January 2009

Verna Ruth Patten Burdick January 21, 2009

Verna Ruth Patten Burdick, 86, of 326 Smallwood Dr., Chapin, died Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at the Lexington Medical Center.
She was born on April 19, 1922 in Saratoga Springs, NY to the late David B.H. and Ruth Patten. She was married to the late John Wesley Burdick for 58 years.
Mrs. Burdick was an administrative assistant for many years with Saratoga Spa. She was a member of First Alliance Church of Saratoga Springs, NY and attended Chapin United Methodist Church in Chapin, SC.
She is survived by two daughters, Donna Antoinette and her husband John “Tony” of Chapin and Kathleen Ruth Camacho of Memphis, TN; a son, John David Burdick and wife Janet L. “Bunny” of Baltimore, MD; eight grandchildren, Robert Antoinette and wife Sarah, Scott Antoinette and wife Dawn, Leann Phillips, Traci Livingston and husband Rodney, Todd Burdick, Jeffrey Burdick, Erin Mullinax and husband Daniel and Adam Camacho and wife Cassie; and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Visitation was from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday at Whitaker Funeral Home in Chapin.
Graveside funeral services were conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday in Newberry Memorial Gardens by Rev. Jody Flowers.
The family was at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, John “Tony” and Donna Antoinette, 326 Smallwood Drive, Chapin, SC 29036.
Active pallbearers were Scott Antoinette, Todd Burdick, Jeffrey Burdick, Rodney Livingston, Wesley Livingston, Daniel Mullinax and Jamey Mills.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

James “Jimmy” C. Cousins January 19, 2009

James “Jimmy” C. Cousins, 93, of 149 Wilbon Circle, Simpsonville, died Monday, January 19, 2009 at the Hillcrest Hospital.
Mr. Cousins was born on Oct. 5, 1915 in Newberry County, a son of the late John H. and Ila Cromer Cousins.
He retired from the Greenville Water Works System and was a former Superintendent of the Mauldin, Fountain Inn, Simpsonville Water District and was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church.
He is survived by 2 sons, Y. Floyd Cousins of Central and John Lloyd Cousins of Greenville; 4 grandchildren, Chad Cousins, Paul Cousins, Jennifer C. Adams, and Kelly Cousins; and 8 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Eula Floyd Cousins.
Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mauldin by the Rev. John Yost, III. Interment services were conducted at 2:30 PM, Thursday in Newberry Memorial Gardens.
The family was at 163 Green Lake Dr., Greenville and did receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 AM in the church social hall prior to the funeral service.
Pallbearers were Chad Cousins, Paul Cousins, Rooney Floyd, Yank Floyd, Gaston Floyd, Tim Conner, Randall Gilbert and Wendell Gilbert.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

Robert M. "Bob" Wiebe January 17, 2009

Robert M. “Bob” Wiebe, 85, of 331 Rutledge Place, Columbia, SC died Saturday, January 17, 2009.
Mr. Wiebe was born on October 13, 1923 in Tillamook, Oregon to the late Milton and Etna Daniels Wiebe. He is survived by his wife, Mary Stanley Salley Wiebe of Columbia, SC; two sons, Robert Douglas Wiebe and his wife, Leslie of Wilmington, DE and Bruce Franklin Wiebe and his wife Kathy of San Antonio, TX; two step-children, Mary Salley Griffith of Charlotte, NC and Jane Griffith Doolittle and her husband, Michael of Chapin, SC; three grandchildren, Douglas Franklin Wiebe, Michael Morgan Wiebe and Taylor Rae Wiebe and two step-grandchildren, Mary Brooke Doolittle and Charles Griffith Doolittle. He was predeceased by his first wife, Lou Buckles Wiebe and a sister, Virginia Wiebe Wells.
He joined the Army-Air Force right after high school serving four years during World War II. Following his Army years, one of his many highlights was working as a radio broadcaster for WINX-FM in Washington, DC where he interviewed the famous movie stars Maureen O’Hara and Elizabeth Taylor. He was the very first news broadcaster for FM radio stations in Washington, DC.
After leaving radio broadcasting, he attended American University in Washington, DC and worked for IBM Corporation retiring from there after 40 years. After moving to Columbia, SC in 1994 he worked for Wachovia Bank.
Bob was a warm hearted, honest and frank individual who had a passion for helping people. He was very active in community service. He worked with the Lake Wylie Community Theatre, was a docent at the York County Museum and was a volunteer for Historic Columbia Foundation as a tour guide for some of the most beautiful and historic homes in Columbia. He was a volunteer tutor with Richland School District One and always encouraged children’s love of reading and learning.
He was a wise and humble man who held membership in Mensa International.
Graveside services were conducted at 2:00 PM Friday, January 23 in Rosemont Cemetery, Newberry, SC.
Memorials may be made to Historic Columbia Foundation, 1601 Richland St., Columbia, SC 29201.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

