Obituaries Dec. 29, 2021
Dorothy Mae Clyburn
PAGELAND – Dorothy Mae Clyburn, 79, died Thursday, December 16, 2021. Funeral services were held Thursday, December 23, 2021, at 1PM from the Rocky Branch Baptist Church, Kershaw, SC. She was born January 6, 1942 to the late Lewis (Man) Bennett and Maude Robinson in Chesterfield, SC. Survivors: daughter, Darlene Bennett and son-in-law Christopher Chambers, Salisbury, NC; sisters Aline McCray and Naomi Thomas, Pageland, SC; four grandchildren,
Melisha Bennett, Salisbury, NC, Garrick Bennett, Salisbury, NC, Kenya Marlin (Az), Concord, NC, and Damion Bennett, Salisbury, NC; great granddaughters, Da’Tavia Bennett, Zaria Houston, Jadeah Bennett, Naja Taylor, and A’lyria Bennett; great grandsons, La’Travion Bennett (Trey), Justice Marlin, Damion Bennett (Man Man), and Khenan Bennett; specials nephews, Jason Bennett, Ellis Robinson, and Jacoby Thomas. Flemming Funerals-Pageland rendered services. E-condolences may be sent to the family at www.flemmingfunerals.com.
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Jeffrey Foster
CHERAW – Jeffrey Lee Foster, 59, died Thursday, December 23, 2021 at McLeod Health.
Born in Natchez, MS, he was the son of Mabel Kyle Coggins Foster of the home and the late James Herbert Foster. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Cheraw where he served as an usher and worked with the annual men’s barbeque. Jeffrey was a 1983 graduate of Cheraw High School.
Cheraw has lost its John Adams. Every year, Jeffrey in full uniform, looked forward to greeting the crowds at the annual Fourth of July parade. He was an avid historian of American History and United States Presidents.
Jeffrey took pride in working with his dad to restore a 1967 Mustang. He and his dad won many trophies at various car shows throughout the Pee Dee area.
At McLeod Health and Fitness Center, Jeffrey excelled in swimming and became lifetime friends with many of the trainers.
Surviving are his mother, Mabel, of Cheraw, aunt and uncle, Virginia Coggins Trammell (Ed) of Spartanburg, and numerous cousins.
Graveside services were held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11 A.M. in Oakbrook Memorial Park, Greenwood, S.C. with Reverend Phil Thrailkill officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Cheraw Food Pantry, 113 Third Street, Cheraw, S.C. 29520. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com.
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James Edward ‘Jimmy’ Geiger
CHERAW – Mr. James Edward “Jimmy” Geiger, 59, died on Saturday, December 25, 2021. Born, June 29, 1962 in England, he was a son of the late Virgil and Beatrice Gail Ray Geiger. Jimmy was a member of MacClenny Primitive Baptist Church in Baker County, FL and was an honorary member of the FFA Alumni in Baker County, FL. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved Gator football. Jimmy also enjoyed working on engines and loved spending time with his friends and family.
Along with his parents, listed above, Jimmy was preceded in death by his uncle, Mike Ray; a brother-in-law, Bobby Schmehl; and his best friend, Phil Dennison.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 24 years, Charlene Schmehl Geiger of the home; a son, Dustin Brooks and wife, Anna of Foley, AL; a daughter, Kyndall Norris and husband, Patrick of Cheraw, SC; a brother, Ricky Geiger of Jacksonville, FL; a granddaughter, Avery Joelle Brooks; and several lifelong friends.
A celebration of life will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at Moree’s River Lodge, 143 Kolb’s Tomb Road, Bennettsville, SC 29512. The family requests that everyone that attends, please wear a face covering and adhere to Covid-19 protocol.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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Milverta Lewis Gibson
PAGELAND – Milverta Lewis Gibson, 76, died Thursday, December 16, 2021. Funeral services were held, Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 2PM from the Fisher Hill Family Life Cemetery, Cheraw, SC. Burial followed in the McClain Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Cheraw, SC. She was born July 16, 1945, in Cheraw, SC to the late Labon Lewis Sr. and Elnora McCoy Lewis. Survivors: sons, Minister James L (Davida) Gibson, Terrance Gibson, Vernon (Amy) Gibson; daughters, Lorie (Ervin) Dixon and Veronica Gibson, all of Cheraw, SC; grandchildren, Travis Gibson, Duajel Gibson, Ebony Gibson, Javius Gibson, Courtney Gibson, LaQuicia Gibson, Kwamaine McQueen, Sterling McQueen, Derrick McQueen, Eric McQueen, Isiah Rouse, Briana Sinclair, Casey Burns, Tremaine Burns and Monique Lindsey; great grandchildren: Carter Gibson, Ky’rie Gibson, Kourtney Gibson, Kha’Mi Gibson, Ayden McQueen, Jordyn McQueen, Kwamaine Jr. McQueen, Kimora McQueen, Princeton Rouse and Diamond Lindsey; sisters: Priscilla McFarland and Debra Walters, Cheraw, SC; brothers, Glenn (Bertha) Lewis, Charlie (Christine) Lewis, Ronnie (Susie) Lewis and James Lewis all of Cheraw, SC. Flemming Funerals-Chesterfield rendered services. E-condolences may be sent to the family at www.flemmingfunerals.com.
