Obituaries March 4, 2026
Frances Dianne Hancock Gaskin
CHERAW — Frances Dianne Hancock Gaskin, 82, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, surrounded by her daughter and granddaughters, with her husband nearby. Born, September 30, 1943, in McColl, SC she was the daughter of the late William Franklin “Frank” and Sara “Sadie” Elizabeth Bradley Hancock.
Frances was a proud member of the Class of 1961 at Lewisville High School. Her love for all people and her faith in Jesus was evident at Westside Baptist Church and then later at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Patrick, SC, where she remained a member even after her husband retired as pastor in 2022. More recently she attended and became family at Cheraw First Baptist and Sanctuary Baptist Church. Truly a beloved figure, “Miss Frances,” as she was known, touched countless lives through her Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teachings, imparting the love of Jesus to children and creating a legacy of faith that will be cherished for generations.
A hardworking woman, Frances owned and operated the Sears and Western Auto Stores in Cheraw, later dedicating her talents to White’s Carpet and then Jones Furniture, where she continued to serve her community until her retirement at the age of 81.
Her love for gardening was as vibrant as the blooms in her yard. Frances found joy in blessing many families in this area and across the southeast with plants she grew from cuttings and seedlings nurtured by her caring hands, and many looked forward to her spring tomato plants. Her heart swelled with happiness during family gatherings, where she poured love into delicious meals that brought everyone together, creating memories that will be fondly treasured.
Along with her parents, listed above, Frances was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Hancock.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband of 63 years, Thomas “ Tommy” Michael Gaskin; daughter, Amy Gaskin Kulo of Cheraw, SC; a son, Michael Gaskin; brother, David (Elaine) Hancock of York, SC; sister-in-law, Royce (John) Clark of Lancaster, SC; grandchildren, Hannah (Austin) Adair of Cheraw, SC, Rachael Kulo of Cheraw, SC, and Abigail (Reese) Rayfield of Columbia, SC; and great-grandchildren, Madelynn, Cooper, and Analisse.
A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Cheraw First Baptist Church. Burial followed in Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Cemetery in Patrick, SC.
The family received friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Kiser Funeral Home.
In tribute to Frances’s love of flowers, attendees are invited to wear bright spring colors or floral prints to honor her memory. Those wishing to make a lasting impact in remembrance of Frances are encouraged to plant a flower or plant in their yard, a beautiful living tribute to her nurturing spirit.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Gaskin family in their time of grief.
Online Condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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Doris Duke Haire
WALLACE — Doris Duke Haire, 87, died Thursday, February 26, 2026. Born in Marlboro County, SC she was a daughter of the late Walter L. and Hettie Roscoe Haire. She was a member of Whites Creek Freewill Baptist Church, Wallace, SC.
Surviving is her sister, Louise Rivers of Wallace SC, “Son of the Heart”, James T. Haire of Wallace, SC, also, several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents listed above, brothers, Alton Haire, Baxter Haire, Wilson Haire, sisters, Elaine Haire, Eva Walters, Laura McLendon, Evelyn Roberts and Bernice Oxendine.
The family received friends 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Sunday March 1, 2026, at Whites Creek Freewill Baptist Church, Wallace, SC.
A funeral service was held 3:00 PM, Sunday March 1, 2026, at Whites Creek Freewill Baptist Church, Wallace, SC. Burial was be in the church cemetery.
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Alfred Joseph Valyou
CHERAW — Alfred Joseph Valyou, aged 91, passed away on February 19, 2026. He was born on April 11, 1934, in Essex, Vermont, to the late Mosco Alfred and Clara Regina Chagson Valyou.
A dedicated electrical engineer, Alfred made significant contributions to the Industrial Electronics Industry throughout his career. He attended Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Cheraw, SC and was also a member of an investment club, where he enjoyed engaging with friends over coffee while discussing various investment strategies. Alfred cherished time spent with his family and was notably involved in his sons’ Boy Scouts activities as a troop leader.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Alfred had a passion for creating wine and indulging in travel, particularly enjoying beach vacations. He was a master gardener who took pleasure in maintaining his lawn.
Alfred is preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Anne Valyou, who was the mother of his children; his son, Brian Valyou; and his sisters, Shirley Gardner and Cheryl Marshall.
He Is survived by his wife, Ernestine Suggs of Cheraw, SC; sons, Donald Valyou of Beltsville, MD, and David Valyou of Glen Burnie, MD, along with a stepson, Henry Suggs (Beth) of Chesterfield, SC, and a stepdaughter, Phyllis Shaw (Frankie) of Wallace, SC. Alfred will also be remembered by his grandchildren, Bryce Suggs, Alex Suggs, Kaleb Johnson, and Josh Johnson.
At the family’s request, no formal services are planned at this time.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Valyou family in their time of grief.
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