Week of February 7, 2018

Vivian G. Root died peacefully at home January 29, 2018 just days shy of her 100th birthday.

She is survived by: sons Douglas R. Root formally of Worcester, Howard, of Rutland, MA with whom she resided along with her daughter in law Susan and grandson Colton; twin sister Virginia G. Van Nest of Tucson, AZ; sister Emma Carol G. Hunsucker of Ashville, NC as well as many nieces and nephews along with her extended in-law family.

Vivian was one of nine children born and raised in Society Hill, SC to mother, Mary A.Sompayrac Gandy and father Thomas Ashton Gandy, Sr.

Predeceased by siblings: Frances G. Jenkins; Thomas Ashton Gandy, Jr; Elsie G. Auman Henley; Fred Agustus Gandy; Madge G. Wise, Olive G. Burn and Vivian’s husband Robert S. Root of Worcester, MA.

Miss Vivian had a life long love of poetry and music influenced by her mother who was accomplished at both. Her most loved passion inherited from her mother was teaching, which she would go on to make a career.

She was schooled at St. David’s Academy in Society Hill and went on to attend and graduate from Coker College in Hartsville, SC with a degree in education.

Vivian started her teaching career in McBee, SC and then several other towns in SC. She put teaching on hold when she married Robert, a New Englander, who brought her north to settle. After the birth of her two sons she returned to teaching in the Grafton, MA school system starting at Perry Hill and finishing her tenure at the Grafton Middle School. Wanting to expand her own education experience she attended evening classes at Worcester State Teachers College in the early 60’s, graduating with a Masters Degree in education all while balancing the demands of full time work and family.

Next to family teaching was truly her love. A committed teacher, she spent many extra hours preparing lesson plans, grading and looking for novel new ways to give her students the best education she could provide. She had an uncanny ability to recall students’ names, their strengths and weaknesses in class many years after retirement. She would speak of different lesson plans and projects from a particular class and remember which student did what. She also saved many students papers (too many) that she thought of merit. Occasionally Vivian would encounter a former pupil who would fondly remember having her as a teacher and of course when “Mrs. Root” would let down her long hair at least once during the school year.

Vivian was a long time member of Pilgrim Congregational church in Worcester and participated in many activities there over the years also serving as a Deaconess. She later joined the First Congregational Church of Rutland.
She was a devoted friend to many, always willing to give a ride or visit to those in need. Often a poem would be included during a visit or phone call, usually one that she had authored. Outliving most of those friends she never failed to offer comfort to those left behind.

She of course loved her long phone calls with siblings and the occasional visits back home eagerly anticipating the “joggling board” conversations on the front porch.

Vivian overcame many untold trials in her long life but remained a constant positive influence in so many ways. She was truly a remarkable lady who will be dearly missed.

“Laughter is the medicine that everyone should take
there are no pills to swallow, no liquid in a bottle at first one has to shake
Just open your mouth nice and wide and let that hidden laughter that’s inside
come outside now to help brighten up the world” by VG Root

The family would like to thank all of the helpful people of Salmon VNA Hospice who provided great comfort in allowing our mother, grandmother and friend to stay and die with grace and dignity at home.

No funeral service is planned but a memorial service may be announced in the future at the convenience of the family.

If one wishes to honor Vivian’s memory the family suggests giving flowers to one you love while they are alive and making a contribution to: DonorsChoose.org, a wonderful way to help teachers in their classrooms across the country.

To share a memory or condolence please mail to: P.O. Box 441 Rutland, MA 01543

www.casperfuneralservices.com

William E. “Bill” Wallace, age 71, died suddenly at his home on Monday, January 29, 2018. A graveside service was held on Saturday, February 3, at 2 p.m. in Society Hill Church of God Cemetery, directed by Belk Funeral Home.
Born in Darlington County, he was the son of the late Willie and Rosa Lee Aycock Wallace. Mr. Wallace was a retired truck driver, and for the past several years, was a crossing guard at St. John’s Elementary in Darlington. Mr. Wallace was a member of Society Hill Church of God.

He is survived by his children, Wendy Wallace and Willie Eugene Wallace, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Regina Wallace, brother, Thomas “Buddy” Wallace and a sister Virginia “Sue” Sanders.

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

Rosa Lu Cinda “Cindy” Parnell Shipman passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Funeral services were held 4 p.m. Thursday, February 1 in Lamar United Methodist Church. Burial followed in Lamar Memorial Cemetery, directed by Belk Funeral Home.

