Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week

Obituary for Barbara Thomas

A Graveside Funeral Service for Mrs. Barbara Myers Thomas was conducted 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery, 5814 Old River Road, Florence, South Carolina. Interment followed, directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Mrs. Barbara Myers Thomas was born on October 21, 1941 in the town of Pamplico, South Carolina to the Late Willie Myers and Casimma “Pate” Gibbs.

As a child, she was educated in the Florence County Public School System. She was a dedicated homemaker that loved to shop, travel, and praise the Lord.

Barbara was a devoted member of Salem United Methodist Church, in the Claussen Community. She served in numerous capacities including as Lay Speaker, member of the United Methodist Women, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Wednesday Night Bible School Leader and Spiritual Mentor to many.

Barbara was happily married for 51 years to Charles Ervin Thomas. He was known to affectionately refer to her as his “Apple Pie.” To this union two children were born, Myron and Tammy.

Barbara was predeceased by her mother and father; her husband; and their daughter, Tammy, as well as her sister, Debbie Robinson.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Myron (Clara) Thomas; three grandchildren, Christen, Myron, II, and Charisse; and five great grandchildren, Dylan, Morgan, Blake, Myron, III, and Korey. She is also survived by her brother, Willie (Ann) Myers; her sister, Maperlene (The Late Leo) Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She departed her life’s journey on Friday, January 15, 2021 at her home after a brief illness.

Public Viewing was Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at J. O. & Annette Smith Memorial Chapel, 307 South Johns Street, Florence, South Carolina, 29506

Obituary for Mr. Otto “J.E.” McDaniel, Jr.

Mr. Otto “J.E.” McDaniel, Jr., a son of the late Otto and Pearlie Barr McDaniel was born on October 16, 1940. He departed this earthly on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

He was educated in the public schools of Florence County. He was a lifelong member of Savannah Grove Baptist Church and a member of Crown Lodge 383.

“J.E.” as he was affectionately called by family and friends retired from DuPont after 28 years of service. He was preceded in death in addition to his parents, his wife; Pearlie King McDaniel, a son; Benjamin Larry King and daughter; Helen King Blue.

Left to cherish his precious memories include one son, Anthony (Leashon) McDaniel of Columbia, SC, nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, one sister; Helen (Latson) Cockfield of Florence, SC, one uncle; Woodrow McDaniel of Darlington, SC, one aunt; Mary Allen of New Castle, Delaware and a host of other relatives and friends.

Obituary For Hannibal Washington, Sr.
Hannibal Washington, Sr., was born October 11, 1944, in Florence, SC. He departed this earthly life on Saturday, January 9th after a brief illness. Mr. Washington was the son of the late Fossie and Mary Daniels Washington.

Mr. Washington was a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. He attended the public schools of Florence County and was employed with King Cadillac-Buick for over 45 years.

He was a quiet, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed by all who love him so dearly.

Left to cherish his precious memories include: wife; Flora Washington of the home, son; Hannibal (Hazel) Washington, Jr. of Lawrenceville, GA, two adopted daughters; Marla (Craig) Sterrett of El Paso, Texas, and Andreker Staggers of Florence, SC, nine grandchildren; Hannibal Amari Washington, III, Heyward Aveon Washington, Elyssa Lester, El’ ayah Bostick, Reaghen Sterrette, Ryhliee Sterrette, D’Andre Davis, Destin Anderson, and Christopher Brown, Jr., one sister; Cynthia Washington of Florence, SC, four brothers; Foster Washington, Henry Washington, Phillip (Clara Mae) Washington and very special brother, Lee Washington all of Florence, SC, one sister in law; Vanessa Hanna Verrett, two brothers-in-law; Irvin Emmanuel of Bronx, NY and Timothy Emanuel of Florence, SC, a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Obituary for Kathleen Felder Samuel

Mrs. Kathleen Felder Samuel was born in Cades, S.C. on September 19, 1938, to the late Lide Felder and Liza Felder (Burgess). She departed this life after an illness on January 7th, 2021 at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, South Carolina.

She attended the public schools of Williamsburg County and was a homemaker.

Four brothers preceded her in death (Raleigh, Raymond, Steve, and Elijah Felder). Two Sisters preceded her in death (Eliza Allen and Novella Harley). One daughter preceded her in death (Ida Mae Jupiter).

