September 2009

Gladys Walker Parsons September 25, 2009

Gladys Walker Parsons, widow of James Hilton Parsons Jr., passed away on September 25, 2009.
She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Mr. and Mrs. James H. Parsons III of Greenville, Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. Parsons of Potomac, MD, and David and Lisa Parsons Herndon of Atlanta, GA; seven grandchildren and their spouses: Mr. and Mrs. Heyward Dunlap, Lindsay Parsons, James H. Parsons IV, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Parsons, Michael Parsons, Laura Herndon and Sarah Herndon; two great grandchildren: George and Claiborne Dunlap; two sisters: Mrs. Dorris Walker Reynolds and Dr. Robert and Iris Walker Prince; three sisters-in-law: Mrs. Doris Walker, Mrs. Jane Walker and Mrs Jeanette Walker; and many loving nieces and nephews.
A long-time resident of Prosperity, SC, Mrs. Parsons was an active member of Macedonia Lutheran Church, the Newberry Fine Arts Club, the Roadrunners Travel Club, the Lake Murray Power Squadron, and the Lake Murray Line Dancers.
Visitation was Saturday evening at Whitaker Funeral Home, 1704 College St., Newberry, SC from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The memorial service was held at Macedonia Lutheran Church at 3:00 PM Sunday with interment at Newberry Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Macedonia Lutheran Church, 49 Macedonia Lutheran Church Road, Prosperity, SC 29127.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Carolyn S. Cope September 24, 2009

Carolyn S. Cope, 98, widow of Ephrim G. “E.G.” Cope, Sr. died Thursday, September 24, 2009 at Springfield Place.
She was born in Silverstreet, SC on April 13, 1911, a daughter of the late James “Jim” F. and Carrie Ruff Stephens. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Newberry, the Kyrie Sunday School Class and the Lydia Circle.
Mrs. Cope was a 1932 Graduate of Newberry College and was a teacher in the Prosperity School system. She belonged to the Newberry County Retired Teachers Association, the Jasper Chapter of the U.D.C., and the D.A.R.
Mrs. Cope is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Randy Griffin of Cameron; sons and daughters-in-law, George and Tippy Cope of Edisto Island and Stephen and Diane Cope of Gainsville, GA; sisters, Frances Merchant of Saluda and Sara Edwards of Lexington; six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were conducted at 3:00 P.M. Saturday at Rosemont Cemetery by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Harmon.
The family would like to thank Springfield Place Nursing Home – Mrs. Cope’s home for the last ten years.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 1020 Boundary St., Newberry, SC, 29108.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Carol A. Farrell September 23, 2009

Carol A. Farrell, 69, of 395 Shelter Bay Ridge, Prosperity, died Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at the Ascension Hospice House.
She was born on June 22, 1940 in New York City to the late Alfred and Caroline Bear Spitzfaden. For many years, she taught the Children’s Bible Class at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in New York.
Mrs. Farrell is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Farrell of the residence; brothers, Ronald Spitzfaden of Marietta, GA, Thomas Spitzfaden of Staten Island, NY, and Douglas Spitzfaden of Pocono Mountains, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Alfred Spitzfaden.
Visitation was from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. and 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry.
Funeral services were conducted at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Whitaker Funeral Home Chapel.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

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Helen Clamp Westmoreland September 23, 2009

Helen Clamp Westmoreland, 93, widow of Gerald M. Westmoreland, died Wednesday at her residence, 300 Frys Way, Summerville, S.C.
She was born in Newberry, SC on March 31, 1916, a daughter of the late Ira Clayton and Evelyn Platt Clamp. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Newberry. Mrs. Westmoreland and her husband ran Westmoreland's Kwik Shop for 29 years. She was a devoted wife and mother and an avid gardener.
Mrs. Westmoreland is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law: Deborah C. Westmoreland and Rebekah W. and Frank Ryan, all of Summerville; grandchildren, Frankie D. Ryan of Westminister and Rachel R. Ryan of Summerville; and a great-granddaughter, Naomi Ryan. Mrs. Westmoreland was the last surviving member of her family. She was predeceased by six brothers and four sisters.
Funeral services were conducted at 12:00 Noon Saturday at the Whitaker Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Karen Radcliffe. Interment was in Rosemont Cemetery.
The family did receive friends from 11:00 to 11:45 AM Saturday at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry.
Pallbearers were nephews Bill Clamp, Mike Clamp, Tommy Clamp, Fred Harter, Bobby Lawson, Jerry Lawson, and Larry Lawson.
Memorials may be made to Odyssey HealthCare Foundation, 5965 Core Road, Suite 603, North Charleston, S.C. 29406.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Newby E. Lee September 23, 2009

