Mrs. Janie Mae Adams

Ms. Janie Mae Adams

Leesville — Homegoing services will be held on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 607 Kestrel Drive, Leesville, SC 29070, where the Reverend Dennis Jackson is pastor and officiant.

Mrs. Janie Mae Adams was born January 2, 1936 to the late Will and Ellen Sulton.  She fell asleep in death on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

She was a beloved homemaker and caregiver to her family and an extremely hard worker.  She dedicated her life to caring for those she knew and loved.  Janie was a long time member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where she was a member of the Senior Choir.

Janie was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Jimmie Lee Adams, Sr.  To this union, they bore twelve children.  Jim and Janie were never seen apart.  Wherever you saw one, you saw the other riding around town and never knew a stranger.  Together they were a force to be reckoned with and created a huge family that loved and cherished them both.  Never one to bite her tongue, everyone knew where they stood with her and loved her for it. 

Janie was also preceded her in death by two daughters, Elvina James and Mary Alice Adams; one granddaughter, Fredrina Johnson; one grandson, Jessie James one great-grandson, Jonathan Sulton; four brothers and four sisters.

Those left to celebrate her life and cherish her memories include:  ten children – Gladys Whetstone of Wagener, South Carolina; Jimmie Lee (Naomi) Adams, Jr. of Columbia, South Carolina, Lelar (Thomas) Dunn, Sandra (Michael) Thomas, Aron (Cathey) Adams, Evaline Adams, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; Rosa (Andrew) Parris of Lexington, South Carolina; Cathy (Michael) Cyrus and Jacqueline Smith, both of Ridge Spring, South Carolina; Lee (Geraldine) Adams of Gaston, South Carolina; grandchildren reared in the home include Chamika McKeiver, Jamarco Parris, Quendarlyn Adams, Corey Adams and Kendra Adams, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; one brother-in-law, Joe (Robena) Adams of Bronx, New York;  one God-son, Angelo Trapp of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; thirty-two grandchildren, sixty-six great-grandchildren, twenty-six great-great grandchildren and 2 great-great-great grandchildren; also a host of nieces and nephews to love and cherish her memories.

A special thanks to Compassionate Care Hospice for the care they provided to our Mother.

Alexander Jackson

Alexander Jackson was born to the late Albert H. Jackson on April 2, 1950, in Saluda County, South Carolina. At an early age, he accepted Christ and was baptized at Mine Creek Baptist Church. He departed this life on November 1, 2022.

He received his primary education at Ridge Hill Elementary and graduated from Ridge Hill High School, Ridge Spring, South Carolina. He continued his post-secondary education at Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina.

Alexander was united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Jones. This union was blessed with a daughter, Tashia. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked in the service industry. Later in life, he moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he engaged in his own business.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his daughter, Tashia Jackson of Johnston, SC; four brothers, William (Sarah) Jackson, Johnston, SC, Nathaniel Jackson, Johnston, SC, Calvin (Evergrace) Jackson, Edgefield, SC, and Clifford (Sheneque) Jackson, Aiken, SC; (3) sisters-in-laws: Wilburn Jackson, Majorie Jackson, both of Johnston, SC, and Bettie Jackson, Belvedere, SC; (1) brother-in-law, Vance Frazier, Roselle, NJ; (1) aunt, Jesse Williams, Upper Marlboro, MD, and (1) uncle, Willie Mack Williams, Washington, DC, also, an additional host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Brothers and sisters that preceded him in death: Maggie Jerry, Albert  Jackson, Jr., Ruth Andrews, Charlie N. Jackson, Isabelle Frazier, Patricia Jackson, John H. Jackson, and Jean Jackson.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Johnston, SC, where Reverend Glenn Harvey Andrews will officiate.

Ms. Chiqnita Lena Jones

Ms. CHIQNITA LENA JONES was born June 19, 1974 in Avon Park, Florida to Fannie Whitt and Edward Jones. She departed this earthly life on Friday, October 21, 2022 at Lexington Medical Center, West Columbia, South Carolina after a brief illness.

Chiqnita was a graduate of Gilbert High School, Gilbert, South Carolina Class of 1993. She was a member of Zion Hopewell Full Gospel Family Worship Center, Gilbert, South Carolina.

