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Merck discusses SDPC leadership

Merck discusses SDPC leadership

By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com EASLEY — School District of Pickens County superintendent Danny Merck recently shared priorities and More »

This week in the PICKENS COUNTY COURIER’s FOOTBALL FRENZY Sponsored by MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS

This week in the PICKENS COUNTY COURIER’s FOOTBALL FRENZY Sponsored by MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS

COUNTY KINGS Lions take down county rival Pickens in battle of unbeatens Also inside: Laurens Keeps Wave Winless In Region More »

Appalachian Folk Festival this week

Appalachian Folk Festival this week

PICKENS — The fourth annual Pickens Appalachian Folk Festival will return Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, at the Heritage Pavilion More »

United Christian Ministries seeing increased need

United Christian Ministries seeing increased need

By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com EASLEY — As costs continue to rise, each dollar that United Christian Ministries uses More »

Halloween block party planned on E. Cedar Rock Street, Pickens

Halloween block party planned on E. Cedar Rock Street, Pickens

PICKENS — Families are invited to celebrate Halloween with candy, sweet treats and costumed characters at the  annual Wilson’s Spooktacular, More »

 

Pickens PD mourns beloved officer

By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com

PICKENS — The Pickens Police Department is mourning the death of one of its reserve officers.

Brandon Eich’s passing was announced in a release issued Tuesday morning.

“It is with profound sadness that the Pickens Police Department announces the passing of our dearest friend and Reserve Officer Brandon Eich,” the release said, adding that Eich died Monday after a medical emergency while traveling home from work.

“Brandon was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor who

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President Comes to Pickens County today!

Merck discusses SDPC leadership

By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com

EASLEY — School District of Pickens County superintendent Danny Merck recently shared priorities and gave an update on a current project in the district that will aid both students and area adults.

Merck spoke Oct. 8 at the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce’s State of Education luncheon.

Prior to being named district superintendent, a role Merck has served in for 13 years, his educational experience included stints as teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.

A principal recently told Merck he attributed a rise in math scores to the high-

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This week in the PICKENS COUNTY COURIER’s FOOTBALL FRENZY Sponsored by MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS

COUNTY KINGS

Lions take down county rival Pickens in battle of unbeatens

Also inside:

Laurens Keeps Wave Winless In Region
Crescent Ends Liberty Winning Streak
Flame Falter In First Loss
Tigers Shut Out Charleston Southern

All this and more in this week’s FOOTBALL FRENZY, sponsored by Mountain View Funerals and Cremations available only in the Pickens County Courier.

Do not miss a single issue by grabbing a copy at a convenience, grocery or drug store near you. You can also subscribe and have your Pickens County Courier delivered each week right to your mailbox for only $41 per year (in Pickens County).

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Pickens police fundraising to honor teacher

By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — The Pickens Police Department is marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month by raising funds for Pickens Elementary in honor of a teacher who died earlier this year after a battle with the disease.

School resource officer Ashley Anderson discussed the fundraising effort with the Courier on Oct. 14. She and other officers had been staffing a

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Appalachian Folk Festival this week

PICKENS — The fourth annual Pickens Appalachian Folk Festival will return Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, at the Heritage Pavilion at Hagood Mill.

The two-day event will celebrate the music, dance, craftsmanship, foodways and community spirit that define the Appalachian heritage of Pickens and the surrounding Upstate region.

Friday’s festival hours are 6-8:30 p.m., followed by a full day of activities Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Visitors can expect live entertainment,

United Christian Ministries seeing increased need

By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com

EASLEY — As costs continue to rise, each dollar that United Christian Ministries uses to help those in need in the area is stretched further.

United Christian Ministries executive director Melanie Johnson discussed needs at UCM’s fifth annual Ministry Breakfast on Oct. 13.

“We have significantly increased how much we’re helping with rent this year,” she said. “The needs are extremely high.”

Johnson said UCM’s mission, “first and foremost,” is to “show

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The narrow path is the way of love and life

It seems the two topics that cause the most anger and division are politics and religion.

I remember years ago speaking with an elderly man who was fondly known around town as friendly, successful and wise, and he told me these were the two areas that he refused to discuss. He said that no matter which side a person openly stands for, you

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Wake up, get up, speak up

Jonah 1:5 “Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.”

My uncle once said “I do my best worrying in the middle of the night.” Supposing it runs in the family to make light of unpleasant situations, dealing with memories can be good or bad.

At some point in time, I realized, when I wake up at two am and fully know I’m not going back to sleep, the best recourse is to get up and do something.

Going to the shop it’s easy to find jobs I didn’t finish yesterday or new tasks

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Courier Obituaries 10-21-26

MARGARET RENEE WATSON

SIX MILE — In loving memory of Margaret Renee Watson — “I love you to the Moon and Back.”

Margaret was a sweet, loving soul with a heart bigger than words could describe. She was always giving, always loving and always willing to open her home to anyone who needed a place to stay or a warm meal. She made people feel welcome and loved, and her kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Family was everything to Margaret. Her brother, Wilton, was her best friend, and their special bond was a beautiful part of her life. She also leaves behind her sister, Denise, and they shared a bond only sisters can truly understand.

