Category Archives: Obituaries
Courier Obituaries 5-14-25
MELVIN J. ROWLAND
BOILING SPRINGS — Melvin J. Rowland, 78, of Boiling Springs, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Melvin was born on June 28, 1946, in Pickens, to the late Elsie Pauline Cannon and Harry Rowland. He was the youngest son of 13 children. He is survived by his wife, Judy Rowland; his sisters Betty, Irene and Nancy. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and husband.
Melvin was a graduate of Pickens High School, Southern Wesleyan University, and the Medical University of South Carolina. He had a career as a Medical Technologist in hospitals in Spartanburg and Greenville, as well as in Tryon, N.C. He enjoyed Ham radio (NQ4N) and working in his yard. His favorite food was ice cream.
The funeral to honor Melvin’s life were held on May 1, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Burial followed at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
He was loved and will be greatly missed. Arrangements are entrusted to Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel.
STEPHEN W. SALLY
EASLEY — Stephen W. Sally, affectionately known as Steve passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at the age of 89 in Easley, from end stage dementia. Born on Oct. 11, 1935, in Watervliet, N.Y., Steve was a man of integrity, strength, and deep love for his family and country.
Steve’s formative years in Watervliet laid the foundation for a life characterized by hard work and service. Following his graduation, he answered the call to serve his nation as a Marine, instilling him with a sense of discipline and honor that would define his life. After his military service, Steve transitioned into the manufacturing industry, where he excelled in various positions. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own business, Manufacturing Equipment Co., in 1980, which he led with vision and dedication until retirement.
Steve was the beloved patriarch of his family, cherished for his unwavering support and love. He was the son of the late Mary and Trieffon Sally and was affectionately known as “Sonny” to his parents and his siblings, Julia, Christine, Alex and John, all of whom predeceased him. Steve’s devotion to family was evident in his loving marriage to his
Courier Obituaries 5-7-25
DELORES JONES
EASLEY — Delores Beatrice Jones, 81, loving wife of Dennis Jones of Easley, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at her residence.
Mrs. Jones was born in Roswell, N.M., on July 13, 1943, to the late Billie Maez and Florinda Gaudern. She loved to cook and spend time with her family.
In addition to her loving husband, Mrs. Jones is survived by her children, Paul Lavelle (Tara), Larry
Courier Obituaries 4-30-25
VIRGINIA ‘SUE’ RHODES
CENTRAL — Virginia “Sue” Rhodes, 80, of Central, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Born on July 5, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Ruby Lee Harvey and Clint Evans Crisp.
Ms. Rhodes was a longtime member of Fellowship Community Church, where she faithfully served in the children’s ministry for many years.
She loved spending time with her family and was well known for her delicious
Courier Obituaries 4-23-25
ROGER HASKETT
BELTON — Roger Haskett, 70, loving husband to Diane Haskett, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at his home.
Born June 20, 1954, Roger was the middle son of Furman R. Haskett and Frances B. Haskett. He was blessed to grow up in Pickens in a loving family with two awesome brothers, Ray and Mark, whom he loved dearly.
Roger played sports from an early age with several coaches making great impressions on him. Those include Lee Patterson, Dieter Chappell and Andy Virgil. He was given
Courier Obituaries 4-16-25
JOSEPH W. GRANT
PICKENS — Joseph Walter Grant, 91, beloved husband of the late Katherine Artie Mae Riggins Grant, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 13, 2025, at his earthly home.
Born on Aug. 8, 1933, in Pickens, he was a son of the late Julius Walter Grant and Addie Malinda Hudson Grant.
Mr. Grant was a member of Bethany Church of God in Pickens for 73 years. He retired from Singer, now TTI, in Pickens after 37 years of dedicated service. Following retirement, he worked at Winn-Dixie and retired for a second time from American Security after 13 years. He enjoyed going to the Pickens Flea Market every Wednesday and watching bull riding and western shows, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family and church family and going to church.
