JONI LYNN PARRIS

LIBERTY — Joni Lynn Parris, 62, loving wife of more than 30 years to Tommy Dean Parris, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at her residence.

Born on May 5, 1963, Joni was the beloved daughter of the late Darryl Medlin and Nellie Duncan. A devoted Clemson Tigers fan, she enjoyed cheering on her team and sharing that passion with those around her. Joni had a special love for animals, especially her dogs, and treasured the companionship of her beloved pets. Above all, she loved her family deeply, finding her greatest joy in time spent with her grandchildren, who held a very special place in her heart.

Joni is survived by her husband, Tommy Parris; grandchildren, Chase Crenshaw (Brooklyn) and Addyson Crenshaw; brothers, Jody Medlin (Ruby) and Jay Medlin (Chastity); stepsister, Mandy Graham; stepmother, Judy Medlin; and nieces and nephews, Jadyn, Gracie, Harry, Elizabeth Whiten and Casey Guthrie.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Parris was predeceased by a son, Chad Crenshaw, and stepfather, Bob McWhorter.

The family will hold a memorial service to honor Joni’s life; details will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joni’s honor may be made to Addy’s Venmo, @Addy-Crenshaw-1, to assist with the ongoing medical expenses for Tommy, who is continuing to recover in the hospital from his injuries.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Parris family.

 

VICKI MAE BOWIE TAYLOR

PICKENS — Vicki Mae Bowie Taylor, 65, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at AnMed Medical Center in Anderson.

Born on Nov. 2, 1960, Vicki was the beloved daughter of the late Lee and Louise Bowie. She had a deep appreciation for music, which brought her joy throughout her life. Above all, Vicki loved her family dearly, and her greatest happiness came from spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who held a very special place in her heart.

Vicki is survived by her son, Leonard “Len” Galloway (Crystal) of Pickens; grandchildren, Christopher Galloway and Cheyenne Galloway; great-grandson, Walker Galloway; siblings, Leonard Bowie (Kathy), Henry Bowie (Marie) and Harold Bowie; sister-in-law, Evelyn Bowie and Vickie Elaine Bowie; and nieces and nephews, Scott Bowie, Tonya Bowie Castro, Lee Bowie, Jim Bowie and Jason Bowie.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Taylor was predeceased by her loving significant other, Leonard “Red” Galloway; brothers, Allen Bowie and Stanley “ToJo” Bowie; sister-in-law, Shelby Jean Bowie; nephew, Michael Bowie; and stepfather, B.C. Gillespie.

Funeral service were held on Jan. 11 in the sanctuary of Maranatha Baptist Church in Pickens. Burial took place following the service at the Midway Baptist Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Taylor family.

 

JOSH D. CASSELL

PICKENS — Josh D. Cassell, 41, of Pickens, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.

Born and raised in Pickens, Josh was the devoted husband of Ashley Anderson Cassell and the beloved son of John W. Cassell and the late Wanda Sentell Cassell.

Josh was a loving and dedicated husband, father and brother, whose greatest joy was his family. An Eagle Scout, he carried the values of leadership, service and integrity throughout his life. He enjoyed spending time on the water boating and fishing, pursuits that brought him both peace and happiness.

Survivors include his wife, Ashley Anderson Cassell; his cherished children, Dawson Cassell, Kaydance Cassell and Jonah Cassell; his father, John W. Cassell; his brothers, David Cassell (Glenda) and Jason Cassell; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who will forever treasure his memory.

In addition to his mother, Wanda Sentell Cassell, Josh was preceded in death by his grandparents, Colonel D. and Lora Mae Sentell, and Grady and Louise Cassell, as well as his uncle, Oscar Cassell, and father-in-law, Mark Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Josh’s memory to the American Diabetes Association.

The family plans to hold a memorial service at a later date.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations of Pickens, is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

RILEY DENNIS GALLOWAY

EASLEY — Riley Dennis Galloway, 68, loving companion for 53 years to Jewel E. Galloway, of Easley, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Pickens County on Nov. 20, 1957, Dennis was the beloved son of the late Freeman Galloway and Alice Scott Galloway.

He spent his life as a skilled painter, and in his free time, he enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels cars, collecting guns and knives, and was an overall car enthusiast. Most important to Dennis was his family, especially his grandkids, and he cherished every moment that he could spend with them.

