Week of December 16, 2015

Janet Rabb Pohlman, age 63, passed away December 8, 2015 surrounded by her loving family and friends. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Mt. Dora, FL Thursday, December 17th at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at the church.

Janet was born January 5, 1952 in Florence. She was a graduate of St. John’s High School in 1970, and attended Winthrop College. Janet was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Eustis, FL.

Janet’s family and friends include her husband, Michael S. Pohlman; her mother, Mary H. Rabb Randall of New Smyrna, FL; her brother, Thomas M. (Pam) Rabb of Darlington; her daughter, Mary Morgan Winchester of Mount Dora, FL; and her much loved grandchildren, Bryce and Jewel Winchester.

Janet was predeceased by her father, Thomas Rabb; and her loving second father, Jack Randall.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of one’s choice.

A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.

Jack Owen Woodham, age 89, husband of Rudell Webb Woodham, passed away December 12, 2015. A funeral service was held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 15th at Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Darlington, with graveside service following at Grove Hill Cemetery, directed by Belk Funeral Home.

Jack was born the twin brother of Jill Norwood on October 24, 1926, to the late Marie Windham Woodham Taylor and the late Owen S. Woodham. He was a man that was always in charge because of his vast experiences. He leaves a legacy of courage and determination. Jack strived to treat everyone fairly, and expected the same in return. He will be missed by his family, his church family, and his many friends.

Jack was a man of many hats. In his lifetime, his expertise consisted of serving in the Navy in WWII in the Philippines, upholstery work, farming, security work, and last but not least, construction using heavy equipment. He was the owner and operator of Indian Hill Farms for many years.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Rudell Webb Woodham of Darlington, are his son, Bruce (Chloris) Woodham of Darlington; his daughters, Gloria W. (Rob) Joye of Darlington, and Nena (James) Millar of Florence; his twin sister, Jill Norwood; his brothers, Freddie (Pat) Woodham of Brooks, GA, and Billy (Linda) Taylor of Lexington; his grandsons, Donavan Avin of Pikeville, TN, and Trent (Genia) Avin of Darlington; his granddaughters, Candice (Wade) Fryer of Darlington, Rebecca Hollis of Darlington, and Heather (Charles) Strickland of Florence; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Ethel Craft Woodham; his sisters, Helen McKain and Amy Hawkins; and his brothers, Frances Woodham and Tommy Taylor.

The family received friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Monday, December 14th at Belk Funeral Home, and other times at 1469 Potato House Rd in Darlington.
In lieu of flower donations, memorials may be made in his name to Faith Free Will Baptist Church, 1309 Lamar Hwy Darlington, S.C. 29532.

A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth Shuman Ervin, age 82, died Monday, December 7, 2015 at the McLeod Hospice House. A memorial service was held at St. Matthew’s Church in Darlington at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 13, 2015. The family received friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 12 at Belk Funeral Home.
Born in Kalamazoo, MI on July 7, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Joe Frederick Shuman and the late Rosanna Engeler Shuman, and the stepdaughter of the late Jackie Sallenger Shuman. Mrs. Ervin was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Duke University with an AB in English, and taught at St. Johns High School in Darlington until she retired to spend time with her grandchildren. Lib was a member of St. Matthews Church in Darlington for over 65 years.

She is survived by her husband, William C. Ervin, Sr.; two sons: William C. Ervin, Jr. (Julie), and Joe (Gena) Ervin, all of Darlington; a daughter, Lynne Sherron of Mt. Pleasant; four grandchildren: Elizabeth (Paul) Thebo, Allie Ervin, Will Ervin, and Anna Ervin; and a great-grandson, Dargan Thebo. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Samuel Fulton Ervin, Jr.; and sisters-in-law, Susann Ervin and Ellen Ervin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthews Church, 210 S. Main St., Darlington, S.C. 29532.

A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.

Evelyn Blackman, 88, of Darlington and wife of the late Robert Arthur Blackman, Jr. died on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in High Hill Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery, directed by Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home. The family received friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at Kistler Hardee Funeral Home.

Mrs. Blackman was born in Lydia, S.C. She was the daughter of the late Eldridge and Lena Marshall. Evelyn was a lifetime member of High Hill Baptist Church, where she loved serving her Lord and singing in the church choir. She retired from Dixie Cup in Darlington, and was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother.

