Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week

Obituary for Ophelia Martin

Opheila Martin was born in Florence, South Carolina December 13, 1942; she was the daughter of the late Ralph Foster Ham and Martha Lee Carroway Ham. She departed this life on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at her home in Effingham, SC.

Ophelia attended the Wilson High School in Florence, SC, and also attended Pace University in New York, NY. She was a member of Meadow Prong Baptist Church, and a member of the Eastern Star, Daughter of Isis Court.

Ophelia was an educator at PS124 in Bronx, New York, was formerly employed with New Jersey Bell.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Richard Martin; her son Terence Martin; and her foster brother Willie McGill.

Left to cherish her precious memories are; two daughters Yvonne Masai of Hackensack, NJ, Ruby Martin Robinson of Effingham, SC; one brother Lester Ham of Florence; two sisters Earnestine Byarm, Eloise Marshall both of Philadelphia, PA; ten grandchildren, Amber Robinson of Atlanta, GA, Ashley Robinson of Columbia, SC, Alicia Robinson of Columbia, SC, Amy Robinson of Myrtle Beach, Marcus Masai, Malcolm Masai, Martin Masai all of Hackensack, NJ, Ariel Darden, Lasha Darden both of Suffolk, VA, three great-grandchildren, Kayleigh Robinson of Atlanta, Ga, Khari Darden, Maxwell Martin of Lynchburg, VA; and our caretaker assistants Peggy Jones of Sardis, SC, Shameika Garland, Chiemere Garland Gee both of Florence, SC, and a host of other family and friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ideal Funeral Parlor.

Obituary for Myasia Gregg

Myasia Anntionette Gregg was born in Florence County on August 4, 1994. She was the daughter of Harriet J. Waters and Matthew A. Gregg. Myasia transitioned into the heavenly kingdom on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center.

Myasia was educated in Florence District One Public Schools and was a 2013 Wilson High School graduate. In May of 2019, Myasia completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Morris College located in Sumter S.C. She was set to graduate from Grand Canyon University in December of 2022 with a Master’s in Elementary Education.

Myasia accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very young age. She was a member of Southern Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. John McKenney. Myasia was also baptized by Reverend Dr. John McKenney in 2012. As a member, Myasia served on the mixed choir and praise dance team. Also, Myasia was a volunteer at Southern Calvary Baptist Church summer day camp launch in 2014 which led to a host of opportunities.

Myasia was a devoted daughter, sister and friend to many. She exemplifies the excellence of the fruits of the spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Myasia was humble but modest, she was prudent but yet careful. Myasia's presence will greatly be missed by all who knew her.

Myaisa was preceded in death by her grandmother Margaret H. Waters, three aunts, Kimberly D. Waters, Tonya A. Williams and Carol L. McCoy-Woodbury.

Those left to cherish her memories are her mother, Harriet J. Waters; father, Matthew A. Gregg; two sisters, Tomika (LaShawn) Pearson and Courtney N. Waters; maternal grandfather, Buford L. Waters; paternal grandparents, George (Lucille) Gregg; maternal aunt, Terri (Wendell) Addison; maternal uncles, Norris L. Harley and Melvin (Kedra) Waters; paternal aunt, Felicia Gregg-Thomas; paternal uncle, Vincent Gregg; three nieces, ToShawna Pearson, Sanaa Pearson and Jayleigh Sumter; four godchildren, Kingston Foster, Shakira Smith, Ja’Leyah Kovack, and Zahari McCoy; four special cousins, Bridgette Waters, T’Cara Waters, Donte McCoy and Jakeefe Hawkins; five special friends, Shayne Polson, Kuiella Smith, Shequetta Echols, Dana Lee, and Nyia McKenny; and a host of relatives and friends.

Please keep the family of Myasia Anntionette Gregg in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary for Bishop Sara Jane Mobley

Bishop Sara Jane Mobley was 94 and departed this life Friday, March 4, 2022, in Florence County. She was the wife of the late Deacon James S. Mobley for nearly 50 years, and the mother of Pastor Jacqueline Mobley Harris, Janetha Mobley Nixon, Jerome Mobley, Jewel Mobley Willis, James Mobley, and Ronald Sanders. You may visit the family at 209 Seaboard Ave. Mullins, SC 29574.

The family of Bishop Sara Jane Mobley in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state, and local community, has decided to hold a private 50 people or less, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Mobley family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

Obituary for Sammie Taylor, Sr.

Sammie Taylor, Sr. was born March 7, 1939 in Richland County to the late Anthony Taylor, Sr. and Renner Brown Taylor. He departed this earthly life on March 1, 2022 at the Low Country Community Hospice House in Summerville. In 1960, he was joined in marriage to Miss Josephine Thomas and resided in Rembert. At an early age, Sammie attended Saint Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in Eastover, and he recently accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized. Sammie was jovial, resourceful, generous and he loved to make witty remarks. He attended the public schools of South Carolina and began working at an early age. Sammie was a hard worker and a man of many talents. He loved racing cars and excelled as a farmer, landscaper, cement finisher and mechanic, as well as a masonry. He was affectionately known as “Brother” to family and close friends. “Brother” always met you with a smile which showed his appreciation for people and good conversation. Sammie is survived by: one son, Reverend Sammie Taylor, Jr. (Michelle) of Moncks Corner; two daughters, Reverend Carol Elaine Sanders of Rembert, and Natalie Brevard Perry of Conyers, Georgia; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one brother, Charlie Taylor, Sr. of Rembert, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Sammie was preceded in death by his parents; five siblings, Earnest, Fredrick, and Johnny Gridine, Anthony Taylor, Jr., Leah Hamilton, and three children, Barbara C. Sanders, Lawrence C. Brevard and Helen R. Pearson. In accordance with the COV19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during all visitation at the home, 5756 T B Wright Road, Rembert. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022 – 12:00 noon in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home, Inc., 821 North Main Street, Sumter, with the Rev. Ruth Robinson, officiating and the Rev. Benjamin Gridine, Eulogist. The procession will leave at 11:20 a. m. from the home. Burial will be in the Saint Luke African American Episcopal Church Cemetery, Eastover.

