Betty Jean Strom Norman

Edgefield, SC- Funeral Services for Ms. Betty Jean Strom Norman will be held 2:30pm Friday, January 19, 2024 at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Oscar Brown, Pastor/ Officiating Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will be 11:00am -6:00pm Thursday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home.

She was born July 9 , 1954 the daughter of Harrison Strom and Elizabeth Bacon Strom.

She worked for many years in Greenwood County at Carolina Pride.

She leaves to love and cherish her memory a brother Leo (Althea) Strom and may other cherished family and friends.

Jaheim Ahmad Mathis

Johnston, SC - Funeral services for Mr. Jaheim Ahmad Mathis will be held 1:00PM Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at the Shaws Creek Baptist Church. The Rev. Michael Walker is the Pastor/ Eulogist, The Rev. Winston Oliphant will Officiate. Interment will follow in the Sunset Gardens Memorial Park in Johnston, SC.

Viewing will be 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, Tuesday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Johnston, SC.

Jaheim Ahmad Mathis was born to his parents, Richard Mathis, Jr. and Winifar Jean Mathis, on Saturday, November 24, 2001 at University Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. He gained his wings and went to heaven on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at WellStar Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia at the tender age of 22.

Jaheim grew up with his parents and his older brother, Byron Tyrell Mathis, in Johnston, South Carolina. Everyone that knew Jaheim loved him for his characteristic smile and infectious personality. He enjoyed traveling, hanging out with friends, spending time with his family, and attending sporting events.

Jaheim was an avid lover of sports. His favorite teams were the Strom Thurmond Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, and the Dallas Cowboys. As a young boy, it was his dream to play football in high school, college, and in the NFL. Jaheim attended Strom Thurmond High School where he graduated in 2020. While at Strom Thurmond High School, he was a starter on the football team as the left tackle on the offensive line. He went on to attend Limestone University on a football scholarship where he studied general business and played tight end for the Limestone Saints.

Jaheim is survived by his father (Richard Mathis, Jr.), his mother (Winifar Mathis), his brother (Byron Mathis), his sister-in-law (Valeria Lee), his niece (Laila Mathis), his grandmother (Edna Mathis), the love of his life (Taylor Smith), his dog (Ghost), and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Margaret R. (Jackson) Gray

Hephzibah, GA- Funeral Services for Mrs. Margaret R. Gray will be held 11:00am Friday, October 20, 2023 at the Beulah Grove Baptist Church in Augusta, GA. The Rev. Xavier Creekmur, Pastor/Officiating; and the Rev. Dr. Sam Davis, Eulogist. Interment will follow at the Mine Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Johnston, SC. Viewing will be Thursday October 19, 2023 11:00am- 6:00pm at Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Johnston, SC. The family will receive family and friends at the residence in Hepzibah.

Margaret R. (Jackson) Gray was born May 6, 1948 to Elijah and Lillie Bell (Mathis) Jackson all of Johnston, SC. She attended South Carolina public schools and was one of the first black students to graduate from Strom Thurmond High School in 1966. She was a member of Bland Baptist Church in Johnston, SC. At the age of 20 years old, she married the late John Elzia Gray, the son of the late Willie and Bennie Lee (Honey) Gray.  She and her husband traveled a lot in service to their country. She graduated from Kerr Business College, and attended Georgia Military.  She later joined Beulah Grove Baptist Church where she served as the Accountability Director as well as participated in several ministries such as the Card and Craft Ministry.  She had a love for math, crochet, jewelry making, cooking and reading. She loved God and people. She was a good-hearted person who loved to smile and make people laugh. She enjoyed encouraging people and helping those in need.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children Cheryl Gray of Fairburn, GA and Daryl (Jaime Battle) Gray of Marietta, GA, two sisters Mary Lillie (Ulysees) Johnson of Laurinburg, NC, Delores (Sigmon) Jones of Hempstead, NY, one brother-in-law James (Gail) Gray, sisters-in-law Mildred Gray, Sarah Richardson both of Johnston, SC, Virginia Gray of Lodi NJ, Grace Gray of Patterson, NJ, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Catherine Teresa Coleman Butler

Aiken, SC- Funeral Services for Catherine Teresa Coleman Butler will be held 1:00pm Friday, October 13, 2023 at the Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church with the Reverend Casey Duncan Pastor and the Rev erend Dr. Jerome Coleman , Eulogist. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Viewing will be 11:00am - 6:00pm Thursday at Amos & Sons Funeral Home. and the family will recieve family and friends at her residence in Aiken.

Catherine Teresa Coleman Butler was born November 14, 1953, in Edgefield County to the late Deacon Wille Lee Coleman, Sr and Rosa Belle Harris Coleman She peacefully entered into rest at her home on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

She was a graduate of Strom Thurmond High School in Edgefield, SC, class of 1971. Soon after, she married Fred Norman Butler Jr. She worked in textile at Graniteville mill (Townsend) for nearly 20 years, then she moved into customer service at The Pantry, where she worked until 2002. She worked at Riegel Mill as the canteen attendant for nearly 2 years.

