Mrs. Ella Ree Dozier-Wigfall

Batesburg-Leesville - Mrs. Ella Ree Dozier-Wigfall gracefully entered on Earth, the baby of fifteen children, on February 24th, 1955, in Batesburg (Saluda County), South Carolina, to the late Mr. Brazie Dozier and the late Mrs. Thelma Lowman-Dozier.  She elegantly departed this life on September 27th, 2024.

Ella Ree first received her education from the Twin City High School, then the Batesburg-Leesville High School.

 Two years after high school, Ella Ree joined in union with Mr. Anthony Wigfall, Sr. on November 29th, 1975.  Their union consisted of five children, Anthony Wigfall, Jr. of Jonesboro, Georgia, Thelmanee Wigfall of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, Joseph Wigfall  of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Shirlene Wigfall of Lexington County, South Carolina and the late Anthony Williams.

Mostly everyone who knew Ella Ree knew that she had an exceptional ability in gardening! Passersby would see her and her family tending to her various flower gardens on any given day.  The onlookers were constantly amazed by her gorgeous floral arrangements and often sought knowledge from Ella Ree on how they could achieve the same results.  One of her favorite tips was to apply love, patience, and a smidgen of Miracle-Gro!

Not only was Mrs. Wigfall known for her gardening but also for her ability to make people laugh. No matter the person’s mood or type of day, she’d always find a way to put a smile on their face!

For many years, Ella Ree was a member of the Christian Chapel FBH Church in Batesburg, South Carolina.  From there, she moved her membership to the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Leesville, South Carolina.  While at Christian Chapel, Ella Ree was the usher board director and the junior and senior choir director.  While at St. Mark, she was a member of the senior choir.

She was employed by Lexington County School District Three for 20 years, later for the Aiken County Public School District, and after six years of hard work and dedication, she retired. After retiring, she returned to work for the Aiken County Public School District. Mrs. Wigfall had the work ethic of no other!  She worked tirelessly to ensure her job tasks were done thoroughly. She received several awards and accolades for her work. She also assisted the family of Mr. David Sawyer, Jr. for 41 years.

Ella Ree was preceded in death by sisters - Earlene Coleman, Mary Whitt, Julie Mae Outz, and Mabel Stroman; brothers - Frank Dozier, Robert Dozier, Joseph Dozier, James Dozier, Albert Harris, and Lawrence Dozier.

In addition to her loving husband and adoring four children, Ella Ree leaves to cherish her memory, nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sisters – Anna Wright and Evanise Johnson, sisters-in-law – Gladys Dozier, Louisa Burton, Willie Mae Taylor, Doris Wigfall, Priscilla Jeffcoat and Shelia Harris; brothers-in-law – Henry (Joann) Wigfall, Eddie Wigfall and Ronnie Wigfall; childhood friends - Betty Jo Etheredge and Janet Jackson, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and loving friends.

Ella Ree administered agape love to her family, friends, and everyone she encountered. She will always be missed by those whose lives she has impacted.

Homegoing Services were held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the St. Marks Missionary Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Road, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina 29070. Reverend Dr. Amos O. Harling, Jr. was the officiating pastor.

William Lee Mathis

Aiken, SC- Funeral Services for Mr. William Lee Mathis will be held 1:00pm Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Rosa Spring Baptist Church, Rosa Spring Road, Johnston, SC 29832. the Rev. Winston G. Oliphant, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will be Thursday September 26, 2024 at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home 11:00am-6pm.

William Lee Mathis was called from his earthly life to his Heavenly home on September 19, 2024. He was born to William “Bruh” Mathis and Annie Belle Payton Mathis on January 6, 1982 in Edgefield County, SC.

Lee attended Edgefield County School System.

He was a man who loved to work with his hands and he love to see beauty in the thing he had contact with. Lee also loved to refurnish used goods. But, he specialized in Lawn care .

He leaves to love honor and cherish his memory, his children, Jayquan Mathis, Derisee Mathis and Cassidy Mathis,; his mother Annie Belle Mathis; siblings, Annie Lee Mathis, (Roy), Aiken, SC, Stacie Johnsto, Edgefield, SC, Gunza Lee Mathis Aiken, SC, Keith Mathis, Edgefield, SC Dennis Key(Chan) Johnston, SC, and many other family and friends.

Leonard Walker

Funeral Services for Mr. Leonard Walker will be held 11:00am Saturday, September 14, 2024. The Overseer Melinda Watts will officiate. Viewing will be at the Funeral Home one hour before the service at Amos & Sons Funeral Home.

Leonard Ricardo Walker, age 72, departed this life on August 28, 2024 at his home in Johnston South Carolina. Leonard was born on June 30th, 1952, to the late Sadie Walker and father Bernard.

Leonard received his childhood education in Washington D.C. District of Columbia public schools. He was known as a very skillful drummer. Leonard made his career in the music industry playing for many bands as lead drummer. He traveled many states using his talent as a drummer to entertain the world. He will be greatly missed by those who’s life he impacted with his amazing gift.

