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Courier Obituaries 5-5-21

ARNOLDEAN BRADFORD

EASLEY — Mr. Arnoldean Bradford, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

Mr. Bradford was born in Elbert County, Ga., on June 8, 1935, and was the son of the late Collie Bradford and Hazel Partain. He was a loving husband to Joyce Phillips Bradford.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Joyce Bradford; a daughter, Robin Snelson (Tommy) of Easley; grandchildren, Van Massingill (Haley), Alicia Reddy (Kevin) and Bailey Bradford (fiancé Lukas); daughter-in-law, Amy Bradford; and the love of his life, great-granddaughter, Paetyn Reddy. Also surviving are stepgrandchildren, Eric Snelson (Joy), Ashley Burt (David), Zachary Snelson, Caleb Snelson, Isaac Snelson and Hannah Plunk (Denson); and siblings, Annette King of Hartwell, Ga., and Horace Bradford (Roselee) and Boyd Bradford (Mary Ann), both of Elberton, Ga.

Mr. Bradford was predeceased by a son, Arnold Keith Bradford, and a brother, Frankie Bradford.

Mr. Bradford was a devout Christian of the Baptist faith and a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church. Hobbies included his love of fishing, camping and cooking for large crowds. He was always willing to help his family and friends at any time he was needed. Dean, as he was affectionately known, started driving large big rig trucks and was eventually introduced to construction. He started his own construction business, building houses for many years. For 40 years of working he built houses, in addition to owning his own cabinet shop. He would take on small projects even in his “retirement.” He really enjoyed seeing the appreciation that others had after a project was completed.

A graveside service was held on May 4 at Rock Springs Baptist Church. The family is requesting that masks be worn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church building fund.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Bradford family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

ANDA JEAN STEPHENS BALL

EASLEY — Mrs. Elwanda Jean Stephens Ball, 81, loving wife of Silman C. Ball, of Easley, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Oakview Park Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Mrs. Ball was born in Pickens County on Dec. 13, 1939, to the late James Waldo Stephens and Floread Cater Stephens Walker. She retired first from Saco Lowell then went back to work at Geer Memorial Baptist Church as the secretary, where she retired a second time. After retirement from Geer Memorial, she filled in as the organist for several local churches. Mrs. Ball was a lifelong member of Arial Baptist Church in Easley.

In addition to her loving husband of almost 60 years, Mrs. Ball is survived by her cousins Roger Dale Cater of Anderson, Johnna Pittman of Piedmont, Scott Milford of Anderson, Billy Ray Milford of Belton and Rayne Hale of Anderson; her friends and caregivers Joan H. Gilstrap and family of Easley and Pat Holcombe of Easley; and several special cousins, nieces and extended family.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ball was preceded in death by her stepfather, Rev. Henry Walker; a brother, Jimmy Stephens; a stepbrother, Bruce Walker; and a cousin, Sue Ellen Cater Milford.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 7, at Arial Baptist Church, with the Rev. Danny Parton, Rev. Justin Medlin and Rev. Philip McAlister officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

The family will receive friends from 12:45-1:45 p.m. on Friday, prior to the service, at the church.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff of Oakview Park Assisted Living and Memory Care for all of their care and concern to Mrs. Ball and the family during this time in her life.

Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to Arial Baptist Church, 618 Rice Road, Easley, SC 29640.

The family members are at their respective homes.

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

ALVIN PAUL GRANGER

PICKENS — Alvin Paul Granger passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 3:56 p.m., at his home.

Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Bruce Granger and Eunice Porter Granger. He was a Baptist and a veteran of the United States Army, where he served on a U.S. Missile Battalion unit at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. He was a lifelong resident of Pickens County. He retired from Enoree Vocational School in Greenville, where he taught for many years. Prior to teaching, he did heating and air conditioning throughout Pickens County. Alvin was a man of many talents and interests. He loved life and adored his grandchildren. He enjoyed boating, shrimping, hunting and fishing, and loved antiques and old cars. He was a Mason, a Shriner and a member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lois Chappell Granger, of the home; one daughter, Sandy Granger, of Greer; and one granddaughter, Brittany Reece Chapman and her three children, Colby, Keagan, and Korbin, all of Pickens. He also leaves behind one sister, Marilyn Murrell of Easley, and one brother, Fred Granger of Pickens. He was predeceased by a great-grandson, Christian Chapman of Pickens, and one sister, Doris Chapman of Easley.