Sidelle Crooks Derrick January 10, 2009

Mary Sidelle Crooks Derrick of Newberry died Saturday, January 10, 2009.
Born February 1, 1937 in Newberry, S. C., she was the daughter of the late Thomas Hugh Crooks and Jenette Harmon Crooks. She graduated from Newberry High School in 1955 and attended Newberry College.
Before returning to Newberry in 1974 from Marietta, Georgia she resided in Columbia, South Carolina.; Beaufort, South Carolina; High Point, North Carolina; Augusta, Georgia and Greensboro, North Carolina.
Upon her return to Newberry she began her career as a Christian Educator at Central United Methodist Church. She held that position until her retirement in 2002. During her tenure she encouraged and enabled the dedicated, energetic membership of Central to explore new pathways to mission and ministry opportunities. The church family continues to be blessed by participation in many of the programs developed under Sidelle’s leadership.
In addition to local church responsibilities, Sidelle served on denominational boards and agencies including Camps and Retreats Ministries, the Greenwood District Council on Ministries and the Committee on Ordained Ministry. The Newberry Area Council on Ministries was strengthened by her presence as member and secretary for numerous years. She was a member and past president of the South Carolina Christian Educators Fellowship. Southeastern Jurisdictional involvement included membership on the Good Word Resource Center’s board.
Sidelle continued to serve and be involved at Central after retirement as a member of the Administrative Board, Finance Committee, usher chairperson for funerals, secretary and past president of the United Methodist Women’s Circle 8, member of the Wednesday morning Bible study group and a charter member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. In September of 2008, Central awarded Sidelle the United Methodist Women’s Mission Recognition Award for her support of global ministries of the church.
She was a ready volunteer for many organizations over the years and took pride in the Newberry community.
In addition to her dedication to her church, community, friends and family, Sidelle enjoyed playing bridge and shanghai, traveling with her family and friends, sports events and gardening.
Surviving family members include her son Lawton Lee Derrick and his wife Kimberly (Kim) Ann Bachman of Greensboro, N. C.; her daughter Janet Stallings Derrick Sykora and her husband Andrew (Andy) Keith Sykora of Greenwood; four cherished grandchildren: Andrew (Drew) Keith, Jr. and Derrick Lawton Sykora, Mary Harmon and John Bachman Derrick; sister Jane Britt of Jacksonville, Florida; brother Thomas James (Jimmy) Crooks and wife Virginia of Lexington; five nieces and nephews and a host of grand nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Those who knew her lovingly called her mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, cousin, bridge buddy, travel companion, church leader, and friend.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 67, Newberry, S. C., 29108, Hospice House, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, S.C., 29646 or a charity of one’s choice.
A Worship Service of Remembrance was held at Central United Methodist Church on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 4:00 P.M. conducted by the Rev. Karen Radcliffe. The family did receive friends following the service in Central’s Henry Hall.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