Margaret was a devoted, loving mother to Keshia and Michael, whom she loved with all her heart. She believed family was not measured by blood alone, but by the love we carry in our hearts. She welcomed people into her life and loved them as her own, showing everyone around her what unconditional love truly means.

And then there were her grandbabies, Kane and NayNay, who brought her joy that overflowed from the depths of her heart. She was also blessed with a son-in-law, Dylan, who would sit with her just to be with her, proving that our time is one of our greatest gifts.

She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Laura, whom she loved deeply. Along with nieces and nephews, Heath, Josh, Lacey, Paige, Courtney and Trey, each of them were a special part of the family that she cherished.

Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved Mama, Carol Watson. She leaves behind her Daddy, Wilton Watson, whose heart now carries the unimaginable pain of losing his daughter. May Jesus give him strength, comfort and peace in the days ahead.

In her final days, Margaret shared words that will forever remain in our hearts: “I’m ready to go home to see Jesus and my Mama.” These words bring comfort, knowing her faith was strong and trusting that she is now at peace in the arms of her Savior.

Rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus, sweet Margaret. Give Mama a hug from us. We love you to the moon and back, and until we meet again, you will forever be loved and never forgotten.

A celebration of life honoring Margaret was held on Oct. 19 at Pickens Church of God. Family and friends were invited to come celebrate Margaret’s life and honor the love she gave to so many.

BETTY KEASLER CRENSHAW

PICKENS — Betty Keasler Crenshaw, a lifelong resident of Pickens, passed away on Oct. 12, 2026, at the age of 96.

Born on Oct. 30, 1929, in Pickens, Betty was the daughter of the late Inez and George W. Keesler. She grew up alongside her eight siblings in a home grounded in the love of Christ. So devoted was she to her family that her siblings often referred to her as their second mom.

Betty earned her master’s degree in education and dedicated more than 40 years to serving the Pickens County School District as a beloved teacher and counselor. Music was also a lifelong passion. Her grandfather taught her to play the piano, and at just 13 years old, she began playing for her church, a ministry she continued for more than 60 years. Each night, her father would ask her to play his favorite songs before bedtime.

Known for her kind and loving nature, Betty cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a special love for shoes, particularly a good pair of heels, and remained active well into her later years, walking more than two miles a day until she was no longer able to do so. She also found great joy in singing and reading.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Deborah Allgood (Eddie) of Pickens, two grandchildren, Jenny Crain (Phillip) and Katie Boiter (Travis); and five great-grandchildren, Will Crain, Kaylin Gosnell (Braden), Emma Boiter, Mckenzie Boiter and Carson Boiter. She is also survived by her sisters, Thaylia Oberstar, Shelby Williams (Phil) and Carolyn Lesley; brothers, Bailey Keasler and Tommy Keasler (Angela); and sisters-in-law, Judy Keasler and Bernice Keasler.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Theron Johnson Crenshaw; brothers, Bill Keasler, Morris Keasler (Betty Jo) and Dennis Keasler; and brothers-in-law, Joe Lesley and Joe Oberstar.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crescent Hill Baptist Church, 115 Crescent Hill Drive, Pickens.

Services for Betty were held on Oct. 16 at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home and Hillcrest Memorial Park.

SUSAN S WEBB

PICKENS — Susan S Webb passed on Oct. 13, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by her family.

Susan was born on March 20, 1947, in Greenville, to the late Aubrey M. and Ruth Thompson Sightler. She was a faithful member of Elljean Baptist Church. Susan loved reading her Bible, doing community and mission work and serving her Lord. She had a servant’s heart and was always willing to give of her time, resources, and belongings to help others for the Glory of God. She served quietly in the background and would share the Gospel with everyone she came in contact with. Susan cherished the time she got to spend with her family and loved them well. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Susan is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Danny Webb; two children, Andrew “Andy” Webb and Ruthi Wylie (Adam); three grandchildren, Levi Webb (Kayley), Sarah Wylie Boone (Dean) and Luke Wylie (Janelle).

In addition to her parents, Susan was preceded in death by a grandchild, Nathan Wylie; and three siblings, Irene Lawson, Aubrey “Skebo” Sightler and Johnny Sightler.

A graveside service was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park on Oct. 18.

 

LOYD RUSSELL MICHAEL

EASLEY — Lloyd Russell Michael, of Easley, passed on Oct. 18, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born on July 23, 1938, to the late Kenneth Russell Michael and Ann Katherine Everett.

Lloyd honorably served in the United States Army, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service. Throughout his military career, he served as a Light Wheel Vehicle/Power Generation Mechanic and later as a Tank Systems Mechanic. His commitment and service to his country were recognized through numerous military honors, including but not limited to the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Overseas Service Bars.

Lloyd and his wife, Ruth, loved attending church and worshiping together. Lloyd led his family with a strong faith, and an unwavering dedication to his