Funeral services for Alvin Paul Granger will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway in Pickens, officiated by the Rev. Jamie Duncan. The family will receive friends prior from 1-2 p.m. The committal service will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, located at 2410 Gentry Memorial Highway in Pickens.

Pallbearers will be Colby Chapman, Terry Chandler, Robert Murrell, Doug Chappell, Michael Welborn and Ron Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 930 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC, 29605, and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 101 N. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Granger family in making arrangements.

LLOYD ERNEST MITCHELL

CENTRAL — Lloyd Ernest Mitchell, 96, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021.

He was an honorable man and dedicated to his family.

Lloyd was born on Oct. 6, 1924, son of the late Ernest Martin Mitchell and Angie Laura Kelley of Six Mile.

After graduating from Six Mile High School in 1942, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. He was a World War II veteran, a farmer and a butcher. He retired from BI-LO as a market manager. He was a member of ALIVE Wesleyan Church in Central.

He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Marie Smith Mitchell; one son, Ernest Lloyd Mitchell “Ernie” Mitchell; one daughter, Martha Mitchell Warden (“Butch”); four grandchildren, Andrea Warden Pilgrim, James, “Jamie” Matthew (Cris), Zandrea Mitchell Pfeiffer (Adam) and Carter Mitchell (their mother, Susan Mitchell); seven great-grandchildren, Jason, Abigail (Matthew), McKinney, Shannon, Asher, Keys and Rivers; three step-great-grandchildren, William (Rachelle), Vanessa (Tim) and Meagan; two great-great-grandchildren, Michael and Mathis; and seven step-great-great-grandchildren, Ellie, Alex, M.J., William, Aubrey, Norah and Harper.

Lloyd was preceded in death by six brothers, Wayman, Leland, Paul, Donald, Franklin and Robert; and one sister, Etrulia M. Edney.

PHOEBE SHERIDAN CLARDY

EASLEY — Phoebe Lou Sheridan Clardy, 80, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 2, 2021.

Born in Anniston, Ala., the daughter of the late Cothran Carey Sheridan Sr. and the late Nettie Lou Bridges Sheridan, Phoebe was a graduate of Easley High School and received her associate’s degree from Draughn’s Business College. She retired from BASF with 32 years of service and was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church.

Phoebe loved cooking and spending time with her family and friends, and she dearly loved spending time with her Schnauzers. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.

Surviving are her son, Tim Clardy (Kim) of Easley; two brothers, Kenneth Sheridan and Don Sheridan (Belinda), both of Easley; and a sister-in-law, Inez Sheridan.

In addition to her parents, Phoebe was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey Clardy; and two brothers, Carey Sheridan Jr. and Jimmy Sheridan.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, with Rev. Dr. Robert Dickard and Rev. Dr. Wayne Dickard officiating.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Phoebe’s caregivers, especially Rose, for the love and care they have provided.

Memorials may be made to Brushy Creek Baptist Church, 100 Clay St., Easley, SC 29642.

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

TIMOTHY CRAIG ELLENBURG

PICKENS — Timothy Craig Ellenburg, 59, son of Dewey and Azalee Ellenburg, passed away in his home on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Timmy is survived by his mother, Azalee Ellenburg; his sister, Rita Dodson; children, Dixie Ellenburg, Sam Ellenburg, Christy Lusk, Karrinda Davis and the late Craig Ellenburg; and grandchildren, Remington Ellenburg, Gracie Chappell, Alex Chappell, Bryson Chappell and Patience Ellenburg.

Timmy enjoyed sports, racing, painting, drawing and collecting vintage items. He also enjoyed listening to rock music and was a diehard Clemson fan.

