KENNETH GARY PARSONS

EASLEY — SRA Kenneth Gary Parsons, 37, loving and devoted husband since 2014 to Taylor Parsons, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at his home.

Kenneth was born on Jan. 29, 1985, in Easley, to Gary and Po Parsons. He was an avid Clemson football fan or anything sports related. Kenneth was a 3A state high jump champion in 2003. He was an Air Force veteran, serving as Flying Crew Chief 437 AGS on C-17 sircrafts. He was a member of Arial Baptist Church, and his great faith in God and family was shown until the very end. Kenneth was a loving husband and father who was always willing to sacrifice for his family. He was a highly respected, hardworking man, who above all else loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

In addition to his loving wife of eight years and his parents, Kenneth is survived by one daughter, born in 2016, Madelyn Parsons; one sister, Young Loyd (Robert); one niece, Brinkley Loyd; two nephews, Wilson Loyd and Beckett Loyd; his mother-in-law, Tianna Jackson; grandmother, Eloise Parsons; and his best friend, Marion Dukes.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his grandfather, Fred Parsons.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 8 at Arial Baptist Church. Interment followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

The family members are at their respective homes.

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

 

NANCY HUDGENS

LIBERTY — Nancy Cann Hudgens, 78, of Chastain Road, died on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at her residence.

Born in Anderson, she was the widow of Doyle Rudolph Hudgens and a daughter of the late James Clinton and Rosa Owen Cann. She had previously retired from Alpha Printing and later worked at Curves in Liberty. Mrs Hudgens loved traveling and being outdoors flower gardening, but especially spending time with her family. She was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are a son, Brian Hudgens of the home; a daughter, Tracy Collier (Shane) of Pickens; one brother, James Hugh “Sonny” Cann of Pendleton; one sister, Pat Ramsey of Easley; and four grandchildren, Chelsea Hudgens, Brandon Collier (Alyssa), Dustin Hudgens and Nicholas Collier.

A memorial service hosted by the family was held on Jan. 6 at Lakeview Baptist Church in Pickens.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

 

RHONDA ‘KAY’ GILSTRAP PICKENS

EASLEY — Rhonda “Kay” Gilstrap Pickens, 67, daughter of the late Bobby Jerrell Gilstrap and Audrey Oliva Roper Gilstrap, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, at her residence.

Rhonda was born in Greenville County, on Feb. 13, 1955.

Survivors include her children, Charolyn Melaina Cole (Joey) and Jamie Shon Cole (Monika); four grandchildren, Megan Kinman (Chris), Tristen Howard (Emilio), Aubri Marie Cole and Parker Michael Cole; one great-grandchild, Emilia Mae Howard; her brother, Keith Gilstrap; and a special friend, Robin Edens.

A graveside service was held on Jan. 5 at the Cedar Rock Baptist Church cemetery in Easley.

Wildflowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made in Rhonda’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the family.

 

TONY M. BROOKS

LIBERTY — Mr. Tony Maton Brooks, 78, husband of Debbie P. Brooks, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late George Maton Brooks and the late Arietta Hendricks Brooks, Mr. Brooks was a retired brick mason and of the Baptist faith. He loved hunting, fishing, sports and raising his gamecock chickens, but his greatest love was for his family and grandchildren.

Tony will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 44 years, are a son, Tony Allan Brooks of Liberty; two daughters, Becky Elaine Guthrie (Riley) of Pickens and Tonya Whitmire of Liberty; two sisters, Evelyn Patterson and Winnon Miller, both of Liberty; grandchildren, Alicia Guthrie, Kiley Guthrie, Hailee David (Eli) and Gage Whitmre (Macy Riddle); and great-grandchildren, Yasmine Castillo, Tiffany Searcy, Asilee David, Rebecca David and Magnolia David.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Brooks was predeceased by a son, Tony Mitchell Brooks; and two brothers, Troy Brooks and Wayne Brooks.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 5 at Rice’s Creek Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

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

 

LORI DENISE WILLOUGHBY

PICKENS — Lori Denise Willoughby, 52, born to Linda Cannon Willoughby and the late Archie Willoughby on Dec. 22, 1970, left this world on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

She is survived by a sister, Lisa Willoughby Murray of Easley; two nieces, Heather O’Sullivan (Jonathan) of Easley and Kelly Layton (T.J.) of Dacusville; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Kaylee O’Sullivan, Cooper O’Sullivan, Cannon O’Sullivan, Wyatt Layton and Emery Layton, who were the lights of her life.

Lori was employed by the School District of Pickens County in human resources.

She was predeceased by a brother, William Michael Willoughby; and grandparents, Eugene and Ethel Cannon of Pickens and Calvin and Genobia Willoughby of Calhoun Falls.

Funeral services were conducted in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens on Jan. 7. No graveside services will be held.

The family will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan O’Sullivan, 118 Harvest Drive, Easley, SC 29640.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Willoughby family.

