HARRISON ‘HARRY’ REECE HOLLADAY JR.

CENTRAL — Harrison “Harry” Reece Holladay Jr., 85, of Central, passed away on Sept. 4, 2025. He was born in Pickens County to the late Harrison Reece Holladay Sr. and Addie Lee Nimmons Holladay.

Harry earned a master’s degree in education, which underscored his commitment to learning and teaching. Additionally, Harry proudly served in the Navy for four years, displaying his love for his country.

Harry was a dedicated teacher for 35 years, sharing his knowledge and passion for education with many students. His commitment to his community extended beyond the classroom; he was a longtime member of the Central Town Council, starting his service on Oct. 1, 1984, and remarkably serving for 34 years.

Harry’s leadership qualities were evident when he was elected mayor of Central in 2001, a role he held from 2002-06. Throughout his time in public service, he was known for being loving, generous and outgoing. These traits made a lasting impact on those around him.

Harry had a heart for ministry; he loved handing out Gospel tracts and participated in several missionary trips to various places, including the Dominican Republic, Russia and several states across the U.S.

Harry is survived by his cherished wife of more than 46 years, Sheila Hanna Holladay; son, Trey Holladay; daughters, Katina Pridemore (Will), Amy Norris (Brad) and Courtney Bailey (Brock); grandchildren, Emma Norris, Ean Norris, Eli Marshall, Tristan Marshall, Cecilia Marshall, Daniel Bailey, Rachel Bailey and Tommy Pridemore (Thayna); and sister, Gloria Boggs.

In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his brother, Doug Holladay.

A visitation will be held at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12.

A celebration of life will be held the following day, Saturday, Sept. 13, at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, starting at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Released Time Bible Education (pcreleasedtime.com).

 

GLADYS LOUISE HARKINS WILLIAMS

EASLEY — Gladys Louise Harkins Williams, 95, wife of the late Raymond Wyatt Williams, of Easley, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025.

Born on Aug. 5, 1930, in Anderson County, Mrs. Williams was a daughter of the late John Walter and Helen Louise Ellenburg Harkins.

Mrs. Williams graduated from Liberty High School in 1947 and later retired from Artistic Builders Inc., where she was the office manager for many years. She was one of the company’s most valuable assets.

Mrs. Williams was the oldest surviving member of Smith Grove Baptist Church in Liberty, joining the church in April 1942. Mrs. Williams was a very active member as long as her health allowed. She was very active serving, as treasurer and secretary of the church as well as a Sunday school teacher.

Mrs. Williams is survived by sisters, Annie Ruth Harkins Whitlock, Bertie Mae Harkins Gibson and Laura Ellen Harkins McDonald, all of Easley. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, all of whom she dearly loved.

In addition to her loving husband of 66 years and her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, James Edward Harkins and Franklin Junior Harkins.

Funeral services were held Sept. 6 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with a private family burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.

Memorials may be made to the Smith Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1220 Smith Grove Road, Liberty, SC 29657.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

 

ROSSER SIDNEY ‘JR’ THOMAS JR.

EASLEY — Rosser Sidney “JR” Thomas Jr., 72 of Easley, passed away on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at his home.

JR proudly declared Christ as his Lord and Savior and lived each day with faith guiding his steps. He was a proud dad to his two daughters and a beaming Pop Pop to his five grandkids. He received the gift of life from a double lung transplant on July 12, 2018. JR enjoyed spending time fishing, playing golf, cheering on the Tar Heels, watching volleyball and listening to classic rock. Above all, he loved to relax at the beach with his family.

A loyal friend, he enjoyed making his famous BBQ and sharing it with his friends and family. “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

JR is survived by his wife of almost 43 wonderful years, Ann McKnight Thomas; daughter, Jessica Talbert (Shane); daughter, Melissa Baker (Justin); grandchildren, Hallie Talbert (Corbin), Charlotte Baker, Riley Talbert, Sidney Baker and Jordan Rhett Baker; and sisters, Marilyn Thomas and Jo May (Ricky).

JR was preceded in death by his mother, Belle Wicker Thomas; father, Rosser Sidney Thomas; brother-in-law, John B. Thomas; and mother-in-law, Joan M. McKnight.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 12 at St. Andrew Methodist Church, located at 309 Pelzer Highway in Easley. A receiving of friends will be held from 9:30-11 a.m.

An additional celebration of life will be held in Sanford, N.C., on Oct. 25.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew Methodist Church or the Make a Wish Foundation.

Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the family.

 

 

ELIZABETH DUNCAN LESLEY

PICKENS — Elizabeth Duncan Lesley, 76, of Pickens, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

Born in Baltimore, Md., on Nov. 11, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Marie and Clarence Duncan. She loved reading and had a special appreciation for literature written by John Grisham. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and her fur-baby, Coco.

Elizabeth is survived by her beloved husband, Charles David Lesley; son, Kenneth Standridge (Brandi); son, John Randall Standridge (Michelle); stepson, Danny Lesley; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Edna Duncan and Dorothy Harvey. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Robert Standridge; two daughters, Crystal Standridge and Annette Hooper; and two sisters, Doris Chapman and Barbara Dobson.

A graveside service for Elizabeth will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 13 at Hillcrest Memorial Park, located at 2410 Gentry Memorial Highway in Pickens. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

CECIL S. PATTERSON

LIBERTY — Cecil S. Patterson, 88, of Liberty, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Luther Smith and Ethel Pinion Smith.

For more than 20 years, Cecil was the proud owner of The ABC Antique and Variety Mall, where she built lasting friendships with customers and fellow collectors alike. She enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, spending weekends at yard sales, and, in her younger years, loved bowling.

Cecil will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She is survived by her children, Michael Patterson (Vickie) of Easley, Leland Patterson (Leea) of Liberty and Donald K. Patterson Jr. (E’Lisha) of Liberty; her grandchildren, Bobby, Matthew, Pamela, Kevin, Crystal, Blaklyn and Eric; 11 great-grandchildren; her sister, Sharon Rose Smith; and daughter-in-law, Tammy Patterson.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Patterson Sr.; her parents, Luther and Ethel Smith; her sons, Danny Steven Patterson and Phillip Terry Patterson; her grandson, Terry Patterson; her granddaughter, Amy Patterson; as well as five sisters and three brothers.

A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Mountain View Funeral Home chapel at 105 Florence St. in Pickens. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will take place at Flat Rock Baptist Church, located at 115 Slab Bridge Road in Liberty.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations of Pickens are honored to serve the Patterson family.

 

THERESA PELFREY ‘ANNE’

PICKENS — Theresa “Anne” Pelfrey, 71, of Pickens, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Clarence and Edith Webb Rogers.

Anne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was strong, nurturing and deeply committed to her family, always finding joy in caring for those she loved. A devoted caretaker to her husband, she showed her love through daily acts of service and compassion. A gifted cook, she delighted in preparing meals for family and friends, and she was known for her warm hospitality. Anne worked as a cosmetologist for more than 20 years, sharing not only her talent, but also her kindness with many.

She is survived by her children, Jeff Durham (Jamie) of Liberty, Matt Durham (Danni) of Anderson, Steve Durham (Amanda) of Pickens and Joshua Pelfrey (Ashley) of Six Mile; her grandchildren, Courtney, Jessica, Harley, Stephanie, Amanda, Brandi, Caleb, Alyssa, Murphy, Sam, Connor, Aiden and Addison; as well as 10 beloved great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Theresa was preceded in death by her husbands, Stephen Durham of Pickens and Eddie Pelfrey of Pickens.

The family requests that memorials be made to the AnMed Cancer Center of Anderson in Anne’s memory.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations of Pickens is honored to serve the Pelfrey family.

 

YOSHIE SUGIZAKI KELLY

PICKENS — Yoshie Sugizaki Kelly, 97, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Kelly was born in Yokohama, Japan, on Sept. 10, 1927, to the late Gesavoro and Yonoa Ihara Sugizaki. She was a member and served at Easley Church of God. Mrs. Kelly enjoyed sewing, knitting and watching Clemson in football and North Carolina in basketball. The thing Mrs. Kelly cherished most was the time she got to spend with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Kelly is survived by her daughter, Kimeko Alexander (Jimmy); her son-in-law, Dewey Smith; her grandchildren, Stephanie Hucks (Brian), Lyn Smith (Christie), Cody Alexander (Shelley), Mckay Alexander and Kelly Rae Alexander; her great-grandchildren, Caroline Hucks, Jackson Hucks, Trey Smith (Gracie) and Madelyn Smith; and her siblings, Yoshiro Sugizaki and Hasako Yamashita.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Kelly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Edward L. Kelly; her daughter, Margaret Smith; and her sister, Kimiyo Tiro.