Timmy loved his children unconditionally. No matter the circumstances, he was always there. He was such a generous and humble man; he would give the shirt off of his back to help anyone in need.

In honor of Timmy’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Remembrance may be made at Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens.

Long Live Stoneman. June 13, 1961-April 27, 2021.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Ellenburg family.

JO ANN DAVIS

LIBERTY — Jo Ann Davis, 85, wife of the late Tommy Eugene Davis, passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.

Born in Liberty, she was the daughter of the late Columbus Loy and Cuzzie Ann Nix Couch. She was a faithful member of Praters Creek Baptist Church and a member of the Liberty Lions Club. She enjoyed gardening, shopping and the Clemson Tigers.

Jo Ann is survived by her sisters, Mamie Talley of Easley, Adval Bates of Pickens, Elizabeth Couch of Liberty, Bethal Couch of Liberty, Vivian Jones and husband Thomas of Liberty and Brenda Baker of Pickens; and brother, Wayne Couch and wife Betty of Liberty. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and her special friends, Barbara and Jerry Green.

Mrs. Davis was predeceased by her husband, parents and sister, Sandra Cope.

Graveside services were held on May 1 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

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

DAVID GRAY

CENTRAL — David Gray, 78, died Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at Prisma Health-Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Six Mile, he was a son of the late Homer and Mary Jane Riggins Gray.

He was a brick mason throughout all of his working career and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are a daughter, Debbie Crane (Jay) of Central; two grandchildren, Matthew Davis of Central and Gray Crane of Central; a great-granddaughter, Athena Crane; two brothers, J.C. Gray and Ray Gray; and his lifelong companion, Flonnie Gray of Central.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Brenda Gray; four brothers and a sister.

The family will host a memorial service at a later date.

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

GARY WAYNE CHAPPELL

PICKENS — Gary Wayne Chappell, 76, son of the late Ella Grant Chappell and Taft Chappell, passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at Rainey Hospice House.

Survivors include two sons, Jay Chappell and Matt Chappell; one brother, Grant Dwayne “Deeter” Chappell; and two granddaughters, Claudie Danielle Smith (Jeremy) and Madison Chappell, all of Pickens.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 6, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to the service, in the chapel, from 3-3:45 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Chappell family.

ALEX C. HODGE

EASLEY — Alexander Charles “Alex” Hodge, 20, passed away on Thursday April 29, 2021.

Born in Greenville County, he was a son of Charlie Wayne Hodge and Sherri Sanders Hodge of Easley.

Alex was a 2019 graduate of Easley High School. He was employed with JGS Electrical in Travelers Rest and attended Galilee Baptist Church.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his son.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his fiancé, Sadie Hall of Easley; a son, Grayson Alexander Hodge; sisters, Madison Lee Hodge and Catilyn McDonald, both of Easley; grandparents, Arthur and Brenda Sanders of Pickens and Sharon Edwards of Easley; a great-grandmother, Lettie Stewart of Easley; aunts and uncles, Tony and Shannon “Sha-Sha” Spoon, Darren and Candi Stewart and Ricky Sanders, all of Easley, and Kathy Porter and Savannah Sanders, both of Pickens; cousins, Zach and Brad Stewart of Easley; and family friends, Christy Pearson, Hovie Hall, Jordan Peek and Taylor Peek.

Alex was predeceased by his grandparents, Phillip Newton Hodge Sr. and Doris Ellenburg.

The family received friends on May 3 at Galilee Baptist Church, with the funeral services following in the church sanctuary. Burial was held at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

DONALD LEE HOWARD

PICKENS — Donald Lee Howard, 64, son of the late John Ranson Howard Sr. and Nora Helen Howard, passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021, at Brushy Creek Rehab and Healthcare Center in Greer.

Mr. Howard is survived by a niece, Della Howard of Pickens; and a nephew, Josh Howard (Sherrell) of Six Mile.

In addition to his parents, Donald was predeceased by his brother, John Ranson Howard Jr.

A memorial service to honor the life of Mr. Howard will be held at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Howard family.

