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.

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.

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.

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.