Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home

Madeline Jewell Hawkins, 93, beloved widow of Marion B. Hawkins, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025 in Aiken. Born in Travelers Rest, SC, Madeline was the daughter of the late Victor and Ruby Jewell Burgard. In the early 1950s, she moved to Aiken when her husband began work with DuPont. After her children became older, she started her working career at J. B. White, beginning when the store was located in downtown Aiken and continuing through its various relocations to Mitchell Shopping Center, Heritage Square Shopping Center, and Aiken Mall (Dillards). An active member of Millbrook Baptist Church for over six decades, Madeline was committed to her faith and church. She...

BARBARA JEAN POWERS EAVES, 84, cherished wife of the late Dr. S. Gilmore Eaves, Sr., passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Charleston, WV, Barbara was the daughter of the late William Earl and Marguerite Robertson Powers, Sr. In 1959, she relocated to New Ellenton and soon married Dr. Eaves in 1961. For several years, she worked as an administrative assistant in his medical office, where they shared both professional and personal lives. Barbara was a devoted member of Foreman Memorial Baptist Church, where she expressed her faith and love for God by teaching the 2nd Grade Sunday School Class for many decades. Her ministry...

On November 26th at 10:28 PM, Howard Jacob Brounce of Uniontown, PA and Aiken, SC peacefully passed away. He was surrounded by loved ones at his home at the Trinity on Laurens retirement community in Aiken, South Carolina. Howard, or Howie/Howdy as his friends and family affectionately called him, was born in Monongahela, PA on January 24th of 1932 to his loving parents James Gordon Brounce and Alice Malpass Brounce. The sixth of seven brothers, Howard grew up rough-housing with his brothers on the family homestead. Those who have had the pleasure of knowing Howard over his long 93 year life know that he was endlessly devoted to his faith, family, and community. Upon graduating from high...

Loretta Marie Beckner (nee Miller) Beloved wife, loving mother, grandmother and dear friend passed away in Aiken after an extended battle with pancreatic cancer. Loretta was born in Hays, Kansas, January 19, 1949. She was the second of 7 children born to Frank and Elizabeth (Haffner) Miller. Growing up on a wheat farm in the high plains of western Kansas, she was greatly influenced by the stories of her grandparents who had emigrated to the United States in 1900 from the Odessa region of what is now Ukraine. She was instilled with the values of love, respect, kindness and compassion for which she was known throughout her life. A strong will and an equally strong work ethic accompanied by...

DOROTHY G. COURSEY, 97, widow of Hastings Coursey, passed away Thursday evening, October 30, 2025 in Aiken. Born in Lexington County, SC, Dorothy was the only child of the late Myrtle Gunter Hall. She lived most of her life in Aiken County and was a homemaker. She devoted her adult life to helping others who couldn't help themselves. Surviving is her only daughter, Gayle Parkman and her husband Allen. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her aunt and uncle, Susie Rodgers and James Rodgers. Friends may pay their respects Wednesday, November 5th between the hours of 10 and 5 o'clock at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held Thursday afternoon, November 6th...

Mary Jo Wilson-Spencer, 88, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, after an extended illness in Aiken, South Carolina. Born on September 3, 1937, in Columbia, South Carolina, Mary Jo was raised on a farm in Holly Hill, South Carolina. She lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and her community. Mary Jo was the daughter of Thaddeus, "Dutch", and Carrie Breeland. She graduated from Holly Hill High School and went on to attend Columbia College. She worked as an administrative assistant at the Savannah River Site before finding her favorite roles that allowed her to support and inspire young people. For 25 years, she served as the librarian at Mead Hall School, where...

AIKEN - Mr. Dale Stephens passed away October 19, 2025 at Wellstar MCG Hospital in Augusta , GA with family by his side. He was 70 years old. He was born in Augusta, GA to the late Mr. Claude G. "Steve" Stephens and Mrs. Muriel E. Lockwood Stephens. Except for the time spent in college and military service, Dale lived his life in Aiken. Dale graduated from the Citadel first in his class in Armory as a Second Lieutenant and then on to serve in the army in Germany. He was employed at Savannah River Site for 43 years, spending the majority of that time as a Safety Engineer. Beyond his professional life, Dale was an avid reader of books. He found joy in spending time with his stepson Anthony...

