Obituaries

James E. Byrd

James E. Byrd

Jun 23, 2025

James E. “Red” Byrd was born in Darlington County on March 28, 1933, to Dan Evander and Victoria Lincoln Byrd. He was raised on a Farm in Darlington County where his parents were sharecroppers. He was the 11th of 12 children. He was Baptized at New Hopewell Baptist Church at a young age and understood strength and confidence by Faith...

James T. Nelson

James T. Nelson

Jun 18, 2025

Mr. James Truman Nelson departed this life on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, after a brief illness.

Truman was born in Marion, SC on September 17, 1946, to the late Mr. Edward L. Nelson and Mrs. Mary T. Nelson.

He was educated in the public schools of Marion County.

He was also a Veteran who served in the United States Army.

Truman accepted Christ at...

Georgie M. Robinson

Georgie M. Robinson

Jun 16, 2025

On July 17, 1938, God spoke, and a beautiful and bright light was illuminated in the union of Elma Lee and David McWhite in the person of their firstborn child, Georgie Lee McWhite. Better known as Gee, she was a quiet spirit with an effervescent smile. Georgie was a very dependable young lady and helped her mother in taking care...

Wilhelmenia M. Gause-Ledbetter

Wilhelmenia M. Gause-Ledbetter

Jun 13, 2025

Wilhelmenia M. Gause-Ledbetter transitioned on Friday, June 13, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Please keep the family of Wilhelmenia M. Gause-Ledbetter in your thoughts and prayers.

Thomas B. Green

Thomas B. Green

Jun 9, 2025

Thomas Bernard Green was born in Lake City, S.C. on June 10,1950, to the late Jack L. Green, Sr. and the late Eugenia M. Green of Lake City, S.C. He passed away on June 9, 2025.

He attended public schools in Lake City, S.C. and graduated from Carver High School in 1968. While attending Carver High School, Bernard was an outstanding...

Mary C. Davis

Mary C. Davis

Jun 4, 2025

Mary C. Davis of Florence transitioned on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Arrangements will announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Please keep the family of Mary C. Davis in your thoughts and prayers.

Rufus J. Knowlin

Rufus J. Knowlin

Jun 3, 2025

We gather to celebrate the homecoming of Rufus James Knowlin (1942-2025) age 82, who peacefully departed this life on June 3, 2025.

Rufus was born in Florence, South Carolina where he attended Carver Elementary School and Wilson High School. He graduated from Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC) with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1964.

Beginning in the late 1960’s, Rufus began...

Dolores W. Williams

Dolores W. Williams

May 31, 2025

Mrs. Dolores Woods Williams, affectionately known as “Joyce,” was born on July 2, 1944, in St. Stephens, South Carolina, to the late Wester Davis and Elouise Woods. She was the eldest of eighteen children, a role that helped shape her nurturing, responsible, and caring spirit from an early age.

Joyce grew up in the St. Stephens community and was a faithful...

Donald B. Parsons

Donald B. Parsons

May 27, 2025

Donald Bruce Parsons of Florence transitioned on Tuesday, May 28, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Please keep the family of Donald Bruce Parsons in your thoughts and prayers.

Willie L. Stuckey

Willie L. Stuckey

May 23, 2025

Willie Lee Stuckey of Effingham transitioned on Friday, May 23, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Family will receive friends daily from 2 PM - 9 PM at 2716 Degoat Road, Effingham, SC.

Please keep the family of Willie Lee Stuckey in your thoughts and prayers.

Joseph R. Wilson

Joseph R. Wilson

May 22, 2025

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”

II Timothy 4:7

SGT Joseph Russell Wilson was born on February 26, 1960, in Florence, South Carolina, to the late Alice Wilson-Canteen and Joseph Russell Jones, Jr. He was the second of Alice’s and Joseph’s beloved children and a proud member of a close knit family...

Jake C. Kirk

Jake C. Kirk

May 18, 2025

Jake Curtis Kirk, affectionately known to many as “J.C.,” was born on May 10, 1954 to the late Mattie Lou Hills and the late Elester Kirk. He departed this life on May 18, 2025. Jake lived a life of discipline, service, and unwavering commitment to purpose.

Jake was educated in the public schools of Florence County school system.

Jake served his country...

Tony C. Eley

Tony C. Eley

May 18, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Tony Carlton Eley, a beloved son, brother, father, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Tony was born on August 28, 1962 in Suffolk, VA to the late Elsie Eley and Royal C. Eley, Sr.

Tony received his education from Windsor High School. He was employed by Amusement of America as an electrician for...

Antonette M. Keitt

Antonette M. Keitt

May 16, 2025

Antonette Marie Keitt of Florence transitioned on Friday, May 16, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Please keep the family of Antonette Marie Keitt in your thoughts and prayers.

Lt. Col. (Retired) Jasper S. Reaves

Lt. Col. (Retired) Jasper S. Reaves

May 15, 2025

Lt. Colonel Jasper Stanley Reaves, affectionately known as “JR,” was born on January 9, 1959, in Marion County, South Carolina, to the late Reverend Maceo Stanley Reaves and Missionary Mary Eliza Page Reaves of Lake View, South Carolina. He passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025.

Jasper grew up in Pleasantville, New Jersey, where he attended school and developed early passions...

Betty Y. Ward

Betty Y. Ward

May 15, 2025

Mrs. Betty Jean Young Ward was born to the late David Young, Sr. and the late Mary Dixon Young on June 24, 1945 as their fifth child. She departed this life on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Betty was baptized at an early age and grew up as a member of Cumberland United Methodist Church. She was active as a Girl Scout...

Monica Shaw

Monica Shaw

May 13, 2025

Ms. Monica Shaw was born October 24, 1965 in Rochester, NY to the late Ms. Essie Mae Shaw. Monica transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Florence, SC while in the care of McLeod Hospital.

She spent her early years in Rochester, NY and eventually moved south to Kingstree, South Carolina with her mother, older sister...

Melvin A. Gibson

Melvin A. Gibson

May 11, 2025

Melvin Anthony Gibson, our beloved son, father, nephew, cousin, and friend,passed away on May 11th, 2025. "Mel-G," as he was affectionately known, wasborn on April 18th, 1986, to Melvin and Lucy Muldrow in Florence, South Carolina.

Melvin attended South Florence High School and later obtained his welding certification from Florence-Darlington Technical College. A man of many talents, Melvin was a true...

Regina F. McKnight

Regina F. McKnight

May 9, 2025

Mrs. Regina Levette Fleming McKnight, the daughter of Lillian Fleming and the late Ingram Jenkins was born March 14, 1970 in East Orange, New Jersey. She transitioned to her eternal resting place on Friday, May 9, 2025.

Regina and her family relocated to Lake City, South Carolina in October 2001. Her formal education began in East Orange, New Jersey and she...

Shirley J. Alford-McDaniel

Shirley J. Alford-McDaniel

May 2, 2025

Shirley Jean Alford McDaniel, affectionately known as “Shane”, was born August 2, 1954 to Elease McCray and Joe Brown, Sr. She passed away from this earthly life on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Her mother passed when she was just seven (7) years old. She was then raised by her Aunt Corien Burgess Jackson, who preceded her in death.

Shirley attended public school...