His mother Sadie Walker and brother Eric Walker preceded his death.

He leaves to cherish his memories his daughter Jasmine Walker of Miami Florida.

One sister Chiquita M. Walker Washington D.C., Three brothers, Ricky Walker (Laura Flemings) Washington D.C., Marlon (Sheila) Walker of Hyattsville Maryland, William III (Felicia) Lawson Clinton Maryland. Two grandchildren Remington Walker Alanta Ga, Raniya Lee Miami Florida and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Sister Ruth Smith

Funeral Services for Sister Ruth Smith will be held 12 Noon, Monday, September 16, 2024 at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Johnston. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Lewis Burt, is the Pastor and will officiate. Viewing will be 11--7 PM Sunday, at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

SISTER RUTH SMITH A TRUE DISCIPLE OF CHRIST DEPARTED THIS EARTHY LIFE ON SEPTEMBER 11,2024 SURROUNDED BY HER FAMILY.

SHE WAS BORN ON FEBUARY 13,1948 THE YOUNGEST CHILD OF THE LATE JAMES EDWARD MARSHAL SMITH AND REBECCA STEVENS SMITH. SHE ACCEPTED CHRIST AT A EARLY AGE AND WAS A LONG TIME MEMBER OF MT. CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH.

SHE WAS EDUCATED IN EDEGEFIELD COUNTY. SHE ATTENDED 1 ST AND 2 ND GRADE AT WARD SCHOOL:

THEN SHE ATTENDED 3 RD TIL 8 TH GRADE AT JOHNSTON TRAINING SCHOOL. THEN SHE ATTENDED EGDEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL, THEN LATER MOVED AND WENT TO WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT SCHOOL NIGHT CLASSES IN CINCINNATI, OHIO. AFTER HIGH SCHOOL SHE ATTENDED THE JOBCORPS FOR 2+YEARS WITH PAY AND MAJORED IN NURSING ASSISTANT. SHE WORKED AT LONGVIEW STATE HOSPITAL IN CINCINNATI, OHIO. SHE WORKED AT LIGHT NURSING HOME IN CINCINNATI OHIO. SHE ALSO WORKED AT GOLDEN CREST NURSING HOME IN CIN.OHIO. LASTLY SHE ALSO WORKED AT OAK PAVILLION NURSING HOME IN CINCINNATI, OHIO FOR MANY YEARS. SISTER RUTH SMITH WAS ALWAYS SHARING THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD EVERY OPPORTUNITY SHE HAD., ALWAYS UPON LEAVING HER PRESENCE SHE HAD A SCRIPTURE TO LEAVE WITH YOU.

SISTER RUTH SMITH LOVED HER DAUGHTER LINDA AND FAMILY. SHE LIVED HER LIFE ALWAYS CHECKING ON AND ENCOURAGING HER FAMILY. SHE WAS PRESEEDED IN DEATH BY HER LATE HUSBAND JAMES H WOOLEY OF CINCINNAT, OHIO, HER PARENTS JAMES AND REBECCA SMITH. ALSO, A HOST OF SIBLINGS: BUNION SMITH, WILLIE JAMES SMITH, ALLEN SMITH, BENNIE LEE SMITH, LEONARD SMITH SR. EARL SMITH, BENNIE SMITH, JIMEL SMITH, DOROTHY SMITH, AND GLADY WEAVER.

LEFT TO CHERISH HER PRECIOUS MEMORIES ARE HER DAUGHTER LINDA POUGH MCMANUS/HANDY HER GRANDSONS THOMAS POUGH JR./RACINE, LAMAR POUGH, TWO GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER TAYLOR AND MADISON POUGH, SISTER-IN-LAW LOUISE SMITH, ALSO A DEVOTED BROTHER ALVIN SMITH/BEULAH WHO IS THE ROCK OF THE FAMILY. AS WELL AS A HOST OF NIECES AND NEPHEWS AND FRIENDS. WHO SHE LOVED DEARLY

Mr. Lionell Haynes

Funeral Services for Mr. Lionell Haynes will be Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the Mt. Alpha Baptist Church with the Rev. Eldwin Griffin Pastor/ Officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will be Saturday, at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home from 1-7PM.

Lionell Haynes was born March 31, 1983, in Augusta, GA. He is the son Robby Haynes, Sr. and the late Leomia Felder Haynes. He departed this life early Saturday morning, September 7, 2024, at his home in Johnston, SC.

He grew up in Augusta, GA, and spent most of his life in the Augusta area. He attended Butler High School in

Augusta, GA. After school, he worked for Tro-Jan Labor and KFC. After leaving KFC, he was Self Employed until his passing.

Lionell was preceded in death by his mother, Leomia Felder Haynes, nephew, Robby Haynes, III, of Augusta, GA, and a niece, Jordan Haynes, of Atlanta, GA.

