MaryLadd) of Charlotte North Carolina, and Kelley Reagan of Charleston, South Carolina. Grandchildren include David Tate III, Elizabeth, and Katherine Tate of Louisville, Kentucky, Evie Tate of Missoula, Montana, Maron Tate of Los Angeles, California, Abby Moss of Beaufort SC, Joshua Moss of Inman, South Carolina, John Reagan and Anne Palmer Reagan of Charlotte, NC, Antonio Santana (Destiny), Miko Santana (Bekah) and Timothy Durham, all of Louisville, Kentucky. A recent joyful addition is great-grandson Dixon Ray Santana of Louisville, Kentucky, along with Dixon’s running mate, grand-dog Miss Marple the Great Dane. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Steven Corso and his staff, the hematology-oncology unit at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, the Hospice Service at Spartanburg Regional, and the Comfort Keepers team, all of whom provided superb, compassionate care to David. Funeral services will take place 11:00 AM Monday, April 12, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29302, with graveside services to follow immediately at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Masks and social distancing are required in the sanctuary. The service will be livestreamed at https://bit.ly/2OvzWjy. In place of flowers, David requests that memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral

[americafuneral10-blog]

Body Found Rotting for 3 Years in SC Funeral Home…How it Happened is Disgraceful

Five months ago, Fred Parker Jr. got a call he never imagined. He was told that his late wife Mary Alice Pitts Moore’s body was found locked in an unrefrigerated storage room of First Family Funeral Home in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This was the funeral home that handled Mary Alice Pitts Moore’s death in 2015 and supposedly had her cremated, although after 3 years of calling and in-person confrontations Fred Parker Jr. still had not been given the ashes.

Mary Alice Pitts Moore died at the age of 63, and her family gathered what money they could to hold a proper funeral for the beloved wife, mother, and friend-of-many.  Her funeral was attended by about 100 people who gathered at the AME church in rural Greenwood, SC. This service gave the family and community peace of mind that Mary had been sent off respectfully with a beautiful service, speeches, and music.

I just thought she would be in a better place somewhere,” her son Taras Parker told the Post and Courier.

First Family Funeral Home was paid in full to have Mary Alice Pitts Moore’s body cremated – and that is what Fred and Taras Parker assumed happened. The funeral home failed to provide the cremated remains for 3 years, but even then the frustrated family trusted that everything had been carried out as promised – their discontent was aimed at the poorly functioning funeral home.

It came as a devastating shock in February 2018 when the family received news that Moore’s body had been found in First Family Funeral Home building. For all that time, she had laid in an unrefrigerated locked room draped in blankets and surrounded by air fresheners to mask the rancid stench of her corpse which had been rotting for 3 years. The body was in such bad shape that it took investigators two weeks to identify the body.

Three years,” Parker said. “How would you feel? It gets worse every day just thinking about it.

When the news broke this spring, another local funeral home stepped in and performed the cremation for free. It’s not totally clear why First Family never had the body cremated – it seems simple enough. Instead, they allowed the corpse to literally become a skeleton in their closet for over 3 years.

First Family Funeral Home’s license is now under suspension, and The State Law Enforcement Division has a criminal investigation is underway.

The South Carolina Funeral Board has taken a different approach and won’t even confirm it is looking into First Family Funeral Home. They did, however, confirm that they failed to find Moore’ s body on the premises during their December 2017 inspection of First Family. It is also not clear whether the state was aware of the two other customer complaints against First Family for financial improprieties.

To add to the insanity of this situation, the customer complaints cite co-owner Lawrence Meadows as the person who handled their arrangments. Meadows has been banned from being a funeral director since 2015 after forging a name on a dead person’s life insurance paperwork to get access to the funds, according to state records. It’s clear that Meadows has no shame because he then appeared on NBC’s Today show in February 2017 showing off his funeral office and a casket display in a segment hosted by his brother, MSNBC anchor Craig Melvin. At the time of the recording, Moore’s body was presumably in the funeral home and had been decaying for two years.

The funeral board oversees funeral home discipline in South Carolina. Its seats are occupied by industry professionals including members and former leaders of South Carolina’s funeral industry associations.

According to the Post and Courier, “[The funeral board] rarely revokes or suspends a license, preferring to levy reprimands and light fines that keep problem operators in business. Even when licenses are pulled, no one checks to make sure those disciplined are abiding by the rules unless someone files a formal complaint.

According to public records, nearly 40 percent of the 600 complaints filed against funeral homes and their operators were dismissed between 2006 and 2017 with no action taken.

Funeral Consumer Alliance President Joshua Slocum reinforced what seems to be an obvious bias in the organization. He told the Post and Courier that it’s an opaque system rigged to benefit the death industry, concealing misdeeds and leaving consumers in the dark. Slocum continues:

It’s an outrage against public policy and a clear, no-gray-area conflict of interest,” he said. “The system may be legal, but it’s inherently corrupt.

Taras Parker and his father filed a lawsuit against First Family Funeral Home in March 2018. They now, finally, have the cremated remains of  Mary Alice Pitts Moore in an urn inside their home.

Via: Post and Courier

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I don’t enjoy covering negative stories like this… which there seems to be a lot of recently. I want to be proud of the industry I work in, proud to serve families (by providing memorial products), and excited for the future of death care. But I understand the importance of educating our readers on the news – good or bad – so we can move forward and make decisions in an informed and intelligent way. We are always looking for success stories to cover – please email me at Justin@connectingdirectors.com to send a tip.

The post Body Found Rotting for 3 Years in SC Funeral Home…How it Happened is Disgraceful appeared first on Connecting Directors.

