TERESA ANN REECE

PICKENS — Teresa Ann Reece, 57, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Born Nov. 1, 1966, in Anderson, Teresa was the daughter of the late James Edward Dodgens and Patsy Ann Dove. Mrs. Reece enjoyed camping, listening to old country music, coloring and doing word searches. She especially liked to get together with friends and family and socializing. She loved her

FRED DODSON

WILLIAMSTON — Fred Lavern Dodson, 95, husband of the late Vivanee “Boots” Burton Dodson, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Born in Six Mile, he was the son of the late William Lester and Monte Inez Davis Dodson. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was retired from Employment Security Commission and a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Pelzer. Fred was named a Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Club of Seneca.

He is survived by a daughter, Sue Wood (Mark) of Pickens; stepchildren, Judy Roberson Fowler (Wayne) of Williamston and Billy Roberson (Carolyn) of Belton; grandchildren, Jonathan Fowler, Stephanie Ellenburg, Eli Dodson, Israel Dodson, Zoe Dodson, Malachi Dodson, Rebekah Dodson and Curtis Dodson; and great-grandchildren, Lily Fowler, Linley Ellenburg, Luke Ellenburg and Stella Dodson.

He was predeceased by a son, Freddy Dodson; daughter, Gayle Dodson; and sister, Oneida Mahaffey.

A funeral service was held on Sept. 12 in the chapel at Gray Mortuary in  Pelzer.

Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, P.O. Box 268, Pelzer, SC 29669.

Condolences can be expressed at graymortuary.com.

RACHEL MEYER

EASLEY — Rachel Meyer, 88, of Easley, wife of Clyde Charles Meyer, passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at her home.

Born in Alexander, W. Va., she was the daughter of the late Odbert and Viola June Curry. She was a devoted caregiver to her husband and family. She especially enjoyed baking as her grandchildren looked forward to her zucchini bread each holiday season when staying with her. Her hands were never idle, whether she was working on a crochet project, crafting beautiful ceramics or later doing crossword puzzles.

Outside of the home, Rachel spent many years as the dedicated secretary at Rockdale County High School in Conyers, Ga. She also played an important role in the family business and later embarked on a successful career as a real estate agent, where her integrity and work ethic earned the trust of her clients.

In her free time, Rachel loved a visit to the casino, where her natural luck always seemed to follow her, much to the delight of her friends and family.

In addition to her husband of 69 years, she is survived by her two sons, Charles Randall Meyer

JARRETT RYAN PHILLIPS

EASLEY — Jarrett Ryan Phillips, 27, passed away on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at Greenville Memorial Hospital due to a motorcycle accident on Aug. 21.

He got saved in May and loved The Lord and talked about Jesus all the time.

Born Feb. 27, 1997, in Easley, Jarrett was the son of Rickey Phillips and Beverly Worley Phillips. Jarrett loved working on cars, carpentry work and helping family and friends out with things they needed help with. He loved his family and his precious little 3-year-old daughter, Virginia JoAnn Phillips (nickname Annie Mae). He loved his cat, Max, and enjoyed holding him, and Max loved him and he misses him so much. He looks for him to come home every day from work.

Survivors include his father and mother; his brother, Justin Phillips of the home; sister, Christie (Richard) Yates of Liberty; brother, Jason Phillips (Kylene) and niece Allie of Moore; nephew, Dylan Phillips (Hannah), great-niece, Josie, and a great-nephew that will be born in seven weeks, Samson, of Liberty; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Paul and Ellen Nix Phillips, maternal grandparents Roy and Virginia Patterson Worley, and a cousin, Adam Clark Harris.

A memorial service was held Sept. 10 at Glenwood Baptist Church in Easley, with pastor Robert Fowler preaching.

Palmetto Cremation Services is assisting the family.

GAIL DEAN O’SHIELDS

LIBERTY — Gail Dean O’Shields, 78, loving wife to Jerry Wayne O’Shields, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at her

JACKSON WARNER DUNCAN SR.

PICKENS — Jackson Warner “Jack” Duncan Sr., 85, passed away Aug. 27, 2024, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Mr. Duncan was born in   Sept. 24, 1938, to the late Furman and Winnie Duncan. He was retired as owner and operator of Duncan Grading. Mr. Duncan was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church. He was a lifelong resident of Pickens. Mr. Duncan loved to be outdoors, hunting, racing, football and working.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Mary Anna Duncan; three sons and their wives, Jack Duncan Jr. (Rachel), Freddie Duncan (Wanda) and Eddie Duncan (Teresa), all of Pickens; nine grandchildren, Jessica Worthington (Harris), Shane Duncan (Becca), Kayce Owen (Matthan), Richard Duncan, Brandon Duncan (Charlesie) and Bryson Duncan (Ashley), all of Pickens, Rebekah Rice (Logan), Andrew Simmons (Erin) and Paige Ellison (Rylee); 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Shelby Crowe.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Duncan was preceded in death by his six siblings, Robert, Jerry, Billy and Mickey Duncan, Loretta Ellenburg and Kathy Lackey Putnam; and an infant granddaughter, Anna Duncan.

