Obituaries July 28, 2021
Charlie L. Airington
CONWAY – Mr. Charlie L. Airington, age 88, formerly of Mt. Croghan, SC, entered into rest on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at his home. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Saturday, July 24, 2021 from the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home by Reverend Steven Hyman with burial to follow in the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery, Mt. Croghan, SC. The family will greet friends from 1:00 – 2:00 PM Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Mr. Airington was born May 17, 1933 in Pageland, SC a son of the late William Clifford and Ada Rushing Airington. He was a retired employee of Springs Industries with 41 years of service and a member of Fairview Baptist Church. Charlie was a very talented carpenter who could build and repair anything. He enjoyed fishing, working in his yard, and taking his grandchildren on a “Safari.”
In addition to his parents, Mr. Airington was also preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred Mae Joplin Airington; and son, Michael Rex Airington.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce Hardee Airington of the home; children, Charles Ray (Cathey) Airington of Pageland, SC, Ellen (Odis) Sullivan of Jefferson, SC, Jerry Levi (Teresa) Airington of Conway, SC, Ernie (Gwen) Airington of Aynor, SC, and Joyce Airington Williams of Mt. Croghan, SC; grandchildren, Michael Sullivan, Angel Portman, Ashley Airington, Corey Airington, Ben Airington, Hope Spurling, Mylea Airington, Lola Airington, Zoe Airington, Jordan Airington, Preston Queen, and Michelle Fullwood; 11 great grandchildren; brother, Albert Airington of Fort Lawn, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, 1500 Main St., Conway, SC 29526, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Airington family.
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Ida Mae Kimrey Burch
CHERAW – Ida Mae Kimrey Burch, 82, entered into rest with her family by her side on Friday, July 23, 2021. Born in Cheraw, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Rufus Randolph “Jake” and Sarah Marian Davis Kimrey. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Joe Banks Burch, Sr. Mrs. Ida Mae was a devoted member of Cheraw First Baptist Church where she served as the director of the WMU, taught youth Sunday School for countless years, served as a member of the Pastor Search Committee, the Personnel Committee, and served on the Missions Board. Mrs. Ida Mae was also a faithful member of the Joy Club of Cheraw First Methodist Church and the At Ease Club of Cheraw First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Burch, alongside her late husband, successfully operated the Cheraw Packing Plant for more than 50 years. Mrs. Ida Mae was elected the first female member of the Chesterfield County Council, where she served her community for 19 years. She also served on the board of Northeastern Technical College, the Board of the Pee Dee Regional Council of Government, and the South Carolina Council of Government. Mrs. Burch received the Citizen of the Year award from the Rotary Club of Cheraw for her lifetime of service to the community of Cheraw and Chesterfield County. Mrs. Ida Mae enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing cards with her friends, reading, doing puzzles, traveling with family and friends, and spending time at Ocean Isle Beach.
Mrs. Ida Mae embodied the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance. She was full of grace and a friend to all she met. Mrs. Ida Mae a loving mother and granny, a devoted friend, and a true Southern lady. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Joe Banks Burch, Jr. of Cheraw, South Carolina; her daughter, Marian Burch Crawford of Cheraw, South Carolina; a brother, Rufus R. Kimrey (Sharon) of Kinston, North Carolina; grandchildren, Andrew Crawford (Mallory), Sarah Campbell (Caleb), Banks Burch (Rebeka), and Stephen Crawford; great-grandchildren, Catherine Crawford, Addyson Crawford, Crawford Campbell, Emma Crawford, Davis Campbell, Olivia Burch, and Lillian Burch.
A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021 in the Sanctuary of Cheraw First Baptist Church. The family received friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the foyer of the Family Life Center at the church just prior to the service. Burial followed the service at Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Cheraw, PO Box 337, Cheraw, South Carolina, 29520.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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- Elliott “Sunshine” Covington Jr.
