WILTON CHARLES  STEPHENS

CENTRAL — Wilton Charles Stephens, 96, of Central, husband to the late Nora Entrekin Stephens, passed away May 16, 2025.

Born in Six Mile, he was the son of the late Marion Calhoun Stephens and Minnie Sue Evatt Stephens. Mr. Stephens worked for Liberty Mill, retiring as a supervisor in the weave room. He enjoyed boating on the lake, cooking, canning, watching western shows, and being with his family. Wilton was an active member at Kings Grove Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities but none more important than he and Nora’s keeping the church clean. He was a proud member of the Grump Old Men of Six Mile group.

Wilton is survived by his daughter, Judi Moore (Mike) of Six Mile; grandchildren, Michael Wade, Matthew Wade (Karen), Cole Moore (Susan) and Crystal Moore Fulton (Ben); great-grandchildren, McKenzie Wade, Ivy Wade, Charlie Wade, Caroline Moore and fiancé Jake, Sarah Beth Moore, Daniel Fulton and Adam Fulton; sister, Edna Stephen Whitaker.

Mr. Stephens is survived by his wife, parents; brothers, Melvin Stephens and Elmer Stephens; sisters, Emma Stephens, Ellie Dillard, Ruth Stephens and Pauline Foley.

Funeral service were on May 19, at Kings Grove Baptist Church. Burial took place at in Kings Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.

 

ROBERT WILEY BRABHAM

PICKENS — Robert Wiley Brabham, 82, of Pickens, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

Robert was born on Feb. 22, 1943, in Bamberg, S.C., to the late Doris Mae and Lewis A. Brabham.

Robert was a hardworking and dependable man, known for his honesty and willingness to help whenever he was needed. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, achieving the rank of E-5 Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge. A dedicated professional, he later worked as a nuclear inspector at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, where he eventually retired. He also spent time farming, a vocation that reflected his deep connection to the land.

In his personal life, Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. He had a fondness for classic country music, especially the works of Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison and Mel Tillis.

A loyal South Carolina Gamecocks fan, he especially loved watching football. He also enjoyed watching golf and billiards in his leisure time.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Linda Brabham; his daughter, Marlene Thacker (Greg); his son, Robert W. Brabham II (Amy); his grandchildren, Alex, Sean and Lankstin; brother, Bill Brabham; and his beloved cat, Boots.

A memorial service for Mr. Brabham will be held on May 24, at 1 p.m. at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home.

Dillard Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time.

 

MARY CAROLYN MOORE

LIBERTY — Mrs. Mary Carolyn Geer Moore, 81, wife of the late Franklin Lavarn Moore, Sr., passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Born in Tennessee, a daughter of the late Horace Ray Geer and the late Daisy Opal Austin Medlin, Mrs. Moore retired from Dayco with over 15 years of service and was a member of Central Church of God of Prophecy.

She loved her family dearly and will be missed by all that loved and knew her.

Surviving are her son, Franklin L. Moore, Jr. (Casey Harbin) of Pendleton; her grandchildren, Jeremy Moore (Lee) and Colby Moore ((Selena); and her great-grandchildren, Peyton Moore, Hadley Moore, Konner Moore and Chesney Moore. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her step-father, Garvin Medlin; and two sisters.

Graveside services took place on May 16, at Graceland Cemetery-West.
Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

 

CODY CRENSHAW

PICKENS — Cody Crenshaw, born in Fairfax County, Va., on Aug. 4, 1997 and passed away on May 13, 2025. Cody was the youngest son of Rodney and Anita Crenshaw. He was raised in Pickens, alongside his older siblings, Shawn Crenshaw (Melissa) and Larissa Crenshaw (Ryan). Cody was determined to live as a disciple, sharing his beliefs with sincerity and compassion. Despite his demons, God allowed Cody to shine positivity onto others. His passion for adventure was matched only by enthusiasm for riding his motorcycle, which brought him both freedom and exhilarating peace. Cody’s free-spirited nature made him the life of any gathering, his infectious energy and sense of humor leaving a lasting impression on anyone that met him. He brought light and joy to many lives, and his memory will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. From four-wheeling and movie nights, to father-daughter dances and playing outside, Cody cherished every moment with his daughter, Emersyn Crenshaw.

Cody is survived by grandparents, Leon Crenshaw (Pam), Judy Callahan (Mark) and Donny Garneau. Cody was predeceased by his grandmother, Rosemary Garneau.

Memorial service were held at the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens, on May 17. Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Crenshaw family.

 

MARY CHRISTINE REID ALEXANDER

SALEM — Mary Christine Reid Alexander, 98, loving wife of the late Doyle Alexander, passed away on Wednesday May 14, 2025, at Keowee Square in Seneca.

Christine was born on Feb. 8, 1927 in Oconee County to the late Mack C. Reid and Susie Brown Reid.  She worked on a ranch in Wyoming for 20 plus years. She later worked at Sangamo in West Union, where she retired.

