U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
BETTY J. MELTON
Graveside services for Betty Joe Melton, 66, will be held at 11 a.m today, July 12, 2000, in Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Carroll Pope officiating, directed by Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Ms. Melton died Tuesday, July 11. Born in Darlington County, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Edith Tedder Melton. Surviving are her sister and brother-in-law, Gedelle (John H.) Newsome of Hartsville; nieces, Brenda Newsome, Violet Bragdon, Patricia Spencer; nephews, John Newsome Jr., Ricky Newsome, Toby Watford and Allen Watford. She was predeceased by a sister, Lois Watford.
JOHN B. PRIVETTE
Services for John B. “Johnny” Privette, 60, of Lake City, Fla., were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 3, 2000, in the chapel of Guerry Funeral Home with Rev. Leon McElhaney officiating. A eulogy was given by Thomas Amerson. Interment was in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Lake City, Fla., directed by Guerry Funeral Home of Florida. Memorials may be made to Hospice of North Florida, 1900 Gateway Blvd.; Lake City, FL. 32024. Mr. Privette died Wednes-day, May 31 in the Hospice House of Gainesville, Fla. following an extended illness. He was a native of Darlington and had resided in Lake City, Fla., since 1957. He was the son of the late Otis Privette Sr. and Nora Edwards Privette. He was employed as an engineering technician with the maintenance contracts department of the Department of Transportation for 25 years until his retirement in 1998. He was a former member of the Pine Rose Advent Christian Church. Survivors include his wife, Nancy L. Privette of Lake City, Fla.; three sons, Ross Morgan of Ft. Knox, Ky., Donnie Morgan of Tampa, Fla. and Darrell (Lynette) Morgan of Lake City, Fla.; four sisters, Jean P. (Dickie) Jones and Paulette (Mitchell) Johnson, both of Lake City, Fla., Marcene (Gene) O’Neal of Panama City, Fla. and Ann Tabor of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; two grandchildren, Missy Morgan, Justin Morgand and their mother, Judy Morgan, all of Kileen, Texas. Mr. Privette was preceded in death by his brother, Otis Privette Jr.
CARROLL HALL
Services for Carroll Hall, 60, were held at 4 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2000, at Harmony Baptist Church with Rev. Carl Watts, Rev. Hazel Mixon and Rev. Homer Hinson, officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery, directed by Norton Funeral Home, Bishopville Chapel. Mr. Hall was born in Darlington County, a son of the late Rob and Leona Hall Arrants. He was retired from the South Carolina Department of Corrections as supervisor of the dairy department. He was a member of Harmony Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, Marie Brown Hall of Bishopville; three daughters, Brittany Hall of Bishopville, Melissa Mixon of Hartsville and Kim Cooper of Camden; one son, Brandon Carroll Hall Jr. of Bishopville; one brother, Gerald Hall of Lugoff; one sister, Robin Arrants of Bishopville and five grandchildren.
JOHN GRANTHAM
Gravesides services for John Shirley Grantham Sr., 78, were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2000, at Magnolia cemetery with Rev. Charles McLendon officiating, directed by Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Hartsville Advent Christian Church. Mr. Grantham, widower of Peggy Segars Grantham, died Saturday, July 8. Born in Lee County, he was a son of the late John Z. and Peciola Shirley Grantham. He was a member of the Hartsville Advent Christian Church and the Sons of Confederate Veterans and was a past-commander of the VFW. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and received the Purple Heart. Surviving are his son, Johnny Grantham of Hartsville; a sister, Virginia Hughes of Surfside Beach, S.C.