Newby E. Lee, 86, of 3266 Nance St., Newberry, died Wednesday at his residence.
He was born in Darlington, SC on March 27, 1923 a son of the late James E. and Anna Lee. Mr. Lee retired from Kendall Company, Oakland Plant. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Airforce.
Mr. Lee is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn Taylor Lee; a daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Jimmy Morris of Newberry; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Kim Lee of Guyton, Ga.; grandchildren and their spouses, Chad and Kyndy Morris, Brandon and Jessica Morris, Christy Lee Turnage, Calvin and Tina Turnage, Heather Lee, and Hayden Lee; and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Newby Franklin Lee and two brothers, Weldon Lee and Whit Lee.
Graveside services with military honors were conducted at 11:00 A.M. Friday at the Newberry Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Dr. Robert McCollum.
The family did receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry.
Pallbearers were his grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 2712 Middleburg Dr., Columbia, SC 29108.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Mary Davis Davenport September 17, 2009

Mary Davis Davenport, 67, of 3127 Priscilla St., Newberry, died Thursday, September 17, 2009 at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Davenport was born in Orangeburg County, a daughter of the late Levy A. and Juddie D. Davis.
She was a member of the Newberry A.R.P. Church where she was a member of Circle 1 and a former Sunday School teacher. Mary Quiet Snowfall Davenport was an Elder in the Natchez Indian Tribe of S.C.
She is survived by her husband, Nick O. Davenport; 2 daughters and a son-in-law, Gwendal H. and Paul Whitman of Prosperity and Windy Hair of Newberry; 2 sons and a daughter-in-law, Michael Roger and Tina F. Hair of Prosperity and Shawn P. Hair of Mt. Pleasant; 5 grandchildren Jennifer Whitman, Cristen Whitman, Darian Hair, Morgan Hair, and Kiley Hair and her mother-in-law Esther H. Davenport. She was predeceased by a sister, Sadie Ogelsby and 2 brothers, Earl Davis and Legree Davis.
Funeral services were conducted at 3:00 PM Sunday at the Newberry A.R.P. Church by Rev. Tony Locke and Bishop Paul Whitman. Interment was in Newberry Memorial Gardens.
The family was at her home and did receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday at the Whitaker Funeral Home.
Active Pallbearers were Chip Lake, Cass Pederson, Steve Davis, Ronnie Carrigg, Clayton Epting, Jerry Davenport, and Olin Gene Wicker. Honorary pallbearers were Ed and Louise Rollins, Michelle Busby, Renee’ Shipes, Terry and Judy Wise, Jean Williamson, Wilbur and Connie Floyd, Adriana and Denise Owens, Mickey and Angela Bowers, Dr. Michael Bernardo, Dr. Alan Paysinger, and the members of Circle 1.
Memorials may be made to Newberry A.R.P. Church Memorial Fund, 1701 Main Street Newberry, S.C. 29108.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

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Louise “Peggy” Shealy Bedenbaugh September 15, 2009

Louise “Peggy” Shealy Bedenbaugh, 95, widow of W.P. Bedenbaugh, of 1854 Counts Sausage Road, Prosperity, died Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at White Oak Manor.
Mrs. Bedenbaugh was born on July 26, 1914 in Little Mountain, a daughter of the late Rufus B. and Rosa Belle Sease Shealy.
She was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church where she was a former Sunday School teacher and a former member of the Essie Hawkins Circle and the Lula Hunter Circle. She was a homemaker who loved her gardening and sewing and she retired from Old School Manufacturing.
She is survived by 2 sons, R. Phillip and Linda Bedenbaugh of Prosperity and Willie P. Bedenbaugh of Lugoff; a sister Christine Metts of Columbia; a brother, Carey Shealy of Summerton; daughter-in-law Jackie Bowers of Newberry; 7 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, James Allison Bedenbaugh, 1 sister and 6 brothers.
Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 PM Thursday at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church by the Rev. Ronald Smith. Interment were at the church cemetery.
Visitation was from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Wednesday at the Whitaker Funeral Home.
Active Pallbearers were Chase Chappell, Mark Chappell, Jeffery Kinard, Leonard Shealy, Dean Bedenbaugh, Craig Bedenbaugh, Steve Bedenbaugh, Jack Taylor, Tommy Bowers, and Paul Hawkins.
Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 4056 St. Luke’s Church Rd., Prosperity, SC 29127.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

