Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week

Obituary for Delonza Hyman
Private Funeral Service for Delonza “DL” Hyman was conducted 10:00 AM Thursday, January 7, 2021 at J.O. & Annette Smith Memorial Chapel at 307 S. Johns St., Florence, SC. Interment took place at Florence National Cemetery, 803 East National Cemetery Road, Florence, SC directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.
Delonza “DL” Hyman was born August 22, 1952 to the late Dock Hyman and Elizabeth Gordon Hyman. He died on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Delonza graduated from Gibbs High School in Pamplico, South Carolina Class of 1970. He enlisted in the United States Army and later received an Honorable Discharge.
Delonza was a member of Mill Branch African Methodist Episcopal Church where he served as the Board of Trustees’ Pro tem, a member of the Lay Organization, member of several choirs, and Sons of Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church Men in Ministry.
Delonza was a member of Mill Branch Masonic Lodge #231, PHA.
He was employed at J. P. Stevens (Delta Mills) and Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, where he later retired.
Delonza an avid bowler and golfer was a proud member of Nan Ya Plastics’ Golf League.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Earl Dwayne Belin and Delonza L. Hyman; one grandson, Earl Dwayne Tybruis Belin; and a sister, Ora Shaw.
Survivors include his wife, Ila Mae Woodberry Hyman; mother-in-law, Mattie D. Woodberry, five siblings, Marsha (Pete) Muldrow, Joyce (James) Holmes, Derrick Hyman, Pricilla Hyman, and Mary H. Hyman; three brothers-in-law, Effel Woodberry, Howard Davis, and Jerome Woodberry; two sisters-in-law, Oneda (Michael) Stephens and Willie M. Woodberry; two loving special aunts, Melvina Hyman and Magnolia Gordon; four goddaughters, Reverend Deborah Felder, Kami Elizabeth McWhite, ShaiAnn Shantazia Brockington, and “Meme”; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and loving Mill Branch African Methodist Episcopal Church Family.

Please keep the family of Delonza Hyman in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary for Mary Williams
Private Graveside Service for Mrs. Mary Louise Posey Williams was conducted 11:00 AM Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Sunset Memory Gardens, 2615 Alligator Road, Effingham, South Carolina. Interment was directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.
Mrs. Mary Louise Posey Williams was born January 21, 1972 in Columbia, South Carolina to Mary Lee Howell and the late Bert Posey. She transitioned on Sunday, January 3, 2021.
Mary attended early childhood education at Richland County Schools and furthered her education at Eau Claire High School in Columbia, South Carolina.
Mary was a member of Calvary Holiness Church of God in Cayce, South Carolina.
Mary was joined in marital bliss to Randy Williams and to this union one child was born.
Mary was a very outgoing person. She loved horses, sports, and her family, but most of all she loved her Savior, Jesus the Christ.
Mary leaves to cherish her precious memories: the love of her life for thirty-three glorious years, Randy of the home; a wonderful son, Jermain; four beautiful children, Ma Kaiya McElveen, Zykia McElveen, Kenzo Howell, and Kerris Howell all of Columbia, South Carolina; her mother, Mary Lee Howell of Columbia, South Carolina; a brother, Quinn Posey of Evansville, Indiana; a sister, Staff Sergeant Tammy Elaine Posey (MTCD) Mission Test Control Division of West Ford Hood, Texas; and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, other relatives, and friends.
Please keep the family of Mary Williams in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary for Elder Clarence Scipio, Jr.
Private Graveside Service for Elder Clarence Scipio, Jr. was held 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Florence National Cemetery, 803 East National Cemetery Road, Florence, South Carolina. Interment was directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.
Elder Clarence Gene Scipio, Jr. the son of the late Clarence, Sr. and Corine Scipio was born on July 30, 1949 in Darlington County, South Carolina. The Lord called him home on Friday, December 25, 2020.
At an early age, he joined Snow Hill Baptist Church, where he sung on the choir and was a dedicated member. Elder Scipio had a passion for singing and enjoyed singing with the choir. He moved his membership to the House of God Keith Dominion Church, where he worked and started a Mission in Gaffney, South Carolina. He served as Pastor’s Helper at the House of God Keith Dominion Church in Bishopville, South Carolina, and was a member of the Trustee Board. Elder Scipio also worked as the Assistant Pastor at the House of God Keith Dominion Church in Kingstree, South Carolina. He worked for several years at the House of God Keith Dominion Churches in Pamplico and Florence, South Carolina.

