LORETTA J. BURGESS

EASLEY — Loretta J. Burgess of Easley, and formerly of Vero Beach, Fla.; passed away on March 29, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on Feb. 13, 1931, in Decatur, Ill., she was the daughter of Frances and Emerson Shaner. Loretta was an active member of Easley First United Methodist Church for many years and enjoyed helping in the community wherever she was needed.

Hiking in the mountains was one of her great passions, as well as travel, and in her earlier years she especially enjoyed RV camping and motorcycling all around the United States with her late husband, Willard.

Loretta is survived by her daughters, Patricia Dean and Sandra Delorenzo; granddaughter, Alissa Sugrim; and great-grandchildren, Will Sugrim, Ben Sugrim and Cate Sugrim.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willard B. Burgess, and her brother, Edwin Shaner.

Inurnment was held on April 10 at Hillcrest Memorial Park with family and friends in attendance.

Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the family.

HAROLD EDENS  ‘PUFF’ BOWIE

PICKENS — Harold Edens “Puff” Bowie, 73, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 3, 1952, in Pickens County, Harold was the beloved son of the late Lee Albert Bowie and Dewey Louise Bowie-Gillespie. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he carried a spirit of service and dedication throughout his life. Harold found great peace in the simple joys of nature, especially while fishing along the banks of the Eastatoe River and Laurel and Hardy Fishing Lakes, places he dearly loved. He also cherished time spent at the Holly Springs Country Store, where he enjoyed fellowship and the comfort of familiar faces. Above all, Harold loved his family deeply, and the time he shared with them was his greatest treasure.

Harold is survived by his children, Toby Barnett (Kaitlyn), Scott Bowie (Nicole), Greg Bryant and Michelle Franco, all of Pickens; grandchildren, Joshua, Alexus, Dillon, Daniel, Alyssa, Aaron and Alicia; great-grandson, Ivan; brothers, Leonard Lee Bowie (Kathy) and Henry Alvin Bowie (Marie); in-laws, Vickie Bowie of Liberty and Evelyn Bowie of Pickens; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Harold was predeceased by his wife, Shelby Bowie; stepfather, B.C. Gillespie; brothers, Allen Eugene Bowie and Stanley Ray Bowie; and sister, Vicki Mae Bowie.

HAROLD GRAHAM

EASLEY — Mr. Harold Ernest Graham, 80, husband of Teri Ann Ayers Graham, passed away Monday, March 30, 2026.

Born in Wayland, N.Y., the son of the late Lewis Elwin Graham and the late Dorothy Hills Graham, Mr. Graham owned and operated his own construction business for many years and attended Abiding Peace Lutheran Church.

He was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran having served during the Vietnam War.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of 31 years; are his sons, Chad Graham (Christina) of Denton, N.C., Timothy Graham (Erin) of Nassau, N.Y., Shannon Brown (Stephanie) of Charlotte and Stephen Brown (Kathy) of Pickens; his daughter, Terri Yerkes (Kyle) of Canandaigua, N.Y.; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service was held April 3, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral

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

MARY JOE ‘JODY’ MORGAN

PICKENS — Mary Joe “Jody” Morgan, 72, beloved wife of 51 years to Marion “Frank” Morgan, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at her home.

Born on Dec. 30, 1953, in Greenville County, Jody was the cherished daughter of the late Thomas Joe Hudson and Carolyn Grace Lark Hudson. A devoted wife, mother, and

PATRICIA ANN ‘PATTI’ COLE

PICKENS — Patricia Ann “Patti” Cole, 64, loving wife of 42 years to Charles Michael “Mike” Cole, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Greenville Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Aug. 3, 1961, Patti was the beloved daughter of the late Richard B. Pauls and Betty Bruce Pauls. She was a devoted and loving wife, a proud and nurturing mother,

CAROLYN DIANE ‘DINAH’ MCCALL

SIX MILE — Carolyn Diane “Dinah” McCall, 54, loving wife of 29 years to Leon “Lee” McCall, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at her home.

Born on May 12, 1971, in Easley, Dinah was the beloved daughter of the late Willie D. Cooper and Catherine Riggins Patterson. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished her family above all else. Dinah had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy in simple moments spent around a campfire. Known for her warm and welcoming spirit, she never met a stranger and had a remarkable way of making everyone feel like a friend. Generous and kindhearted, she was always willing to lend a

SYBIL HAYES HUGHES

COLUMBIA — Sybil Hayes Hughes passed to be with the Lord on March 7, 2026, in Columbia. Sybil Hayes was born in Pickens, on July 1, 1935, to Ossie and Ernestine Hayes. She was married to Glen Hughes in 1949 at the age of 14. They were married for 70 years, until his death in 2020.

As a military family, Sybil and Glen traveled throughout the United States, Panama, and Europe with the U.S. Army. Sybil worked in grocery management until she obtained her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. She later worked in various administrative roles at Ft. Jackson, the National Guard Armory, the Small Business Administration, and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. She thrived as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and was admired for her seamstress skills and cooking, particularly her baked goods, including her famous coconut and pound cakes.

