Obituaries March 29, 2023
Julius Theodore Butler
CHESTERFIELD – Julius Theodore Butler, 87, died on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Born, February 14, 1936, he was a son of the late Henry M. and Mildred Thompson Butler. Julius was a member of Joy Freewill Baptist Church in Hamlet, NC and enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed fishing at the beach, and watching his granddaughters play softball.
Along with his parents, listed above, Julius was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margie Adams Butler; brothers, Tommy Butler, Homer Butler, and Wayne Butler; sisters-in-law, Janet Butler, and Betty Butler; and a special friend, Anner L. Wilkes.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his sons, Todd Butler (Darlene) of Cheraw, SC, and Buddy Butler of Chesterfield, SC; his daughter, Charlene Ange (Eric) of Cheraw, SC; grandchildren, Kyle Ange (Amber), Lindsey Gainey (Brad), Savannah Ange, Audra Butler, and Eryn Butler; and great-grandchildren, Molly Gainey, Maggie Gainey, Marah Gainey, Holden Ange, and a great-grandchild on the way.
A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Kiser Funeral Home in Cheraw, SC. Burial followed in Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens in Cheraw, SC.
The family received friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. just prior to the service at the Funeral Home on Thursday.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Butler family in their time of grief.
Memorials may be made to Joy Freewill Baptist Church, 864 S. NC Highway 177, Hamlet, NC 28345.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Dean Coleman
CHERAW – Kenneth “Kenny” Dean Coleman, 60, died on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Born, July 24, 1962, in Hartsville, SC, he was a son of the late Elmer Blake Coleman and the late Pansy Jean Lewis Coleman Smith. Kenny was a graduate of Cheraw High School, and worked for Arauco North American in Bennettsville, SC. He enjoyed fishing and traveling to the mountains and the beach with his family. He also loved his fur babies, Bear, Tessa, Smokey, and Sassy.
Along with his parents, listed above, Kenny was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Blake Coleman.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Catherine “Cathy” Board Coleman of the home; his daughter, Blakeney Coleman Chase (Larry Donald, Jr.) of Dalzell, SC; a brother, Eddie Glenn “Pee Wee” Coleman of Cheraw, SC; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens in Cheraw, SC.
The family received friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Kiser Funeral Home; and at other times at the home of Cathy’s Parents, 631 Cain Mill Crossing, Cheraw, SC.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Coleman family in their time of grief.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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Clarence Randolph Heyward Sr.
Mr. Clarence Randolph Heyward, Sr. passed on to his eternal reward with his Heavenly father March 24, 2023.
Clarence was born April 4, 1941 in Florence, SC, the son of the late William Heyward and late Mamie Cross Heyward. Clarence was a self-taught man who worked very hard his entire life. He worked as a carpenter with James Arthur Perritt, as a roofer with the Burch Roofing Company, and worked in construction with Lawrence Construction Company. Later he leased the Pee Dee Texaco Station, working as an attendant and auto mechanic. Then he turned his attention to owning his own sand and gravel company which grew into a long relationship with the M.A. Ellis Sand and Gravel Company where he worked as a foreman and construction supervisor.
Clarence had a unique ability to understand how a machine or other device was built, and then came up with ways to improve it. He developed his knowledge and decided to work for himself, manufacturing furniture for different furniture stores in the area, followed by the startup of Country Cousin Upholstery, which he has owned and operated for 50 years, working alongside his wife, Nancy and later their son Clarence Jr. and daughter Sandra, as a true old-fashioned family-owned and operated business.
Clarence set aside work from time to time to enjoy fishing, playing the guitar and giving out dollar-bills to small children that he never knew, but loved to watch their smiles as the gift was given.
Clarence was preceded in death by brothers: Roy Heyward, Bill Heyward, Ekco Heyward and Frank Heyward, as well as sisters: Kathleen Heyward Mayo, Beatrice Fulton, and Mildred Moore.
Mr. Heyward is survived by his loving dedicated wife of 63 years, Nancy Craft Heyward; son, Clarence Randolph Heyward, Jr (Joy); daughter, Sandra Albert (Stu). Clarence loved to see, visit with, and share his vast knowledge with his grandchildren, CJ Pahis (Callie), Dr. Ashley Pahis, Cassie Heyward, Candice Heyward, and Clark Heyward (Kaylee), 3 step-grandchildren; Great-grandchildren, Caulder Pahis, Chapin Pahis and 3 step-great grandchildren.
A graveside service was held at 11:00 AM Tuesday at Florence Memorial Garden directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Florence Bible Chapel, Children’s Fund, 1400 Second Loop Road, Florence, SC 29505
Please sign the Guest Book for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.
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Mary Ethel Miller
JEFFERSON – Mrs. Mary Ethel Miller, 75, died on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Born May 30, 1947, in Logan, WV, she was a daughter of the late Dan and Lena Rigby Cooper. Mary played softball, and bowled at a high level and loved to watch all sports.
