JANICE RUTH SKELTON

EASLEY — Mrs. Janice Ruth Skelton, 80, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 28, 2022.

Mrs. Skelton was born in Greenville County and was the daughter of the late Lewis Rochester and Louvenia Medlin Rochester and wife for 62 years to her handsome man, Lawrence “Lonnie” Skelton.

Mrs. Skelton loved her Lord and her family. She wanted nothing more than to be with her grandchildren and spend time with family. That was her greatest joy. She did not meet a stranger. She loved making friends, and people loved her beautiful smile. She enjoyed dancing. She was employed for a total of 38 years with Cornell Dubilier and was most often sought after for her knowledge of the job. She had many talents, including advising her husband Lonnie what to do. Mrs. Skelton was loved by all and will be missed dearly by her family.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, include a son, Danny Skelton (Kim) of Purcell, Okla.; a daughter, Rhonda Burton (Mark) of Easley; and six loving grandchildren, Daniel Skelton (Nancy) of Simpsonville, Autumn Sosebee (Chris) of Travelers Rest, Joshua Starnes (Shea) of Norman, Okla., Cody McClain of Pickens, Ryan Burton of Easley and Dana Cunningham of Charleston. Also surviving are 10 most precious and loving great-grandchildren. Mrs. Skelton has one surviving sister, Doris Surrett, and a number of nieces and nephews who loved and adored her.

Mrs. Skelton was predeceased by a sister, Bobbie Lee Henderson.

A graveside service was held on April 5 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens. The Rev. Danny Perry officiated.

The family is accepting flowers. The family will be gathered at the home of Rhonda and Mark Burton.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Skelton family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

 

VELMA GENEVA MCADAMS SMITH

EASLEY — Velma Geneva McAdams Smith, 97, widow of James Harold Smith Sr., passed away on April 1, 2022.

She was born on March 12, 1925, to Forest and Velma McAdams in Easley.

She was a lifelong member of Hunts Memorial Baptist Church. She had many friends and enjoyed serving in her church, painting and crocheting. She was a homemaker and always there for her family.

She is survived by one sister, Sherril Simmons; a daughter, Joan McCoig (Leon) of Easley; a son, James. H. Smith Jr. of Easley; two grandsons, Donald Stephens (Debra) of North Charleston and Rev. Dale McCoig (Marianne) of Greenville; one great-granddaughter, Joanie McCoig of the home; two great-grandsons, Brett Stephens (Toni) of North Charleston and Philip McCoig (Lynsey) of Piedmont; and a great-great granddaughter, Collins McCoig of Piedmont.

A graveside service was held on Monday, April 4, at the Hunts Memorial Baptist Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hunts Memorial Baptist Church, 501 Alex Drive, Easley, SC 29640.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by visiting thomasmcafee.com.

 

KENNEDY DAVID ‘KD’ DRAYTON

LIBERTY — Kennedy David “KD” Drayton was taken tragically as a result of a single gunshot wound to the abdomen on the early morning of March 28 in his home.

Kennedy was born on Sept. 4, 1990, in Easton, Pa., to Sandra Marie Simmons of Liberty and Kennedy Drayton of Allentown, Pa. He was also raised by his stepfather, Ricky D. Simmons of Longwood, N.C.

Kennedy’s love for music began at a very early age. In his early youth, he relocated with his family to North Carolina, where his passion for music and caring, comedic soul touched the lives of many.

Family is something Kennedy cherished, and he also had a family made of his many friends once moving to North Carolina — “brothers for life,” they lived by. He had a compassionate and caring spirit, no matter his circumstances, always finding humor and light in any situation — and in his case, there were many.

He dreamed of becoming a well-known musical artist and created beautiful music of many genres with his self-taught instrumental talents. He recorded much of his music. It will play on, and he will be remembered forever.

Kennedy is survived by his four children, Izik Daniel Lafontaine, Brennen Kennedy Drayton, Kennedy David Drayton and Lakelyn Serenity Coleman; siblings, Nichole Drayton and spouse, Jeremy Fregeau of Ash, N.C., Alisia Mary Drayton and Ciarra Susan Drayton of Hellertown, Pa., Brandon Alan Wheeler of Knoxville, Tenn., and Tiana Wheeler of Easton, Pa.; and nieces and nephews, Olivia M. Drayton, Dominic J. Fregeau, Santino J. Fregeau, Angelo R. Fregeau, Ava Elaine Wheeler, Seth N. McCracken, Jared L. Kelley, Adrianna M. Kelley, Jenna G. Meyer, Carter J. Kelley and Cecilia C. Kelley.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Kennedy Kelley (1985-2021).

