Mr. Larry D. McKiever

Batesburg, SC- Funeral Services for Mr. Larry D. McKiever will be held 1:00pm Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Amos O. Harling, Jr. Pastor. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Mr. Larry D. McKiever went to his eternal home on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the age of 62, at his residence. He was born on September 21, 1962, to the late Horace and Gladys McKiever. A proud graduate of Batesburg-Leesville High School, Larry built a dedicated career at JB Martin, where he worked until his well deserved retirement.

Larry was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, known for his passion for the game and his loyalty to his team. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love for his family, and his warm spirit. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him

He was preceded in death by his brother, James Leo McKiever, Sr. Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Larry Natron McKiever of Batesburg; one brother, Deacon Jimmy (Eva) McKiever, Sr. of Leesville; and one sister, Deaconess Joann (Deacon Willie) Brown of Leesville. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Jean McKiever of Leesville; two aunts, Maggie (Alphonso) Cobb of Connecticut and Mary Dennis of Batesburg; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, as well as many beloved friends who will miss him dearly.

Tavon O'Lonzo Waters

Batesburg-Leesville, SC — Homegoing services for Mr. Tavon Waters will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Wesley Chapel CME Church, 1501 Double Bridges Road, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.

Mr. Tavon O’Lonzo Waters, 33, was born July 2, 1991 in West Columbia, South Carolina to Aaron S. Waters and Edna (Cornelius) Cheeseboro.  He transitioned on Monday, October 7, 2024.

Tavon attended Wesley Chapel CME Church, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina as a child, singing on the Children’s Choir.  He graduated from Batesburg-Leesville High School in 2009.  After high school, Tavon studied for three years at South Carolina State University, then worked several jobs before his employment with Michelin Tires.  Tavon was employed by Michelin Tires for the past eight years.

Tavon was known for the smile he kept on his face, regardless of how he felt.  He loved his wife and children dearly.  He always made sure all his family, especially cousins, nieces and nephews were, in his words, “straight.”  Tavon loved everyone.

Tavon was preceded in death by grandparents, Willie and Leola Butler and four aunts – Ann Williams, Willette Jenkins, Marion Butler and Tasha Waters.

Those left to cherish his memories include:  his wife, Shareka Waters; stepsons – Antoney “Duke” Burton and Marquis Burton; daughter, Serena Waters; his mother and stepfather – Edna & Cornelius Cheeseboro; his father – Aaron Waters; brothers – Travante (Madison) Waters, Tharon Waters and Alexander Davis; sisters – Sanita Davis and Adrian Waters; two uncles, James Butler and Rev. Darryl Jenkins; two aunts, Sandra Jackson and Velma Perry; mother-in-law, Cassandra (Jamarco) Parris; father-in-law, Michael (Pam) Peterson; brother-in-law, Darvis Peterson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends who will miss him dearly.

Willett “Big Will” Daniel Jackson

Batesburg-Leesville, SC — Homegoing services for Willett “Big Will” Jackson will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Chinquapin Baptist Church, 1416 Chinquapin Church Road, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006.

Willett Daniel Jackson was born on December 6, 1943 to the late Louisa Madison Boyd and Willis Daniel, Jr. and raised in Saluda County, South Carolina. Willett was the youngest of eleven children, of which nine have preceded her in death, leaving one beloved sister, Elizabeth “Noochie” Edwards. The sunset of her life occurred on October 6, 2024.

Raised by her beloved grandmother, Ella Cue, in Monetta, South Carolina, Willett, affectionately known as “Big Will,” was never alone — with her brother Charles (Bertha) Denny, they made life for Ella exciting. She eventually moved to New York, where she was reintroduced to her step-dad William Simpkins, whom she enjoyed until his last days.  During her time in Hempstead, New York, Big Will truly had a village.  She met and befriended Evelyn and Clinton Williams and that friendship lasted over 40 years. She raised many children and fed many, and of course no one will allow her to live down her lessons, cooking and of course her way of having fun by being true to you and herself.  Well known for speaking her mind, Big Will truly had a heart of gold.

Big Will had two children, one who preceded her in death.

