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.

Ms. Katherine Morris

Ms. Katherine Morris departed this life on May 30, 2023 at Beacon Place Hospice House in Greensboro, North Carolina.

She was born in Lexington County, South Carolina on May 18, 1938 to Bessie Mae Jones and Allen Parks. She was preceded in death by a life-long partner, Sammie Davis, Jr., son Willie Gene Carter, and great-grandson Jaquan Duley. She was known as “Big Mama” to the great-grands, and Mama to her grands. She shared a very special bond with two of her great-grands, Deshaun A. Draft and Frankie L. Gantt.

She leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter, Beverly Harris of Greensboro, NC; one son, Frankie L. Harris of Batesburg-Leesville, SC; five sisters, Allean Mincey of Batesburg-Leesville, SC; Dora Chaney, Rose Brown, Inez Parker and Mary Fullington, all of Allendale, SC; two brothers, Leroy Jones of Batesburg-Leesville, SC, and James Parker of Allendale, SC; one sister-in-law, Ansibell Jones; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 12:00 noon at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, 604 Howard Street, Batesburg-Leesville, SC. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, from 11:00 am - 12:00 noon at the Funeral Home. Reverend Thomasena L. Rice will officiate.

Mr. Leroy Robinson

Mr. Leroy Robinson was born on September 2, 1945 to the late Mrs. Minnie Bell Stewart-Robinson and John Arthur Robinson.  He passed away at Agape Hospice of Lexington, South Carolina on Thursday, May 25, 2023.  

In 1965, Leroy graduated from Twin City High School in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.  

Leroy worked for five years at Carter Taxi before transferring careers and serving for 25 years as a janitor at the New York Westchester Medical Center in Bronx, New York.  During his time in New York, he worked a variety of secondary jobs, including floor buffing and moving companies.  He then moved to Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, where he worked as a transportation assistant at Gilbert Middle School in Gilbert, South Carolina. Additionally, he worked as a custodian at White Knoll High School in Lexington, South Carolina.  Leroy also had a lawn care company where he cut grass for the community.

Leroy was preceded in death by his wife, Katie Robinson; son, Tyrone Dozier; brothers,  Johnny “Boo” Robinson, Lonnie Ray Hill and Robert Hill.

He leaves to cherish his memories and celebrate his life:  his three daughters, Mary Dozier and Patshie (Herbert) Small, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Joyce Williams of San Diego, California; five loving sons, Sherman Robinson and Brian (Kiaun) Robinson, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Mark Robinson of Norristown, Pennsylvania, Darryl Robinson (Lisa) of Roanoke, Virginia and Roy Robinson of Virginia; one God-daughter, Katherine Etheridge;  two sisters, Brenda Robinson and Rowena Abney-Coleman; five sisters-in-law, Diane Brooks and Alberta Rickard, both of Columbia, South Carolina, Henrietta Samuels, Louise Samuels, Phyllis Ruff, all of Prosperity, South Carolina; two step-sisters, Joanne Wigfall and Katherine Leaphart, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; three brothers, Jerry Hill, Alfred (Elizabeth) Hill and Harriel Hill, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who genuinely adored him.

Services will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Road, Batesburg-Leesville, SC. Reverend Doctor Amos O. Harling Jr. is the officiating pastor.

Elizabeth Pixley Lee "Ms. Dollie"

We have come together to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of a true mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and dear friend.

Elizabeth Pixley Lee, AKA “Dollie,” 100 years old, of Johnston, South Carolina entered into eternal rest on May 25, 2023 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law following a brief illness.

Elizabeth Pixley Lee was born to Willie Douglas Pixley and Alberta Kemp Pixley on August 3, 1922. She was the seventh of fifteen children. “Dollie” was the last of their surviving children.

“Dollie” joined the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church at a early age. She was educated in the schools of Edgefield County.

“Dollie” was a wonderful homemaker and was loved by so many near and far. She has been an extended mother and grandmother to so many. Everyone was always welcomed to what she called “her house” on Johnson Street. She was known by many in town as “Grandma Dollie”.

“Dollie” was united in holy matrimony to James Roy (Jake) Lee on January 12, 1943 and remained married until his untimely death on November 16, 1978.

“Dollie” was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Alberta Kemp, her children, Mary L. Still, James Arthur Lee and Wayne Lee; also her siblings, Richard, John Henry, George, Grady, Cornelia, Carl Jackson, Robert, Estella Louise, Joseph, Clevie, Betty Jane, Alphonzo and Johnny Lee.

“Dollie” leaves behind to love honor and cherish her loving memories, daughters, Debra Dorsey(Velton), Johnston, SC and Annette Nicholson, Saluda, SC; and a son, Willie Lee (Ophelia), Johnston, SC and her fur baby “Poochie.” Grandchildren, Pamela Lee-Williams (Danny), Jeffery Lee (Gina), Monica Blacks (Clint), Bonita Butler(Anthony), Kendrick Lee, Tiawona Dorsey, Antonio Lee(Gaysha), Dwayne Lee, Velton Dorsey (Shauna), Sabree Still, her bonus grandson, Cortez Bush (Patricia); eighteen great grandchildren, fifteen great-great grandchildren, and one great-great-great grandchild, Raylin; a sister-in-law, Rosa Lee, Avon Park, FL, and a host of nieces, nephews , other relatives and sorrowing friends.

Graveside Services will be held 1:00 pm Wednesday, 5/31/2023 at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Lewis Burt, Pastor. Viewing will be from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday, 5/30/2023 at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Johnston, SC.

Mr. Willie DeWayne Dublin

Graveside Services for Mr. Willie Dewayne Dublin, son of the late Willie Dale Simpkins and Etta Dublin, will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the Cedar Grove Baptist Church, where the Rev. David Colvin is Pastor. The Rev. Dequan Smith will officiate. Viewing will be 11:00 am - 6:00 pm at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home.

Mr. Willie DeWayne Dublin was born August 5, 1984, in Edgefield County, SC. He was the son of the late Willie Dale Simpkins and Etta Dublin. He departed this earthly life on May 19, 2023, at Edgefield County Healthcare.

He was educated in the Edgefield County School District. He attended Strom Thurmond High School.

Following high school, he worked briefly at several jobs. Landscaping proved to be one of his enduring forms of employment.

Those who will cherish his memories are: his mother, Etta Dublin, Johnston, SC; siblings, Rebecca Dublin, Johnston, SC and Kristin Simpkins, Edgefield, SC; aunts and uncles, Steven Simpkins, George Simpkins, and Katie Williams (Michael) all of Edgefeld, SC, Sheila Talbert (Johnny), McCormick, SC, and Delcina Simpkins, North Augusta, SC, Mary Ella Jones(Willie), Johnston, SC, Patricia Smith, Trenton, SC, Freddie Dublin, Ward, SC, Leonard Dublin, Edgefield, SC, Willie Dublin (Daisy), Johnston,SC, Clarence Weaver (Angela), Tina Weaver, Patricia Dublin, Willie Mae Weaver and Marion Weaver all of Johnston, SC; sixteen nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

April Stokes

Ms. April Stokes departed this earthly life Friday, March 18, 2023, at her residence in Edgefield, SC.

April was the daughter of James Stokes & and the late Ora Mae Coleman. She was born on July 6, 1987.

April was born in New York City, and moved to South Carolina at an early age. She was educated in the Edgefield County School System. She achieved her GED with much pride.

She was baptized as a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. She was employed at Subway Restaurant as a Customer Service Employee.

She was preceded in death by her mother, a brother, Derrick Coleman, her father, James Stokes, and his treasured grandmother Bertha Coleman and other relatives.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her four children whom she deeply loved, Bianca Smith, North Augusta, SC; Ny’Tavious Smith, Gregory Moore, Jr, and Zachary Stokes, all of Edgefield, SC; three brothers, Charles Coleman, Lexington, SC, Brian Lowe, Tampa FL and Jeff McIntosh (Cheryl), Kissimmee FL; three sisters, Charlene Coleman, New Ellenton, SC, and Derricka Coleman Booker, (Charles), Lexington, SC, Corrin Lowe, Tampa, FL, a step- father, John L Gilchrist(Addie Stokes), a treasured friend, Rufus Merriweather, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Edward Chandler

Mr. Edward Chandler, also known as “Hard Times”, “Eddie C”, “Kool Chandler”, departed this life Tuesday, March 7, 2023, in Augusta University Medical Center.

Chandler was the son of Roxanne Corley & the late Eddie Chandler but was raised by Henry Corley. He was born on June 10, 1954.

Edward was born in New York City and moved to South Carolina at an early age. He graduated from Strom Thurmond High School in 1973.

He was employed at Fiber Glass in Aiken, SC. He also worked at the town of Johnston Sanitation Department. He retired from Valley Protein in Ward, SC as a truck driver. He continued to be self-employed as a mechanic until his health failed.

He is proceeded in death by his mother, Roxanne Corley, step-father, Henry Corley, father, Eddie “Trigger” Chandler, and a grandson, Stacy Johnson, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a wife, Mary Chandler, of the home; children, Adrena Chandler, Aiken, SC, Terrell Chandler, Johnston, SC, Stacy Johnson, Augusta, GA; ten grandchildren; 3 Great-Grandchildren; 2 sisters, Evelyn Bethe, Jamaica, NY and Jackie Corley, Jamaica, NY; a devoted cousin known as a sister, Doris Gordon, Delaware, sisters-in-law, Pam Butler(Leon), Johnston, SC, and Rosa Glover(Tommy), Trenton, SC, Sabrina Johnson, North Augusta, SC, 5 brother in-laws, Raymond Johnson(Brenda), Larry Johnson(Anne), both from Johnston, SC, Robert Johnson(Betty), Laurens, SC, Ricky Johnson(Sandra), Aiken, SC, a devoted and loving cousin, Doris Gordon, a god-son, Dwayne Campbell of Aiken, SC, and a very devoted niece, Santana Butler, his nurse, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Edward enjoyed spending his time outdoors. Some of his hobbies were fishing and hunting. He also really enjoyed basketball and mentoring kids.

Edward had great love for his family, including his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and close relatives. He lived a fruitful life , and was cherished by many. He will truly be missed.

Mrs. JoAnn Etheredge Lewis

Mrs. JoAnn Etheredge Lewis was the youngest of six children to the late George and Queen Etheredge, was born on June 14, 1947 in Leesville, South  Carolina.  JoAnn known as “Mimi,” was called to her heavenly home when her life came to an end at 6:14 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

Homegoing services will be held at the graveside on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the B & L Memorial Park, South Lee Street, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina with Reverend Jessica Etheredge Miles, Presiding.

 JoAnn graduated from Twin City High School in 1964, and got her cosmetologist license from The Waverly School of Beauty Culture in 1968.

 After graduation, JoAnn began employment at Wellington Industries in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina as a Relay Calibrator.  In 1965, JoAnn was offered a job as Office Assistant with School District 3 at Batesburg-Leesville High School, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.  After marriage in 1968, JoAnn moved to Washington, DC to join her husband and worked at Maxwell & Tennyson Pharmacy as a Typist.  After returning to the area, she received employment with Department of Mental Health, Columbia, South Carolina as a Beauty Shop Manager in 1973 and received the following certifications:  Fire and Casualty Insurance, Coaching & Team Building for Managers & Supervisors, Providing Continuity of Care Through Team Work, US Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations, Southern Atlantic Healthcare Alliance and Self-Defense Certification.

 JoAnn was preceded in death by one sister, Jeanette Mark and one brother, Joe L. Etheredge.

 She leaves to cherish her memory:  her devoted husband, Robert B. Lewis, Sr. of the home; two sons, Robert B. Lewis, II (Nikkie), Chris Lewis (Felicia) and one daughter, Kenya M. Lewis, all of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, three brothers, James Etheredge of Charleston, South Carolina, Jesse Etheredge of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and John Etheredge of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.