Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home

ANNETTE JORDAN BEAN, 88, beloved wife of Robert W. "Bob" Bean, Jr., passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 20, 2024. A native of Royston, GA, Annette was a daughter of the late Harold P. and Anna Lee McMahan Jordan. She graduated from Royston High School and from Athens Business College. She moved to Aiken in 1953 to work for DuPont at the Savannah River Plant where she met her future husband, Bob. She and Bob were married in 1960. She was a longtime member of South Aiken Presbyterian Church where she also volunteered as the church secretary and helped with many preschool activities. Annette was an avid gardener, Formosa azaleas, dogwoods, and hydrangeas were her favorites. She...

Vera Frances (Ballentine) Dukes passed away very peacefully and surrounded by her family on the evening of April 15, 2024. Born in the Ballentines' Dutch Fork Home, located in Irmo, SC, on March 4, 1928. Wife of over 60 years to the late E. Kenneth Dukes; Daughter of the late George Milford and Eula Mae Ballentine. She spent her childhood years as a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Irmo, SC. After Kenneth and Vera (known as "Dusty" by her friends) relocated to Aiken, SC, in 1953 for Kenneth to join Dupont's Savannah River Laboratory, she and the family joined Millbrook Baptist Church, where she reared her 5 children, was herself baptized at Millbrook, Baptist Church and...

Captain Harold F. Sturm, Jr. United States Navy Retired, 85, passed on March 27, 2024. Captain Sturm was born in Huntington, WV and attended Huntington East High School. Upon graduation he received a full Naval ROTC scholarship, one of only two awarded in the state, to the University of South Carolina, graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering. While on active-duty Captain Sturm served on the USS DAMATO, DDE -871 and as a Naval ROTC instructor at Auburn University. When released from active duty he remained in the Naval Reserves serving as Executive Officer for units in Delaware and Charleston, SC and as Commanding Officer for units in Charleston and Savannah, GA. He retired with...

Robert William Parker, Jr. entered into eternal rest on March 24, 2024 at his home in Aiken, South Carolina. Rob, known as Bobby in early years, was born in September of 1989 in Norwalk, Connecticut. He lived his youth in Easton and Weston, CT playing basketball, baseball and other seasonal sports. He loved holidays and special occasions enjoying time with family members, cousins, his cat Simba, and friends. He moved to Orange, CT in 2003, graduated from the Amity High School System in 2008 while also developing skills and a love for computer gaming. Around this time and while attending college, Rob began experiencing medical challenges which ultimately affected his quality of life...

BEVERLY W. STEELE, 86, widow of Dr. Donald Carroll Steele, passed away Saturday morning, March 23, 2024 in NHC North Augusta. A native of Columbus, OH, Beverly was a daughter of the late Robert M. H. and Mabel Strader Wilson. She was a homemaker and lived most of her life in Ohio, then Florida and the last decade in Aiken. She was a diehard Buckeye's Fan. Surviving is her daughter, Amy J. Weeks (Bill), Aiken; son, John Steele, Massillon, OH; five grandchildren, Megan Weeks, Bill Weeks, III, Michael Klaas, Logan Steele and Emily Steele. In addition to her parents and husband, Beverly was preceded in death by a son, Mark Steele. A private graveside service will be held in Historic...

Ramona Allen Womack, 92, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away March 19, 2024 at Brandon Wilde Retirement Community in Evans, Georgia. Ramona was born to the late Ernest and Ruth Allen on August 22, 1931, in Shoal Creek Township, North Carolina (now a part of Murphy, North Carolina). She graduated from Donora, High School located in Donora, Pennsylvania in 1949, received a Literary Associate Degree from Mars Hill College located outside Asheville, North Carolina in 1951, and completed her Bachelor's of Science degree in Home Economics at the University of Tennessee in 1953. She also went on to earn a Master's of Arts in Teaching degree from the University of South Carolina in 1976. Ramona...

JOSEPH E. HAMILTON, 78, husband of the late Carol Heath Hamilton, passed away Sunday afternoon, March 10, 2024 in his home. A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Joseph was the son of the late Theodore Hamilton, Sr. and Mary Ouzts Hamilton. Joseph was a member of Talatha Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. After 21.5 years, he retired from WSRC. He also worked at Harvey Hubbell, Inc. for over 20 years. Joseph's favorite pastimes were traveling with his close friends Patty and Lloyd and spending time on the water in Beaufort. He loved his ministry of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, by making sure he gave out crosses and angels. Joseph loved the Lord and his wife Carol...

