Obituaries Nov. 20, 2024
Janet Dunn Clark
LEXINGTON/CHERAW – Janet Dunn Clark died on November 12, 2024. She was born Janet Parmenter Dunn in East Orange, New Jersey on November 7, 1934, the daughter of Francis Whitelaw Dunn and Lucille Estelle Parmenter. She was married to John Frank Clark of Moultrie, Ga.
Janet grew up in Brunswick, Georgia during WW II. She graduated from Glynn Academy High School in 1952 and attended Georgia Teacher’s college (New Georgia Southern) for two years, studying to be a band director.
She continued her education by graduating from Chesterfield/Marlboro Technical College (now Northeastern Technical College) in Cheraw in 1980 and then St Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC with a BA in History.
While living in Cheraw, Janet worked 16 years at the Cheraw Hospital, seven years as reporter/photographer for The Cheraw Chronicle and same years as Branch Manager of the Matheson Library. Janet was a member of St David’s Episcopal Church in Cheraw.
Janet was predeceased by her parents and husband listed above, and a niece, Heather Lee Dunn, of Raleigh, NC.
She is survived by sons: Bruce Kevin (Carol) Clark of Lexington, SC; Frederick Lee Clark of Asheville, NC and Richard Scott “Tate” (Crystal) Clark of Bennettsville, SC; a brother, Lee Anderson (Dianne) Dunn of New Burn NC.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Cheraw, SC.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. just prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to St. David’s Episcopal Church, PO BOX 68, Cheraw, SC 29520.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Clark family in their time of grief.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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Perry Henry Cumber
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – Mr. Perry Henry Cumber, age 87, passed away on November 13, 2024. He was born on January 17, 1937, in Richmond County, NC, to the late Eldridge and Rachel Steen Cumber.
Perry had a wide range of interests, particularly enjoying watching television, with a fondness for football. He also found joy in fishing and target shooting, activities that brought him great pleasure throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Carolyn Lee Cumber.
Perry is survived by his son, Michael Cumber, and his wife Melissa, of Garner, NC, along with several brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends who will cherish his memory.
A graveside service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, at St. David’s Cemetery in Cheraw, SC.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Cumber family in their time of grief.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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Lynette Faye Leonard
MT. CROGHAN – Mrs. Lynette Faye Leonard, age 79, entered into rest on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the McWhorter Hospice House of Monroe, NC with her family by her side. A celebration of life service was held at 4:00 PM Sunday, November 17, 2024 from the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home by Reverend Charles Teal and Pastor Ronald Thurman. The family will greet friends from 3:00 – 4:00 PM Sunday, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Mrs. Leonard was born March 17, 1945 in Charlotte, NC a daughter of the late Roy S. and Amanda Faye Helms. Lynette focused her life on loving her family. She taught her girls to pray and to laugh. She was a loving wife to J.P. for over 61 years.
Lynette cherished her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was never too busy to spend time with them. Rarely would you see her without a child on her lap or by her side.
She also enjoyed growing flowers, especially sunflowers. In her well-worn sunhat, she would casually scatter the seeds that would produce 6 feet tall sunflowers. Not even the ground would deny her.
Lynette had infinite patience when it came to her family. She welcomed their individuality and independence, and loved each and everyone for who they are. She was undeniably positive and never dwelled on anything unpleasant.
She was beautifully simple; she loved Jesus, her family, being outdoors, and
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Leonard was also preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Faye Benton; grandson, Jeffrey James Benton; great grandchildren, Jason Harris, and Avery Harris; brothers, Roy S. Helms, Jr., and Argie N. Helms; sister Margaret Helms Morris; brother-in-law, Buddy Lane; and sisters-in-law, Brenda Helms, and Karene Helms.
Survivors include her husband of 61 years, J.P. Leonard; daughters, Lois Thompson (Mike), Beth Leonard (Carmelo); grandchildren, Christy Morman (Kevin), Adina Cavallini (Mike), Deanna Benton, Stacie Rice (Josh), Corie Jada Coggins (Grayson), Nathan Najera, and Drew Najera. Her great grandchildren will also continue to celebrate her life. They are as follows: Caleb, Kaziah, Dalila, Bladen, Aubrey, Josiah, Priscilla, Alexander, Vincent, Lincoln, Julia Faye, and Addaline Faye. She will also be fondly remembered by her siblings, Craig Helms, Maurice Helms, Ranger Helms, Arnell Helms, and Debbie Lane; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741; or to a hospice organization of one’s choice.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Leonard family.
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Randy Polson
WALLACE – Randy Polson, age 62, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. He was born in Cheraw, SC, to the late James and Virginia Rathburn Polson. Known to many as “Polecat,” Randy had a deep passion for the outdoors, enjoying activities such as coon hunting and fishing. He cherished riding motorcycles and was an avid supporter of the Gamecocks.
Most importantly, Randy was a devoted family man whose love for his grandbabies, nieces, and nephews was unparalleled. He was affectionately known as “Unk” to many who loved him.
