LOCAL
THE SUMTER ITEM
COMPTON FROM PAGE A1 attempted murder and two counts of kidnapping in the May 2014 incident. In July, while in prison at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center, Compton confessed to a February 2013 arson at a home in Wedgefield, in which two people died. He was charged with two counts of murder; one count of arson, first degree; and one count of burglary, first degree, for the intentional fire that killed Edward Hall, 87, and his wife, Harriett Hall, 83. He struck Edward Hall and set the couple’s couch on fire before fleeing the scene, Derieg said. Both victims died from a combination of carbon monoxide poisoning and burns from the fire that destroyed the home in the 1000 block of S.C. 261
South, according to a sheriff’s office news release. Compton had done plumbing work for the Halls and broke into their home to steal a gun, said his attorney, Lir Patrick Derieg, at the plea hearing. Third Circuit Assistant Solicitor Bronwyn K. McElveen, who was the prosecutor for both cases, said Compton showed an “extreme indifference to human life” when committing the crimes. “While Compton will serve four consecutive life sentences, there’s nothing that will make this better for the victims’ families,” McElveen said. “There’s nothing that will bring their family members back.” Derieg stated at the hearing that his client was under the influence of cocaine when committing the crimes. “Searching for a potential reason why he may have reacted the way he did
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2015
|
A7
Attorney Lir Patrick Derieg is seen with his client, Jason Compton, at the Sumter County Judicial Center on Friday. KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM
those two nights, he was voluntarily on cocaine and not taking his mental health drugs,” Derieg said. “That’s certainly not an excuse or a legal defense. We have two instances of a more or less perfect storm, where unmedicated men-
tal health meets a cocaine addiction.” Derieg said Compton admitted to being off and on cocaine since 2003 and had gone through treatment for drug and mental health problems at several facilities. McElveen said a mental health evaluation of Compton revealed he had mental competency before pleading guilty Friday to the crimes. Compton offered an apology to the victims’ families present at the hearing. “I don’t know why I did what I did. I made a huge mistake and hurt a lot of people’s lives, and I’m sorry,” he said. Third Circuit Solicitor Ernest “Chip” Finney, III said he was appreciative of the efforts of local law enforcement in both investigations.
OBITUARIES PATRICK B. ROGERS Patrick Braxton “Alton” Rogers, 77, husband of Elma Carter Rogers, died on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital. Born on March 25, 1938, in Alcolu, he was a son ROGERS of the late Jimmy and Estelle Braxton Rogers. He was a diesel mechanic and he attended Home Branch Church of God of Prophecy. He is survived by his wife of Sumter; a son, Alton Rogers (Renee) of Sumter; two daughters, Sheran Wilson of Sumter and Dianne Rhodus (Randy) of Manning; a brother, Bobby Rogers (Oleta) of New Zion; two sisters, Katie Corey (Bill) of Florence and Dorothy Wisner of Peoria, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Robert Rogers, April Josey (Jason), Joseph Wilson, Brian Avins, Alan Wilson, Heather Turner (Michael), Patrick Wilson and Tiffany Brasington (Lance); and seven great-grandchildren, Kaitlin, Michael and Emily Josey, Bryson Turner, Kayleigh Avins, Brynleigh and Grayson Brasington. He was preceded in death by a son, James Ernest Rogers. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home with the Revs. Eddie Freeman, C.D. Lamb and Marvin Griggs officiating. Burial will follow in Trinity Cemetery. Grandsons and his nephew will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be his two great-grandsons, Michael Josey and Bryson Turner. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Stephens Funeral Home and at other times at the residence, 3040 Pinewood Road, Sumter. Memorials may be made to Alumni and Development Records, Duke University, Attn: VAD Program, P.O. Box 90581, Durham, NC 27708-0581. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
ELIZABETH B. LEWIS Elizabeth Brown Lewis, aka “Lurk Lurk,” was born on Jan. 16, 1962, in Sumter, a daughter of Mattie White and the late Jessie White. She departed this life on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015. She attended the public schools of Sumter County. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Liz was very outspoken, caring and one great person. To know her was to love her. She had a great sense of humor with a warm smile. Elizabeth leaves to cherish her memories: a daughter, Tanya L. (Willie) Burgess of Sumter; four sons, Wayne Lewis, Matthew Lewis, Derrick Lewis and John Lewis, all of Sumter; one brother, Harry Lee (Betty) Brown; two sisters, Sylvia Hightower and Sherry (Steve) Gamble, both of Sumter; nine grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center (Westend Community Church), 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, with Pastor Fredrick Martin officiating.
Interment will follow in Bradford Cemetery. The family is receiving friends at 695 Bernice 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.
CINDY H. TIMMONS Cynthia “Cindy” Jean Hodge Timmons, 58, died on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Sumter, she was the only child of Benny and Jean DuBose Hodge. Cindy was an active member of Crosswell Baptist Church. She was a 1975 graduate of Thomas Sumter Academy and she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina in 2002. In 2010, Cindy retired from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control after more than 32 years of service. She was a former member of the S.C. Public Health Association and the S.C. State Employees Association. She is also survived by her sons, Rich of Sumter and Will and his wife, Margaret, of Alexandria, Virginia. Other family members include uncles and aunts, Bobby and Iris DuBose, Mary Griffin, Dean Morgan, Lowell and Rita Weaner; as well as many cousins who were special in her life. While her immediate family was small, she stayed in close touch with many friends and extended family members. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at Crosswell Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Owens officiating. The family invites friends to visit in the church fellowship hall following the celebration service and other times at the home of her parents. In lieu of flowers and in praise of her life, memorials may be made to Crosswell Baptist Church, 604 Mathis St., Sumter, SC 29150 or to S.C. Oncology Associates (SCOA) Cares Foundation, 166 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.