She was baptized at an early age at Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She later joined Mt. Calvary Apostolic Church in Timmonsville, SC where she remained until her passing. She was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Her love for God and her church was exemplified in her cheerfulness to serve in any capacity. She was appointed as church mother because of the quiet and meek spirit she possessed. Mother Samuel touched the lives of many by the compassion and care she showed to her church family and towards others. As her health declined, she maintained her devotion to God and faithfulness to her church. Mother Samuel will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Left to cherish fond memories are her daughter, Willie Mae Johnson of the home; her son, Leander (Bertha) Samuel of Effingham, SC; one sister Gloria Jean (Herbert) Brigman of Effingham, SC.; 5 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Obituary For Ruthene Elizabeth Ham

“To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

A Time to Be Born.....

On December 31, 1953, God gifted Ruthene Elizabeth Ham, a beautiful, curious, and calm spirited baby girl, to Curtis and Annie Mae Ham.

A Time to Grow.....

Ruthene Elizabeth Ham McAllister was reared in Savannah Grove Community, Effingham, SC. She attended Savannah Grove Elementary School and graduated from Southside High School in 1972. During her senior year in high school, Ruthene won the prestigious honor of being named the Maid of Honor in the May Day Queen Court of Southside High School. She was also a much-respected bus driver. She attended and graduated from South Carolina State College receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Ruthene was employed with the Florence School District for 30 years. She spent most of her professional career in the school system as a Special Needs Job Coordinator. She had a passion for the development and success of her children whom she loved dearly. Ruthene was a very active, mischievous, and strong-spirited child. While growing up, she worked diligently in the gardens and tobacco fields and even plowed the fields. She was often called one of “Jack’s Boys.” During her free time, she played softball for Savannah Grove Church league. At age 14, she started bowling under the guidance of Reverend Canty. Ruddie, as she was affectionally called, enjoyed life. As an avid bowler, she traveled all over the country with her “Roadie” and sister, Judy. Ruthene served as a Tournament Organizer for Southgate Bowlers and president of the Friday Day League.

A Time to Worship…..

At an early age, Ruthene accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined Savannah Grove Baptist Church. She was a member of the Junior Ushers with her “mom” Annie Ham, as their advisor. Ruthene also participated faithfully in Sunday school, Junior Missionary, and other youth activities.

As an adult, she replaced her mother as an advisor to the Junior Usher Board. She was also a dedicated member of the church finance committee and assisted in the Culinary Division of hospitality.

A Time to Love…..

Ruthene was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, godmother, and aunt. She LOVED family functions. As a result, she hosted for several years a community picnic that included her family and friends. Her focus in life was to love and treat others as you would want to be treated. She was well known and admired in Savannah Grove Community for her respect, authenticity, and honesty.

A Time to Die…..

In addition to her parents, Curtis and Annie Mae Ham, she was preceded in death by her baby sister, Cecelia Gail Young.

The trumpet sounded on Thursday morning, January 7, 2021, calling Ruthene Ham McAllister from labor to reward.

Ruthene’s memories are left to be forever cherished by her sisters: Lewynsa Wright of Clover, SC; Judy Hoyle of Effingham, SC; one brother, Curtis Ham of Effingham, SC. Although she did not give birth to any children of her own, she was a mother to many. Karl (Kara) Butler, her nephew whom she raised like a son; her godchildren, Antoine (Teaira) Young; Kayla Butler and Bre’Ana Young. She was guardian to Zionna White and Vernon Ervin.

She also leaves to cherish, her nephews, Wendell Wright of Clover, SC and Brackston Davis of Florence, SC; her niece, her rock and care advisor during her illness, Kristal (Lahai) Ville; cousins, Mark McLeod and Brad Law, who were also like sons to her; aunts: Miriam Fred of Detroit, MI; Gladys Pygatt of Philadelphia, PA; Dorothy McDaniel of Florence, SC; Clemmie Williams of Brooklyn, NY; Sallie Ham of Florence, SC; Eula Thompson of Effingham, SC; and Louise Ham of Florence, SC; uncles: James (Mary) Ham of Orangeburg, SC and Herman Charity of Franklin, VA and a host of other loved ones and friends.