Those left behind to cherish her precious memory include:  her daughter, Vera of Atlanta; a special daughter, Mary Whitt; four grandsons, James, Jahvelle, Jahkuille and Jahntrelle; four granddaughters, Celina, Edna, Mary and Dominque; six great-grandchildren, Porsha, Yazmine, Genesis, Knowledge, Isiah, Yuri and London; two great-great-grandchildren, Paris and Kairo; nieces, Tina, Thelma, Shay, Diane, Regina, Wendy, Tavi (Chris), Ayanna (Chris), Loretta (Rick), Shirley and a host more; nephews, BT, Jaquarius, Todd, Rahkeem, Eddie and a host more; adopted grands, Jaya, Khalil “KJ”, Amare, Tamarion, Jae, Tinasja and a host of many cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.

Mrs. Ella Ree Dozier-Wigfall

Batesburg-Leesville - Mrs. Ella Ree Dozier-Wigfall gracefully entered on Earth, the baby of fifteen children, on February 24th, 1955, in Batesburg (Saluda County), South Carolina, to the late Mr. Brazie Dozier and the late Mrs. Thelma Lowman-Dozier.  She elegantly departed this life on September 27th, 2024.

Ella Ree first received her education from the Twin City High School, then the Batesburg-Leesville High School.

 Two years after high school, Ella Ree joined in union with Mr. Anthony Wigfall, Sr. on November 29th, 1975.  Their union consisted of five children, Anthony Wigfall, Jr. of Jonesboro, Georgia, Thelmanee Wigfall of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, Joseph Wigfall  of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Shirlene Wigfall of Lexington County, South Carolina and the late Anthony Williams.

Mostly everyone who knew Ella Ree knew that she had an exceptional ability in gardening! Passersby would see her and her family tending to her various flower gardens on any given day.  The onlookers were constantly amazed by her gorgeous floral arrangements and often sought knowledge from Ella Ree on how they could achieve the same results.  One of her favorite tips was to apply love, patience, and a smidgen of Miracle-Gro!

Not only was Mrs. Wigfall known for her gardening but also for her ability to make people laugh. No matter the person’s mood or type of day, she’d always find a way to put a smile on their face!

For many years, Ella Ree was a member of the Christian Chapel FBH Church in Batesburg, South Carolina.  From there, she moved her membership to the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Leesville, South Carolina.  While at Christian Chapel, Ella Ree was the usher board director and the junior and senior choir director.  While at St. Mark, she was a member of the senior choir.

She was employed by Lexington County School District Three for 20 years, later for the Aiken County Public School District, and after six years of hard work and dedication, she retired. After retiring, she returned to work for the Aiken County Public School District. Mrs. Wigfall had the work ethic of no other!  She worked tirelessly to ensure her job tasks were done thoroughly. She received several awards and accolades for her work. She also assisted the family of Mr. David Sawyer, Jr. for 41 years.

Ella Ree was preceded in death by sisters - Earlene Coleman, Mary Whitt, Julie Mae Outz, and Mabel Stroman; brothers - Frank Dozier, Robert Dozier, Joseph Dozier, James Dozier, Albert Harris, and Lawrence Dozier.

In addition to her loving husband and adoring four children, Ella Ree leaves to cherish her memory, nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sisters – Anna Wright and Evanise Johnson, sisters-in-law – Gladys Dozier, Louisa Burton, Willie Mae Taylor, Doris Wigfall, Priscilla Jeffcoat and Shelia Harris; brothers-in-law – Henry (Joann) Wigfall, Eddie Wigfall and Ronnie Wigfall; childhood friends - Betty Jo Etheredge and Janet Jackson, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and loving friends.

Ella Ree administered agape love to her family, friends, and everyone she encountered. She will always be missed by those whose lives she has impacted.

Homegoing Services were held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the St. Marks Missionary Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Road, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina 29070. Reverend Dr. Amos O. Harling, Jr. was the officiating pastor.

William Lee Mathis

Aiken, SC- Funeral Services for Mr. William Lee Mathis will be held 1:00pm Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Rosa Spring Baptist Church, Rosa Spring Road, Johnston, SC 29832. the Rev. Winston G. Oliphant, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will be Thursday September 26, 2024 at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home 11:00am-6pm.

William Lee Mathis was called from his earthly life to his Heavenly home on September 19, 2024. He was born to William “Bruh” Mathis and Annie Belle Payton Mathis on January 6, 1982 in Edgefield County, SC.

Lee attended Edgefield County School System.

He was a man who loved to work with his hands and he love to see beauty in the thing he had contact with. Lee also loved to refurnish used goods. But, he specialized in Lawn care .