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. April 30 at Connection Church of the Nazarene, 817 62nd Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, SC.

To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are assisting the family.

 

CLIFTON ‘BUCK’ CASSELL

PICKENS — Clifton “Buck” Cassell, husband of Betty G. Cassell, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Easley Baptist Hospital.

Mr. Cassell was the son of the late Bertha Cantrell Cassell and Robert Cassell.

Mr. Cassell enjoyed training beagles, rabbit hunting, deer hunting, farming and being outdoors, but most of all, spending time with his family. He was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, of 72 years; one daughter, Pam Gravely (Mike) of Sunset; one son, Gerald David Cassell (Kathy) of Pickens; two sisters, Christine Lewis and Cleon Meece; grandchildren, Crystal Baddorf (Chris), Charlotte Sexton (Jon), Jessica Bell (Shane), Jake Gravely and Cassie Hyder (Ben); great-grandchildren, David, Daniel, Aria, Alex, Ian, Easton, Brynleigh, Stone and Roami; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Receiving of friends and family took place on April 5 at Holly Springs Baptist Church, with the funeral service following. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Including his parents, Mr. Cassell was predeceased by three sisters, Carrie Lee Lewis, Clessie Rea Gravley and Correne Edens; and two brothers, Carmon Cassell and Cartee Cassell.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Cassell family.

 

LYNN RICHEY BAKER

LIBERTY — Lynn Richey Baker, 71, died on Monday, March 28, 2022, at The Foothills Presbyterian Home.

Born in Greenville, she was the widow of Terry Eugene Baker and a daughter of the late Harold M. Richey Sr. and Evelyn Brewer Richey of Powdersville.

Lynn was retired from the School District of Pickens County, where she served in the library for 30 years. She was a member of Liberty Presbyterian Church and served in the church as an elder for more than four years. She supported the Pickens County Library System and acted as trustee for many years. She was an original member of the Library Community Scholarship Program.

Surviving are two daughters, Jenna Sturman (Nathan) of Liberty and Britton Lorenzen (Jonathan) of Lexington; a son, Justin Baker (Mary) of Columbia; a sister, Sandra R. Faulkner of Piedmont; a brother, Harold M. Richey Jr. of Easley; and three grandchildren, Richey Baker, Peyton Baker and William Lorenzen.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Diane Davis.

A memorial service to honor the life of Mrs. Baker was held on April 1 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Private inurnment was held at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Liberty Community Scholarship, P.O. Box 395, Liberty, SC 29657.

Special thanks to all the medical and care staff of the Foothills Presbyterian Home and Interim Hospice.

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

 

ANN SWORDS

LIBERTY — Lillian Ann Entrekin Swords, 90, died on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at her residence.

Born in Norris, she was the widow of Leroy Swords and a daughter of the late Marshall and Agnes Gillespie Entrekin.

Mrs. Swords was a longtime member of Flat Rock Baptist Church. She worked for many years in the cafeteria at Liberty Elementary School and Liberty High School.

Surviving are a son, Mike Swords (Ann) of Liberty; two daughters, Connie Ward (Mike) and Zena Smith, both of Liberty; two grandchildren raised in the home, Terezia Garrick (Rick) and Steven Nagy; three other grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by five sisters, Marie, Helen, Grace, Willie Mae and Carolyn.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Swords were conducted on April 1 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial was held at Flat Rock Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Flat Rock Baptist Church, 115 Slab Bridge Road, Liberty, SC 29657. 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.

 

GARY CHAPMAN

LIBERTY — Gary R. Chapman, 65, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Seneca, he was a son of the late Mark and Mary Crocker Chapman. He was the owner/operator of Carolina Environmental Consultants. He was a member of Liberty Church of God and represented the values of Christ.

We could talk for days describing Gary, but to sum up his life and personality, we would say he loved his family and there was never a dull moment with him around. He had a contagious laugh and always brought a smile to everyone he encountered.

Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Debra Chapman of the home; a son, Cole Chapman (Marissa) of Central; two daughters, Andrea Chapman of Charleston and Ciji Runge (Matt) of Greenville; a brother, Roger Chapman (Debbie) of Pendleton; and seven grandchildren, Ava Runge, Alston Chapman, Ellie Runge, Triston Long, Aden Long, Riggs Chapman and Hudson Chapman.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Julianna Blake Chapman.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr Chapman were conducted on April 1 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Liberty Church of God for the Gary Chapman memorial fund through Venmo @LCOG-giving or to P.O. Box 643. All donations given to the church in honor of the memorial fund will go to the family to aide in medical costs.

