OBITUARIES
THE SUMTER ITEM
BABLEE R. BRIGGS Bablee R. Briggs was born Oct. 21, 1954, in Clarendon County, to the late General Sr. and Mittie B. Ragin. She exchanged her cross for a crown on Jan. 12, 2015, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital, Manning. Bablee was educated in the BRIGGS public schools of Clarendon County and was a 1973 graduate of Scott’s Branch High School. “Big Beb,” as she was affectionately called, was preceded in death by five siblings, Arthur Lee, Ozzie, Ethel, Thomasena and Timothy. Her remarkable and loving spirit will be celebrated by her son, Anthony (Shalonda) Ragin; four grandchildren, Malquan of Summerton, Trevon of Baltimore, Diani of Orangeburg and Annaiya of Columbia; three brothers, General Ragin Jr., General Lee “Ricky” Ragin of Summerton and Hercules (Carolyn) Ragin of Columbia; six sisters, Janette (Edward) Chandler, Joyce Ragin of Summerton, Shebia Hatcher, Carolyn (John) Dow, Linda Ragin of Pinewood and Ieshia Butler of Baltimore. She is also survived by her former husband, John Briggs of Summerton; an uncle, Mackey (Wilma) Issac of Summerton; four aunts, Willie Bell Frierson of New York, Alice Marshall of Sumter, Blanch Issac of Mobile, Alabama, and Gene Ragin of North Carolina; brother-in-law, Samuel Murray of Pinewood; a sister-inlaw, Mary G. Ragin of Manning; a niece as a daughter, Kimberly Ragin; a very special grandniece and grandnephew she help raise as her own, Toni Richardson and Tiyone “Pookie” Bannister of the home; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and special friends, Marvin Stinnie, Ernestine Thomas and Chris Riley. Funeral service for Mrs. Briggs will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at Greater St. Phillips RMUE Church. The Rev. Powell Hampton Jr., pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The remains will be placed in the church at 12:30 p.m. until the hour of the service. Viewing will be held today from noon to 6 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to summertonfuneralhome@gmail.com. The family will receive friends at the home of her sister, Linda Ragin, 1013 Armour Hill Drive, Pinewood. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Summerton Funeral Home LLC, 23 S. Duke St., Summerton, (803) 4853755.
DARLENE BURKE Darlene Alice Rowe Burke, age 67, beloved wife of 47 years to John Lewis Burke, died on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at her residence, surrounded by family and friends. Born in upstate New York, she was a daughter of Bertha Eberhardt Rowe and the late BURKE Stanley Rowe Sr. Darlene was a savvy business woman and retired after more than 20 years with Safe Federal Credit Union. Darlene loved God, her family, and her church. She will be remembered as a spiritual leader in the community. She will also be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, sister and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Darlene was a member of Wedgefield Baptist Church. Surviving in addition to her husband and mother are one son, Michael John Burke and his wife, Audrey, of Wedgefield; one daughter, Conni Noel Mulligan of Asheville,
North Carolina; two brothers, Stanley Rowe Jr. and his wife, Sharon, of Wilmington, North Carolina, and James Rowe of Niles, New York; three grandchildren, Michaela Burke, Chaise Turbeville and Connor Mulligan; and one greatgrandchild, Kyleigh Turbeville. In addition to her father, Darlene was preceded in death by a sister, Laurie Green. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Wedgefield Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Goff officiating. Interment will follow in the Wedgefield Baptist Church cemetery. Pallbearers will be the deacons of Wedgefield Baptist Church. Honorary pallbearers will be the Sunshine Ladies of Wedgefield Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Wedgefield Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Wedgefield Baptist Church, P.O. Box 265, Wedgefield, SC 29168. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.
