Obituaries Jan. 14, 2026
Hilda Strobel Coates Alford
CHERAW — Hilda Strobel Coates Alford
A Tribute to Hilda Alford (1927 – 2026)
Today we celebrate the life of Hilda Alford—once Hilda Strobel—born in Stuttgart, Germany on September 23, 1927.
A Journey of Courage
Hilda was a girl who braved boats and oceans for love. She crossed a war-torn Atlantic while big with child, sick half the way over, yet she never turned back. She kept her eyes on that New York dock until she found her soldier. When he was taken too soon in his forties, mending more than just hems at Sacony in Chesterfield. She was stitching a life together through widowhood, one steady stitch at a time. Then came Elwood, and she stayed true to him until he, too, slipped away in 1995.
A Life of Resilience and the Choice to Protect
Her strength was legendary. She stood alone for three full decades—strong legs walking miles every morning, never a cigarette, never a glass. But her greatest act of resilience wasn’t for herself; it was for me. When I was seven years old, Grandma made the choice to protect. She didn’t just take in a grandson; she became my mother. She stepped up as my legal guardian and my rock. She chose to raise me, Ashton, giving me a foundation and a future. She was the one who was always relevant, always there, and always my champion.
Thirty Years of Strength and a Family Full Circle
In her final years, the home she built for me became a home for my wife and our daughter, too. We got to see “Grandma being Grandma” to a new generation, as my wife and daughter helped care for her and were raised by her in return. On her very last night, we didn’t let her go through that valley alone. We all moved into the living room together—three generations sleeping side-by-side, keeping watch over her. We were a circle of love that she created, staying with her until the very end.
A Quiet Farewell and Final Peace
On January 2, 2026, Hilda’s long walk reached its end. She died clean from her final bath, in her own bed, in the room where she belonged. The heart that fluttered with atrial fibrillation is finally still; the pain has faded. There is only the quiet she earned through ninety-eight years of living. The girl from Stuttgart who braved the ocean lived to see her grandson grown and her family united.
Thank you, Hilda. Thank you for the straight lines, the long walks, and most of all, thank you for choosing me.
This was lovingly written by Hilda Alford’s grandson, Ashton Coates.
###
Phillip C. Caulder Jr.
CHESTERFIELD — With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Mr. Phillip C. Caulder, Jr., the former owner of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home.
Funeral services to celebrate his life and legacy were held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Pine Grove Baptist Church. The service was officiated by Pastor Mark Phillips and Brent Taylor, with a committal service following in the church cemetery, led by Pastor Danny Malloy.
The funeral service was live streamed on the Pine Grove Baptist Community Facebook page.
To allow friends and the community to pay their respects, Mr. Caulder lay in repose at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday, December 27, 2025, and again on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
The family respectfully requested privacy during this time of mourning and was not be receiving visitors at their home. Condolences, flowers, and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home.
Mr. Caulder was born January 8, 1957, in Chesterfield, SC, a son of the late Phillip Caston “P.C.” Caulder, Sr. and Betty Lou Brown Caulder. He was a proud 1975 graduate of Chesterfield High School. He received his Mortuary Science degree from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, GA where he served as class chaplain.
His life of serving others was shaped at an early age as he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, the late Reverend Grover Cleveland “Preacher G.C.” Caulder as he served local churches in Chesterfield County. Phillip was known to sing, lead in prayer, and serve as an usher as a young boy.
At the young age of 14, local funeral director Tom Miller approached Phillip’s father, P.C. and asked permission to hire him for summer help around the funeral home. Mr. P.C. replied, “Take him and try him, he will either be a funeral director or a Baptist preacher!”
On June 10, 1971, Phillip’s ministry began at Miller-Rivers Funeral Home as he was mentored and trained by Mr. Tom Miller and Mr. Don Rivers who saw the calling on his life to the funeral service ministry. Upon Mr. Miller and Mr. Rivers’ retirement in 1988, Phillip and his wife, Yetive, purchased Miller-Rivers Funeral Home and changed the name to Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home.
