Dec. 8, 2021 Obituaries
Esther Jordan Baker
RUBY – Mrs. Esther Jordan Baker, age 98, entered into rest on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM Friday, December 3, 2021 at Ruby Baptist Church by Pastor Ronald Thurman with entombment to follow in the Greenlawn Park Mausoleum of Pageland. The family greeted friends from 10:00 – 11:00 AM Friday, prior to the service in the sanctuary of the church. The funeral service was streamed live on the Miller Rivers Caulder Funeral Home Facebook page.
Mrs. Baker was born April 9, 1923 in Chesterfield County, SC a daughter of the late Lonnie F. Jordan and Gabriel Purvis Jordan. She was the owner and operator of Baker’s Beauty Shop in Ruby, SC and a faithful member of Ruby Baptist Church, where she worked in the Pre-School Department for many years. Esther enjoyed crafting, working in her yards, and gathering pecans for family and friends.
Mrs. Baker was the widow of the late N. Burris Baker, and was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by 7 brothers and 5 sisters.
She is survived by her family of the heart, Mike, Dana, Trent, and Chris; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and administration of Cheraw Healthcare who had been family to Mrs. Baker the past 12 years; also, the staff of McLeod Health of Cheraw, and McLeod Hospice for the excellent love and care shown to Mrs. Baker and her family.
Memorials may be made to Ruby Baptist Church, P.O. Box 5, Ruby, SC 29741.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Baker family.
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Robert Bennett
CHESTERFIELD – Robert Bennett, 69, died Thursday, November 25, 2021. Graveside services were held Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 11AM from the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield, SC. He was born October 27, 1952, to Cye and Annie Lee Little Bennett in Chesterfield, SC. Survivors: his parents, Cye Bennett and Annie Little-Bennett, brothers, Wallace Bennett (Clarice), Cye Bennett Jr. (Mary), all of Chesterfield, SC, and Randy Bennett (Shinette) of Newport News, VA; sisters, Willa Bennett Ratliff, Marcilla Bennett-Wallace both of Chesterfield, SC, and Jacqueline Bennett-Hudson (Robert) of Fayetteville, NC; brother-in-law, Leroy McCoy, Chesterfield, SC. Flemming Funerals-Chesterfield rendered services. E-condolences may be sent to the family at www.flemmingfunerals.com.
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Brian Francis Burch
CHERAW – Mr. Brian Francis Burch, 71, passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Born, January 22, 1950, in Bennettsville, SC, he was a son of Alma Jeanette Graham Burch and the late Belvin O’Hara Burch.
Brian joined the U.S. Air Force following High School and served in Vietnam. While there, he was assigned to the secret 20th Special Operations/Military Assistant Command Vietnam Studies and Operations Group (MAC-V SOG). He loved his country and was a proud veteran, although his service adversely affected many areas of his life and health. When he returned from Vietnam, Brian attended and graduated from Chesterfield Marlboro Technical College with degrees in heating/air conditioning and Electronics. He taught evening courses in electronics at CMTC for many years in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Brian worked at INA (Schaeffler) for 23 years, where he began as an electrician and worked his way up to Senior Electronics Engineer in the Automation Department. Brian completed his work and career at Richmond Senior High School as a teacher of computer electronics technology. He received national recognition for some of his course designs and was named a Pee Dee Electric Bright Star Teacher. Brian is also the holder of two U.S. Patents.
Brian had a passion for the Bible and prophesy. Before his health declined, he enjoyed golfing and fishing. Brian was an avid learner and loved cutting-edge technology. He always had a project and enjoyed helping others. His life-long fascination with helicopters led him to become a drone pilot.
He was preceded in death by his father, Belvin O’Hara Burch.
Brian leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 47 years, Dana Assef Burch of the home; a son, Graham L. Burch of Cheraw, SC, his mother, Alma Jeanette Graham Burch; a brother, Michael Burch; a brother-in-law, Leland Assef; two nieces, one nephew, and numerous furry companions.
A graveside memorial service was held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Old Saint David’s Cemetery in Cheraw, SC.
The Burch family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at McLeod Health Cheraw, Florence VA Clinic, and WJBDorn VA Specialty Clinics of Columbia, SC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make a donation to a Charity of your choice in Brian’s name. Two of Brian’s favorite charities were The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and the ASPCA.
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Kaushal Victor Clifford
FORT WAYNE, IN – Kaushal Victor Clifford, 71, died on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Graveside services were held Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 12PM from St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Cheraw, SC. He was born December 30, 1949 in Sitapur, India, the son of Victor Wellington Clifford and Nora Rose Clifford. Surviviors: his wife, Judy Clifford; children, Jyotin & Charu Clifford, Barry & Kezia D’Souza; grandchild, Josie Clifford; sisters, Kamal Nath and Preeti Joseph; brother, in law, Sushil Usman. Flemming Funerals-Cheraw rendered services. E-condolences may be sent to the family at www.flemmingfunerals.com.