Nelle F. Matthews January 10, 2009

Nelle Fletcher Matthews, 77, of Little Mountain, widow of David S. Matthews, died Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the Lowman Home.
She was born on June 12, 1931 in Kershaw, a daughter of the late Thomas C. and Nannie Elizabeth Brannon Fletcher. She was a 1951 graduate of Columbia College. She retired from the accounting Division of the S.C. Department of Transportation and is a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Peterson and her husband, Dean of Chapin; her son, Van Matthews and his wife, Melinda of Greenville; 4 grandchildren Erin M. and Andrew Barton of Charleston, Emily M. and Lee Bugay of Bluffton, Michael and Stacy Peterson of Chapin, and Jodi P. and Kenny Monroe of Warrensville, NC; and 5 great grandchildren, Dianna Peterson and Lauren, David, Julianna and Madison Monroe. She was predeceased by a son, Sondley Matthews, a sister, Doris Deaton,and 2 brothers, Jessie Fletcher and Thomas Fletcher.
Funeral services were conducted at 11 A.M. Tuesday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church by the Rev. Fred Suhr. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Visitation was from 6 to 8 P.M. Monday at the Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin.
Active Pallbearers were Thomas J. Deaton, James E. Deaton, Jr., Kenneth Monroe, Michael Peterson, Charles O. Shealy and Robert J. Lord.
Memorials may be made to The Lutheran Homes of SC, P.O. Box 444, White Rock, SC 29177 for excellent and loving care given to Nelle at the Lowman Home Nursing Center and to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, PO Box 186, Little Mountain, SC 29075.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

Horace W. “Red” McElroy, January 10, 2009

Horace W. “Red” McElroy, 84, formerly of 8 Player St., Newberry, died Saturday, January 10, 2009 at The Cottages at Brushy Creek.
He was born on July 4, 1924 in Atalla County, Mississippi, a son of the late Verbie A. and Grace Massey McElroy.
Mr. McElroy was a Navy veteran of WW II, having served in the South Pacific Theater and was a retired employee at Ft. Jackson. He was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and attended Christ the King Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his daughter, Neva M. Granger and her husband, Stan of Greenville; 3 grandchildren, Thomas W. Granger, Stan Granger, Jr. and his wife, Alyson, and Kevin Granger and his partner Jennifer Jessup; 3 great grandchildren Abby Granger, Stan Granger, III, and Andy Granger; 2 sisters, Tommie Ingram and Faye Moore both of Carthage, MS; and a brother, Leon McElroy of Brandon MS. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 49 years, Lottie Bowers McElroy; 2 sisters, Lila Williamson and Pauline Spears.
Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 PM Monday at the Whitaker Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Marilyn Crosby and Rev. Ron Smith. Interment was in Newberry Memorial Gardens.
Visitation was from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday at Whitaker Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Stan Granger, Jr., Kevin Granger, Thomas Granger, Ronnie Marse, Larry Swygert, Phil Bouknight, Lee Hegwood, Wayne Williamson, Bill Clamp, Jamey Ricard, and Dave Hennigan.
Memorials may be made to St. Lukes Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall Building Fund, 4056 St. Luke’s Church Road, Prosperity, SC 29127 or to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1925 Pelham Rd, Greenville, SC.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

