Obituaries Jan. 28, 2026
Roberta Kirven Polk
PATRICK — Roberta Kirven Polk
Mrs. Roberta Kirven Polk, aged 86, of Patrick, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her beloved family.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home, officiated by Chaplain Hank Fields, with personal remarks shared from Latasha Edwards and grandson, Charles Edwards. Interment followed at Patrick Cemetery. The family greeted friends from 1:00 – 2:00 PM Tuesday, prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at the Polk home.
Born on September 15, 1939, in Rockingham, North Carolina, Mrs. Polk was the daughter of the late Albert Lucas “Josh” Kirven and Millie Oliver Kirven. She graduated from Hartsville High School and went on to work at Patrick Sportswear and Chesterfield Manufacturing. Following her heart of caring for others, Roberta worked for many years as a Nurse’s Aide at Chesterfield General Hospital and also at Visiting Nurses Home Care. A faithful member of Patrick Baptist Church, Mrs. Polk served as church historian and was a former leader of the Sun Beam program. Additionally, she contributed to her community as a member of the Patrick Rescue Squad, where she held the distinction of being the first Captain of the Patrick Rescuettes. Her hobbies included writing poetry and working in her flowers. A lady who loved her family deeply, Roberta was a proud “Me-ma” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mrs. Polk is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Charlie R. “Monk” Polk, Jr.; her daughter, Bea Polk Gardner; grandson, Brandon Gardner; and siblings, Paula Lovin, Doris Kirven, Albert L. “Sonny” Kirven, Jr., and Melvin Thomas Kirven.
She is survived by her daughters, Teresa Polk Chewning of Cheraw, SC, and Dawn Polk of Patrick, SC; sons-in-law, Freddie Chewning of Cheraw, SC, Timothy Jacobs of Bennettsville, SC, and Robert Gardner of Patrick, SC; grandchildren, Elizabeth “Liz” (Nick) Wallace of Florence, SC, Laci Chewning of Cheraw, SC, Joseph (Kolleen) Chewning of Patrick, SC, Blair Jacobs of McColl, SC, Josh Jacobs of Patrick, SC, Charles (Makayla) Gardner of Patrick, SC, Rob Gardner of Kannapolis, NC, Heather Teston Laurinburg, NC; great-grandchildren, Addison, Ian, Harley, Hunter, Chloe, Charlie, London, Grayson, Shelby Strickland and Malachi Strickland, and one more soon to arrive; sister, Bobbie Jean Kirven (Ken) Scott of Hartsville, SC; sisters-in-law, Macy Kirven and Avie Kirven, both of Hartsville, SC; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Latasha “Honey” Edwards, Tara Garcia, McInnis White, Taylor Lowery, Tavoya Alford, and the entire staff of Gentiva Hospice of Chesterfield for their compassionate care.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Polk family.
###
Elmore Robinson Sr.
JEFFERSON — Elmore Robinson, Sr., age 77 entered eternal rest on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville, South Carolina surrounded by his family. Born on March 13, 1948 in Lancaster County, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Earlie and Flonnie-Sowell Robinson, Sr.
Elmore was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He attended Jefferson High School, in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. At an early age he became a member of Cross Road Missionary Baptist Church and a member of the junior choir.
On February 14, 1971, Elmore married the love of his life, Susie M. Hough-Robinson, and to this union they have five children.
Elmore was employed at Springs Cotton Mills in Lancaster, South Carolina for many years. After his job closed at Springs Cotton Mill, he was later employed with Chesterfield County School District. Elmore worked at Jefferson Elementary School for sixteen years, one month and one day as a custodian and bus driver until health issues forced him to retire on July 2, 1999. His impact on the students, teachers and everyone in the community was profound, and was loved by all who knew him.
Elmore was also a gospel singer for many years with a group called “The Gospel Travelers” out of Lancaster, South Carolina. He also sung in the variety shows back in the days when Jefferson use to have the Golden Nugget Festival.
As everyone knew he was never an actual mayor, lol. If I’m correct, he told the family that Keith Ellis of Jefferson, SC started calling him “The Mayor” and after that, he was known as “The Mayor” of Jefferson. We’ve heard people say, “if you want to know about anything going on in Jefferson”, just ask Elmore, lol.