NANCY S. BOONE

CENTRAL — Mrs. Nancy S. Boone, 67, wife of Daniel Boone of Central, was called to her Heavenly home on Sunday, April 25, 2021.

She was the most kind, loving and purest individual one could ever meet.

She lived her life to serve others through her work on mission trips and in her daily activities.

As a pastor’s wife, Nancy was always involved in church functions and led by God’s hand. She loved hiking, fishing, gardening, making crafts and cooking. Nancy was an amazing wife and mother and a very proud grandmother.

She will be loved and missed by many.

In addition to her loving husband of 49 years, Nancy is survived by a daughter, Rebecca B. Green (Adrian); sisters, Sharon Cox (Andrew) and Carol Richardson (Allen); brothers, Keith Swain (Barbara) and Gerry Swain; and four grandchildren, Nathan, Asia, Kaitlyn and Christopher.

Services will be at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Boone household at 518 Meredith St., Central, SC 29630.

WILLIAM ‘BILL’ TATE

SUNSET — William “Bill” Tate was welcomed into Heaven on Saturday, April 24, 2021, by his father Donald Tate (Linda), mother Jacqulyn Tate, and sister Lisa McNicol (Randy).

Bill lived every day to the fullest, filling every place he went with humor and kindness. Moreover, Bill loved with his whole heart, mentoring and sharing his entire life with those he met.

The memory of Bill lives on through his best friend and wife, Deborah; son, William (Sharon); daughter, Jennifer (Adam); brother, Earl (Sheri); his nieces and nephews; and the many business owners in the Greenville and Asheville areas as part of his Vistage group and their families.

Bill has done so much good in the communities he lived, and to honor his memory, the family is asking for donations to be made in his honor in lieu of flowers.

Specifically, Bill had a special place in his heart for Wounded Warriors (support.woundedwarriorproject.org), Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org/donate), and the YMCA of Western North Carolina (ymcawnc.org/give).

Memorial services will be held at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly at the outdoor amphitheater on Friday, May 7, at 2 p.m.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Tate family.

HARLEY LEE HAYNES

PICKENS — Harley Lee Haynes, 70, loving husband of Judy Haynes for 28 years, passed away on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at St. Francis Eastside.

A native of Mooresville, N.C., Harley was born April 11, 1951, the son of the late Homer and Etta Rathbone.

Mr. Haynes was a loyal employee of Ingles before his retirement. He enjoyed fishing and watching racing.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Haynes; son, Chris Atkins (Darla); 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Gary Haynes (Carrie), Eddie Haynes (Lois), Hilda Morris (Walter), Marsia Ramsey and Lisa Snow; and a very special sister-in-law, Jewel Whitmire.

In addition to his parents, Harley was predeceased by his son, Clayton Haynes; two daughters, Jennifer Reynolds and Mary Etta Tomlinson; and grandparents, Harley and Virgie Haynes.

Funeral services for Mr. Haynes were held on May 1 in the chapel of New Hope Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Justin Anderson and Rev. Floyd Perry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Harley’s honor may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 108 New Hope Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Haynes family.

KEVIN MITCHELL LOOPER

EASLEY — Kevin Mitchell Looper, 31, son of Lee Looper and Diana McDaniel, passed away at his home on Sunday, April 25, 2021.

Kevin is survived by his mother, Diana McDaniel; brothers, Lee (Madeline), Wesley and Andrew; his grandmothers, Mereda McDaniel and Julia Looper; a niece, Willow and a nephew, Dian.

He was predeceased by his father, Lee Looper, and his grandfather, Lewis McDaniel.

A memorial service was held on April 30 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Looper family.

BRENDA MCDONALD MCKEITHAN

EASLEY — Brenda McDonald McKeithan, 65, wife of Ray McKeithan of Easley, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 24, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Greenville, she was the daughter of the late Sam and Martha Daniels McDonald.

Mrs. McKeithan was of the Baptist Faith.

In addition to her loving husband of 40 years, she is survived by two sons, John McKeithan and Joe McKeithan; and brothers, David McDonald, Sam McDonald, Thomas McDonald, Roger McDonald and Johnny Daniels.