DOROTHY MAE JENKINS Dorothy Mae Jenkins was born on Aug. 30, 1921, in Sumter, to the late Moses J. and Jennie Parker Jenkins. She departed this life on Jan. 13, 2015. Dorothy was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and was a graduate of Lincoln High School. She continued her education at Morris JENKINS College, South Carolina State College in Orangeburg and Francis Marion University in Florence. She was a lifelong member of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, where she served in many capacities. Dorothy experienced a teaching career that lasted for 43 years, where she gave her time and talents. She was a retired educator who was committed to the Florence County School System and community. She was the recipient of numerous awards, citations, medals, plaques and trophies for her outstanding and stellar performance in the classroom as a teacher. She was an advocate for youth excellence throughout her life in many arenas to include the school, church and youth organizations. Dorothy led a life of service to others in the following capacities: Sunday school superintendent; steward pro tem; director of Vacation Bible School; served with the young people’s department; as well as a Girl Scout leader. Dorothy was active in Bible study and prayer; secretary of the sanctuary choir; member of the mass choir; member of Stewardess Board No. 1; class leader; director of the afterschool program; and a member of the Women’s Missionary Society. She leaves to cherish her memory: nieces and nephews, Doris Jenkins Williams, Harold (Henrietta) Fullard, Demetre Battles, Pynette Battles and Jennifer Battles Jackson; grandnieces, nephews and other relatives. Public viewing will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Job’s Mortuary. The body will be placed in the church at noon on Monday for viewing until the hour of service. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday at Mt. Pisgah AME Church,
Bartlette Street, Sumter, with the pastor, the Rev. Dr. Betty Deas-Clark. Interment will follow in Walker Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at 425 Derek Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. 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.
WILLIE LEE THAMES On Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, Willie Lee Thames, husband of Mary Ann Walker, heard his Master’s call at Conway Medical Center, Conway. Born on April 14, 1938 in Manning, he was a son of the late Luther and Victoria Dingle Thames. Visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the Chapel of Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home. Service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, 4829 Alex Harvin Highway, Manning, where the Rev. Terry R. Johnson will bring words of consolation. Service of interment will follow in the church cemetery. Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home and Chapel of Manning is in charge of services. Online condolences may be sent to www.flemingdelaine. com or Flemingdelaine@aol. com.
DAVID L. COLE BISHOPVILLE — David Lavelle Cole, 79, husband of Susan Lee Cole, died on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at Morningside of Hartsville. Born in Florence County, he was a son of the late Lavelle David and Esther Carraway Cole. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Bishopville and retired from Carolina Power and Light Co. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Survivors include his wife; a son, David L. Cole Jr. of Charleston; a daughter, Nancy Cole Sunderland (Mike) of Columbia; a brother, Wilbur Cole of Effingham; and a special friend, Keith Clavis. He was preceded in death by a sister, Lazette Cole Lawhon of Timmonsville. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. today in the Piedmont Cemetery with the Rev. Tim Coker and the Rev. Lin Kirkman officiating. The family will receive friends at the home, 2190 Camden Highway, Bishopville. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 144, Bishopville, SC 29010. The family would like to express a special thanks to the devoted Morningside family of Hartsville and Agape Hospice. Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of the arrangements.
WILHELMINA S. BILLUPS Wilhelmina Shaw Billups, 80, departed this life on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at her residence. She was born on Nov. 30, 1934, in Sumter County, a daughter of the late Ben and Lottie Muldrow Shaw. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 336 Ben St., Sumter, SC 29150. Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc. of Sumter.
NICHOLE DAWKINS Nichole Dawkins was born on April 18, 1969, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Virdeena Dawkins and the late Dr. Charles L. Dawkins. She departed this life on Jan. 9, 2015. At an early age, she became an active member of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang with the M.H. Newton Mass Choir. She was
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015 a graduate of the Sumter High School Class of 1987 and went on to South Carolina State College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1991. She went on to earn a degree in medicine from Spartan Health Science University. She completed her educational experience from Troy University with a master’s degree in science management in 2002. As a field application specialist in California, Nichole traveled throughout the United States, including Alaska, Louisiana, Maryland, Georgia, the Caribbean and the Virgin Islands. “Aunt Nicky,” as she was affectionately known, adored her nephews, Charlie, Kameron and Kolin. She loved to see them when she would come home on vacation and for the holidays. There was never a moment she would not use to show them how much they meant to her. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her mother, Virdeena Dawkins; her sister, Jenaii (Kevin) Edwards; her nephews, Charlie, Kameron and Kolin; her special sister, Lovona; her aunt, Ollie Snyder; her uncle, Nathaniel Britt; her dear friend, Jessica Bass of Orange County, California; and a host of cousins, family and friends. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Job’s Mortuary. Ms. Dawkins will be placed in the church at 9 a.m. on Monday for viewing until the hour of service. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 803 S. Harvin St., Sumter, with the pastor, the Rev. Marion H. Newton, officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park. 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.
