Marie Woodson, Harold Pittman, Roger Turner, Mary Jo Williams Posey, Rosemary McPheron, Jonathan Panagakos, Bennett Reeves, Belinda Owenby, Eugene Lenius, Billy Carlton Kay, David Burns, Lynn Bell, Mary Ann Woodson, Wanda Cothran, Paul Partain
Paul Partain
Belton – Paul Anthony Partain was born on December 2, 1971, and passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022, at the age of 50.
Paul was a son of Bobby Lee Partain, Sr., and the late Bonnie Ruth Pack Partain. He was born in Anderson, raised in Pelzer, and graduated from Wren High School. He earned his contractor’s license and was a gifted carpenter. He was self-employed, and worked alongside his Dad, and brother Joseph, for Partain Builders. Paul was a lifelong member of Guthrie Grove Church of God. He was also active in youth camps and retreats and served as a counselor. He was a friend and example who impacted many youth through the years. He loved to travel and had been to 39 countries. He was baptized by his Dad in the Jordan River, on a trip to Israel.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him for his enthusiasm, love of life and family, the quality of his workmanship, the depth of his friendships, and his generous sharing of his time and talents.
He was the beloved brother of Bobby Lee Partain, Jr. (Angie) of Williamston, Glennis Walters (Kenny) of Easley, Stanley Partain of Williamston, Tammy Barkley (Marc) of Williamston, Sherry Alcumbrack (Bob) of Anderson, Anita Naumoff (Marc) of Belton, and Joseph Partain (Jamie) of Williamston; and a much loved uncle to 15 nephews, 13 nieces, and numerous great-nephews and nieces.
In addition to his mother, he was predeceased by a sister, Rhonda Lee Partain.
Paul’s loss reminds all who love him of our true and highest hope, a hope that Paul held dear, of the coming Kingdom of God where there is no more “death or mourning or crying or pain” and the “dwelling of God is with men.” “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Those who would like to pay their respects did do so Tuesday, January 25, from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Gray Mortuary. The funeral was held Wednesday, January 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Guthrie Grove Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith, Pelzer, SC. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Due to Covid-19, wassuggested that masks be worn, and social distancing observed.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County, P.O. Box 1206, Greenville, SC 29602. (https://habitatgreenville.charityproud.org/donate)
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Wanda Cothran
Wanda Watson Cothran, of Belton, 79, wife of the late Dendall Lee Cothran, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
Born in Pelzer, she was the daughter of the late James Gordon Watson, Sr. and Edyth Victoria Rogers Watson. She was a member of Cedar Shoals Baptist Church.
She is survived by daughters, Dena Hosea and Sonya Pate, all of Belton; brother, Jim Watson of Greer; and six grandchildren.
Visitation was January 29 at Cedar Shoals Baptist Church with the service following. Burial was in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospitality Ministry of Cedar Shoals Baptist Church, 1045 Cooley Bridge Rd., Belton, SC 29627.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Mary Ann Woodson
West Pelzer – Stella Mary Ann Woodson, age 80, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2022 in her home.
Mary Ann was born on January 20, 1942 in Piedmont to Henry and Frances Thompson. She graduated from Palmetto High School, attended Anderson Junior College, and worked for 30 years at Anderson School District 1.
She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Sherman Woodson, her son, Sherman Woodson, Jr. (Kathy), granddaughters, Lindley O’Kelley (Jonathan), Hannah Woodson, and Julie Woodson, and great-grandson, Hunter O’Kelley.
She is predeceased by her daughter, Kim Golden and sister, Henrietta “Sissy” Taylor.
She was a wonderful baker and cook and expertly prepared a wide variety of foods from hot dogs to lasagna to pumpkin cheesecake. She was an active participant in the Calvary Baptist Church choir and volunteered with the youth Sunday School programs for many years. She enjoyed traveling and overcame her fear of flying to visit destinations such as Europe, Boston, San Francisco, and cruises in Alaska and the Caribbean. Her greatest joy in life was loving and taking care of her family and friends. The last words that she could speak were “I love you” which she repeated often. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
The family would especially like to thank Shirley Ward, her caregiver, and Charleen Anderson, her hospice nurse.
The family will be at Gray Mortuary at 2 pm on Thursday, February 3, to receive friends, with a memorial service to follow at 3 pm in the mortuary chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church, Building Fund, 10 Academy Street, Williamston, SC 29697, in memory of Mary Ann.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Lynn Bell
Belton – Virginia Lynn Bell, 75, passed away Friday, January 28, 2022, at her home.
Born in Pelzer, she was a daughter of the late James Earl and Sallie Ruth Prince Bell. She attended Living Water Church.
