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Obituary for Minister Esther Holley Stephens

Minister Esther Holley Stephens was born on November 2, 1939, in Merry Hill Township, Bertie County, North Carolina to the late Grant Holley and Thelma Bambury. She entered into eternal rest on January 4, 2022, at her residence in Colleton County.

Minister Esther Stephens enlarged the House of God and touched many lives. Her works in the ministry at Summerville Miracle Revival Center Church began after attending a service there. She loved the Lord and had a yearning and a desire to work for the Lord. After becoming a member in 1985, she worked as an evangelist. She later became the Head Evangelist of Summerville Miracle Revival Center, the Directress of Evangelist for the Cainhoy Miracle Revival Corporation, and later was ordained a Minister of Summerville Revival Center Working in the vineyard was her mission. Matthew 9:37-38 says, "Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. " As she labored in the vineyard, Evangelist Stephens received permission from her Pastor, Bishop Larry Brown, to start a weekly Bible Study in the home of Evelyn and Sylvester Salley. This was to ensure that the members of SMRC Church in the Waterboro area had Bible Study due to the traveling distance.

Minister Stephens was on a mission for God. There wasn't anything that stopped or hindered what she had in her heart to do. She was obedient and faithful to the end. Trouble, problems and sickness aroused, but she said," it was good for me that I have been afflicted. God used my adversity to deepen my relationship with Him."

The mission outreach extended in various ministries. Several Evangelists labored together and assisted. Outstanding laborers were Evangelist Evelyn Salley, Beatrice Salley, Irene Portee, Linda Moore, Annie Ruth Mack, Mother Queen Murdaugh, Cynthia Yates Coaxum, Mother Sadie, Mother Phyllis, and the Richards. Evangelist Stephens continued to evangelize in the state of Connecticut. She left Evangelist Sandra Brown to ensure that the Bible Study in Springtown continued. Evangelist Brown conducted the weekly Bible Study until Evangelist Stephens returned.

As a woman of faith, Evangelist Stephens extended the outreach mission. She took people in her home. She applied to the Department of Social Services in 1994 and received a license to conduct a foster boarding home. She established the Ministry of Help. This ministry consisted of feeding, cleaning homes, decorating, sewing curtains and whatever was needed for a better quality of life in the home. She and the team witnessed rain or shine in Smoaks and Walterboro areas. A Thrift Store was opened in Cottageville for those who needed clothing. She drove the van to transport saints to church, for medical appointments and other provisions. Summer Enrichment Reading was provided in Springtown for children. Evangelist Sandra Brown tutored during that time. Missionaries Brenda Lebby and Brenda Bryant helped with the enrichment program with activities in math and science.

While working in the vineyard, Evangelist Stephens attended revivals with Apostle Helen Smith and Prophetess Rosa Lee Gardner. She also did Evangelist training at Symposium throughout various churches in the ministry. Street service was another area of mission work. She also had an Intercessory Prayer Ministry.

"The Work" of Minister Esther Stephens is completed. The thousands of souls she witnessed, touched, and ministered to cannot be contained to this page, but only summarized. Her LEGACY, "May the Work I've Done, speak for Me."

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Natalie Lockhart; son, Barry Grier; adopted son-in-law, Sylvester Salley.

She leaves to cherish her fond memories her children, David (Arletha) Harris, Toney, Al, Nathaniel Harris, Allendale, SC, Cynthia Yates-Coaxum (Jamie), Cottageville, SC, Tosha Stephens, Greenwood, SC,Yolanda Duvenary, Walterboro,SC, and Cedric (Brenda) Stephens, Roanoke, Virginia; adopted children, Brenda Bryant and Evelyn Salley; a host of Grandchildren and great grandchildren; God-children, Micha Bryant and Tameka Moore; one daughter-in-law, Janice Grier, Greenville, SC; Special friend, Queenie Murdaugh, Walterboro, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Obituary for Bobbie Lewis Buckman

Bobbie Lewis Buckman transitioned into eternal peace on Wednesday January 12, 2022, in Sumter, SC. Bobbie was born on June 29, 1949, in Wedgefield, SC. The fourth son of six children born to the late Deacon Silas, Sr., and Naomi Brown Buckman.

Bobbie graduated from Ebenezer High School in 1967. He enlisted in the US Army, where he served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharge. He was formally employed at Santee Print Work and Cooper Tools. In his early childhood, he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Pinewood SC

Bobbie’s favorite hobbies were drag racing, working on cars, and spending time with his friends.

In addition to his parents, Bobbie was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, daughter Cassandra, brother, Silas, Jr.,and granddaughter, Destine.

Fond memories of Bobbie will be forever cherished by Dorothy Evans Buckman the mother of his children, Kelvin (Cherie) Buckman of Sumter, SC, Kimberly (Timothy) York of Rembert, SC. and his daughter, Tabitha Scott of Sumter, SC , stepchildren, RickyScott and Andrea Scott of Sumter, SC: four brothers, Lucious (Linda) Buckman of Greer SC, James Buckman of Philadelphia, PA, Clem (Jennifer) Buckman of Wedgefield, SC and Don Buckman of Sumter, SC: five grand-children Janiesha, Camden, Essence (Larrian), Khalil, and Tiedra, great grandchildren, Keziah, and Jaiden, and a host of family members and friends.

A special thanks to Agape Care Group.

Obituary for Henry "Shing" Hunter, Jr.

Henry “Shing” Hunter Jr. departed this earthly life on Monday, January 10, 2022. He was born in Horatio, SC on August 25, 1945, to the late Henry Hunter Sr. and Janie Lloyd Hunter.

Henry was a member of High Hills AME church and faithfully continued to serve before his illness in his later years. He helped his church family in maintenance capacities and also served on the Steward Board and Trustee Board as Chair.

