The News

Mrs. Grace Lane Robinson, 94, wife of the late Lavon "Spec" Robinson, died Sunday, July 31, 2022, surrounded by her beloved family at her home in Kingstree, SC. "Miss Grace" was born October 23, 1927, in Williamsburg County, a daughter of the late Joseph Eston Lane and Sadie Duke Lane. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and worked in The Kiddie Shop with "Miss Chelsea" Gamble for twenty-one years. Miss Grace was a long time Williamsburg County employee, working in the Clerk of Court's office as Family Court Administrator and later in the Tax Assessor's office. Miss Grace retired when she was 91 1/2 years old. She was a dedicated member of the Kingstree Pilot Club for fifty...

Willa D. Turner of Raleigh, NC departed this life on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Funeral Service: 12:00 PM, Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Upper Room COGIC, 3300 Idlewood Village Rd., Raleigh, NC. Visitation: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, preceding the funeral service at the church. Interment: Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC. Survivors: Daughters, Therese Turner of Raleigh, NC, Emell Hope (Ira) of Garner, NC, Aprille Turner of Raleigh NC, Cynthia B. Little of Greensboro, NC and Gail Summerville of Clayton, NC; Sons, James H. Turner, II (Nichole) of Brooklyn, NY, Chris Turner (Heidi) of Waukesha, WI and Ithiel Turner (April) of Franklinton, NC; Brother, Willie McCrea (Matilda) of Washington,DC;...

Jo Ann Baylor Harrington, 73, widow of Richard Carter "Ricky" Harrington, died Friday, July 15, 2022, surrounded by her beloved family, at her home in New Zion, SC. Mrs. Harrington was born February 9, 1949, in Williamsburg County, a daughter of the late John and Frances Cantley Baylor. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and Williamsburg Technical College. Mrs. Harrington served as a teacher's aide in the fourth and fifth grades at Kingstree Elementary and Greeleyville Elementary. Jo Ann, affectionately known as "Gammie", kept children at her home for over fifteen years, calling them her special grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Midway Evangelical Presbyterian...

Col. William Edward Brockinton, US Army (Ret.) COLUMBIA - Col. William Edward Brockinton, US Army (Ret.), died on Saturday, July 2, 2022. Born in Kingstree, SC, on February 11, 1942, he was a son of the late William Kennedy Brockinton and Eleanor Elizabeth Stanley Brown. Col. Brockinton served his country in the United States Army until his retirement in 1996. Following his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and becoming more active in his church, Windsor United Methodist Church. At the church, he enjoyed being a member of the choir and serving with Salkehatchie Summer Service. Survivors include his daughter, Heather Brockinton, of Columbia; son, Louis Brockinton, and his wife,...

Robert Wayne Smith, 78, died peacefully at home in Columbia Tuesday morning, June 21, 2022. Mr. Smith was born December 8, 1943, in Williamsburg County, a son of the late William Davis Smith and Lottie Evans Smith. He was a graduate of Kingstree High School, attended the University of South Carolina, and graduated from Georgia Southern University. Wayne was a schoolteacher, having taught Art, English Literature, and Special Education in Andrews, Summerville, Columbia, Blythewood, and Saluda over his career. Wayne had many interests and was a member of several organizations: The Sons of the American Revolution, The South Carolina Society, The Sons of Confederate Veterans, The SC...

Mary Wood Douglass Nexsen (Woody) age 102, passed away peacefully at Carlyle Senior Center in Kingstree on June 10, 2022. The eldest daughter of Carrie Dudley Sparks and Francis Adelie Douglass, she was born at home in Salters on December 16, 1919. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Louis Jacobs "Crane," her youngest son, Montie Nexsen, sisters Carolyn D. Thompson, Evelyn D. Reagan, Jeannie D. Prosser, and brother Frank A. Douglass, Jr. Surviving to cherish her memory are daughter Barbara Wood Lansche, sons Doug (Linda), Louis (Becky), and daughter-in-law Diane Nexsen, seven Grandchildren: John (Shay) and Will Lansche, Emily (Brian) Whitfield,...

Mrs. Carter was born 12/9/1940 and died peacefully 5/29/2022. She was born in Williamsburg County to the late Clarence Brown and Joseph Kirkley Caulder. Lula attended Kingstree Schools where she lettered in women's basketball and track. She loved family, friends, all animals, antiques, traveling, and history, both family and Williamsburg County. She was a great cook, and all were welcome whether family, friends, or total stranger. Lula was a cosmetologist and taught for several years at Williamsburg Technical College. A total compassionate person who could always make you laugh. She was married to the late Hal Carter for 61 years. They had 3 boys: Alton Cramer, Halford Winslow, and...