She is survived by her daughter in law, Cheryl Hughes of Irmo, S.C.; her son, Ralph Hughes (David Temme) of Sacramento, Calif.; her daughter, Gayle Crosby (RC) of St. Matthews, S.C.; and her daughter, Linda Hughes (Kelly Stivers) of Sanford, Fla. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Cindy Bradford, Lisa Mims, Jessica Buzhardt and Chris Hughes, as well as eight great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen; her son, Steve Hughes; and her great grandson, Dillan Roldan.

Services will be held at St. Andrews Baptist Church on March 11, with visitation preceding the service. Memorials may be made to St. Andrews Baptist Church, where she was a devoted congregant for 50 years.

WILLIAM JOSEPH ‘JOEY’ CARTER, JR.

TRAVELERS REST — William Joseph “Joey” Carter, Jr., 47, loving husband of 18 years to Tracey Melissa Bynum Carter, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Feb. 26,

THOMAS JULIAN ‘TOM’ ELLER

 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. — Thomas Julian “Tom” Eller peacefully slipped the surly bonds of earth on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, with his wife, Anne, by his side. He dedicated his life to Christ, his family, country, and the advancement of astronautics.

Surviving Tom are his wife of 63 years, Anne Lafitte Eller; children Julie Lafitte (Steve), Elizabeth Byerly (Steve) and Robert (Kristen); grandchildren Barrett (Grace), Connor (Deena), Anna Katherine and Jeremiah; and great-grandchildren, Luna and Max. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Robert and Frances Elizabeth Greer Eller, and his sister, Sue Eller Conn.

Raised in Pickens, Tom graduated fourth in the USAFA Class of 1961. His 20-year active-duty career was defined by excellence, including 3,600 flying hours and combatservice in Vietnam. His bravery earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven Air Medals, and the Airman’s Medal for heroism. Tom was an active member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society and Order of Daedalians.

Tom earned a master’s from Purdue and a PhD from the University of Texas. He returned to the Academy to serve in the Department of Astronautics and Computer Science, later serving as a civilian professor. His contributions to the field included co-inventing the GPS Magnetic Momentum Dumping System, a technology still used in space, defense and our daily lives.

A pillar of the Association of Graduates (AOG), serving on the founding committee in 1966 and later as President from 1979–1983. His vision led to the creation of Doolittle Hall and the Class Wall. He served his classmates faithfully as Class Secretary for 45 years and as Class President from 2006 onward. He was the first USAFA graduate to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Falcon Foundation, where he served until his death and honored as a Distinguished Graduate by the AOG. His civilian career included leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, Kaman Sciences and Titan Technologies.

Tom was a devoted elder at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs and a board member of the Fine Arts Center. An adventurous cook and gardener, he was known for his delicious tamales and beautiful irises. Above all, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity and love for his family.

The family thanks the team from Abode Hospice and caregivers Reika, Lucy and Tara for their support.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at USAFA on March 17, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m.

To receive an Eller event-specific USAFA base access link go to our request form, cognitoforms.com/EllerFamilyGravesideAccess/Request.

If you wish, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church Missions, rock.firstprescos.org/give-now or 219 E Bijou St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, ref. Egypt Missions in Comment section, OR Falcon Foundation Scholarships, falconfoundation.org/donate, 3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840, ref. Thomas J. Eller in special notes section.

DAN SATTERFIELD

LIBERTY — Daniel Anthony Satterfield, 63, of Liberty, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Born on March 14, 1962, in Pickens, he was a son Elizabeth Kay Satterfield and the late J.C. Satterfield.

He was a cherished husband, father, son and brother.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife Crystal Satterfield; daughter,

DONNA  PARSONS SCHULTZ

EASLEY — Donna Parsons Schultz, 82, wife of Henry Schultz, of Easley, passed away peacefully at her home with her husband at her side on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.

Born on May 18, 1943, in Pen Argyl, Pa., to the late Beulah Pritchard Parsons and the late Elwood Parsons, Donna spent her youth in Bangor, Pa. She received practical nurse training at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pa., and served as a licensed practical nurse at Easton Hospital, Easton, Pa., before her life as a military and corporate wife took her to Florida, Japan, California, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and to her home of the past 30 years, Anderson County.

A lifelong Lutheran, and a pianist from childhood, Donna provided her music skills to her church, Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Easley and to “Just Friends,” a group of fellow Lutherans and musicians who entertained over the years at various retirement homes in the Easley area. She strongly believed the saying “Who sings, prays twice.”

In addition to her loving husband of 61 years, Donna is survived by her four children; sons, Michael Schultz (Karla) of Easley and Steven Schultz (Erin) of Chuckey, Tenn.; and daughters, Sheri Paznokas (Pete) of Harleysville, Pa., and Laura Harrison (Pete) of Romney, W. Va.; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, James Parsons (Kay) of Bangor, Pa.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is especially proud that she passed on her love (and talent) for music to her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Neil Parsons.

In spite of her many relocations, more than 20 different addresses, Donna found close friends at each stop, and her cooperative spirit made her welcome and involved at each stop.