He leaves to love honor and cherish his memory, his children, Jayquan Mathis, Derisee Mathis and Cassidy Mathis,; his mother Annie Belle Mathis; siblings, Annie Lee Mathis, (Roy), Aiken, SC, Stacie Johnsto, Edgefield, SC, Gunza Lee Mathis Aiken, SC, Keith Mathis, Edgefield, SC Dennis Key(Chan) Johnston, SC, and many other family and friends.

Leonard Walker

Funeral Services for Mr. Leonard Walker will be held 11:00am Saturday, September 14, 2024. The Overseer Melinda Watts will officiate. Viewing will be at the Funeral Home one hour before the service at Amos & Sons Funeral Home.

Leonard Ricardo Walker, age 72, departed this life on August 28, 2024 at his home in Johnston South Carolina. Leonard was born on June 30th, 1952, to the late Sadie Walker and father Bernard.

Leonard received his childhood education in Washington D.C. District of Columbia public schools. He was known as a very skillful drummer. Leonard made his career in the music industry playing for many bands as lead drummer. He traveled many states using his talent as a drummer to entertain the world. He will be greatly missed by those who’s life he impacted with his amazing gift.

His mother Sadie Walker and brother Eric Walker preceded his death.

He leaves to cherish his memories his daughter Jasmine Walker of Miami Florida.

One sister Chiquita M. Walker Washington D.C., Three brothers, Ricky Walker (Laura Flemings) Washington D.C., Marlon (Sheila) Walker of Hyattsville Maryland, William III (Felicia) Lawson Clinton Maryland. Two grandchildren Remington Walker Alanta Ga, Raniya Lee Miami Florida and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Sister Ruth Smith

Funeral Services for Sister Ruth Smith will be held 12 Noon, Monday, September 16, 2024 at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Johnston. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Lewis Burt, is the Pastor and will officiate. Viewing will be 11--7 PM Sunday, at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

SISTER RUTH SMITH A TRUE DISCIPLE OF CHRIST DEPARTED THIS EARTHY LIFE ON SEPTEMBER 11,2024 SURROUNDED BY HER FAMILY.

SHE WAS BORN ON FEBUARY 13,1948 THE YOUNGEST CHILD OF THE LATE JAMES EDWARD MARSHAL SMITH AND REBECCA STEVENS SMITH. SHE ACCEPTED CHRIST AT A EARLY AGE AND WAS A LONG TIME MEMBER OF MT. CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH.

SHE WAS EDUCATED IN EDEGEFIELD COUNTY. SHE ATTENDED 1 ST AND 2 ND GRADE AT WARD SCHOOL:

THEN SHE ATTENDED 3 RD TIL 8 TH GRADE AT JOHNSTON TRAINING SCHOOL. THEN SHE ATTENDED EGDEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL, THEN LATER MOVED AND WENT TO WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT SCHOOL NIGHT CLASSES IN CINCINNATI, OHIO. AFTER HIGH SCHOOL SHE ATTENDED THE JOBCORPS FOR 2+YEARS WITH PAY AND MAJORED IN NURSING ASSISTANT. SHE WORKED AT LONGVIEW STATE HOSPITAL IN CINCINNATI, OHIO. SHE WORKED AT LIGHT NURSING HOME IN CINCINNATI OHIO. SHE ALSO WORKED AT GOLDEN CREST NURSING HOME IN CIN.OHIO. LASTLY SHE ALSO WORKED AT OAK PAVILLION NURSING HOME IN CINCINNATI, OHIO FOR MANY YEARS. SISTER RUTH SMITH WAS ALWAYS SHARING THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD EVERY OPPORTUNITY SHE HAD., ALWAYS UPON LEAVING HER PRESENCE SHE HAD A SCRIPTURE TO LEAVE WITH YOU.

SISTER RUTH SMITH LOVED HER DAUGHTER LINDA AND FAMILY. SHE LIVED HER LIFE ALWAYS CHECKING ON AND ENCOURAGING HER FAMILY. SHE WAS PRESEEDED IN DEATH BY HER LATE HUSBAND JAMES H WOOLEY OF CINCINNAT, OHIO, HER PARENTS JAMES AND REBECCA SMITH. ALSO, A HOST OF SIBLINGS: BUNION SMITH, WILLIE JAMES SMITH, ALLEN SMITH, BENNIE LEE SMITH, LEONARD SMITH SR. EARL SMITH, BENNIE SMITH, JIMEL SMITH, DOROTHY SMITH, AND GLADY WEAVER.