MARGARET TALBERT
Services for Margaret Fincher Talbert, 75, were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 9, 2000, at North Hartsville Baptist Church with Rev. Ladell Humphries, Rev. Dr. Richard Bailey and Rev. Dr. Don Purvis, officiating. Burial was in Cedar Creek cemetery, directed by Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to North Hartsville Baptist Church, 1117 Patrick Highway, Hartsville, S.C. Mrs. Talbert, widow of J. Efford Talbert, died Friday, July 7. Born in Chesterfield County, she was a daughter of the late James David and Esther Smith Fincher. She was a member of North Hartsville Baptist Church, teacher of Busy Bees Sunday school class for 35 years, director of Homebound Ministry, and a member of the adult choir. She was retired from Suburban Propane Gas Company. Surviving are her two sons and daughters-in-law, J. E. (Sue) Talbert Jr. of Hartsville, and David F. (Evelyn) Talbert of Patrick; two daughters and son-in laws, Margaret Helen (Sylvester) Griggs of Patrick, Mary T. (Jerry) Howard of Lexington; two brothers, Robert G. Fincher of Walterboro and Glenn A. Fincher of Pinopolis, S.C.; two sisters, Clara F. Moore of Florence and Edna F. Bell of Sumter; grandchildren, John Talbert III, Amy Talbert, Pamela Griggs, William Griggs, Daphne Wallace, G.G. Culpepper, Mitney Henshaw, Amy Howard; great-grandchildren, Cate Simmons and Jared Culpepper.
PRESSLY COKER
Funeral services for Samuel Pressly Coker, 73, were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2000, at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Robert Cline Jr. and Rev. Dr. Sanders Read, officiating. Burial was in Magnolia cemetery, directed by Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Hartsville Kiwanis Club. Mr. Coker died Thursday, July 6. Born in Hartsville, he was a member of the First Baptist Church and was a former deacon. He was an alumni of Woodbury Forest, Virginia Tech and Cornell University and a veteran of World War II. Mr. Coker was retired from Coker’s Pedigreed Seed Company and S. P. Coker Gin, and was past president of the American Seed Trade Association. Surviving are his wife, Virginia Smith Coker of Hartsville; sons and daughter-in-law, S. Pressly (Susan) Coker III of Los Angeles, CA, Edward Thomas Coker of Hartsville; a daughter and son-in-law, Cleste Coker and Mark Crisman of Blacksburg, Va.; two sisters, Jane Dunlap of Hartsville, Katie Marvin of Raleigh, N.C.; three grandchildren, S. Pressly Coker IV, Katherine Coker and Kathleen Coker. He was predeceased by a son, Andrew Lee Coker.
BENJAMIN McNEESE JR.
Graveside services for Benjamin “Mac” Parrott McNeese Jr., 80, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2000, at Sumter cemetery with Rev. Sterne Bolte, officiating, directed by Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter. The family will receive friends Thursday, July 13, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home on Wilson Hall Rd., Sumter and other times at the daughter’s home on Essex Dr. Memorials may be sent to Trinity United Methodist Chruch, 226 W. Liberty St., Sumter, S.C. 29150. Mr. MeNeese was born in Darlington County, a son of the llate Benjamin Parrott McNeese Sr. and Effie Mae Blackman McNeese. He was retired from Santee Print Works and Sumter Machinery. He attended Clemson University and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Also, he was a member of the Masonic Claremont Lodge #64 and a member of Millaree Hunting Club. Surviving are two sons, Benjamin Parrott McNeese III of Sumter and John F. McNeese of Memphis, Tenn.; one daughter, Nancy M. Noland of Sumter; two brothers, John R. McNeese and Rankin S. McNeese, both of Hartsville; three grandchildren, Ronald Bradford Noland, Benjamin Randolph Noland and Benjamin Lyndon McNeese; and three grandchildren, Matthew Malin, Ryan Noland and Megan Noland. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Marjorie Lyndon McNeese and two brothers, W. Blaney McNeese and James McNeese and one sister, Mildred M. Crowder.
SARAH M. ARNER
Services for Sarah Frances McManus Arner, 78, of Rockingham, were 11 a.m. Monday, July 3, 2000, in the chapel of Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham with Rev. Janet Buffaloe, officiating. Burial followed at Eastside cemetery. Memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice, P. O. Box 2136 Rockingham, N.C. 29380 or Pee Dee United Methodist Church, Hwy 220 N. Rockingham, N.C. 29379. Mrs. Arner died Saturday, July 1, at First Health Richmond Memorial Hospital. She was born Feb. 27, 1922 in Chesterfield, a daughter of the late W. K. McManus and Maybelle Johnson. Mrs. Arner was a homemaker and was preceded in death by her husband, David Arner Sr., in 1985. She is survived by her son, David Arner Jr. and wife, Trudy; grandson, David Arner III and wife Kathy; great-granddaughter, Katelyn Arner, all of Rockingham; sisters, Julia Smith and Nora Bullard of Hartsville and a number of nieces and nephews.