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Grace Kelly Frick September 11, 2009

Grace Kelly Frick, 78, of 481 Wheeland School Road, Little Mountain, died Friday, September 11, 2009 at Palmetto Baptist Hospital.
She was born June 8, 1931 in Prosperity, a daughter of the late Cora Dominick and Roy M. Kelly.
Mrs. Frick was a former employee of Old School Manufacturing and retired from Scollon Production. With her husband, she delivered the State Newspaper on a rural route for over 20 years. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Alpha Circle.
Mrs. Frick is survived by her husband of 59 years, Ira Lee Frick of Little Mountain; a daughter, Vivian Frederic of Little Mountain; a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Patsy Frick of Little Mountain; grandchildren and their spouse, Carroll and Kerry Frick, Elizabeth Frick, and Lauren Frederic; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruth and Jim Cannon of Spartanburg, Ella Mae and Richard Till of Columbia, and Kate and Wilbur Sightler of Gaston; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Earl Kelly of Prosperity, Frank and Chris Kelly of Lake Zurick, IL, John and Pam Kelly of Prosperity. She was predeceased by a son-in-law, Ralph Frederic; and a sister-in-law, Eula Mae Kelly.
Funeral services were conducted at 3:00 PM Sunday at St. Peter Lutheran Church by the Rev. David Tholstrup and Rev. Rodney Gunter. Interment was at the church cemetery.
The family did receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Saturday at the Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin.
Active Pallbearers were Bobby Hill, Ray Kelley, Jr., Graham Kelley, Aubrey Kelley, Douglas Shealy and Francis Shealy.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, 900 Dreher Island Road, Chapin, SC 29036.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin, is assisting the family.

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Dorothy Frick Johnson September 9, 2009

Dorothy Frick Johnson, 76, of Newberry died Wednesday, September 9, 2009.
Born on April 12, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Jacob Floyd and Myrtle Mae Betchman Frick. She was a member of Colony Lutheran Church where she belonged to the Women of Colony and the Friendship Group.
Mrs. Johnson is survived by her husband, George Herman Johnson; a brother, Fred Frick of Newberry; three nieces, Anna F. Kerley of Lexington, Linsay F. Carnes and Leslie F. LaCons both of Newberry; a great-niece, Laney Carnes; and two great-nephews, Alex Kerley and Trace LaCons .
Graveside services were conducted at 4:00 PM Sunday at the Colony Lutheran Church Cemetery by the Rev. Jerry Trantham.
Visitation was from 5:00 to 6:00 PM Saturday at the Whitaker Funeral Home.
Honorary pallbearers are the Women of Colony Lutheran Church.
Memorial may be made to Colony Lutheran Church Beautification Fund, 48 Colony Church Road, Newberry, SC 29108.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Frank Edward "Eddie" Prather September 9, 2009

Frank Edward “Eddie” Prather, aged 58, went to meet his Savior on September 9, 2009 at his home on Pettus Lane in Newberry. Eddie was born in Whitmire on December 6, 1950 and was the son of the late Frank B. and Grace Johnson Prather.
He was a graduate of Whitmire High School and was a 28 year employee of the Newberry County Water and Sewer Authority. He was a Master Mason with Whitmire Masonic Lodge #195 since 1996 and a member of Newberry York Rites, Hejaz and Newberry Shrine Club since May 1998. He was active in many events with the Newberry Shrine Club including the Shrine Circus and Shriners’ Hospital. He served on the Shrine Club board, having served as Vice President in 2000 and 2005 and President of Newberry Shrine Club in 2001.
He enjoyed a good game of golf, his buddies of Hejaz Shrine Club and planting flowers with his wife.
Eddie is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathy B. Prather his soul mate whom he devoted his life to each and everyday. She was the Love that he lived for. Two sons, Chris Keith and wife, Tasha, of Newberry and Joshua Andrew Prather of Greenwood. Also surviving is one grandson, Christopher Hunter Keith, one sister, Evonne Lee Prather of Lake Murray, two brothers Tony Prather and wife Susan of Hickory Tavern and Randell “Hubba” Prather of Laurens. Also, one niece LesLee Grace Prather and a great niece Lillian Marie Prather of Athens, Georgia.
Funeral services were in the chapel of Whitaker Funeral Home on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Visitation was Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the funeral home.
Burial with Masonic Rites was in Whitmire at the Whitmire Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Armande J. "Hop" Coppola September 5, 2009