She leaves behind four beautiful children who love her dearly. Stephanie (Abdul) Mohammed , Fred "Pop" (Connie) Butler III, Ryan Butler, and Casey (Tony Brown) Butler, all of Aiken, SC. Catherine has 9 grandchildren who love and adore her. Braylin Griffin, Domonique Charley, Chastity Abney, Sofia Akut, Ja'Ryaih Butler, Toniya Briggs, Kimora Williams, Kaziya Williams, Camden Williams, and Niriyah Butler who preceded in death. She was also a GREAT grandmother to Domonique (DJ) Charley Jr., Juwan "Ju" Foulks Jr., and Keylan White, whom she affectionately called "Puna".

Catherine has 3 brothers: Rev. Dr. Jerome (Frances) Coleman of Columbia, SC,  Clyde T. Coleman of Norfolk, VA, Odell (Yvonne) Coleman of Columbia, SC. Three who proceded her in death: Rev. James A. Harris, Jacob S. Coleman, and Willie Lee Coleman., Jr.  She has four sisters: Jannie (Kenny) Molyneaux of Columbia, SC, Nylor P. Coleman of Dallas GA, Doris (Allen) Johnson of North Augusta, SC, and Elder Corine (Leslie) Simpkins of Graniteville SC. 2 Aunts Carrie (Councilman Frank) Daniel of Ward, SC. and Lola Belle Butler of Johnston, SC and 1 Uncle M.C. (Phoebe) Harris, Corona NY. She also has 10 sisters-in-law, 8 brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephew, and cousins. 

Master Sergeant John Albert Watson

Graveside Services for Master Sergeant John Albert Watson will be held 11:00am Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Garden, Johnston. Interment will follow. Reverend Willie Patten, Jr will Officiate.

Master Sergeant John Albert Watson was born to the late Willie and Ella Townson Watson on July 3, 1945 in Edgefield County, SC.

At an early age, he was baptized at the Pine Hill Baptist Church. He was a 1964 graduate of W.E. Parker High School in Edgefield, SC. He worked at Federal Pacific in Edgefield, SC for several years.

He was drafted in the United States Army in 1967. In the Army, he served during the Vietnam Conflict. He received the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and many other awards. He was a member of the 122nd Engineer Battalion in Edgefield, SC, where he worked as a technician. On one of his more memorable deployments, he served in Bosnia (Operation Iraqi Freedom.) He served over 33 years in the military.

He was married to Betty Griffin Watson. This union was blessed with two children. Lisa Watson Dunbar and Christopher Scott Watson.

He leaves to remember and salute his memory, his children, Lisa (Allen) Dunbar, Beech Island, SC and Christopher (Marissa) Watson, Temecula, CA; three grandchildren, D’Andre Dunbar, Layla Mae Watson, and Scott Jacob Watson, two great-grandchildren, Lauren and Lailan Dunbar; a sister, Evorn (Albert) Drumming, Trenton, SC; an aunt, Minnie Buggs, Passaic NJ; two sisters-in-law, Debra Griffin, Trenton, SC, Patsy Mosley, Johnston, SC; two brothers-in-law, Toney (Cora) Griffin, Edgefield, SC and Michael (Petina) Waldo, Saluda, SC; special friends, Fred Marshall, Ronnie Hammond, Paul Collins, Ollie West and Arthur West; and a host of special nieces and nephews whom he loved so much and would do anything for them (smile) and other family members and friends.

Stephen Edward Walker (Steve)

Johnston, SC- Graveside services for Mr. Stephen Edward Walker (Steve) will be held 1:00pm Thursday, September 7, 2023 at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with the Reverend Alfred Bates, Pastor, and the Reverend Lonnie Jones, Officiating. Interment will follow. Viewing will be 11:00 am - 6:00 pm Wednesday at the Funeral Home.

Shirley Herrin Riggins (Gladys)

Homegoing Services for Shirley Herrin Riggins “Gladys” will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, July 29, 2023 at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home Chapel 412 Railroad Avenue Johnston, SC 29832 with the Reverend K’Tron Padgett, Pastor of Reedy Branch Baptist Church acknowledged and the Rev. Dr. Jasper Lloyd, Eulogist. Interment will follow in the Reedy Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. Viewing will be 11:00am -6:00pm Friday at the funeral home.

We have come together today to celebrate and honor the life of Ms. Shirley (Gladys) Herrin Riggins. A wife, aunt, great aunt and loving sister, who God has removed from this life into eternal life.

Ms. Shirley Herrin Riggins, daughter of the late Robert and Lelia Johnson Herrin was born in Saluda County South Carolina on December 12, 1936. On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Shirley went home to be with the Lord.