DONALD J. EDDINS
Services for Donald J. Eddins of Lancaster, were 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2000, at the chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield with interment in Friendship United Methodist Church cemetary. Mr. Eddins was born in Chesterfield, a son of the late Andrew Jackson and Rena Williams Eddins. He was a retired employee with Springs Industries. Surviving are his wife, Helen Morton (Jean) Eddins of the home; two sons, Eugene Eddins and wife, Stacy “Beth” of Chesterfield and Darrell (Michelle) Eddins of Heath Springs; four grandchildren; two brothers, Bradley Eddins of Chesterfield and Alfred Ray Eddins of Hartsville; five sisters, Margaret Barber of Wadesboro, NC and Myrtle Irene Myers of Hartsville, Daisy Eddins, Gale Griggs and Dale Gray, all of Chesterfield.
WINIFRED GARDNER
Graveside services for Winifred “Doll” Parrott Gardner, 73, were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2000, at Bethel United Methodist Church cemetery, directed by Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. The Rev. Dr. Scott Robinson officiated. Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church. Mrs. Gardner died on Sunday, July 2, 2000. Born in Darlington County, she was a daughter of the late Tracy and Grettye Grant Parrott. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and co-owner of Gardner Feed and Seed Company. Surviving are her husband, Harrell Lee Gardner of Hartsville; son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Bonnie Gardner of Hartsville; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Keith Hancock of Hartsville; and four grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Lawrence (Larry) Charles Gardner.
ELIZABETH J. GUYTON
Elizabeth Jones Guyton, 58, died on Wednesday, June 28, 2000 at her residence. Services were held on Sunday, July 2, 2000, at 3 p.m. in Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Grove Hill cemetery, directed by Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home. Mrs. Guyton was born in Horry County and was the daughter of the late William M. and Mattie Privatte Jones. She was formerly married
to Gerald G. Weesner Sr. She was a member of Parkwood Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Guyton was employed by Fleet Funding of Florence. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Mrs. Guyton was predeceased by a son, Mark A. Weesner, who died in 1985. Survivors include one daughter, Lisa Marie Weesner of Florence; two sons, Gerald G. (Lisa) Weesner Jr. of Charleston and William J. (Susan) Weesner of Darlington; four brothers, Radford Jones and Bill Jones, both of Florence, Tommy Weatherford of Darlington, Paul Jones of Florida; two sisters, Sadie Jackson of Florence and Becky Jones of Myrtle Beach; and four grandchildren, Gary Lee Weesner, Grant Alan Weesner, Jennifer Koren Weesner and William Jacob Weesner. Memorials may be made to Parkwood Presbyterian Church, 2307 S. Cascade Ave., Florence, S.C. 29510.
GEORGE GURLEY
Services for George Gurley of Myrtle Beach will be at 4 p.m. Friday, June 30, 2000, in Palmetto Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. E. B. Burroughs, pastor, officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery, directed by Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home of Darlington. Mr. Gurley died Monday, June 26, in a Georgetown hospital after an illness. He was born in Darlington, the son of the late Laurie and Helen Robinson Gurley. He was a graduate of Louis D. Bradis High School in New York and continued his education at Fordum University in Bronx, N.Y. and Georgetown Technical College. He was presently employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of S. C. Survivors include three sisters, Ms. Yvonne Robinson of Surfside Beach, Ms. Elizabeth Gurley and Mrs. Laura Travis, both of Darlington; three brothers, Junious Robinson, Patrick Robinson and Benjamin Gurley, all of Darlington; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Mable Williams of Darlington and aunts and uncles.
JUNIE GREEN JR.