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Vivian Juanita Gathings
WALLACE – Vivian Juanita Gathings, 79, died Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Born in Wallace, NC she was the daughter of the late Buddy and Phoebe Hatcher Brigman and lovingly raised by the late Jerry and Mary Broome Hatcher. She was a member of Faith Fellowship Church, Wallace, SC and the Ladies Auxiliary of the church. She enjoyed baking and most of all spending time with her family.
Surviving is her husband Mickey Gathings of Wallace, SC, daughters, Michelle (Alan) Fuller of Ellerbe, NC, Amy (Joe) Rainwater of Wallace, SC, grandchildren, Tyler (Jessica)Graves, Kylie Rainwater, a great grandchild, Jayda Graves, sisters, Betty Knox of Archdale, NC, Cathy McLain of Wallace, SC.
She was preceded in death by her parents listed above, brothers, Buck Brigman, Mickey Brigman, sisters, Darlene Lovelace and Fran Mabe.
The family received friends 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Faith Fellowship Church, Wallace, SC.
A funeral service was held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Faith Fellowship Church, Wallace, SC. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorials to; American Cancer Society, c/o Kathy Treadaway, 275 Forest Drive, Cheraw, SC 29520
Visit kiserfuneralhome.com to send an e-condolence to the family.
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Lula Mae Gaskins
JEFFERSON – Lula Mae Gaskins, 88, died on Thursday, November 18, 2021. Graveside services were held Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 1:30PM from the Mt. Elon United Methodist Church Cemetery, Jefferson, SC. She was born December 3, 1932, in Pageland, SC to the late Sally Lockhart Robinson and James Moore. Survivors: her husband, James C. Gaskins; a daughter, Shervy Chevelle Stover, Effingham, SC; two grandchildren, Courtney S. Swinton (Brandon), Florence, SC, and Demarcus Stover (Kayla), Cassatt, SC; seven great grandchildren; niece, Robin Lockhart Clyburn, Pageland, SC; three brothers, Larry Robinson (Bobbie Joe), Adam Robinson (Gwen), and George Robinson (Lillian) all of Marion, SC; a sister, Lela Mae Hemmingway, Marion, SC, three sisters-in-law, Alice Gaskins, Pageland, SC, Paulette Gaskins of NJ, and Demetri Gaskins of NJ. Flemming Funerals-Pageland rendered services. E-condolences may be sent to the family at www.flemmingfunerals.com.
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Annie Jean Wright Johnson
PAGELAND – Annie Jean Wright Johnson, 68, died Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Funeral services were held, Friday, December 3, 2021, at 3PM from the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Pageland, SC. Burial followed in the church cemetery. She was born June 10, 1953, in Chesterfield, SC to the late William and Faralee Louallen Wright. Survivors: husband, Calvin Johnson; daughters, Shanethia (Keith) Hamilton, Chesterfield, SC, Nicole Johnson, Pageland, SC and LaShanda (DeWitt) Huntley, Jefferson, SC; bonus children, Robin Wright, Fort Lawn, SC, Andrea Kennington, Okinawa, Japan and Chase Wright, Charlotte, NC; godson, Desmond Wright, Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Keiondra, Kaegan, Ayden, Keith, Jr., Braylin, Ky’lan, Bryson; siblings, Betty Robinson, Bobby (Dorothy) Wright, Curtis (Mildred) Wright, Roger (Yolanda) Wright, all of Jefferson, SC, Frankie (Vivian) Wright, Don (Sherry) Wright), Terry Wright all of Pageland, SC, Gail Wright, Jefferson, SC, Ben Wright, Pageland, SC, Franklin (Ana) Wright, Monroe, North Carolina and Peaches Wright, Charlotte, NC. Flemming Funerals-Pageland rendered services. E-condolences may be sent to the family at www.flemmingfunerals.com.
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Mary Ann Sowell Knotts
PAGELAND – Mary Ann Sowell Knotts, 54, died on Sunday, November 21, 2021. Funeral service was held Sunday, November 28, 2021, at 3PM from the Flemming Funeral-Pageland Chapel, Pageland, SC. Burial followed in the Florence National Cemetery, Florence, SC. She was born August 7, 1967, in Chesterfield, SC to the late Johnnie and Sara Ann Melton Sowell. Survivors: husband, Lemuel J. Knotts; daughter, Josephine S. Moore (Oscar), Chesterfield, SC; sisters, Rebekkah Sowell-Burch (Thomas), Ruby, SC and Phyllis McBride (Charles), Pageland, SC; brothers, Jonas Sowell and John T. Sowell, Pageland, SC; grandsons, Jarvis J. Sowell, Rock Hill, SC and Ja’Varee Sowell, Lancaster, SC; great granddaughters, Kaydence Sowell, Rock Hill, SC and Ja’Varia Sowell, Lancaster, SC; aunt, Goldie Fitzhugh, Philadelphia, PA; uncle, John Mack, Durham, NC. Flemming Funerals-Chesterfield rendered services. E-condolences may be sent to the family at www.flemmingfunerals.com.
