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.

Bennie Louise Daniels

Atlanta, GA - Homegoing Services for Bennie Louise Daniels will be held at 11:00am on Monday, July 24, 2023, at the Mine Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 1799 Johnson Hwy, Johnston, SC 29832 with the Reverend Johnny T. Peterson, Pastor/ Eulogist. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Viewing will be 11:00am - 6:00pm Sunday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home.

Bennie Louise Daniels was born on September 13, 1951, to the late Joe Cephus and Eunice Price in Saluda, SC. She graduated from Riverside High School in 1969. She was baptized at a young age at Mine Creek Missionary Baptist Church. She worked for AT& T (formally C & P) for 30+ years working her way up to management. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Strayer University. She would later start working on government contracts. She lived her life to the fullest and enjoyed every step until her death on July 9, 2023, where she was surrounded by her sons.

She loved going to the casinos, traveling and spending time with her family. Bennie loved her family and would drive to any event that someone was having, with no hesitation. She had a bleeding heart to help anyone in need with money or a place to stay. She would give you her last, whether it was to family, friends, or people she did not know. She touched the lives of many, their lives have been enriched by her.

She was loved by many and is now in heaven to be reunited with her parents, daughter Brenda Daniels, son Frank Daniels, brothers Earnest Price, James Price, Sammie Price, Stanley Weaver, sisters Corressia Dobbs, Denise Price and Johnnie Mae Belton.

She leaves in peace to cherish her memories: 2 sons, James D’Angelo Daniels of Stone Mountain, GA and Rick Young (LaShawn) of Waldorf, MD; 11 grandchildren, Bene’ Daniels, Antonio Chuckie McIntyre, Chavez Childress, Christopher Gardner, David Bryant, Tracy Young, Donovan Lowery, Kendra Lowery, Shauntazia Spencer and Ebony Pagan; 11 great-grandchildren, brother Fredrick Price (Pamela), sisters Willie Jo Price, Vivian Price, Judy Wilson, and Mildred Asante’, 3 aunts Nellie Smith, Sarah Richardson, Mildred Gray and 1 uncle, James Gray and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and 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.

Lesia Marie Martin

Funeral Services for Ms. Lesia Marie Martin will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023; 2:30 pm at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, 412 Railroad Avenue, Johnston, SC 29832 with the Reverend Mary Burton, Eulogist.

Ms.Lesia Marie Martin, a native of Edgefield County, SC was born on September 23, 1967, the daughter of the late Joe Chester Martin, Sr and Annie Laura Townsend Martin. She boarded the Heavenly train bound for her Heavenly Home, July 2, 2023 at her residence.

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

She worked over for Amick Farms for years She was an invaluable worker and trusted worker and friend.

Lesia was a selectively reserved young lady who could be full of life and she enjoyed living life.

Ms. Martin was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Chester Martin, Sr and Annie Laura Townsend Martin, siblings, Joe Chester Martin, Jr., Annie Mae Martin, Ricky Martin, Tony Martin and Timothy Martin and other treasured family and friends.

Ms. Lesia Martin leaves to miss, love, honor and cherish her memory, four siblings, Jacqueline Faye Martin, Ella Adrena Martin(Cheyenne), Vivian Florence Martin and Fred Michael Martin all of Johnston, SC; a special friend, Jimmy Simpkins, Johnston, SC an uncle, Ernest Martin, nine nieces and nephews, (Ricky Martin, Jr., AJ Martin, Travis Martin, Terrence Martin, Jeremy Martin, April Martin, Ashley Martin, Belinda Martin and Shannon Martin) twenty-two great-nieces and great-nephews and other treasured relatives and friends.

Tiarah Vashaz Alewine

Johnston, SC-Funeral for Ms. Tiarah Vashaz Alewine, was held 1:00PM, Saturday, July 1, 2023 at the Reedy Branch Baptist Church with the Reverend K’Tron Padgett, Pastor and the Bishop A.D. Hyman, Eulogist. Interment followed in the church Cemetery.

Tiarah V. Alewine gained her Heavenly wings on June 22, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Mattie Alewine Stevens and Bobby Stevens of Johnston, SC. Tiarah resided in Johnston all of her life . She was born on July 23, 1992. She attended the Strom Thurmond High School and was a 2012 graduate .

SHe was a huge fan and supporter of Mickey Mouse and Butterflies. Her favorite sayings were “Calm Down, and Take It Easy, and NO,NO, NO” She will forever be loved and missed.

She leaves to love honor and cherish her memory: three brothers, her twin, Tyrell Alewine (Dequilla), Saluda, SC, Timothy Alewine, Saluda, SC and Antonio Coleman, Wisconsin; a sister, Shequila Alewine, Johnston; SC; a special friend, Alfred Smith, Batesburg, SC; two nieces, Zamaria Alewine and Zakarei Alewine both of Saluda, SC; a nephew, Jermarious Griffin, Saluda, SC; aunts, Rosa Robertson (Butler) Edgefield, SCand Pricilla Coates(David), Johnston, two uncles, Frontis Alewine, Johnston, SC and Melvin Alewine(Kendra), Saluda, SC; a special god-sister, Ashlee Carroll, Foxworth TX; and a hos of other aunts uncles cousins god-brothers and sisters and her spiritual father, Bishop Aristarchus Donte Hyman (Estelle).

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.

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.