Florence Morning News

Doris Christinge Graham Johnsonville, SC Doris Christine Graham, 65, passed away peacefully at home on August 21, 2023. Mrs. Christine was born in Hemingway, SC, the daughter of the late Norman and Jean McDaniel. She was a homemaker who enjoyed working around the house, watching TV, and spending time with family. Mrs. Christine is survived by her husband, Larry Graham; sons Barry (Brandi) Graham and Christopher Graham; brother, Billy McDaniel of Sumter, SC.; and grandchildren, Hannah, Spencer, Carson, and Bryson Graham. She was predeceased by her son, Johnny Graham, mother-in-law, Elma Graham and sister-in-law Mona McDaniel. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Morris Funeral...

Geraldine Wise Atkins Storm, age 84, passed away at her home in Garden City Beach, SC on August 5, 2023. A celebration of life will be held at The Father's House Church, located at 4513 Highway 17 Bypass South, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Visitation with family will begin at 10:00am, with services beginning at 11:00am in the church sanctuary. A graveside service will follow at Lee Cemetery located on McCutcheon Road in Lake City, SC at approximately 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request memorials be given to: The Father's House Church Children's Ministry. Memorials may be mailed to the above referenced address or given through the church's...

A Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Rev. Johnnie Manly Davis, Jr. will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 7, 2023 at The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal) in Columbia, SC, with burial in the church memorial gardens. The family will receive friends following the service in the parish hall. Surviving are his wife Carol Puleo Davis, daughter Lisa Davis Johnson (husband Mike), brother N. Henry Davis, and many beloved cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The American Legion, Donation Processing, PO Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or online at mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Donate. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the...

COL Benjamin Wilson Covington III served in the United States Army as a Cavalry officer for over 28 years. He commanded two Cavalry Troops in Germany and Vietnam, a Tank Battalion in Germany and an Armored Brigade at Fort Hood. He served a total of 15 years overseas: 12 years in Germany and three years in Vietnam with U.S. and Vietnamese forces. He retired after serving as the President of the U.S. Army Training Board at Fort Monroe, VA. He held a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a Master's in National Security from The National War College, and a Master's and ABD from Columbia University in History of the English Language and 18th...

Bessie Mae (Connor) DeBerry was called to her heavenly home on July 14, 2023. Born February 4, 1933 in Florence, SC she was the daughter of Jessie and Lottie Connor, and sister to six siblings, four of which predeceased her. (Dalmer-p, Willard-p, Bernice-p, Edward-p, Heyward, Boyd) She went to Tans Bay High School in Effingham, SC where she enjoyed playing basketball and other sports and working in downtown Florence. She married William Roger Quick (predeceased) in Florence, SC and had four children, William Jr. (Speedy), Tony, Wendy (predeceased), and Gregg. Later, she married Edward Parks DeBerry (predeceased) and the family moved to Isle of Palms, SC where she enjoyed gardening and the...

Carroll Lennon Davis, 77, of Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, husband of Laura Cline Davis slipped Aweigh into eternal rest July 9, 2023. Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday July 13, 2023 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel, 232 Calhoun Street from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A private burial will be held in Rose Hill Cemetery, Marion, SC. Carroll was born November 6, 1945 in Marion, South Carolina, son of the late Henry Jesse Davis and Norma Jordan Davis. He graduated from Methodist University and received a Master's in Administration from The Citadel. Carroll retired as an administrator of Wando High School after 32 years of service. He was also a member of the...

Leslie Mitchell Johnson, age 75, of Murrells Inlet, SC passed away peacefully Tuesday June 27, 2023. Les was born in Valdosta, GA the son of the late Lucian Mitchell Johnson and Annette Elizabeth Dasher Johnson. In addition to his parents, Les is preceded in death by sister-in-law, Anna Roddey Gregg Gage; his mother and father-in-law, Anna Roddey Miller Gregg and Ernest Stewart Gregg, Jr.; and his and Frances' beloved golden retrievers, Tech, Lovey and Cody. Les could always be found in the gym and back in the day he enjoyed golf, scuba diving, snow skiing and snowboarding But his true passion was riding his bikes, either in the mountains of Colorado or on the roads of Colorado and South...

