Jasper H. “Bud” Crowe

EASLEY — Bud Crowe, 85, husband of the late Effie Crowe, passed from this life Monday, Sept. 10, 2018.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Lonie and Vera Roper Crowe. Bud was retired with Southeastern Freight Lines, was of the Baptist faith and was a veteran of the United States Army.

Survivors include a daughter, Toni (Jim) Johnson of Easley; a son, Rocky (Sandy) Crowe of Sunset; grandchildren, Tara (Michael) Looper, Jamy Johnson, Ryan (Jessica) Crowe and Kayla (Joey) Barnett; great-grandchildren, Austin, Aaron, and Alaya Looper, Breelyn and Aslyn Johnson, Addison and Paisley Crowe and Logan Barnett; brothers, Jessie Crowe and Tom Crowe; and sisters, Miriam Lyles, Fannie Belle Mauldin, and Sara Mae Redding.

Bud was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Effie, and a great-grandson, Roper Crowe.

The funeral service was held Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, in the chapel ofMountain View Funeral Home, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Crowe family.

Alfred B. Robinson

EASLEY — Alfred Burgess Robinson, 89, passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, in Easley.

Born in Easley on Nov. 30, 1928, he was a son of the late William Alexander and Mary Burgess Robinson. An Eagle Scout in Troop 37, Mr. Robinson graduated from Easley High School with honors in 1945 and Clemson College in 1948 with a bachelor of science degree in economics. He received the Shanklin Medal for maintaining the highest scholastic average in military science. He commanded a cadet company during his senior year and was a member of Senior Platoon, Tiger Brotherhood and Blue Key. He was a member of Clemson’s official big band, the Jungaleers, and continued to perform in Jungaleer events throughout his life.

In 1948, he was called to active duty, being assigned as Cadre to the Leadership School in Fort Jackson, S.C. He returned to inactive status in 1950 and joined the reserves due to family business demands. After his father’s death in 1953, he took over the family’s businesses, Robinson’s Department Store and Robinson Funeral Home. In 1992, he founded Robinson Memorial Gardens. In addition, he was active in real estate development.

Mr. Robinson was an active member of the community, including serving as president of Pickens County United Way, Easley Rotary Club and Easley Chamber of Commerce. He served on the board of the State Chamber of Commerce, the Pickens County Library, the S.C. Funeral Service Board, the Friends of the Library, and the YMCA. He was a former board member and president of Selected Independent Funeral Homes 1990-1991, an international association of family-owned funeral homes. He was a former chairman of the ombined Utilities of the city of Easley, former board member of Southern Bancorporation for Southern Bank and Trust, and a member of the Poinsett Club, Green Valley Country Club and Pawleys Island Yacht Club. He currently was serving as a board member of the S.C. Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.

As a lifelong member of Easley Presbyterian Church, he served as chairman of the Board of Deacons, an elder of the Session and former chairman of the Worship Committee.

Surviving are his children: two daughters, Corinne Margot Mauldin and Caroline Jütte Robinson Fleming; two sons, Alfred Burgess Robinson Jr. (Sallie) and Christopher Payne Robinson; one brother, William Alexander Robinson Jr. (Mary); and eight grandchildren, Mary Catherine Mauldin Hadaway, Charles Hubbard Hadaway III, Eliza Cunningham Fleming, Peter Wallace Fleming IV, Alfred Burgess Robinson III, Evelyn Frances Robinson, Anna Eberhardt Robinson and John Wickliffe Robinson.

He was predeceased by his wife, Margot Martha Jütte Robinson, and her son, William Kennedy Mauldin II; a sister, Mary Elizabeth Robinson, and a granddaughter, Martha Robinson Fleming.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, with the Revs. Dr. William P. Seel and Christie S. Gravely officiating. Burial followed at Robinson Memorial Gardens. Escort of Honor were the members of Easley Rotary Club.

Memorials may be made to Easley Presbyterian Church, 200 S. 1st St., Easley, S.C. 29640 or the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road.

Boyce B. Phipps

EASLEY — Mr. Boyce B. Phipps, 73, husband of Linda Griffin Phipps, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Henderson County, N.C., a son of the late Clyde Ezelle Phipps and the late Madaila McKinney Phipps, Mr. Phipps retired from the South Carolina Department of Transportation with more than 25 years of service and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 49 years, are a son, Jimmy Ray Moore (Ronda) of Easley; a daughter, Lisa Sexton of Portland, Ore.; a brother, Roger Paul Phipps of Liberty; two sisters, Phyllis Nalley (Melvin) of Easley and Joyce Hall of Myrtle Beach; three grandchildren, Zachary Moore, Brantley Moore and Scott Sexton; and one great-grandchild, Rayelynn Moore.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Phipps was predeceased by a brother, Bill Phipps; and three sisters, Marie Mathis, Mary Owen and Betty Edwards.