Along with her parents, listed above, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard, George, Jim, and Danny; and sisters, Carol, and Libby.
Mary leaves behind to cherish her memory, a son, Brady Miller, III of Corvallis, MT; a daughter, Celena Petrucci and husband, Robert of Jefferson, SC; a sister, Diane Holcomb and husband, David of Kingsport, TN; grandchildren, Alex Marvelle, and Gregory Miller; and great-grandchildren, Amelia Miller, and Gregory Miller; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
No services are planned at this time.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Ozzie Albies Foundation, PO BOX 674433, Marietta, GA 30067-9997.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Miller family in their time of grief.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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Kathleen Brown Smith
CHERAW – Kathleen Brown Smith, 89, died on Thursday, March 23, 2022. Born, January 4, 1934, in Chesterfield, SC, she was the daughter of the late Alma and John Brown. Kathleen was a member of Westside Baptist Church in Cheraw. She enjoyed her flowers and going to the mountains. First and foremost, Kathleen loved her family.
Along with her parents, listed above, Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Smith; a son, Jim Smith; and sisters, Louise N. Smith, and Eva Coe.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her son, John McKinley Smith (Kim); her daughter, Kathy Cassidy (Bobby); grandchildren, Kelly Wallace (Lance), and Kris Cassidy (Jennifer); great-grandchildren, Makayla, Logan, and Katie Lewis; and a brother, John “Bill” Brown (Martha).
A funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Kiser Funeral Home. Burial followed in Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens in Cheraw, SC.
The family received friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at Kiser Funeral Home in Cheraw, SC.
Memorials may be made to Westside Baptist Church, PO Box 1417, Cheraw, SC 29520.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Smith family in their time of grief.
Online condolences may be made www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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Homer E. Stanton, Sr. & Margaret Stanton
Although, Mr. Homer Stanton passed away on March 6, 2020, it was at the family’s request that their obituaries be posted together at the time of Mrs. Margaret Stanton’s passing on March 19, 2023.
Margaret Stanton
CHERAW – Mrs. Margaret Sutherland Stanton, 94, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023. Born, March 22, 1928 in Anderson, SC, she was a daughter of the late Henry Ernest and Elouise Harriet Sutherland.
Margaret came from a large family of 5 brothers and 7 sisters all preceding her in death.
She was married to Homer Evans Stanton on March 10, 1951, in Greenville, SC. They were married for 69 years. Together they built Stanton Mobile Home Park in Cheraw, from the ground up. They operated this for 44 years.
Margaret was a Life member of First United Methodist Church in Cheraw, SC, where she was an active member and even helped out in the church office when needed. She loved antiques, and operated an antique store named, “My Playhouse” for many years.
She enjoyed dressing up and has always been known for her beautiful appearance around town.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Homer, and her son Gary Hall Stanton.
She is survived by her son, Homer Evans Stanton, Jr. of Cheraw, SC; her daughter, Shellie Hall Stanton, of Cheraw, SC; grandchildren, Gary H. Stanton, Jr. (Rachel) of Atlanta, GA, Justin E. Stanton (Carrie) of Richmond, VA, and five great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens in Cheraw, SC.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Stanton family in their time of grief.
Homer Evans Stanton, Sr.
CHERAW – Homer Evans Stanton, Sr., 89, passed away on March 6, 2020. He was born, June 14, 1930, in Cheraw, SC. Homer was the owner/operator of Stanton Mobile Home Park for over 44 years here in Cheraw. He built it from the ground up in 1976.
He was a Life Member of First United Methodist Church in Cheraw, where he was very involved in Missions to several countries, building churches, medical centers, schools, homes, and water systems.
He received his degree in Textile Manufacturing from Clemson A&M. He was a Distinguished Military Student and went on to join the Virginia National Guard, where he became a Colonel. He was a member of several clubs, where he was active throughout the years: Lions, Rotary, Moose, American Legion, and Civitans.
He loved collecting military weapons, competitive shooting, and was a private pilot, restoring vintage aircraft.
Homer was married to his beautiful wife, Margaret Sutherland Stanton on March 10, 1951. They were together 69 years. Margaret passed away on March 19, 2023. He was preceded in death by a son, Gary Hall Stanton.
He leaves behind, his son, Homer Evans Stanton, Jr. of Cheraw, SC; a daughter, Shellie Hall Stanton of Cheraw, SC; two grandsons, Justin Evans Stanton (Carrie) of Esmont, VA, and Gary Hall Stanton (Rachel) of Atlanta, GA; and 5 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held on March 8, 2020 at Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens in Cheraw, SC.
Kiser Funeral Home was entrusted to serve the Stanton family in their time of grief.