SHE WAS A FAITHFUL MEMBER OF Reedy Branch Baptist Church. She served on the Senior Choir for years.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lelia Herrin, four sisters, Dorothy, Frances, Lucy and Connie, and three brothers, Clyde, Ben, and Herbert.

Precious memories of Shirley will linger on in the hearts and minds of her sister, Mildred Herrin, brother, Eugene (Easter) Herrin, a devoted niece, Johnnie Mae Bush (Jackson), and family, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, extended family and other sorrowing friends.

Julian Still Waldo aka "JJ"

JJ’s Life Story

Johnston, SC - Funeral Services for Mr. Julian “JJ” Waldo Jr. will be held 1:00pm Wednesday , July 19, 2023 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. The Rev. Alfred Bates is Pastor and the Eulogist is Rev. Sammie Williams. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Viewing will be from 11:00am- 6:00pm Tuesday.

During the morning of July 13, 2023, our beloved Julian Still Waldo, Jr., affectionately known as JJ, saw a light of glory and began his journey home. Julian was born October 22, 1982, in Edgefield County, to Ollie Mae Bush-Waldo and the late Julian Still Waldo, Sr. Julian was a 2000 graduate of Strom Thurmond High School. He also attended Clemson University and graduated from USC-Aiken. He was employed at the Aiken Tri-Development Center as a Brain Injury Specialist for many years.

JJ was a great man who was loved by all and always offered a cheerful smile and words of encouragement to anyone who needed it. He loved to joke and had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed cooking like his father. He also enjoyed video gaming with his children, reading, and movies.

Julian leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his homegoing, his loving and devoted mother, Ollie Mae Waldo of Johnston, SC, his three children, a son, Kanye Tyler Waldo and two daughters, Hannah Celeste Waldo and Krystal Nicole Waldo, all of Johnston, SC, a sister, Junetta Waldo Butler, Myrtle Beach, SC, a nephew, Jaden Bakari Butler, a niece, Derrien Nicole Butler, both of Myrtle Beach, SC, four aunts, two uncles, and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.

Theora Lott Gray

Johnston, SC- Funeral Services for Mrs. Theora Lott Gray will be held Wednesday, July 5, 2023; 2:00 pm at the Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church 943 McCreight St. Johnston, SC 29832 with the Reverend Casey L. Duncan Sr., Pastor and the Reverend John Gibson, Eulogist.

Mrs.Theora Lott Gray, a native of Edgefield County, SC was born on September 15, 1944, the daughter of the late Claude Lott, Sr and Leora Blocker Lott. She boarded the Heavenly train bound for her Heavenly Home, June 23, 2023 at the Aiken Regional Medical Center in Aiken, SC following a trying illness.

She received her education in the public schools of Edgefield County.

She worked over thirty years Nurses Aide and as a Home Health Aide with Shans Point Nursing Facilities in New York. She was an invaluable worker and trusted work friend.

Mrs. Gray was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Lott, Sr. and Theora Blocker Lott, siblings, Claude Lott, Jr. and Johnnie Mae Morris and other treasured family and friends.

Ms. Theora leaves to miss, love honor and cherish her memory, four sons, Robert James , Johnston, SC Ave ry James, Sr, Long Island, NY, Ira Dell James, Johnston, SC and Sherman James, Jr. (Cynthia), Long Island, NY; three sisters, Nora Bell Moore, Ridge Spring, SC, Betty Seal, Long Island, NY and Annie Dinkins, Johnston, SC; eleven grandchildren, Natasha Renee James, Danisha Nicole James, Mone’t Robin James, Avery James, Jr, Shaniqua Taylor(Demetrius), Jamar James, Cherrelle James, Sherman James, Jr. , Ira James, Jr., Quiana Berry and Irys Berry; twenty-greatgrandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Jerol W. Mitchell

Funeral Services for Mr. Jerol W. Mitchell was held 2:00 PM Sunday, June 11, 2023 at the Republican Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Willie Patten, Pastorand the Bishop Billy Smith, Eulogist. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Mr. Jerol Willoloph Mitchell departed this earthly life Thursday, June1, 2023, in Graniteville, SC.

Jerol was the son of the late Rudolph Washington, Sr. and Seleaner Mitchell Washington. He was born on August 9, 1968. Jerol was born in Saluda County, SC , He was educated in the Edgefield County School System. He graduated from Strom Thurmond High School .

She was employed at Hubbell Power Systems for over 17 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and three siblings, (Teresa M. Holloway, Darlene M Upson

and Rudolph Washington, Jr.

He leaves to love honor and cherish his memories, a fiancé, Marilyn Patrick, Aiken, SC; a son, Gerald

Mitchell, Aiken, SC; three brothers, Marion Earl Mitchell (Alma), Aiken, SC, Willie Washington,

Johnston, SC and Tyrone Mitchell, Charlotte, NC a Aunt Clara Key, Philadelphia, PA and a host of nieces

nephews other relatives and sorrowing friends.