David Mayberry, Samuel Hayes, Kitty Lewis, Shirley Smith, Michael Steadings
Michael Steadings
Michael Fred Steadings, 67 of Greenville, passed away Monday, July 6, 2026.
Born in Greenville, he was a son of Melvie Ann Fricks Duncan and the late Cecil Fred Steadings, Jr.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by daughter, Dana Brinkley; son Michael Ramsey; brother Gregg Steadings; sister Donna Cothran; 9 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held July 10 at Pine Lawn Cemetery, Pelzer.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Shirley Smith
Shirley Ann Haynes Smith, 76, of Pelzer, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of the late Wayne Hesper Haynes, Jr. and Priscilla Elizabeth Kelly Haynes.
She is survived by sons, Brian Smith and Stacy Smith; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and siblings, Sandra Burger, Tammy Lockee, Debbie Green, Larry Haynes, and Vickie Trotter.
The family received friends July 10 at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Kitty Lewis
Kitty Sikes Lewis, 79, of Townville, wife of Darwin “Shorty” A. Lewis, Jr., passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Born in Claxton, GA, she was a daughter of the late George and Kathryn Eason Sikes. She retired from Market USA Federal Credit Union where she was regional vice president and CEO. Kitty was a member of Beech Springs Church.
She was a loving wife, mother and grammy. She will be missed by everyone whose life she touched.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by daughters Dee Davis Henderson and Michelle Pickens; son Darwin “Trey” A. Lewis, III; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held July 11 at Beech Springs Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Samuel Hayes
Samuel Michael “Papa” Hayes, 77, of Waterloo, husband of Vicky Inez Turner Hayes, passed away Friday, July 3, 2026 at his home.
Born in Greenville, he was a son of the late Samuel Lee and Ethel Mills Hayes. He retired from Sylvester and Cockrum and attended Easley Church of God of Prophecy. He was also a veteran of the United States Army and a Master Mason. He loved fishing, playing guitar, and his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by son Jay Michael Hayes; daughter, Amanda April Finley; three grandchildren, and two great-grandchild and brother Ronald Hayes.
The funeral service was held July 13 at Gray Mortuary Chapel, Pelzer, with the burial following at Graceland Cemetery West.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
David Mayberry
Pelzer – David Frank Mayberry, 75, of Pelzer, South Carolina peacefully passed away on July 11, 2026. He was surrounded by family and good friends.
David grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where he attended Mt. Tabor High School and played football. He worked as a lifeguard in several Winston- Salem area pools. David attended Appalachian State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, followed by his Master’s degree in Athletic Administration.
David was raised in the Moravian church but was not involved in organized religion as an adult. He made a decision for Jesus Christ at Christmas 2025.
In 1974, David moved to Belton, South Carolina, where he began his teaching career in Anderson District 2 at Belton Middle School. He would coach middle school football there and influence many young men to strive for excellence in everything they would do in life. While at BMS, David met his wife of 48 years, Sandra Lancaster Mayberry. Through coaching and teaching, David formed many lifelong friendships.
While in college, David worked at a local Christmas tree farm, which would later influence him to leave teaching and do nursery work. As a natural progression, May-Lan Tree Plantation was established in 1978 with Sandy’s father Charles Lancaster. May-Lan Tree Plantation continues to this day! As an extension to the farm, ‘Pumpkin Patch’ was created and provided years of entertainment and education for school children. David received the Grower of the Year award from the South Carolina Christmas Tree Association in 1993 and again in 2001. He also served as the President of the SCCTA.
David loved all animals, even snakes, but particularly loved dogs. His dog, Ted, became a legend at the tree farm. David was passionate about neuter-spay programs, and he and Sandy were the rescuers of many roadside pups. His other loves included the treasures found at Ocracoke Island, Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers, Appalachian State, antique farm equipment, old school CJ-7 Jeeps, the mountains, war movies, Reese’s peanut butter cups, Tom Clancy novels, John Wayne, and jazz (not necessarily in that order).
David was pre-deceased by his parents, Frank and Nell Mayberry; his in-laws, Charles and Bobbie Lancaster; and a brother-in-law, Neal Snyder. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; sister, Doris M. Snyder; brother, Mickey Lee Mayberry; brother-in-law, Ricky Lancaster; and three nephews, Josh Snyder, Lane Mayberry and James Mayberry.
A Celebration of Life will be held at May-Lan Tree Plantation, 156 Cooley Bridge Rd., Pelzer, SC 29669 on Friday, July 17, 2026. The service will begin at 6 pm, with fellowship for family and friends beginning at 5:30 p.m. In keeping with David’s usual attire, please feel free to dress in shorts and a T-shirt.
Memorials are encouraged to benefit any of the local animal rescue organizations or the Humane Society, 407 Pearman Dairy Rd., Anderson, SC 29625.
Many, many thanks to Family Hospice for their kindness during David’s illness. Sandy is so thankful for her family and friends who have given and continue to give their love and support.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
