Pearleen Tolen Speaks

Services for Pearleen Tolen Speaks will be 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at St. James CME Church,.133 Summerland Ave, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006.  Pastor Davis will be officiating.

Mrs. Pearleen Tolen Speaks was born on March 18, 1938 in Johnston, S.C. to the late Ernest (Jack) and Marie (Merritt) Tolen. She departed her life on Friday, March 28, 2025 in the Lexington Medical Center Hospital, Lexington, S.C. Pearleen was a graduate of Twin City High School Class of 1956, Batesburg, S.C. After graduating high school and pursuing a career as a cook which she loved, she met and married Willie Speaks, Jr. To this union four children were born Burnelle, Willie lll, James Frank (deceased) and Gregory Speaks.

Pearleen was employed at LMC, Lexington, S.C. and at Roberts Restaurant in Leesville, S.C. Also years later after the restaurant closed, she re-opened it and was the proprietor. She also sold Amway and traveled to different parts of the world.

Pearleen loved her children, family and everyone she came in contact with. She loved her church, and the missionary society, where she was the president until her death. She also loved doing work of the Lord, her pastor, Rev. Davis and first lady Evangelist Joyce Walker Davis, and her members. She believed in trying to keep us straight!

She leaves to cherish her memories loving children Brunelle Speaks Pace, of the home, Willie Speaks lll (Tina) of Gaston, SC and Gregory Speaks of Lexington, SC, adopted sister Mary Jennings (Charlie) of Batesburg, SC; Lucille Dubin, Johnston, SC, Ann Ethel Weaver of NY City, and Liz Dozier of Pennsylvania, all cousins; Mamie Lee Tolen, sister-in-law of Newberry, SC, Shamtrice Speaks, daughter-in- law of Batesburg, SC, two step- daughters Jenelle and Dorothy Gortman, of Prosperity, SC; 27 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and other nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss her; two great friends Patty and Amy. Special thanks to the staff of LMC, caregivers over the years she was sick Tracie Williams, Charidy Powell, Regina and Daisy Mae Broadwater & Shalonda Smith, also who we might have missed.

Lanies Gray, Sr.

Homegoing Services for Lanies Gray Sr. will be on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Ridge Branch Baptist Church, 601 Church Road, Ridge Spring, SC with Reverend W. N. Yarber officiating.

Lanies Gray Sr., 87, of Monetta, SC entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 28, 2025 at his home. He was the son of the late Matthew (Doc) Gray and Marie Blocker Gray.

Mr. Gray was educated in the public schools of Lexington County. He worked at Burlington Mills of Batesburg, SC until they closed their doors. Then he went to work at American Fiber Finishing in Newberry, SC until he retired. Mr. Gray was married to the late Bobby Jean Tolen Gray for 57 years.

Mr. Gray was proceeded in death by his wife; Bobby J. Tolen Gray; three daughters, Deloris Gray Rowe, Tracey Lynn Gray and Linda Marie Bush; one son, Lanies Gray Jr.; one grandson, Patrick O’neal Gray.

Those left to cherish his precious memories are one daughter, Laura Gray of the home; two sons, Lawrence (Renee) Gray of Batesburg-Leesville and Larry (Angela) Gray of Columbia, SC; three granddaughters raised in the home, Tikia Gray of Leesville, SC, Shannon Rowe and Latoya (Warren) McLean both of Monetta, SC; one daughter-in-law, Linda K. Gray of Batesburg, SC; one son-in-law, Howard Rowe of Monetta, SC; two sisters, Ora Bell Whitt of Lexington, SC and Barbara Hands of Patterson, NJ; three brothers, Kenneth (Shirley) Morris Sr. of Leesville, SC, Billy (Sara) Gray of Monetta, SC and Raymond Gray of Patterson, NJ; four sister-in-laws, Sallie Ann Tolen of Batesburg, SC, Vernell Moss of Atlanta Ga,, Gail (James) Stewart of Stone Mountain, Ga. and Jean Moss of Tampa Fla.; three brother-in-laws, Carl Tolen of Leesville, SC, TC Farrow of Saluda , SC and Darnell (Susie) Moss of Chattanooga Tenn. Nineteen grandchildren, fifty great grandchildren, and six great- great-grands a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends who will miss him dearly. 