Mrs. McKeithan was predeceased by her grandson, Jordon McKeithan, and her sister, Tammy Daniels.

Flowers are accepted.

The family will be having a service at a later date.

ERIC GRAHAM

LIBERY — Eric Lee Graham, 37, died on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital.

Born in Rocky Mount, N.C., he was a son of the late Charles Lee Graham.

Surviving are his mother, Shirley Varnadore of Liberty; a sister, April Scott of Liberty; three brothers, Charles Graham of Spartanburg, Andy Scott (James Dill) of Pelzer and Jesse Pfaff (Zac) of Atlanta, Ga.; three nephews, Jaden, Scott and Conner; six aunts and uncles; and many cousins.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Maude Deering, Rufus Sanders Sr. and Mary Batson; and two nephews, Timmy and Devon Graham.

The family will host a memorial service at a later date.

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

SALLY HINSCH BROWN

SENECA — Sally Hinsch Brown, 79, wife of Ronald Brown of Seneca, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 26, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Tyler, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Willie Myrtice Futch Hinsch.

Mrs. Brown was an Elder at the first Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville, N.C. She was also a proud member of Phi Mu Sorority at the University of Mississippi.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Susan Alexander (Clif); son, Kelly Brown (Jeni); sister, Margaret Thompson (Paul); and brother, Martin Hinsch (Ellen.) Also left to share in her loving memory are grandchildren, Zachary Alexander (Arielle), Kelsey Alexander, Grayson Brown (Elizabeth), Bethany Picklesimer (Hunter), Molly Brown, Lindsey Alexander, Emily Alexander, Ansley Alexander, Aiden Alexander and Alli Alexander; and great-grandchildren, Griffin Alexander and Aubree Brown.

Mrs. Brown was predeceased by a son, Casey Brown, and a brother, Milton Hinsch.

Services were held on April 28 in the chapel at Keowee Funeral Services. Burial followed at Heritage Memorial Gardens in Westminster.

Flowers are accepted.

WILLIAM ALLEN KIRKSEY

EASLEY — The sun rose on the life of our family’s patriarch, William a.k.a. “Al Talley” on Jan. 8, 1931, in Anderson County to the late Willie B. Kirksey and Annie Bell Talley.

On Tuesday morning, April 28, 2021, the sun set on this great man’s life at Prisma Health Easley/Hospice.

On May 11, 1952, he married the love of his life, Mary Magdalene Stowers. She predeceased him in 2017. Through this union they had a daughter, Zorie Lee Kirksey. He also joined the U.S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict. He received an honorable discharge as a corporal in December 1954.

In the mid-1990s, Al retired from the construction field with Lloyd Construction and years working for Gar-Con Construction. He worked tirelessly for his family and his church. As a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church, he was a member of the senior choir and all-male chorus as well. For years he served as a groundskeeper and a board member of his church.

For his family, there was never a task too large. He never wanted to witness his loved ones and friends suffer in any way. He stood gladly in the gap to fulfill the needs of many. He has been a great role model for all who had the pleasure of being in his company. Al has lived a life as a gentleman and a man of integrity. Known as a man of few words, his actions and his love language of acts of service spoke profoundly, loudly and with clarity. His family never questioned his love for them. If greatness, honor and love were personified, it would be our beloved Al, husband, daddy, Papa, Grandpa, Uncle, cousin and friend.

Al also loved the sport of baseball. In his former years, he played for Maple Springs School and the Easley Browns. He was surely known for his pitching abilities. He was such a talent that he was being scouted for the Negro League. But his responsibility to his family and working the family farm took precedence. He was never able to fulfill that dream. But his love for the sport never diminished. His favorite team was the Atlanta Braves. He went to several games over the years.

Also predeceasing Al were a grandson, Master Ira Kinte’ Kirksey; a great-grandson, Prince Alvarez Omyshion Brown; brothers, John Ellison, Willis “Bill” Dean, Roy, Marvin and Willie B. Jr.; sisters, Mattie Ruth, Lydia and Emma Jane; sisters-in-law, Luella, Mamie Jane, Betty and Roberta; brothers-in-law, Willie Gamble and Willie McKoy; and best friend, Joe Lewis Hagood.