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Margaret Jo Arant Taylor
LANCASTER – Mrs. Margaret Jo Arant Taylor, age 91, entered into rest on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Cheraw Healthcare. Funeral services were held at 12:00 PM Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home by Dr. Michael Taylor and Brent Taylor. The family greeted friends from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Tuesday, prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at the home of Brent and Brooke Taylor.
Friends and family were welcome to stop by the funeral home on Monday, March 27 between the hours of 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM to view and pay their respects.
The graveside service was held at 3:00 PM Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery, Lancaster, SC by Pastor Jason Pope. The family also greet friends immediately following the service at the cemetery.
Mrs. Taylor was born December 1, 1931 in Lancaster County, SC a daughter of the late Ben Carl and Myrtle Laney Arant. She was a graduate of Lancaster High School. “Miss Jo” as she was affectionately known to many, worked as a professional photographer with Blackston Photography of Pageland for over 27 years. She was quick to remind you if she took your elementary, high school, or prom pictures throughout her career. She was a former member of Pleasant Dale Baptist Church of Lancaster and a charter member of Living Faith Baptist Church of Jefferson, where she served as a Sunday school teacher and faithful nursery worker.
Following her retirement, Jo was a dedicated caregiver to both her mother and husband until their passing. A lady with an incredible work ethic, she could be found in her garden before sunrise. When outside work was completed, she would spend the remainder of the day in her kitchen cooking, baking, and canning late into the night. She also was a very talented seamstress who never refused a job, no matter the intricate detail or time constraint.
In 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Margaret Jo moved to Cheraw Healthcare due to declining health. Even with the many limitations and restrictions brought on by the pandemic, “Nanny” quickly developed lasting friendships. She was known for her beautiful, contagious smile to all the residents and staff. No matter if you addressed her as Miss Jo, Momma, Nanny, Grandma Jo, or Mrs. Taylor, you knew you were loved when you saw that smile!
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Taylor was also preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Hugh L. Taylor, Jr.; son, Reverend Doug Taylor; brother, Carl Laney Arant; and sisters, Frances A. Estridge, Bob Marlowe, and Vickie Steele.
Survivors include her children, Reverend Michael (Phyllis) Taylor of Kannapolis, NC, and Cathy (Ricky) Stogner of Lancaster, SC; daughter-in-law, Rhnae Taylor of Chesterfield, SC; grandchildren, Phillip (Lori) Taylor of Lancaster, SC, Michael Paul (Amanda) Taylor of Kannapolis, NC; Mandi (Mike) Howell of Lancaster, SC, Jay Stogner of Lancaster, SC; Brent (Brooke) Taylor of Chesterfield, SC, and Timothy Taylor of Greenwood, SC; great grandchildren, Sloane (Austin) Wrape, Caden Taylor, Courtney (Jamie) Hayes, Baleigh Snipes, Cameron Taylor, Andrew Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Sydney (Dillon) Crook, Nick Jones, Noah Fields, Thaxton Stogner, Sadie Stogner, Anna Belle Taylor, and Ava Taylor; her 2 great-great grandbabies that are soon to be arriving, Madden Cole Crook, and Emerie Blayke Hayes; in addition to generations of nieces and nephews.
Our family would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Stephen Smith and the staff and administration of Cheraw Healthcare for the exceptional love and care they provided. A special thank you to family friend, Susan “Shane” Melton of Palmetto Transport for always accompanying her to medical visits and an occasional stop for ice cream. And more recently we owe a debt of gratitude to Agape Hospice, and nurse April Carter for helping our precious loved one and family experience her final few days with comfort, compassion, and dignity.
In keeping with Mrs. Taylor’s passion of always supporting her children, memorial contributions are recommended on behalf of her son Mike to: Shield a Badge with Prayer, Chaplain Michael Taylor, 2122 Hopedale Street, Kannapolis, NC 28083, or on behalf of her daughter Cathy to: Alzheimer’s Research Foundation of America, 332 8th Avenue, 16th floor, New York, NY 1001.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Taylor family and is grateful for the assistance of Burgess Funeral Home of Lancaster with the graveside arrangements.
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Jerri Lea Thompson
LEXINGTON – Jerri Lea Thompson, 59, died on Monday, March 20, 2023. Born, January 10, 1964, in Cheraw, SC, she was a daughter of Jerry D. and Doris B. Griggs Bryant.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jerry D. Bryant.
Jerri Lea leaves behind to cherish her memory, a son, Corey Howle (Taylor) of Cassatt, SC; a daughter, Rachel McCreary of Lexington, SC; her mother, Doris Bryant of Society Hill, SC; a brother, Thomas Bryant of Darlington, SC; a sister, Barbara Williams of Florence, SC; and eight grandchildren.
A graveside funeral service was held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Harris Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Society Hill, SC.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Thompson family in their time of grief.