The family held a memorial service Sept. 15 at New Image Church.

Memorials may be made in memory of Boyce to New Image Church, 311 Anderson Highway, Easley, SC 29642.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley, which is assisting the family.

Lee William Looper Sr.

INMAN — Lee W. Looper Sr., 50, husband of Lisa Marie Parsons Looper, passed from this life to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.

Lee was born in Greenville County, a beloved son of Julia M. Looper of Pickens. He graduated from Pickens High School in 1986, with honors from Southern Wesleyan University with a bachelor of arts in business and continued on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from Clemson University.

Survivors include his wife Lisa of the home; his mother Julia of Pickens; sons, Lee “Buddy” Looper Jr. (Madeline), Kevin Looper, Wesley Looper and Andrew Looper; a granddaughter, Willow Looper; a sister, Laura Yates (Jeff); a niece, Haley Yates McCall (Tyler); a nephew, Alex Yates; and two great-nieces, Julia McCall and Ellie McCall.

A graveside service was held Sept. 16 at Red Hill Baptist Church cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Gary Edwards. Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Looper family.

Beulah Smith

LIBERTY — Beulah Lenora Hughes Smith, 92, of Liberty, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018.

Ms. Smith was the oldest living Gold Star mother from the Vietnam era of Pickens County and one of the oldest in South Carolina.

Born in Pickens County, Ms. Smith was a daughter of the late Lawrence Clayton and Pallie Gassaway Hughes. She was a retiree of Libco Mills and a member of Calumet Baptist Church since her teenage years. Ms. Smith spent her life loving and caring for her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving are daughters, Tammy Aiken-Clark, Debra McCall (Sam) and Judy Aiken; grandchildren, Brandi Aiken (Courtney), Matthew Aiken (Melissa), Michelle Grant (Billy), Robbie McCall (Mary) and Niki Cobb; and great-grandchildren Garrison Aiken, Piper Aiken, Collins Aiken, Skylar Grant, Josiah Aiken, Brittney Gibson and Hannah Cobb. She is also survived by her beloved Shih Tzu, Bobo.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Smith was preceded in death by her only son David “Jim” Smith in 1969, when he was killed in action during the Vietnam War; grandson, David Adams; sister, Avey Gilstrap; and brothers, Alfred, Johnny, JC and James (Pick) Hughes.

Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday, Sept. 18, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial followed at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend special thanks to members of Hospice of the Upstate who provided care so lovingly during her last days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calumet Baptist Church, Friends of Pickens County Guardian ad Litem, Family Promise of Pickens County or charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at libertymortuary.com or in person at Liberty Mortuary, which is assisting the family.

E. Charles Crowe

EASLEY — Mr. E. Charles Crowe, 85, husband of Betty Swords Crowe, went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Alec and Alberta Nix Crowe, Mr. Crowe retired from Milliken-Judson Plant after 62 years of dedicated service. He was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Mens No. 4 Sunday School class and served on several committees. He was a U.S. Army veteran who proudly served in Germany.

Mr. Crowe enjoyed working in his garden, fishing, traveling with his wife and spending time with his granddaughters.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 62 years, are two sons, Charles Crowe of Easley and Stan Crowe of Raleigh, N.C.; the keepers of “Popeye’s” heart, his granddaughters, Collins Anne Crowe and Caroline Crowe Labarthe (Bruce); brothers, Bobby Crowe (Faye) and Larry Crowe (Cheryl), all of Pickens; three sisters, Frances Wilson (Bobby), Nancy Neas (Mike) and Martha Jean Clark (John), all of Easley; and an aunt, Betty Jean Stansell of Pickens.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Alec Crowe Jr. and Billy Crowe.

Special thanks to Joy Turner for the compassionate care and acts of kindness shown to her Uncle Charles.

Funeral services were held Sept. 15 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, with entombment following in the Chapel of Reflection Mausoleum of Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Association, 301 University Ridge, Ste. 5850, Greenville, SC 29601 or the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.

John Willett Vess

LIBERTY — The Rev. John Willett Vess Sr., 89, of Liberty, passed away peacefully at the McCall Hospice House with his family by his side on Sept. 13, 2018.