Born July 19, 1963, Cindy is the daughter of Harry T. Parnell and the late Gertrude S. Parnell. Cindy loved people and touched many lives through her work at Rubicon Family Counselling Services in Hartsville, SC. She was a member of the choir at Lamar United Methodist Church. She always called the beach her “happy place”.

Cindy in survived by her father, Harry T. Parnell; her daughter, Mary Beth Shipman; her son, Collin McLeod Shipman; her sister, Beth (Mark) Rankin of Conway; her brother, Stoney (Mary) Parnell of Gastonia; nieces and nephews, Sadler Rankin, Martha Rankin, Kennedy Parnell, and Jackson Parnell, and special friend, Linda McKay. She is also survived by the “love of her life”, Boo Keels of Timmonsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lamar United Methodist Church, PO Box 555 Lamar, SC 29069.

The family received visitors from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, in the Lamar chapel at Belk Funeral Home, and other times at the home of Harry Parnell, 107 West Jackson St Lamar, SC 29069.

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

Funeral services for Mr. Harden Evans, Jr. of Lamar will be 11:00AM Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Sandy Grove United Methodist Church in Lamar.

Interment will follow in Faith Memorial Gardens directed by Jordan Funeral Home, Inc. of Darlington.

Harden Evans, Jr. affectionately known as “June”, died on January 28, 2018 after a long illness. He was born on September 26, 1940 in Lamar, South Carolina a son of the late Harden Evans, Sr. and Modestine McClain Evans.

Harden received his education in the public schools of Darlington County. After graduation he went to work for Sonoco Products of Hartsville, South Carolina for 45 years. He was a life time member of Sandy Grove United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities. He was married to the late Georgia Mae Pauley Evans and to this union two children were born. Both children preceded him in death.

Harden leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife, Jannie DuBose Evans; a daughter, Barbara Evans Cooper; his grandson, Evan Gehard Lawson; four step children; a brother; three sisters; one aunt; five brothers-in-law; five sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family is receiving friends at the residence, 908 West Lynches River Road, Lamar.

Margie C. Tedders, 82, of Valdosta died Friday, January 26, 2018 at her residence. She was born on February 8, 1935 in Darlington, SC to the late Herbert Eugene Carter and Bettie Mae Garland Carter. Mrs. Tedders was a retired secondary education secretary from Valdosta State University. She was a member of First Baptist Church. She started the We Care Ministry, taught Sunday School, taught in the children’s and youth departments, and served on numerous committees. Mrs. Tedders was a member of the Readers Forum, Garden Club and the Humane Society.

She is survived by her daughter and son in law, Melissa Tedders Stephens and Michael Stephens, two granddaughters, Christina Melissa Stephens and Callie Margie Stephens, her sister, Carolyn Carter all of Valdosta. Mrs. Tedders is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, William Stanley Tedders.

Funeral Services were held Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Reverend Mac Weaver and Dr. Chuck Owens officiating. Burial followed at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family received friends Monday from 5 until 7 p. m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed online at www.mclanecares.com.

Shirley Harvey Griffith, age 85, passed away Monday, January 29, 2018. A memorial service was held at 4 p.m. Saturday, February 3rd in the chapel at Belk Funeral Home in Darlington. The family received friends from 3-4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Born June 2, 1932, Shirley is the daughter of the late Raymond K. and Claire B. Harvey. She was preceded in death by her loving and committed husband of 63 years, Robert V. Griffith. Shirley was dedicated to her family, which included six children, 22 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. Through the years, she was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Syracuse, NY, a founding member of Lake Murray Evangelical Church in Chapin, SC, and attended Christ Point Church in Florence, SC.

Surviving are her children, Linda G. (Mark) Getty of Darlington, SC, David I. Griffith of Cazenovia, NY, Gail G. (Albert) Getty of Swanton, MD, Laurie G. (Ken) Gourlay of Wilmington, NC, Robin G. (Michael) Hourigan of Dickerson, MD, and R. Jeff (Nikki) Griffith of Columbia, SC, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Point Church of Florence, SC and/or CHOSN Warriors (outdoor ministry for men and boys) 1002 Coggeshall Rd. Darlington, SC, 29532.

Guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.

Raymond Louis Brewer, age 76, died February 3, 2018. The family received friends from 2 until 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at Belk Funeral Home. A graveside service followed at 3 p.m. in Grove Hill Cemetery.