A life of dedicated and selfless service to others, Phillip devoted his entire life to helping others in the most difficult times of their lives. A man of strong faith and genuine compassion for others, Phillip possessed a God-given gift of providing a calm solace and gentle spirit in the midst of grief. From offering a word of encouragement, a soft-spoken prayer, an appropriate laugh, or a very detailed description of his favorite meal, he was truly a friend to everyone, no matter their creed or status. Phillip never missed an opportunity to engage in conversation.
Beyond his life of service to his fellow man, Phillip was a pillar of faith. A man of prayer and conviction, he unashamedly expressed the love of God to everyone he came in contact with. He was a lifelong faithful member of Pine Grove Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon, worship leader, children’s sermon presenter, building committee chairman, and choir and music director for 28 years.
A leader in the funeral profession, Phillip was a member and former chairman of the Pee Dee Funeral Directors Group of the SCFDA, a member and past president of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, a member and past committee member of the National Funeral Directors Association, and a former member of the South Carolina Board of Funeral Service. He was twice recognized as the Pee Dee Funeral Director of the year by his colleagues.
A servant of his local community, Phillip served as a member and former chairman of the Chesterfield County voter registration (ballot accountability), member of the Chesterfield Masonic Lodge #220, member and former president of the board for Hospice of Chesterfield County, member and former chairman of the Mercy in Me Free Medical Clinic, and on the McLeod Health – Cheraw advisory board to which he was recently reappointed. He served as a former Chaplain and member of the Chesterfield Fire Department with over 38 years of service and dedicated over 16 years to the Chesterfield Rescue Squad.
Phillip is remembered fondly for his role as a devoted grandfather. Just days before his passing, he expressed, “Of all the things I’ve ever done, being a Pop Pop filled my heart.”
In addition to his parents, Phillip was reunited in heaven with his sisters, Penny Caulder Dixon, Pat Caulder Thompson, and husband Terry, and Peggy Jean Caulder Harding.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Yetive Watson Caulder; son, Cas (Sydney) Caulder of Patrick, SC; daughter, Calyn (Nate) Coyle of Chesterfield, SC; his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Emma Lynn Caulder, Watson Coyle, Mason Coyle, and Lawson Caulder; sister, Sissy (Harold) Adams of Chesterfield, SC; his “adopted” son and family, Brent & Brooke Taylor and daughters, Anna Belle & Ava; brothers-in-law, Cotton Dixon (Teresa) of Chesterfield, SC, and Reverend Howard Harding of Laurinburg, NC; beloved aunt, Trena B. Curtis of Chesterfield, SC; family members of the heart, Azilee Myers, Tillie & Richard Scott, and Tim & Lori Burch; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews and his extended family at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Travis Novinger and the staff of Palmetto Family Medicine; the staff of McLeod Health – Cheraw with special recognition to the incredible ICU staff; and hospice nurse, Stacy Lynn Beaver for their extraordinary care and support provided to Phillip and his family.
For those who wish to honor Phillip with a memorial donation, the family suggests donating to the church that he loved and served, Pine Grove Baptist Church, 293 Zoar Road, Chesterfield, SC 29709.
It is an honor to take care of our friend, mentor, and leader.
Sincerely, Brent, Brooke, and the Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home family.
www.mrcfuneralhome.com
###
James Ebbie ‘Jimmie’ Creech
CHERAW — James Ebbie “Jimmie” Creech, 88, known to family as JC, passed away January 5, 2026, at his home in Cheraw, South Carolina. Born in Chesterfield County and raised in Marlboro County, Jimmie’s life was shaped by a rural childhood, a tireless work ethic, and a deep devotion to family and community.
