Obituaries
James W. Cooper
Mar 7, 2026
James William Cooper of Florence transitioned on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to General Scholarship Fund of Morehouse College.
The family will receive friends at 3810 East National Cemetery Road, Florence.
Please keep the family of James William Cooper in your thoughts and prayers.
Gardenia Wells
Mar 7, 2026
Gardenia Wells of Florence transitioned on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.
Please keep the family of Gardenia Wells in your thoughts and prayers.
Lillie J. McAllister
Mar 7, 2026
Lillie Johnson McAllister of Columbia, SC formerly of Sandersville, GA transitioned on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Local arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.
She was the wife of James Larry McAllister of Columbia, SC.
Final Arrangements are entrusted to Slater's Funeral Home, 244 North Wayne Street, Milledgeville, GA 31061.
Clemmie A. Bacote
Feb 22, 2026
Clemmie A. Rivers Bacote was born October 24, 1942 to the late Clifford and the late Mattie Lane Rivers. She departed this earthly journey on February 22, 2026 at Southland Health Center.
Clemmies education began at Holmes School in East Florence. She was 1961 graduate of Wilson Senior High School.
Clemmie was an East Florence kid having grown up on Pine Street.
Clemmie...
Kendall M. Gordon
Feb 20, 2026
Kendall McLeod Gordon was born on January 16, 1971, to his caring mother, Lottie Lee McLeod, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was lovingly raised by his parents, Robert (deceased) and Buleah Gordon in Florence, S.C. After battling a long illness, Kendall entered eternal rest at Victory Veteran’s Home in Walterboro, South Carolina on February 20, 2026.
Kendall attended Florence Public...
Rogers Judge
Feb 16, 2026
Rogers “Tootsie” Judge was born in Florence, SC on August 19, 1948 to the late Mince Judge and the late Alma Judge of Pamplico, SC. He was the youngest of ten children. He transitioned from this life on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Rogers was educated in the public schools of Florence County and graduated with the Class of 1966 of Gibbs...
Angela Kirven
Feb 7, 2026
Angela Williams Kirven Was born in Florence, SC to the late Minnie Mae Williams Howard and Sammie L. Madison. She was the oldest of five children. She departed this earthly life on February 7, 2026 after an illness.
Angela affectionately called "PuPoo" by those who knew her and loved her.
Angela attended the public schools of Florence County.
Angela accepted Christ at an...
Mattie C. Robinson
Feb 7, 2026
After 98 wonderful years, Mattie Deleon Cooper Robinson departed this earthly life. Mattie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and community servant. She was born on March 7, 1927, in Florence, SC. She was the daughter of the late James and Mattie Gregg Cooper and grew up in a loving family.
Mattie attended the public schools in...
Donyell L. Kelly, Sr.
Feb 4, 2026
Donyell L. Kelly, Sr. of Florence transitioned on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Arrangements will be announced by Smiths Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.
Please keep the family of Donyell L. Kelly, Sr. in your thoughts and prayers.
Jerome Cooks
Feb 3, 2026
Jerome Cooks, age 58, was born on May 11, 1967, in Florence, South Carolina. He peacefully entered eternal rest on February 3, 2026.
Jerome was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Mary Helen Cooks Peoples, and his father, Leroy Quillen.
As a member of Wayside Progressive Church of Jesus, he found spiritual grounding, fellowship, and strength.
A lifelong resident of Florence, South...
Charles McKithen
Jan 31, 2026
Mr. Charles McKithen, son of the late Johnny and Martha Coleman McKithen, was born on March 5, 1946, in Florence County. On Saturday January 31, 2026, he entered eternal rest at McLeod Regional Medical Center. The oldest son of nine siblings.
Charles was educated in the public schools of Florence County. He began his career as a budding brick mason and...
Infant Zion Q. McKenzie
Jan 30, 2026
Infant Zion Quentral McKenzie was a precious gift, lovingly formed by God and cherished by his family. Though his time on earth was brief, his life holds eternal meaning and will always be remembered with love.
Infant Zion Quentral McKenzie is the beloved son of Zaniyaha Lynch and Michael McKenzie ; the brother of Jamarion Byrd; the cherished grandson of MyKena...
Willie Ray Allison
Jan 30, 2026
Willie Ray “Sonny” Allison, age 72, of Hampton, Virginia, passed away on January 30, 2026. Born December 28, 1953, in Kingsburg, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Ralph Allison, Sr. and the late Jessie Mae Brown Allison.
Willie grew up in Florence, South Carolina, and joined St. Mark AME Church in Johnsonville at an early age. His faith...
Lawrence E. Black, Sr.
Jan 21, 2026
Lawrence "Pap" Black, Sr. of Florence transitioned on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.
Family will receive friends starting on Friday, January 23, 2026 - Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the home of his daughter, 2234 Chadwick Dr., Florence, daily from 3 PM - 6 PM.
Please keep the family of Lawrence Black,...
Johnny J. Readon
Jan 18, 2026
Johnny James Readon was born April 11, 1959 in Florence County. He was the son of the late Wesley J. Readon and Winnie Readon. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC.
He attended the public schools of Florence County. Even though he was small in statue he was known for his carpentry...
Leslie Durant
Jan 6, 2026
Leslie Durant of Hartsville transitioned on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.
Family visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 3 PM - 7 PM at the home 2145 Donald Lane, Darlington.
Please keep the family of Leslie Durant in your thoughts and prayers.
Clarence L. Shackelford, Jr.
Jan 3, 2026
Clarence L. Shackelford, Jr. of Florence transitioned on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.
The family will receive condolences at the home of his granddaughter, Tiffany Collins- 1845 South Michigan Avenue , Unit 1706 , Chicago, Illnois 60616
Please keep the family of Clarence L. Shackelford, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers.
Susana G. Hines
Jan 1, 2026
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou...
Virginia M. Addo
Dec 31, 2025
Virginia Okema McPhail Addo was born on July 26, 1939, in Darlington, South Carolina, to the late Thomas McPhail and Azalea Graham McPhail Cost. From an early age, she embodied quiet strength, independence, and a deep love of learning qualities that guided her throughout her life.
In her early twenties, Virginia migrated to New York City, where she built a life...
Angela P. Spaulding
Dec 29, 2025
Angela Pearl Spaulding of Richmond Hill, GA transitioned on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Hone of Florence, LLC.
Please keep the family of Angela Pearl Spaulding in your thoughts and prayers.
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