Obituaries Week of May 29, 2013

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ELIZABETH ‘BUFFIE’ JACKSON, REV. W.P. ‘TOMMY’ LARK, MICHAEL J. JEDWABNY, FRED ‘EDDIE’ BRASHIER, STANLEY DAVIS, BETTY PRESSLEY, GREGORY BRUCE CONNER, SHELBY NICOLE CHANDLER McSWAIN, VICTORIA G. IVIE, SANDY GARNER, MILFORD ‘PUNCHY’ HOWARD, SR., REBECCA ANN ‘BECKY’ SELLERS, JERRY ALLEN SNIPES, WENONA DICKERSON WOODY, CHARLES LEROY ‘CHUCK’ BARNETT, SR.,

ELIZABETH ‘BUFFIE’ JACKSON
Elizabeth “Buffie” Eskew Jackson, 94, of West Pelzer, widow of W. C. “Bill” Jackson, died Monday, May 27, 2013 at the Rainey Hospice House.
Born in Piedmont, she was the daughter of the late C. F. and Cleo Norris Eskew and was a member of West Pelzer Baptist Church.
Surviving are daughter, Jean J. Hankins of Pelzer; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, May 29 at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

,REV. W.P. ‘TOMMY’ LARK
The Rev. W. P. “Tommy” Lark, 87, of Piedmont, husband of Martha Hill Lark, died Thursday, May 23, 2013 at the McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville.
Born in Anderson County, Rev. Lark was the son of the late Ben P. and Effie Burnett Lark. He was a U. S. Naval veteran. A member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Pelzer, he was a retired Baptist minister having served for 30 years in churches in S.C. and N.C.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Fonda L. O’Sheal and Sherry L. George ; one son, William Perry Lark, Jr.; 2 sisters; 1 brother; and 22 grandchildren.
A celebration of life service was held Saturday, May 25 at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Burial followed at Graceland West Cemetery, Greenville.
Memorials may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, P. O. Box 268, Pelzer, SC 29669.

MICHAEL J. JEDWABNY
Michael J. Jedwabny, 63, of Williamston died May 14, 2013 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Asheville, NC.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, the son of the late Walter A. Jedwabny and Frances E. Lovinfosse Jedwabny.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. He was employed in building maintenance.
A funeral mass will be offered for Michael at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church at 5 p.m. on June 4, 2013.

FRED ‘EDDIE’ BRASHIER
Fred “Eddie” Brashier, 59, of Piedmont, died May 20, 2013.
He is survived by his mother, Fran Brashier of the home; a daughter, a son; four sisters and a brother.
He was predeceased by his wife and father.
Funeral service was held May 25 at Powdersville Community Church.
Memorials may be made to Powdersville Community Church.

STANLEY DAVIS
Stanley Wayne Davis, 62, of Piedmont, widower of Debra Elaine Pepper Davis, died Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at his home.
Born in Piedmont, he was a son of the late Paul Edward and Rhoda Galloway Davis.  He was retired from John D. Hollingsworth and a member of Piedmont Church of God of Prophecy.
Surviving are sons, Anthony A. Davis and Shawn Davis, both of Piedmont; four grandchildren; brother, Edward L. Davis and sister, Glenda D. Cooper, both of Piedmont.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 25 at Piedmont Church of God of Prophecy.  Burial followed in Greenville Memorial Gardens.

BETTY PRESSLEY
Betty Browning Pressley, 74, of Piedmont, wife of Willis Eugene “Gene” Pressley, died Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Anderson County, she was a daughter of the late Walter Lee and Edith Rhodes Browning. She retired from Experimental Fabric and was a member of Wren Baptist Church.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by son, Michael Pressley of Anderson; daughters, Stacy Rholetter of Piedmont, and Heather Vandenmeiracker of Greer; sisters, Addie Lou Jones and Barbara Sitton; brother, Walter “Dub” Browning; and three grandchildren.
Funeral was held Sunday, May 26, at Wren Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Beaverdam Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family is at the home of Michael and Tracy Pressley, 305 Mallard Lane, Anderson.
Memorials may be made to Wren Baptist Church, 120 Wren Road, Piedmont, SC 29673.

