OBITUARIES
THE SUMTER ITEM
BETTYE JANE COOK Bettye Jane Dukes Cook was born on Nov. 22, 1935, in Sumter, to the late Arthur Sr. and Minnie Witherspoon Dukes. She departed this life on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. She attended Lincoln High School in Sumter. Growing up in a Christian home, she was always faithful on her Christian journey and worshipped faithfully at her home and church. She was a faithful member of Church of God by Faith, where she was a member of the gospel choir. She loved reading the Bible, going to church, singing, and doing crossword puzzles. Mrs. Cook was blessed by God, a woman of strong conviction, and loved by her family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memories: a devoted husband of 56 years, Isaiah Cook Jr.; one daughter, Tameeka (Brent) Staley of Sumter; four sons, Charles Scarborough of Bronx, New York, Ismail Alamin, Tracy (Denise) Cook and Jason Cook, all of Sumter; one brother, Richard E. Dukes of Sumter; three sisters, Lessie Edwards of Sumter, Annette Singletary of Florence and Maxine (Harold) Simmons of Rochester, New York; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Henry Cook of Brooklyn, New York; two sisters-in-law, Mary (Thomas) Mahoney and Elizabeth Greene; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by a brother, Arthur Dukes Jr.; and a sister, Mary Massey. Public viewing will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary. Mrs. Cook will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. on Saturday for viewing until the hour of service. Funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday at Church of God by Faith, 609 Atlantic Ave., Sumter, with the pastor, Elder James Lucas, and Elder James Taylor, eulogist. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 130 Hope Court, Sumter. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.
MARY LOUISE GOODMAN On Dec. 16, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, God called the beautiful soul of Mary Louise Goodman, 73, to her heavenly home. She was born on Dec. 31, 1940, to the late Edward and Mary Amos Bracey. She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Larry Goodman; her children, James (Thomasiena) Sweat, Randy (Jo) Sweat, Mary Ann (Anthony) Hayes and W.J. Sweat (Linda Laurent); and one grandchild reared in the home, Subrina Leaf. Viewing of Mrs. Goodman will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Sumter, with Pastor Larry Barnes and Co-Pastor Evangelene Barnes. Burial will follow in Bradford Cemetery. The family is receiving visitors at the home of Anthony and Mary Ann Hayes, 340 Sandy Run Drive, Sumter. Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com. Community Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of these arrangements.
JOHN M. OLDEN John Marion Olden, 65, departed this earthly life on Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, at Palmetto Health Richland hospital. Born on May 11, 1949, in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Edward J. and Alene Dawson Olden. John attended the public
schools of Sumter County. After his schooling, he had numerous jobs and retired from Hill Plumbing in 2010. “Tee Ta” or “Topper,” as he was affectionately known, was an outgoing and loving person, a jokester. He loved people and making them laugh. It was never dull when he was around. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and taking care of his goats. He leaves to cherish his memories: his special companion, Willie M. Cato; four sons, Jonathan Odell and Otis Leon Olden of Hartford, Connecticut, and Kelvin (Lamari) and Calvin Addison of Sumter; one daughter, Sherry Lorraine (John) Thomas of Hartford; six grandchildren; three sisters, Barbara Jean Boone of New Jersey, Wilhelmenia (Willie James) Johnson and Shirley Olden of Wedgefield; two aunts; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel, Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter, with Minister Jake Sanders officiating, eulogist, assisted by Minister Annie M. China. The family is receiving family and friends at the home of his sister, Shirley Olden, 84 Tierra Lane, Wedgefield. The procession will leave at 12:20 p.m. from the home of his sister. Floral bearers and pallbearers will be family and friends. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park, 802 N. Guignard Drive, Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc. rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com. Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.
GREGORY BENN BISHOPVILLE — Gregory Benn entered eternal rest on Dec. 18, 2014, at his residence, 511 Byrd St., Bishopville. The family is receiving friends at the residence. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville.