Elder Scipio preached and taught the word of God with power and knowledge. He was loved and admired by many.
He received his formal education at Darlington County Public Schools. He was a member of the graduating Class of 1967 at Wilson High School in Florence, South Carolina.
He served in the United States Navy for two years.
At an early age, he started his own Company. He was a successful businessman. He was President and Owner of Living Springs Utilities and Construction Company for many years.
Left to cherish Elder Scipio’s memories are: his wife of thirteen years, Rebecca Pendergrass-Scipio; six children, Tajuana Scipio (Casper) James, Carlos (Toya) Scipio, Sr, Kimbrea Toomer, Kymberly Donolds (Travis) Merritts; Terrell Donolds, and Passion Peterson; five brothers and sisters, Benjamin (Annette) Scipio, Hattie Scipio (James) Spears, Ettaphine Scipio (Michael) Allen, Lorine Scipio Kennedy, and Barbara Scipio Addison; two aunts, Geraldine Cannon Sparks and Melissa Coe Cannon; fifteen grandchildren, DeVante (Commiesha) Scott, DeShawn O’Neal, Katlin Graham, Tyress Daniels, Justin Cooper, Devin O’Neal, Travis Merriitts, Jr., Carlos Scipio, Jr., Keliese Graham, Daniel Scipio, Tyler Merritts, Alaina Scipio, Arnez Peterson, Aidan Peterson, and Karter Merritts; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and church family.
Family visitation was held on, December 29, 2020 at J. O. & Annette Smith Memorial Chapel, 307 South Johns Street, Florence, South Carolina.

Please keep the family of Elder Clarence G. Scipio, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers

Obituary for Leverne Harris
A Private Memorial Service was conducted for Mr. Leverne “Squeaky” Harris, directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.
Leverne “Squeaky” Harris was born on June 3, 1964 in Florence, South Carolina. He passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020.
Leverne was preceded in death by his father, Leon Harris; and two brothers, Derrick and Billy Harris.
Leverne was a devoted member of Palmetto Street Church of God and will always be remembered for his big smile and his love for his family and friends.
Leverne is survived by his wife, Alma L. Harris; two children, Alexis J. Harris and Cedric Levern Smalls; his mother, Leola Erwin; five siblings, Alonzo (Liz) Lacy, Bobby (Denise) Lacy, Herbert (Shantella) Harris, Leon Harris, Jr., and Precious (Marvin) Self; his father and mother-in-law, Allen and Ola Lewis; and a host of other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made In Memory of Mr. Leverne Harris to Palmetto Street Church of God Missionary Fund, 3132 West Palmetto Street, Florence, South Carolina, 29501.
Please keep the family of Mr. Leverne "Squeaky " Harris in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary for Mrs. Eloise Peterson Bridges
Our hearts are deeply sadden by the passing of our loved one, but we know God makes no mistakes. We all must not grieve for losing her but always Thank God for the time we shared with her. On today and every other day we pay tribute in joining in the Homegoing Celebration of Mrs. Eloise Peterson Bridges.
Mrs. Eloise Peterson Bridges, was born May 19, 1943 from the union of Moses Peterson and Rosa Lee Nelson Peterson of Florence, SC.
Weezy, as she was affectionately called, entered into eternal rest on Friday January 1, 2021 at McLeod Hospital.
Eloise, was raised in Florence, SC and attended Florence County Public Schools and was employed with Pee Dee Mental Retardation Center for over 21 years.
Preceding her in death, her husband Franklin Roosevelt Bridges, parents Moses and Rosa Lee Nelson Peterson and six siblings.
Left to cherish her precious memories, daughters Doris Peterson, Mary Simon, and Kim L. Caldwell of Florence, SC. Three sisters: Mazie P. Abraham of Florence, SC, Amy Dennis of Lithonia, GA, and Lillian Holloway of Baltimore Maryland. Two brothers: Moses (Pauline) Peterson of Columbia, SC and Levern (Pam) Sims of Florence, SC. Nine grandchildren, Gabriel Peterson, Byron Peterson, Keri Peterson, Brandy Graham, Sherell Graham, Justin McWhite, JuQuana Coefield, Darricka Charles and Darrick H. Charles, Jr. of Florence, SC. Fourteen great-grandchildren. A loving aunt, Amy Wright of Winston Salem, NC. A special young lady she loved as a daughter Tasha Pompey and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Obituary for Mr. Peter L. Gaskins
Peter Leroy Gaskins was lovingly given life by the late Ms. Lillian Johnson who sacrificially chose the late William and Nora Cockfield Gaskins to become his parents. He was adored by his parents, relatives, and the entire High Hill Community of Lake City, SC. His educational foundation began at Camerontown Elementary School and continued at Carver High School in Lake City.
After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Shaw University, Raleigh, NC. Before completing his course of study, he was drafted by the US Army and was sent into combat in Vietnam, subsequently earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal,Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Marksman (Rifle M-14). He was honorably discharged in 1969 and returned home with permanent vestiges of having fought in a brutal war. After his discharge, his heart’s desire was to marry Gloria, who accepted his marriage proposal. Peter and Gloria exchanged matrimonial vows at the Greater St. James AMEC on March 28th, 1970. He was a devoted, member for over 50 years. He was appointed Church Director of Transportation and filled various other leadership roles.Determined to get his degree, he resumed and completed his studies at Shaw University and earned a BS degree in Biology/Chemistry.
He returned to Lake City to teach at Olanta High School and was also asked to organize a football team which he did. A few years later, he became assistant principal at Hemingway HS and also coached girls’ basketball. Peter returned to Florence District Three, received his Master of Education degree from SC State University. As an educator, he spent the greatest number of years with Florence School District Three as a teacher, assistant principal, and varsity football coach. Later he was appointed the Director of Transportation for the district, which he held until his retirement in 2005. He also served as Transportation Director for Lake City College Preparatory Academy for two years.

Since childhood, he was fascinated by the process of death and mortuary science. Though education was his primary career, he was elated when he began part-time work at Green’s Funeral Home and learned from the best-Luther Martin Green, founder, Haile S. and the late Bobby Green. During this time, Peter became a Licensed Funeral Director, was a member of the 6th Congressional District Morticians Association and served for over fifty years in the funeral profession. When Mr. Haile S. Green retired, Peter was joined by two others to purchase the firm now known as Green-Cooper-Gaskins Funeral Home LLC. He became the first manager of the new partnership and served in that position from Oct 2015 through December 2017.
He was chairman of the Lake City Development Corporation, Pee Dee Rapid Transportation Authority, 3-term president of the Carver HS Alumni Association, Lake City Elks Lodge No 1680, Delta Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity (joined in 1971), a charter member of the McNair 5K Walk Run Bike. He received several awards such as the 2019 Veteran of the Year for the Lake City Area, Delta Rho Chapter Businessman of the Year, and various other awards over the years from numerous professional, fraternal, and civic organizations.
Memories of him will be forever cherished by his loving wife Gloria V. Gaskins and pet dog Little Bit; his children: daughter Malkah Bat-Tzion of Conway, SC, Peter Christopher Gaskins and Barry (Glenda) Hannah of Fort Washington, MD; a brother Earl Ronnie Gaskins of Lake City, SC; three grandchildren and one great grand; five sisters/brothers-in-law: Ethel and Ronald Clarke, Mary and Roland Dicks, Maxsena and Irvin Nelms, Jr., and David and Jane Vice; seven nieces, seven nephews and a host of other relatives, colleagues, and friends.