Services for Junie Lee “Head” Green Jr. will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2000, in Union Baptist Church with Rev. P. W. Williams officiating. Burial followed in Cherry Grove Baptist Church cemetery, directed by Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home of Darlington. Mr. Green, 34, died Saturday, June 24, in a local hospital after an illness. He was born in Darlington and was the son of the late Junie Lee and Lila Berry Green Sr. He attended Darlington County schools and was a graduate of Mayo High School. He was a former employee of Clanton’s Auto Sales. He attended Union Baptist Church. Survivors include five sisters, Mrs. LeDoris (Cecil) Wingate, Ms. Lucinda Green and Mrs. Mary Ruth (Willie) Wilds, all of Darlington, Mrs. Marcella (Clarence) Sansbury of Connecticut and Mrs. Jacquline (John) West of California; half-brothers and half-sisters, maternal grandmother, Mrs. Marie Berry of Darlington; an uncle, Calvin (Creola) Green of Darlington; grand-uncle, Mr. J. T. Thomas of Miami; a special friend and caretaker, James Hudson of the home; a special brother, William Arthur of Virginia; and special nephews and nieces.
HENRY BROWN
Services for Henry Rodney Brown, 39, of Hartsville, formerly of Clinton, will be held at 11 a.m. this morning, June 30, 2000, from the Spirit of Life Church of God with the Rev. Larry Parker and the Rev. John Hamilton officiating. Burial will follow in the Grandview Memorial Park, directed by Royal-Hall Funeral Home with Norton Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements. Mr. Brown died Tuesday, June 27. Born in 1960 in New Hanover County, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was an electrician with the University of Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Herbert Brown; one daughter, Hannah Brown of the home; one son, Daniel Brown of the home; mother and father, David and Thelma Brown of Roseboro; one sister, Jackie Fratzer also of Roseboro; three brothers, Danny Brown of Clinton, Allen Brown of Oliver Springs, Tenn., and Mark Brown of Newton Grove.
MAUDE E. BAXLEY
Services for Maude Elizabeth (Lizzie) Baxley, 87, were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2000, from the chapel of Norton Funeral Home. Burial was in St. Matthews Methodist Church cemetery with the Rev. Frankie Tanner officiating. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Pee Dee, 555 East Cheves St., Florence, S.C. 29506. Mrs. Baxley was born in Kershaw County, she was the daughter of the late Bob and Jeanette Dean. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thurmond Baxley. Surviving are one son, Leroy Baxley of Bethune; seven grandchildren, Wayne Hinson, Gail Crowley, Kenny Hinson and Mitchell Hinson, all of Hartsville; Susan Kelley of Florence, Ruby Boone of Lexington and Roy Baxley of Bethune; 10 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.
E. JACK SMITH
Services for E. Jack Smith will be held at 4 p.m. today, June 30, 2000, from Emmanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. John Hamilton and the Rev. John C. Smith officiating. Burial will be in Magnolia cemetery, directed by Norton Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church Building Fund or the Gideons International. Mr. Smith was born in Chesterfield County, a son of the late Jackson C. and Catherine (Kate) McDougald Smith. He was an engineer with Seaboard Coast Line Railroad for 39 years, was an agent with Nationwide Insurance Company for 39 years, where he received several awards for salesmanship. He was owner of E. Jack Smith Insurance Agency, an active member of the Gideons, Lions Club, worked with Meals on Wheels for 12 years, was a member of the S. C. House of Representatives for 10 years, was a member of the Hartsville Chamber of Commerce, and was voted Hartsville Citizen of the Year. He was a member of the Hartsville Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star, was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, a Sunday School teacher for over 50 years and served as a deacon on several occasions. He was a veteran of World War II. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Lou Ella Gandy Smith of Hartsville; a daughter, Jacquelyn S. (John Lancey) Melton Jr. of Cheraw; a son, D. Jack (Cindy) Smith of Hartsville; one brother, Earlwood Smith of Hartsville; five grandchildren, John L. Melton III, Sharon Henslee and Recci Rock, all of Cheraw; Page Brockett of Florence and Brian Smith of Hartsville. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Frances Smith.
WILLIAM G. RIVERS
Graveside services for William Grayson Rivers, infant son of James Bert and Melanie Matthews Rivers, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 3, 2000, in Magnolia cemetery. The Rev. Gale Roller will officiate and Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home is in charge. Memorials may be made to the First Church of God of Reformation. Surviving are his parents of Liberty; a brother, Jeremy Bailey Rivers of Liberty; paternal grandmother, Jeanette Rivers of Hartsville; maternal grandmother and step-grandfather, Diane and Elwood Anderson of Timmonsville; maternal grandfather, Sandy Matthews of Lydia; maternal great-grandparents, James Russell and Evelyn Hill of Timmonsville.