Virginia K. Mathis

Johnston, SC- Funeral Services for Ms. Virginia Katherine Mathis will be held 1:00pm Tuesday, 4/1/2025 at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Maple Phillips Officiating. Viewing will be 11:00am -5:00pm Monday at the Funeral Home.

Virginia was born September 13, 1946, and peacefully transitioned on March 24, 2025 at the Aiken Regional Medical Center after an extended illness.

Virginia was educated in the Edgefield County Schools and was a graduate of W.E. Parker High School.

She was a faithful member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness’s of Edgefield, SC.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley Mathis and Sarah Mathis, a brother Willie James Mathis and her mother and father , Wilma Perry Mathis and Charlie Mathis.

Virginia is survived by one sister, Charline Mathis, eight brothers, Joe Robert Mathis, David (Tom) Mathis (Fannie), Mark Mathis (Denise), Alvin Mathis, Joseph Mathis, Johnny Mathis, Orlando Mathis, and Randy Mathis (Lula). and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ms. Josephine Bush

Edgefield, SC- Funeral services for Ms. Josephine Bush will be held 12 Noon Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Freedom Temple in Edgefield, SC. The Rev. Hodges Bush is Pastor, The Rev. Beasley will Officiate. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Baptist Church. Viewing will be Wednesday, 11:00Am-5PM.

Josephine Bush was born May 10, 1947 in Edgefield, SC She was the daughter of James Howard Bush Sr. and Elizabeth Peterson Bush. SHe was a High School graduate in Edgefield County School System. Following graduation She persued better employment and bigger dreams as she moved North. SHe was employed as a Nursing Assistant for many years .

As life happens, Family needed her so she came back home to assist with family. Helping raise the younger silbings.

She enjoyed cooking and caring for her siblings as well as her parents as their health began to decline. The family reflects how she had a strait forward wit and sweet but no nonsense disposition. She was a homebody who enjoyed watching her tv shows and enjoying the laughter and closeness with friends and family. She will be deeply missed.

She leaves to love and remember sweet memories, Sisters, Corine Bush, Janie (Martin) Garrett, Jeannie (Alphonzo) Simpkins, and Angelia Flemings, all of Edgefield, SC, and Elizabeth Myers, Mississippi. Brothers, Otis Bush, Aiken, SC, Sammie Bush, Rev. Hodges (Evangelist Alfreda) Bush, both of EDgefield, SC and Joseph (Veronica) Bush, Aiken, SC; two god-children Angelica and Michael Fleming and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Sis. Ruth Anthony

Johnston, SC- Funeral Services for Sis. Ruth Anthony will be held 1:00pm Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with the Rev. Alfred Bates, Pastor . He will also officiate. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. Viewing will be 11:00am to 5:00pm Friday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home.

Ruth “Maw Ruth” G. Anthony was born, December 19,1929 in Washington DC. She boarded the train to Glory headed for her Heavenly home on February 22, 2025 at Edgefield Post Acute in Edgefield, SC.

Ruth was the daughter of Hannah Lucas Glover and Lee Cohen. Ruth met fell in love with and married the love of her life, Melvin Anthony.

She was a member of Mt Pleasant Baptist Church where she sang on the choir and participated in the Pulpit Aide Ministry.

She had a love for cooking, flowers and taking care of people. She loved raising the children in her neighborhood and whether out of necessity or for her peace of mind she loved to Walk to town . She was a caregiver for the Hite and Willings family until she retired.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her twin Brother: Rufus Glover and only son: Isaiah G. Blocker.