EDITH S. PRESSNELL, 96, widow of Douglas Cecil Pressnell, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Born in Athens, AL to Edgar and Sudie Pack Shores, Edith made New Ellenton her home since 1953. She found great joy in various passions, from her love for bowling to tending her garden. However, one of the deepest sources of happiness was the time spent fishing alongside her cherished late husband, Doug. Together, they were proud charter members of the Euwana Boat Club in Plum Branch. Edith was a longtime member of Aiken Church of Christ, where she remained actively involved as long as her health allowed. Surviving are her daughters, Marcia P. Glover (Wayne), New...

Betty Bradley Chapman of Aiken, SC passed away February 26, 2024 at the age of 88. She was born May 11th, 1935 in Aiken, SC. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Robert Chapman; her father Wallace Bradley; her mother Johnsie Bradley; brother Wallace Bradley, Jr; and son Wallace Chapman. She is survived by daughter, Teresa Ross and son, Noel (Sherlyn) Chapman; grandchildren, Nathan (Susan) Mosley, Sheldon Mosley, Bethany (Joshua) Raines, Heather (Jacob) Ramsey, Bradley (Kristen) Chapman, Clint (Stevie) Chapman, Cameron (Sydney) Chapman, Nicholas Chapman; and eight great grandchildren. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 29 at Shellhouse Rivers Funeral Home, 715 E Pine...

William Earl Tatum was born on September 13th, 1933 to William Clinton Tatum and his wife, Mildred Hall Tatum, in Fort Payne, Alabama. His two older sisters, Mary Ruth Sisemore and Sarah Francis Jagoditsch, both predeceased him, as did his wife of 71 years, Patricia Forrester Tatum, and his youngest son, Paul Daniel Tatum. He is survived by his three remaining children, Judy Lynn Tatum, David Forrester Tatum and his wife Karen Gilley Tatum, and Gregory Hall Tatum, as well as his two granddaughters Julia C. Tatum and Maria E. Tatum. Earl moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee at the age of five. He graduated from Central High School as Class President, and went on to receive his BS degree in...

William Earl Tatum was born on September 13th, 1933 to William Clinton Tatum and his wife, Mildred Hall Tatum, in Fort Payne, Alabama. His two older sisters, Mary Ruth Sisemore and Sarah Francis Jagoditsch, both predeceased him, as did his wife of 71 years, Patricia Forrester Tatum, and his youngest son, Paul Daniel Tatum. He is survived by his three remaining children, Judy Lynn Tatum, David Forrester Tatum and his wife Karen Gilley Tatum, and Gregory Hall Tatum, as well as his two granddaughters Julia C. Tatum and Maria E. Tatum. Earl moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee at the age of five. He graduated from Central High School as Class President, and went on to receive his BS degree in...

STANLEY E SMITH, 89, beloved husband of Barbara Ross Smith, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 17, 2024 in Aiken Regional Medical Centers with his loving family by his side. Born in Macon, GA, Stanley grew up in North Charleston, SC, a son of the late Charles Albert Smith, Sr., and Velma Johnson Smith. He was a proud 1956 graduate of Clemson University. After graduation, Stanley began his career as a mechanical engineer with DuPont at the Savannah River Plant. He served 2 years active duty in the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Following his military service, Stanley returned to the Savannah River Plant to continue his career until his retirement in 1993. He was an...

JOHN BRIAN BOUCHILLON, 56, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, February 14, 2024 in his home. Born in Savannah, GA, Brian was a son of John Belton Bouchillon and the late Maryann Zittrauer Bouchillon. He grew up in Williston, SC and worked for a number of years at the Savannah River Site. He opened and operated Bouchillon Collision Center in Aiken for 14 years before returning to SRS in 2020 to work for SRMC. Brian was active in the National Wild Turkey Federation, formerly serving as the Aiken Chapter President. Known for his fun-loving nature, he enjoyed cooking, entertaining, traveling, and being with his family. Additionally, he was a devoted fan of the Clemson Tigers. Surviving...

THE REVEREND SARAH "SALLY" THOMPSON PUTNAM, 83, beloved wife of the late Samuel Franklin Putnam, Jr., passed away Monday morning, February 5, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Sally was born in Nashville, TN on June 29th, 1940 to the late William Preston and Sarah Scott Thompson. Her family moved to South Carolina shortly thereafter where she was raised and went on to graduate from Greenville High School and later the University Of South Carolina, earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish and Psychology. Following college, she married Sam and they moved to Aiken, SC where they lived for (most of) the rest of their lives. Sally worked as the Supervisor of Student Services for the...