Obituary For Frank Patterson

It is with sorrow that the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. announces the passing of Mr. Frank Patterson, better known as Big Rabbit of Darlington. Mr. Patterson passed on Saturday, January 16, 2021 in McLeod Hospital.

Funeral service was held 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2021 in the church yard of Mt. Rona Baptist Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Please keep the Patterson family in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary For Ms. Kathy Melinda Benton “Peaches”

Ms. Kathy Melinda Benton “Peaches”, daughter of Carrie Benton Brock and the late James Milton Jett, was born on October 17, 1957 in Darlington, South Carolina. On Thursday, January 14, 2021 God in His Divine Love and Wisdom called home his daughter, “Peaches” from labor to reward.

Kathy attended New York and Darlington County Public school systems. She graduated from Mayo High School in 1975. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Carolina. She was a founding member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. chapter at the University of South Carolina. She went on to further her education and earned a master’s degree from Clark University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kathy’s love of children led her on her career path of social work. She retired from the State of South Carolina after more than 20 years of service in Social Work.
Kathy enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends, especially her friends Hannah Jackson, Sarah Bonaparte and Queen Linen.

Kathy is preceded in death by her father, James Milton Jett.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her mother, Carrie Benton Brock of Darlington, SC; a sister, Mattie Mae Gilbert of Maryland; a nephew, Anthony Gilbert of Maryland; five uncles, Leslie (Bertie Mae) Joseph, Leroy (Fosteen) Benton, James(Juanita) Benton, Thomas Benton, Willard (Barbara) Jett; two aunts, Gloria (Maze) Little and Gwen (Jack) Gattison; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary For Reverend Jerry Murray

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which is the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8

On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, Reverend Jerry Murray, loving son, father, grandfather and brother, transitioned at the age of 61 years old in McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, SC. Jerry was born on July 2nd, 1959 in Darlington,South Carolina the son of Dorothy McClain McCoy Thomas and the late Nathaniel Murray.

He graduated from Mayo High School, Class of 1977 in Darlington, South Carolina. He served his Country in the United States Army on November 29, 1977 and after his tenure, he was honorably discharged. After returning home from his military obligation, he moved away to Paterson, New Jersey. He furthered his education at the Bible College and he Pastored a church in Paterson, New Jersey.

Jerry worked at St. Joseph University Medical Center for 28 years as a Chaplain. He then transferred to Valley Hospital in Patterson, New Jersey. Because of an illness, he retired from his profession and moved back home to Darlington, South Carolina in 2013.

A year later, he began attending the Active Daycare Center for adults. He suffered a debilitating stroke on June 9, 2015. As time passed, his health began to regress to the point of him not being able to care for himself nor live alone. This caused him to be placed in a nursing facility.

In addition to his father, Jerry was preceded in death by: his two brothers: Christopher Pompey and Alfonzer Johnson; his maternal grandparents, John Wesley and Rilla McClain; his 5 uncles: John Wesley McClain, Sylvester McClain, Jeremiah McClain, Wister McClain, Leverne McClain; and his aunt: Maedonnie Moses.

Those left to cherish his loving memory are: his mother, Dorothy McClain McCoy Thomas of Waldorf, MD; his children: his two sons: Jerry Jr. Nettles and Gerard Nettles both of Darlington, South Carolina; his two daughters: Keshia Brown Broderick of Darlington, South Carolina and Africa N. Murray of Georgia; his two brothers: Larry McCoy of Darlington, South Carolina and Michael (Vivian) Thomas of Hartsville, South Carolina; his four sisters: Supreme Johnson O'Neal of Patterson, New Jersey, Tina (Yancy) Alexander of Waldorf, Maryland, Deloris (Karl) Barcus and Doris A. McCoy of Darlington South Carolina; his two uncles: Lorenzo B. (Eliza) McClain of Darlington, South Carolina and Hayes Isaiah (Leila) McClain of Patterson, New Jersey; his two Aunts: Bessie Hart and Lillian R. McClain both of Darlington, South Carolina; four grandchildren: Devontae Brown, Bryce Brown, Jordyn Brown and Ariel Holmes; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; a special friend, Debra Jackson.

Visitation was held at the residence of a sister and brother-in-law, Mrs. Delores and Elder Karl Barcus, 725 Lighthouse Road, Darlington.