Armande J. “Hop” Coppola, 84, of 112 Candar Ct., Chapin, died Saturday at Newberry Memorial Hospital.
He was born on August 16, 1925 in Stamford, CT to the late Michael John and Philomena Coppola.
Mr. Coppola was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States Coast Guard. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, the American Legion and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Angie Cataldo Coppola, of the residence; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda Ann Coppola and Stephen Tomczyk of Prosperity; a son and daughter-in-law, David Michael and Arlene Coppola of New Milford, CT; a brother, Michael Coppola of FL; two grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was predeceased by three sisters and a brother.
Funeral services were conducted at 3:00 P.M., Monday at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry by Father Andrew Vollkommer. The family did receive friends immediate following the service. Interment will be in Stamford, CT.
Memorials may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Memorial Building, 200 Maryland Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002, or to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, PO Box 549, Chapin, SC 29036.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Olivia D. Gresham September 4, 2009

Olivia D. Gresham, 77, of 2038 Montgomery St., Newberry, wife of Elbert “Hub” Gresham, died Friday, September 4, at her residence.
She was born on February 4, 1932 in Newberry County to the late John William and Daisy Ready Davis.
Mrs. Gresham was the oldest living member of the Newberry Church of God where she was involved with the Ladies Auxiliary and the Secret Sisters. She was a member for the AARP and the Senior Citizens Singing Group, and was a community volunteer for the Meals on Wheels. Mrs. Gresham was a recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and she loved singing hymns in her church.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Larry Goforth of Newberry, and Elaine and Tony Wise of Kinards; grandchildren, Elbert Goforth, Terry Crapps, Pacha Harlow, Krystal Durham, and Natosha Phillips; ten great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Gussie Lawson of Whitmire; and many treasured nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters and two brothers.
Funeral services were conducted at 4:00 P.M., Tuesday at Newberry Church of God by Rev. Wayne Tobias, Rev. Paul Rowe, and Rev. Michael Shirley. Interment was in the Whitmire Cemetery.
Visitation was from 6:00 to 7:00 PM Monday at Whitaker Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Newberry Church of God, 2693 College St., Newberry, SC 29108.
Pallbearers were Skip Davenport, Donnie Cockrell, Shawn Phillips, Jay Durham, Billy Gresham, and Kent Prather.
Honorary pallbearers were Hospice Care of Tri County, Shakisha Redmond, and Dr. Michael Bernardo.
The family would like to say a special Thank You to Kelly, Doris, & Shelia of Hospice Care of Tri County, Shakisha Redmond, and Dr. Michael Bernardo for their support and care of Mrs. Gresham.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Dorothy Ivey Way September 3, 2009

Mrs. Dorothy Ivey Thomas Way, 88, of Newberry, SC died September 3, 2009 at White Oak Manor, Newberry. She is survived by her husband George D. Way.
Mrs. Way was born in Augusta, GA. She was the daughter of the late Wyke Cleveland Ivey, Sr. and the Dorothy Winburn Ivey. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Newberry.
Other survivors include her three children, Arthur Thomas III, Marshall Thomas, and Cherry Seraphin of Atlanta; her four grandchildren, Dylan Thomas, Marshall Thomas, Ashlyn Seraphin, and Courtney Seraphin also of Atlanta; her brother, Charles Ivey of Augusta; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held at Westover Cemetery in Augusta, GA on Tuesday, September 8 at 1:00 PM.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, SC and King Funeral Home, Augusta are assisting the family.

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