Phyllis Taylor Montgomery Wrenn January 2, 2009

Phyllis Taylor Montgomery Wrenn, 94, died Friday, January 2, 2009.
She was born on May 28, 1915 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts to the late Carlisle Frances and Mabel Partridge Taylor.
After high school, Phyllis attended Posse Nisson School of Physical Education, a Sweedish school for physical education in Kendal Green, Mass. She graduated in 1937. While there she was active in all sports. In her 3rd year of school she was selected captain of the basketball team. She also served as Vice President of her class for one year and as President for 2 years. Phyllis was voted most popular, best natured, best sense of humor and the one who did the most for the class.
In 1938 she graduated from Ithaca College with a BS in physical education and a minor in history. While a student at Ithaca, she taught tennis and volley ball at Cornell University.
Following graduation she remained in Ithaca, New York and worked in physical education in all grade levels and was also an assistant hockey coach at Ithaca College.
She married Robert D. Montgomery in 1940 and they had two children, Robert Donald Montgomery, Jr. and Elizabeth Jane Montgomery. She continued to teach until the birth of her second child.
Phyllis returned to Fitchburg, Mass. while her husband served in World War II. Living with her parents and grandmother, she managed to save her husband’s pay to go toward the purchase of their own home upon his return.
Following the war, she worked part time as a physical education teacher until her husband’s job relocated them several times, ending up in Greensboro, NC in 1950. She continued part time teaching in health, civics, math and physical education classes.
After the death of her husband in 1960, she worked with the Department of Social Services in Greensboro, N.C. She married Clement Wrenn in 1965 and moved to Raleigh, N.C. where she worked as a Court Counselor for the Wake County Juvenile Court. She had a 15 year career as a Probation Officer and retired in 1980 at the age of 65. A reception was held in her honor to celebrate her hard work and dedication. Governor Jim Hunt praised her for her contributions. In 1981 she was notified of the opening of a Juvenile Crisis and Rehabilitation home in her honor. “THE WRENN HOUSE” served as a shelter for troubled youth who were a threat for running away from home. This home served more than a 1,000 youth and in 1996 a new house was dedicated in her honor.
Following retirement, Phyllis moved to Asheville, N.C. Her husband died less than a year later.
In retirement as in the rest of her life, she stayed very active. She became a 4 league bowler. She served as secretary in several leagues. She was active in the local, state and national tournaments, traveling to 34 of our 51 states. She earned a Gold Medal in the State Senior Citizens Olympics in 1988 at the age of 73.
She was also busy with crafts when she was not bowling. She and her father-in-law formed the “Happy Valley” craft duo. Together they made and caned wooden stools, designed and made book racks, wine racks and wooden trivets. They sold their crafts in shows and street fairs. She also refinished furniture and did chair caning. There wasn’t anything that she tried that she could not do. She had such a positive attitude and the ability to make those around her feel better.
Phyllis was a loving Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. She was a Friend to all who knew her.
She is survived by two children, Bob Montgomery of Newberry, SC and Betty M. Davis of Chapel Hill, NC; two stepdaughters, Sue Ann Wrenn of Monroe, NC and Kathy W. Johnson of Virginia Beach, VA; 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Mabel and Carlisle Taylor, her husbands, Robert Montgomery and Clement Wrenn, Jr., and her brother, Lowell Taylor.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
The family suggests memorials be made to Haven House Services, 706 Hillsborough Street, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.

Top of Page

Dare Swindler Dominick January 5, 2009

Dare Swindler Dominick, 87, formerly of 218 North Main St., Prosperity, and widow of Claude E. Dominick, died Monday, January 5, 2009 at the Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital.
She was born on Aug. 18, 1921 in Newberry, a daughter of the late Henry W. and Mae Davis Swindler. She was a retired teaching assistant at Prosperity Elementary School and was a member of Wightman United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Dominick is survived by a 3 nieces, Ginger Pender Riddle and Barbara Swindler (Darrell) White all of Columbia, and Sharyn Swindler Shaw of Newberry, and 3 nephews, Edward L. (Faye) Pender of Columbia, Ralph Buck Black and H. Luke Black both of Prosperity, a niece-in-law, Frazier Swindler of Irmo and a number of great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Juanita Swindler Black and Kathryn Swindler Pender; a brother, Joe Wesley Swindler; and a nephew, Rev. Randall Martin Swindler.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at Whitaker Funeral Home
Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 P.M. Thursday at Wightman United Methodist Church by the Rev. Michael Turner. Interment will be in the Springdale Section of Rosemont Cemetery.
Family and friends are also invited to visit the immediate family at the home of Sharyn Shaw, 1217 Walnut St., Newberry, SC following the committal services in Rosemont Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Wightman United Methodist Church, PO Box 376, Prosperity, SC 29127.
Active pallbearers will be Luke Black, Buck Black, Trey Teal, Jason Teal, Gene Teal, Eddie Pender, Barry Swindler, Curtis Dominick, and Darrell White.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page