Body Found Rotting for 3 Years in SC Funeral Home…How it Happened is Disgraceful published first on YouTube

[scfop3]

New Post has been published on https://scfop3.org/spartanburg-police-officer-jason-harris-dies/

Spartanburg Police Officer Jason Harris Dies

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – A Spartanburg officer has died after a crash that happened on Union Street Tuesday night, according to the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office.

The coroner says that 39-year-old Jason Gregory Harris has died from the injuries he received in the crash.

The accident happened at about 9:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Officer Harris was driving east on Union Street when he struck a car that was turning left into a driveway, according to S.C. Highway Patrol.

Troopers say he was thrown from his motorcycle.

Harris was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash but was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the car was wearing a seatbelt but was also injured and taken to the hospital.

Union Street was closed for several hours while the crash was being investigated.

This wasn’t the first time Officer Harris was hurt in the line of duty.

The 12-year veteran of the Spartanburg Police Department was shot in the hip while trying to serve a warrant back in January of 2011.

The man who shot him, Toby Moore, was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Officer Harris passed away on Thursday.

The blood drive that was planned in Officer Harris’ honor will still happen on Friday.

It will be held in front of Spartanburg City Hall and will last from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Because of anticipated long lines, you can schedule an appointment by calling 864-596-2376 or 864-596-2820. People can also register to donate by sending an email to (function()var ml="ab%psoejEnmugFhDl40yk3rC2dt.ficA",mi="2EG02HB>F6L2E?2HH:0M@J52EO7DM9I0@@2ABNMJC5L430FJ091;F<K5F<2HH2HB2HBN@0442E?2HH2HH2E87DM9I0@@2ABNMJC5L430FJ091;F<K5F<2EG2H=02E8",o="";for(var j=0,l=mi.length;j<l;j++)o+=ml.charAt(mi.charCodeAt(j)-48);document.getElementById("eeb-515751").innerHTML = decodeURIComponent(o);());

*protected email*

.

For those who can’t make it, you can donate in Officer Harris’ name at other Blood Connection centers.

  We will post funeral arrangements once we receive the information.

[the-record-obituaries]

Jan. 4, 2017: Obituaries

Douglas Hartley 73

Mr. Douglas Franklin “Frank” Hartley age 73 husband of Brenda Hamby Hartley passed away Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Burial with military honors was held on January 1, 2017 at Oakwoods Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Duncan and Rev. David Dyer officiating. Burial with military honors by Post 1142 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard will be in Scenic Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 prior to the service at the church.

Mr. Hartley was born May 13, 1943 in Wilkes County to Arthur Shelton and Annie Barnes Hartley.

He was a truck driver for Holly Farms/Tyson. He had also worked for Bumgarner Services and was a member of Oakwoods Baptist Church.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother; Jerry Van Hartley.

He is survived by his wife; Brenda Hamby Hartley of the home, one daughter; Angie Hartley Walsh and husband, Eddie of Boomer, two sons; Kevin Hartley of Hickory, Jeff Hartley and wife, Jennifer of Boomer, seven grandchildren; Dustin Walsh, Derek Walsh, Emilee Hartley, Seth Hartley, Nick Hartley, Aaron Hartley, Adrienne Hartley, one sister; Frances Johnson and husband, Archie of Wilkesboro and Jack Hartley and wife, Ann of North Wilkesboro.  

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060-997.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

  Lyman Vogel, Jr

Mr. Lyman Wilfred “Will” Vogel, Jr., widower of Ruby Naomi Fujita Vogel passed away Thursday, December 29, 2016 at his home.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Hillary Wood officiating. Burial with Funeral Honors by the Marine Corps League Brushy Mountain Detachment #1187 will be in Mountlawn Memorial Park.  The family will receive from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM prior to the service at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Mr. Vogel was born November 10, 1934 in Gladstone, OR to Lyman Wilfred “Will” Vogel and Elnora Rae Vogel.  He was retired from the United States Marine Corps, 1st Lieutenant with the following recognitions: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Pistol Sharpshooter Badge

He was also retired from the United States Postal Service.

He is survived by one daughter; Shannon Vogel and husband, Brian Timin of Raleigh, three sons; Leslee Warren Vogel, Russell Nathan and wife, Debbie of Wilkesboro, Michael Dale and wife, Sherry of Spartanburg, SC, seven grandchildren; Ryan Nathan Vogel, Summer Vogel Wheeler, Amy Leigh Vogel, Alexandra Leslee Vogel, Justin Dale Vogel, Sarah Elizabeth Timin, Jacob Kyle Timin, one great granddaughter; Haleigh Jade Wheeler, one sister; Pat Wagenknecht; Napa, CA, and one brother; Gary Vogel.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Save-A-Vet, 387 Northgate Road, Lindenhurst, IL 60046.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

  Levi Reid, 79

Mr. Levi “Bud” Caldwell Reid, age 79, husband of Patsy Nichols Reid of Purlear passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Purlear Baptist Church with Rev. David Testerman, Rev. Darren Brown and Rev. Rex Eldreth officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:45 until 2:45 prior to the service at the church.

Mr. Reid was born August 1, 1937 in Caldwell County to Guy Rex and Estelle Blair Reid.  He was a professional furniture craftsman, working for American Drew and Kincaid Furniture for many years and was a member of Purlear Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers; Billy Wayne and Gary Lynn Reid.

He is survived by his wife; Patsy Nichols Reid of the home, two sons; Robert Timothy (Tim) Reid and wife, Sherrie and Randy Mark Reid and wife Cathy all of Purlear, four grandchildren; Natalie Lambert of Holland, MI, Abigail Smithey and husband, Adrian of Millers Creek, Kendra Reid and Morgan Reid of Purlear, four great grandchildren; Jaxon Lambert, Madeline Lambert, Elizabeth Lambert and Noah Lenderman, two sisters; Geraldine Hendricks of Granite Falls and Rita Shaw of Memphis, TN, several nieces and nephews and his beloved pets Sunny and Tinkerbell.  