CHERAW – L. Elliott “Sunshine” Covington, Jr., 80, died, Thursday, July 22, 2021. Born in Cheraw, SC, he was a son of the late Lawrence Elliott, Sr. and Edna Rae Lawhon Covington. Mr. Covington was a lifelong member of Cheraw First Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Friendship Sunday School class. He was a daily reader of the Bible. Mr. Covington was a lifelong farmer and had won the Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year Award in 1966. He retired as the Cheraw Police Chief, after serving 20 years with the department, also playing on the police department softball team throughout those years. Mr. Covington was an avid golfer, loved to pitch baseballs and raced dirt track cars for 15 years.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Lou Covington, of Cheraw, SC, daughters, Melanie (Kellon) Hall, of Cheraw, SC, Joy (Douglas) Myers, of Cheraw, SC, Jill (Billy) Gaddy, of Chesterfield, SC, and Jane (Brian) Severson, of Statesville, NC, brothers, Julius (Debbie) Covington, of Cheraw, SC, and Charles (Jane) Covington, of Cheraw, SC, a sister, Ann (Ken) Hiers of Florence, SC, grandchildren, Grant (Brooke) Hall, Seth Myers, Andrew Hall, Caroline Gaddy, Adam Gaddy, Jacob Gaddy, Catherine Severson, Kel (Rebecca) Hall, and Lauren (Jonathan) Christopher.
The family received friends from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 24, 2021, in the Cheraw First Baptist Family Life Center.
A funeral service followed at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 24, 2021, in the sanctuary of Cheraw First Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to Cheraw First Baptist Church, 126 Greene St, Cheraw, SC 29520 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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James Henry ‘Bobo’ Freeman Jr.
CHERAW – Funeral services for James Henry Freeman, Jr. were held on Monday July 19, 2021 at the Morris Funeral Cottage Chapel in Cheraw. Services of Committal and Interment followed at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Cheraw. Mr. Freeman died at his home in Cheraw on Sunday July 11th of natural causes at the age of 55.
James, also known as “BOBO”, was born June 5, 1966 to Ethel Mae Freeman and James Henry Freeman Sr. in Cheraw, SC. BOBO attended Cheraw High School where he was a very active member of the Cheraw Braves varsity football team and a blazing DJ known as “G-Ski”.
BOBO enjoyed a short career driving a freight liner across the country. He often spoke about visiting Compton, California. BOBO then returned to Cheraw and became a valued and dependable employee of INA Bearing for twenty-one and a half years, working last as a machine set-up operator until his death.
BOBO’S sweet and gentle spirit endeared him to all he came in contact with. His passion was cooking. He enjoyed his outside activities such as hunting or fishing on the water, bowling, and spending time with his family.
BOBO was preceded in death by his father, James Henry Freeman, Sr., and brother, Danny Shaw formerly of Alexandria, VA.
Besides his loving mother, Ethel Mae Freeman, BOBO leaves his three children to cherish his wonderful memory; Jessica Freeman and Myron Freeman Lilesville, NC and Ariana Freeman of Florence, SC; two sisters, Cathy Lynn Powe (Charles) of Cheraw, SC, Pamela Chapman (Baron) of Cheraw, SC; two brothers, Reginald Freeman (Valerie) of Chesterfield, SC and Tirrell Freeman of Cheraw, SC; three grandchildren Hayzon, London and Ryland, special brothers, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.
Morris Funeral Cottage of Cheraw was entrusted to serve the Freeman family.
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Patricia Chavis Gehm
BENNETTSVILLE – Patricia Chavis Gehm, 81, of Bennettsville, South Carolina died on 23 July, 2021 at her home with her family and care givers. She was born Patricia Gail Rayfield in Newberry, SC on August 12, 1939 to Horace Bivens (HB) Rayfield and Maggie Lee Stribble Rayfield. She graduated from Newberry High School in 1957, and later took courses in her profession of social work at Clemson University, Memphis State University, and The University of South Carolina.
Patricia was a retired South Carolina State Employee, where she served as a social worker for the Department of Social Services, Clemson University and South Carolina State University as project coordinator. In addition, she previously served as Parent-Teacher coordinator for Head Start and as an On Call Agent for Juvenile Justice and Continuum of Care.
She was a talented artist and an avid Master Gardner. She served as the President of The Duke of Marlborough Garden Club and the Bennettsville Council of Garden Clubs. She was a Board of Director for The Marlboro Area Arts Council and Marlboro Players, where she designed and painted many sets for plays such “Hello, Dolly!”, “Oklahoma!”, and “Li’l Abner”. In addition, she was a 30 year volunteer for Marlboro County 4-H Clubs. She taught numerous art classes in Bennettsville and at the Clemson Art Center, and she won many art awards, especially associated with Jubilee Art Festivals in Bennettsville.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Richard Kyle Gehm, and her four children, Deana Baker (Bill) of Seneca, SC, Don Chavis of Cheraw, SC, Suzanne Brandon (Jim) of Laurel, Maryland and Dawn Tabor (Eric) of Anderson, SC. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Christopher Baker (Autumn), Andrew Chavis, Jacob Brandon, Caleb Brandon, Chavis Tabor, Abigail Tabor and great grandchildren Jordon Baker and Hallie Baker. In addition, she is survived by her sisters Sue Campbell (Fuller) of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and Dorsey Lee (Freeman) of Sunrise, Florida, and special nephews Michael Campbell and Brandon Lee. She was beloved by Susan Tong and many relatives, friends, co-workers, care givers and neighbors.