She is survived by her brother James Winfred Reid and his wife Elaine, along with several nieces and nephews.

Christine was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brothers; Clifton Reid, George Reid, Thomas Reid, Archie Reid, sisters; Lois Reid Morgan, Geraline Reid Grant and Alice Sue Reid Allsep.

In lieu of flowers donations or memorial can be made to Agape Hospice Group.

A Graveside service for Christine was held on May 17, at the Alexander Family Cemetery.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations are serving the Alexander Family.

 

TAMMIE SIMMONS

CENTRAL — Tammie Simmons, 63, loving wife of 47 years to Sylvester Simmons, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at her home.

Born on April 30, 1962, in Pickens County, Tammie was the beloved daughter of the late Lawrence and Lois Cantrell. She spent her career serving others at Margaret’s Café in Norris, where her kindness and warm spirit touched everyone she met. Tammie was known for her selflessness and unwavering devotion to her family, always putting the needs of others before her own. As the caregiver in her family, she provided comfort, strength, and love without hesitation. Her deep affection for her family and friends was evident in all she did, and her legacy of compassion and care will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Survivors include her husband, Sylvester Simmons of the home; children, Daniel Simmons (Erica), Skyler Simmons, Carol Simmons and bonus daughter, Kayla Sotelo; grandchildren, Nevaeh, Emily and Elizabeth; brother, Gene Cantrell (Sara); sisters, Carolyn Martin and Joann Todd (Richard); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Simmons was predeceased by an infant child, and her mother-in-law and best friend, Dorothy Simmons.

The family will hold a memorial service for Mrs. Simmons that will be announced at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Simmons family.

 

CLARA ELIZABETH ‘BETH’ PATTERSON

PICKENS — Clara Elizabeth “Beth” Patterson, passed away on May 14, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Beth was born in Greenville, on Sept. 28, 1977, to the late Gene and Lola Townsend. She met and married her best friend, Chuck Patterson, 27 years ago. Beth’s world was taking care of children and grandchildren. She enjoyed the drives she and Chuck would take through the mountains to get away for a while. To know her was to love her.

In addition to her husband Chuck, Beth is survived by seven children, Joseph Bates (Dana), Brittany Dix (Strom), Shyiann Patterson (Abraham), Wesley Patterson (Hannah), Tiffany Patterson, Sean Dryman and Wyatt Patterson; 10 grandchildren; and she was the baby of four siblings.

Graveside services were held on May 20 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

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

 

JOHNNY EDWARD DURHAM

SIX MILE — Johnny Edward Durham, 53, accepted the ultimate job promotion on Thursday, May 15, 2025, and is currently working with the Lord and His angels in heaven above. (He’s helping get the angels’ wings hot rodded no doubt!)

Johnny enjoyed his worldly profession with a passion which often bemused his wife Wanda at times, but she completely understood his love for his work as he did hers. He has lived a life of which he can be most proud. Always honest and fair and most often patient and kind. And funny, so funny. He always knew how to make people laugh even at their worst times.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Bennie, and his father, Ben. No doubt he and Ben have already resumed one of their “whose way is better” conversations, but there is so much love involved.

He is survived by his most amazing mother, Virginia, with whom he had an incredibly close bond; his wife always reminded him that she only married him because she loved his mom so much. Also surviving are sisters, Lori Morton (Ricky), Nancy White (Phil) and Linda Raines (Freddy). His only surviving brother is Ronnie Durham (Kim), who has been amazing in offering of himself during this difficult time.

Johnny is incredibly proud of his adult children Avan Cantrell (Brett) and Dani Durham. He leaves too many special friends behind to count all at once. Chad W. Gray has been a close friend to Johnny and his family since kindergarten. Phillip Meece (Joni) has helped keep life as normal as could be expected through some seriously difficult times. These guys are not brothers by blood, but true brothers nonetheless.

Johnny has always expressed his desire to be cremated and to be an organ donor; both of these things have been arranged through Mountain View cremations and Sharing Hope SC.

There is no official celebration of life planned at this time, but invites will be sent when there is a plan. Meanwhile, any donation anyone feels compelled to make in his name can be made to Keowee Baptist Church, as pastor Bobby Stewart and his amazing wife Glenda have been a great source of strength and support for Johnny and his wife throughout this time.

 

CAROLYN HINSON

WEST PELZER — Carolyn Hinson, 75, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025, at her home.

Born on Nov. 5, 1949, in Greenville County, Carolyn was the cherished daughter of the late John Thompson Gaines and Louise Cochran. A proud graduate of Carolina High School, she carried forward a legacy of dedication and service as the third-generation owner and operator of the R.D. Cochran Store in Greenville, a role she embraced with pride and commitment until her retirement in 2020.

