OBITUARIES
THE SUMTER ITEM
BRIAN K. CRAFT Brian Keith Craft, age 47, died on Monday, June 29, 2015, at his residence. Born in Sumter, he was a son of Annie Margaret Singleton Craft and the late Charles William Craft. Brian was known as an avid fisherman. He loved all CRAFT sports especially NASCAR and baseball. He loved his Gamecocks. In 1988, he married the love of his life, Teresa. Family was very important to Brian and he loved his many nieces and nephews. He is remembered as a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. Brian was a faithful member of Wise Drive Church of the Nazarene and was always willing to do whatever the church needed. Surviving in addition to his mother are three brothers, Donald “Ducky” Craft and his wife, Linda, of Sumter, Randy Craft and his wife, Cathy, of Myrtle Beach and Mike Craft and Anita Neville of Sumter; and three sisters, Elizabeth “Lib” Turner of Sumter, Pam Shuler and her husband, Shot, of Holly Hill and Tammy Craft of Sumter. In addition to his father, Brian was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Caraway; and one brother, Mickey Craft. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Wise Drive Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Sammy Geddings officiating. Interment will follow in Sumter Cemetery. The nephews and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Bullock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wise Drive Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 1405, Sumter, SC 29151. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.
LEROY HAMPTON SR. SUMMERTON — Leroy Hampton Sr., 73, husband of Maxine Hampton, died on June 25, 2015, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital in Manning. Born on July 18, 1941, in Clarendon County, he was a son of the late Malachi and Lou Sinkler. HAMPTON He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Those left to cherish his loving memory are his wife of 52 years, Maxine Hampton of the home; a son, Leroy Hampton Jr. of the home; three daughters, Darlene Hampton, Sharon Hampton and Tara (James) Lloyd, all of Summerton; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Viola Murray of Sumter and Julia Green of Summerton; two brothers-inlaw, Thomas (Virginia) Black and Albert Black, both of Summerton; four sisters-inlaw, Alicestine Dow and Willie Lee (James H.) Dixon, both of Summerton, Kathleen Bennett of North Santee and the Rev. Della (Herbert) Lee of Manning; five godchildren children, Renea (Benjamin) Baggette, Apostle Jasper Goodwin, Hercules (Sallie) Williams, Albert Harvin and Jeffrey (Susie) Jackson; close friends, Ernest James, Charlie Gibson, Willie E. Huggins and C.L. Williams; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral service for Mr.
Hampton will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at St. Phillip UME Church. The Rev. Katie G. Williams, pastor, will officiate and the Rev. Denzel J. Hampton, grandson, will serve as the eulogist. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The remains will be placed in the church at noon until the hour of the service. Viewing will be held from noon until 7 p.m. today. Online condolences may be given at www.summertonfuneralhome.com. The family will receive friends at 25 Parson St., Summerton. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Summerton Funeral Home LLC, 23 S. Duke St., Summerton, (803) 4853755.
IDA MAE C. KEELS WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ida Mae Cooper Keels, 90, widow of Moease Keels, entered into eternal rest at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. She was born on Dec. 6, 1924, in Gable, a daughter of the KEELS late Eddie Cooper I and Emma Wilson Cooper. Visitation will be held from 9 until 11 a.m. with homegoing services at 11 a.m. on Monday at Turner Memorial AME Church, 7201 16th Place, Hyattsville, MD 20783. These services have been entrusted to Latney’s Funeral Home Inc., 3831 Georgia Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20011. Phone number: (202) 882-2455. Please send all flowers to Latney’s Funeral Home. Courtesy announcement by Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.
EVA BROWN ALCOLU — Eva Ruth Burgess Brown, 76, widow of Charles Brown Sr., died on Saturday, June 27, 2015. She was a daughter of the late Edward Burgess Sr. and Lou Addie Frances BROWN Burgess. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Harmony Presbyterian Church, 8883 U.S. 301 North, Alcolu, with the Rev. Franklin D. Colclough Sr., moderator, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family is receiving friends at her residence. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.
