FORK-William S. Gardner, 66, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence after an illness. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at Hayestown Pentecostal Holiness Church. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery directed by Cook Funeral Home of Lake View. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Cook Funeral Home of Lake View. Mr. Gardner was born in Dillon County, the son of the late William T. and Hattie Leigh Taylor Gardner. He was a member of Hayestown Pentecostal Holiness Church and president of the Brotherhood. Surviving are his wife, Mary Lou Lane Gardner of the home; children, Tina Rowell of Lake View, Michael Gardner and Robert Gardner, both of Fork, Marshal Powell of Nichols and Geneva Bartell of Florence; sisters, Carolina Jenkins of Belton, Josephine Johnson and Albertine Johnson, both of Latta, Jimmie Leigh Grice of Marion and Patsy Turner of Dillon; brother, Ronald T. Gardner of Latta; and nine grandchildren. Mr. Gardner was preceded in death by a son, Billy Gardner. submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

JOHNSONVILLE -Julia Rae Ard Allen, 67, wife of Curtis L. Allen, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2004, in a Georgetown hospital after an illness. Mrs. Allen was born in Florence County a daughter of the late Harley P. Ard Sr. and the late Lula Driggers Ard. She was a loving wife of 52 years and mother and a member of New Vision Free Will Baptist Church. Surviving in addition to her husband of the home are two sons, Bobby (Barbara) Allen and Danny (Dee) Allen, both of Johnsonville; two daughters, Mickey (Paul) Evans of Johnsonville and Loriann (Joe) Lane of Latta; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Frances Matthews and Joyce Matthews, both of Georgetown; and four brothers, Buddy Ard of Hemingway, Harley P. Jimmy Ard Jr. of Georgetown, Edward Ard of Eden, N.C., and Rev. Roger Ard of Mullins. Mrs. Allen was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Evans Watts. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. today at New Vision Free Will Baptist Church with interment following in Poplar Hill Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery directed by Morris Funeral Home of Hemingway. Memorials may be made to The American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, Sixth Floor, New York, NY 10006. submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Elizabeth Hill 'Bestelle' Mrs. Hill, 70, of Charlotte, died Thursday, December 30, 2004 at the home in Charlotte, NC. Born December 4, 1934 in Florence, SC to the late Florence Gooch Townsend Powell and SC Senator E. LeRoy Powell, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Don Hill and a grandson of the home; three sons, Jonathan A. Hill, Jr. and Peggy Hill and their children, Lauren Hill and Allison Hill and foster son Corey Richthammer of Asheville, Charles LeRoy Hill and Alisa Hill and their children Luke Hill and Katie Beth Hill of Kannapolis, and Eugene Tate Hill and his son, Jonathan Douglas Hill of the home in Charlotte. she was fond of her grandchildren. She is also survived by cousins Jewell Hill of Columbia, SC, Charles and Gene Ransdale of Denmark, SC, and Robert Richardson of Alexandria, VA. She also kept close contact with many second and third cousins. She is remembered for her love of God, her church and others. On May 20, 2004, she was honored by her husband and sons at Sardis Baptist Church with an endowment given to Sardis Baptist Church honoring her life and service to God and Others. 'In order that she may continue ministering in music and outreach, the family ...announced the establishment of an endowment owned by Sardis Baptist Church ... to be used by the church for the church music program and outreach.' She majored in voice and Christian education at Queens University in Charlotte and began her employed ministry as minister of education and youth with Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Camden, SC. In addition to her many activities listed in Sunday's Charlotte Observer, she was an avid member of the Clan MacLeod Society. She attended clan parliaments at the MacLeod Castle on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, the clan gatherings of Americas Clan gatherings, the N.C. gatherings of the clan and various highland games. In lieu of flowers, she asked that donations be made to The Bestelle Hill Endowment, Sardis Baptist