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.

Marlene Dukes Kenner

Funeral Services for Mrs. Marlene Dukes Kenner will be held 1:00 pm Friday, September 23, 2022 at the United Church Of God (77 Edisto Street, Johnston, SC 29832) with the Elder George Gore, Pastor. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery (488 Archie Ware Road, Trenton, SC 29847.)

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there will be no more death.

Rev. 21:4

Marlene Dukes Kenner was called from her labor into her reward on Thursday morning, September 15th, 2022 in Anderson, SC surrounded by family. She was born in Edgefield County on June 15th, 1959 as a twin of the late Marvin Dukes (Brother) to her proud parents, the late James Dukes, Jr. and Rosa Mae Dukes. 

Marlene received her education from Edgefield County Public Schools. She began babysitting directly after high school. At the age of 29 she was united into holy matrimony to the late Allen Kenner on July 5th 1988. They were married for 33 years until his passing on September 29, 2021.

She began her membership with The United Church of God, where she was baptized and later filled with the Holy Ghost. She served on the kitchen committee for 19 years where she had a love for cooking .Her specialty was dressing and peach cobbler.

She was employed at Sandra’s Daycare in Aiken, SC for several years. In her spare time she loved decorating for events and doing crafts. 

She was a great wife, mother, and friend. Her love for people and laughter made everyone want to be around her. She made friends with everyone she came into contact with.  Her love for dresses, hats, dresses and perfume (Red Door) was undeniable. 

Marlene leaves to cherish her memory her daughters: Kimberly Cheatham (Lamont Cheatham) of Anderson, SC and Shera Kenner (Willie Hopkins, Jr.) of Johnston, SC; grandchildren Makayla Cheatham, McKenzie Cheatham, James Cheatham of Anderson, SC; Brothers: Tony Jackson (Wanda Jackson) and Toriona (Leandra) Payne, North Augusta, SC; sisters: Brenda Oakman (Otis Oakman) of Ridge Spring, SC, Janie Mae Dukes of Johnston, SC, Ann Milligan of Johnston, SC, a God-child, Sueann Campbell of Ridge Spring, SC; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles. cousins and friends. 

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.

Thelma Butler Key

Mrs. Thelma Butler Key, daughter of the late Grant and Carrie Williams Butler, was born on February 29, 1944, in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Sadly, on June 6, 2022, she was called home to rest in peace after a brief illness.

At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and became a member of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church. Later in life, she moved her membership to Bethlehem Baptist Church.  She was an active member and she served on the Senior Choir.

She received her education at the Butler School System of Edgefield County. She graduated from W.E. Parker High School in 1963. She was a Homemaker.

She leaves to cherished her memory to her husband of 58 years, Mr. Otis Key, Sr., two daughters, Annette Key, Aiken, SC, (        ),   Katherine Key,  four sons, Otis (Sandra) Key, Johnston, SC, Alvin (Tara) Key, Aiken, SC, Johnny (Falisha) Key, Johnston, SC, Marvin (Tanika) Key, Aiken, SC, one brother-in-law, Sam (Janie) Key, Edgefield, SC,  four sisters-in-law, Ethel Butler, and Lillie Mae Jones, both of Trenton, SC, Katherine Butler, Edgefield, SC, and sixteen grandchildren.

Final services will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11:00 am at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Edgefield, SC. Interment will be in Keys Memorial Gardens.

Brent Lashae Johnson

Brent Lashae Johnson was born June 11, 1977. She was the daughter of Carrie B. Gray Johnson and the late Sylvester Johnson. She was the youngest of four children.

As a young  child she was baptized a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.

 Brent was a native of Edgefield County where she attended Edgefield County Schools. She was very active in school, playing the trumpet in band and many other activities in school. She was a 1994 graduate of Strom Thurmond. Following graduation, she attended Barder College.

Brent  worked for many years at Michelin Tire Company and Amick Farms. 

She was a loving and caring woman, she loved her children. They kept her going. She loved vacationing and traveling. To sum up her life , BRENT loved Life!!!  There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her family and those she loved. Her memory will forever be in our hearts.

Preceding her in death is her father, Sylvester Johnson.

She leaves to love honor and cherish her beautiful memories: two children, Octavia Ethridge, California, and Jayden Curtis, Johnston, SC; her mother, Carrie Johnson, Johnston, SC;  three siblings, Angie (Harold) Nash, Greenville, SC, Tenneyson Gray(Burnell), New York and Chandlor Martin (Bernard), Aiken, SC and a host of nieces , nephews,  other relatives and friends. 

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2022 at 11:00 am at Sunset Memorial Garden in Johnston, SC.

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.