Rado Sloan Cobb, 94, of Florence SC, formerly of Columbia SC, died Wednesday, June 14, 2023. She was born November 23, 1928, in Richland County to Washington Grover and Mamie Livingston Sloan. She was a loved and active member of Calvary Church in Florence, and was always a friend to everyone. Rado is survived by her children, John W. Cobb, Jr. (Dary), and Michael Cobb; grandchildren, Michael McGowan and Sloan Perratta (Alfred); and sister Sarah Coleman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 70 years, John Wesley Cobb; daughter, Jacqueline "Jackie" Shaw. The funeral service for Mrs. Cobb will be held at 2 o'clock on Saturday, June 24th, at...

Marcia Smith Knight, of Blythewood, SC, passed away on June 6, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Darlington, SC to the late William Henry Smith and Nell Rose Smith. Marcia was predeceased by her sister, Sharon McElveen and Jo Anne Smith. Marcia leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her son, Daniel Allen Knight Jr., her daughter-in-law, Kristen Knight, and her adored grandsons, William Blake Knight and Lucas Christian Knight. Marcia dedicated her life to education and made a lasting impact on countless young minds. She obtained her Bachelor's degree from Francis Marion University and later earned her Master's in Education. Throughout...

Mrs. Bernice "Bee" Boswell Hubbard of The Cypress, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2023. She was the wife of the late Samuel Grady Hubbard, Jr. Bee was born on December 11, 1924 in Hartsville, SC. Bee is survived by: Daughter: Donna Hubbard Nicholson (Nick, III) and Grandchildren: James (Nick) Nicholson, IV, Charlotte, NC and Ashley Nicholson, Raleigh, NC. For a more detailed obituary, please visit www.throbertson.com.

Robert Wayne Byrd of Pawleys Island, South Carolina passed away on May 29, 2023 surrounded by his loving and devoted family at precisely 5 o'clock in the afternoon -- his favorite time of the day on one of his favorite days of the year (Memorial Day). A beloved husband, father and Pop, Wayne joined his heavenly family and friends after a vigorously-fought battle with a brief illness. Wayne was born February 11, 1947, in Charleston, South Carolina, the first-born child of Robert Newton Byrd and Wilma Gwendolyn Byrd. As the oldest of five children, he was the family's anchor and always made sure his siblings felt special, included and loved. Wayne's drive to succeed and tireless work ethic was...

Richard Lee Wright, 76, formerly of Florence, SC, passed away peacefully at his home on May 8, 2023. Richard was born April 24, 1947 in Waycross Georgia to Walter Carol Wright Sr. and Effie Lee McDaniel Wright. He graduated from McClenaghan High School in Florence SC in 1965 and The Citadel in Charleston, SC in 1969. Richard married his high school classmate, Alta Susan Davis in August of 1969. They had two children, two grandchildren, and remained married until his passing. Richard was a public school teacher and coach for Florence School District One. He spent most of his career teaching physical education and serving as defensive coordinator for the South Florence Bruins football team....

Grover Aaron Spears, Sr. of Hartsville, S.C. passed away on May 6 2023 at Morrell Rehab Center. Born on July 29,1934, in the Quietude area of Darlington County near Lamar to the late Aaron Cleveland Spears and late Sadie Webb Spears. The oldest of three children, he was preceded in death by his brother Olin Webb Spears and sister, Frances Ruth Spears. He was a graduate of Lamar High School (1953) then joined the US Navy serving as a Petty Officer 3rd Class during the Korean Campaign. After completing his military service he attended and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BS in Business Administration. Mr. Spears retired from Sonoco Products Company from the position of ...