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Gail Gossage, of Aiken, SC, who passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, at the age of 84. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Mary Ladd, born in Ohio, grew up in Roselle, Illinois, then moved to NC to be near her grandchildren, and finally relocated to Aiken, SC in 2016. A devoted wife and mother, Mary filled her life with kindness and love. In her free time she enjoyed gardening, bird watching, reading, taking care of many cats over the years, golf and card games (especially Bridge). She was also fortunate to travel outside the Continental US to visit places like Alaska and Europe. Mary is survived by her...

BONNIE GORDON CUNNINGHAM, 79, widow of Benjamin M. Cunningham, Sr., passed away Thursday afternoon, October 9, 2025 in her home surrounded by her loving family. A native of Aiken County, SC, Bonnie was the daughter of the late Claude B. and Ruby Cadle Gordon. She graduated from Aiken High School and met the love of her life shortly thereafter. She owned and operated Cunningham's Upholstery and Country Bumpkins Nursery. Bonnie is remembered fondly by her sons Benjamin M. Cunningham, Jr. (Ginger), Knoxville, TN, Bave B. Cunningham (Meg), Jackson, SC and grandchildren, Benjamin Cunningham III (Julie), Lexington, SC, Clarke Cunningham, Denver, CO and Ellen (John) McElmurray, Jackson,...

Cynthia A Corcoran of Aiken, SC passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, with loved ones by her side, after a short illness. Born in Syracuse, NY on July 6, 1950, to Speros and Mary Dellas, Cindy grew up in Syracuse, graduated from Nottingham High School and Boston University. She married her beloved husband, Thomas Corcoran in 1981. Cindy's professional career was spent in Morristown NJ, where she was a senior underwriter for the Chubb Group. Retiring with her husband to Aiken, SC, Cindy was a gifted artist, and spent her days creating beautiful watercolors and perfecting her craft in her home studio. Her husband remembers Cindy as a special light; she brought warmth to everyone she met,...

JUDY L. BAGBY, 64, beloved wife of Samuel A. Bagby, Jr., peacefully departed from this life on September 29, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Judy was the daughter of John Burnam and the late Martha Wilkinson Burnam. She grew up in Augusta, Georgia before relocating to Aiken. Judy had a fulfilling career as a dispatcher for the City of Aiken Public Safety and Aiken County Sheriff's Department. Her spirit of service extended beyond her professional life; as a former member of the Aiken Jaycees, she enjoyed volunteering at various community events and was involved with Brenda's Angels, sharing her heart and time generously. Judy had a...

JUDY L. BAGBY, 64, passed September 29, 2025, in her home. Surviving is her husband, Sam; two sons, Shane Bagby (Ashley) and Philip Bagby Bullock (Austin), both of Aiken; three granddaughters, Alyssa Bagby, Makayla Bagby, and Winter Bagby; her father, John Burnam of Lake City, Florida; her brother, Darrell Burnam (Kate) of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; and her niece/daughter, Ann Bagby. Visitation will be Saturday October 4th, at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home starting at 10 AM. Memorial Service will follow at 11 o'clock. Memorials can be made to Brenda's Angels at 116 Amberly Circle, Aiken, SC 29803. SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNREAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC

CAROL "KAY" BELK MARBERT, 84, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2025 in Anchor Post Acute Care. Born in Marion, SC, Kay grew up in Dillon, SC. She was a daughter of the late Walter Ewing Belk and Elise Gasque Cain. A graduate of Winthrop College, Kay dedicated her life to the service of others as a social worker with the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Kay was an active member of Town Creek Baptist Church until her health would not allow it any longer. At Town Creek, she sang in the choir and was a GA's director. She was also a den mother during her sons' time in scouting. Kay was a long standing member of Beta Epsilon Phi Sorority and was active in AA. Survivors include...

AIKEN, SC - Marie Pickens Goodlett entered into rest Thursday, September 25, 2025, at her residence. A private internment ceremony will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 12 noon at Southlawn Cemetery with Reverend Grayson "Butch" Blackwell officiating. A public service and reception will follow at St. John's Methodist Church on Newberry Street at 1 PM. A native of Greenville, SC, Marie was the daughter of Lewis Holbert Pickens and Sara Graves Pickens. She married the love of her life, Claude Goodlett in 1954. Survivors include three children; CDR Clark B. Goodlett USNR-R of Charleston, Mark P. Goodlett of Aiken, Lisa M. Goodlett of Isle of Palms, grandchildren, and great grandchildren....