Those left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life include: one daughter – Taralissa Jones; two sons – Xavier Tillman and Dana Tillman; grandchildren – Da’Marcus Jones, Lorenzoe Williams and Pierre Wigfall; mother & stepfather – Fannie & Michael Whitt of Gilbert, South Carolina; father – Edward Jones of Avon Park, Florida; one brother – Frederick Jones of Stone Mountain, Georgia; one nephew – O’Keibian J. Watson; one great-niece – I’Keiani Watson; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many sorrowing friends who will miss her dearly.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 3:00 pm at the Zion Hopewell Full Gospel Family Worship Center, located at 323 Zione Hopewell Road, Gilbert, SC, where Bishop Theotis White is pastor and officiant.

Calvin James “Kojack” Jeffrey

Mr. Calvin James “Kojack” Jeffery, 59, son of Benjamin Jeffery and the late Ernestine Rabb, was born June 26, 1963 in Richland County, South Carolina.  He departed this earthly life on Thursday, September 22, 2022. 

 “Kojack”, as he was affectionately known, was educated in the public schools of Ridge Spring-Monetta and Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.  He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.  He was employed by Amick Farms.  Kojack was also a head coach for Batesburg-Leesville Youth Football.

 Kojack was preceded in death by his mother, Ernestine Rabb and one brother, Otis Jeffery. 

 He leaves to cherish his precious memories:  a loving wife – Ellen Jeffery of Monetta, South Carolina; seven children – Shacamia (Lorenzo Jones) Gantt, Calvin Jeffery, Zederick Jeffery and Khadijah Jeffery, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Bonita Jeffery of Gilbert, South Carolina, Jamale Jeffery of Lexington, South Carolina and Anjewl Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia; his father – Benjamin Jeffery of Monetta, South Carolina; two sisters – Barbara Jeffery of Monetta, South Carolina and Francine Rabb of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; two brothers – Floyd Rabb and Burley Jeffery, both of Monetta, South Carolina; one aunt – Elaine Christie of Monetta, South Carolina; fourteen grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends throughout the community who will miss him dearly.

Homegoing services will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 3:00 pm at the Zion Hopewell Full Gospel Family Worship Center in Gilbert, SC, where Bishop Theotis White is Pastor, Reverend Sylvia Smith, Officiating, and Evangelist Jet Gladney, Presiding. Interment is in the Zion Hopewell FGFWC Cemetery.

Mrs. Gertrude Gantt

Mrs. Gertrude Gantt, daughter of the late Robert Lee Jay and Gertrude Jay, was born April 23, 1937 in Saluda County, South Carolina. God called her home on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 from Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina.

Mrs. Gantt attended the public schools of Lexington County, graduating from Twin City High School in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. As a young child, she attended Christian Chapel FHB Church, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.

Ms. Gertrude Jay married Mr. Jerome Gantt, Sr. in 1956. They resided in New York City for over 50 years. They relocated back to the home place in 2001. She was employed by FebCap and became a homecare provider for over 25 years.

Mrs. Gertrude leaves to cherish her memories: two sons – Jerome (Christine) Gantt, Jr. of Columbia, South Carolina and Calvin J. Gantt of Rochester, New York; two daughters – Malvina Jay Rogers and Patricia Gantt Lucas, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; one sister – Minnie Lee Jay Meachem of Fayetteville, North Carolina; two sons-in-law – Roy Rogers and James Lucas; nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many sorrowing friends.

Homegoing services will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Chinquapin Baptist Church in Batesburg-Leesville, SC, with Apostle Robert C. Ratliff, Jr. officiating, and Reverend Norman White Presiding. Interment in the Chinquapin Baptist Church Cemetery.

Alfonso Denny, Sr.

Mr. Alfonzo “Booster” Denny, Sr., 60, of Concord, North Carolina, departed this earthly life bound for his heavenly home on Friday, September 9, 2022 at the Atrium Health Hospital in Concord, North Carolina.

Born January 30, 1962 in Saluda County, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Selonia and Frances Denny.

Alfonzo attended Ridge Spring-Monetta High School in Monetta, South Carolina. His last days were spent working at Shoe Show Distribution Center in Concord, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; one daughter, Shafonady Denny; one brother, Thomas Boyd; two sisters, Michelle Denny Yokley and Pamela Vickieleen Denny.

Alfonzo leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving wife – Christine Harris Denny of Concord, North Carolina; two sons – Alfonzo (Judy) Denny, Jr. of New Haven, Connecticut and Marquis (Heather) Denny of Winterville, North Carolina; five daughters – Katima Stevens of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Labria Denny of New Haven, Connecticut, Cherinity Denny, Alexia Denny and Synphony Denny, all of Long Island, New York; three step-sons – Bernard (Alicia) West, Jr. of Lugoff, South Carolina, Rodriquez (Tae) West, Jr. of Jackson, South Carolina and Derrick West of Charlotte, North Carolina; a stepdaughter – Tamiko Harris of Charlotte, North Carolina; six brothers – Sammie (Thomasena) Denny, Charles (Linda) Denny, Antonio (Ebony) Denny, all of Haven, Connecticut, Randy (Imani) Denny of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Freddie Boyd and Jerry (Helen) Boyd, both of Ridge Spring, South Carolina; two sisters – Stacey (Louis) Hall of Dallas, Texas and Shirley Boyd of Ridge Spring, SouthCarolina; two brothers-in-law – Robert Harris, Jr. of Concord, North Carolina and Kenneth (Michelle) Harris of Aiken, South Carolina; two sisters-in-law – Corrine Robinson Gross of Baltimore, Maryland and Eva Lou Scott of Aiken, South Carolina; two very close friends who were more like brothers than friends – Marvin (Nicole) Bost of Salisbury, North Carolina and Pastor Robert Robinson of Concord, North Carolina; twelve grandchildren, seventeen step-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 19, 2022 at 3:00 pm at Chinquapin Baptist Church, 1416 Chinquapin Road, Batesburg-Leesville, SC where Reverend Robert Ratliff is Pastor, and Reverend Robert Robinson is officiating.

Johnnie Lee Cannon

Mr. Johnnie Lee Cannon, affectionately known as “JB”, was born in Saluda County, South Carolina on January 14, 1949 to the late Penn and Lucille Cannon. On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, God sent an angel to guide him to his heavenly home.

Johnnie “JB” was married to Molly Tolen Cannon and to this union six children were born.

Those left to cherish his precious memories include: four daughters – Betty Tolen (Bennie), Loretta Cannon and Donna Tolen, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Jamesann Cannon of Lexington, South Carolina; two sons – Barry Cannon (fiancé, Telshela) of Aiken, South Carolina and Stephen Cannon of Lexington, South Carolina; three sisters – Sallie Hare of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Peggy Tolen of Gilbert, South Carolina and Dora Bennett of Aiken, South Carolina; one brother – James Cannon of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; three sisters-in-law – Patsy Williams of Columbia, South Carolina, Elizabeth Walker of West Columbia, South Carolina and Sara Tolen of Saluda, South Carolina; five brothers-in-law – Frank Tolen of Columbia, South Carolina, Johnny Tolen of Prosperity, South Carolina, James Tolen of Saluda, South Carolina, Mike Tolen and E.T. Tolen, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.

A special thank you to his nephew Butch Tolen, his sister Sallie Hare, his brother James Cannon and niece Mary Mitchell, for all that you have done.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the A.O.H. Church of God, 601 W. Columbia Avenue, Batesburg-Leesville, SC. Bishop Gregory Cannon is pastor, Evangelist Jet Gladney, officiating.

Willie Edwards

Willie Edwards was born June 8, 1942, in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Frank Edwards and Elizabeth Marshall Edwards. His usual occupation was a farmer for many years.

Willie was a hard worker. He loved his family and he was good to his family and to his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, George Edwards, Johnny Edwards, Bessie Mae Edwards, and Helen Edwards, children, Sarah Marshall, Fitzgerald Morton, and a granddaughter, Shemeka Morton.

He leaves to love and cherish his memories, his wife, Elizabeth Edwards of the home, sons, Lawrence Edwards (Rosa Mae Watkins), Batesburg, SC, Leroy Edwards, (Zarie Brooks), Aiken, SC, Calvin James (Debra Allen), Aiken, SC, Teresa Wise, Aiken, SC, William Edwards (Teresa Nicholas, Aiken, SC, Josephine Byrd, Aiken, SC, Cheryl Edwards Wise (Bernard, Aiken, SC, Willie Deloris Marshall, Ward, SC, Johnnie Marshall, Batesburg, SC, James Leon Marshall, North Augusta, SC, Mary Morton, Trenton, SC, Henry Marshall, (Brenda Gilliam), Saluda, SC, Lou Ann Jones, (Joe James), Ridge Spring, SC, Robert Edwards, (Teresa Kirk), Monetta, SC, 40 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held Friday, July 1, 2022 : 2:00 pm at the Chinquapin Baptist Church, Batesburg, SC with the Overseer Apostle RC Ratliff, Pastor/ Officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Janie Abney Dunbar

Mrs Janie Abney Dunbar

Janie Abney Holland Thurmond Dunbar, affectionately known as “Nannie,” was born August 15, 1922 to Millie Abney in Saluda, South Carolina. Her siblings were the late Clara Doby, Whelen Jr. and Thomas (Duck) Abney. She departed this life on March 17, 2022.

Janie spent her early childhood years in Johnston, South Carolina. During her early teens, she began her new journey as a surrogate mother to the Halford Family and later became their housekeeper. Mrs. Annie Halford and Janie had a close loving relationship. So close that they adopted the name Halford as well.

Janie had two children, one of whom preceded her in death, Patricia Dandy, affectionately known as “Tricia.“

Janie was preceded in death by her three husbands, Albert Holland, Sr.,  Archie Thurmond, and John Henry Dunbar, Sr.

Janie accepted Christ as her savior at a young age and joined Pine Hill Baptist Church. She served on various committees and was an active member of the Sunday School, but her most prestigious role was being the oldest member of the church.

Janie was very famous for her cooking. She enjoyed cooking for her family, church, and the community. She was most famous for her pound cakes and Cha Cha.

Janie answered God’s calling on Friday, March 18, 2022, at her residence in Johnston, South Carolina.

Janie leaves to mourn her memories to her devoted son also known as her twin, Albert Holland, her special daughter-in-law, Geraldine Holland of Hempstead, New York, stepson, John Henry (Therma) Dunbar, Jr., Buffalo, New York, step-daughters, Mary Helen Howard, Betty Dunbar, and Martha Dunbar, New York, New York, her grandchildren, Felix Andrews, Johnston, South Carolina, Sandra (Anthony) Dandy, Springfield, Virginia, Wallace Dandy, Jr., Columbia, South Carolina, Sharon Parlor, Johnston, South Carolina, Nancy L. Holland, Jamaica, New York, and Richard (Gwendolyn) Holland, Sr., Rockville Centre, New York; great-grandchildren, Kenji Dandy (Tracee Ashton), Justin Cartledge, Tyler Cartledge, Jama Dandy, Teri Cartledge, Richard Holland, Jr., and Blake Holland, great-great-grandchildren, Kross Dandy and Ayanna Dandy-Williams, Janie had also developed a close loving special relationship with the Dunbar grandchildren. She also had a special relationship with Rev. Bernard (Daisy) Abney and she shared a close bond with Maude Grey and the Florida Family. Lastly, she leaves a host of sorrowful cousins and friends.

Services held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 12:00 Noon, at the Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Post Office Box 517, Johnston, SC 29832, with Rev. Casey Duncan, Pastor officiating, and Rev. Jerome Coleman as Eulogist.

Betty Jean Felder

Graveside services for Mrs. Betty Jean Dobbs Felder, daughter of the late Ben Dobbs and the late Edith Cherry Dobbs was held Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the Rosa Spring Baptist Church where the Rev. Winston Oliphant is the Pastor. Rev. Lonnie Jones , officiated. The Eulogist was Minister Cynthia Howard.

Betty Jean Felder, also Known as “Ruthell” entered into eternal rest at her residence on February 28, 2022 following a brief illness. She was educated in the schools of Edgefield County. She was baptized at the Lotts Grove Baptist Church at an early age. She was a housekeeper for most of her life with her last years as a homemaker providing for her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband (James Felder, Jr.), her parents; two daughters, Macy Howard, Betty Ann Tompkins, two sons, Nathaniel Howard, Jr. and Anthony Felder; a granddaughter, Belanda Tompkins, two great-grandsons, Ty’Reius Wakefield and Edward McKenzie, Jr. Four brothers, James Walter, Willie and Bennie Joe Dobbs; and three sisters, Nancy Dobbs Oliphant, Edith Dobbs, and Tawanda Axen.

Those left to love honor and cherish her memory; four daughters, Sally Ann “Brenda” Howard, Lisa Howard both of Johnston, SC; Shirley Felder McKnight, Winter Haven FL, and Christine Felder, Ft. Peirce, FL; four sons, Jimmy Felder, Ft. Peirce, FL, Freddie Lee Howard, Johnston, SC, Donald (Lois Marshall) Howard, Ward, SC, and Robert Howard, Anderson, SC; two sisters, Susie Dobbs (Johnny) Herrin, Aiken, SC and Grace Dobbs Nicholson, Trenton, SC; four sisters-in-law, Bessie O. Dobbs, Johnston, SC, Annette Dobbs, Pelion, SC, Margaret Felder and Ruth Lee Felder both of Winter Haven , FL; two aunts, Nancy D. Miles, Johnston, SC and Ruth D Freeman, Virginia; a uncle, John Dobbs, Jr. Rockaway NY; forty-four grandchildren, Sixty-two great-grandchildren and a host of nieces , nephews, other relatives and friends.