Carolyn had a deep love for flowers and found joy in collecting teddy bears, hobbies that reflected her gentle spirit and kind heart. She will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the lasting impact she made on those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Steven “Mark” McWhite (Cynthia) of West Pelzer and Paula Hinson Payton (Brent) of West Pelzer; grandchildren, Rebecca McWhite Vaughn (Jason) and Kelsey McWhite Moore (Zack); Great grand Children, Finn Moore and Bryce Vaughn.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hinson was predeceased by her grandparents John H. Gaines and Bert D. Gaines, R.D. Cochran and Gladys Cochran and Uncle Jack Cochran.

A visitation will be held at Zion Assembly Church of God from noon-1 p.m. May 22, with a service to follow at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations or memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org or Shriners Hospitals for Children at shrinerschildrens.org.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Hinson family.

 

LEE ‘VON’ ALEXANDER

LIBERTY — Lee “Von” Alexander, 60, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025, at his home.

Born on June 20, 1964, in Greenville County. Von was the beloved son of the late Ralph Henry Alexander, Jr. He was passionate about classic cars and dedicated much of his life to working as an auto mechanic. Beyond his mechanical talents, Von had a deep love for fishing, particularly for catfish. He was also an avid Bigfoot enthusiast, always on the hunt for signs of the elusive creature. In his downtime, Von enjoyed watching TV shows like Blind Frog Ranch and River Monsters, where he could immerse himself in the thrill of adventure and discovery.

Von is survived by his two children, Candace Amber Seawright of Travelers Rest and Austin L. Alexander of Griffith, Ind. He is survived by a sister, Marti Alexander of Piedmont, also surviving is his Aunt Patricia A. Reynolds (Roger) who he affectionately referred to as his mother and his two cousins that he considered siblings, Melissa Reynolds and Jason Reynolds. He has six loving and precious grandchildren Addison, Audrey, Eli, Ben, Landon and Kairi.

Mr. Alexander was predeceased by his father, Ralph Henry Alexander, Jr. and his grandmother who played a large part in his raising Alma C. Alexander.

The family will be announcing a memorial service at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Alexander family.

 

MIRIAM BLAKEY

CENTRAL — Miriam Louise Looney Blakey, 86, formerly of Hartwell, Ga., died Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Manna Health and Rehab in Pickens. Born in Tignall, Ga., she was the widow of Johnny Thomas Blakey and a daughter of the late Claude Thomas Looney, Sr. and Lottie Mae Callaway Looney. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She retired from the textile industry and was a member of Refuge Baptist Church.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews which include Charlotte Myers and her husband Sandy who looked after her well-being during the recent years. She also leaves behind a very special friend, Lynn Simmons.

In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Floyd, Martha Ward and Edna Crowley; and two brothers, Doyle Looney and Claude Thomas Looney, Jr.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. Blakey was held May 16, at Refuge Baptist Church Cemetery conducted by Reverend Mike Dobson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Refuge Baptist Church 219 Refuge Road Central.

Online Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

JOYCE MARY YOUNG

PICKENS — Joyce Mary Young, 79, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Young was born in Jersey City, N.J., on Sept. 2, 1945, to the late Lawrence and Harriett Kiely. She retired as a LPN in the medical field. Mrs. Young enjoyed coloring, doing crosswords, watching old westerns and giving the most thoughtful gifts. Family was everything to Mrs. Young, and she will be missed by her family.

Mrs. Young was survived by six children; Susan Young, Linda Carroll, Donna Whittaker (Dave), Steven Carroll (Wendy), Lori Hartwig (Ray) and Paige Bagwell (Kyle); she had 17 grandchildren; multiple great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and one brother, Gerard “Jerry” Kiely.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Young was preceded in death by her husband David Young, and one brother John Lawrora.

Funeral services were held on May 8, at the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.

An entombment took place at Woodlawn Memorial Park following the service.

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

 

TAMMIE SIMMONS

CENTRAL — Tammie Simmons, 63, loving wife of 47 years to Sylvester Simmons, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at her home.

Born on April 30, 1962, in Pickens County, Tammie was the beloved daughter of the late Lawrence and Lois Cantrell. She spent her career serving others at Margaret’s Café in Norris, where her kindness and warm spirit touched everyone she met. Tammie was known for her selflessness and unwavering devotion to her family, always putting the needs of others before her own. As the caregiver in her family, she provided comfort, strength, and love without hesitation. Her deep affection for her family and friends was evident in all she did, and her legacy of compassion and care will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Survivors include her husband, Sylvester Simmons of the home; children, Daniel Simmons (Erica), Skyler Simmons, Carol Simmons and bonus daughter, Kayla Sotelo; grandchildren, Nevaeh, Emily and Elizabeth; brother, Gene Cantrell (Sara); sisters, Carolyn Martin and Joann Todd (Richard); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Simmons was predeceased by an infant child, and her mother-in-law and best friend, Dorothy Simmons.

The family will hold a memorial service for Mrs. Simmons that will be announced at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Simmons family.