PETER M. PALMERE, 80, beloved husband of Diane L. Palmere, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of September 20, 2025. A native of Old Forge, PA, Peter was a son of the late Peter and Josephine Salerno Palmere. He attended Lackawanna College in Scranton, PA, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration. Growing up in a family of accomplished artists, Peter embraced his creative side throughout his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing tennis, and later became an avid golfer. He enjoyed his regular golf outings with his friends at Midland Valley Country Club. He loved to read, write and play chess. He also was an accomplished chef! He loved...

AIKEN, SC -"Jimmy The Greek" Varos, 78, of Aiken, SC entered eternal rest in the presence of God on Friday, September 19, 2025 in Aiken, SC. Jimmy was born on January 19 , 1947 to the late George and Pelagia Varos in Plomari, Greece. He grew up with a deep love for the ocean and nature. From a young age he was adventurous and brave, and carried these characteristics with him throughout his life. A true business man and entreprenuer, Jimmy began his business experience as a child working for his father at his market in Plomari, Greece. As a young man, he joined the Greek Navy as a frogman and later on was a part of the Merchant Marines. In 1971, Jimmy moved to the United States and began...

On August 25, 2025, Kitty Tripp Speed, a cherished member of her community, passed into the arms of her Saviour at the age of 90. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 10, 1934 in Easley, South Carolina, to Dot and Harold Tripp. She lived a dedicated life of service, caring for others and advocating for at-risk youth. She was involved with Meals on Wheels, Millbrook Elementary After-School Christian programs. Later, she volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate Guardian Ad Litem for the Aiken Family Court and Juvenile Arbitrator for the Aiken County Solicitors' Office. She received many awards for her work with youth. She and her late husband Ed were...

Robert "Bob" Bean, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was called home to be with his Savior on August 24, 2025. Born in Fairview, Alabama, Bob grew up on a farm, where he developed a strong work ethic, a deep appreciation for nature and gardening, both of which would stay with him throughout his life. A talented athlete, Bob lettered in all high school sports, showcasing his competitive spirit and dedication. After graduating, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy, a chapter of his life that instilled in him values of discipline and service. Bob went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry after receiving a full athletic...

Christy Pritchard, 71, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away on August 4, 2025. Born on May 15, 1954, in Norfolk, England, Christy was the daughter of the late Marjorie Juanita Brown and Horace Wade "Mace" Brown. She made Aiken her home after moving there in 1989 with her husband of 43 years, the late Patrick Pritchard. Together, they built a life rooted in family, community, and service. Christy devoted much of her life to advocating for children. She began as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem, later serving as the Program Coordinator for the Guardian Program in Aiken and Bamberg counties. Through this work, she touched the lives of countless children, continuing to follow up and encourage...

BETTY TALMADGE TUCKER BLANCHARD, 76, beloved wife of Roy "Eddie" Blanchard, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family. Betty worked side by side with her husband operating the Dinner Bell Restaurant for over 45 years and was also a devoted nurse. Surviving is her husband, Eddie 3 daughters: Elizabeth Blanchard, Patty Douglas (Tony), and Jennifer Marie Blanchard (Jason); 4 grandchildren; 3 brothers, Buddy Tucker (Joy), Jabo Tucker, and J.R. Tucker. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, July 30th from 6 until 8 o'clock at Shellhouse - Rivers Funeral Home. The funeral service will be...

Ms. Stephanie Kathleen Harris, 73, of Aiken, SC, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Stephanie was born in Kansas City, MO, on November 4, 1951, the eldest daughter of Charles H. and Ruby Fern Harris. She resided for many years in Denver, CO, and Independence, MO, before moving to Aiken in 2020. Stephanie graduated from Park University in Parkville, MO. She was a senior buyer for Western Auto for many years and subsequently worked as an advertising executive for the Russell-Stover Company. In recent years she was a caregiver for her parents. She is survived by her parents Charles and Fern Harris of Aiken, her sisters Susan (Raymond) Wood of Casa Grande, AZ, and Sheryl (Andrew) Grainger of...