Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week...

*Obituary for Mother Ruth Grace Williams Murray*

Our Heavenly Father, in His majestic wisdom, who’s perfect in all actions, called our beloved MRS. RUTH GRACE WILLIAMS MURRAY into eternal rest on Friday, October 22, 2021. She was born on April 2, 1929, a daughter of the late George and Lula Spencer Williams.

Ruth Grace attended the Round O School in Darlington in her early years and also worked on the farm with her mother, brothers and sisters. She was united in marriage to Mr. Joseph “Mark” Murray and to this union six children were born. Later after her marriage, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour, was baptized and became a life-long member of the Round O Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Usher Board, the Kitchen Committee and a member of the Senior Choir for many years until her health began to decline.

Later in life, Grace was employed with the Darlington Convalescent Center in the housekeeping department; with Oak Haven Nursing Home as Housekeeping Supervisor and she also assisted the nursing staff.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Joseph, Sr., two daughters: Lorraine Murray and Josephine M. Gregg and a granddaughter, Joann Gregg.

Those who shared the joys of life with her and survived to cherish her memories are: her devoted children: Evelyn V. Murray (Florence); Rufus (Gracie) Murray (Bennettsville); Joseph Murray, Jr. and Annie L. Murray (both of Darlington). A sister, Hattie W. Thorpe of Greenville, SC. Nine grandchildren, Robert (Sophia) Gregg, Jr. (whom she reared as her own), Theresa Ervin, R. McKeithen Murray, Ina Penniston, Julius (Dawn) Dixon, Victor Robinson, James “Jerry” Gregg, Ruth Penniston and Lauralee (Quentin) Davis. Sixteen great grandchildren; 2 great-great grands; a host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at the residence, 108 Elbow Road, Darlington. Please wear mask while visiting the residence.

Please keep the Murray Family in your thoughts and prayers.

*Obituary for Pauline Frierson*

“Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God; believe also in Me.2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. St. John 14:1-3

Sister Pauline McAllister Frierson was born the daughter of the late Reverend Edward and Caroline Charles McAllister. She was born December 8th,1932 in Effingham, South Carolina.

She was the fifth child of thirteen. All siblings Keith, Willard, Eddie, Samuel, Henry, and Roy Lee McAllister: Eunice, Kathleen, Esterlean, Mary Evelyn, Bertha, and Patricia Ann preceded her in death. She loved them all and was very close to them. They taught her how to take care of a family.

She attended the public schools of Florence County and became one of the greatest Homemakers known. Gifted with playing the piano by ear, never having a piano lesson, she became a talented, beautiful musician.

On August 7th, 1950, overcome with love-filled moments, a life of eternal bliss began. The former Pauline McAllister was joined in holy matrimony to Arthur Lee Frierson. Her beloved preceded her in death on October 28th, 1996. This blessed beautiful union was gifted with ten children. Two of her sons preceded her in death, Michael Anthony Frierson and Julius (Buck) Frierson.

Sister Frierson showered her children with love and affection and taught them to always have faith; trust in God through all situations; be kind, and love with your whole heart.

At an early age, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Sister Frierson was baptized and joined the Mount Tabor Baptist Church. She faithfully served on the Choir for over forty years. At many intervals, she served as the church musician; worked with the Missionary Ministry and the Pastor’s Aide ministry. She also served with the Kitchen committee. She also served as a musician for Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Trinity AME Church in Pamplico, South Carolina.

For a livelihood, she was employed with the following organizations during her working years outside the home: Commander Nursing Center, Health South Rehabilitation Center, and Richter’s/Bouchette Grocery. She served to do what she loved to do. She believed that a good meal prepared with love could heal any ailment.

Sister Frierson loved being in church serving God and loved being in the community serving others.

On Friday, October 22nd, 2021, at the Medical University Hospital, Florence, South Carolina, after having fought a good fight, finishing her course, having kept the faith; Pauline M. Frierson, went to wait for her crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give her at that day.

