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.

Mr. Ned West

Batesburg-Leesville, SC- Funeral Services for Mr. Ned West, Jr. will be held 3:00pm Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Chinquapin Baptist Church, Batesburg, SC. The Rev. Dr. James Ratliff, Sr. Pastor and the Rev. James Duncan, Officiating- the Interment will follow in the church Cemetery. Viewing will begin May 10, 2024, at Noon at Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Batesburg, SC. Masonic Rites will commence at 6:00pm Thursday at the Olive Branch Baptist Church.

Mr. NED WEST, Jr., 88, was born April 12, 1936, to the late James “Jack” West and Nora Wise in Saluda County, South Carolina. He was educated at Saluda Monetta School. He received Christ at an early age at Poplar Branch Baptist Church and later united with Chinquapin Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon until his health began to fail. He entered into eternal peace on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at his home.

Mr. Ned was united in holy matrimony to the late Lorana J. West on July 30, 1955. This union produced six beautiful children. He was first employed by Burlington Industries, later moving on to work at Owens Corning Fiberglass. He also worked for Amos & Sons Funeral Home for many years, and did security for Rawls Auto Auction. After retiring, he started his own scrap iron business. He was a member of the Twin City Lodge No. 316 PM of Batesburg, South Carolina, Cairo Temple 125 HPP, Twin City Chapter No. 243, CC Johnson Consistory No. 136, 33˚ and a life member with the B -L Branch of the NAACP.

Those left to cherish his memories include: four daughters, Nora Bell West, Jannie Ruth Todman, Roberta (Jerome) Culbreath, all of Batesburg -Leesville, South Carolina and Nettie Lee Dozier of Bronx, New York; three sons, Elzie Lee (Katie) West of Lexington, South Carolina, Ned (Heidi) West, III of Peoria, Illinois and Timothy (Mary Ann) West of Batesburg -Leesville, South Carolina; four sisters, Barbara “Bobbie” Etheredge of Saluda, South Carolina, Mamie Sue Corley of Atlanta, Georgia, Mary Jones and Maggie West, both of Hackensack, New Jersey; one brother, Major “Tiny Boy” West of Saluda, South Carolina; five sisters -in -law, Minnie Meachem of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Carrie West and Charlotte West, both of Saluda, South Carolina, Dorothy West of Batesburg -Leesville, South Carolina and Betty Wise of Bronx, New York; a special niece and nephews, Barbara and Keith Landy of Batesburg -Leesville, South Carolina and Jimmy and Charlie Jay of San Antonio, Texas; affectionately called “Mom” by Ned, Mrs. Corine Johnson of Batesburg -Leesville, South Carolina; nineteen grandchildren, thirty-seven great-grandchildren, five great-great -grandchildren, and other relatives and many sorrowing friends who will miss his knowledge and wisdom.

Thomase “Tommie” Edmond Martin

Batesburg-Leesville, SC - Graveside services for Mrs. Thomase “Tommie” Edmond Martin will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Olive Branch Baptist Church Cemetery, South Oak Street Family Plot, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, with Reverend Julianna Hosey officiating.

Thomase “Tommie” Edmond Martin was the daughter of the late Clabie D. and Connie Staley-Edmond. She was born on August 5, 1959, in Newberry, South Carolina. Thomase entered her eternal rest on January 2, 2024, at the family home in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.

Thomase accepted Christ at an early age at the Wesley Chapel C.M.E. Church where she has been a faithful member throughout the years. She is a 1977 graduate of Batesburg-Leesville High School. She was married to Tony Martin Sr on April 15, 1978, and had three wonderful children and three grandchildren.         

She worked for Michelin Tire Company until she was medically retired. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Janette Ramage, and one brother Clabie Cecil Edmond.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Tony Martin Sr. of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; two daughters, Tonisha Martin of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, and Toccarra Martin of Atlanta, Georgia; one son, Tony (Jazmine) Martin of Columbia, South Carolina; four sisters, Luadell Edmond of Columbia, South Carolina, Naomi Edmond, Eurlee Steadman and Patrica Fulks, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, a sister-in-law, Jessie Edmond, Batesburg-Leesville, SC; two brothers, Larry (Sonya) Edmond of Augusta, Georgia and David (Angela) Edmond, Columbia, SC; four grandchildren; Antonio Martin, Trenton Martin, Tylan Martin, Camryn Martin; one uncle, Franklin D.R. (Patricia) Staley; two aunts, Beatrice (Willie) Stephens and Mary Ruth Sarter; one great-aunt, Katherine Babb, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other sorrowing relatives and friends.