Surviving is his daughter, Tammy Davis of Pickens; a granddaughter, Katlyn Rademacher (Justin) of Taylors; two grandsons, Leon Davis of Pickens and Nathaniel Davis of Greenville; a great-granddaughter, Adalynn Mae Rademacher; a soon-to-be great-grandson, Lonzo Grant Rademacher, coming in July 2025; three sisters, Dorothy Dodgens, Elizabeth Eades and Katie Sue Grant, all of Pickens; a sister-in-law, Pawnee Moore of Pickens; and many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife of 51 years and his parents, he was predeceased by five sisters, Bernice Couch, Inez Grant, Bertha Townes, Veda Mae Townes and Addie Lou Grant;
Courier Obituaries 4-9-25
DANIEL ‘DAN’ LEWIS HUDSON
PICKENS — Mr. Daniel “Dan” Lewis Hudson, 88, loving husband to Linda Beebe, passed peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Daniel was born in Hammondsville Ohio, on March 2, 1937, to the late Hershel and Blanche Landis Hudson. He retired from Inland Lakes School as a language arts teacher. Daniel had a unique way of telling stories that would make people feel like they were there and a part of the story. He loved to grow a large garden and go around sharing with others in the community. Daniel enjoyed bear hunting and training his dogs to bear hunt, reading and spending time with his wife. The thing that he cherished most was the time he had with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Daniel is survived by three children, Daniel Hudson (Donna), John Hudson (Di) and Elizabeth Ann Price (Jason); five grandchildren, Laykin Ashley Murray-Holliday (Kevin), Cameron Hunter (Harlie), Max Hudson (Katie), Brian Hudson (Ashley) and Henry Lewis Hudson; one brother, Charles “Chuck” Hudson (Ester); one sister-in-law, Anita Hudson; and numerous nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.
In addition to his parents, Daniel was preceded in death by one son, Kurt Hudson; and four brothers, Franklin Hudson, Carl Hudson, Norman Hudson and Floyd Hudson.
A memorial service will be held at a later date to honor the life of Daniel.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements
SYLVIA ROPER DOVER
LIBERTY — Sylvia Roper Dover, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday night, April 5, 2025, in her home, surrounded by her beloved family. A woman of enduring faith, deep love, and steadfast devotion, Sylvia lived a life that was a true reflection of grace and purpose.
Born Dec. 16, 1943, in Pickens County, Sylvia was the firstborn of the late Jake T. Roper and Opal Gilstrap Roper Bryant. She was also preceded in death by her stepfather, Wilton Bryant; her brother, Allen Roper; brother-in-law, Ray York; and a nephew, Matthew Roper.
Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years and eight months, Robert Edward Dover. Together, they built a loving home and raised six children; Scott Dover (Caroline) of Piedmont,
DeeDee Wilson (Harry) of Powdersville, Steve Dover (Joy) of Liberty, Brad Dover (April) of Liberty, Kim Coster (Mike) of Travelers Rest and Kevin Dover (Alecia) of
Courier Obituaries 4-2-25
MICHELLE DEJOHN
LIBERTY — Michelle Dejohn, 69, loving wife of 41 years to Ronnie Hudson, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, at her residence.
Born on Oct. 25, 1955, in Syracuse, N.Y., Michelle was the cherished daughter of the late Mike Dejohn and Marion Black. Throughout her life, Michelle was known for her kind heart, her passion for crafting and her love of cooking. She found joy in creating beautiful things and sharing meals with family and friends. Above all, Michelle’s greatest love was her family. Her warm spirit and generous nature touched the lives of
Courier Obituaries 3-26-25
EDITH MCJUNKIN
LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mrs. Edith Bowie McJunkin, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and cherished member of the Liberty community, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Manna Health and Rehab in Pickens.
Born in Greenwood, she was the widow of Walter Ansel “Walt” McJunkin and a daughter of the late Claude and Louise Hall Bowie.
Mrs. McJunkin was a longtime member of East Side Baptist Church. She retired from Belk in Easley where she worked many years as a buyer and manager.
Her family was very important to her, and there was nothing that brought her more joy than spending time with all her boys and all her grandchildren.
Those left to cherish her memory include her three sons, Steve McJunkin (Susan) of Central, Neal McJunkin (Dale) of
Courier Obituaries 3-19-25
WILLIAM ROBERT DUNCAN JR.
PICKENS — Mr. William Robert Duncan Jr., affectionately known to us as Jr. was born under the gentle skies of Pickens, on Sept. 11, 1929.
Jr was a steadfast pillar of our community, a man whose life was as rich and deep as the soil of our beloved land.
On March 13, 2025, Jr was called to his eternal rest in the very place he first drew breath, leaving this world as he lived, surrounded by the familiar comforts of home and the love of his kin.
Jr was the cherished son of the late William Ernest Tom
Courier Obituaries 3-12-25
FRANKLIN DAVID MASTERS
PICKENS – Franklin David Masters, was born in Pickens County, June 27, 1947 to the late Woodrow and Geneva Nix Masters, died March 2, 2025, at his home after a courageous seven year battle with cancer.
Frank was a graduate of Liberty High School (1965), Anderson Junior College and East Tennessee State University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. He worked with the State ABCCommission after his graduation. He later worked as a salesman with the Stihl company, Pickens County Tax Assessors Office and Pickens County Veterans Affairs office.
Frank’s weekends were spent as owner/operator of Laurel Valley Lodge for years of which many friends and family have such fond memories of the great meals, entertainment, and meeting new and old friends.
Frank grew up in Roanoke Baptist Church and was a member there prior to becoming a faithful member of Rocky Bottom Baptist Church and Winding Creek Baptist