She leaves a legacy of Faith, Hope, and Love. She leaves cherishing everlasting devoted memories; six sons: Levan Frierson (Geraldine) of Effingham, S.C., Arthur Paul (Peggy) of Pamplico, S.C., Alvin Frierson, Gary Frierson (Pearlean), Carl Frierson (Sherri), and Ernest Frierson all of Effingham, S.C.; two daughters: Geraldine (Clifton) Peay of Columbia, S.C. and Annette M. (Rev. John) Allen of Florence, SC, one sister-in-law, Julia Mae McAllister. She also leaves to cherish her memories, thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and good friends.

Family was a big part of Sister Frierson’s life. She played piano alongside her big brother Bill for several years at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church. A gracious hostess, Pauline would allow everyone to come together and celebrate under her Pecan trees for the McAllister- Frierson family reunions. She kept busy even after she retired. She was a short cook with her sisters Mary and Ann and was known for the best-fried chicken and chocolate cake in town. In retirement, she also began to travel extensively with her daughter Geraldine and the Peay family. They visited several places like Arkansas, Tennessee, Memphis, Mississippi, and her favorite the “Mountains of North Carolina.”

It is hard to capture all the great things Sister Frierson has done. As you reflect on the impact she has made in your life, think of her beautiful voice singing

“I am on my way to New Jerusalem, Where the sun never goes down, Every day I'm making preparations I'm packing (getting ready to go)”

Arrangements are entrusted to Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.

*Obituary for Phyllis Stuckey*

Ms. Phyllis Renee Stuckey was born on October 19, 1971 to Jesse (Mary) Smith and the late Audrey Stuckey of Hartsville, South Carolina. She departed this life on Thursday, October 21, 2021.

Phyllis was a proud Class of 1990 Hartsville High School graduate.

Phyllis attended The House of Refuge Church in Hartsville, South Carolina under the leadership of Pastors Tony T. and Sandra Fairley.

Phyllis, known as “The Candy Store Lady, “ a loving mother and devoted friend was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She was the life of the party, enjoyed putting together her Majorette Dance Group, attending family and friends events, managing her Candy Store, and shopping. She would help wherever and whenever she could. She would take you in and care for you like you were her own rather she knew you or not.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her mother, Audrey Stuckey; a son, James Byrd, Jr.; and her grandmother, Thomasena Smith.

Phyllis leaves to cherish her precious memories: her parents, Jesse (Mary) Smith; one daughter, Tykishia (Jimmy) Stuckey; two sons, Devonte (Carrie) Stuckey, and Shabaze Durant; one daughter-in-law, Octavia Byrd; three sisters, Michelle Stuckey, Evelyn Jackson, and Tasha Sutton; one brother, Troy Sutton; eleven grandchildren; one goddaughter, Meliane Smith; one godson, Nytavious Myers; a special friend, Tonya Martin; a special mother, Olean Byrd; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends at 1301 South 5th Street., Apt. Q 1, Hartsville, South Carolina 29550.

Due to COVID-19 Restrictions - MASK ARE REQUIRED.

Please keep the family of Ms. Phyllis R. Stuckey in your thoughts and prayers.

*Obituary for Glenda Gail Cooper-Jackson*

Glenda Gail Cooper-Jackson was born April 13, 1960, in Darlington County, the daughter of the late Rosa (Junius) Cooper and Mr. Charles McCray. She was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 22, 2021.

Glenda received her formal education in Darlington County public schools graduating from Lamar High School, Class of 1978.

Glenda accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was baptized at Center Baptist Church and later in life joined Chaney Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Glenda was employed in various service positions throughout her adult life.

Glenda was married to Mr. Willie Jackson, Jr., and to this union, they were blessed with two daughters Shenita and Cynthia.

Glenda was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She loved her family and they loved her. Her ministry was making people laugh. She was the family comedian. She loved to fish and cook.