JAMES R. WRIGHT BISHOPVILLE — James Ray Wright, husband of Grace Capers Wright, entered eternal rest on Jan. 14, 2015, at Integris Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Funeral service is planned for 1 p.m. on Monday at Lee Central Middle School, Bishopville, with burial at the Mt. Pleasant AME Church, Lynchburg. The family is receiving friends at the home of his brother, Walter Wright Jr., 970 Volunteer Court, Sumter. Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville, is in charge of arrangements.
EMILY B. MASON Emily Bolger Mason, 96, widow of Charles Stewart Mason Jr., died on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at her home. Born March 9, 1918, in Charleston, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Florence Burns Bolger. Mrs. Mason was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She was a master gardener. She was a member of the Poinsett Garden Club. She served as a National Accredited Master Flower Show Judge, a Master Landscape Critic, and as a member of the Council of Garden Clubs of Sumter. She was a recent inductee of the Women’s Honor Roll of Sumter. Surviving are two daughters, Carol Mason Mimms of Sumter and Peggy Mason Gamble of Columbia; three grandchildren, Thomas Mimms Jr. (Tonya) of Sumter, Laurie Gamble (David) Brandes and Paige Gamble (Rich) Edwards, all of Columbia; seven great-grandchildren, Tripp Baker, Brandi Baker (Karl) Kakadelis, Mason Brandes, Dillon Brandes, Thomas Edwards, Brooke Edwards and Emma
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Edwards; and a great-greatgrandson, Knox Baker. She was preceded in death by a son, Charles Stewart Mason III; and a granddaughter, Deborah Mimms Barnett. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Dr. Webb Belangia officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends following the service at Aldersgate United Methodist Church and other times during the afternoons at the home. Memorials may be made to Epworth Children’s Home, P.O. Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250 or to Aldersgate United Methodist Church Bereavement Fund, 211 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com. The family would like to thank Comfort Keepers, especially Jody Cleveland and Tuomey Hospice, for their loving care of Mrs. Mason. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.
EDYTHE G. CLARK Edythe G. Clark transitioned peacefully to her eternal home on Jan. 13, 2015. She was born on Dec. 26, 1926, a daughter of the late Rev. Purdy and Rosa Lee Charles Gibson. She was the widow of Judge Reuben B. Clark. Edythe attended Morris College in Sumter. She was employed with Campbell Soup in Sumter, until retirement. In later years, she became a member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Sumter. She leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, Cynthia C. Scott and Eleanor (Booker) Washington; one son, Raymond (Nancy) Clark; one brother-in-law, Jason C. (Sarah) Clark Sr.; three grandchildren, Paul (Yolanda) Clark, Raymond (Anitra) Moss and Tammy (Darren) Ford; four greatgrandchildren; step-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 3249 U.S. 15 South, Sumter, SC 29150 with the Rev. Willie A. Wright Jr., pastor, bringing the words of consolation. Service of committal, benediction and interment will follow at the church cemetery. The family is receiving family and friends at the home, 1161 Clark Road, Pinewood, SC 29125. Viewing will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Chapel of Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home. Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home and Chapel of Manning is in charge of services. Online condolences may be sent to Flemingdelaine@aol. com or www.FlemingDeLaine. com.
LEROY RICHARDSON MANNING — Leroy Richardson, 55, died on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital, Manning. He was born on Sept. 21, 1959, in Clarendon County, a son of the late Ruth Mae Richardson. The family is receiving friends at the home of his brother, James Richardson Sr., 1069 Ashton Trace Place, Manning. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.