Elmore leaves to cherish his wife of fifty-four years, Susie H. Robinson of the home. Two daughters: Avis S. Robinson of the home, and Erica (Samuel) Kelly of Darlington, SC. Two sons: Eric Robinson of Shelby, North Carolina and Donovan Robinson of Charlotte, North Carolina. A stepson: Darroll R. Hough of Monroe, North Carolina. A daughter-in-law; Angie Langley-Robinson of Pageland, South Carolina. One incredibly special granddaughter; Ke’ja J. Funderburk. Four grandsons: Michael D. Funderburk, Mackenzie T. Clyburn, and Jaylon S. Robinson, all of Jefferson, South Carolina, and Jayce E. Robinson of Hamlet, North Carolina. One sister: Rudene Robinson-Felton of Englewood, New Jersey. Three brothers: Earlie (Lois) Robinson, Jr. of Chesapeake, Virginia. Rev. Dr. Waldo (Jean) Robinson, and Hazel Robinson of Jefferson, South Carolina. Two nieces raised as sisters: Kathy Robinson-Danzy of Jefferson, South Carolina, and Sarah L. Robinson-Sullivan of Charlotte, North Carolina, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Elmore was preceded in death by a son, Elmore Robinson, Jr., and six siblings: Johnny B. Robinson, Mary A. Parker, Hade E. Robinson, Sr., Sylvia D. Blackwell, Curtis L. Robinson, and Hiawatha Robinson.
The family will be receiving visitors at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Robinson (313 W. Elizabeth Street, Jefferson, SC). Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, January 31, 2026 in the chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home officiated by Reverend Herbert Bracey and eulogy delivered by Dr. Kevin Rivers. A service of committal will follow in the Cross Road Baptist Church Cemetery, Kershaw, SC, officiated by Dr. Waldo Robinson. To allow friends and the community to pay their respects, Mr. Robinson will lie in repose at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026, and again from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Johnson family.
###
Margaret T. Stafford
CHERAW — Margaret T. Stafford, 91, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. Born, April 9, 1934, in Dillon County, SC, she was a daughter of the late Aaron Fulton and Ruby Helen Tucker.
Margaret was a devoted member of Mt. Olivet Methodist Church, where she served as Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, and was actively involved with the Methodist Women. Her passion for community service extended to her participation in the Genealogical Society of Chesterfield County and the Historical Society of Chesterfield County. Margaret had a love for quilting and flowers, but her greatest joy was her family and the time spent with them.
Along with her parents, listed above, she was preceded in death by her brothers, JD Tucker, Harry Tucker, infant brother, Robert Earl Tucker and brother, Aaron Tucker and sisters, Helen Griggs, Faye White, Sophie Fraley, Adele Miles and Irene Edwards.
Margaret leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Richard Stafford; sons, Tommy (Margaret) Stafford of Lexington, SC and Bobby (Johnnie) Stafford of Chesterfield, SC; daughters, Beth (Bill) Maier of Cheraw, SC, and Kelli (Daryl) Strickland of Wilmington, NC; sisters, Betty Roberts, Sue Gainey and Debbie Hanna; sisters-in-law, Dori Tucker and Anna Margaret Tucker; grandchildren, Katharine (Matt) Keller, Sarah (Andrew) Dendle, Thomas (Julia) Stafford, Jr., Jason Stafford, Michael (Chasity) Lisenby, Maribeth (Michael Altebrando) Maier, William (Bri Gillooly) Maier, Chelsea Maier, Noah Stickland, Victoria (Josh) Alston and Philip (Madison) Strickland; and great-grandchildren, Laine Keller, Collins Keller, Monroe Stafford, Michaela Lisenby, Jase Stafford, Jenna Stafford, JJ Altebrando, Ava Altebrando, Tanner Gillooly, and Scottie Stafford, who will be born in March.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church in Cheraw, SC. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Methodist Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon just prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Olivet Methodist Cemetery, 6116 Teals Mill Road, Cheraw, SC 29520.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Stafford family in their time of grief.
Online Condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.