Randy is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cindy Polson, of Wallace, SC, his sons, James Polson (Nikki), of Wallace, SC, and Frankie Polson, of Bishopville, SC, a daughter-in-law, Jessica Jordan, of Wallace, SC, and Nikki Davis of Wallace, SC, sisters, Karen Medlin (Randy), of Simpsonville, SC and Jonnie Garces, of Chesterfield, SC; and a loving group of grandchildren: Kayleigh Polson, Brayden Polson, Aubree Polson, Chance Tunstall, Bentley Cohoon, Colton Cohoon, Amlie Cohoon, Davina Cohoon, Landon Cohoon, Lillie Cohoon, Savannah Masso, Brooklyn Masso, and Marlee Shaw. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, including Jadon English (Chloe), Joe Cohoon (Amber), Josh Cohoon (Alex), Justin Rutherford (Brittany), Jennie Meece (Alan), Ryan Medlin (Julie), Juan Garces (Anglea) Kylie Garces (Tara) and Becky Rutherford. Special cousins, Wanda Chavis (Jesse), and Tommy Chavis (Doris), sisters-in-law, Sheila Whitten (Shaun), Tammy Quick (Billy), and Melinda English and Darlene Rutherford (Robert) , as well as extended family, Ronald Locklear, James Jones, Alex Patel, Joey Hall and many special friends, who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents listed above, a son, John Anthony Masso, and a brother Eddie Polson.
The family received friends on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 2:00 PM -3:00 PM at Kiser Funeral Home.
A funeral service followed at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Kiser Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Kiser Funeral Home, 1020 State Road, Cheraw, SC 29520.
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George Hilliard Richardson
CHERAW – With saddened hearts, we announce that our beloved George Hilliard Richarson went home to be with the Lord on November 11, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. George was known for his kind, unselfish, loving, caring and humorous personality. He was a US Army veteran and was proud to have served his country. He enjoyed his family, being at home, and watching western TV shows.
He will forever reside in our hearts.
George is survived, by his wife, Linda Lou Richardson (the love of his life), his children Linda Denean Lee and George Anthony Richardson, a son-in-law, Gary Wayne Lee, grandchildren, Jessica Marie Thomas and Andrea Brooke Adams, great-granddaughter, Raelyn McKinly Player (the apple of his eye), several nieces and nephews, a very special nephew, Michael Perry Cumber, and a sister, Margie Dean.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Strickland, and sisters, Virginia Thurmond, and Delilah Hatchell.
A private graveside memorial service will be held in St. David’s Cemetery, Cheraw, SC.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 364 Calvary Road, Cheraw, SC 29520.
This obituary was lovingly written by George’s family.
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Melinda Lang Woodward
RUBY – Mrs. Melinda Lang Woodward, age 74, entered into rest on Friday, November 1, 2024 at her home. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from the chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home by Brent Taylor with burial following in the Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery. The family greeted friends from 1:00 – 2:00 PM Tuesday, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Born on September 26, 1950, in Wadesboro, NC, Mrs. Woodward was the daughter of Annie Adams Lang and the late William Jackson Lang. She was a graduate of Chesterfield High School and later alongside her husband, became the co-owner of Sandhills Overhead Door in Sanford, NC. Before establishing the family business, Melinda dedicated many years to her work at Tampa Electric Company in Florida. She was an active member of Olivia Presbyterian Church in Olivia, NC, where she was honored as Woman of the Year in 1998.
Melinda had a passion for nurturing her flower gardens and enjoyed crafting, collecting jewelry, and shopping. Among her closest companions was her beloved dog “Lucy,” who provided her with comfort and joy immensely.
In addition to her father, Mrs. Woodward was also preceded in death by her brother, Gary William Lang; brothers-in-law, Billy Ray Woodward, and Arlee Gaddy.
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, John Woodward of the home; children, Andy (Becky) Woodward, and Rhonda (Chris) Mackey both of Sanford, NC; grandchildren who affectionately called her “Mimi”, Courtney (Jonathan) Payares of Durham, NC, Conner (Patrick) Hinzman of Sanford, NC, Hunter Woodward US ARMY Fort Bragg, NC, Jacob Verrett, Lily Mackey, and Wyatt Mackey all of Sanford, NC; mother, Annie Lang of Chesterfield, SC; siblings, Bonnie (Jackie) Rivers, Barbara (Donny) Sellers, and Debria (Andy) Carpenter all of Chesterfield, SC; sister-in-law, Linda Lang of Summerville, SC.
Also surviving are her extended family whom she loved very much, Jerry (Rachel) Woodward of Pageland, SC, Betty Gaddy of Wadesboro, NC, Melvin (Dawn) Woodward of Marshville, NC, Carolyn (Junior) Sellers of Cheraw, SC, Dean (Patsy) Woodward of Pageland, SC, Peggy (Danny) Gulledge of Ruby, SC, Mickey (Michelle) Woodward of Chesterfield, SC, Barbara (Loy) Cannon of Ruby, SC; and Deronda Woodward of Chesterfield, SC. in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Woodward family.