He is survived by his father, Robby Haynes, Sr. (Rosie), North Augusta, SC, a brother, Robby Haynes, Jr.,

(Takeyia), Augusta, GA, a brother, Alfonso Quiller, a nephew, Zane Haynes, Augusta, GA, a very special aunt, Betty Williams, three, special uncles, Bernard Haynes, Clifton, Felder and Calvin Felder, two special nieces, Malia and Kemari Dorsey, Augusta, GA, and a loving host of uncles, aunts, cousins and sorrowing friends.

Mr. Frazier "Stanley" Holmes

Graveside Services for Mr. Frazier Holmes will be held 12 Noon at the Young Piney Grove Baptist Church on September 17, 2024 with the Eldwin Griffin, Officiating/ Eulogist.

Viewing will be 11-6:30 Monday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home.

Frazier was a humble man. He was a man with a free spirit and he was always smiling. He was a good worker and didn’t mind working. He was a “Jack of All Trades” because he could and would help family and friends. He also would support himself by being a “Jack of All Trades”.

He will be dearly missed by his children, Courtney Holmes, Aiken, SC, Antonio Young, North Augusta, SC, and Lakito Williams, Aiken. SC, siblings, Belinda Holmes, Willie Ruth Holmes (James), both of Trenton, SC, Denise Abney (John), Johnston, SC, Michael Holmes, Johnston, SC, Betty Jean Holmes, Bruce Holmes (Tina), 4 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, aunts and uncles, Peggy Holmes, Polly Holmes, Heyward Holmes, Tina Holmes, Bennie Ruth Holmes, Margaret Holmes, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Larry "Lee Lee" Holmes

Funeral Services for Mr. Larry Holmes will be held 12 Noon at the Rosa Spring Baptist Church on September 13, 2024 with the Rev. Winston. Oliphant Pastor and the Rev. Lonnie Jones Officiating/ Eulogist.

Viewing will be 11-7 Thursday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home.

Larry “Lee Lee” Holmes was born on March 3, 1968, to Clorie Holmes and the late Allen Holmes.

Larry was educated in the Edgefield County School System.

He loved God and he was a good man. He was a private man but at times he enjoyed socializing with others. Larry was employed at GroundForce Landscaping. He was still employed there at the time

of his untimely passing.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his mom, Clorie Holmes, 3 daughters, Monique Miles, Johnston, SC, Latasha Holmes, Washington, D.C., Lavisia Holmes, Charleston, SC, one son, Jeremiah Williams, McCormick, SC, a sister, Ethel (Alonzo) Chinn, 7 brothers, Alphonzo (Carrol) Holmes, Aiken, SC. David (Twanna) Holmes, Charles (Brenda) Holmes, Charlie (Belinda) Holmes, Timothy (Stella) Holmes, Hattisburg, MS, Gary West, Aiken, SC, and Billie Braxton, Trenton, SC, 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 4 uncles, 7 aunts, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

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.

Mr. William "Tony" Anderson

Funeral Services for Mr. William “Tony” Anderson will be held 11:00am Friday, August 30, 2024 at the Pine Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Casey Duncan Pastor and the Rev. Glenn H. Andrews , Eulogist. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family is receiving family and friends at the residence. Viewing will be 2:00pm- 7:00pm Thursday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Johnston, SC.

William “Tony” Anderson, was called from this earthly life to his Heavenly reward on Monday, August 25, 2024, at Peidmont Augusta Healthcare Center, in Augusta. He was the son of Woodrow Anderson, Sr. and Sara Ann Andrews Anderson. He was born on July 26, 1940, in Oyster Bay, New York.

“Tony” as he was affectionately known, was educated in the schools of Edgefield County. He was a hardworking man and spent many years working as a welder for Tranter Industries in Edgefield.

Tony met, fell in love and married Omelia Talbert in 1968. Over 56 years, “Tony” shared his life, ups and downs, good and bad, and a lot of life’s milestones with the love of his life, Omelia Talbert. This was a bond that grew stronger as the years continued. This bond produced one son, Darrin Anderson. Tony was truly loved and will be missed dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Woodrow Jr., Charles Arthur, and Horace Anderson. Also, two sisters preceded him in death, Pearl Jean Emanuel and Mary Frances.

He leaves to love, honor, and cherish his memories, his beloved wife of 56 years, Omelia T. Anderson, of the home; a son, Darrin Anderson; two sisters, Elizabeth Coates, Philadelphia, PA and Gail Anderson, Aiken, SC, a brother, Nathan Anderson, Sr. (Louise), Phoenix AZ; sisters-in-law, Shirley Anderson, Marie Anderson, Yvonne Anderson, Alpha Carr, Waldorf, MD, Beatrice Plater, Edgefield, Annie Christie, Edgefield, Martha Walker, Edgefield, SC, Janie Ruth Talbert, McCormick, SC, Joanne Talbert, Greensboro NC, and Mildred Goodwin, an aunt, Farie Bell Andrews, Johnston, SC, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and 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.