MARGARET MILLER "MONNIE" PITTS, 91, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, February 4, 2024 in Aiken Regional Medical Centers surrounded by her loving family. A native of Mountville, SC, Monnie was a daughter of the late Jim Wade and Eva Hollis Miller. She grew up attending Mountville Baptist Church and graduated from Mountville High School. Mrs. Pitts resided in Aiken most of her adult life and was an active member of St. John's United Methodist Church for 65 years. She taught 3rd grade Sunday School for 17 years, and was a member of Asbury Sunday School Class, Circle No. 3, UMW and Shepard of Love. She and received recognition as United Methodist Women member of the year. Monnie dedicated...

PHILLIP M. HEWITT, 69, passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 2, 2024 in the Bamberg/Barnwell Emergency Medical Center. Born in Florence, SC, Phillip was a son of the late William Julius and Thelma Mae Stroud Hewitt. He spent his childhood in Dillon, SC before moving to Aiken as a teenager. He graduated from Aiken High School and lived most of his life in Aiken. He retired from Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Co. He was a selfless man always helping others, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Surviving are his two sons, Matthew Hewitt (Katherine), C. J. Hewitt (Ali), all residing in Charleston; five grandchildren, Reese, Vivienne and Emma Hewitt, and...

CLARISSA ANN GROOMS, 55, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024 unexpectedly in her home. A native and life-long resident of Aiken, Clarissa was a daughter of Ann Thomas Grooms and the late Clarence A. Grooms, Jr. She was a graduate of Aiken High School and attended USC-Aiken. Clarissa worked for Graniteville Co. for 18 years until its closing following the train crash in 2005. She then worked for Osbon's Cleaners at the Pendleton St. location until her health no longer allowed. She was a member of Millbrook Baptist Church. Surviving, in addition to her mother, Ann is her daughter, Michaela Grooms, both of Aiken and her brother, Clarence A. Grooms III, Walterboro, SC. A memorial...

John Edward Roy, 87, ended his life's journey peacefully on Monday, January 22, 2024, in Aiken SC. A native of Huntington, WV, John was the son of the late Dennis and Marjorie Main Roy. He graduated from Marshall University with a B.S. in Chemistry. Additional survivors are his three children Johnna Roy, Cameron Roy, Jeff Hanshaw, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Saturday February 3rd, 2024, at 2:00 at Aiken's Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home. The service will be live-streamed on John Roy's obituary page at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com. Internment will be in Woodmere Memorial Park, Huntington, WV, later. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions...

John Edward Roy, 87, ended his life's journey peacefully on Monday, January 22, 2024, with the love and support of his wife of 62 years Phyllis H. Roy, and their three children. A native of Huntington, WV, John was the son of the late Dennis and Marjorie Main Roy. He graduated from Marshall University with a B.S. in Chemistry. Additional survivors include daughter Johnna Roy (Gresham, OR), son Cameron Roy (Duluth, GA), and son Jeff Hanshaw (Houston, TX), numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After John's 35-year retirement from the Specialty Metals Industry, he and Phyllis came to South Carolina, first to Callawassie Island, and finally settling in Aiken for the past 21...

John William Cunningham died January 18, 2024 in Aiken, SC, eight days after his beloved wife, Florence Josephine "Jo" Cunningham, died on January 10, 2024. The family will receive friends Friday morning January 26th beginning at 11 o'clock at Shellhouse - Rivers Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at noon with The Rev. George F. Alexander officiating. Interment will follow in Historic Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (michaeljfox.org) or to All Saint's Anglican Church, 110 Fairfield St., NE, Aiken, SC 29801. SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC

Dorothy M. Kennedy, 98, of Aiken, SC, passed away on January 16th, 2024. Dorothy was born in St. Louis, MO and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She married Dr. William H. Kennedy of Oil City, PA in 1947 and they moved to Titusville, PA. In 1990, they retired to Cocoa Beach, FL, then to Aiken in 2009. Dorothy and Bill loved to travel, touring many countries around the world, over the years. Flower gardening was a passion for Dorothy, a hobby that she enjoyed throughout her life. Dorothy is survived by her two daughters; Deborah (Pete) LaBerge of Windsor, SC and Beth (Dave) Kennedy of Newton, PA and granddaughter Beth Ann LaBerge of San Francisco, CA. She was preceded in death by...