He served with the South Carolina National Guard, 178th Artillery Battery C, where he attained the rank of Sergeant and was recognized as the 1963 Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for the Cheraw unit. For 50 years he was a familiar presence at the J&K Grill and Market, working side by side with family behind the counter, selling super cheeseburgers and chicken boxes, and teaching younger generations the value of honest labor.
Racing played a major role in Jimmie’s life. As the owner and driver of the No. 01 “Mountain Dew” car, he managed his own team and raced on both dirt and asphalt tracks throughout the southeast. Saturday nights at the racetrack became a cherished family tradition. Jimmie enjoyed following NASCAR, eagerly sharing his love for the sport with friends and loved ones.
Jimmie was known for his calm demeanor, kindness and sense of humor. He treated people without judgment, often putting others’ comfort before his own giving up his seat or his plate when someone else needed it. Lynn fondly remembers working with him at the J&K for almost three decades and his familiar saying, “Let’s hook up & book.” Lisa recalls her role as his “pit crew” at the race track, while Lori cherishes half a century of birthday serenades and being affectionately called “Looooori.” Granddaughter Carly treasures the memory of the “Carlyburger” he created for her and his warm greeting, “Hey Darlin.”
Jimmie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Renee Alford Creech; daughters Lynn Rochelle Creech, Lisa Creech Crawford, and Lori Creech Phillips (Scott); grandchildren Tucker Brice Douglas and Carly Creech Douglas; brother Tommy Creech (Jo Linda); and sisters Frances Creech Tarleton, and Barbara Creech Leviner. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hardin and Mary Creech, and his sister, Beulah Creech Black.
Jimmie’s legacy will live on in the laughter of his family, the roar of the racetrack, and the countless small acts of kindness he offered to friends and strangers alike.
Funeral services were held Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Kiser Funeral Home in Cheraw, with visitation following.
A private burial followed the visitation in Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens in Cheraw, SC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 3624 Rocky Ridge Rd, Wallace, SC 29596.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Creech family in their time of grief.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
###
Patricia Jacobs Robbins
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Patricia Jacobs Robbins, 73, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Born December 8, 1952, in Cheraw, SC, she was a daughter of the late William and Mary Lou Jacobs.
Patricia dedicated her life to her family, serving as a loving wife and mother. She was also a devoted Registered Nurse specializing in Pediatrics for over 50 years. Her commitment to her profession was matched only by her strong faith as a member of Grace Christian Center in Charlotte. Above all, Patricia cherished the time she spent with her family.
Patricia leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband of 51 years, Phillip Lester Robbins; sons, Jacob Robbins (Ashley) of Charlotte, NC and Seth Robbins (Emily) of Indian Land, SC; a daughter, Leah Vasquez (John) of Charlotte, NC; a brother, Tony Jacobs (Michelle) of Cheraw, SC; a sister, Mitzi Amerson (Barry) of Southport, NC; and six grandchildren.
A funeral service was held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2025, at the Session House at First Presbyterian Church in Cheraw, SC.
The family received friends following the service, with burial following in Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens in Cheraw, SC.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Robbins family in their time of grief.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
###
Jeffery Glen Vining
RUBY — Jeffery Glen Vining, 66, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Born June 22, 1959, in Covington, LA, he was the son of the late Irvin Leroy and Margaret Ann Pierre Vining.
Jeffery proudly served his country in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Following his military service, he worked as a truck driver for Walmart. A former member of the Masonic Lodge, Jeffery had a zest for life that was evident in his love of watching movies and enjoying the beach. He was a dedicated fan of the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers. Above all, Jeffery cherished his family, taking great pleasure in spending quality time with them.
Along with his parents, listed above, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelynn Melton Vining.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his son, Benjamin Jeffery Vining of Austin, TX; a brother, Ronald Michael Vining of Laredo, TX; a sister Pamela Ann Vining of Ruby, SC; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Rocky Creek Presbyterian Church, 1357 Johnson Road, Jefferson, SC 29718.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. just prior to the service on Saturday at the church.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Vining family in their time of grief.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.