 

‘CAPTAIN DAN’ PARSONS

PICKENS — “Captain Dan” Parsons, 69, loving husband of 50 years to Joan Parsons, passed away on Jan. 3, 2023, the first Tuesday after New Year.

Born on Feb. 11, 1953, in Mobile, Ala., Captain Dan was the son of Lillian Parsons and the late Glenn Parsons. He loved fishing and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Joan Parsons; his mother, Lillian Parsons; his children, Jimmy Parsons (Kimberlee) and Jason Parsons (Lacey), both of Pickens; grandchildren, Mallory Parsons and Tyler Parsons; a sister, Cyndi Sheriff; and his dog, Cooper.

Mr. Parsons was predeceased by his father, Glenn M. Parsons.

No formal services are planned.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Parsons family.

 

JOYCE ELAINE GARCIA

PICKENS — Joyce Elaine Garcia, 66, born to Mary Jane Strang Croker and Willie Andrew Crocker on Dec. 2, 1956, passed away on Dec. 31, 2022, at Manna Health Care Pickens.

She loved John Wayne movies, Scooby Doo and spending time with her kids, grandkids and her son-in-law.

She is survived by two daughters, Carrie Collins (Randall McAlister) of Pickens and Jackie Fleming of Easley; a son, Kenneth Crocker of Pickens; two sisters, Linda Black of Easley and Sherby Wilson (Phillip) of North Carolina; three brothers, Kenneth Crocker of Pickens, Stephen Crocker of Pickens and Larry Crocker of Spartanburg; eight grandchildren, Brianna Feno, Chelsea Feno, Abigail Collins, Will Crocker, Rodney Rampey, Houston Hall, Kayla Crocker and Dominic Crocker; and four great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Garcia was predeceased by her parents, one daughter, Rachel Crocker; three sister, Donna McJunkin, Phylis Porter and Barbara Crocker; four brothers, Charles, Marvin, Tommy and Bill Crocker; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Garcia family.

 

WALTER HERBERT HANEY

SALEM — Walter Herbert Haney, 75, passed away on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at Manna Health and Rehab Center in Pickens.

A native of Oconee County, Walter was born on June 11, 1947, the son of the late Walter and Margaret Haney. Mr. Haney was a member of Clemson Presbyterian Church and the Pendleton Masonic Lodge. Walter was known to the community as “The Renaissance Man” and was highly sought after for his prized mastery of antique restorations, including commissioned work located in the Smithsonian collection.

Walter had a Master of Arts degree and taught many people through his career. He was also well known for his work as a paramedic in Anderson County. He will be missed by many throughout the community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Walter’s honor may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation by visiting parkinson.org or by mail at 200 SE 1st St., Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Haney family.

 

CINDY DUFFINA HEIDELBERGER

SIX MILE — Cindy Duffina Heidelberger, 59, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, in the comfort and care of hospice after a long battle with cancer.

Cindy graduated from Plattsburgh High School, class of 1981. She was employed for 14 years at Walmart, serving as front-end manager. Cindy was also a two-time entrant in million-dollar slot tournaments in Las Vegas. She loved bingo, camping, fishing, kayaking and spending quality time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Eric Heidelberger of the home; her children, Ryan and Becca (Mangum) Nichols, Steven and Tiffany Mangum; her stepchildren, Roger and Aimee Heidelberger and Dan and Erica (Heidelberger) Wheatly; grandchildren, Abby Mangum, Lexi Deon, Jaden Raymond and Alex Congdon; her mother and step-father, Yves and Elizabeth Bourdon; her sisters, Barbara and Arthur Pollier, Sandra Duffina and Artie Kircoff, and Nancy and John Amos; several nieces and nephews, numerous loving cousins and her best friends, Joanne and Norm Waldron.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Heidelberger family.

 

SOPHIE MAE BROOKS

EASLEY — Sophie Mae Brooks, 88, died on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at Oconee Memorial Hospital.

Born in Liberty, she was the widow of John C. Brooks and a daughter of the late William Dyre and Delphie Lee Sentell Stewart.

Mrs. Brooks loved to read her Bible and was an avid gardener. She was a homemaker and a member of West End Baptist Church.

Surviving are a grandson, Jonathan Strong (Wendy) of Liberty; two granddaughters, Kristi Crowe (Tony) of Easley and Sarah Webb (Jess) of Pendleton; and nine great-grandchildren, Blake, Cassie, Braden, Carter, Kaylee, Daylynn, Eli, Jerred and Andrew.

She was the last survivor of her immediate family. In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a daughter, Renee Stewart; and a son, John Michael Brooks.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Brooks were held on Jan. 10 at West End Baptist Church. Burial took place at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family members will be at their respective homes.

To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

DALE EUGENE ‘RED DOG’ MORGAN

SALEM — Dale Eugene “Red Dog” Morgan, 52, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, at his home.

Born on July 7, 1970, in Mooresville, N.C., Red Dog was the son of the late John Morgan and Betty Morgan Eller.