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Purlear Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Fund,

c/o Denise Eller, PO Box 181, Millers, Creek, NC 28651,

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

  Ronald Spiers, 81

Mr. Ronald “Ron” Ray Spiers, 81, of Moravian Falls passed away on Wednesday December 28, 2016

Ron was born in Florida on Tuesday, October 15, 1935 to the late George Spiers and Virginia Crooks Spiers Baxter.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents.

Ron is survived by his wife, Gail Diggs Spiers of the home; son, David Ray Spiers, wife, Lugene of Moravian Falls and daughter; Monica Battreal and Husband James of Newberry Florida, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Ron was an avid gun enthusiast, as well as gun dealer and concealed carry instructor. He was the winner of a state championship in Florida and an International Champion in Metallic Silhouette Competition.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the NRA at nraf @ nrahq.org

Services for Ron are private.

  Mrs. Mabel Julianne Brooks Hayes 

 Mrs. Mabel Julianne Brooks Hayes, age 94 of Wilkesboro, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Avante of Wilkes.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, December 30th, 2016 at Edgewood Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Julius Blevins officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:30 prior to the service at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hayes was born April 19, 1922 in Wilkes County to Arthur and Minnie Call Brooks. She was retired from Spainhours Department Store. Mrs. Hayes was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents and husband; Commie Arnold Hayes, she was preceded in death by a son: Burl W. Love, Jr. five sisters and two brothers.

She is survived by two daughters; Barbara Love of Millers Creek and Carol Brown and husband, Dale of North Wilkesboro, one son; Dr. Ellis A. Hayes and wife, Lynne of Indian Trail, Eight Grandchildren, Nineteen Great- Grandchildren and one Great- Great Grandchild.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation, 4600 Park Road Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

 Lesta Combs, 83

Mrs. Lesta Greene Combs, age 83, of North Wilkesboro, died Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center. She was born June 5, 1933 in Watauga County to Rondol and Nina Carlton Greene. Mrs. Combs was a member of Hunting Creek Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charlie Claude Combs; brothers, Ralph Greene and Lloyd Carlton; and sisters, Grace Johnson and Alda Miller.

Surviving are her son, Archie Greene and wife Sharon Johnson Greene of North Wilkesboro; daughter, Deborah Durham and husband Larry of Hays; grandchildren, David Durham and LeAnn Moser; great granddaughter, Aubrey Durham; brothers, Bill Greene and wife Doris of Montross, Virginia, Gary Greene and Susan of Millers Creek; sister, Margaret Whittington of Millers Creek; caregiver, Betty Jo Lovette of Millers Creek; and daughters, Kathy Fortner of Moravian Falls and Shirley Anderson of Millers Creek.

Funeral service will be private. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 865, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or to Pruitt Hospice, 902 West D  Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

  Daniel Pennell, 94

Mr. Daniel Boone Pennell, age 94, of North Wilkesboro, died Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Rose Glenn Manor. He was born February 17, 1922 in Wilkes County to Charlie Henry and Callie Maggie Lee Ellis Pennell. He was a World War II US Army Veteran, landing at Utah beach in Normandy, France on June 12, 1944. He was a recipient of a purple heart. Mr. Pennell was a member and a deacon of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Boomer and retired from the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier with 22 years of service.  Mr. Pennell was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carmine Blanche Eller Pennell; and a son, David Allen Pennell; brothers, Cecil Pennell, James J. Pennell; and sister-in-law, Virginia B. Pennell.

Surviving are his daughter, Peggy Pennell Leonard and husband Charles of Marietta, Georgia; his sons, Dean Warren Pennell and wife Carolyn of Locust, N.C., Dennis Norman Pennell and wife Diana of Vancouver, Washington; grandchildren, David Leonard and John Leonard, Matthew Pennell and Holly Pennell, Summer Pennell and Tegan Glaude; and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2016 at Zion Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Debord officiating. Burial with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard Post 1142 will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Zion Hill Baptist Church from 1:30 until 3:00 pm on Friday prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Hill Baptist Church, 2552 Boomer Road, Boomer, NC 28606 or to the David Allen Pennell Scholarship Endowment Fund, c/o the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc. @ N.C. State University, PO Box 7474, Raleigh, NC 27695-7474, Tax ID # 56-6049304. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

  Lorenza Theodore Clinard, age 83

Lorenza Theodore Clinard, age 83, of Ferguson, died Sunday, December 25, 2016 at the Robbins Center in Hudson. He fought a very courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 20, 1933 in Clemmons, N.C. to the late Theodore and Lorene Brewer Clinard. Mr. Clinard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1953. He retired from Holly Farms Poultry. During his time at Holly Farms, he acquired a group of lifelong friends that went on many outings as a group and became known as "Len". An accomplished bike rider he enjoyed completing the Bridge-to-Bridge bike ride up Grandfather Mountain. He was an avid reader of books and acquired many books at his home. He loved the challenge of a game of Backgammon. As a collector of classic foreign cars, he enjoyed having them fixed up and going to car shows. He was an active member in his church and helped the pastor with revivals and many other activities. There he also found a group of friends which would go on road trips where he showed them the back roads of North  Carolina including where he used to ride his bike. He was always there to help out his neighbors. He will be greatly missed by his church, his many friends and his family. Lorenza Clinard was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Dixie Jennings; brother, J.W.; sister, Elizabeth Ann; and sister-in-law, Shelby.

