obituaries

Jan 12, 2026

Alton McElveen was a gentle soul, full of love, laughter, and strength. He was born on June 23, 1950, to Annie McElveen Emanuel and Wilbert Anderson, and lived a life rooted in work and family. Alton entered into eternal rest peacefully on January 12, 2026.

Alton received his formal education in Florence Public Schools. He...

Jan 11, 2026

Joshua Atebia Smith passed away on January 11, 2026 at the age of 29. He was born on January 5, 1997 to Lucretia Floyd and Samuel McKnight Jr.

Joshua grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, where he attended public schools. He later moved to Latta, South Carolina, where he continued his education in the public...

Jan 10, 2026

Marcus Hurd Jr., affectionately known as "Lil Man," was born on December 8, 1995, to Sharon State and Marcus Hurd, Sr. He peacefully answered the call of our Heavenly Father at his home on January 10, 2026.

At an early age, Marcus accepted Christ as his Lord and personal Savior and became a faithful member...

Jan 8, 2026

Jonathan Henry Gordon Charles, affectionately known by his loved ones as Lil JonHenry, Johnny Boy, or simply Jon, was born on August 2, 2009, to his devoted parents, Darrick and Tamela.

From the very beginning, Jonathan showed a remarkable determination to live life on his own terms. Although he was originally expected to arrive on...

Jan 5, 2026

Our beloved Maxine Gasque was born January 28, 1947 to the late Dr. Macy and Mrs. Jannie Mae Gasque. She entered into eternal rest on January 5, 2026.

At an early age, she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior and joined St. Mark AME Church.

She matriculated through the public schools of...

Jan 3, 2026

Mother Ettaphine B. Ferguson was 92, and departed this life on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Florence, SC.

Service arrangements are incomplete at this time but, will be announced at a later date.

Jan 2, 2026

On June 23, 1971, in Paterson, New Jersey, a beautiful baby girl was born to Joyce Ann Gaskins Burgess and Isaac Milton, they named her Nadine. Her life's journey ended and she entered into eternal rest on January 2, 2026.

She attended secondary schools in Paterson before earning her high school diploma from Lake City...

Jan 1, 2026

Mr. Freddie JR Wells was 71, and departed this life on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Services are scheduled to be held 10am Friday, March 13, 2026 at The Florence National Cemetery, 803 E. National Cemetery Rd. Florence, SC.

Dec 31, 2025

"For now I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:6-7

Dorothy Levone Fleming Belin entered this world on May 31, 1932, in Johnsonville, South Carolina, the beloved daughter of...

Dec 29, 2025

Ms. Marsella Rena Hugee born to the union of the late Mr. Ray Hugee and Mrs. Kathleen Rena Hugee, on April 8, 1954 in Florence County. She departed this life on December 29, 2025 at the age of 71 years at MUSC Hospital in Florence, SC.

Marsella Rena Hugee was a high school graduate of...

Dec 28, 2025

Mother Mary Lou Murrell was 81, and departed this life on Sunday, December 28, 2025 in Florence, SC.

Services are scheduled to be held 11am Thursday, January 8, 2026 at DGM Chapel, 615 S. Dargan St. Florence, SC.

Dec 26, 2025

On Friday morning, December 26, 2025, Bobbie Jean Paige departed this life when God saw his child growing tired, He dispatched an Angel of mercy to carry His child home. Bobbie Jean Paige was born April 30, 1958, in Marion County, a daughter of the late Perry Baccus, Sr. and Lillie Mae Baccus.

She was...

Dec 26, 2025

Mother Cecelia Burch was 88, and departed this life on Friday, December 26, 2025 in Florence, SC.

Service arrangements are incomplete at this time but, will be announced at a later date.

Dec 18, 2025

On Thursday evening, December 18, 2025, Arthur Lee Paige departed this life when God saw his child growing tired, He dispatched an Angel of mercy to carry His child home. Arthur Lee Paige was born January 25, 1957, in Marion County, a son of the late Samuel and Maybell Paige.

He was educated in the...

Dec 18, 2025

Kathy Lynn Purvis Willis was born on August 5, 1958, to Caleb John Purvis and Ella Keith Purvis in  Florence County. She entered eternal rest on December 18, 2025.

Kathy attended schools in Florence County and graduated from South Florence High School before studying at Morris College. She worked for the state of South Carolina...

Dec 18, 2025

Mrs. Hattie Ralphine Scipio Spears, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and devoted servant to her community, was born on August 22, 1952, to the late Corine Cannon Scipio and Clarence Scipio, Sr.

Hattie was educated in the Florence County School District and was a proud graduate of Wilson High School, Class of 1970....

Dec 11, 2025

Agnes Davis Owens was born on August 27, 1945, to the late Henry and Janie Davis in Saint Mary, Marion, South Carolina. She departed this earthly life on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the home of her daughter.

Affectionately known as "WeWe" Agnes was a devoted soldier in God's army who loved the Lord deeply...

Dec 9, 2025

Mr. Pressley Dickey Jr. was 44, and departed this on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 in Florence, SC.

Service arrangements are incomplete at this time but, will be announced at a later date.

Dec 7, 2025

Annie Louise Jackson Burgess was born on June 11, 1947, to the late Nathan and Lillie Mae Jackson Briggs in Florence, South Carolina. On December 7, 2025, Annie was called home by God.

She attended the public schools of Florence, South Carolina.

Annie dedicated her career to serving others at Clark Nursing Home,...

Dec 7, 2025

Today we honor the memory of Eric Anthony Bolling ("Cougar"), born August 12, 1971 to Gerald and Geraldine, who preceded him in death.

He attended the Philadelphia Catholic School System and later earned his GED after caring for his parents.

Eric served five years in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in...