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William Larry McQuage
WALLACE – William Larry McQuage, 68, died Friday, December 3, 2021. Born in Bennettsville, SC he was a son of the late Willie Lonnie McQuage and Ida May Clark McQuage. He had been a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Wallace, SC. He was a graduate of Wallace High School and was in the Beta Club. He enjoyed baseball and basketball.
Surviving are his brothers, Johnny (Mary) McQuage of Cheraw, SC, Bill Joe (Patricia) McQuage of Wallace, SC, sisters, Eva Hewitt of Cheraw, SC, and Linda Sue Starling of Cheraw, SC.
Preceded in death by his parents listed above and a brother Jerry Clark McQuage.
A graveside service was held 11:00 am, Monday, December 6, 2021 at Oak Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, Wallace, SC. The family received friends following the service.
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Kathy Polson
CHESTERFIELD – Miss Kathy Polson, age 70, entered into rest on Friday, December 3, 2021 at McLeod Hospice House with her family by her side. Graveside services were held at 4:00 PM Monday, December 6, 2021 at Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery by Pastor Mark Phillips. The family received friends from 2:00 – 3:30 PM Monday prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at the home of Wilson & Linda Polson.
Miss Polson was born March 21, 1951 in Chesterfield, SC a daughter of the late Wilson R. Polson and Nealie Brown Polson McLain. She enjoyed attending Pine Grove Baptist Church with her family. A lady who was small in stature, Kathy was a giant of lady in love and personality. She was always willing to give and hug and her smile could brighten the darkest room. She enjoyed watching television, (especially “cowboy” movies) drinking several cups of coffee a day, and adding to her large shoe collection.
In addition to her parents, Kathy was also preceded in death by her sisters, Bonnie Jean Gibson, and Peggy P. Wallace; brothers, Billy R. Polson and Jerald W. Polson; and niece, Janet Jordan.
Survivors include her brother, Wilson (Linda) Polson of Chesterfield, SC, and their children, Tim (Rebecca) Polson of Chesterfield, SC, and Tommy (Lisa) Polson of Ruby, SC; brother-in-law, Jimmy (Sheila) Gibson of Cheraw, SC; and nieces and nephews, Ricky Wallace, Regina Craven, Odessa Robinson, Marie Tucker, Hope Blue, Jamie Polson, BJ Polson, Heath Gibson, Jerald Polson, and Chris Polson.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the caring staff of McLeod Hospice House for the extraordinary love and care shown to Kathy and their family.
Memorials may be made to Pine Grove Baptist Church, 293 Zoar Road, Chesterfield, SC 29709 or to the McLeod Hospice House, P. O. Box
100551, Florence, South Carolina 29502.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Polson family.
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Marie Sullivan
PAGELAND – Funeral services for Mrs. Marie Sullivan, age 72, were held at 3:00 PM Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Bethlehem Baptist Church by Pastor Don Rhyne and Pastor Wesley Webb with burial following in the church cemetery. The family greeted friends from 2:00 – 3:00 PM Thursday, prior to the service at the church.
Mrs. Marie Sullivan, age 72, was born on September 13, 1949 in Woodlawn, VA the daughter of the late Roy and Gladys Hall Cruise. After graduating high school, Marie went on to cosmetology school. In 1984, she married her devoted husband, Richard Sullivan, and moved to Pageland, SC. She was employed at Pageland Screen Printers and later became the custodian for various community businesses. She mostly enjoyed cleaning the post offices of Pageland and Jefferson, where she met many friends. If the opportunity arose, she would get your name and address to add you to her mailing list.
Marie had a ministry of greeting cards. She included a special quote or Bible verse inside each one. Before mailing them, each envelope would be decorated with stickers. Her cards brightened the mail man’s day as well. She became known as the “The Card Lady.”
Marie trusted the Lord as her Savior and was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. We are grateful for every year the Lord gave us with her in His mercy. God gave her grace to persevere after brain tumor surgery and radiation in 2006. Then she continued to press forward after being diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2017.
Marie loved her husband of 37 years, Richard, who made her laugh. They enjoyed picnics in the parking lot. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially on pizza night. She will be greatly missed and dearly remembered as a faithful wife, precious mother, and loving maw-maw.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Alta Vaughn; brother, Edward Cruise; and granddaughter, Lacee Sullivan.
Survivors include her husband, Richard Sullivan, of the home; daughters, Vonda (Rodney) Clark, and Sherri (Robin) Owens; son, Todd (Tammy) Sullivan; grandchildren, Kayla Clark, Stephen Clark, Amanda Clark, Christopher Owens, Cody (Amber) Owens, Levi (Pauline) Dixon, Josh (Lindsey) Dixon, Ty Dixon, and Jenna Sullivan.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to hospice nurse, Beverly Vaughn, and the entire staff of Regency SouthernCare Hospice of Chesterfield for
Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, 5732 Peach Orchard Road, Pageland, SC 29728.
This tribute was written by Mrs. Sullivan’s family who wishes to honor her beautiful life by sharing a special verse: “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” ~ Proverbs 31:28
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Sullivan family.