Church, 5811 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270. The funeral will be at Sardis Baptist Church, 5811 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC at 4:00 PM on Monday, conducted by the Reverend Dr. Tim Moore and Reverend Tillie Duncan. Interment will be at Magnolia Cemetery at 11 AM Tuesday, and a memorial service will be at Latta, Presbyterian Church on Tuesday in Latta, SC at noon, conducted by Reverend Bob Macklin and Reverend Dr. Tim Moore. McEwen Funeral Home on Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC has been entrusted with the arrangements. submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Betty Neil Edge Cashwell (January 9, 1940 - January 1, 2005) Dillon-Manning Mrs. Betty Neil Edge Cashwell, 64, died Saturday, January 1, 2005 in her residence in Manning after an illness. Born in Dillon County, January 9, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Clyde Hampton Edge and Edith Scott Edge. She was a homemaker and a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Dillon. Surviving are daughters, Vicky Cochran of Jackson, Ga., Ginger Hudson of Myrtle Beach and Dawn Lakis of Manning; sisters, Sue Oliver of Dillon and Junelle Walden of California; brother, Billy Edge of Chattanooga, TN; stepson, Jimmy Cashwell of Raeford,NC and stepdaughter, Debbie Jackson of Carolina Beach, NC; 7 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 5, 2005 in Cooper Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation is 7-9P.M. Tuesday, January 4, 2005 in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to: Tuomey Hospice, 232 W. Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150. submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Florence-Dillon-A funeral service for Mr. Marvin Martin will be at 2:00, Sunday afternoon, January 2, 2005, in Cain Funeral Home Chapel. The committal service will follow in Florence Memorial Gardens. The services will be conducted by the Rev. Mike Bruce. Family members will receive friends at the cemetery following the service. Mr. Martin, 44, of Florence, died Thursday, December 30, 2004. He was born October 20, 1960, in Dillon. Mr. Martin was a graduate of West Florence High School where he played on the varsity football team. He was a painter at Williams Frame and Body Shop. Among his survivors are: parents, Robert H. and Ruth Garner Martin; brothers, Roger and David Martin; uncles, William, Aaron and Ishmon Garner, all of Florence, Luther Garner of Rockingham, NC and John Garner of Bennettsville; sisters, Elaine Caulder of Trinity, NC, Luanna Garner of Cary, NC and Helen Porter of Florence; two nephews and ten cousins.submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Carrie M. Malchesky 1918 - 2004 SPRINGFIELD - Carrie May (Lane) Malchesky, age 86, of Garfield St., died Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004 at Baystate Medical Center. Born on June 10, 1918 in Dillon, South Carolina to the late Lewis and Maggie (Cox) Lane, she continued to live most of her life in Springfield. She was a communicant of Holy Name of Jesus Church. She worked as a seamstress for Berkshire Made Garment in Springfield for 14 years before retiring in 1976. She is predeceased by her husband, Victor Lane, who died on Aug. 17, 1977. She leaves her daughter, Elaine (Malchesky) Pendrick and her husband James of Springfield; 2 sons, Victor Malchesky and his wife Theresa of Colorado Springs, and Hubert Malchesky of Chicopee; a sister, Jonnie Nichols of Salinas, CA; and 6 grandchildren, James Malchesky/Pen-drick, Victor Malchesky, Allison Malchesky, Gregory and Sarah Malchesky, and Joshua Pendrick. She is also predeceased by her son, Gregory Malchesky, who passed away in 1990, sisters, Lela Lane Hayes, Bingham, SC, Normany Lane, Lou Cynthia Lane Hood, Shady Lane English, Bingham, SC.,Ruby Mildred Lane Shearon, Nellie Lane Carter, a brother, Lewis Gregory Lane,Jr, Columbia, SC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Dec. 31, 2004 at Holy Name of Jesus Church at 9 a.m. followed by burial in St. Michael's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004 at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St., Chicopee, MA from 7-9 p.m. Published in The Republican on 12/30/2004 submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Lewis Neil Branch (February 1, 1932 - December 31, 2004) LAKE PLACID, FL CWO Lewis Neil Branch, U.S. Navy Retired, died Friday, December 31, 2004 at Lake Placid Health Care Center. Born in Dillon, SC, February 1, 1932, to the late Cleveland and Marcella Barfield Branch. He received Naval Commendations and many awards during his 27 years of military service. He moved to Lake Placid in 1996 from Bonneau, South Carolina. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Cooper Branch of Lake Placid, FL; son, Ronald Neil Branch (Robin) of Winter Garden, FL; daughter, Beverly Sessoms (Mike) of Fayetteville, NC; daughter-in-law, Jean Cooper of Naples, FL; step-daughters, Debbie Weeks (David) of Naples, FL, Barbara Wilson of Palm Beach Gardens, grandchildren, Kellye and Nikki Edwards, Ellie, Steve and Bobby Branch, David and Tara Weeks, Deanne Lansat (Jeremey), Darren and Diedra Wilson, Dylan and Jessie Cooper; five great-grandchildren; brother, Smith Branch (Peggy) of Ocoee, FL; Mr. Branch was preceded in death by his son, Steven Lewis Branch. A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 2, 2005 at the Chapel of the Memorial United Methodist Church of Lake Placid, FL. Additionally, a visitation will be from 9:30-10:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will follow 11:00 A.M. at the Rowland Cemetery in Rowland, NC. submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Fore, Virginia Allen LATTA-WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.-Virginia Allen Fore, age 75, entered into eternal rest on December 21, 2004 at her home in Winston-Salem, NC. Formerly of Latta, Mrs. Fore was the daughter of the late Romie and Ruth Tyndall Allen of Latta. She was a graduate of Latta High School and attended Draughns Business College, Columbia. She was a faithful member of Griffith Baptist Church, Winston-Salem. Mrs. Fore was predeceased in death by brothers H.B. Allen and Quay Allen of Latta, and sister Barbara Allen Moody of Charleston. Mrs. Fore is survived by her husband Farrington Fore of the home and formerly of Latta; son Richard (Shirley)Fore of Clemmons, N.C.; daughter Sandra (Henry)Lindley of Winston-Salem; four grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; brother Clyde R. (Jean)Allen of Sellers; and sister Jenny Kate Allen Lane of Latta. Funeral services were held on December 22, 2004, directed by Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home, Winston-Salem. submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Rogers, Eva LAKE VIEW-Mrs. Muriel S. Rogers, 72, died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004, at her home after an illness. Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, at First Baptist Church of Lake View. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery directed by Cook Funeral Home of Lake View. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Cook Funeral Home of Lake View. Mrs. Rogers was born in Robeson County, N.C., the daughter of the late Resser and Etha Leggett Smith. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lake View. Mrs. Rogers retired from Dillon County School District 1 as manager of the cafeteria. Surviving are her husband, J.D. Rogers of the home; two daughters, Donna Cox of Lake View and Sue Reeves (Kyle) of Lillington, N.C.; a brother, Paul Smith of Fairmont, N.C.; a sister, Judy Lee of Fairmont, N.C.; four grandchildren, Heather Hardee, Jon Bullock, Dewey Cox and Leo Reeves; and great-grandchildren, Ethan and Eric Hardee. Mrs. Rogers was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Rogers Bullock; a sister, Lois Garris; and three brothers, Marcus Smith, C.R. Smith and Tex Smith submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Lorenzo Paige DILLON - Services for Lorenzo Paige will be held at 2 p.m. today at Bethel AME Church with burial in Rest Haven Cemetery. House of Thomas Funeral Home is in charge. Born in Dillon to Lee and Evelene Paige, he died December 22, 2004. Surviving are mother; siblings, Lee Jr., Ollie Paige, Dora McDuffie; children, Lorenzo, Marcus McGirt, Travis Paige submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Essie Moody Saleeby (January 4, 1915 - December 26, 2004) DILLON/MARION/NORTH MYRTLE BEACH Essie Moody Saleeby, 89, died Sunday, December 26, 2004, in the Presbyterian Home of Florence, S.C. Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M. Tuesday in Greenlawn Cemetery directed by Cooper Funeral Home. Born in Marion County, January 4, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Cicero Moody and Mary Edwards Moody Price. She attended Dillon First Presbyterian Church. She was the widow of the late Saleem N. Saleeby, Sr., owner/operator of Saleeby's Men's Shop in Dillon. Survivors include her daughter, Barbara (Jim) Maples of North Myrtle Beach/Charlotte; son, Charles (Beverly) Saleeby of Hendersonville, NC; sister, Jessie Johnson of Rock Hill, S.C.; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Thornwell Children's Home, 300 South Broad Street, Clinton, S.C. 29325, Dillon Camp of Gideons, P.O. Box 111, Dillon, S.C. 29536, or a charity of one's choice. Mrs. Saleeby was preceded in death by her son, Dr. S.N. Saleeby, Jr submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

MULLINS-Jimmie Lee Rouse, 63, husband of Sandra Collins Rouse, died Friday, Dec. 24, 2004. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, 2004, at Tranquil United Methodist Church with the Rev. Debra Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in Tranquil United Methodist Church Cemetery, directed by Cox-Collins Funeral Home. A son of the late Harold and Viola Butler Rogers, Mr. Rouse was born Aug. 16, 1941, in Marion. He retired as fire chief from the Orlando, Fla., Fire Department. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was a member of Tranquil United Methodist Church. Surviving Mr. Rouse, in addition to his wife of the home, are his children, Roger Lee Rouse and his wife Kelly of Montana, Lisa Rogers and her husband Vance of Marion, and Steven Clark Sinclair and his wife Sam of Mullins; his grandchildren, Ryan Rouse, Madison Rouse, Amanda Foxworth, Brandon Rogers, Kyle Rogers, Brandi Hood, Cori Hood, Dylan Rogers, Brittany Drose and Coleby Sinclair; six brothers, Harold Rogers and his wife Betty of Seabrook Island, Jerry Rogers of Marion, and Jack Rogers and his wife Jennette of Marion; and two sisters, Margaret Shelley and her husband Johnny of Nichols and Ginger Munnerlyn and her husband Jody of Sumter. Memorials may be made to Tranquil United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 567, Mullins, SC 29574. Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cox-Collins Funeral Home. submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

MULLINS, S. C.- Judy Procter Baggett, age 58, died Friday, December 24, 2004, after an illness. Born in Marion County, she was the daughter of Earl Procter of Fork, S.C., and the late Margaret Baker Proctor. She was the owner and operator of Judy's Beauty Shop for 28 years. Mrs. Baggett is survived by her husband, Bill Baggett; two daughters, Tammy Baggett of Savannah, and Sharon Baggett of Chalreston; two brothers, Ronald Earl Proctor (wife Carolyn), Fork; Freddie Proctor (wife Beverly) Mullins; one sister, Jean Anderson (husband David), Fork; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be Sunday, December 26, 2004 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 27, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Mullins First Baptist Church, Rev. George Gancy and Rev. Jim Kirkland officiating. Burial in Red Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Mullins First Baptist Church. Meares Funeral Home, Mullins, S. C. is serving the family of Mrs. Baggett submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Alma Huggins Kerns (January 12, 1918 - December 23, 2004) BRUNSWICK, GA Alma Huggins Kerns, 86, died Thursday, December 23, 2004, in South East Georgia Medical Center. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday in Cooper Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Sunday evening in the funeral home. Born in Georgetown County, January 12, 1918, she was the daughter of the late George Huggins and Minnie Graham Smith. She retired from King & Prince Shrimp Co., and was a member of the United Pentecoastal Holiness Church. She was first married to the late Tommy Huggins and then to the late James Kerns. Survivors include her sons, George S. Huggins of North Charleston and Gene Huggins of Florida; daughters, Barbara D. Huggins Reynolds of Brunswick, GA, Sue Ellen Huggins Metcalf of Glennville, GA, and Bonnie Huggins Powers of Hirman, TN; sisters, Alice Davis of Columbia, Ellen Wallace of Georgetown, Cathryn Smith of CA, and Goly West of Johnsville; 23 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Kerns was preceded in death by her sons, W.H., David, and Derwood Huggins; a daughter, Carolyn Demuth; and a brother, Sparkman Smith submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