The funeral was conducted on Sept. 7 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.

The burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

SHERRY ANN  HELTON FOSTER

GREENVILLE — Sherry Ann Helton Foster, 74, loving wife of 58 years to the late Willaim Jackie Foster Sr., passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Pickens.

Born on Aug. 31, 1951, in Greenville, Sherry was the cherished daughter of the late Milo Tally Helton and Josephine Helton. She was known for her kind and giving spirit, loving and treating everyone as though they were part of her family. Above all, Sherry treasured her role as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and she will be remembered for the deep love she shared with those closest to her.

Survivors include her son, William Foster Jr. (Kay) of Easley; daughter, Donna Foster of Greenville; grandchildren, Tyler Evatt and Corey Foster; and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Sherry was predeceased by her brother, Sonny Helton, and a sister, Diann Worley.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Foster family.

 

MARILYN J. ROBERSON

EASLEY — Marilynn Joan Roberson, 96, loving wife to the late CSM Elton Lee Roberson, peacefully passed away on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at home, surrounded by family she loved dearly.

Born on Aug. 13, 1929, in Inglewood, Calif., Marilynn was the daughter of the late Irven Johnson and Georgia Ross Johnston. For 23 years, she was a devoted member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Easley. The Roberson Scottish heritage was a source of great pride throughout her life, and she delighted in sharing stories, traditions, and the rich culture of Scotland with her children and grandchildren.

As the proud and devoted wife of a career military man for 38 years, Marilynn embodied grace, resilience and support for the military community. She embraced each move with enthusiasm, creating homes wherever the family traveled — from Germany to Japan and countless bases in between. Marilynn’s creative spirit was as boundless as her love for family. She had a lifelong passion for art and learning, often taking classes to expand her skills and explore new mediums. Her true artistic gifts shone through her exquisite floral arrangements, which graced many celebrations and brought beauty to many people throughout the years. She also loved to make the handmade cards she lovingly designed for every birthday, anniversary, holiday and special milestone.

Above all else, Marilynn was a matriarch who treasured her family, and she had a gift for making each grandchild feel like her favorite, attending sports games, dance recitals and school plays with enthusiasm. Even in her advanced age, she remembered every birthday, every achievement and every challenge her family faced, offering support, encouragement and unconditional love.

Her legacy lives on through her children, Danny (Sharon) Roberson of Maryland, Bryon (Brenda) Roberson of Maryland and Nan (Gene) Underwood of Easley; her beloved grandchildren, Devon Roberson, Donavon Roberson, Adam Roberson, Justin Spence, Jeremy Spence, Joshua Spence, Kyle Underwood, Karli Kidwell, Jacob Keeney, McKayla Kidwell and Duncan Roberson; stepgrandchildren, Julie Lovelace, Ted Spaeth, Jeff Spaeth, Scott Shank, Carrie Aaron, Thomas Shank, Robin Campbell, Amy Williamson and Chris Underwood; 41 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren who all brought endless joy in her later years; and her brothers, Robert Johnston and Ross Johnson.

In addition to her beloved husband and parents, Marilynn was predeceased by her dear son, Rev. Marton J. Roberson, whose memory she carried with her always. Marilynn’s life was a testament to God’s love, service, creativity and love for her family. She leaves behind not just memories, but a legacy of kindness, humor, artistic creation and the kind of love that shapes generations.

Services will be held at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Easley on Sept. 20. Visitation will be from 10-10:45 a.m., with a service commencing at 11 a.m.  A family burial will be held in Maryland at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Roberson family.

 

BOBBY K. HENDRICKS

EASLEY — Bobby K. Hendricks, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at Rainey Hospice House. He was the loving husband of the late Nellie Hendricks.

Born on Sept. 21, 1938, in Pickens County, Bobby was the cherished son of the late Easley and Martha Hendricks.

Bobby was a devoted member of Oolenoy Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon. He had a genuine love for people and truly enjoyed socializing. He cherished every moment spent with his family and extended family — his greatest joy was simply being surrounded by those he loved.

He was honored with the prestigious Million Mile Award for achieving one million miles of accident-free driving, a testament to his dedication, skill and professionalism. Bobby retired from Viking Motor Line after a long and successful career.

He is survived by his son, Michael Hendricks (Amy) of Pickens; his nephew, Rick Hendricks of Central; and his niece, Cindy Hinkle (David) of Sunset, along with their children.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Bobby was predeceased by his brother, Richard “Dickie” Hendricks.