Surviving are sons, Steve Blackman (Candy) of Florida, and Hal Joe Blackman (Robin) of Florence; grandchildren: Eric Hutto, Stephanie Bradshaw (Gene), Brad Coker (Melissa), Mike Brown (Robin), Robbie Blackman (Nikki), Ryan Blackman, and Josie Blackman; great grandchildren: Michael, Heather, McKenzie, Ryder, Hayley, Tyler, Grayson, and Kayla; great great grandchildren, Ashley, and Tyeisha; sister, Mildred Giginilliat of Georgia; brother, Earl Marshall (Pamela) of Charleston; a special niece, Donna Dunlap of Hartsville; and a son-in-law, Pee Wee Coker of Darlington.

Mrs. Blackman was preceded in death by daughter, Libby Coker; and granddaughter, Hope Brown.

Memorials may be made to High Hill Baptist Church, C/O Tommy Lewis, 2205 Timmonsville Highway, Darlington, S.C. 29532.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.kistlerhardeefuneralhome.com.

Tom Gary Watkins, age 77, died Tuesday, December 8, 2015 in a local hospital. A funeral service was held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 12 in the chapel of Belk Funeral Home followed by burial at his home.

Born June 2, 1938 in Darlington County, he was the son of the late Joe and Ethel Boan Watkins. Tom served in the National Guard and made his living as a car dealer. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed fishing and taking long car rides with his wife, Bobbie. Mr. Watkins was a member of Church of God of Prophecy in Darlington.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara “Bobbie” Floyd Watkins; children: Myra (Richard) Anderson, Randall Watkins, Judy (Ricky) Locklair, and Ashley (James) Smith, all of Darlington; grandchildren: Melissa (Lindsey) Wiggins, Nikki Locklair, Ricky Locklair, Jr. (Katelyn Odom), April Watkins, and Wayne Burkett; great-grandchildren: Kiley Wiggins, Madison Locklair, Bentley Locklair, Caylen Smith, Kendall Smith and Bailey Smith; and a half-brother, Wallace (Ann) Moody of Darlington.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Christy Anderson; brothers, William and Jack Watkins; a sister, Joanne Branham; and a daughter–in-law, Marie Watkins.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday at Belk Funeral Home.

A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.

Silas Anthony ‘Tony’ Moore, age 68, husband of Deborah G. Moore, passed away Monday, December 7, 2015. A graveside service was held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 10th at Lamar Cemetery directed by Belk Funeral Home. The family received friends following the service at the home, 306 Warren Ave. Lamar, S.C. 29069.

Born October 26, 1947, Tony was the son of the late Silas Moore, and the late Mummie Rhodes Moore. He loved fishing, and worked as a police officer for Darlington County, Lee County, and Sumter County.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Deborah G. Moore of Lamar, are his children: Shayne Moore, Brad Moore, and Dawn Moore, all of Cassatt; two step-sons, Shawn Sharp of Lamar, and Dustin Sharp of Florence; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sisters, Phyllis Greenway of Surfside, and Emily McManus of Sumter; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jean and Vernon Grooms of Lamar.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, P.D. Roberts.

A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.

Virginia Lyons Jones, 83, of Darlington died on Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Kistler Hardee Funeral Home. Burial followed in Grove Hill Cemetery. The family received friends on Friday, December 11, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home, and other times at the home, 118 Sanders Street, Darlington.

Virginia was born in Walterboro, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Maddie and Bessie Bunton Lyons. Virginia was a member of the First Pentecostal Holiness Church. She loved her family and will be missed dearly.

Surviving are son, Matthew C. Jones of Columbia; daughters, Carolyn Annette Roberts of Columbia, Gloria Celeste (Bob) Neel of Florence, and Alicia Camille Jones of Lexington; grandchildren, Shawn (Katie) Hatchell, Miranda (Matt) Brewer, and Amanda Neel; great grandchildren, Christopher, Michael, Joshua Hatchell, Olivia and Jackson Brewer; and brother, Edward Lyons of Walterboro, SC.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Willie J. Jones.

Memorials may be made to McLeod Hospice, 1203 E. Cheves Street, Florence, S.C. 29506.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.kistlerhardeefuneralhome.com.

Elise Bennett Dutton, age 86, died Sunday, December 6, 2015 in a local hospital. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 9 in the Chapel of Belk Funeral Home, followed by burial in Grove Hill Cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to service.

Born July 26, 1929 in Gibson, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Edna Bennett. Elise was a homemaker and loved the Atlanta Braves.

Surviving is her son, Luther A. (Lisa) Dutton of Darlington; Brenda Kay Dutton of Timmonsville; grandchildren: Angela Dutton, Sherry McElveen, Edwin Dutton, Dawn (Chris) Montrose, Jason (Felicia) Dutton, Becky Weatherford, and Tischa Davis; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and a special friend, Ken Matthews of Darlington.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Luther E. Dutton; her daughter, Tina Davis; and her grandson, Jody Dutton.

A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.