She leaves to love, honor and cherish her memory: Granddaughters, Diane Blocker(Antjuan Hillary) Cherry Blocker( Jonathan Bristol) Macy Williams (Thomas Smith), Tracy Williams (Clive Myers), Grandsons: Lattice Blocker, Anthony (Tartia) Blocker , Rakema Blocker(Cordessia Metz), Great Grand Children, Elka (Quincy Weaver) LáTrage Blocker Disaiah Whack , Tomas Smith, Darrin Blocker, Marcus Smith, Angel Buchanan, Montavious Blocker, La’ Isaiah Blocker Yasmin Hillary, Jasmin Hillary, Antjuan Hillary Jr, Braylen Hillary, Priston Blocker, Jordan Meyers, Aiden Parker, Ashton Parker, and Cree Bristol; Great Great Grand Children; Ma ‘Ziah Whack Quincy Weaver Jr, Marcus Smith, Jr. A Godson, Isiah (Patricia) Dublin; Willa Thomas, Extend Family Grady (Annette) Hite Doug Hite Johnny Hite and Gregg Hite and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ms. Janie M. Jennings

Ms. Janie M. Jennings

Batesburg, SC - Homegoing Services for Ms. Janie M. Jennings will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 2 pm at St. Matthew CME Church, 214 S Lee St Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070 with interment at B & L Memorial Cemetery.

Janie Myers Jennings, daughter of the late Isaiah and Thelma Myers was born May 26, 1952, in Saluda County, SC.  

She attended the local schools in Batesburg, SC.  Janie quit school and started working before graduating from Twin City High School.  She eventually went back to night school and got her high school diploma. 

Janie joined the St. Matthews C.M.E Church at an early age and it has been her home church all her life.  

Janie worked at Knights Industries, Milliken Industries, Burlington, Glassmasters, KJ’s, KFC, Generations, and Babcock Center, where she enjoyed making people smile with her kind heart. She was always willing to help others in any type of way. 

Janie was a devoted mother of three children. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her two siblings Walter Myers and Anette Bynem; two sons, Donald L. Jennings and Dewhite Jennings; one grandchild, Tiara S. Jennings; and one great-grandchild, Isiah Jennings.

Those left to cherish her memories are her children; Desiree M. Cannon of Gilbert, SC; Dermon L. Jennings of Florida; one sister, Jeanette Hill of Batesburg, SC; three grandchildren, Kobe F. Myers, Va’Dole C. Cannon, and Tiffany S. Jennings; two great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Theresa Rosena Anderson

Whitehall, PA/Brooklyn, NY - Funeral Services for Mrs. Theresa R. Anderson will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Ridge Hill Baptist Church, Ridge Spring, SC where the Rev. Donald Hall is Pastor/Officiant. The Rev. Wyman Thomas will do the Eulogy. Viewing will be 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Friday, 02/21/25 at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home.

Theresa Rosene Anderson, 87, of Whitehall, PA, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, died peacefully in the home of her son, Sinclair Anderson, Jr., with whom she resided. She was the widow of Sinclair Anderson, Sr. Born in Ward, SC, she was the daughter of the late A. C. Graham and the late Mabel (Williams) Long.

Theresa was a devoted wife and mother and member of Faith Chapel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY, where she served as a deaconess for many years. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and cooking for her family. She treasured her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great- great-grandchildren.

Survivors: Children, Sandra Roper of Ridge Spring, SC, Sarah Graham of Brooklyn, NY, Lula Bell, wife of Randy Mathis of Saluda, SC, Theresa Anderson of Newark, DE, Linda Anderson of Brooklyn, NY, Karen, wife of Tommie Thomas of Easton, PA, Dexter Anderson and his wife, Veronica, of Long Pond, PA, Sinclair Anderson, Jr., and his wife, Andrea, of Whitehall, PA, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by sons, Bruce and Ronald Anderson.

Contributions: Memorials may be made in Theresa’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org.

Rickey Clark

Edgefield, SC- Funeral Services for Mr. Rickey Clark will be held 12:00 pm Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Amos and Sons Funeral Home, Johnston, SC with the Elder George Gore, Officiating.

