Obituaries November 15, 2023
Donna Miesiaszek Bilby
CHERAW – Donna Miesiaszek Bilby, 74, died on Monday, November 6, 2023. Born, June 6, 1948, in Monroe, NC, she was the daughter of Walter Peter and Mariel Mable Small Miesiaszek. Donna owned and operated Bilby Construction with her late husband. She was a member of the Kiwanis Club, and the Friends of the Library. Donna also served on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and was a founder of the AOII Sorority Chapter of East Carolina University. Mrs. Bilby enjoyed golf, tennis, swimming, yoga, dancing, and spending time with her dog, Hobie.
Along with her parents, listed above, Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Steven C. Bilby.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, a son, Steven Scott Bilby of Cheraw, SC; a daughter, Shannon Bilby Vogel (Kevin Vogel) of Denver, CO; a brother, Steve Miesiaszek of Norcross, GA; sisters, Margaret Griffith, and Barbara Friedrich both of Charlotte, NC; and one grandchild, Taylor Rose Vogel.
A visitation and celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations of time or money can be made to any animal shelter.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Bilby family in their time of grief.
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William ‘Bill’ Barnes Funderburk
BENNETTSVILLE – William “Bill” Barnes Funderburk, 77, of Bennettsville, SC, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 11, 2023, at Cheraw Hospital. He was born on April 7, 1946, in Wilson, NC, to the late Jule and Grace Funderburk. He was the middle of three brothers, James “Jimmy” Funderburk (Sue) of Cheraw, SC, and Jule Funderburk (Phyllis) of Taylor, SC.
Bill was a devoted husband to Faye Driggers Funderburk for 56 years. They raised three daughters, Stephanie Johnston (Ed) of Wagram, NC, Debra Griggs of Bennettsville, SC, and Kristie Hyatt (Jay) of Bennettsville, SC. He was a loving grandfather to six grandchildren, Morgan Powers (Tim), Caleb Monroe, Will Griggs, Josh Griggs, Aubrey Layne Price (Will Parrish) and Tyson Hyatt. Also special to him were great granddaughters, Mimi Grace, and Nora Faye Powers.
Bill had a long and successful career in telecommunications. He worked for Lucent Technologies for 33 years. He retired in 2001 and pursued a passion in public service. He was elected as the Marlboro County Clerk-of-Court in 2002 and served for 20 years until his retirement. He was respected and admired by his colleagues and constituents for his professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
Bill and Faye are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Bennettsville, SC. He loved his county and served in the SC National Guard.
Bill enjoyed watching college football. His greatest joys in life came from being with his wife Faye, raising three successful daughters and spoiling his grandkids. He cherished every moment he spent with his loved ones.
A graveside service was held at the Oak Ridge Cemetery on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 2:00 pm, with visitation immediately following.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Scotland Memorial Hospital, McLeod Cheraw Hospital and the doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff that took special care of him during this time of need.
Online condolences may be made at www.bfhbennettsville.com.
Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to assist the Funderburk family.
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Joyce Ann McGrath Keiser
CHERAW/ALLIANCE, Ohio – Joyce Ann McGrath Keiser, 77, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023. Born in Alliance, OH, she was a daughter to the late Leroy and Clara Binius McGrath. Joyce was a retired custodian in Salem, Ohio. She spent her life in the Salem, OH area until moving closer to family in SC after she retired. She loved to spend time with her family and grandchildren, and she loved to crochet and cook. Most of all, Joyce loved the Lord and was strong in her faith.
Joyce is survived by her sons, Ray Keiser, and John (LuAnn) Keiser, both of Cheraw, SC; daughters, Michele (Todd) Kirkley, of Sumter, SC, and Pam (Chad) Carver, of Salem, OH, a brother, Butch McGrath, of Alliance, OH, and sisters, Karen Keenan, of Colliers, WV, and Diane Cantwell, of Alliance, OH, grandchildren, Claire Kirkley, Jonathan Keiser, Edgar Lee Keiser, Ashley Rainsberger, Adam Lowry, and Ryan Carver, and great-grandchildren, Jax Keiser, Ava Rainsberger, Lilly Lowry, and Emma Lowry.
She was preceded in death by her parents listed above, brothers, Bill McGrath and Darryl McGrath, and sisters, Marilyn Funkhouser, and Bonna Jean McGrath.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Keiser family in their time of grief.
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Joan S. Middleton
PAGELAND – Mrs. Joan S. Middleton, 90, of Pageland, SC went to be with her Lord on Thursday, November 9, 2023 in Pageland, SC with her loving family by her side. Joan Short Middleton was born on June 23, 1933 in Rocky Mount, NC and raised in Davidson, NC. She was the daughter of the late Otho Lee and Lucy Brigman Short of Davidson, NC. She was a graduate of North Mecklenburg High School and Lenior Rhyne University. She was a retired employee of American Arbitration Association of Charlotte, NC after over thirty years of service and was a proud member of Providence Baptist Church. Joan enjoyed playing the piano, playing cards, working puzzles and knitting. She was the last surviving member of her card group. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie “Jody” C. Middleton, Jr.; son, Charlie C. “Joey” Middleton, III” and her brother, Clyde Short. She is survived by her son, Thomas Lee “Tommy” Middleton and wife, Julie of Lancaster, SC; daughter, Rebecca Lynn Chapman and husband, Eugene of Pageland, SC; five grandsons, Ryan Middleton of Columbia, SC, Cameron Middleton and his fiancé, Gabriela Silva of Rock Hill, SC, Wyatt Chapman of Lexington, SC, Rhett Chapman of Charlotte, NC and Tanner Chapman of Pageland, SC and her best friend, Shirley Johnson of Pageland, SC. Always being the great mother and wife she was, she always put her family before herself. Her faith never faltered as her health declined in recent months. There was a Celebration of Life Graveside Service on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Greenlawn Memorial Park of Pageland with Pastor David Bridwell officiating. Burial followed at Greenlawn Memorial Park of Pageland. The family greeted friends immediate following the graveside service. The family would like to thank all the staff at Springhill Assisted Living in Pageland for their exceptionably loving and compassionate care for mom in her final years. The family will be forever grateful to the love they showed her every day. Memorials may be made to Providence Baptist Church, 232 Providence Church Rd., Pageland, SC 29728 or Springhill Assisted Living, 514 S. Gum St., Pageland, SC 29728. Baumgartner Funeral Home of Pageland, South Carolina (www.baumgartnerfh.com) is assisting the Middleton family.