He was born in Central in the home where his father served as president of Central Wesleyan College (now Southern Wesleyan University). Rev. Vess was a graduate of Central Wesleyan College and Bob Jones University Seminary. He was a minister of the gospel since 1953, with pastorates in Anniston, Ala., Columbus, Ga., Talladega, Ala., Selma, Ala., Easley, Six Mile, Iva, and Oakway. Additionally, he served as a general evangelist at church revivals and camp meetings nationally and internationally, including in the Philippines, Mexico, Africa, Russia, Taiwan, Korea and China. He also held several offices within the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Arthur L. and Olive Vess, and his brother, Wesley A. Vess.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Nell Lindsey Vess; children, Libby (David) Hall of Mechanicsburg, Pa., Ronda (Dan) Whisner of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Joy (Eddie) Beaver of Easley, and John Willett Jr. (Melissa) Vess of Easley; and sister, Margaret (Amos) Glendenning of Leitchfield, Ky. He also leaves behind beloved grandchildren, Jeremy (Christine) Hall, Danny (Melissa) Whisner, Jon (Kari) Whisner, Elizabeth (Dean) Rosencrans, Lindsey (Chad) Ford, Katie (Nate) Crater, Michael Walker, Marci (Kevin) Nattinger, John Willett III “Will” (Nicole) Vess and Jake (Emma) Vess; and great-grandchildren, Garrett Ford, Ethan Hall, Trey Whisner, Stephanie Hall, Madison Grace Ford, Leah Rosencrans, Reagan Whisner, Valerie Hall, Bethany Rosencrans, Gibbs Whisner, Amber Walker, Ryland Whisner, Nolan Whisner, Cole Crater, Zane Ford and Beckett Whisner; as well as step-grandchildren Michelle (Kevin) Stinehart and Janelle (Brian) Patterson, and step-great-grandchildren, Numora Stinehart, Bennett Patterson, Emerson Stinehart, and Bowen Patterson, and a host of dearly loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his dedicated life of ministry, he is known for being able to do almost anything; and not just do it, but excel at it. He designed, built and remodeled houses and churches, laid carpet, was an expert mechanic, certified in heating and air-conditioning, and even completed real estate classes when he was in his 80s. He loved to learn and was intrigued by figuring things out. Any time he was facing a surgery or a new medical treatment, he would research it tirelessly and has been known to correct physicians if they were wrong about some of the details. He would find a way to repair anything, and we accepted his cluttered garage, dirty truck and tracked-in mud, knowing he was fixing whatever needed to be fixed. He could change from his stained work clothes to a suit and tie and seamlessly go from being under the hood of a car to visiting a sick person in the hospital in a matter of minutes. He had his trusty video recorder with him almost everywhere he went and has thousands of hours of video, slides and pictures. He had a steel-trap memory, and you could hardly mention a place or a person that he wouldn’t immediately tell you everything there was to know about the subject. His energy was tireless, and up until a few weeks before his death, he did hard physical labor all day long, just refusing to accept any limitations.

Far and above the many gifts he had, Rev. Vess considered his call to preach his highest calling. Those who were privileged to sit under his ministry would agree he was a powerfully annointed preacher. He lived a rich, full life, and often quoted the late Jim Elliot when he said, “When the time comes to die, make sure that all you have to do is die.” Truly he lived his life that way and was peacefully welcomed into the arms of the loving God he faithfully served.

Funeral services were held Sept. 16 at Trinity Wesleyan Church in Central, officiated by his sons-in-law, the Revs. David Hall, Dan Whisner and Eddie Beaver. A private family burial followed at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Joe Stephenson, oncologist, for his compassion and expertise; and to the staff of Open Arms Hospice and the McCall Hospice House for their loving care. The family also wants to say thank you to all who have expressed sympathy during their loss. Your love and prayers have been a great comfort.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Wesleyan Church Missions to be used for drilling clean water wells in impoverished countries.

Lydia Cooper Stewart

ELGIN — Lydia Cooper Stewart, 99, of Elgin, formerly of Pickens, died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018.

Born March 1, 1919, in Pickens, she was a daughter of the late Ephram “Cap” Alexander Cooper and Carria Hudson Cooper.

Survivors include her daughter, Carrie Earlene Stewart Fallon (Gene); grandchildren, Gary Hall (Sally), Carrie Tanner, Melissa Stewart Ernst and Angela Hoover; nine great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; as well as her sisters, Lucille Morgan and Margaret Burns (Perry). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earlie Stewart; son, Tommy Stewart; siblings, Carria Lelia, Lillie Mae, Sarah Leona, Lois Ruth, Esther Lee, Velma Pearl, Ephriam Alexander Jr. and Charlie Tom.

The funeral service for Mrs. Stewart was held Aug. 26 at Hillcrest Baptist Church, with the Rev. Kenneth Jackson officiating and interment following in Greenhaven Memorial Gardens, Elgin. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen South Carolina, 127 King St., Suite 205, Charleston, SC 29401.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

Edwin Gary Reeves

SIX MILE — Edwin Gary “Ed” Reeves, 75, of 1176 Liberty Highway, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Greenville, he was a son of the late Edwin E. and Dorothy Glazner Reeves.

Mr. Reeves retired from Cryovac and was an avid fisherman. He was a member of the The Mill Church in Pickens.