GREGORY BRUCE CONNER
Gregory Bruce Conner, 56, of Piedmont, died Saturday, May 25 at his home.
Born in Princeton, WV, he was the son of Kenneth and Louise Conner.
He was owner of Ergo Corporation in Greer.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Katherine Conner; children, Gregory Conner II of Greenville, Heather Conner of Piedmont, and Brandi Stone of Honea Path; siblings, Mitch Conner, Kenneth Conner Jr., Rodney Conner, and Cheryl Pressly.
A celebration of life was held Tuesday, May 28 at the Grace Christian Church in Greenville.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

SHELBY NICOLE CHANDLER McSWAIN
Shelby Nicole Chandler McSwain died Monday, May 20, 2013.
She was a nurse and a member of Grove Station Baptist Church.
She is survived by her parents Wayne Daniel and Patricia Durham Cox of Piedmont; sons, Zachary Chandler and Sean McSwain of Piedmont; and sister, Kimberly Clemons of Greer.
No services are planned.
Memorials may be made to Grove Station Baptist Church, 640 Piedmont Hwy., Piedmont, SC 29673.

VICTORIA G. IVIE
Victoria G. Ivie, 85, of Lima, OH, died Monday, May 27, 2013 at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, OH.
She was born in Floresville, TX to the late G. and Dora (Daritte) Gonzalez.
She was predeceased by her husband, Gilbert L. Ivie, Sr.
Surviving are daughter, Gloria Murphy of Lima, OH; daughter, Rosemary Bridwell of Greer; son, Angelo J. Ivie of South Carolina; daughter, Janie Diaz of Commerce, GA; son, Gilbert L. Ivie, Jr. of Piedmont; 20 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 30 at Gray Mortuary in Pelzer.
Burial will follow in Greenville Memorial Gardens.

SANDY GARNER
Sandy Leigh Harbin Garner, 31, wife of Larry Michael “Sambo” Garner, Jr., of Pelzer, died Monday, May 27, 2013 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Anderson, she was a daughter of Steve and Deborah Ann Harbin Lesley, of Anderson. She was a teller supervisor at BB&T on Highway 81 in Anderson.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her daughter, Zaylee Madison Garner, of the home; step-daughter, Kelsey Ann Ellison of Williamston; step-son, Ethan Michael Caldwell of Pelzer; grandparents, Fred and Wilma Harbin, of Anderson, Larry C. and Mary O. Garner of Pelzer; siblings, Brandy Brewer of Easley, Mandy Blair of Anderson; Bryan Lesley and Ryan Lesley, both of Piedmont, Angie  Eckard and Brad Lesley, both of Easley, and Toby Lesley, of Anderson.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at the funeral home chapel of Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. Cremation will follow with a private burial at a later date.

