Obituaries Nov. 12, 2025
Mary Alene Gentry Burr
CHERAW — Mary Alene Gentry Burr entered into eternal rest on November 2, 2025, at her home in Cheraw, SC. Mary was born October 8, 1938, in Americas, GA to Landon Miles Gentry and Jayne Turnage Gentry. At a young age, Mary’s family moved to Fayetteville, NC where her father was stationed during World War II. Mary attended kindergarten at First Baptist Church and first grade at St. Patrick’s Catholic School. She rode the city bus alone to school both years. She always said she has been a latch key kid since age 5. During 2nd grade, Mary moved with her mother and brother to the family farm in Teals Mill, SC. Mary attended 2nd – 6th grades at Stafford Country School. She attended Cheraw Public Schools beginning with 7th grade and graduated in the top of her class from Cheraw High School in 1956. Mary attended Coker College for one year on scholarship. Her first job was in insurance, and she later became certified as a banker at South Carolina National Bank.
Mary was married to Thomas Edward Burr on October 18, 1959. She had three children – Thomas Edward Burr, Junior, Stephen Scott Burr, and Mary Jayne Burr Board (Stephen). She was a stay-at-home mother until 1977 when she began her 30-year career with the Town of Cheraw as Program Coordinator at the Cheraw Parks & Recreation Department. Mary was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Cheraw and held many positions including leading the JOY Club for thirteen years. Mary was the first recipient of the Roy Lee Smith Volunteer Award. She oversaw the acolytes during the years her children served as acolytes. Mary was a member of the Church Council, Choir Mother, Children and Nursery Techer, and taught crafts and helped with refreshments for Bible School. She was an officer in Women of Faith, baked cakes for BBQ bake sales, made the first Chrismon ornaments for the FUMC Christmas Tree. Mary and her children made the first wreaths for the sconces in the sanctuary for Christmas. She made contributions to the Period Clothes Exhibit for the Church’s Bi-centennial event. She was a member of the Merciless Methodists, First United Methodist Church’s Relay for Life team. Additionally, Mary was a Lay Leader to the annual church conference for five years.
Mary was a scout leader and won the Silver Fawn award for her many years of work with the Cub Scouts. She was Den Mother and helped others to start up their own troops. She also taught scouts for the Pee Dee region.
Mary worked as Program Director for the Cheraw Recreation Department from 1977 until 2007. Additionally, she worked part-time as the Executive Director with the Cheraw Arts Commission, which she formed in1980, until her retirement in 2007. Mary, along with Gail Ingram and Jennifer Rayfield, won a National Presidential Award from the National Parks and Recreation Association for the program the three developed on Dizzy Gillespie through Arts in Education. The three received the award at the NPRA conference in Denver, CO. Mary also put together the first Spring Festival in Cheraw and worked tirelessly for many years on this event. Mary was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Parks & Recreation in 2001.
Mary is survived by her children Thomas Burr, Jr., and Jayne and Stephen Board, as well as many beloved cousins. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Johnny, and her beloved son Stephen Scott Burr.
The family received friends from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Kiser Funeral Home.
A memorial service was held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM in First United Methodist Church, Cheraw, SC.
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Kay Dixon
CHERAW — Kay Dixon, age 80, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Kay was born in Byron, GA, to the late William Jackson and Jessie Mae Huckaby.
Kay’s faith was an important part of her life, and she attended church at Grace and Mercy Worship Center. Known for her simplicity and joy for life, she found happiness in collecting and refurbishing her beloved “treasures.” A dedicated businesswoman, Kay opened her own daycare and ran a thrift store for many years, proudly known as a “flea market evangelist.” Her family fondly remembers her as someone who “kept the road hot,” always seeking out new adventures.
Kay is survived by her daughters, Jackie (Joe) Powell of Wallace, SC, Shannon (Shannon) Watts of Cheraw, SC, and Dana Hatcher of Patrick, SC; her sons, Brad Hennessee of Bennettsville, SC, and David (Brittany) Dixon of Cheraw, SC; as well as a bonus son by heart, Miguel Rivera. She is also remembered by her brother, Jerry (Ruth) Huckaby of Morrisville, NJ, alongside her eleven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James David “Dave” Dixon, Jr.; her daughter, Anna Montgomery; her son, James David Dixon, III; and a grandson, Timothy Roscoe.