Survivors include sisters, Catherine Harvey, Brenda Finley, and Lisa Tenney; brothers, James Roger Bell, Reed Earl Bell, Randall Allen Bell, Richard David Bell, and Richard Ryan Bell.
She was predeceased by sisters, Diane Alewine and Donna Faye Woodson.
A graveside service will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 7, at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
Due to Covid-19, it is suggested that masks be worn, and social distancing observed.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
David Burns
David Wayne “Chunk” Burns, of Pelzer, 64, husband of Teresa Faye Greer Burns, passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022.
Born in Greenville, he was a son of the late P.E. “Bud” and Helen Julia Taylor Burns. He retired from BMW and was a member of Park Place Church of God.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Tiffany Burns of Piedmont and Dee West of Pelzer; two grandchildren and his brother, Billy Burns of Pelzer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation was January 30 at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. The service followed at 3:00 pm in the mortuary chapel.
Burial will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, February 4, at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Park Place Church of God, 221 Orders St., Greenville, SC 29609 or The Hope Center at Beech Springs Church, 125 Cooley Bridge Rd., Pelzer, SC 29669.
The family is at the home of special friend, Lisa Cason, 402 Saluda Dr., Piedmont.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Billy Carlton Kay
Billy Carlton Kay, 67, of Williamston, passed from this world to his eternal heavenly home on December 9th 2021.
A Veteran memorial service will be held at M.J. “ Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery 140 Inway Dr. Anderson SC 29621
Monday, February 7, 2022 at 2:00 PM.
He was born 7 September, 1954 in Greenville, SC to Jesse and Mary Ruth Kay who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue (Boling) Kay.
He was also survived by brothers and sisters: David (Sara), Harold (Pat), Randy (Diane), Ben, and Carol Coker. He has numerous nieces and nephews that he loved very much.
Bill never met a stranger and made people laugh wherever he went. His love of helping people was evident whether working with the Shriners, volunteering at his church, or helping someone in the community.
Bill served as a vehicle mechanic in the Army and owned/operated Kaco Roofing since 1976.
He was a long-time and respected member of Oak Pointe Church 8649 Augusta Road, Pelzer, SC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to
Shriners Hospitals for Children – Greenville
950 W. Faris Road
Greenville, SC 29605
Eugene Lenius
Eugene Francis Lenius, of Piedmont, 88, husband of Bethel Bell Lenius, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
Born in Shields, Wisconsin, he was a son of the late William and Edna Vehlow Lenius. He retired from Ryder Trucking Company and was a U.S. Air Force Korean veteran.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Brenda Rhault and Kathy Crosby, both of Easley; son, Michael Eugene Lenius of Piedmont; five grandchildren; numerous great and great-great- grandchildren.
The family received friends January 31 at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer with the funeral service following in the mortuary chapel.
Burial will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
Due to Covid-19, it is suggested that masks be worn, and social distancing observed.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Belinda Owenby
Belinda Jean Gurkin Owenby, of Pelzer, 60, wife of Terry Owenby, passed away Friday, January 28, 2022.
Born in Hendersonville, NC she was a daughter of Douglas Gurkin of Hendersonville, NC and the late Emma Jean McGaha Gurkin. She was a homemaker and a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness.
In addition to her husband and father, she is survived by a daughter, Tiffany Gracie Morton of the home; sister, Rebecca Ann Gurkin of Pelzer; brother, Kenneth Douglas Gurkin of Hendersonville, NC.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Bennett Reeves
John Bennett Reeves, Jr., of Piedmont, 85, husband of the late Patricia Ann Gambrell Reeves, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2022.
Born in Piedmont, he was a son of the late John Bennett Reeves, Sr. and Mary Frances Evans Reeves. He was a U.S.M.C. veteran, retired from textiles and was a member of Piedmont Heights Baptist Church.
He is survived by son, David A. Reeves of Piedmont; and two grandchildren.
Visitation was January 31 at Piedmont Heights Baptist Church. The service followed at 3:00 pm.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Jonathan Panagakos
Jonathan Scott Phillip “Boo” Panagakos, of Piedmont, 22, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022.
Born in Greenville County, he was the son of Daman Paul Strickland of Anderson and Jennifer Jeanette Panagakos of Piedmont. He was employed with Petee’s Restaurant and was a member of Emmanuel Full Gospel Tabernacle.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by grandparents, Connie Clark Panagakos and Phillip Panagakos, both of Piedmont, Debbie and Charles Stegall of Honea Path; great-grandparents, Doris and Winston Griswold of Piedmont; sister, Kasidy Austin of Piedmont.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 3, from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. at Gray Mortuary, with the service to follow at 5:30 p.m. in the mortuary chapel.