MILFORD ‘PUNCHY’ HOWARD, SR.
PIEDMONT – Milford Oliver “Punchy” Howard, Sr., 91, peacefully departed this world on May 28, 2013. Mr. Howard was born on January 25, 1922, in Piedmont to the late Oliver Dock and Eva League Howard. In addition to his parents and wife, Helen Trammell Howard, his high school sweetheart, he was predeceased by a brother, Lewis Howard, and a sister, Frances Matthews.
After attending Clemson University, Mr. Howard served in the United States Army from 1940 to 1945. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor when the infamous attack occurred. He received many medal recognitions, including two bronze stars.  His love of country was only exceeded by his love of God and family. When he returned home from the South Pacific Campaign, he played basketball and baseball with the Piedmont Rangers. He also played in the Brooklyn Dodgers farm system. He was recently inducted into the Textile League Baseball Hall of Fame. Mr. Howard retired as assistant postmaster at the Piedmont Post Office.
Mr. Howard was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Piedmont his entire life. He served as the Superintendent of Sunday School for many years, deacon chairman, led numerous committees, and continued to serve on the board of deacons as an active member.
Mr. Howard was a 1952 charter member of the Piedmont Lions Club, with over fifty years of perfect attendance. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow, was named Lion of the Year, received the SC Lion Patron Award, International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, and was named to the SC Lions Hall of Fame. His heart is totally one of Lionism, having served as Broom Sales Chairman, and as the Hospital Bed and Wheelchair contact for many years.
Mr. Howard’s contribution to the citizens of South Carolina resulted in his receiving the Order of the Palmetto award in 2000. His love for his state and community was reflected in his day-to-day living in actions and contributions. He was an active Meals on Wheels volunteer for over 20 years. He served the community as a Trustee of the Piedmont Fire Department. He was also honored as the Grand Marshal of the Piedmont Christmas Parade.
Mr. Howard is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Al McAbee, and a son and daughter-in-law, Mo and Kathy Howard. He was the proud “granddaddy” of Andy McAbee and wife, Sonia; Lisa Greer and husband, Brent, and Chip Howard and wife, Katie. His great-grandchildren, Emilie Greer, Jackson Greer, and Owen McAbee created a ray of sunshine in his life.
The family will receive friends at Gray Mortuary on Thursday, May 30, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 31, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Piedmont. The family will be at the home of his son, Mo Howard, 520 Reedy Fork Road, on Wednesday evening, May 29.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Piedmont Lions Club, the Alexander/Wakefield Sunday School Class, and the Piedmont Fire Department. The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses and caregivers from Open Arms Hospice for the constant love and care they gave Mr. Howard. We also would like to thank the staff of the Downtown Cafe for their loving devotion to Mr. Howard. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 8 First Baptist Church Road, Piedmont.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

REBECCA ANN ‘BECKY’ SELLERS
Rebecca Ann “Becky” Sellers, wife of Larry Sellers, of Belton, died Monday, May 27, 2013 at her home.
Born in Jessup, GA, she was the daughter of the late John Ross and Frances Smith Collins. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church.
Surviving in addition to her husband of the home are; daughter, Jennifer Hannah of Williamston; sister, Juanita Simpson of Greenwood; and two grandchildren.
Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Eastview Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.
The family will be at the residence.

JERRY ALLEN SNIPES
Jerry Allen Snipes, 68, of Charleston, died May 25, 2013.
Born in Anderson, he was the son of the late Monroe and Nanny Kirk Snipes and husband of Ruby Garrett Snipes.
He served in the U.S. Army in Germany and during the Korean War. He retired from Eastern Airlines.
He is survived by his wife of the home; three sons, Dirk Snipes of Charleston, Michael Snipes of Piedmont; and Kevin Snipes of Mt. Pleasant; daughter, Tara McClellion of Williamston; brother, Delbert Snipes of Miami, FL; sister, Joanne Hyde of Rome, GA; and eight grandchildren.
A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, May 30 from noon until 2 p.m. in Mcalister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island Chapel, 347 Folly Road. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

WENONA DICKERSON WOODY
Wenona Dickerson Woody, 91, of Elberton, GA, died Monday, May 27, 2013 at Elbert Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Elbert County, GA, a daughter of the late William Alexander and Icie Eavenson Dickerson.
She retired from Elberton Mills and was a member of Northside Baptist Church.
She was predeceased by her husband, William O. Woody.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Northside Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Deep Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Northside Baptist Church Building Fund, 384 N. Oliver St., Elberton, GA 30635.
Surviving are her children, Ken Woody of Santee and Gail Carnes of Anderson; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; sister, Janice Slay of Elberton, GA; and a brother, Paul Dickerson of Piedmont.

CHARLES LEROY ‘CHUCK’ BARNETT, SR.
Charles Leroy “Chuck” Barnett, Sr., 53, of Pelzer, husband of Connie Carias Barnett, died May 27, 2013.
Born in Galion, OH, he was a son of the late Cecil and Ora Barnett.
He was employed with the U.S. Postal Service and was a member of Word of Life Ministries.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Michelle Richey and Krystal Chewning; two sons, Chuck Barnett, Jr. and Sam Barnett; eight grandchildren; four sisters and five brothers.
The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 30 at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 31 at Word of Life Ministries with burial following at Greenville Memorial Gardens.