Al’s memory will be cherished, and he is loved not only by his daughter, Zorie. He’s survived by his grandchildren, Andrea “Vickie” Kirksey-Hatton (Terry) of Greenville, Brandon Kirksey (Eunice) and Rico Dukes (Jesse), both of Easley, and Eric S. Hatton; seven great-grandchildren, Chanti Kirksey-Dodd (Torre), Danielle Hatton (Richard), Zyana Kirksey, Catherine Parker, Alex Kirksey and Elias and Ian Dukes; four great-great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Keenan, Serenity and Jayden; a sister, Edith Kirksey of Greenville; a brother-in-law, Calvin Stowers of Charlotte, N.C., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His legacy will continue through all of us to continue and foster for generations to come.

We Love You!!

A graveside service was held Saturday, May 1, at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

NANCY KATHERINE (BURGESS) DODSON FUNDERBURKE

PICKENS — Nancy Katherine (Burgess) Dodson Funderburke passed away Thursday, April 29, 2021.

She was born July 23, 1952, in Pickens to the late Bill and Audra Clark Burgess.

Those who remember Nancy will remark of her kind spirit and hardworking attitude. She had a tender heart for all animals, an impeccable green thumb and the voice of an angel.

Nancy worked as a machinist at various plants before retiring in 2017. She was so proud of the different items she made or her team was a part of. However, nothing made her prouder than her family. Nancy’s greatest joys in life were her children, grandchildren, niece and nephew.

Nancy Katherine is survived by one sister, Belinda Dodson (Elisha); three children, Carrie Chapman (Brian), Tessa Chappell (Jason) and Rev. Shaun Dodson (Kansas); one niece, Jennifer McCall (Corey); one nephew, Timmy Dodson (Brittany); and seven grandchildren, Jesse, Elijah Lee, Colton, Lillie, Cleaman, Avery and AlliMae.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 6, at 3 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with Nancy’s son, Rev. Shaun Dodson, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rosman High School, in care of band or athletic departments, 749 Pickens Highway, Rosman, NC 28772.

Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens is assisting the family in making arrangements.

HELEN MARIE PHILLIPS GARNER

BOWMAN, Ga. — Mrs. Helen Marie Phillips Garner, 68, of Moon Road in Bowman, wife of 51 years to Charles Ray Garner, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 30, 2021, at her residence.

Helen was born in Elberton on Nov. 26, 1952, daughter of the late Jonah Baxter Phillips and Chester White Phillips, and retired from the state of Georgia Department of Human Services after many years of service. Mrs. Garner was an active member of Deep Creek Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday school teacher, WMU director, Acteens director and Girls in Action director. Helen always had an encouraging message to others that she shared on the church sign. She was always smiling and finding a way to help others.

Survivors, in addition to her husband Ray, include her daughter, Stephanie Garner Benson and her husband, Jeff, of Bowman; granddaughters, Kelsey Thomas Menendez and her husband, Gabe, and Hayden Marie Benson; sisters, Martha Phillips, Joyce Bradford and Loretta (Lamar) Freeman; siblings-in-law, Homer Webb, Lynda Phillips, Mary Helen Phillips, Brenda (Junior) Scarborough, Beverly Woods, Dale Garner (Tammy), Ricky Garner and David Garner; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Chad Mitchell Garner; siblings, Clyde (Gladys) Phillips, Arthur (Vivian) Phillips, Noah (JoAnn) Phillips, Lillie Mae Webb, Leon Phillips and Jimmy Phillips; brother-in-law, Dean Bradford; and sisters-in-law, Anna Simmons and Myrtle Mealor.

Funeral services celebrating her life were held on May 3 at Deep Creek Baptist Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Flowers are accepted, and contributions may be made in her memory to Deep Creek Baptist Church Lottie Moon Offering Fund.

Those wishing to sign the online guestbook may do so at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home and Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Helen Marie Phillips Garner.