YVONNE NEWMAN Emma Yvonne Baker Newman, 52, wife of S. Thomas “Tommy” Newman Jr., died on Monday, June 29, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Oliver ClayNEWMAN ton Baker and Maggie Carver Baker Lambert. Yvonne enjoyed the lake and fishing. She loved and cared for her family dearly. At times like this she would say, “Even with all we have lost, we are still blessed, and it wouldn’t hurt so bad if we didn’t love so hard.” Survivors include her husband of 38 years; one son, Tommy Newman (April) of Sumter; three grandchildren, Cala Newman, Harlee Newman and Wyatt Newman; one brother, O.C. Baker (Holly) of Sumter; two sisters, Elaine Bowersox (Randy) of Kinston, North Carolina, and Kathy West of Sumter; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Dustan “Dusty” Clayton Newman; and a sister, Mae Pugh. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday at the
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Carlisle Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Zoar Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gary DuBose, Jimmy Hodge, Tyler DuBose, Brandon Johnson, Kenny Newman and Eddie Newman. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.
JEAN O. LOYD Jean Oxendine Loyd, 76, mother of Carl and Denise Miller, died on June 21, 2015, in LaPlata, Maryland. Born in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Mary Oxendine. Viewing and LOYD interment will be held at 1 p.m. today at Bethel AME Church in Wedgefield with the Rev. Larry Clark officiating. Interment will immediately follow in the church cemetery. Additionally, she was predeceased by sisters, Magoline Ramsey and Bessie Louise Wright. Surviving are a son, Carl (Denise) Miller; and siblings, Harrison Oxendine, Pearl Henderson, Willie Lee Oxendine, Dellie Oxendine, Laval Oxendine, Ruth Lane, Frances Oxendine and Gladys Gooden. Condolences may be made on their memorial tribute page found at www.PalmerMemorialChapel.com. Palmer Memorial Chapel of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.
MITCHELL GEDDINGS JR. EASLEY — Mitchell Loring “Mickey” Geddings Jr., 70, husband of Rebecca “Shawn” Geddings, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2015, at his home. Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Mitchell Loring Sr. and Alene McLeod Geddings. Mr. Geddings was selfemployed and attended Faith Fellowship Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Chandler Todd Murray of the home and Ryan Geddings of Florida; a daughter, Elizabeth Geddings of Florida; five sisters, Winnie Batton and Frances Robinson, both of Sumter, Mildred Whitaker of Arizona, Audrey Knight of Texas and Cathy Worthington of Idaho; numerous family members, nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog and best friend, Sadie. Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2015, at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church, Pendleton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Fellowship Baptist Church, 2230 Old Greenville Highway, Pendleton, SC 29670. Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
CAROLYN J. BUTLER Carolyn Jones Butler, wife of William Butler, entered eternal rest on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born on March 9, 1949, in Manhattan, New York, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary Tina Tindal Jones. She attended the public schools in Manhattan and graduated from Sumter High School. She was attending St. Leo University at the time of her death. Survivors are her husband; four children, James (Lanoya) Steplight and Tracey (Lerone)
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THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015 Ingram, both of Florence, and LaToyia (Maurice) Billie and Rashawanda (Terry) Wright, both of Sumter; one sister, Terry J. Williams of Augusta, Georgia; one brother-in-law, Carl Pierson; two sisters-inlaw, Esther Butler and Idella Tindal; 20 grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends. Mrs. Butler can be viewed from 2:30 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Friday at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Napoleon Bradford delivering the eulogy, assisted by Pastor Geneva Stafford, Pastor Stanley E. Hayes Sr., the Rev. Joshua Dupree, Evangelist Geraldine Singleton and Minister Stanley E. Hayes Jr. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park. The family is receiving visitors at the home, 1575 Pinewood Road, Sumter. Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com. Community Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of these arrangements.
JERRY DENNIS Jerry Dennis, age 61, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, June 30, 2015, in Atlanta. Born on July 19, 1953, in Clarendon County, he was a son of Mary Johnson Dennis and the late Eddie Tanson Dennis. The family is receiving friends at the home of his mother, 1023 Washington St., Summerton. Professional services entrusted to Dyson’s Home for Funerals of Summerton, (803) 485-4280.