Graveside services were conducted at Hillcrest Memorial Park on Aug. 30. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

GALE ELIZABETH HARBIN

EASLEY — Gale Elizabeth Harbin (Beth), 74, of Easley, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024.

Born in Anderson County, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Geraldine Royster.

Beth was born July 9, 1950 in Anderson and grew up in Pendleton. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and wife who

TREVOR ZION BAUKNIGHT

EASLEY — With humble acceptance of God’s will, we announce the passing of Trevor Zion Bauknight, 55, on Aug. 22, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Amanda Cox, both of Easley and formerly Sumter.

Born in Kingsport, Tenn., and raised in Sumter, he was the son of Amanda Mosier Bauknight and Dennis Lehman Bauknight.

Trevor attended his beloved Sumter High School, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, with degrees in religious studies and history.

Trevor was a project manager and editor at Martin Printing. He worked for The Sumter Daily Item for many years, and whether you knew it or not, you probably saw him on the sideline of a high school football game under those Friday night lights. He was also the art education director for the Sumter County Gallery of Art.

There are no words to explain how incredibly special he was. He was

MARTHA JOAN ALEXANDER

EASLEY — Martha Joan Alexander, 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Aug. 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born at home to the late Lewis and Glator Noblitt in Easley in 1933.

Together, she and her late husband, Kenneth Alexander, leave their legacy

VICTOR THOMAS SPEARMAN

EASLEY — Victor Thomas Spearman, 66, of Easley, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024.

Born in Easley, he was a son of the late Perilla Starr Hall and Rufus O. Spearman Sr.
Victor loved golf and watching NASCAR. He also proudly served with the U.S. Air Force for two years and the U.S. Navy for 12 years.

Victor is survived by a son, Jonathan Spearman of Orlando, Fla.; a daughter, Amanda Finesey (Sean) of Liberty; brothers, Rufus O. Spearman Jr. (Barbara) of Easley and Gary L. Spearman of St. Peters, Mo.; a sister, Donna M. Barker of Tennessee; and grandchildren, Gabriel and Lochlan Finesey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother,

GERALD W. ELLENBURG

PICKENS — Gerald W. Ellenburg, 86, of Pickens, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.

Born in Pickens, he was the oldest son of the late Clyde Ellenburg and Ethel Nix Ellenburg.

Gerald is survived by his son, Richard Ellenburg; daughter, Tammy Boysworth (Autry); granddaughter, Tamara C. Boysworth; three brothers, Charles, Alton and Ricky Ellenburg; and three sisters, Glenda Wilson, Bertha Lou Woodring and Ella Mae Childs. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews to cherish

DERRICK EDWARD COLLINS

LEXINGTON — Derrick Edward Collins, 43, passed away on July 14, 2024, in Lexington.

Born on Feb. 22, 1981, in Easley, Derrick was a dedicated professional who served Michelin Tire Corporation for 25 years. His remarkable skills in maintenance and passion for repairs were well recognized within his workplace. Derrick was also a graduate of Tri-County Technical College with an associate’s degree in industrial technology.

Beyond his professional life, Derrick was a man of many hobbies, including movies, music and a profound love for nature and science. His hands were often busy with projects around his home, such as building a chicken coop and a vanity mirror, reflecting his love for

BERTHA C. DAY

PICKENS — Our mama, Bertha C. Day, 91, of Pickens, went into the arms of Jesus at her Heavenly home on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Born in Pickens, she was the daughter of the late Brian and Eunice Clark.

On earth, mama worshiped at Blue Ridge View Baptist Church, where she sang and praised God.

Bertha is survived by her two daughters, Judy Seawright (Junior) and Tammy Whitlock (Chris); two grandchildren, Randy Whitehead (Melissa) and Travis Whitehead (Hannah); six great-grandchildren, Cassie Whitehead, Alysha Turner (Brendan), Amanda Whitehead, Bailey Whitehead, Lilly Whitehead and Michael White; sister, Verna Abercrombie; and brother-in-law, Roger Day.

In addition to her parents, she was welcomed into Heaven by her beloved husband, Glenn W. Day; daughter, Barbara Day; sisters, Jennette Riggins (Melvin) and Fannie Pace (W.T.); brother, Walt Clark (Tillie); brother-in-law, James Abercrombie; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; friends and family.

Friends and family said “See you later” during a service on July 23 at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens. Bertha was laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted, or contributions in Bertha’s memory may be made to Blue Ridge View Baptist Church Youth Fund.

We will see her again one sweet day, if we all trust in Jesus as our Lord.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

VALDIMER ‘VAL’ S. DYCHES

EASLEY — Dr. Valdimer “Val” S. Dyches, of Easley, husband of Kathy A. Dyches, passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Orangeburg, he was the son of the late Valdimer S. Dyches Sr. and Nell Lide Dyches.

Val served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was strong in his Christian faith. He received his B.S. degree from Clemson University and his O.D. degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn. Dr. Dyches