To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com.

 

TERENCE ANTHONY ‘TERRY’ LEDFORD

EASLEY — Terence Anthony “Terry” Ledford, 72, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2022.

Mr. Terry was born Jan. 7, 1950, in Charlotte, N.C. He received a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University in 1972, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. He received a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In 1972, he began his work with Duke Power, where he assisted with the design and construction of the McGuire Nuclear Station. However, he spent most of his career at Oconee Nuclear Station as an electrical engineering manager and retired in 2010. In 2011, he began his work at Oconee Major Projects, until his second retirement in 2017.

He was a life member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering), a licensed professional engineer in North Carolina and South Carolina, a life member of the Charlotte Engineers Club and a senior member of the Instrument Society of America.

He was an elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, N.C., and was an active member of Easley Presbyterian Church since 1992. He was an active supporter of United Way in both Charlotte and Pickens County.

Terry was a long-distance runner, loved to golf and fly fish, and absolutely loved to listen to his wife, Cheryl, sing. He was selfless and always put others above himself. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and would often go on “adventures” with them.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Cheryl Senn Ledford; son, Michael Thaddeus Ledford (Jessica) of Seneca; daughter, Kathryn Ledford Dean of Easley; grandchildren, Ava and Lily Dean, Noah Ledford, Ethan and Reese Vaughan; and brother, Timothy Ledford (Kathy) of Indian Trail, N.C..

Terry was predeceased by his parents, Hershel and Maxie Wild Ledford.

A celebration of life service was held on April 5 at Easley Presbyterian Church, 200 S. 1st St., Easley, SC 29640. A reception followed in the church’s fellowship hall.

Contributions in memory of Terry may be made to Foothills Presbyterian Home, 205 Bud Nalley Drive, Easley, SC 29642, Interim Hospice, 810 Powdersville Rd., Suite B, Easley, SC 29642 and United Way of Pickens County, 201 S. 5th St., Suite 212, Easley, SC 29640.

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

 

SARA L. SPIVEY

GREENVILLE — Sara L. Spivey, 100, widow of William Grady Spivey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 2, 2022.

A native of Anderson County, Mrs. Spivey was born on Aug. 1, 1921, to the late George Loveland and Annie B. Lockaby. She will be remembered for being a faithful longtime member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. Mrs. Spivey was the last member of her immediate family.

Mrs. Spivey is survived by a son, Phil Spivey (Judy) of Easley; her granddaughter, Lindsay Rollins; three great-grandchildren, Blake Nalley (Stephanie), Brooke Sargent (Collin) and Emma Campbell; and a special niece, Esther Hand, who she loved like a daughter.

In addition to her spouse and parents, Mrs. Spivey was predeceased by two sisters, Bettie Spivey and Ruby Hollingsworth; a brother, Newton Loveland; and a great-grandson, Clint Robitaille.

The family would like to thank Mrs. Spivey’s neighbor and special friend, Elaine Shortt, for helping take care of her the last several months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, located at 3931 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, located at 2410 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC 29671.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Spivey Family.

 

SHIRLEY A. CHAPPELL

EASLEY — Shirley Ann Medlin Chappell, 80, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022.

Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late James Edward Medlin and Frances Louise Adcox Medlin.

Mrs. Chappell was retired from Engineered Custom Plastics after 18 years of dedicated service. Prior to working at ECP, she was employed with Alice Manufacturing’s Ellison Plant. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She enjoyed cross-stitching, plastic canvas and solving word search puzzles.

Surviving are her children, Teresa Kuykendall (Wayne) of Liberty and Michael Chappell (Debra) of Pickens; grandchildren, Brittany Kuykendall, Jessica Kuykendall, Michael Lee Chappell and Chelsea Chappell; one of the joys of her life, a great-granddaughter, Kaylee Grace Kuykendall; and two sisters, Dorothy King of Pickens and Mary Snipes Nix of Liberty.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Houston Medlin and Tommy Medlin.

The family received friends on April 4 at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with the service following. Burial was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens. Flowers will be accepted.

The family members will be at their respective homes.

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

TINA BOTKINS

CENTRAL — Tina Elizabeth Lipps Botkins, 66, died on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at her home.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, she was the widow Michael Edward Botkins and a daughter of the late Ralph Eugene and Valeria Saunders Lipps.

She worked as a nurse for 25 years. Tina was a wonderful, sweet woman, loved by all who knew her.

Surviving are two daughters, Amanda Botkins of the home and Bonnie Rae Botkins of Virginia; and two sisters, Cathy Deer and Deborah Wells.

Per Tina’s requests, no services will be held.

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