DILLON-FORK - Mr. Berry Laverne Coleman, 87, widower of Willodene Rouse Coleman, died Wednesday, December 22, 2004, in Marion County Medical Center after an illness. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 24 in Centenary United Methodist Cemetery, with Rev. Charles Tarte officiating. The services will be directed by Smith-Collins Funeral Home. Mr. Coleman was born September 28, 1917, in Marion County, a son of the late Fontaine and Olive Elizabeth Gerald Coleman. Mr. Coleman was a retired truck driver. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. Surviving Mr. Coleman are: 2 sons, Leon B. Coleman and his wife Peggy of Fork and Anthony Coleman and his wife Linda of Fork; 3 grandchildren, Tonya Lynn Coleman Grayson, Crystal L. Coleman and Toni D. Coleman; a great-granddaughter, Kayla Grayson; a sister, Edna Rogers and her husband Monroe of Marion; and a brother, Cleo Coleman and his wife Amelia of Mullins. Mr. Coleman was predeceased by 2 brothers, Eugene Coleman and Victor Coleman and 2 sisters, Marie Barnard and Christine Woodle submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Dennis, Annie Jo M. DILLON-MULLINS -Mrs. Annie Jo Moody Dennis, 75, widow of Lonnie Dennis, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2004, at Mullins Nursing Center after an illness. Mrs. Dennis was born July 15, 1929, in Dillon County, a daughter of the late Richard Joseph Moody and the late Sadie Horton Moody. She was a retired nurse. Mrs. Dennis is survived by a brother, Rev. John R. Moody of Fuquay-Varina, N.C. Cox-Collins Funeral Home is assisting the family of Mrs. Dennis. submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

DILLON-CONWAY - Mrs. Mildred Marie Hardee, age 71, of Second Avenue, passed away on Monday, Dec. 20, 2004 at Conway Medical Center after an illness. Mrs. Hardee was born in Dillon, the daughter of the late Mr. Hugee and Caroline Cox Bass. She attended the Tilly Swamp Baptist Church of Conway. She is survived by her husband, Mr. Edward Goude; one daughter, Bonnie Faye Reynolds of Myrtle Beach; one nephew, Willie Kale of Dillon; two special great nephews, Scottie and Dennis Bryant of Conway; three nieces, Linda Bryant of Conway, Bobbie Kale of Dillon, Susan Bryant of St. Augustine, Fla., and two special grandsons. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, at Campground Cemetery, Conway. Palmetto Funeral Home of Hwy. 378, Conway is in charge of assisting the family submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Jefferson Wheeler Price, Sr. (September 1, 1905 - December 21, 2004) HAMER Jefferson Wheeler Price, Sr., 99, died Tuesday, December 21, 2004, in McLeod Medical Center after an illness. Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Friday in Beulah Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery directed by Cooper Funeral Home. Visitation will be 7-9 P.M. Thursday in the funeral home. Born in Robeson County, NC, September 1, 1905, he was the son of the late John Arthur Price and Mary Frances Hayes Price. He was a member of Beulah Baptist Church, and was a Farmer. He was the widower of the late Jeanette Barfield Price. Survivors include his daughters, Margaret Price Berry of Hamer, Mildred Price Cruse of Mississippi, and Paulette Price Small of Floyd Dale; sons, J.W. Price, Jr. of Hamer and John Price of Little Rock; brother, Evans Price of Hamer; sister, Sarah Grimes of Lumberton, NC; 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins

Did you know Joyce, we wondered if her brother was the same one that bought the country club here in Dillon, he is a Johnson with the same name as the brother. ----- Original Message ----- From: <SCDILLON-D-request@rootsweb.com> To: <SCDILLON-D@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2004 8:00 PM Subject: SCDILLON-D Digest V04 #118

Joyce Burkette (December 17, 1949 - December 17, 2004) CHARLOTTE, NC Services for Joyce Burkette will be held 3:00 P.M. Sunday in Cooper Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be held 6-8 P.M. Saturday in Cooper Funeral Home. Mrs. Burkette, 55, died Friday, December 17, 2004. Born in Dillon County, she was the daughter of Margaret Clark Johnson Hayes and the late Woodrow Johnson. She was a Realtor. Survivors include her mother, Margaret Hayes of Latta; daughter, Heather Nicole Burkette of Charlotte, NC; brothers, Robert S. Johnson, Sr. of Latta and Rusty Hayes of Sanford, NC submitted by Helen Lane Wiggins