Monthly Archives: February 2026
Courier Obituaries 2-11-26
LAVANT PADGETT
LIBERTY — Houston Lavant Padgett, 78, of Liberty, passed away on Feb. 4, 2026. 
Lavant was born on Jan. 8, 1948, in Walhalla, to Joe and Edith Padgett.
Along with his family, Lavant moved to Pickens, in sixth grade, where he graduated from Pickens High School in 1967. He began working for Winn-Dixie as a teenager and, after 30 years of service, he retired in 2004. Lavant returned to work at Duke Power. Years later, he began attending Tri-County Technical College in pursuit of an associates degree.
Lavant is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kay Padgett; two sons, Steve Padgett (Michelle) and Nick Padgett (Brittany); and his brother, Joe Padgett (Faye). Lavant was a dedicated grandfather to Bailey, Riley, Ella and Beau. He was predeceased by two sisters, Patsy Connelly and Faye Durham.
Lavant was loved by all; his light touched many lives. He was a man of God who befriended and mentored many. He served as a city of Liberty councilman for 11 years. Lavant strived to do the best for Liberty and wanted to see the city prosper. Lavant was a faithful member of East Side Baptist Church, serving as a former deacon, usher and security member.
The family hosted a memorial service on Feb. 8 at East Side Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Side Baptist Church Capital Improvement Fund, 920 Anderson Drive, Liberty SC 29657.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
GARY WHITLOCK
LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Franklin Whitlock, 84, of Liberty, who departed this life on Feb. 4, 2026.
Born on Jan. 31, 1942, in Liberty, he was a son of the late Marion and Inez Gaines
Easley students advance in Legion oratorical competition
EASLEY — The American Legion Post 52 of Easley and Post 67 of Liberty jointly sponsored two students to participate in the American Legion Oratorical Scholarship 
program.
Members of the posts heard speeches on Jan. 24 at Geer Memorial Baptist Church from Julia Menendez and Connor Sparks. Both are sophomore students at Easley High School.
Beginning in 1938, the purpose of
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Deep Winter Blues Festival returns
PICKENS — The soulful sounds of the blues will once again echo through the hills of 
the Upstate as the 2026 Deep Winter Blues Festival returns to Hagood Mill Historic Site on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Now a beloved winter tradition, the Deep Winter Blues Festival celebrates the rich roots
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Business of the month
Unique Finds, a vintage variety store was recently named as the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce’s February Business of the Month. If you love discovering one-of-a-kind treasures, this is a must-visit shop. Located in downtown Pickens at 213 E Main St., Unique Finds is bringing vintage to a whole new level. They are open Wednesday–Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Pictured from L-R: Meechi Green (Board Member), David Michel (Chamber President), Bryan Owens (Chamber Executive Director), Cristine Wilkinson (Owner), Samantha Scott (Board Member), and Ivy Michel (Chamber Ambassador).
Community Calendar 2-11-26
• Food pantry hours announced at PPC
The Food Pantry at Pickens Presbyterian Church is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To receive food, individuals must present a valid ID showing residency in Pickens County. Pickens Presbyterian Church is located at 311 W. Main St. in Pickens.
• Pickens Rotary meets Wednesdays
The Rotary Club of Pickens meets at 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Pickens County
Courier Trespass Notices 2-11-26
In the state of South Carolina, trespass after notice is a misdemeanor criminal offense prohibited by section 16-11-620 for the South Carolina Code.
Those who enter upon the lands of others without the permission of the owner or manager shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor trespassing. All persons are hereby notified and warned not to hunt, fish, cut timber or trespass in any manner whatsoever upon the lands of the undersigned:
Violet K. and
Clarence G. Simmons. Jr. Feb. 2026
Dollie G. Morris Mar. 2026
L.C. Russell Mar. 2026
Pamela Dodson April 2026
Betty L. Haynes April 2026
Courier Notice to Creditors 2-11-26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
OF ESTATES
All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on Form #371ES with the Probate Court of PICKENS COUNTY, the address of which is 222 MCDANIEL AVE., B-16 PICKENS, SC 29671, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.
Estate: Joyce Clara Bolger
Date of Death: 11/1/2025
Case Number: 2025ES3900863
Personal Representative:
Nancy B. Bolger
Address: 200 Cottonwood Lane, Clemson, SC 29631
Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11
Estate: Corinne B. Cannon
Courier Legal Notices 2-11-26
Summons, Notice of Filing of Complaint, and Notice of Order Appointing
Guardian Ad Litem.
State of South Carolina,
County of Pickens,
Court of Common Pleas
CASE NO. 2025CP3901568.
Dora L. Pacheco Hernandez and Pedro Ortega Ortega v. Nancy Finley, Nathan Finley, Charlotte Renee Murray; the heirs or devisees of Steven Wylie Finley, deceased; the heirs or devisees of Heath Finley, deceased; and all others claiming any right, title, or