Surviving are his wife, Geraldine Smith Reeves of the home; a daughter, Robin R. Smith (Todd) of Piedmont; three sons, Scott R. Reeves (Pam) of Easley, Mark T. Reeves (Kim) of Six Mile and Chris D. Reeves (Kelly) of York; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, JoAnn Langdale of Greenville.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Reeves were held Sept. 18 at The Mill Church in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorials be made to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Richard (Skip) Robert

EASLEY — Richard (Skip) Robert, 86, of Easley, died Sept. 12, 2018.

He was a native of Johnstown, Pa., and moved from Pennsylvania to Florida in 2000. He moved from Florida to South Carolina in 2015. He was a machinist for Bethlehem Steel and Pennsylvania Electric Company. He was a member of Conemaugh Church of the Brethren in Johnstown, Pa., and a member at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooksville, Fla., prior to moving to South Carolina, where he attended Grace Powdersville.

Richard is survived by his children, Barbara Nesbitt (Tom) of Easley; and Diane Freeman of Hudson, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marlene June Laymen Cooper; son, Ricky Cooper; wife, Lily Jane Persinger Cooper; brother, George Cooper; and son-in-law, Steven Freeman.

Richard enjoyed hunting, camping, gospel music, and Golden Corral. He loved his family and his Savior. He was an amazing storyteller, and almost every story was about God’s grace in his life. Richard experienced many near-fatal accidents involving sleds, tractor-trailers, lawn mowers, cars, swimming pools and RVs that probably would have killed a less stubborn man. Richard had a simple faith, trusted in God’s goodness and love, and was blessed with a long life surrounded by family who adored him.

A visitation will be held Sunday, Sept. 23, from 2-3 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at Mountain View Funerals and Cremations, 105 Florence St., Pickens, SC http://mountainviewfunerals.com/.

A burial service will be held in Johnstown, Pa., at a later date.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Halcyon Hospice, 5 Century Drive, Suite 210, Greenville, SC 29607

Earl Steven Brooks

PICKENS — Earl Steven Brooks, 70, loving husband of 14 years to Shirley Stone Brooks, passed from this life on Sept. 16, 2018.

Born in Central, he was the son of the late Earl Matthew Brooks and Betty Jean Black Brooks.

Survivors include his wife; daughters, Niki S. Rusher of Liberty and Amelia Brooks of Anderson; sons, Garrick Brooks of Norris and Adam Stone of Pickens; five grandchildren; sisters, Phyllis (Ronnie) Nix of Gaston, N.C., and Debra (Jerry) Garrett of Pickens; and caregiver and special friend, Tammi Walsh.

Mr. Brooks was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Tony Brooks.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the home of Jerry and Debra Garrett (190 Heritage Drive, Pickens S.C. 29671).

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Brooks family

KENNETH HELTON

EASLEY — Mr. Lewis “Kenneth” Helton, 84, husband of Sara Stephens Helton, passed away Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home.

Born in Emanuel County, Ga., a son of the late Lawson Lester Helton and the late Emily Williams Helton, Mr. Helton was the owner and operator of Hann Motor Company for 57 years and attended Tremont Church of God. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 60 years, is a son, Kenneth Barry Helton of Easley. In addition to his parents, Mr. Helton was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

The family is at the home.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Richard M. Campbell Nursing Home for the love and care they have provided for Mr. Helton.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 301 University Ridge, Suite 5850, Greenville, SC 29601.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley, which is assisting the family.

DON COOK BOBO

PICKENS — Don Cook Bobo, 89, went to his heavenly home Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at his home following a long battle with kidney failure.

Born in Gray Court, he is survived by his beloved wife, Marie. He was the son of the late Karl C. Bobo Sr. and Neva Cook.

Mr. Bobo attended Clemson University. He served in the United States Army in Japan and was recalled into service from 1950-1952. He was a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, owner and manager of Bivens Hardware Store of Pickens, and a member or board member of numerous groups, including the Pickens County Forestry Commission, Rotary Club, Cannon Memorial Hospital, Woodman of the World, and the Cattleman’s Association.

Survivors include his wife, Marie, of 12 years. He also leaves behind a son and a daughter, Robert Bobo (Tammy) and Elizabeth Bobo Fields. Other children include Russell Shaw, Susan Byrd, Alice Brinkley and Dana Roper. Mr. Bobo leaves 20 grandchildren, including Hank Bobo, Abby Thompson, Heath Fields (Lauren), Daniel Fields and Beth Styles (Chase), and 18 great-grandchildren, including Sawyer and Ellie Kate Styles. A cousin, Bill Patterson, also survives.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Bobo was predeceased by a brother, Karl Bobo Jr., and his wife of 47 years, Idalee Bivens Bobo.

A visitation was held Monday, Sept. 17, at Dillard Funeral Home. The family held a private military graveside service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Bobo family.

Online condolences may be sent to Dillardfunerals.com.