NACOLE MCCRAY Nacole McCray, 40, entered eternal rest on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born on Aug. 4, 1975, in Sumter, she was a daughter of Sadie McCray and Herbert Harriett. She received her education in the public schools of Sumter County. She was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors are parents; daughter, Kendra McCray; son, Demond Wayne Antonio McCray Ford; brother, Anthony McCray; sisters, Pamela Singleton and Roberta Bennette; two grandchildren; and
a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. James Blassingame. Burial will follow in Mayesville Cemetery, Mayesville. The family is receiving visitors at the home, 450 Robney Drive, Sumter. Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com. Community Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of these arrangements.
JANIE JEFFERSON Janie Jefferson, 99, died on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, at Sumter Health and Rehab Center. Born on Nov. 23, 1915, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Warren and Carrie Loney Butler. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 1881 Staney Livestock Road. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.
HERBERT LEE SHANNON Herbert Lee Shannon, 45, disrobed his mortal body and exchanged sickness and time for immortality and peace on Tuesday morning, Sept. 8, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born on Aug. 8, 1970, in Sumter County, he was a son of Elder Willie Shannon Jr. and Mother Hattie L. Howard Shannon. “Miney,” as he was affectionately called, was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and attended Sumter High School. Being reared in a faithbased home, Herbert believed on Jesus Christ and was baptized at an early age into the body of Christ at The Church of Christ, Lamar. Left to cherish the life and time of Herbert are his parents, Elder Willie J. Shannon and Mother Hattie L. Shannon; six siblings, Barbara J. Gass (Johnnie), Helen Shannon, Willie J. Shannon, Stanley Shannon, Earnest Shannon and Larry Shannon (Pamela); two uncles; 10 aunts; a special grandniece, Sa’nai Jatori Shannon; five nephews; four nieces; 10 great-nieces and nephews; a host of other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Church of Christ Church, 680 Sandy Grove Church Road, Lamar, with Minister Sylvester McCray, pastor, eulogist. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the family home, 13 Byrd St., Sumter. The procession will leave at 1:15 p.m. from the family home. Floral bearers will be sisters of the church. Pallbearers will be brothers of the church. Burial will be in the Church of Christ Church Cemetery, Cypress. 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.
GEORGE E. GOODMAN George Eugene Goodman, age 80, beloved husband of 56 years to Emma Gertrude
Foerster Goodman, died on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, at NHC Healthcare of Sumter. Born in Westlake, Louisiana, he was a son of the late Williams James Goodman and Margaret Elizabeth Musslewhite Goodman. Mr. Goodman served with the Untied States Air Force proudly from 1953 to 1974 and retired as a master sergeant. During his service, he completed many international and domestic assignments. He later went on to work and retire from Crescent Tool. Mr. Goodman devoted his life to providing for and improving the life of his family and loved ones. He took great pleasure in his family and friends. He always had a quick wit, strong sense of humor and easy demeanor that created a comfortable environment for all those around him. He was a loving and giving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We were all very fortunate and count our blessings each day that he was the person he was. He will be missed and remembered fondly, truly a life to celebrate and learn from. Surviving in addition to his wife are three daughters, Judy Rice and her husband, Carl, of Sumter, Debohra Parker and her husband, Thomas, of Sumter and Shelby Wilson and her husband, Randall, of Columbus, North Carolina; two brothers; two sisters; four grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Elisabeth Goodman Farmer; and three brothers. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday in the Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery with the Rev. Ron Bauer officiating. 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 the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210 or to the American Heart Association, 400 Percival Road, P.O. Box 6604, Columbia, SC 29260-6604. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.
MICHELLE R. JAMES FLORENCE — Funeral services for Michelle Rindgo James, who died on Sept. 6, 2015, will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Gethsemane Apostolic Church in Lynchburg with Bishop Calvin McNeil, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the
church cemetery, directed by Jefferson Funeral Home Service Inc. She was born and educated in Washington, D.C. She also worked in the school system there. After relocating to Florence, she worked for the Florence School District. Mrs. James was a faithful member of Gethsemane Apostolic Church, serving on the senior choir and the missionary department. She is survived by her husband, Charles James; six children, Maria, Donald, Yolonda, Charles, Octavia and Leona; 18 grandchildren; five siblings; and other family members and friends.
FANNIE H. ELIE Fannie Holliday Elie, 87, passed away quietly on Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born on April 15, 1928, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Vande and Delia L. Robinson Holliday. She was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. Fannie received Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at an early age at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. Fannie was married to Willie Elie for 50 years. She leaves to cherish her memories: six children, Lee B. Robinson (James) of Hyattsville, Maryland, Willie Ellerbe of Rembert, Evelyn Baltimore (Ralph) of Clinton, Maryland, Diane Holliday Ellerbe of Rembert, Noami Holliday of Dalzell and Lena Elie of Sumter; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great-greatgrandchildren; special granddaughter, Valerie Logan; very special great-granddaughter, Shaniqua Holliday; a special friend, Bertha Dinkins; her caregivers from Community Long Term, Henry Ann Grant and Ethel Sanders; and a host of other relatives and friends. Homegoing celebration services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 7355 Camden Highway, Rembert, with the Rev. Anthony Taylor Sr., pastor, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. Clyde Grant, the Rev. Edward Sanders, the Rev. Willie Dennis and Evangelist Glenda Miller. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home of her daughter, 3580 Drayton Drive, Dalzell. The funeral procession will leave at 1 p.m. from the home of her daughter. Floral bearers and pallbearers will be family and friends. Burial will be in Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Churchyard cemetery. Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com. Visit us on the web at www. williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.