Obituary for Peggy Campbell

Ms. Peggy Campbell, a daughter of the late Ruby Hamilton Campbell and George Cotton was born in Darlington, SC on May 19, 1954. On Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, SC, the Angel of Death came for Peggy and carried her home to live with the Lord forever.

She attended the Darlington County School District where she was a graduate of St. John’s High School Class of 1972.

At a very early age, she joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

She was employed at Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology where she was a dedicated worker for 21 years until her health declined.

Those who shared the joys and sorrows of life and survive to cherish her memory are: two loving children: Brian Campbell of Houston, Texas and Sharron (Jarian) Wilson of Darlington, South Carolina; five sisters: Anita Jeffery, Sarah Lee Campbell (Willie Williams), Gea Faye Campbell (Tommy Jones), Georgia Johnson, Rene’ Cotton and Janice (Al) Joe all of Darlington, South Carolina; three brothers: James (Evelyn) Campbell, Joseph Campbell and Tommy (Peggy) Cotton all of Darlington, South Carolina; three grandchildren who she deeply helped care for and loved: Talaila Wilson, Tamiya Wilson and Jarian Wilson, Jr.; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation for relatives and friends is held at 705 Wire Road, Darlington.

Please keep relatives and friends of Ms. Peggy Campbell in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary for Dolores A Hardy

Dolores Ann Hardy, affectionately known as “Lois”, to some, and playfully, “Miss Patti Labelle”, was born to the late Marie Lewis Burden and Buford Hagan on April 17, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York. She entered heaven’s gates on March 1, 2022.

Dolores Ann Hardy was a devoted daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, caregiver, and friend.

Dolores grew up in the public and Catholic school systems of Brooklyn, New York. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern star. She was a retired caregiver.
Dolores Ann Hardy was fearless. She was often described as a rebel. There was no one too small or too big that she did not believe she could help or encourage. She protected everyone she held dear.

Dolores was a woman of good character. She was influential and was able to encourage and steer others in the way that they should go. She had the godly heart of a woman which made her so treasured. She was clothed with strength and dignity and has often laughed at those days when she has experienced hardship and pain. She often spoke with wisdom and, most of the time, understanding. Was she perfect? No. But throughout her life she has exemplified love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control, when it was needed the most. That is a reflection of a heart that is ruled by God’s own spirit.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Pickett, her dad, Willie Burden, Sr and a special son-in-law, Carl Lowery.

In 1964, Dolores married the love of her life, the late Harold Dwight Hardy Jr.
Through this union she bore their three awesome children, Wauneka Shereane Hardy “Skeeta”, of Bronx, NY. Sean Rashid Hardy of Sumter, SC., and Laila Kowalai Hardy “Pete”, of Raleigh, NC. She later bore a fourth child, the awesome Aiyda Sydari Corbin “Vee”, of Sumter, SC, by the late Hugh Corbin. Through her selfless act of love and adoration for children, she later adopted three amazing children: Aida Jamille “AL” Zuell, Sonali Khalil Hardy, and Shylei Hardy “Jazell”. She was also tasked and blessed with the guardianship of Rashied Ally Rahming, from her very best friend, the late Gayle Rahming. The loved ones she has left to cherish her memories are her eight children, twenty-five grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; four sisters, Rose Ali, Barbara Walls, Janet Murray, and Claudia Hagan; two brothers, Willie Burden, Jr, and Demetrious Burden, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, future son-in-law, Kevin Pattishaw, and great friends.

Obituary for Jacob Nan Stephens, Sr.

Jacob Nan Stephens, Sr. was born on May 26, 1941, in Smoaks South Carolina. He was the fourth child of British and Magaline Stephens. He entered into eternal rest on February 27, 2022.

Jacob lived in Smoaks, South Carolina. He attended Jonesville School. When he became eighteen, he moved to Brooklyn, New York and worked as a steel worker with Artistan Stainless Steel in Freeport Long Island, New York and various other jobs to support his family.

In 1969, Jacob met his ex-wife, Alphera Stephens. They had loving children to fulfill this union.

Jacob Stephens had a great life. He was a family person. He loved his family very much. He enjoyed seeing his grandchildren. He was kind and learned to live with integrity as he grew older. He made an impressive impact on so many people lives. He enjoyed family reunions and celebrating life with his family.

Jake as he was known by everyone, enjoyed his gospel music, celebrating family at family reunions and hanging out at the tracks. He especially enjoyed going to church in his later days. He went to church until he was not able to go anymore. He gave his life to Christ and celebrated God everyday for saving his life. His favorite words were, "God's been good to me. Don't do wrong by people, always do good no matter what. Let all that stress go." His final words he sang were, "I'm going to the promise land," before he had an acute stroke at Atrium Nursing Rehabilitation Facility. He said, "Always put family first no matter what."

Jake was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; Marcus Stephens and Willie Stephens; and a brother-in-law, Leroy Sanders.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his children, Jacob (Shaquana) Stephens, Jr., David Stephens, Daniel Stephens, Sharee Stephens, Joseph Houston, Charlotte (Eric) Martin; twenty-nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Minnie M. Sanders, Essie McFadden (James), Virginia Salley (Joe), Nathaniel Stephens (Brenda), and Ella M. Williams; one aunt, Birdie Mae Jenkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.