Mrs. Joann Brown

Homegoing Services for Mrs. Joann Brown will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm at St. Mark Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Rd, Leesville, SC 29070. Rev. Dr. Amos O. Harling, Pastor, will officiate.

Deaconess Joann Brown was a beloved wife, parent, sibling, and friend, whose life was a testament to kindness, perseverance, and the quiet strength that comes from living with purpose and compassion.

Born on December 7, 1955, Joann was born to the late Horace and Gladys McKiever. A proud graduate of Batesburg-Leesville High School, Joann poured back into her community after establishing her family and took pride in the role that she played on Bus 19. Serving Lexington School District 3 for many years, she became a beacon of the community and was loved by all children who rode her bus.

Those who knew Joann would describe her as someone who brought warmth into every room, someone whose laughter could light up even the darkest of days. She lived a life grounded in love for family and friends, always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, and a heart open to those in need.

Joann was a dedicated member of Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully on the usher board, deaconess ministry, and couples ministry. She found joy in serving others and being a comfort and shoulder to lean on. It was in the way she made others feel that her true legacy lives on - by making them feel seen, heard, and valued.

Joann was preceded in death by her brothers, James Leo McKiever, Sr. and Larry D. McKiever; brother-in-law, Julius (Annie) Richardson; and sister-in-law, Patricia Brown.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Willie Brown; her children, Willeana (Dionsyius) Kearse and Delvin (Ami) Brown. She is also survived by her brother, Deacon Jimmy (Deaconess Eva) McKiever, Sr.; sister-in-laws, Sylvia Brown, Marie Lytes, and Betty Jean McKiever; and grandchildren, Shandrai Brown, Dai’Marcus Brown, Dionysia Kearse, Mackenzie Brown, Ryan Kearse, Aleena Perez, Khloe Brown, Jaxson Williams, and Javen Brown; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, as well as many beloved friends who are left to celebrate her life.

Almonzoe Cromer

Homegoing Services for Mr. Almonzoe Cromer will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm at St. Mark Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Rd, Leesville, SC 29070. Rev. Dr. Amos O. Harling, Pastor, will officiate.

Mr. Almonzoe Cromer, son of Darlene Cromer and the late Tony Dudley, was born January 20,1981 at Newberry Memorial Hospital in Newberry SC. He departed his earthly life on Friday November 29,2024 in Clinton SC.

Almonzoe was a 2001 graduate of Newberry High School in Newberry SC. After graduating, Almonzoe came back to Batesburg to reside with his God Parents Herbert (Patisha) Small and his God Brothers Tabias Dozier and Axazier Small. During this time Almonzoe worked at Amicks Farms in Batesburg SC and Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia where he took pride in his work.

Almonzoe loved Fishing and Football— especially the Dallas Cowboys. Nobody had a bad word to say about Almonzoe. He had a heart of gold, and he loved everybody, especially his family. Almonzoe was always the life of the party. His big smile could light up any room. Even when he wasn’t feeling good, Almonzoe had to make everybody laugh.

Almonzoe health started declining after he spent several months in Lexington Medical Center due to Covid causing his kidneys to fail and him having to take dialysis. Almonzoe fought these last three years with everything he had with the help of his wife Felicia West-Cromer.

Almonzoe was preceded in death by his father, the late Tony (Paula) Dudley, and his bother Tavares Dudley.

Those left to cherish his precious memories are his wife, Felicia Cromer, and Step-Daughter, Deshondria Youmans, of the home, his mother, Darlene Cromer, brothers Omar Cromer, Adrian Cromer, Terrence Dudley, Tony Dudley Jr., and Stacyce Etheredge; his sisters Tyronza Cromer and Zukera (Micheal) Moon; brothers in laws George West and Jerome (Trell) Johnson;. sisters in law, Lakeisha West and Nicole (Tony) Wright; maternal grandparents Johnny (Virginia) Cromer and Bertha White; uncles, Clayton (Allean) Dudley, Quieton Myers, Dawayne Sims, and Roderick Morris.; aunts Tonette Robinson, Dell Willaims, Kathy Cromer, Sharon Cromer, Ebony Burkett, Julie Brown, Rasheda (Beverly) Morris-Peterson; god-daughters Arie Adams, Miracle Risher, Nicole Valentine, Jashlynn Battles, Jalaysha Edmond; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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.