Raising her four children, and seeing the life skills she passed on reflected in the lives of her grandchildren, was her greatest joy. Although homebound for the past six years, she received updates and visits from her scattered family, and celebrated the milestones and successes of each. Her memories and love of her family and friends remained strong, even as she lived her last weeks at her home under the care of her husband, family and Hospice of the Upstate.

She and her family are especially grateful for the care and support they received from Prisma Health and Hospice of the Upstate.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 27 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Easley, followed by a visitation and fellowship at the church. Donna and her husband will have their urns entombed at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Md., at a later date.

Flowers will be accepted and the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Donna’s honor to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607 or to Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Easley, 101 E. 1st Ave., Easley, SC 29640.

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

FRANCES ‘TUNKIE’ COLE STOKES

PICKENS — Frances “Tunkie” Cole Stokes, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence.

She was born on Aug. 20, 1938 in Greenville, to the late Richard Ansel Cole and Mozelle White Cole. She met and married the love of her life Sam Watson Stokes, Sr in Pickens. Tunkie graduated from Pickens High School then finished Columbia College. She was a successful entrepreneur and teacher, partnering in two successful businesses and

ALBERT KARL MARTIN

LIBERTY — Albert Karl Martin, 62, loving husband of 35 years to Tina McKenzie Martin, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at St. Francis Downtown Hospital in Greenville.

Born on Sept. 18, 1963, in Anderson County, Karl was the beloved son of the late Clyde Martin and Sarah Howard Henderson. A man of many interests and talents, Karl found joy in music, especially playing the guitar, and loved spending time fishing. He had a passion for working on old cars and was truly a jack of all trades, always willing to lend his skills wherever they were needed. His faith was central to his life, and God held a special place in his heart. Above all, Karl loved his family dearly and cherished the time spent with those he held close.

Survivors include his wife, Tina McKenzie Martin of the home; son, Matthew Justin Martin of Liberty; grandchildren, Trevor Justin Martin, Mathew Elijah Martin and Lillie Grace Martin; siblings, Lorena Martin Lostraglio, Naomi Hope Henderson (Michael) and Linda Henderson Duncan.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Martin was predeceased by Wilmer Gene Henderson, the man who raised him as his own and loved him like a father; and his siblings, Gwendolyn Martin, Tambralyn Bergholm, Wilmer Gene Henderson, Jr., Darlene Martin and Helen Martin Merk.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Martin family.

ALVIN THOMAS ‘BUDDY’ DALLAS

EASLEY — Mr. Alvin Thomas “Buddy” Dallas, 93, husband of Shirley Senn Dallas, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.

Born in Whitmire, S.C., the son of the late William Thomas Dallas and the late Helen

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

LAVERNE E (SCHAFFNER) EVANS

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — LaVerne E Evans (Schaffner) of Louisville, Ky., died on Jan. 22, 2026, at age 92. She had been a resident of Signature Jefferson Place since December 2023.

She was born March 19, 1933, in Louisville, Ky., to Walter H Schaffner and Ethel Pryor. Her grandparents were Henry B Schaffner and Elise “Lizzie” Roggenkamp, James Daniel Pryor and Emma Stickel.  She was known for her excellent memory of events of her childhood, such as the 1937 flood, the hardships of WWII and the history of Louisville. Her father, husband and son were all Navy war veterans. LaVerne was a wife, mother and longtime member of the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association.  She was active as a volunteer and PTA officer with her children’s schools.

She enjoyed lakeside camping, reading, long walks and playing Jeopardy. LaVerne spent much of her adult life as a caregiver for relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Wilmoth Daymon “Tommy” Evans, in 2010; and sisters, Alice Carol Hagan and Evelyn “Cookie” Pierce.

She is survived by her children, Elaine Renae Evans of Louisville, Daymon Walter Evans M.D. of Indianapolis (Jane, deceased), and her son, Daniel Wayne Evans, USN-ret (Lynn, deceased); grandchildren, Jason Daniel Evans and Casey Nicole Wilbanks (John); and a great-granddaughter, Cameron Sage Wilbanks, all of Easley.

Her visitation will be at the Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40205, from 1-8 p.m. Feb. 5 and from 10-11 a.m. on the morning of Feb. 6, with a funeral to follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. A brief graveside service will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218, where she will be buried alongside her husband, Tommy. Per her request, expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus of Kentucky.

WILLIS ‘SKIP’ LYLE II

GREENWOOD — Willis “Skip” Lyle, II, 78, of Greenwood, passed away on Jan. 31, 2026, at Lakelands Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Abbeville.

Born on March 17, 1947, in Six Mile, he was a son of the late Willis and Sylvia Brooks Lyle.

Skip was a graduate of York High School in York, Neb., and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Lander University. His passion for aviation defined much of his life. He was a pilot for Davis and Floyd Inc. and a pilot instructor, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for flight with countless students and colleagues.

Skip served as the music director at Sandridge Baptist Church for a period, and later became a member of Hyde Park Baptist Church.

He is survived by brothers, Walter “Walt” Lyle and Steve Lyle Sr. (MaryLynn); a sister,

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