Surviving are Betty Clinard; his daughter, Bridget Morris of Statesville; son, Mark Clinard and Roger Freeby of Atlanta, Georgia; brothers, Richard Clinard and wife Barbara of Clemmons, Alton Clinard of Pensacola, Florida; sister, Frances Wilson and husband C.A. of Franklin; three grandchildren, Charles Morris and wife Carissa of Jeanette, Pennsylvania, Sarah Jennings and husband Bryson of Yadkinville, Robert Morris of St. Louis, Missouri; three great grandchildren, Dharma Jennings, Paige Morris and Laurel Morris; and son-in-law, Philip Morris.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Sharon Walker Baptist Church in Boomer with Rev. Fred Staley officiating. The family will receive friends at Sharon Walker Baptist Church from 12:30 until 2:00 on Saturday, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sharon Walker Baptist Church, 8780 West NC Highway 268, Boomer, NC 28606 or to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 526 Robbinswood Place, Hudson, NC 28638 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

  John Adams, 87

Mr. John William Adams, age 87, widower of Nettie Darnell Adams passed away Monday, December 26, 2016 at the Wilkes Senior Village.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Flint Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Marvin Blackburn and Pastor Sherrill Wellborn officiating.  Entombment will be in Mountlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.  The family will receive from 12:30 until 1:30 PM Thursday prior to the service at the church.

Mr. Adams was born July 19, 1929 in Wilkes County to Luther and Etta Gentry Adams.  He retired from Thomasville Forest Products as a forklift operator and was a member of Flint Hill Baptist Church.

He is survived by one sister; Alma Wyatt of North Wilkesboro and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Flint Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Mr. Larry Wyatt, 221 Robinhood Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or Wilkes Senior Village Activity Department, 204  Old Brickyard Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

  Louise Faw, 96

Mrs. Louise W. Faw, age 96, of West Columbia, South Carolina, formerly of Wilkes County, died Sunday, December 25, 2016 at her home. She was born October 5, 1920 in Wilkes County to Walter and Elena Mitchell Wadkins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernest "Buck" Faw; four brothers; and one sister.

Surviving are her sons, Roy Ernest Faw of South Carolina, Troy Richard Faw and wife Betty of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Matt and wife Donna of Maryland, Laura and husband Stephen of Pennsylvania, Elaine of New Jersey, Jon and wife Erin of Pennsylvania; Kimberly and husband Jeff of Maryland; eighteen great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren.

Service will be private. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

  A.C. Walker, 67

Mr. A.C. Walker, age 67, of North Wilkesboro, died Sunday, December 25, 2016 at Forsyth Medical Center. He was born April 4, 1949 in Wilkes County to Oliver J. and Annie Viola Billings Walker. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Alex Chase Walker; brothers, Oliver William "Walt" Walker, and Raymond Walker and sister, Ola Mae Smoker.

Surviving are his wife, Jane Walker; sons, Eric Walker and wife Tosha of North Wilkesboro, Caleb Smathers of the home; daughters, Angela Walker of the home, Sheila Viers of Millers Creek, Jessica South and husband Denny of Hays; special friend, Clella Coffey of Hays; sister, Virginia Judy Holbrook of Traphill; eight grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Dehart Baptist Church with Rev. Junior Harrold and Rev. Tim Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Dehart Baptist Church from 1:00 until 2:00 on Thursday, prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

Pallbearers will be Marty Holbrook, William Walker, Bobby Absher, Denny South, Michael South and Jeffrey Wilmoth.

  Betty McManus, 87

Mrs. Betty Church McManus, age 87 of Wilkesboro, widow of Ernest McManus, Sr., passed away Sunday, December 25th, 2016 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held  2:00 PM, Thursday, December 29th, 2016 at Congo Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Luke Pyles and Rev. Ronnie McManus officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 unitl1:30 prior to the service at the church.

Mrs. McManus was born July 21, 1929 in Wilkes County to Mira Church. Mrs. McManus is a member of Congo Pentecostal Holiness Church.  

In addition to her mother and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter; Patricia McManus, two sons; Terry McManus and Norman McManus, two sisters and two brothers.

She is survived by four sons; Aubrey Dean McManus and wife Brenda of Purlear, Rodney McManus and wife Donna of Hays, Dwayne McManus and wife Sandy of North Wilkesboro, and Ernest McManus, Jr.  and wife Teresa Gail of Purlear, nine grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren and one sister; Ruth Smith of Boomer.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com

                                                                                                                                          Jerry Clinton Simmons, age 69

Mr. Jerry Clinton Simmons, age 69, of North Wilkesboro, died Saturday, December 24, 2016 at his home. He was born September 10, 1947 in Wilkes County to James Garfield and Opal Holder Simmons. He was a US Army Veteran. Mr. Simmons was preceded in death his parents; two brothers, Jimmy Dale Simmons and Dennis Simmons and sister, Judy Simmons.

Surviving is his daughter, Judith "Lynn" Simmons and fiancé, Bryan Icenhour of North Wilkesboro.

Memorial service will be private. The family has requested no flowers. Memorials may be made to the family. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

   Carly Shrewsbury, 24

Miss Carly Michelle Shrewsbury, age 24 of North Wilkesboro, passed December 24th, 2016.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, December 29th,  2016  at Reins Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Charles McKinney officiating. Burial will be in the Thomas Wayne Cemetery in Stephenson, WV. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 prior to the service at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Carly Shrewsbury was born February 28, 1992 in Raleigh County, WV, to Carl Lee and Ceretha Michelle McKinney. She was a homemaker.