Burial will be held Thursday, February 10, at 1:00 p.m. at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
Due to Covid-19, it is suggested that masks be worn and social distancing observed.
The family is at the home of great-aunt, Brenda King, 106 Crawford Street, Piedmont, SC 29673.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Rosemary McPheron
Rosemary Carr McPheron of Piedmont, 90, wife of the late Herbert McPheron, Jr., passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022.
Born in Hammond, IN, she was a daughter of the late William and Mary Elizabeth McClain Carr. She retired as a nursing assistant and was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Simpsonville.
She is survived by her children, Mary Elizabeth Callahan of Archdale, NC; Shirley Connor and Herbert McPheron, III, both of Trinity, NC; Dennis McPheron of Asheboro, NC; Caroline McPheron of High Point, NC; Alice Reed of Archdale, NC; Margaret McPheron and Laura McPheron, both of Piedmont; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 9, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at Gray Mortuary, with the service to follow at 1:30 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. Burial will be at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
Due to Covid-19, it is suggested that masks be worn and social distancing observed.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Mary Jo Williams Posey
Mary Jo Williams Posey, 65 of West Pelzer, SC passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022.
She was the daughter of the late Earl Welborn (Hambone) Williams and Hazel R. Williams. She was preceded in death by her son, Benjamin Louis Dillard.
She is survived by a daughter, Kristi Dillard of Weimar, TX. Granddaughters Danielle Keeler of Greenville, SC. Hannah Contreras of Greenwood, SC. Haley Simmons of Dallas, TX. Great granddaughters, Avya Simmons and Hayden Contreras. Great grandson, Jaxson Contreras. Her brother, Tim Williams (Nancy) of West Pelzer, SC.
Mary Jo enjoyed spending time with family and playing cards and games on the computer. She was a homemaker. Mary Jo was a simple woman who loved the Lord and her family. She lived a simple, happy life. She loved to laugh and joke around. She was a huge University of South Carolina fan. She was of the Baptist faith. She was well known by her grandchildren and great grands as Bobo.
Bobo, we will see you again when we all reunite in Heaven. WE LOVE YOU!!!!! “Our Mother”
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Roger Turner
Roger Eugene Turner, 74, of Anderson husband of Louise Dalton Turner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away Monday, January 31, 2022.
Born December 11, 1947, in Laurens, he was the son of the late Clyde Clifford and Clarice Chambers Turner.
He was owner and president of Cherokee Security.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Mallie Turner Majarais of Greenville and Meredith Turner-Smith of Brooklyn, NY; and three grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 2, at Refuge Baptist Church Cemetery, Pendleton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to PAWS of Anderson, 1320 Highway 29 South, Anderson, SC 29626 or ChiquitinsCatProject.org
Due to Covid-19, it is suggested that masks be worn and social distancing observed.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Harold Pittman
Harold Newton Pittman of Piedmont, 92, husband of the late Joyce Blackstone Pittman, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022.
Born in Macon, GA, he was a son of the late Claude Newton and Velma McBrayer Pittman. A U.S. Army veteran, he retired as the owner and operator of Harold Pittman’s Upholstery Shop, and was a member of Grove Station Baptist Church.
He is survived by his children, Wayne Pittman of Pelzer and Miriam Pittman of Greenville; sisters, Betty Hall and Joanne Looney, both of Piedmont and Ina Mae Eustace of Columbus, GA; grandchildren, Alex, Ashley, and Scott Pittman, Crystal P. Taylor; and great-grandchildren, Cody and Jaclyn Grace Pittman, Tucker and Tripp Taylor.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 2, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Gray Mortuary, with the service to follow at 4:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel.
Burial will be held Wednesday, February 9, at 1:00 p.m. at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
Due to Covid-19, it is suggested that masks be worn and social distancing observed.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Marie Woodson
Ida Marie Rhodes Woodson of Belton, 90, widow of James Clyde Woodson, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022 at her home.
Born in Williamston, she was the daughter of the late Butler Steele and Agnes Ollie Lee Cooley Rhodes. She retired from the S.C. Department of Agriculture and was a member of Cedar Shoals Baptist Church. She was a past member of Beaverdam Baptist Church.
Survivors include daughters, Debra Brown of Spartanburg and Cristie Carson of Greenville; brother, Butler Steele Rhodes of Belton; two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 2, at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer with the funeral service following at 1:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel.
Burial will be at Beaverdam Baptist Church Cemetery.
Due to Covid-19, it is suggested that masks be worn and social distancing observed.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