Born August 12, 1941 in Camden, SC, Raymond was the son of the late William Henry Brewer and the late Pearl Beauford Brewer. Mr. Brewer served his country in the United States Navy Reserve, retired from James Rivers, and enjoyed going fishing in his spare time. He is survived by two daughters; Elaine (Reggie) Reynolds of Lamar, Lynn Buck of Darlington, a son, Johnny Brewer of Darlington, grandchildren: Reagan Brewer (Mari) Jackson, Heather Buck, Zack Buck, Justin Brewer, Sarah Reynolds and Hank Reynolds and seven great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Watford Brewer, and siblings, Ralph, Clyde, Billy “Dean” Brewer and Betty B. Thomas.

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

Sherran Suggs Nobles, age 63, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Funeral services will be held 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 4th in the chapel at Belk Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 3-4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Born June 22, 1954, Sherran was the daughter of the late Kenneth Suggs and Peggy Suggs. She worked at Young’s Convenient Store in Darlington. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Sherran is survived by her husband, Benny Nobles; her daughter, Shalee Boykin; her son, Daniel Boykin, both of Darlington; her grandchildren, Austin Howle, Nicholas Howle, and Denton Boykin; her sister, Teresa (Sonny) Strickland of Darlington; and her brother, Wayne Suggs of Florence.

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

Tommy Garrett Campbell, Sr. passed away on February 2, 2018 at the age of 88. He was born in Rockingham, North Carolina and raised in Darlington, South Carolina. He graduated from St. John’s High School in 1947. He played American Legion baseball, and was the team’s most valuable player in 1947. Tommy served honorably in the Air Force and then returned to Darlington and married Ruth Dixon, whom he always lovingly referred to as his bride or Mrs. Ruth.

Tommy was extremely proud of his three children Karen, Steve, and Tommy, Jr. He had the pleasure of watching his children and grandchildren grow up and took great pride in all of their accomplishments. From the time his boys were old enough to play sports, you could always count on him to be on the sidelines to support them. He was a gentle giant who was loved and respected by all of his family and friends. He enjoyed baseball, football, fishing and spending time with his family. He worked at Sonoco Products Company until his retirement.

Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Ruth, his 3 children, Karen C. Jordan of Florence, Steve Campbell (Karen) of North Myrtle Beach, Tommy G. Campbell, Jr. (Beth) of Myrtle Beach, seven grandchildren, Daniel Jordan (Emily), Hunter Jordan (Walker), Garrett Campbell (Caroline), Wilson Campbell (Aubrey), Brooke Campbell, McKenzie Campbell, and Mitchell Campbell, his four great-grandchildren, Tindall Claire Jordan, Emma Ruth Jordan, Walter Jordan, and Thatcher Jordan, and his brothers, Charles “Curly” Campbell , Roland Campbell (Brenda) and Marion Campbell. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews along with a special niece, Susan Outlaw (Donnie) and brother-in-law Ralph Dixon (Deloris). He was predeceased by his sisters, Grace Riles, Ruth Eskridge, and his brother, Jimmy Campbell.

The family received friends at Belk Funeral Home at 1 p.m. Monday, February 5, with a service following at 2 p.m. in the chapel to celebrate the life of Tommy Campbell. The service was officiated by his grandson, the Reverend Hunter C. Jordan. Burial followed at Grove Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in his honor to the Darlington American Legion Baseball program or McLeod Hospice House, PO Box 100551, Florence, SC 29501-0551. (www.mcleodfoundation.org)

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

William Leonard Council, 88, of Darlington died Friday, January 5, 2018. Funeral services were held Monday, January 8, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. Interment, with Full Military Honors and Masonic rites followed at Grove Hill Cemetery, directed by Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home of Darlington.

Mr. Council was born in Hope Mills, NC. He was the son of the late Robert Francis and Lena Belle Evans Council. He served his country in the United States Air Force. He retired from Wallace Concrete Pipe Company. Mr. Council was very active at Trinity United Methodist Church where he was in the Men’s Sunday School Class, served on the Administrative Board and the Finance Committee for many years. He also worked as a volunteer at the church for over twenty years. He was a member of St. David’s Masonic Lodge #73 AF&AM and the Omar Shrine Temple. He was an avid supporter of The Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. He was a member of the Barney Gum Pond Hunting Club and he enjoyed playing golf and playing Hearts.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Ann S. Council; three daughters, Susan Montague and husband John of Raleigh, NC, Mary Ann Serridge and husband Bill of Salem, SC, and Jane E. Council of Lexington. His sister in law, Nancy Council and his caregivers, Centheal Frierson and Linda Brownlee.

Memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church, PO Box 16, Darlington, SC 29540 or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

The family received friends Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home from 12:30 until 3 p.m. and at all other times at the home.