Survivors include his siblings, Wanda “Willie” Thompson of Salem, Johnny “Buck” Morgan of Salem, Tony “Shorty” Morgan (Sheila) of Easley and Doug Morgan (Debbie) of Dacusville; nieces, Ariel and Katie; and nephews, Justin, Dyllan, Jonah, Derek and Drake; as well as seven great-nieces.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Morgan was predeceased by a brother, Paul Calvin Morgan; and his stepfather, Joe Eller.

The family will hold a private memorial service to honor the life of Red Dog.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Morgan family.

 

NANCY EVE LANG

CLEVELAND — On Friday afternoon, Dec. 30, 2022, the Lord in his great wisdom dispatched an angel quietly to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, to escort peacefully Mrs. Nancy Eve Lang out of this life to relocate to her new heavenly home.

Born in Daytona, Fla., she was the daughter of the late Lamar Sauls and Faye Bell. She lived in Cleveland, where she was a member of Freedom Biker Church Foothills. Among her favorite pastimes, she loved to dance and sing.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Faye Bell and Lamar Sauls; two sisters, Roseann Webster and Della (Sandy) Green; and one daughter, Teresa Rowley.

She was survived by four daughters, Carolyn Rowley of Cleveland, Debbie DePasquale of Paisley, Fla., Renea Blackman Rountree of Brundidge, Ala., and Michelle Blackman Teta of Holly Hill, Fla.; one son, N. Curtis Rowley of Holly Hill, Fla.; two sisters, Janice Tripp of Tipton, Ga., and Nina (Jodi) Johnson of Midlothian, Va.; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, at 10 a.m. at Freedom Biker Church Foothills, 3910 Highway 11, Pickens, SC 29671.

The family has selected the Luther Johnson Funeral Home, 301 E. Main St., Liberty, SC 29657, (864) 843-6309.

The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the charity of your choice.

You may send condolences, sign the online register or light a free memory candle in her honor as a source of comfort for the family at lutherjohnsonfh.com.

 

HUGN ELROD

EASLEY — Hugh Edward Elrod, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Thomas Jackson Elrod Sr. and the late Inez Edens Elrod, Mr. Elrod was a graduate of Pickens High School, retired from Ryder Trucking with 30 years of service, and later retired from J.M. Mold South with 18 years of service. He was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

Hugh was an avid Ford Mustang collector and restorer, loved the outdoors and was a Clemson fan. He was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving are his two daughters, Cindy Elrod Pearson (Kendall) and Sherry Elrod Anthony, both of Easley; four brothers, William Elrod (Shirley) of Pickens, Gary Elrod (Jean) of Pickens, Marvin Elrod (Brenda) of Easley and T.J. Elrod (Eloise) of Greenville; a sister, Yvonne Bryant (George) of Easley; three grandchildren, Tabitha Deal (Scott), Huston Pearson and Hannah Byers (Brian); and one great-grandchild, Bentley Edward Parris. In addition to his parents, Mr. Elrod was predeceased by a brother, Neil Elrod.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Flowers will be accepted, and memorials may be made to St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 309 Pelzer Highway, Easley, SC 29642.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Powdersville Road, Easley.

 

JEANETTE BARRETT UNDERWOOD

PICKENS — Mrs. Jeanette Barrett Underwood, 85, loving wife of the late Doyle Kenneth Underwood, of Pickens, passed away Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at her residence.

Mrs. Underwood was born in Pickens County on Aug. 20, 1937, to the late Fred and Mary Gantt Barrett. She loved reading, trees and flowers, but most important to her was her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Underwood was a member of Pickens First Baptist Church.

Mrs. Underwood is survived by her two sons, Don Underwood (Paula) and Mitch Underwood (Teresa); her two daughters, Kenna Chapman and Leah Watson (Ricky); her 12 grandchildren, Brent Chapman, Tyler Underwood, Caitlan Scroggs, Carly Davidson, Tara Lawson, Sarah Kearney, Macy Watson, Taylor Lovinggood, Erin Underwood, Ally Watson, Gray Haynes and Brent Chastain; and her 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her loving husband and her parents, Mrs. Underwood was preceded in death by her two brothers, Beaver Barrett and Jack Barrett, and a son-in-law, Robert Chapman.

A graveside service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.

The family members are at their respective homes.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Feed a Hungry Child Pickens County, PO Box 1573 Pickens SC 29671, or by phone at (864) 897-9890.

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

 

MARY F. PATTERSON

PICKENS — Mary F. Patterson, 60, daughter of the late Charlie Fisher and Sarah Roper, passed away on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

A native of Pickens County, Mary was born on April 27, 1962. She attended Antioch Baptist Church in Sunset. Mary enjoyed time with her family, fishing, crocheting and miniature goats.

Survivors include her children, Terry Southerland of Pickens and Josh Southerland (Haley) of Pickens; her grandchildren, Angel Southerland, Emileigh Southerland, Jacob Southerland and Harper-Grace Southerland; her sister, Wanda White; a cousin, who was like a brother, Wayne Woods; along with several nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her parents.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Patterson family.