Glenda leaves to cherish her loving memory: her husband, Willie Jackson Jr.; her father, Charles McCray; two daughters Cynthia (Derrick) Cooper of Florence, SC and Shenita (LaKendric) McKnight of Zebulon, NC; four sisters Doris (Kenneth) Hamilton of Lamar, SC, Margaret (Marion) Wilson of Timmonsville, SC, Retha Cooper of Sumter, SC and Gwen Valentine of Greenville, SC; two brothers, James (Lisa) Cooper of Florence, SC and Charles Taylor of Illinois; seven grandchildren, ZyTia Cooper, Quashon Peterkin, Lakindra McKnight, Shikiya McKnight, DeJonea Peterkin, DaJonea Peterkin and Jameer Evans; three great grandchildren Khari, Kahsi and Kiden; three brothers-in law, Larry (Joyce) Jackson and Johnny Jackson of Timmonsville and Michael (Francine) Beard of Maryland; a special niece NeKeeshia Cooper and a special nephew Mitchell Cooper; her fishing partner, a special cousin-in-law Rachel James; three aunts, Emma (Henry) McCall and Shirley Baker of Timmonsville, SC and Barbara Butler, Hamstead, NY; best friend Ronnie Kirkland and a very special friend, Mr. Leon Wilson.

*Obituary for Kim O’Neal Gee*

Kim O’Neal Gee was born to the union of Joan Lewis Gee and the late Rev. John E. Gee on August 10, 1973. Kim as he was affectionately called by family and those close to him and others knew him as O’Neal or Big Gee. Kim loved his family and family gatherings. Kim was educated in the public schools of Florence and Darlington South Carolina Counties.

Kim’s affection grew for people through whom he was involved in baseball and football in Timmonsville SC. Over the course of time he received recognition and awards for his dedication to baseball and football. Kim played baseball for the “Timmonsville Rangers” where he was assigned the team number 8. Kim holds the trophies for champions Coastal Athletic League for 1995, 2001, 2002. In 2002, Kim played baseball with the Timmonsville Rangers in the Pepsi Carolina Classic and wins first place team. In addition, 2014 brings another opportunity for when Kim received another award with the “Timmonsville Tigers” men’s runner up regular season upper division. Once baseball season was up he would turn his attention to football working with the “Whirlwinds” as sports manager. Kim was recognized for many years of service and dedication in 1999 and again in 2017.

Kim is proceeded in death by his father, Rev. John Edward Gee, Sr.; grandparents, Bishop Walter and Evalena Lewis & Mr. Leander and Girty Mae Gee; a nephew, Tydric Wilson.

Kim leaves behind to cherish his memories: his Mother, Joan Lewis Gee; five brothers, John (Tammie) Gee of Florence, SC, Ronnie (Fanta) Gee of Columbia, SC, Donnie Gee of Florence, SC, Rev. Dr. Kavara Gee, Sr. of Hartsville, SC, and Bernard Jones of Atlanta Georgia; five aunts, two uncles and a great aunt from his father side of the family; six aunts, two uncles and a great aunt from his mother side of the family; Kim’s special friend, Lashonda Drawhorn from Latta, SC; a special grandmother (MeMa), Katherine Beard of Timmonsville, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

*Obituary for Anna Belle Williams*

Anna Williams, 89, entered into eternal rest on October 17, 2021, in Scranton, SC. She was born in Williamsburg County on February 16, 1932, to William and Carrie Owens. She was educated in the Williamsburg public schools and as a seamstress for many years until her retirement. Anna attended Mt. Seal Baptist Church in the Camp Branch community in her early years and was a member of Lake City Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Anna took pride in exercising her right to vote and served as a poll worker in Scranton, SC for the Florence County Election Commission. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking, and singing. She was a member of the gospel group, Carrie and the New Believers.

In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death

by her loving husband, Reverend Duffie Williams, a daughter, and six sisters.

Loved ones left to cherish her memories are her children, Dorothy Owens of Tampa, FL, Connie Owens of Pompano Beach, FL, Karen Owens of Florence, SC, sons, Mac Williams of Scranton, SC and Rickey (Rhounda) Williams of Florence, SC, one loving sister Carrie Fleming of Scranton, SC, ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, 41 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.