LEFT TO CHERISH HER PRECIOUS MEMORIES ARE HER DAUGHTER LINDA POUGH MCMANUS/HANDY HER GRANDSONS THOMAS POUGH JR./RACINE, LAMAR POUGH, TWO GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER TAYLOR AND MADISON POUGH, SISTER-IN-LAW LOUISE SMITH, ALSO A DEVOTED BROTHER ALVIN SMITH/BEULAH WHO IS THE ROCK OF THE FAMILY. AS WELL AS A HOST OF NIECES AND NEPHEWS AND FRIENDS. WHO SHE LOVED DEARLY

Mr. Lionell Haynes

Funeral Services for Mr. Lionell Haynes will be Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the Mt. Alpha Baptist Church with the Rev. Eldwin Griffin Pastor/ Officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will be Saturday, at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home from 1-7PM.

Lionell Haynes was born March 31, 1983, in Augusta, GA. He is the son Robby Haynes, Sr. and the late Leomia Felder Haynes. He departed this life early Saturday morning, September 7, 2024, at his home in Johnston, SC.

He grew up in Augusta, GA, and spent most of his life in the Augusta area. He attended Butler High School in

Augusta, GA. After school, he worked for Tro-Jan Labor and KFC. After leaving KFC, he was Self Employed until his passing.

Lionell was preceded in death by his mother, Leomia Felder Haynes, nephew, Robby Haynes, III, of Augusta, GA, and a niece, Jordan Haynes, of Atlanta, GA.

He is survived by his father, Robby Haynes, Sr. (Rosie), North Augusta, SC, a brother, Robby Haynes, Jr.,

(Takeyia), Augusta, GA, a brother, Alfonso Quiller, a nephew, Zane Haynes, Augusta, GA, a very special aunt, Betty Williams, three, special uncles, Bernard Haynes, Clifton, Felder and Calvin Felder, two special nieces, Malia and Kemari Dorsey, Augusta, GA, and a loving host of uncles, aunts, cousins and sorrowing friends.

Mr. Frazier "Stanley" Holmes

Graveside Services for Mr. Frazier Holmes will be held 12 Noon at the Young Piney Grove Baptist Church on September 17, 2024 with the Eldwin Griffin, Officiating/ Eulogist.

Viewing will be 11-6:30 Monday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home.

Frazier was a humble man. He was a man with a free spirit and he was always smiling. He was a good worker and didn’t mind working. He was a “Jack of All Trades” because he could and would help family and friends. He also would support himself by being a “Jack of All Trades”.

He will be dearly missed by his children, Courtney Holmes, Aiken, SC, Antonio Young, North Augusta, SC, and Lakito Williams, Aiken. SC, siblings, Belinda Holmes, Willie Ruth Holmes (James), both of Trenton, SC, Denise Abney (John), Johnston, SC, Michael Holmes, Johnston, SC, Betty Jean Holmes, Bruce Holmes (Tina), 4 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, aunts and uncles, Peggy Holmes, Polly Holmes, Heyward Holmes, Tina Holmes, Bennie Ruth Holmes, Margaret Holmes, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Larry "Lee Lee" Holmes

Funeral Services for Mr. Larry Holmes will be held 12 Noon at the Rosa Spring Baptist Church on September 13, 2024 with the Rev. Winston. Oliphant Pastor and the Rev. Lonnie Jones Officiating/ Eulogist.

Viewing will be 11-7 Thursday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home.

Larry “Lee Lee” Holmes was born on March 3, 1968, to Clorie Holmes and the late Allen Holmes.

Larry was educated in the Edgefield County School System.

He loved God and he was a good man. He was a private man but at times he enjoyed socializing with others. Larry was employed at GroundForce Landscaping. He was still employed there at the time

of his untimely passing.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his mom, Clorie Holmes, 3 daughters, Monique Miles, Johnston, SC, Latasha Holmes, Washington, D.C., Lavisia Holmes, Charleston, SC, one son, Jeremiah Williams, McCormick, SC, a sister, Ethel (Alonzo) Chinn, 7 brothers, Alphonzo (Carrol) Holmes, Aiken, SC. David (Twanna) Holmes, Charles (Brenda) Holmes, Charlie (Belinda) Holmes, Timothy (Stella) Holmes, Hattisburg, MS, Gary West, Aiken, SC, and Billie Braxton, Trenton, SC, 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 4 uncles, 7 aunts, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.