Anthony Davon Leaphart

Batesburg-Leesville - Anthony Davon Leaphart was born in Lexington County, South Carolina on October 31, 1977.  He was the son of the late Shirley Leaphart and the late Lindsay Robinson.  On Sunday, December 10, 2023, Anthony entered into eternal rest.  He is loved and missed by family and friends.

Anthony joined Wesley Chapel CME Church, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina at an early age and sang in the youth choir.  He was the best independent contractor. Anthony had a special bond with everyone in his family and was a confidant to many.  He was a true football fan of the Clemson Tigers and Dallas Cowboys.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Leaphart; his father, Lindsay Robinson; maternal grandparents, Lucretia and Alonza Leaphart; paternal grandparents, Minnie Bell and Charles Robinson, Jr.; maternal great-grandparents, Alfred and Janie Coleman and one uncle, Leon Leaphart.

His memories are cherished by a son, Anthony Leaphart, Jr. of Saluda, South Carolina;  his brothers, Tyrone (Ashley) Leaphart, Derrell (Shermaine) Leaphart and Lindsay Robinson, Jr., all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; his sisters, Christie Leaphart (Eric Derrick) and Shanequa Jackson, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; step-father, Randolph Wigfall; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, and special friends, Dominique Burgess, Lamont Rowe and Dread Smith.

Homegoing Services were held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the Wesley Chapel CME Church, located at 1501 Double Bridges Rd, Batesburg-Leesville, SC. Rev. Dr. Doris Hicks is the Pastor Officiating. Burial was in the Wesley Chapel CME Church Cemetery.

Larry E. Johnson

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Shady Grove Baptist Church, located at 140 Shady Grove Road, Batesburg-Leesville, SC, where Reverend James McDaniel is the Presiding Pastor.

Mr. Larry E. Johnson, 64, was born September 22, 1959, resided in Columbia, South Carolina before he transitioned to his heavenly home on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Prisma Parkridge Hospital. He was the son of the late James and Ethel Johnson.

Larry accepted Christ at an early age and joined Shady Grove Baptist Church, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. He attended the public schools of Lexington County, graduating from Batesburg Leesville High School. After graduating, he attended Midlands Technical College for some time before beginning his career as owner and operator of over-the-road truck driving. Years later, Larry took a position of employment at Amicks Farms as a truck driver.

Larry was preceded in death by both of his parents, James and Ethel Johnson, his brother James “Terry” Johnson, and one sister and brother-in-law, Ethel Lee & James “Sunny Boy” Morris.

Those left to cherish his memories include two brothers and two sisters- James Norris, Michael Johnson, Sarah Burton, and Dorothy Walker, all who reside in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; He also leaves to cherish his memories two daughters- Janice Gantt of Monetta, South Carolina, and Erica Mincey of Lexington, South Carolina; four grandchildren- Janisha Ruth, Quameshia Gantt, Jordan Bell, and Daquon Hicks; one great-grandson- Zimiere Mobley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many sorrowing friends.

Mrs. Lucille M. Willis

Mrs. Lucille Mitchell Willis was born February 2, 1936 in Lexington County, South Carolina to the late Evetta and Patrick Mitchell.  She entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 2, 2023.

Mrs. Lucille was married to the late Willie F. Willis for 62 years.   She was educated in the public schools of Lexington County.  She was a faithful member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.

Mrs. Lucille was employed in her early years in manufacturing and farming.  She later retired from work to be a housewife.  She was devoted to providing assistance all who had a need.  She made sure meals and clothes were offered to any and all who crossed her path.  Her favorite saying was, “The Lord will never leave or forsake me.”  She always had a word of wisdom for all those whom she encountered.     

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Michael Davis; one daughter-in-law, Trina Willis and two grandsons, Dale Coleman and O.J. Barr.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories:  her children – Larry (Cordelia) Willis of Lexington, South Carolina, Alvin (Louise) Willis of Decatur, Georgia, Patricia (Reggie) Harris of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Gary Willis of Austell, Georgia, Pamala W. Davis, Terry Willis and Lisa (Donald) Houseworth, all of Stone Mountain, Georgia; one sister – Ida Mae Johnson of Gilbert, South Carolina; one brother-in-law – Preston (Mildred) Willis of Decatur, Georgia; two sisters-in-law – Thelma Willis of Griffin, Georgia and Cleoma (Leonard) Thompson of Decatur, Georgia; eighteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a loving cousin-in-law – Lillie Mae Bryant; loving friends – the Perry Family and Mr. & Mrs. Michael Newell; special honorary daughter – Vivian Perry and granddaughter, Sa’nia Perry; a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends who will miss her dearly.

Homegoing Services will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 302 Brodie Road, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, where Reverend James A. Duncan, will be the Officiating Pastor. Interment will follow in the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, South Lee Street, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina 29070.