John Emmett Strong, Jr., 78, left this world for Heaven following a brief illness on May 12, 2022, surrounded by love. John Strong was born April 18, 1944, in Kingstree, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Era Flowers Strong and John Emmett Strong, Sr. He was a graduate of Kingstree High School and the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science. John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gayle Hindman Strong, as well as his mother and father. John Strong was a man of many interests, namely his grandchildren's activities, WWE wrestling, and what the "happening" was around town. A visit with him was not complete without him inquiring about what the latest news from...

Mrs. Malivia Coker "Libby" Mitchum, 90, widow of Gerald David Mitchum, died Thursday, April 28, 2022, at her residence. Mrs. Mitchum was born February 27, 1932, in Hebron, SC, a daughter of the late Olive Altman Coker and William Alva Coker. She was a graduate of Hebron High School, where she excelled in basketball. She worked for Santee Electric Cooperative for 31 years. Miss Libby was a member of Kingstree First Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Rainbow Sunday School Class and taught the 8-9 year old Sunday school class for 20 years with her husband Gerald. She was a member of the Eastern Star and enjoyed cooking, collecting cookbooks, baking cakes, sewing, and painting...

SUMMERTON - Eunice L. Richards Smith McKenzie Smith, 92, died Monday, April 25, 2022, at McLeod Health Clarendon. Born April 12, 1930, in Columbia, she was a daughter of the late Charles C. Richards and the late Mary Rodella Smith Richards. She was a member of the Eastern Star and a past Worthy Matron. She was a member of Woodmen of the World and Summerton Baptist Church. She is survived by four sons, John Mitchell Smith of Manning, Thurston Hayward McKenzie, Jr. (Jennifer) of Kingstree, Terry Smith (Heather) of Ohio and Robert P. Manuelsmith (Kelly) of Hilton Head; five daughters, Constance Lee "Connie" Paradis of Summerton, Deborah Michelle "Debbie" Ward (Rocky) of Kingstree, Patricia...

Mrs. Edna Britton David, 91, widow of George L. David, died Monday April 4, 2022, at her residence. Mrs. David was born September 22, 1930, in Lane, SC, a daughter of the late Joseph Sylvanus Britton and Alice Edna Bryan Britton. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and retired from Suburban Propane Co. after 35 years. Over the years, she decorated for and directed numerous weddings for her family and local brides. Mrs. David was an active member of Union Presbyterian Church in Salters where she taught Sunday school, served on the WIC board and on many state Presbytery councils. She was a member of the Garden Makers Garden Club. She 'boondoggled" with her husband for many trips...

Jack L. McConnell died peacefully on March 26, 2022, at the age of 86 after a brief illness. Jack was the only child of John Leroy McConnell and Emmie Moree McConnell. He was born on May 4, 1935, in Georgetown, South Carolina. He told wonderful tales of his younger days, working at International Paper Company and as a lifeguard at Retreat Beach, duck hunting and fishing in Winyah Bay, and dancing at the Pawley's Island Pavillon. After graduating from Winyah High School in 1953, Jack attended the University of South Carolina where he majored in mechanical engineering, played trombone in the USC Band, won numerous ping pong tournaments and was a member of the U.S. Navy...

James Murray McCrea, 89, died Monday, February 14, 2022, at Lake City Community Hospital in Lake City, SC. Mr. McCrea was born June 26, 1932, in Kingstree, SC, a son of the late James Robert McCrea and Lottie Blakely McCrea. He attended both Cedar Swamp School and Kingstree schools. Murray was a farmer and the owner and operator of Murray's Tack Shop in Kingstree. He was a founding member of Cedar Swamp Lancing Association and participated in lancing tournaments around the state for many years. Not only was he a knowledgeable horseman, but Murray was also successful at raising and training hunting dogs at his business, Murray's Kennels. Additionally, Murray planned and hosted an...

Edward Michael Graham, 63, died Saturday February 12, 2022, at his home in Kingstree. Mr. Graham was born May 30, 1958, in Eustis, Florida, a son of Jane Jaudon Blakley Graham and the late Edward Leon Graham, Jr. He was a graduate of American School of Campinas in Sao Paulo Brazil and graduated from Statesboro Junior College in Georgia with an associate degree in Horticulture. Surviving Mr. Graham are: his mother, Jane Jaudon Blakely Graham, twin sister Patricia Graham Adams, brothers, Kevin Jaudon Graham and Austin Blakely Graham and a niece, Lacey Jane Graham. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Leon Graham Jr. Graveside funeral services will be 2 PM, Sunday,...