In addition to his loving wife, Jewel, Dennis is survived by his daughter, Tonya Carnes (Jeff) of Easley; his son, Christopher Galloway (Tasha) of Easley; his two grandkids, Brayden and Brannon Galloway; two brothers; three sisters; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

In addition to his loving parents, Freeman and Alice Galloway, Dennis was predeceased by his daughter, Kimberly Galloway; two brothers, five sisters and some cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family will host a memorial service at a date and time to be announced.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

MARTHA SMITH BANKS

PICKENS — Martha Smith Banks, 90, loving wife of the late Harold Glenn Banks, of Pickens, passed away on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at the Foothills Retirement Community in Easley.

Born and raised in Pickens County, Mrs. Banks was the daughter of the late E.B. and Loe Pace Smith. She loved music, and that was shown through her years of playing piano at church and teaching piano in the community. Mrs. Banks taught GAs and Sunday school in church and delivered Meals on Wheels in Pickens County. Most important to her was her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She showed that through her years of faithful service as a charter member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church and a current member of Pickens First Baptist Church.

Mrs. Banks is survived by her children, Harold G. “Hal” Banks Jr. (Sheila) of Pickens, June Banks Stansell (Greg) of Greenville and Eric Banks (Kimberly) of Lexington; her grandchildren, Kelli Hijar (Isaac), Hunter Banks, Kaitlyn Banks and Kennedy Banks; her great-grandchildren, Germán Hijar and Rowan Hijar; a sister, Sue S. Childs; and a brother, Jerry Smith (Ruth Ann).

In addition to her loving husband, Glenn, and her parents, E.B. and Loe, Mrs. Banks was preceded in death by a son, Gary Allen Banks; a brother, Alvin Smith; a sister, Bobbie S. Pace; and four grandchildren, Kevin, Kayla, Justin and Jacob Banks.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 18 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

A private burial will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Foothills Retirement Community at 205 Bud Nalley Drive, Easley, SC 29642; Pickens County Meals on Wheels at pcmow.org/memorial-honorarium/; or to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at scbaptist.org/give/ .

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the family.

 

ROSALEE E. ‘ROSE’ HENSON

EASLEY — Rosalee E. “Rose” Henson, 95, loving wife of 32 years to the late Hubert R. “Randolph” Henson, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Manna Post Acute, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Feb. 26, 1930, in Piedmont, Rose was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas E. Elrod and Lola Mae Bryson Elrod. Mrs. Henson was saved at the age of 17 and carried a deep and abiding love for the Lord throughout her life.

She worked for many years in the sewing industry as a skilled seamstress, a talent she used not only to support her family but also to bless others. Rose generously donated many of the items she lovingly made and took great pride in sewing all of her children’s clothes when they were young.

Rose was known for her generous spirit, freely giving of her time, love, and resources to anyone in need. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was rarely seen without a smile. In her quiet moments, she enjoyed reading and spending time with crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. She also found joy in cooking, surrounding herself with the simple comforts of home.

She loved flowers and had a deep appreciation for music, especially gospel and bluegrass. Above all else, Rose loved her family dearly, and they were the greatest joy of her life.

Rose is survived by her children, Gerald Henson of Dacusville, Karen Henson of Dacusville and Jani Ridley (Ralph) of Pickens; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; brother, Charles Thomas “Tommy” Elrod (Lucille); many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special friend and CNA at Manna, Paula Harris.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Henson was predeceased a granddaughter, Pam Krupa; great-grandchildren, Isabell Krupa, Heather Chastain and Ryan Chastian; great-great-grandchild, Jaxson Chastain; and sister, Mary Lou Wilbanks.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial will follow the service at Mountain View Memorial Park in Travelers Rest.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rose’s honor may be made to Oolenoy Baptist Church, 201 Miracle Hill Road, Pickens.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Manna Post Acute for the compassionate and exceptional care shown to Rose during her time of need.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Henson family.

 

EDWIN LARRY BURNS, JR.

Belton — Edwin Larry “Eddie” Burns, Jr., 41, of Belton,  passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at his residence.

Born in Pickens County, Mr. Burns was the son of the late Edwin Larry Burns, Sr. and Thelma Diana Ramey Burns. He was an avid car enthusiast. Mr. Burns loved being a homeowner and working out in his yard. He also enjoyed playing video games and fishing. Mr. Burns was a hard worker who was proud of his job at House of Raeford Farms, which he affectionately called “The Chicken Farm”.

Mr. Burns is survived by his two children, Cailey and Evan; a special child that was brought into his life, Ava; a brother, Jeff Burns of Pickens; loving aunts, Lola Rowland and Carolyn McCall; along with a host of cousins.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Burns was predeceased by a cousin, Katie Rowland; an uncle, Johnny Burns; along with numerous aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 15, in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home on Jan. 15, prior to the service, from 12 p.m. until 12:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Turning Point Drug Rehab.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.