CHARLES T. GEDDINGS SR. Charles Thomas “Tommy” Geddings Sr., 67, died on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014. Born on July 4, 1947, in Sumter, he was a son of the late Edmond D. and Lillie Mae Bradley Geddings. He was married in 1966 to Barbara Ann Hilton Geddings, and after her death in 1969, married his wife of 39 years, the late Mary Bernice Belvin Geddings. Mr. Geddings attended Furman High School in Sumter. He was employed many years by Sumter
Music and Amusements. He later became president/CEO of Purco Trucking Inc., where he worked until his retirement in 2012. A member of Sumter Lodge No. 364 AFM, Mr. Geddings was a Master Mason and past worshipful master. He was a member of Iris Chapter No. 149, Order of the Eastern Star, where he was currently serving as worthy patron. As a member of the Gamecock Shrine Club, he was in the Jamil Streakers Unit and was also a Jamil Roadrunner, who transported children from Sumter and the surrounding area to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville. He was a member of New Testament Lighthouse Church, where he served as deacon and song leader. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, and gardening. He enjoyed football, baseball, NASCAR, bluegrass and gospel music, and spending time with his grandchildren, family, and friends. Mr. Geddings is survived by his fiancée, Nora Ray of Hartsville; a daughter, Melissa Lynn Geddings Gibbons of Sumter; son, Charles T. “Chuck” Geddings Jr. of Sumter; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Jesse Sainz, Linda and Ducky Craft, and Ann and Al Pritchard; eight grandchildren, Barbara “Brandi” Geddings, Joshua Gibbons, Kyle Geddings, Travis Geddings, Rebecka Gibbons, Brittany Flack, Rachel Geddings and Thomas McAllister; and two greatgrandchildren, Rhett and Rhileigh Gibbons. Preceding him in death, besides his wives and parents, were a daughter, Sharmon Geddings McAllister; and two brothers, Ed Geddings and Jerry Geddings. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Mary Watford officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joshua Gibbons, Kyle Geddings, Travis Geddings, Jay Cole, DeShawn Abbott and Jim Miles. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Elmore-CannonStephens Funeral Home and other times at his home. Memorials may be made to New Testament Lighthouse Church, 1114 Boulevard Road, Sumter, SC 29153 or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements. www. ecsfuneralhome.com
SHIRLEY M. MOORE Shirley Murphy Moore, 66, departed this life on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014. Born on Jan. 3, 1948, in the township of Hagood, she was a daughter of the late
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014 William and Rosa Lee Chestnut Murphy. She attended Rafting Creek Elementary School and continued her education at Ebenezer High School, Dalzell. In 1968, she met and fell in love with her future husband, Harry James Moore, and after three years of courtship she became Mrs. Shirley Moore. From this marriage, two children were born – Harry James Moore Jr. and Albert Derek Moore. “Daffy Duck,” as she was affectionately known, was a loving and caring wife and mother, dedicated to the care of her family, and a very special aunt to her nieces, who will miss her dearly. Shirley was a member of Rafting Creek Baptist Church. She was employed by DuPont in Logoff, where she worked for a number of years. Later, she was employed by Holiday Inn, Lugoff, and subsequently transferred to Holiday Inn, Sumter. She remained employed by them for many years. She leaves to cherish her memories: two sons, Harry James (Jasmine) Moore Jr. and Albert Derek (Antuane) Moore; one brother, Willie Murphy of Pahokee; one granddaughter, Shanquita Nicole Moore; one greatgrandson, LeSean Kelly; three brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and four brothers, Calvin, Harold, James and Richard. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday at Rafting Creek Baptist Church, 3860 S.C. 261 North, Rembert, with the Rev. Melvin Mack, pastor, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. Burdell Hill and Minister Lillian Reynolds. The family is receiving family and friends at the home of her sister-in-law, Geneva Murphy, 5205 Betty Jean Road, Rembert. The remains will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. The procession will leave at 11:30 a.m. from the home of her sister-in-law. Floral bearers and pallbearers will be family and friends. Burial will be in Rafting Creek Baptist Churchyard cemetery. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc. rr.com. Visit us on the web. Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
SABRINA MCDONALD BISHOPVILLE — It is with much sorrow that we announce the passing of Sabrina McDonald, who passed away on Dec. 18, 2014. The family is receiving friends at the home, 214
|
B5
Chappelle Drive, Bishopville. Services are incomplete and will be announced later by New Life Funeral Services LLC of Bishopville.