Dickey, 80, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022. He was in the company of his loving family and the devoted workers at his care facility in Charlotte, NC. Born April 9, 1941, in Kingstree, SC, he was the son of the late Henry Miles Preacher and Nelle Cockfield Preacher. Following graduation from Kingstree High School, Dickey furthered his education at the University of South Carolina's School of Pharmacy. Upon graduation, he returned to Kingstree and joined his father as a pharmacist at Preacher Drug Co. From 1963 until his retirement in 1998, he faithfully served the community with his devoted business partner, fellow pharmacist, and friend, Archie B. Ward. Additionally, he served the...

Peggy Tisdale, 82, went home to be with the Lord on the morning of February 3, 2022. Peggy was born on November 3, 1939, the daughter of the late Nella Cribb Hobson and Jettie Crib She was a 1957 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School, Georgetown County, SC. In 1961, she married and moved to the Cedar Swamp Community of Williamsburg County, where she built a home, raised her family, and became a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church. While a member of CGBC, she was a teacher in the Nursery and Beginner Sunday School Classes and an Alto in the Church choir. In 2004, Peggy joined and became a founding member of Williamsburg Baptist Church. She was a member of the WBC church choir,...

Lillie Mae McClary,87, of Richmond, Va., formerly of Alexandria, Va., departed this life Sunday, January 30, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Walter Hayward; sister, Albertha Lumpkin; brother, Roosevelt Hayward. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Henry McClary Jr.; children, Christine McClary, Curtis McClary, Cynthia Scott, Celeste Logan (Joseph), Sean McClary; grandchildren, Eric, Calvin, Lauryn, Toure (Daniel), Curtis, Alexia, Joseph, Jahem, Joelle, Jolie, Jameson, Joy, En Naja; great-grandchildren, Molique, Devonte, Janiyah, Flynn; five great-great-grandchildren; devoted sister-in-law, Geneva Hayward; loyal friend and caregiver, Barbara Moody;...

Carolyn Brown Green passed away peacefully on January 27, 2022, with her beloved and adoring family by her side. She was born on May 5, 1934 to Dexter Ernest Brown and Maude McClary Brown in Williamsburg County, SC. After raising her family in Andrews, SC, Carolyn relocated to Cherry Grove and later to Garden City, where she enjoyed the ever-changing tides in Murrells Inlet and tending her lovely garden featuring hydrangeas, roses, and palm trees throughout the seasons. Always attuned to the sea, Carolyn was known for creating and living in gracious and beautiful homes, dressing to the nines, and making memories with her family over delicious meals and everyone's favorite pound cake, often...

Mrs. Lila Mae Hucks Harrelson, 89, widow of Billy Harrelson, died at home in Kingstree Thursday, January 27, 2022. Mrs. Harrelson was born October 21, 1932, in Horry County, a daughter of the late Cox and Carrie Hyman Hucks. She was a graduate of Conway High School and was formerly employed at Talon in Lake City. She was a member of Cornerstone Freewill Baptist Church in Manning, SC. Surviving Mrs. Harrelson are: a daughter, Billie Jo H. (Glenn) Lee of Lake City; a son, Tony (Sybel) Harrelson of Maggie Valley, NC; 3 grandchildren, Curtis Green, Mark Harrelson, and Carrie Harrelson; 3 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and 2 sisters, Geraldine Rozier and Sylvia Jo...

Mr. Julian Hazel Burgess Jr., 82, husband of Kathy Markle Burgess, died Wednesday, January 26, 2022, in McLeod Regional Medical Center. Mr. Burgess was born August 25, 1939, in Kingstree, SC, the son of the late Doris Flemming Burgess and Julian Hazel Burgess, Sr. He graduated from East Clarendon High School and furthered his education at Trident Technical College and Clemson University. He was a veteran of the SC National Guard. Mr. Burgess retired from SC Department of Transportation as District Testing Engineer after 43 years of service. He was an avid golfer but truly loved fishing. He was one of the founders of the Bass Masters Association and wrote articles on fishing for...

Patsy Stutts Matthews, 72, of Kingstree, SC, wife of Rupert "Rudy" Bailey Matthews III entered into eternal rest Tuesday, January 25, 2022. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Northwoods Chapel. Patsy was born May 31, 1949 in Charleston, South Carolina, daughter of the late Earl W. Stutts and Mary Louise Grady Stutts. She was a retired administrative assistant with the SC Dept. of Mental Health and was a former assistant to Dr. James Edwards at MUSC. Patsy attended the College of Charleston and numerous health related seminars. She resided with her family for 15 years in Aiken, SC and Guntersville, AL. They have resided in...