CHARLOTTE DINKINS Charlotte Dinkins, affectionately known as “Genie,” was born on April 22, 1945, in Lee County, to the late West and Mary Plowden Rouse. She departed this life on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at her residence in Sumter. She was the widow of Samuel Dinkins. Charlotte was educated in the public schools of Lee County. At an early age, she accepted Christ and became a member of Unionville AME Church. She was employed as a housekeeper for many years. Charlotte leaves to cherish her memories: her beloved six children, Rosa Mae (Larry) Anthony, Samuel Dinkins, Loretta (Jermaine) Lewis, Dorisa Dinkins, Dianne Dinkins and Joseph Dinkins, all of Sumter; one granddaughter, Shakisha Anthony; one grandson, Montrez Anthony, whom she reared as her own, both of Sumter; mother-inlaw, Annie Lee Dinkins McLeod of Baltimore, Maryland; two sisters, Sue Mae Wells of Mayesville and Sarah Frances Perterson of Sumter; one brother, Ervin (Jackie) Rouse of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; three sisters-in-law, Barbara Frierson, Minnie (William) Dinkins of Sumter and Georgia Mae Bailey of Baltimore; two brothers-inlaw, James Dinkins of Sumter and Jaylee McLeod of Baltimore; 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a special niece reared by her mother, Mary L. (Willie) McDonald of Sumter; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Rosabella (Niney) Coakley, Janie Mae Rouse (Elijah) Wheeler and Dorothy (Harry) Cooper; two brothers, Emanuel (Julie) Rouse and John Rouse; and two brothers-in-law, Ben Wells and Manning Peterson. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary. Ms. Dinkins will be placed in the church at 2 p.m. on Friday for viewing until the hour of service. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday at
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Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, with the Rev. Alvin E. Webb officiating. Interment will follow in Unionville AME Church Cemetery, Mayesville. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 380 Eugene St., 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.
LOUISE C. CONYERS Louise Crosby Conyers, 96, died on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late David and Marie Wright Crosby. The family will receive friends at the Whittleton residence, 350 Deschamps Road, Sumter, SC 29154. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Palmer Memorial Chapel Inc. of Sumter.
JULIA P. MILES Julia P. Miles, 81, widow of Jim Leroy Miles, died on Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at her home. Born in Lee County, she was a daughter of the late Carlisle Seawall Troublefield and Llewelyn Broadway Troublefield. She retired from Korn Industries after 33 years of service. She will be truly missed by all of her family. Survivors include three children, Phyllis Clark (Gary) of North Augusta, Debra King (Rob) of Ohio, and John W. Miles (Christine) of Sumter; five grandchildren, Amanda Arnold, Jim Miles, Adam King, Jason Clark and Angela Drake; four great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Helen Bailey (Bill) of Camden, Betty Rae Doggett of Victorville, California, Corinne Avin (Griffin) of Sumter and Shirley Dickson (Glenn) of O’Fallon, Missouri. She was preceded in death by four brothers. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. today in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Patrick Belken officiating. The family will receive friends at the home of her son. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.
JOSEPHINE B. DURANT Josephine B. Durant entered eternal rest on June 24, 2015, at Carolinas Hospital System, Florence. The family is receiving friends at the residence, 70 Mailbox Lane, Lynchburg. Visitations will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home with Order of Eastern Star Rites at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Unionville AME Church, Mayesville, with the Rev. Alvin D. Webb, pastor, the Rev. Ernest Brown, worship leader, and the Rev. Joseph Brunson, eulogist. Also assisting in the service are Elder J.E. Williams and Elder Ricky Finklea. Interment will follow in Mt. Pleasant AME Church cemetery, Lynchburg. Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville, is in charge of arrangements.
MINGO BOONE JR. Mingo Boone Jr. entered eternal rest on June 30, 2015, at Florence Rehab and Nursing Facility. The family is receiving friends at 1305 Fraser St. Ext., Florence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville.
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