A funeral service took place on Sept. 7 at Oolenoy Baptist Church, with burial following in the church cemetery.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations may be made in Bobby’s honor to the building fund at Oolenoy Baptist Church.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Hendricks family.

 

CYNTHIA MARGARET MERCK MCQUEEN

PICKENS — Cynthia Margaret Merck McQueen, 67, loving wife of 44 years to Michael McQueen, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at St. Francis Downtown Hospital.

Born on Dec. 10, 1957, in Greenville County, Cindy was the beloved daughter of the late Charlie and Jo Ann Barbre Sousa. A dedicated nurse for 44 years, Cindy’s life was marked by compassion, service and unwavering love for her family and community.

She was a devoted wife, mother and “Mema,” known for her warm heart and joyful spirit. Cindy found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, traveling, thrift shopping, enjoying the mountains and the beach and savoring her favorite treat — ice cream. A true animal lover, she adored her dogs, Brutus and Prissy, and her cat, Elsa.

Cindy was of the Baptist faith and was baptized at Turkey Creek Baptist Church in Ware Shoals.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael McQueen; her loving son, Christopher McQueen of Greenville; grandchildren, Reagan McQueen, Rachel McQueen and Marissa McQueen; daughter-in-law, Tammy McQueen; and former daughter-in-law, Rebekah Kroeger.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the McQueen family.

 

DONALD SMITH, SR.

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Eugene Smith Sr., who left us on Sept. 6, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on July 14, 1938, in Liberty, he was a son of the late Chester F. Smith Sr. and Inez Mullikin Smith.

He was a devoted husband, loving father and cherished grandfather. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he served from April 1960 to March 1966.

Donald was well known as a fixer and trainer in the textile industry, spending many years with Greenwood Mills. His hands-on approach touched the lives of many, creating not just products, but also a sense of camaraderie among coworkers.

He leaves behind his beloved daughter, JoLynn Shockley (Ronald); his sons, Donnie Smith (Sheila) and Ricky Elgin (Tina); his seven grandchildren, Missy Mitchum Stewart, Danny Mitchum, Michelle Shockley, Daniel Shockley, Justin Smith, Matthew Smith and Jessica Smith Irvin; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; and Donnie’s mother-in-law, Avis Spivey, who became his dear friend.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Edna JoAnn Fuller Smith; a grandson, Douglas Brooks; a sister, Beatrice Player; and six brothers, WC, Carl Lee, Ernest, JB, Frank and Billy Wayne Smith.

An avid fisherman, Donald would often recount stories of fishing trips that brought him joy and peace. He was also a diehard Clemson football fan, proudly cheering on his team with passion and dedication.

We invite friends and family to gather in celebration of Donald’s life. A visitation will be held at Liberty Mortuary from noon-1:30 p.m. Sept. 10, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. He will be laid to rest beside his wife at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

In these moments of remembrance, let us come together to honor the life of a man who embodied kindness, had a love for the outdoors and rooted for his team with unwavering spirit. Donald will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

JUDY TIPPINS

EASLEY — Mrs. Judy Hall Tippins, 83, wife of the late Clyde Tippins, passed away Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Cemeloy Hall and the late Julia Kelly hall, Mrs. Tippins was a graduate of Daniel High School and retired from Greased Lightning with 13 years of service. She was a member of Greenville Evangelistic Church.

Judy loved her mornings enjoying her coffee and cake and then working in her yard.

She was an avid Clemson fan and dearly loved watching Jimmy and Donnie Swaggart and listening to their gospel music. She will be missed by all who loved and knew her.

Surviving are two daughters, Tammy Lynn Jones (Tony) of Belton and Roze Seale (Kevin) of Mobile, Ala.; her grandchildren, Misti Judy Lynn Williams, Sandi Lane Ann Sentell and Caroline Roze Seale; her great-grandchildren, Summer Raine Henderson, Rory Lenora Henderson, Willow Rowan Henderson, Royal Andrew Christian Beach, Bryson Nathaniel Sentell and Isaac Lane Sentell; and her great-great-grandchildren, Dante Caspian Williams and Josephine Mae Beach.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Tippins was predceased by a daughter, Sandra Ann Donald; her brothers, Aro Hall, Harvey Hall and Wallace Hall; and her sisters, Caroline Vickery and Ruth Mullinax.

Funeral services were held Sept. 9 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown in Easley. Burial followed at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church cemetery.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.