Viewing will be 11:am-5:00 pm Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the Amos and Sons Funeral Home, Johnston SC. 

Rickey Clark was born at home and delivered by a midwife, Sarah Ann Anderson on December 6, 1971.

He quietly passed away on February 14, 2025 at his residence.

He was the son of Josh Edward Clark and Alberta Anderson Clark. Rickey was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Rickey attended the Edgefield County Schools . After school, he went to work. He worked several jobs over his working life, beginning with Martin Color Fiber, Amick Farms, Gentry Poultry, Yonce Packing Plant and Economic Development and Landscaping.

Rickey enjoyed several hobbies. He enjoyed fishing, watching movies every weekend with family especially Jermaine. Rickey was a kindhearted man. Who enjoyed having fun and cracking jokes with family and friends. During special times he, along with the whole family would take pictures for memories.

Rickey met and married the love of his life, Mary E. Coleman. They were married for 17 years.

In 2022, Rickey got concerning news that he had cancer. The doctor gave him only a week or so to live. But God had other plans, He lived almost three years past his diagnosis.

Rickey leaves to love honor and cherish his memory: his wife, Mary Coleman Clark, his parents, Josh Edward Clark, and Alberta Clark, two brothers, JC Clark and Jermaine Clark; a sister Daisy Broadwater, his paternal grandparents. Ben and Viola Clark and maternal grandparents, Julian and Frances Lee. Parents-in-law, MR. Fred Coleman (Deceased) & Mrs. Barbara Simpkins Brother - in-law) Alfonso Coleman (Deceased) Kenneth Coleman Rodney Coleman, Sister-in-law, Belinda Holmes (Charlie), Jeanette Holloway (Keith), Patricia Coleman, & Lesa Blecher, five Grandchildren) and a host of other relatives and friends.

Geneva "Cindy" Marshall

Edgefield, SC - Funeral Services for Mrs. Geneva “Cindy” Marshall will be held 1:00pm Monday, February 17, 2025 at the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Edgefield, SC. The Rev. Delores Marshall is Eulogist and the Min. Lakisha M. Fryer will officiate. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery, Edgefield, SC. Viewing will be 11:00am - 5:00pm Sunday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Johnston, SC.

Geneva (Cindy) Sanders Marshall was born October 8,1955 in Saluda County, SC. She was the daughter of the late Wilhelmina Dublin and James Dublin. (Biological father was Alvin Phillip.) 

Cindy, as she was affectionately known to everyone, entered into her eternal life on February 10, 2025 at home surrounded by her loved ones. 

Cindy was a 1975 graduate of Strom Thurmond High School. She was an employee of Graniteville/Avondale Mills for 25+ Years until the closing of the plant. Then she decided to go into the Home Health Care field which she worked until the passing of her mother in 2018. At that point, she decided to retire. 

Cindy was preceded in death by her mother, Wilhelmina Dublin, father, James Dublin; brother, Andrew Nicholson, and her biological father, the late Alvin Phillips. 

Our Beloved Cindy leaves to love, cherish and honor her forever memories: Husband, Johnny (Johnnell) Marshall; Sons Johnny Lee Marshall Jr, of Johnston, SC. James (Lenora) Marshall of Columbia, SC; Daughter Tabitha Marshall of Johnston, SC and an Extended Daughter, Tamika Clark of Ridge Spring SC.; ten grandchildren: Kawana (Desmond Coates) West, Tykela Butler, Ty-Quon Butler, Rovonna Jones, Rondez Jones, Jamessi’a Marshall, Jerome Marshall, Tobias Harling, Kendall Marshall, and Makenzie Marshall; ten great-grandchildren, sixteen siblings: Richard (Alleen) Sanders, James Dublin, Jerry (Tina) Dublin, TJ Dublin, Isaiah (Patricia) Dublin, Sadie Anthony, Catherine Anthony, Mozella (Darnell) Luchie, Yvonne (Bobby Williams) Dublin, James Phillips, Vernon Phillips, Tim Phillips, Vanessa Phillips, Janie Lou Robinson, Brenda Phillips, and Kim Phillips; great-aunt Lucille Dublin; a host of in-laws; nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