Carly is survived by her Dad and Step-Mother; Carl Lee and Camellia Sue Shrewsbury of Yadkinville, her Mother; Ceretha Michelle McKinney of Amigo, WV., Companion; Jeff Greene of the home, one daughter; Payton McKinley Leigh Greene and one son; Jaxton Lee Greene of the home, one sister; Ashley Nicole Shrewsbury of Stephenson, WV, five brothers; Joshua Lee Shrewsbury of Stephenson, WV, Alan Andrews Shrewsbury and Cody Ray Tyler Shrewsbury of Yadkinville,  Zack and Jacob McKinney of Amigo, WV.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

  Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Miller Pardue

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Miller Pardue, age 82 of Roaring River, passed away December 24th, 2016 at Villages of Wilkes.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM Wednesday at Reins Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Charles Younce officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Clingman. The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 12:00 prior to the service at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Mrs. Pardue was born April 22, 1934 in Wilkes County to David Hampton and Laura Etta Barnes Miller. She was retired from Peerless Hosiery.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; JS Pardue, Jr., one daughter; Margie Lee Wright,  four brothers; Issac Miller, Maynard Miller, Phonso Miller and Philo Miller, five sisters; Elsie Tremble, Mae Combs, Hattie Wolfe, Chessie Bowlin and Johnsie Anderson.

She is survived by two daughters; Karen Wooten of Taylorsville and Diane Baldwin and husband Doug of Roaring River, one son; Julius Pardue III and wife Charlene Pardue of North Wilkesboro, grandchildren; John Tharpe and wife Trina, David Wooten and wife Angela, Leigh Ann Willard and husband Scott, Kathy Turner and husband Mike, Shane Baldwin and wife Fonda, Melissa Blankenship and husband Adam, Benji Baldwin, Mark Wooten and Sophia Pardue, fourteen great grandchildren, two sisters; Sadie Jarvis and Raydell Meeker  and one brother; Paul Miller and wife Mae.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Wilkes, PO Box  309, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

  Gozelle Ham, 91

Mrs.  Gozelle Andrews Ham

Born and raised on the family farm in Boomer, NC, Gozelle Andrews Ham or “Mama Ham”, as she was affectionately known, loved her family. She was fond of saying, “I am a simple country girl and proud of it”! Her wish to live out her days at home enjoying her gardens, nature, and songbirds was granted as she departed peacefully, Friday, December 23 in her home.

Gozelle was born on November 26, 1925 in Wilkes County to Nelson Coles and Ollie Margaret Earp Andrews.  She graduated from Wilkesboro High School and Appalachian State Teachers’ College where she received her degree in Library Science.  She served as librarian at Mooresville High School and at Wilkes Central High  School for 26 years, 1969-1995.  She was a loving mother, gardener, reader, enjoyed music and was physically active in water aerobics at the Wilkes YMCA.  She had a strong faith and was an active member of Little Rock Baptist Church.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Austin Ham; her parents; one sister, Ruby Andrews McGee; and one brother, John William Andrews.

She is survived by three daughters, Martha Ham Townes and husband, “B”, of Boomer, Margaret Ham Sturdivant and husband, Mike, of Pittsboro, and Rosemarie Ham Ziedonis, and husband, Arvids, of Boston, MA; one son, Karl Andrew Ham and wife, Holly, of Charlotte; and five grandchildren that she was “ humbly proud of”, Frederick William Townes V and wife Tina, Charlotte Louise Townes, Wesley Charles Sturdivant, Laura Beth Sturdivant, and Charles Austin Ham II; and one sister, Edna Andrews Weston of Boomer.

She was an inquisitive woman who read voraciously often marking various items with a friend or family members’ name and then mailing it to them with a well thought out occasional card. These were often accompanied by her desire to “have a little word of prayer when I next see you.” In addition to her love of home and family, she enjoyed traveling having ventured to Boston a few months ago to see family members and their homes. Her keen sense of sight and interest in many things would often surprise those with her as she pointed out details that others did not see.

She was proud of her 91 years of independence and left a short hand written note to her family stating that “although she might not move as fast as she once did, she saw more along the way!”

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM Monday, December 26, 2016 at Little Rock Baptist Church, Boomer, NC, with the Rev. Robert Livingston officiating.  Burial was in the church cemetery.  The family received friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Flowers are accepted or memorials made to Little Rock Baptist Church, 248 Little Rock Church Road, Boomer NC 28606 or to the Donors Choice.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

  Michelle Brown, 39

Mrs. Michelle Curry Brown, age 39 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Friday, December 23rd, 2016 at her home.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 Tuesday, December 27th, 2016 at Fishing Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Cardwell officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Monday evening at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; Isaac and Mary Andrea Wiles Curry.

Mrs. Brown was born September 10, 1977 in Wilkes County to Phillip Curry and Gail Wallingford Curry. She was employed by State Employees Credit Union. Mrs. Brown was a member of Fishing Creek Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband Alan Dale Brown of the home, her Dad and Step-Mother;  Phillip and Linda Shumate Curry of North Wilkesboro, her Mother and Step-Father; Gail Wallingford Hagarty and husband Mike of Prosser Washington, one son; Konner Brown of the home, two step daughters; Mary and Molly Brown both of North Wilkesboro, one sister; Donna Simpson and husband, Mike of North Wilkesboro, two brothers; Matthew Curry and wife Charlene of Moravian Falls and Timothy Curry and wife Monica of North Wilkesboro, one step brother; Robert Billings and wife Judy of Mt. Holly, Grandparents; Glen and Pauline Wallingford of Grandview, WA and  Nieces and Nephews; Taylor, Emma and Abby, Isabelle and Isaac, Jared, Zane and Chloe.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Fishing Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Frieda Smithey 925 Old Hwy 60, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 or Relay for Life SECU Fat Cats Team c/o Annette Battle PO Box 9, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant. Com

  Paula Adams, 51

Mrs. Paula Gwyn Johnson Adams, 51, of Wilkesboro, passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2016.

Paula was born on Sunday, September 12, 1965 in Wilkes County.

Paula is preceded in death by her sister, Carrie Lynn Johnson.

Paula is survived by her son, Steven Chad Adams and wife, Monica of Wilkesboro; brother, A.D. Triplett Jr. of Wilkesboro; sister, Wendy Thomas and husband, Gary of Florida; grandchildren, Johnny and Lilly Adams of Wilkesboro and a close friend, Stevie Adams.

Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com

Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes has the honor of serving the Adams Family.  

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13 Unexpected uses for Inexpensive Direct cremation

The pain of losing your loved one can deteriorate your mental and emotional health- sudden or untimely death is even worse. However, there are several funeral options and ways to lay your loved ones to choose from. The inexpensive direct cremation method is the best bet when it comes to choosing cost-friendly and environmental-friendly options. A direct cremation service doesn't require any funeral service, attendees, or prior ceremony. The ashes collected after the cremation service will be handed back to the dead person's family. Their families can dispose of them or preserve them as they fit as per family traditions and customs. If you have settled for organizing an inexpensive direct cremation, several direct cremation services have your back. It's the most suitable alternative for people who aren't willing to go for lengthy and traditional funeral services. This alternative is simple, cost-friendly, and free from a specific funeral process such as procession, minister speeches at the cemetery, and pallbearers. The cost of formal funerals is extremely high, but direct cremation services are affordable. Besides, you won't have to bear the unnecessary costs of renting cemeteries, transporting friends, family, well-wishers, or pallbearers. However, you can organize a service post-cremation either by choice or as per family rituals. Families can feel overwhelmed when organizing a funeral, especially if it's a large one. Besides, the emotional burden at the time of burial preparations can seem daunting and altogether exhausting.

On the contrary, direct cremation is a straightforward and quick process. Thus, you can save resources and time. It's highly flexible as it can allow you to conduct a memorial service according to your convenience. Families will be allowed to hold a memorial to express their love towards their loved ones even after the funeral. Although this decision won't be considered mandatory, it will equip the relatives with ample time to travel from countries worldwide. Conventional underground burials can have adverse impacts on the environment. The chemicals used to preserve corpses before burying them inside the grave can have adverse environmental impacts. The toxins wrapped around the body can penetrate the soil and eventually move to nearby water bodies or trees. More importantly, creating a separate space for a cemetery can involve the chopping down of several trees. A person buried within a casket can't follow you around. Due to the presence of direct cremation methods, the ashes can become mobile and portable. Also, you can divide these ashes among all family remembers, which can be preserved as a souvenir of their loved ones.

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Andrew "Drew" Remmie Lands

Andrew “Drew” Rennie Lands, 51, died Thursday, August 13, 2020 at his home. Born April 5, 1969 in Spartanburg, he was the son of the late James Renny Lands and the late Sherry Alverson Haire. He is survived by his step-mother, Linda Lands of Piedmont, SC; half-brother, Matthew Lands of Arden, NC; half-sister, Erin Haire of Spartanburg. In addition, are special friends and neighbors, Jim McNulty, who walked frequently with Drew and has adopted his faithful dog, Ellie, and Evelyn Doolittle, who watched out for Drew after the death of his grandmother, Lois Dobbins Lands in 2005. Drew was a dedicated member of Central United Methodist church where he was a member of the Upper Room Sunday School Class and for the last four years had been the Superintendent of the Sunday School. He considered the membership of Central as his extended family and had taken pictures of nearly every member over the years. Drew was afflicted with spina-bifida his entire life and never complained of his difficulty with mobility or other effects of the disease. He walked all over Spartanburg, loved the Cottonwood Trail, Hatcher Gardens, and was frequently given rides by strangers or friends which he readily accepted. He always asked those people about their family origins, how long they had lived in Spartanburg, and often quizzed them on their interests. Drew was known by most of the research librarians at the Spartanburg County Public Library who helped him with Spartanburg history, origins of buildings, and genealogy. His formal education was at the Charles Lea Center and Carver Junior High School, but he never stopped learning. He was an avid bird watcher and could identify the calls of any song bird. Drew was fond of cooking, and flower arranging, often surprising neighbors or friends with beautiful bouquets or even a single flower. He also collected recipes, enjoyed cooking some of them, and recently searched the internet for Italian and French cooking specialties. He had a burning desire to learn new things and watched nature shows on ETV from 8 until 10 every Wednesday evening. An outdoor memorial service will be held at 11:00AM, Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at the amphitheater and columbarium in Central Park, behind Central United Methodist Church, 233 North Church Street, Spartanburg. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Norrell. Social distancing will be practiced. Donations in Drew’s memory may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 233 North Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306. The J. F. Floyd Mortuary from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral

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Margaret "Marge" Fay

Margaret “Marge” Fay, 93, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2020, at a retirement home in Spartanburg, SC. She was born in Alabama and was a professional solo vocalist and teacher before moving to Atlanta in 1951, where, she met and married Robert (Bob) Fay in 1953. For the next 10 years they moved several times for Bob’s ALCO Locomotive job before settling in Spartanburg in 1963 when Bob joined Milliken Research Corporation. For 50 years they lived in Duncan Park, where they raised six children. Marge was highly involved with the music program at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Spartanburg for a period of 42 years. She helped start a choir there and held many other positions such as organist and choir director. She was a member of the American Guild of Organists for 30 years, as well as a number of other music organizations. Marge was also the organ accompanist at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saxon Avenue for 12 years (starting in 2000). She volunteered to help with Job Corp and other charitable organizations. Marge is survived by four sons, one daughter, and nine grandchildren: Robert (wife Joanne); Joseph, deceased; Patrick (wife Joyce), children Matthew, Jeffrey, and Brian; Michael (wife Wendy), children Holly, Nicole, and Max; Timothy (wife Thanh), daughter Molly; and Mary Stockham (husband Erik), children Robert and William. In these times of coronavirus, a service is not planned. We hope to have a memorial service in the future. The J. F. Floyd Mortuary will be handling the arrangements. An online guest register is available at FloydMortuary.com to leave the family a note. Marge will be interred beside her husband at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, and in line with our parents’ long-standing charity work, may we suggest donations to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 161 N. Dean Street, Spartanburg SC 29302 or Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg SC 29304 or to a charity of one’s choice. Marge always had an upbeat spirit and loved to joke. All her children will miss her, but we’re glad she’s with Dad now. The J. F. Floyd Mortuary from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral

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Florence L. Twitty

Florence Carter Lerch Twitty, 70, of Spartanburg, SC, died Tuesday, April 28, 2020 after several years of declining health. She was a lifelong resident of Spartanburg and Converse Heights. An only child, she was born November 30, 1949, the daughter of the late Weldon Craig Twitty and Florence Louise Carter Lerch Twitty. Florence was educated in the public schools. She attended St. Mary’s College in Raleigh and graduated from Converse College in 1972. She taught at Byrnes High School for several years. A lifelong member of the Church of the Advent, Florence spent hours each week arranging flowers for the Altar and Flower Guilds of her beloved church. For many years she was the supply chairman for the Flower Guild and her car was often full of fresh flowers being prepared for arrangements for Sunday services, receptions, funerals and weddings and other special occasions such as the Maundy Thursday Garden of Repose at the Advent. She created table arrangements for the church’s popular holiday bazaar. Florence was involved in the creation of the Bereavement Ministry of the Guild of St. Frances and St. Clare. Florence was always available to do absolutely everything asked of her for the Flower Guild. She never refused a job for the Guild. Almost as important to Florence was her membership in the Battle of Cowpens Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She served as treasurer and regent several times. She had documented eight Revolutionary Patriots in her ancestry. She joined the chapter in her early 20’s and had been a member of the Children of the American Revolution as well. She was a member and former registrar of the Oliver Edwards Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. An emeritus member of The Assembly, she chaired several committees, including the Decorations Committee where she offered her flower arranging artistry. She was a former member of the Junior League of Spartanburg. Florence was skilled in all the needle arts and created beautiful Christmas ornaments, many especially for the Regional Hospice House Christmas tree decorations. Florence had a generous heart and a quick wit. She will be missed by her many friends who loved her. A graveside service will be conducted in The Episcopal Church of the Advent cemetery, by The Rev. J. Edward Morris. In lieu of flowers, Florence’s friends suggest memorials be made to Flower Guild, Episcopal Church of the Advent, 141 Advent Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral

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Louise Elizabeth Tower

Louise Elizabeth Curry Tower, 97, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020, at home with her daughter, Ellouise, by her side. Louise was born on June 15, 1922, in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Carl and Louse Jones Curry. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Elwood “Woody” Tower and one granddaughter, Krista Renee Tower-Bailey. Louise attended the City of Pittsburgh schools, graduating from Taylor Alderdice High School. She went on to study art at Carnegie Institute under Joseph C. Fitzpatrick. She was also a Floral arranger, designing the flower arrangements for many weddings and other special occasions over the years. Louise loved to travel. She and Woody went to Europe and the British Isles. They took Caribbean Cruises and traveled in Canada. They made many friends on these trips and one year they swapped houses with English friends for several months. After Woody passed away, Louise continued her travels with daughter Ellouise. Trips to Ireland and to the Holy Land; and, a ride on the Orient Express were highlights during this period of travel. Louise loved the church and was active throughout her life. Louise and Woody raised their family in Coraopolis, PA and were active members of The United Methodist Church in that community. After the children were raised Woody wanted to move back to the church of his youth and Louise and Elwood became members of Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Pittsburgh. They maintained their affiliation with the Episcopal Church, while living in Florida and finally in Spartanburg, where they became members of St. Matthews Episcopal Church. They were always part of the choirs and both served in a variety of capacities. Survivors include her son, David Tower and wife, Barbara; her daughter, Ellouise Tower; seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; nephews, Jack Stevenson and husband, Rob Bridges; R. Craig Tower and wife Maureen; her half-brother, Rick Curry; and her half-sister, Carla Albright. A private service will be held in the Saint Matthew Memorial Garden, with Father Rob Brown and Father Paul Abernathy officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Brotherhood of St. Matthews, 101 St. Matthew’s Lane, Spartanburg, SC, 29301. Over the years since Woody’s passing, The Brotherhood came to the rescue on many occasions, for yard work, home repair, and maintenance. Louise was so grateful to them, or Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Dr, Spartanburg, SC, 29303. Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral

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Nancy Meadows Willis

Nancy Meadows Willis, 85, died Thursday, March 19, 2020, at her home. Arrangements at a later date. from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral

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Peggy Nolan Johnson

Peggy Nolan Johnson, 75, of Spartanburg, SC, died Thursday, January 2, 2020 at her home. Born December 23, 1944 in Spartanburg, SC, she was the daughter of the late Roy Herbert Nolan, Sr. and late Mary Catherine Floyd Nolan. Peggy was a 1963 Spartanburg High School graduate and 1965 USC Nursing School graduate. She was a member of North Spartanburg First Baptist Church and Bethel United Methodist Church, and a member of the choir. She loved crafts and Pinterest, creating floral arrangements, travel, and Celtic music and she was a gifted singer. She was Mimi to her grandchildren, whom she loved spending time with. Her favorite thing to do with Will was to poke his cheek and say “Poke” instead of a kiss. Survivors include her daughters, Katrina D. Jones (Bobbie) and Kristina J. Belcher (Todd); love children, Jennifer J. Womick (Ben) and Robert L. Johnson, III (Jennie), all of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren, Caitlan Health (Zachary), Kelly Jones (Adam), Jessi Andrews, Sarah Emerson (Cory), Zachary Belcher, Bobbie Jones (Ashley), Joshua Belcher, and Catherine Fountain; great grandchildren, Max Heath, Finn Heath, Chloe Andrews, Amber Jones, Brandon Jones, Riley Jones, and Lily Jones; her siblings, Floyd D. Nolan (Harriet) of Spartanburg, SC, Sandra N. Grayshock (Dan) of Inman, SC, and R. Herbert Nolan, Jr. (Janet) of Woodruff, SC. She was predeceased by her former husband, Robert Lee Johnson, Jr. A visitation will be at 6:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday, January 5, 2020 at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM Monday, January 6, 2019 at the chapel, conducted by The Rev. Sal Barrone. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. The family will be at the home of daughter, Kristy Belcher. Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral

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Ireta Jean Levine

Ireta Jean Fortner Levine, 94, of Spartanburg, SC, died Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at Spartanburg Medical Center. Born February 16, 1925, in Monongah, WV, she was the daughter of the late Harold Campbell Fortner Sr. and Winifred Grace Fleming Fortner and widow of Max Levine. She and Max were married for more than 40 years. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family and a descendent of the Fleming family who settled Marion County West Virginia. A graduate of West Virginia Business College, Mrs. Levine was the former owner/operator of Price’s Ladies Clothing Store in downtown Fairmont for over 40 years. She was a longtime Fairmont resident and made her home with her daughter’s family in Spartanburg, SC for the last 28 years. Survivors include her daughter, Dr. Beth E. Levine-Ringel and husband, Dr. Robert A. Ringel of the home; grandchildren, Aaron M. Ringel of Charleston, SC, Joseph A. Ringel and Jonathan I. Ringel of the home; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a son, Nathan E. Levine; sister, Laura Lee Fortner; and brothers, James Fortner, Harold C. “Bud” Fortner Jr. and Jack G. Fortner. A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 PM Friday, November 1, 2019, in Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, 1290 Fairmont Rd., Morgantown, WV 26501, by Mr. Benny Allison. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements in West Virginia are being handled by Domico Funeral Home. Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral

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Galynne Gregory Trivette

Galynne “Lynne” Gregory Trivette, 72, of Spartanburg entered the Kingdom of Heaven Thursday, July 18, 2019 in the care of the ICU nursing staff of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s Mary Black Campus. Born March 3, 1947 in Spartanburg, South Carolina to the late Reverend Gary Guy Gregory and Hilda Cannon Gregory, Lynne was a graduate of Hilderbran High School who earned undergraduate degrees from Brevard College and Pfeiffer University and graduate degrees in education and language arts from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. A retired educator with 41 years of teaching experience in the Roman County, High Point City, Guildford County, and Polk County Public School Systems of North Carolina and Spartanburg County Schools of South Carolina, Lynne spent most of her career as a teacher at Johnson Street Elementary School in High Point, North Carolina where she served as the school’s Lead Teacher and Principal Pro Temp for nearly two decades. Her educational career also included professorship at Guilford Technical College, Asheville Buncombe Technical College, and Greensboro College. She concluded her career as a substitute teacher in Polk County from where she retired in 2010. During her teaching career Lynne received numerous honors including the prestigious “Time Warner Crystal Apple” award as one of Time Warner’s top 15 public school educators in the nation, was 14 times the single highest performing teacher in End of Grade testing scores by her students in the state of North Carolina, and, along with her team of Diane Love, John Ruth, and Richard McCormick at Polk County Middle School achieved nationwide recognition for superior advancement in testing results. A gifted musician named “Most Talented” by her peers in high school, and in Brevard College and Pfeiffer University, she greatly enjoyed performing on the piano and organ as well as arranging music. A church organist and professional accompanist for nearly four decades, her talent was dedicated to serving her fellow man and the Lord as she donated her entire salary for her professional services to the churches she served. Lynne also enjoyed gardening, reading, and above all else her family. Much of her free time was spent around a kitchen table playing a heated game of Scrabble with her aunts, providing end-of-life care to members of her extended family; and foremost, dedicated to the quality of life of her children. Lynne was preceded in death by the parents, Reverend Gary & Hilda Gregory, and her 10-year senior brother, Gary Dennis Gregory. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Jonathan L. Trivette of Salisbury, NC, daughter, Anna Leigh Chan (David) of Inman, SC, son, Jonathan Gregory Trivette of High Point, NC, and niece Suzanne Armistead of Maysville, GA. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 28, between 3:00PM and 3:45PM at Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel located at 235 N Church St, Spartanburg, SC (29306). A memorial service will follow at the same location beginning at 4:00PM officiated by Dr. Dornswalo McCorey of Chesapeake, VA and Mr. Jonathan G. Trivette with music provided by Ms. Dorian McCorey of Greensboro, NC. Private interment with scripture and prayer lead by Mrs. Margarette Bell Miller and words of remembrance by Mrs. Anna Chan will be held privately at Whitney Community Cemetery. Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral

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Andrew "Drew" Johnston

Andrew Boineau Johnston, 33, of Gaffney, SC, died Thursday, July 4, 2019. Born October 2, 1985 in Florence, SC, he was the son of Andy and Susan Pierce Johnston and the husband of Emily Cash Johnston. Drew was always a free spirit, and now he is truly free. Drew attended Spartanburg Community College, Limestone College, and University of South Carolina Spartanburg. He worked in Information Technology and the restaurant industry. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church. Along with his parents and wife, survivors include his son, Andrew Cash Johnston; Drew and Emily are expecting their second child, due in February 2020; two brothers, Will Johnston and Ben Johnston; a sister, Kathryn Johnston, all of Charleston, SC; his maternal grandmother, Kathryn Spivey of Bristol, TN; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chuck and Ruth Ann Cash of Gaffney, SC; and sister-in-law, Mary Grier Cash of Gaffney, SC; and several cousins, aunts and uncles. Arrangements for a Memorial service will be announced at a later date. The family will be at their respective homes. Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral