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. Booker T. Williams, Jr.

Johnston, SC - Funeral Services for Mr. Booker T. Williams, Jr. were held Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm at Rosa Spring Baptist Church, Rosa Spring Road, Johnston, SC 29832, with the Rev. Winston G. Oliphant, Pastor, officiating. Interment followed in the Sunset Gardens Memorial Park in Johnston, SC.

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Mr. Booker T. Williams, Jr., was called from this earthly life on Monday, June 24, 2024, at his residence. He was born to Dora Mae Williams and the late Booker T. Williams, Sr., on November 22, 1955, in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Booker T was educated in the schools of Edgefield County. He grew up and was baptized in the Rosa Spring Baptist Church. He was a hard worker who worked for many years for Amick Farms.

Booker T enjoyed being with family and friends. Numerous family and friends spent time laughing and talking sports (Atlanta Falcons) and life on his front porch. His fellowship and wit will forever be missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Booker T. Williams, Sr., and a brother, Willie Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Dora Mae Williams, Johnston, SC; children, Lamont (April) Herrin, Johnston, SC, Keyshea McKinney (Keith), Stratford, CT, Jermaine O. Walker, Greensboro, NC, Takisha (Chad) Gilchrist, Johnston, SC; brothers and sisters, Vivian (Willie J.) Mathis, Doris Ann Padgett, Paulette (Curtis) Burton, Clarence (Doris) Williams, Danny (Pam) Williams, Brenda (Ronni) Mathis, honorary sister, Julia (James) Childs, 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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.

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.

Mrs. Willie Mae Caldwell Bynem

Leesville, SC — Mrs. Willie Mae Caldwell Bynem was born on July 30, 1918 to the late Joseph and Alice Davenport-Caldwell.  She was second to the youngest of 15 siblings, all of whom have preceded her in death.

Willie Mae was educated in Newberry County public schools until her family relocated to Leesville, South Carolina where she met and married her late husband of 55 years, Clarence Leon Bynem, Sr. From that union came five children, three boys and two girls. Clarence Leon Bynem, Jr. (Washington DC, preceded her in death), Leonard Lorenzo Bynem (Wagener, South Carolina, preceded her in death), Thelma Louise Bynem Thompson (Irmo, South Carolina), Elzie Lee Bynem (Jacksonville, Florida, preceded her in death) and Deaconess Evelyn Bynem Green (Suitland, Maryland).

She tirelessly worked various jobs to provide for and educate her children and many grandchildren, including “town beautician” where everyone came to get a press n’ curl.   She was an active member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church for 75+ years; having served on the senior choir as second lead, church secretary, Deaconess and Mother of the Church.  Prior to becoming a member of St. Mark, she was a member of St. John CME Church.  She loved her Pastor Amos O. Harling Jr. and First Lady Emma Harling.

Willie Mae was of service to everyone in need of advice, guidance, council, a warm meal and always a helping hand in her community.  She loved to fish and garden and enjoyed cruises in her latter years.

Those left to carry on her legacy are:  her two daughters – Thelma Louise Bynem Thompson of Irmo, South Carolina and Deaconess Evelyn Bynem Green of Suitland, Maryland; a loving daughter-in-law – Ella Mae Bynem of Wagener, South Carolina; twenty grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren followed by numerous great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Homegoing services will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023 at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Batesburg-Leesville, SC. Interment was in the St. Mark Baptist Church cemetery.

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.

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.

Annie Ruth Small Bowers

Batesburg-Leesville

Mrs. Annie Ruth Small Bowers, born on March 29, 1942 to the late Lindy Small and Oscar Johnson, departed this earthly life on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at her home in Monetta, South Carolina.

Annie Ruth was affectionately known as “Big Ma” to many of her family and friends. She attended Aiken County public schools and worked at Amick Farms for several years until her health began to fail. She was a homemaker until her death.

She was a member of Monetta Baptist Church. Annie Ruth accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and loved to talk about the Lord. She also loved listening to her gospel music.

Annie Ruth leaves to cherish her precious memories: her loving children – Diane Fuller, Janis Small and Clarence Small all of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, William David Small of Gilbert, South Carolina, James Willie Bowers and Annette Bowers, both of Monetta, South Carolina; her loving sisters and brothers – Lula Mae (Ollice) Conner, Mary Jane Cyrus, Herbert Small, William Small, Patricia Small, Robert Small, Charles Small, Brenda Small and Calvin Small, all of Ridge Spring, South Carolina; ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; two special caregivers who held a special place in her heart – Cryshenda “Pudding Pie” Caudle and Willie “Lee Lee” Burton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends who will miss her deeply.