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Belvin Leviner Jr.
CHERAW – Mr. Belvin Leviner, Jr., 80, passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Born, February 22, 1941, in Marlboro County, SC, he was a son of the late Vera Alice Chavis and the late Belvin Leviner, Sr. Belvin worked in the construction industry as an electrician for many years. He loved to golf, and enjoyed racing, especially drag racing. He also loved traveling, going to car sales with his brother and working on old cars.
Along with his parents, listed above, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronnie Leviner, Bobby Leviner, and Wesley Leviner; and a granddaughter, Carla Nicole English.
Belvin leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 48 years, Susan Griggs Leviner of the home; a son, Michael Leviner of Blackburg, SC; a daughter, Tina Russell and husband, Joe of North Fort Myers, FL; a brother, Terry Leviner and wife, Debbie of Cheraw, SC; sisters, Mona Lisa Hatcher of Bennettsville, SC, and Diane Smith and husband, Charles of Wallace, SC; grandchildren, Aaron Leviner, Mickey Leviner, Brandon English, Victoria Hall and Alyssa Grant; nieces, Lisa Peterson and husband, Mykel, and Mary Parker; and great-nieces and nephews, Kemona Antrum, Demaj Toney, J.C. Parker, Carter Peterson, and Malaya Peterson.
A graveside funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens in Cheraw, SC.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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John L. Melton III
CHERAW – Rev. John L. Melton III, 61, died Tuesday, December 21, 2021. Born in Cheraw, SC, he was a son of Jackie Melton and the late John Laney “White Rat” Melton, Jr. He had been the pastor of Wallace Baptist Church where he had helped to grow the congregation tremendously in the last 10 years. He was a member of the Pee Dee Baptist Association, where he often took charge of many mission trips and projects throughout the community. He had brought the Tabernacle Experience to Wallace Baptist Church several years ago where many people were led to the Lord. Before being called to lead Wallace Baptist Church, John L. had led the Lower Macedonia Baptist Church Youth Ministry for many years. At an early age, John L. joined the Cheraw Fire Department and the Cheraw Rescue Squad as a volunteer, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. After graduating from Cheraw High School, he became an EMT working for Darlington County EMS and later as a Paramedic. His career path led him to working at Cheraw Fire Department and he also was instrumental in creating the Darlington County Fire District. John L. rose through the ranks at Cheraw Fire Department, becoming the Training Officer and then as Fire Chief. He served as Chief from 2001 until 2013. After retiring from Cheraw Fire Department, he became the CATE program instructor for the Intro to Public Safety course at Cheraw High School. Not only using his passion for teaching but also being a mentor to the youth. He also was an Instructor with the South Carolina Fire Academy for over 35 years, inspiring and teaching firefighters across the state. His passion for SCUBA diving had also led him to become a diving instructor, introducing many to the world under the water. He had been an avid photographer since his youth, operating a photography business for over 30 years. John L. enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, camping with his wife and family or gardening. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and extended family. He was a true humble servant of the Lord and a man’s man. He could often be found describing himself as “John L. Melton the 3rd, Firefighter, Paramedic, Diver Master, Master Photographer, Reverend, Extraordinaire!”
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Lynn Melton of Cheraw, SC, a son, John L. “Ethan” Melton, IV (Madison) of Chesterfield, SC, daughters, Michelle Hancock, of California, Genia Curlington (Alex) of Florence, SC, and J.J. Melton (Mitchell Medlin) of Laurel Hill, NC, sisters, Sharron Breeden Melton, of Cheraw, SC, and Ella Recci Rock (Johnny) of Summerville, SC, grandchildren, Vannessa Oldland (Daniel) of Goose Creek, SC, Amber Hancock, of Florence, SC, Erica, Hannah, and Haley Piner, of Lancaster, SC, Houston Laney Medlin, of Laurel Hill, NC, Jackson, Sarah, and Brenlee Curlington of Florence, SC, a great grandson, Jacob Oldland, nieces, Ella Rock and Lindsay Breeden Munnerlyn, a nephew, Jackson Laney Rock and a special great nephew Dawson “Bubba” Melton.