Bertha Clay Williams Quattlebaum (BW)

Batesburg-Leesville - Homegoing services for Mrs. Bertha Clay Williams Quattlebaum will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 258 Line Street, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. Rev. Dr. Ronnie Peterson is pastor, and Pastor Ricky Long is officiating.

Mrs. Bertha Clay Williams Quattlebaum was born October 28, 1954, in Lexington County, South Carolina to Ms. Carrie Williams and Mr. Booker T. Jennings. Bertha departed this earthly life at home on September 1, 2024 at the age of 69.

Bertha, as the third of seven children, grew up knowing there was always something to learn and plenty to do. Bertha attended the schools in the Batesburg-Leesville school system and started out working at Knight Sewing Room in Saluda, SC. She later worked in healthcare as a Home Health Aide (HHA).

Bertha was a faithful member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Batesburg, where she served on the church choir, floral club and worked on many different events. Bertha had deep respect and love for Mrs. Lily Bryant, the mother of the church, whom she affectionately called “Mama Lily”.

In her community, Bertha was well known, the children loved Ms. B. Coming to her house was always fun and was always filled with all the goodies that kids love, things like soda pop and chips were always available. The neighborhood was a generation of young people who grew up together. Alphonso and Bertha were married in their home, one of the former cornerstones of Maple Street. Now this generation are the older ones, the ones taking the lead in encouraging the community in a positive way. Bertha/ Ms. B./ BW will be well missed.

Bertha was preceded in death by her sisters: Sara Mae Wise, Helen Tolen, Vernell W. Holloway, Jessie Mae Williams, her beloved sister, Doris Rena Williams, and her brother Larry Charles Williams.

Bertha leaves behind to cherish her memories: her husband, Alphonso Quattlebaum; son, Frederick Donnell Williams; daughter, Alexis Lashawn Williams; her brother Jacob “B.J.” Williams; her sisters: Earleen (Bobby) Dobbs, Clara (Charles) Jeffcoat, Mary J. Willams (Charlie Mack), Cynthia Cannon; sister-in-law Shenelle Williams; brother-in-law Louis Holloway; grandchildren: Milexia James, Cierra James, Shamya Sapp; great-grandchild, Raelynn Abbney; godchildren: Zaria Smith, Kisharn, Shania Alewine, Cleavan Kinard, Brandon; special friends: Nitta Maddox, Emma Bell Padgett, Jay Keith, Georgia Mae Jones, Geraldine Baston, Brenda Sapp, Crystal Jenkins, Darlaean Cromer, Diane Leaphart, Sandra Jackson, Larry Smith, and Mrs. Earlean Kinard; and a host of other relatives and sorrowing friends.

Mrs. Lelar Mae Dunn

Photo by Greg Johnson

Batesburg-Leesville - Funeral Services for Mrs. Lelar Mae Dunn will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Wesley Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 1501 Double Bridges Road, Batesburg-Leesville, SC. Rev. Dr. Doris Hicks is pastor.

Mrs. Lelar Mae Dunn was born January 14, 1955 to the late Jimmie Lee Adams, Sr. and Janie Mae Adams.  She fell asleep in death on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

She was dedicated to her family and truly loved her grandchildren with all of her heart.  Listening to blues music and being surrounded by her family is what brought out the best in her and a smile to her face.  Mae was truly one of a kind.  Her humor in the smallest things would cause laughter to the point of tears.  Lelar was a member of Wesley Chapel CME Church.

Lelar was supported by her devoted husband Thomas Dunn, Sr. of 50 years.  Together, they bore three sons, one daughter, eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.  Lelar and Thomas were a force to be reckoned with because of their love for their family, especially the grands.  Strong-willed and devoted to each other is what kept their love alive.