There will be a Celebration of Life later this year.
Memorials may be made in honor of Pat, who was a tremendous supporter of the local arts, may be made to the Marlboro Civic Center, 106 Clyde St. Bennettsville, SC 29512.
On-line condolences may be made to www.bfhbennettsville.com.
Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to assist the Gehm family.
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Edythe “Edie” Agerton Hansen
Mrs. Edythe “Edie” Agerton Hansen, 97, of Pageland, SC passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at her home while surrounded by her family. Mrs. Hansen was born on March 12, 1924 in Pageland, SC to the late Brown Lee Agerton and Effie Watts Agerton. She joined Zion United Methodist Church on August 30, 1936. Aunt Edie was a faithful member for 85 years, making her the oldest member of Zion United Methodist Church. Aunt Edie devoted her life to her family. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother to us all. She loved us dearly, as we loved her, and will forever be in our hearts. She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Arnold H. “Arne” Hansen; brother, Jon Edward Agerton; sister, Kitty A. Little and son, Dennis Lee Hansen. Edythe Hansen is survived by her brother, Thomas F. Agerton (Carolyn) of Pageland, SC; special niece, Debbie Huntley (Lawson) of Pageland, SC; nephew, Don Agerton of Miami, FL; nieces, Karen Aldridge (J.E.) of Pageland, SC, Kathy Phifer (Gary) of Marshville, NC, Ginger Little (Mike) of Monroe, NC and Pam Boies of Matthews, NC, three grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Friends paid their respects to the family at the home of Tommy Agerton or stopped by Baumgartner Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM to sign the register book. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Zion United Methodist Church in Pageland, SC with Pastor Carl Ritter and Pastor Athon Arant officiating. Burial was private prior to the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion United Methodist Church, 647 Zion Church Road, Pageland, SC 29728. We would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful caregivers who cared for her the past ten years, Juanita Louallen, Wendy Aldridge, Kelly Rollins, Sue Mills and Elizabeth Knight, who lovingly cared for her with kindness and devotion. A special thank you to Elizabeth Knight, who didn’t leave her side the past two weeks. Baumgartner Funeral Home of Pageland, South Carolina (www.baumgartnerfh.com) is assisting the Hansen family.
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Hugh William Marr Jr.
WALLACE – Mr. Hugh William Marr, Jr., 90, passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2021. Born, November 23, 1930 in Hurt, VA he was a son of the late Hugh W. Marr and the late Delia Bray Pugh Marr. Mr. Marr served his country proudly as Staff Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, participating in many treacherous missions including the infamous battles on Pork Chop Hill, Old Baldie, and Heartbreak Ridge, and earning three Bronze Stars. He was a graduate of Jamestown Tech and Clemson University and a member of the Cheraw Church of God. Hugh retired from Burlington Industries in Kernersville, NC as a supervisor with 30 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and woodworking.
Along with his parents, listed above, he was preceded in death his brothers, Bob Marr and James Marr; and sister, Betty Rea Walfall.
Hugh leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 63 years, Edna McElroy Marr; a son, William Glenn Marr of Wallace, SC; a daughter, Ginger L. Martin of North Myrtle Beach, SC; a sister, Vaughnie Hailey of Hurt, VA; and two grandchildren, Michael Martin and John Martin.
A funeral service was held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Kiser Funeral Home. Burial followed with Military Honors at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the National Cemetery in Florence, SC. The family received friends from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. just prior to the service at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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Charles Rouse Pusser Jr.
CHESTERFIELD – Mr. Charles Rouse Pusser, Jr., age 80, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 19, 2021 with his family by his side. A Service of Worship was held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Pine Grove Baptist Church by Pastor Mark Phillips, Rev. Jackie Hinson, and Rev. Jerry Broughton with burial following in the Chesterfield Cemetery. The family greeted friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home.