Joan Grier Weaver, 71, of Mt. Pleasant, wife of L. Dean Weaver, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at her residence surrounded by her family. Mrs. Weaver was born on October 30, 1951, in Williamsburg County, daughter of the late Harvey J. Grier and Dorothy Hanna Grier. She was a graduate of Hemingway High School and member of Union Baptist Church. Mrs. Weaver was the Controller Chief Financial Officer for L. Dean Weaver Construction. Surviving are her husband of 50 years, L. Dean Weaver of Mt. Pleasant; sons, Chad (Allison) Weaver, Lyniel Weaver and Justin Weaver; grandchildren, Stella Kate Weaver, Preston Weaver, Oakleigh Weaver, Knox Weaver, Taylor Hills and Brooke Narcisi;...

Marietta, GA William Norman Matheson, 89, died Thursday, April 13, 2023. Born in Cheraw, SC, he was a son of the late Johnny Culpepper and Rosa Mae Tyson Matheson. As a US Army Veteran, he served as an Infantryman during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of First Baptist of Marietta. William enjoyed camping, square dancing, traveling and bowling. He is survived by his Son, Dennis (Rebecca) Matheson, of Marietta, GA, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Isgett Matheson, a son, Kent Matheson, brothers, David, Doc, Elliot, Ernest, Leslie, and Roy Matheson, and sisters, Clara Matheson, Dorothy Brown, Rosa Mae Craft and Lily...

Charles "Charlie" Louis Rogers, 88, of Columbia, died Sunday, March 26, 2023. Born August 23, 1934, in Marion County, SC, he was the son of the late Robert and Emma Meggs Rogers. He attended Marion County schools and later Clemson University. He was employed for over 28 years with Dixie Electronics prior to starting his own electronic systems contracting business, Delta Systems, Inc. Mr. Rogers worked diligently building his company and ultimately retired following 25 years of ownership. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially when given the opportunity to work in his yard. Mr. Rogers was always very curious of how things were constructed and loved to repair broken items. He was always...

Barbara Devon Wise McElveen, 89, passed away at her home in Myrtle Beach, SC on Monday, February 27, 2023. Barbara was born January 9, 1934 in Florence County, SC to the late James T. Wise and Ruth McCutcheon Wise Rogers. A celebration of life will be held at Kingsway Pentecostal Holiness Church on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Visitation with family will begin at 10:00 AM, with services beginning in the church sanctuary at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will be held at Matthews Cemetery on Matthews Road in Lake City, SC at approx. 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request memorials be sent to Kingsway Pentecostal Church Women's Ministry, Heritage Holiness Church, Ladson, SC,...

Ms. Fannie Owens Smith, age 88, wife of the late Charles "Doug" Smith passed away February 26, 2023, at McLeod Hospice House with her loving family by her side. Ms. Smith was born August 18, 1934, a daughter of the late Robert and Prudence Harrelson Owens. In addition to her parents, Ms. Smith was also predeceased by one son in law: Tommy Graham; three brothers: Francis Owens, Fulton Owens and Vernie Lee Owens; and four sisters: Dorothy Thompson, Josephine Skipper, Winnie Hunt and Helen Roberts. She is a former member of Aynor First Baptist Church and a current member of Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church in Florence, SC. Ms. Smith is survived by five children: Glen Smith (Joyce), Sharon Graham,...

George Alvin White, 75, of Florence, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 21, 2023. He was a son of the late John Alvin and Helen Stewart White. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Heritage Funeral Home, Simpsonville. Interment will follow in Simpsonville City Cemetery. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family. Please visit CannonByrd.com for additional information.

Cecil Laverne Humphries, 61, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at his residence. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at McMillan-Small Funeral Home, Myrtle Beach. The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, Wednesday, prior to the service at the funeral home. A full obituary can be seen @www.msfh.net

Betty Beal Gentry, 92, of Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 4, 2023. She was the widow of Kenneth G. Gentry. Visitation was held Saturday, February 11, 2023 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. A private burial will be held at a later date. Betty was born October 25, 1930, in Rocky Mount, NC, the only child of Claude P. and Julia Oakley Beal. The family moved to Florence, SC when Betty was 7, and she graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1950. She married the love of her life, Ken, in 1957 and they were married for 60 loving years. In 1960, they welcomed their first daughter, Julia Lillian-Ann, and in 1971, their...