The family welcomed friends at the Dixon home, located at 97 Lowe Road, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
A funeral service celebrating Kay’s life will take place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Grace and Mercy Worship Center, located at 2543 Hunts Mill Road, Chesterfield, SC.
Following the service, burial will be held at Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wilson Senior Care-Morrell at 900 N. Marquis Hwy, Hartsville, SC, or Agape Care at 301 Rainbow Drive, Florence, SC 29501.
Kay Dixon’s spirit and love for life will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed.
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Elizabeth Burr Rivers
CHESTERFIELD — Elizabeth Burr Rivers, affectionately known as “Lib”, entered into rest on November 6, 2025 at the age of 95. Funeral services were held at 3:00 PM Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Hopewell Baptist Church by the Honorable Rep. Pastor Richie Yow with burial following in the church Cemetery. The family greeted friends on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home between the hours of 6:00 – 8:00 PM.
Mrs. Rivers was born on August 21, 1930 in Cheraw, SC, a daughter of the late Angus and Fonnie Burr. Throughout her life, she cultivated beauty, particularly in her cherished gardens, where she enjoyed time spent working with her flowers. Mrs. Lib leaves behind a legacy of unwavering devotion as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a compassionate friend to all, which earned her the affectionate title of “Aunt Lib” to many in the community. Mrs. Lib was a faithful Christian lady and at the time of her passing, she was the oldest living member of Hopewell Baptist Church. Her legacy is reflected in the memories of family and friends who will forever hold her tenderly within their hearts.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Lib was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dallas P. Rivers.
Survivors include her son, Perry Rivers; daughter, Ann (James) Coleman, both of Chesterfield, SC; grandchildren, Ashley (Spencer) Heringa, Christopher “Chris” L. (Michelle) Deese; great-grandchildren, Morgan, Kellan, Karis, Elana, Wren; sister, Annie Robinson of Cheraw, SC; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews, and feline companion, “Abby”.
The family extends sincere appreciation to dedicated caregivers, Syvia Kristy Hyatt, and Crystal Pettus for their exceptional care of Mrs. Rivers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Agape Care Group of Florence, SC (www.agapecaregroup.com).
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Rivers family.
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Larry Dean Watson
CHERAW — Mr. Larry Dean Watson, age 80, entered into rest on Friday, November 7, 2025 at his home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at11:00 AM at the White Oak Presbyterian Church, officiated by Pastor Charlie Short with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary.
Mr. Watson was born on September 20, 1945, in Union County, North Carolina to the late Ernest and Lillie Mae Watson, but he grew up in Ruby, SC where he graduated from high school. He was a devoted member of White Oak Presbyterian Church, where he was willing to serve wherever he could be of help. Larry’s faithfulness to his church and commitment to his community were hallmarks of his life. He dedicated his professional life to Schaeffler, formerly known as INA, where he worked diligently for his entire career. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Korea. Larry’s time in the service left a lasting impression on him, shaping his character, and instilling in him a remarkable endurance to complete even the most challenging tasks and appreciation for the simplest of things in life.
In addition to his professional contributions, Larry was known for enjoying dirt track racing and his talent for building race cars. Spending time with his racing friends was one of his greatest joys.
Above all, Mr. Watson leaves behind a legacy of exemplified care and concern for his family and friends. He was a dearly loved brother and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents listed above; eldest brother, James Franklin Watson; niece, Wanda Ann Morgan; and special beloved friend, Liz Raffaldt.
Survivors include his siblings, Sarah (Robert) Fudge of Rock Hill, SC, Grady (Connie) Watson of Lexington, SC, and Virginia (Merlin) Horton of N. Myrtle Beach, SC; niece, Lisa (Dave) Talany; nephews, Kenneth Watson, Charles (Elisabeth) Horton, Benjamin (Amanda) Horton; great-niece & great-nephews, Kenadie Grace DeLaura; Camden Horton, Blake Horton, Noah Horton, Everett Horton.
Memorials may be made to White Oak Presbyterian Church, c/o Linda Morton, 6947 Angelus Road, Ruby, SC 29741.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Watson family.