Mr. Pusser was born September 1, 1940 in Chesterfield, SC a son of the late Charles Rouse Pusser, Sr. and Mary Davis Pusser. He was a 1958 graduate of Chesterfield High School, received his Business Degree in 1962 from Duke University, and his Juris Doctorate from University of North Carolina in 1965. Mr. Pusser founded C.R. Pusser Attorney at Law, and practiced law for over 16 years.
In 1981, he surrendered to the call of Gospel Ministry and attended Southeastern Seminary and graduated from Fruitland Bible Baptist College. Bro. Rouse pastored Midway Baptist Church of Cheraw, SC and David’s Grove Baptist Church of Chesterfield, SC and was very active in the Freedom Prison Chapel of Chesterfield County Detention Center.
Mr. Pusser was a faithful member of Pine Grove Baptist Church where he was ordained into the Ministry. He served on the Good Samaritan Colony Board of Directors, and Board of Ministers for Campbell University. His passion was evangelism and helping others to come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Following that passion he founded the Captive Release Center in Chesterfield, SC. He never wanted to miss a chance to share the gospel with anyone!
In addition to his parents, Mr. Pusser was also preceded in death by his brother, Ellison Pusser.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 54 years, Dottie Pusser of the home; sons, Charles Rouse (Jennie) Pusser, III of Knoxville, TN, Thomas (Janelle) Pusser of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Joshua (Natalie) Pusser of Coats, NC; grandchildren, Maggie Pusser, Cayden Pusser, Lyla Pusser, Olivia Pusser, Andrew Pusser, Aniston Pusser, and Beau Pusser; and sister, Harriet DeLoach of St. Petersburg, FL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, IMB 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230; or to Regency SouthernCare Hospice of Chesterfield, 205 E. Main Street, Chesterfield, SC; or McLeod Hospice, P. O. Box 100551, Florence, SC 29502.
For the Life and Legacy of Charles Rouse Pusser, Jr. we offer his favorite words of praise, TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Pusser family.
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Betty Jo Thompson
JEFFERSON – Mrs. Betty Jo Thompson, age 68, entered into rest on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Funeral services were held at 5:00 PM Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church by Reverend Tim Williams with burial following in the church cemetery. The family greeted friends from 4:00 – 5:00 PM Sunday, prior to the service at the church.
Mrs. Thompson was born November 14, 1952 to the late Doris Sue Brown. She was the former owner and operator of B & B Trim and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Betty Jo enjoyed working puzzle books and spending time with her grandchildren. She was always present for every function they were involved.
Mrs. Thompson was preceded in death by her husband, Buster Thompson; and brother, Edwin Brown.
Survivors include her daughter, Donna (Lynn) Oliver of Jefferson, SC; grandchildren, Sheldon Moree, Carley Moree, and Madelaine Oliver; sister, Sylvia (Carl) Hilton of Lancaster, SC, Freddie (Shirley) Brown of Conway, SC, and Frankie (Peggy) Brown of Kershaw, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to a Hospice organization of one’s choice or to any organization supporting cancer research.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Thompson family.
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Aaron Albert Winburn
CHERAW – Aaron Albert Winburn, 87, died Monday, July 19, 2021. Born in Darlington, SC, he was a son of the late Alex and Velma Kissiah Winburn. Mr. Winburn was a member of North Cheraw Baptist Church, he was a lifelong hunter, hunting guide and sportsman. He enjoyed hunting hogs, deer, quail and dove. He was a Mason and a KYCH Knights Templar, serving the Cheraw Masonic Lodge, where he was a past Master and an honorary member of the Ruby Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his sweetie, Mary Beth Todd of Cheraw, SC, daughters, Mattie Karen Kissiah, of Cheraw, SC, and Mimi Quick, of Cheraw, SC, a brother, Don (Robin) Winburn of Hartsville, SC, grandchildren, Mary Hannah Jordan, Emily J. (Rahul) Joshi, Bailey Doris Quick, Jason Williamson, and Joshua Williamson, a great-grandson, David Prakash Joshi, and a step-daughter, Karen Alice (David) Williamson, of Lake Wateree, SC.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Byrd Winburn, a brother, John Alex “Buddy” Winburn, a sister, Anna Jane Winburn and a grandson, Hadley Aaron Jordan.
The family received friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Patrick, SC.
A funeral followed at 7:00 PM, Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Mt Olivet Baptist Church, Patrick SC, officiated by the Rev. Richie Yow.
Burial was in the church cemetery following the funeral service.
Visit www.kiserfuneralhome.com to send an online condolence.