He was preceded in death by his father listed above, maternal grandparents Jack & Louella Smith, and paternal grandparents, Laney & Hilda Melton.
A funeral service was held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Cheraw High School Gymnasium.
Burial followed in Lower Macedonia Cemetery, Chesterfield, SC.
Memorials may be made to New Beginnings Women’s Shelter, c/o Wallace Baptist Church, 4174 Hwy 1, Wallace, SC 29596 or Wallace Baptist Church, 4174 Hwy 1, Wallace, SC 29596.
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Thomas Jack Oliver
CHESTERFIELD – Mr. Thomas Jack Oliver, age 89, entered into rest on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Funeral Services were held at 3:00 PM Monday, December 27, 2021 at David’s Grove Baptist Church by Pastor Tim Lowry and Pastor Darrell Hatchell with the eulogy being delivered by his granddaughter, Katherine Oliver Phillips. The service of committal followed in the church cemetery officiated by Pastor Mark Phillips. The family received friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday, December 26, 2021 at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home.
Mr. Oliver was born February 11, 1932 in Chesterfield County, SC a son of the late Claud Lester Oliver, Sr. and Mary Hicks Oliver. A graduate of Ruby High School, class of 1950, Jack was a retired employee of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a former employee of Burlington Industries. He was a faithful member of David’s Grove Baptist Church, where he served as former Deacon, R.A. Director, and choir member.
Mr. Oliver was a true outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and raising his goats. He could often be found “piddling” around in his shop or working with his tractor in the garden. He also enjoyed restoring antique classic cars and would often tell stories of digging wells by hand with his father. A southern Christian gentleman, Mr. Oliver was known as a “Jack of all trades,” who would go out of his way to help anyone he could.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Oliver was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Willie Faye Hurst Oliver; sisters, Iris Oliver Hill, Ella Wilson Oliver; and brothers, Claud Lester “C.L.” Oliver, Jr., and Billy Frank “Bill” Oliver.
Survivors include his children, Joel T. (Lisa W.) Oliver of Cheraw, SC, Danny Wayne (Debbie) Oliver of Rockingham, NC, and Lisa R. Oliver of Chesterfield, SC; grandchildren, Clay (Krista) Long, IV, Katherine (Kyle) Phillips of Chesterfield, SC, Daniel Oliver of Rockingham, NC, and McKenzie Oliver of Cheraw, SC; great grandchildren, James Long, Kayla Long, Aiden Long, and Kaden Phillips; brother, Mike (Barbara) Oliver of Chesterfield, SC; sister, Betty (Charles) Agnew of Ruby, SC; sister-in-law, Lucille Oliver; numerous nieces and nephews, and beloved caregiver, JoAnn Teal.
Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Oliver family.
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Shirley Ann Pantas
JEFFERSON – Mrs. Shirley Ann Pantas, 75, of Jefferson, SC passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2021 in Lancaster, SC. Mrs. Pantas was born on January 18, 1946 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late William Guyer and Helen Margaret Paige Guyer. Shirley, a Christian, was a dedicated mother and grandmother that loved to spend time with her family. As a dedicated business owner, Ms. Shirley was an entrepreneur since 1994 owning and operating Cowboy’s Corner in Pageland, SC. Her store legacy will continue through her daughter, Kathy and granddaughter, Stephanie. Shirley loved to travel and spend time outdoors especially gardening and horseback riding. She was a member of Destiny Bible Church in Lancaster, SC. Shirley is predeceased by her grandson, Mitchell Philip Swift. Shirley Pantas is survived by her son, Philip Jameson (Jeanne) of Williamsburg, VA; daughters, Christine Davis of Pageland, SC, Katherine Evans (Elliott Poag) of Pageland, SC and Kimberly Helen Jameson of Lancaster, SC; sisters, Michelle Edwards of Jefferson, SC and Darlene Leclair of Indian Trail, NC; grandchildren, Brooke Amber Poag, Jade Nicole Davis, Chad Curtis Davis, Stephanie Helen Davis, Corey Owen Jameson and Kayle Jessi Jameson; great grandchildren, Jaden Laney, Zayden Swift, Hartley Clyburn, Gage Clyburn and Waylon Haigler and niece, Cindy Brooke (Scott) of Monroe, NC. Visitation was on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baumgartner Funeral Home, Pageland, SC. Anyone could stop by the funeral home on Thursday, December 23, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM to sign the register book and pay their respects. A Celebration of Life Graveside Service was held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Lancaster Memorial Park, Lancaster, SC with Pastor Stephen Braswell officiating. Burial followed at Lancaster Memorial Park. Baumgartner Funeral Home of Pageland, South Carolina (www.baumgartnerfh.com) is assisting the Pantas family.