Sis. Annie Mae Staley

Johnston, SC - Funeral Services for Sis. Annie Mae Staley will be held 2:00pm Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Bland Baptist Church, Johnston, SC, where the Rev. Dr. Willie D. Abney, is Pastor/ Eulogist and the Rev. Sammie Williams, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery, Johnston, SC. Viewing will be 11:00am - 5:00pm Saturday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Johnston, SC.

Sis. Annie Mae Butler Staley, left this world and began her eternal rest on Monday February 10th, 2025. She was born in Saluda County, SC to the late George and Mattie (Bush) Butler on December 16th 1939. She received her formal education through Edgefield County Schools and is a 1960 graduate of Edgefield County High School.

During her early years in life she was a faithful member of the Bland Baptist Church. There were also times in which she attended the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, located in Johnston, SC where her father was a member. Like her father, the late George Butler, she could carry a tune. We often laughed about how her voice drowned out our voices when we were singing, because it was just that powerful.

She relocated to Queens, New York in 1961 to start a new life after graduating from high school. Little did she know that when she left SC, that she would meet the love of her life, John Benjamin Staley on June 11th, 1961. It was always funny to hear stories of how mommy was so excited, when he came to meet her parents and ask for her hand in marriage that same year. Indeed love was in the air as they were joined in marriage in that same year on December 24th, 1961.

She joined the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Jamaica (Queens), New York in 1977. She was a phenomenal Sunday School teacher, Deaconess, a dedicated soup kitchen worker in the church, a member of numerous choirs such as the Evangelistic Choir, the Mass Choir and the Jackson Chorus. The Jackson Chorus was a legendary choir at the Mount Zion Baptist Church, that represents, down home southern style quartet, acapella gospel singing that was soul stirring and meant so much to her. She also became one of the mother’s of the church at the Mount Zion Baptist Church and she graciously served in these roles and other important roles in the church until the very end of her life.

Did anyone say bowling? She was one of the best bowlers New York ever saw. She was a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church Classics Bowling Team. She was a top scorer and a lot of times she would bowl better than her son Anthony! She was a great seamstress with her own sewing machine. She was handy at fixing things in the home much like her own mother. She was a great cook and one of the best drivers in New York! While she spent many years in New York, her heart was always in South Carolina and she truly loved her home church, Bland Baptist Church.

She left an amazing strong legacy that will not be forgetten. She was a selfless person who worked very hard for many years as housekeeper. She always put everyone else before her own needs. It is this type of inspiration that will carry us through these difficult times.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, John B. Staley. Through this union, God blessed the couple with eight beautiful children. Four children preceeded her in death, Barry F. Staley, Betty Isaac, Bennie Isaac and Bobbie Isaac. She was also preceeded in death by her only brother, Dea. John H. Butler.

She leaves a lasting legacy that is embedded in her loving family: two sons, Trustee Anthony Eric Staley of Johnston, South Carolina, and Curtis Isaac of Hopkins, South Carolina; two daugthers Dr. Carol Lanita (Dea. John) Abney of Saluda, South Carolina and Laverne Denise Staley of South Ozone Park, New York, five amazing granddaughters who she helped enter into this world and cared for them, Daeshnae K. Staley of Aiken, SC, Syreen N. Sharper, Ava G. Abney, Addison G. Abney and Alexia G. Abney all of Saluda, SC, a special brother in-law and a devoted sister, Dea.Wendell and Lanie Miles of Aiken, South Carolina; a special sister-in-law, Patricia Thompson of Lexington, SC, a special friend Walter Mae Abney of Saluda, SC (mother-in-love to Carol) and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, church family and friends that will miss her.