Lelar was preceded in death by two sisters, Elvina James and Mary Alice Adams.

Those left to celebrate her life and cherish her memories include:  a devoted husband, Thomas Dunn, Sr. of the home; three sons, Thomas Dunn, Jr. of Aiken, South Carolina, Darell Dunn (special friend, Engride Coleman), Kevin (Carlether) Dunn and a daughter, Ashley Adams, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; eight grandchildren, Kevin Dunn, Jr., Dmazhane Dunn, Shanise Dunn, Tyneka West, Quention West, Samayah Lott, Shyada Walker and Larry Stroman; fifteen great-grandchildren; nine siblings, Gladys Whetstone of Wagener, South Carolina, Jimmie Lee Adams, Jr. of Columbia, South Carolina, Sandra (Michael) Thomas, Aron (Cathey) Adams, Evaline Adams and Rosa Parris (special friend, Eugene Dennis), all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Cathy (Michael) Cyrus and Jacqueline Smith, both of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, Lee (Geraldine) Adams of Gaston, South Carolina; four sisters-in-law, Emma (Freeman) Bodrick and Doris Dunn of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Debbie Clemons of Mississippi and Sheryl Dunn of Columbia, South Carolina; special niece, Chamika Adams and special nephew, Jamaryon Long; God-daughter Jha’Ziyah Adams of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; and a host of nieces and nephews to love and cherish her memory.

Ms. Doris Rena Williams

Batesburg-Leesville - Homegoing Services from Ms. Doris Rena Williams will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 258 Line Street, Batesburg, SC 29006.

Ms. Doris Rena Williams, 58, was born on October 31, 1965 in Lexington County, South Carolina to the late Ms. Carrie Williams and Mr. Booker T. Jennings.  Doris departed this earthly life at home on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

As a child, Doris was a joyful spirit who loved spending time with her beloved mother, who she fondly called “Little Fella”.  She graduated from Batesburg-Leesville High School in 1983.  Doris managed The Pantry’s / Caper House, a convenience store in Lexington for many years. 

Her commitment to helping others led her to further her education in healthcare, where she became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).  Doris worked as Direct Support Personnel (DSP) at Babcock Center, providing more than two decades of dedicated service at Babcock Assisted Living Homes.

Doris was a woman of faith, deeply involved in her community and her church, Mount Zion Baptist Church.  She served as the Financial Secretary, a choir member, and a member of the Floral Club.  Doris had a deep respect and love for Mrs. Lily Bryant, whom she affectionately called “Mama Lily”.

Doris was preceded in death by her sisters Sara Mae Wise, Helen Tolen, Vernell W. Holloway, Jessie Mae Williams, and her brother Larry Charles Williams. 

She leaves behind cherished memories with her brother Jacob (BJ) Williams; her sisters, Earlene (Bobby) Dobbs, Bertha (Alphonso) Quattlebaum, Clara (Charles) Williams Jeffcoat, Mary J.  (Charlie Mack) Williams and Cynthia Cannon; a brother-in-law, Louis Holloway and a sister-in-law, Shenelle Williams, and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives and sorrowing friends.

Mr. Roosevelt "Tip" Kinard

Batesburg-Leesville - Services for Mr. Roosevelt “Tip” Kinard will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 258 LIne Street, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. Elder Sylvia Johnson McKenzie is officiating, Reverend Iola Meadows is presiding, and Reverend Ronnie Peterson is Pastor.  

Mr. Roosevelt “Tip” Kinard, son of the late Roosevelt and Sara Mae Smith, was born November 13, 1960 in Lexington County, South Carolina.  He departed this earthly life on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Saluda Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Saluda, South Carolina.

Mr. Kinard was a 1980 graduate of Batesburg-Leesville High School, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.  After graduating, he took on a career in Philadelphia Job Corps where he learned the trade of construction.  When his assignment was completed, he moved back to South Carolina and took on a job with the Mabus Brothers Construction Company where he was a heavy equipment operator until 2015 when his health began to fail.  During that time recovering from a stroke, he was still determined to work so his supervisor gave him a job answering phones.  Now those of you who knew Tip, he didn’t like talking on the phone that much so he finally decided to retire.

 Everyone who knew Tip loved him.  He had a heart of gold.  He would cook and feed the whole neighborhood and community and didn’t ask for a dime.  That’s the kind of person he was.  Tip was one of the greatest pool players around.  If you wanted to see a bad day, mess or talk to him while he was shooting pool and you would definitely get some choice words! 

 Roosevelt joined Mount Zion Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of Reverend Myers.

 In addition to both of his parents, Roosevelt was preceded in death by his sister, Rosalyn Kinard Mobley. 

Those left to cherish his precious memories include his sons, Adrian, Cromer and Stacey Etheredge; step-sons, Almonzo (Felecia) Cromer and Omar Cromer; stepdaughter, Tyronza Cromer; a devoted friend, Darlene Cromer; a brother, Sylvester Smith of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; sisters, Maria Smith (Tyrone) Corbitt of New Ellenton, South Carolina and Debra Smith of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; aunts, Reverend Inez Cook, Delia Mae Lewie and Mary Hair, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Mattie (Willie) Henderson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; uncles, James Williams of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and James “Doc” Smith of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; grandchildren, Adrian Jr., Sta’sharia, Sesme, Hailey, Milenna and Xavier; a host of nieces, nephews and many sorrowing friends who will miss him dearly.

Mr. Charles Wesley Davenport, Jr.

Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Charles Wesley Davenport, Jr. will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, located at 337 Devils Backbone Road, Leesville, SC 29070. Viewing begins at 10:00 am, and the service begins at 11:00 am. The Reverend Dr. Amos O. Harling, Jr. is Pastor and Officiating Minister.

Batesburg-Leesville, SC - Charles Wesley Davenport, Jr. was born on October 11, 1975 to The Reverend Charles W. Davenport, Sr. and the late Viola C. “Sis” Anderson Davenport.  He departed this earthly life on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the MUSC (Providence Hospital), Columbia, South Carolina.

Charles, affectionately known as “Jr.,” was a graduate of Batesburg-Leesville High School.  He attended college at South Carolina State University where he wholeheartedly embraced that “Bulldog Spirit.”  Over the years, Jr. worked in many capacities.  He most recently was a Lowe’s Associate in the Lawn and Garden Department.

Jr. was baptized and joined the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church where he was active in the Youth Department.

For over sixteen years, Jr. was a dialysis patient.  He never allowed his disability to hold him back.  Jr. would always remind the family that it was time to plan our next “Family Trip.”  Whenever we talked about getting together to do anything, you had to have the games ready.  You had to be ready for junk talk and total seriousness when you sat down to the table to play Uno.  Jr. loved his family and was all about family.  He always reminded the family that “We All We Got.”

Jr. was an avid football fan.  He loved his South Carolina State Bulldogs and he would often attend their games.  Jr. never left home without his sunglasses and a headband.  He also loved sporting his Nike Air Jordans.   Jr. was the baby of his siblings and he made sure that we knew it!

Jr. leaves to cherish his beloved memories:  his father, Rev. Charles W. (Jannette Henry) Davenport, Sr. of Batesburg SC; brother, Gerald Anderson of Barnwell, SC; sisters, Teresa A. Conelly of Gaston, SC and Charlene D. (Robert) High of Orangeburg, SC; nieces and nephews, Shantay Wells, Brice (Kayla) High, Mia C. Conelly, Chalea V. High and Kniyah Anderson; Godparents, Jeptha and Matilda Derrick of Batesburg, SC; aunts, Mary D. Carter of Batesburg, SC, Mattie Holloway of Washington, DC, Hattie (Alonzo) Watts of Bowie, MD, Helen (Levester) Peterson of Greenwood, SC and Ann Anderson of Saluda, SC; uncle, Ted (Melissa) Anderson of Seat Pleasant, MD; many dear friends, loving cousins and other relatives who will miss him dearly.