ISABELL P. LESAINE MANNING — On Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, Isabell Pearson Lesaine, widow of Henry Isaiah Lesaine, heard her master’s call at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. She was born on Feb. 21, 1947, in Davis Station, a daughter of the late Plowden and Louise Pearson. Isabell’s memories will be cherished by a host of family and friends. Public viewing will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the chapel of Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the residence of her son, the Rev. Eddie Lesaine, 1180 Heritage Drive, Country Club Estates, Manning. Service of remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 14362 Raccoon Road, Jordan community of Manning, where the Rev. Jonathan Mouzon, senior pastor, will bring words of consolation. Service of committal, benediction and interment will follow at the State Cemetery. Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home and Chapel of Manning is in charge of services. Online condolences may be sent to Flemingdelaine@ aol.com. www.FlemingDeLaine.com
OTIS SMITH Otis Smith, 59, died on Nov. 27, 2014. Born in Wedgefield, he was a son of the late Mary Jane Smith and Robert Johnson. Otis attended the public schools of Sumter County. He served in the U.S. Army. He was employed for several years as a truck and cab driver. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Abe Smith Sr.; two sisters, Edith Smith Lawrence and Marie Smith Beale; one brother, Abe Smith Jr.; and two brothersin-law, Lavern Lawrence and Andrew Bethel. Surviving are seven sisters, Janie Lee Cook of Long Island City, New York, Mary Louise Archie, Virginia Nathaniel, Mary Ann (Oddie) Edwards and Betty Jean Bethel, all of Sumter, Carolyn (Michael) Alston of Dalzell and Daisy (John) Richlieu of Orlando, Florida; one brother-in-law, James (Jelain) Beale of Simpsonville; one aunt, Louise Conyers of Sumter; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today at Cherryvale Baptist Church, 1502 Cherryvale Drive, Sumter, SC, 29154, with the Rev. George Smiling officiating.
Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church 325 Fulton Street • Sumter
773-3658 • www.mtzionmissionarybc.com “The Little Church with the Big and Friendly Heart”
DINE-IN • PICK-UP
TRY OUR DELICIOUS HOT PIZZA! Hot Pizza, Subs, & CinnaPOP’s and Salad Bar
Reserve your large Party Space Office Partys
Gift Cards Availa ble
LUNCH BUFFET BAR
7 DAYS A WEEK • 11 AM - 2 PM
EVENING BUFFET • 5 PM - 8 PM TUESDAY, THURSDAY, & SATURDAY
Remember
Wednesday Night Trivia at 7:00 pm • 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place Prizes!
837 C Broad Street, Sumter, SC
803-774-7492 Open 7 Days a Week • 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
COME MEET OUR NEW SERVERS
Join Us This Sunday For Christmas Services 10:45AM Morning Worship. Message: “Keep Christ in Christmas” by Pastor Blassingame 4:00PM Annual Christmas Program sponsored by Church School Ministry
Opportunities for Life Enrichment 9:45 AM Church School (Sundays) 10:45 AM Morning Worship (Sundays) 6:00 PM Evening Worship (1st Sundays) 10:00 AM Golden Age Fellowship (3rd Wed.) 5:30 PM Prayer Service (Wed.) 6:00 PM Bible Study (Wed.) 6:00 PM Youth Ministry (Wed.) After School Care - Mon. - Fri. 2:30 - 5:30 PM (K-5th Grade)
Rev. James Blassingame, Pastor