Henry was a graduate of Ebenezer High School in the Class of 1963. He entered the work force early. He had a long and prosperous career in manufacturing with then DuPont, now Corteva Agriscience.

Henry was devoted to his family and loved spending time and just fellowshipping with them. Henry enjoyed watching football and car racing. He also loved being outside farming, raising animals and doing lawn work.

Henry was preceded in eternal life by his parents and siblings, Randy Hunter, Dianne Hunter, Howard Hunter, Rickey Hunter and Dante’ Hunter.

His memory will be cherished by his two daughters, Candace Michelle (Leslie Scott) Owens and Kimberly Hunter-Crawford (Adarryll), all of Sumter County, SC; his beloved grandchildren, Courtney Danielle, Jordan Noelle, Jaylen Lee, Leslie Scott (Jr.), Aaron Christopher and Darryll Andrew; his siblings, David (Ella) Hunter of Columbia, SC; Janie R. Hunter-Armstrong (Thomas) of Windsor, CT; Stanley (Vanessa) Hunter of Columbia, SC; Eric B. Hunter of Charlotte, NC and Darryl F. Hunter of Sumter County, SC, a host of nieces, nephews, and other dear relatives and friends.

Obituary for Benjamin Brinren McClam

Benjamin Brinren McClam was born January 6, 1965. Son of the late Brinren and Almenia McClam. Benjamin departed this life January 12, 2022.

Benjamin better known as “BB or Ben” was educated in the public schools of Florence County School District Three, Lake City, SC.

BB was a long-time life member of Greater St. James AME Church, which he loved dearly. BB loved everyone he came in contact with. BB liked being a part of church functions; he was a member of the Boys Scout Troop 113 and was awarded a life-long membership of the Sons of Allen. BB really loved being in the fore front, talking on the mic at church, or modeling his strut down the center isle of the church, or maybe sometimes beating the drums (after church of course). BB was a praying angel of God, he prayed morning and night or whenever he was touched to do so. Sitting in his chair, there was one thing he said all the time, “Thank you Lord for taking care of me.” His favorite song, “Remember Me”

Family membes left to cherish BB’s memories: Sister/Guardians Cynthia (Lewis) Grant, JoAnn McAlister, Charles (Paulette) Singletary, Rev. Ralph (Ronetha) Singletary, Gerald (Valerie) Singletary, Roston Singletary, Clinton (Revella) Singletary, Alfred (Sonya) Singletary, Donna Singletary, Dawn (Harry) Herrington. A special niece Terran Williams and her two children, Phoenix and Ezra. A Host of other relatives and friends.

Obituary for Bernetha Johnson Samuels

Bernetha Johnson-Samuels “BeBe” departed this earthly life on Thursday, January 13, 2022. She was born January 21, 1973 in Darlington, South Carolina to the late Willie Johnson, Sr. And the late Helen James.

BeBe as she was affectionally called was educated in Darlington county public schools. For 28years she was a rehab nursing technician at various establishments. At the time of her sudden death she was employed by Encompass Health Rehab in Florence, SC.

BeBe was the life of the party everywhere she went. She enjoyed laughing, dancing, and joking around; because she was so much fun she formed many lasting friendships. She loved working and taking care of her residents but enjoyed traveling with her husband and taking her grands to the beach just because.

BeBe met her husband and soulmate October 2001 and they married August 28, 2010. Not long after she became a member of Howard Chapel. You would never see one without the other they were practically inseparable.

She was preceded in death by her mother Helen; father willie, Sr; half brother Davey Mark Robinson, grandson Kiyson Johnson and brother-in-law Larry Clavon.Those left to cherish her memories include her husband, Jonathan Samuels; three daughters; Vertell (Terrance) Green, Zakia Johnson, Chartaveus Johnson; one son, Kendall Johnson; one brother Willie Johnson, Jr.; three half brothers, Randolph (Doris) Robinson, Virgil (Michele) Robinson, Anthony Wallace; one half sister, Barbara Brailsford; Father-in-law Johnnie Samuels, Sr., Mother-in-law Ruth Washington Samuels; sister-in-law Charlene Samuels; two brother-in-laws, Daniel Samuels and Johnnie Samuels Jr., grand children: Bryson, Kendyl, August, Tamirya, and Kayla. A long time friend, more like a sister Latashia Jacobs, a Godson Memphis Dixon, a special cousin that was like her big brother Ivander James Jr., as well as a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Obituary for Renetta Gilliard

Mrs. Renetta Gilliard, 95, was the daughter of the late Mr. Freeman Lewis and Mrs. Rosa Weaver Lewis. She was born on April 11, 1927, in Pamplico, SC. She was called into her heavenly home on Friday, January 14, 2022, after a brief illness.

Renetta attended the public schools of Florence County. She was formerly employed as a Domestic Home Keeper for several years. She was a faithful member of St. Matthews Church of God in Christ in Florence, SC until her health declined. Renetta married James Gilliard in 1953. To this union, three children were born: Freddie, Elizabeth, and Rosa. Renetta is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of over 55 years; four sisters; and two brothers.

Renetta leaves to cherish her love, life, and legacy: her son, Freddie Lewis (Louise) of Columbia, SC; two daughters, Louise Barr of Baltimore, MD and Rosa Lee Gilliard (Jimmy George) of Effingham, SC; seven grandchildren: Sharmane (Ivan) Brown of Baltimore, MD; Dion (Chiketta) Gilliard of Florence, SC; Briana Lewis of Columbia, SC; Tunis Gilliard of Florence, SC; Dameon (Mashaye) Barr of Owings Mills, MD; Jimmy (Heather) Gilliard of Effingham, SC and Kristal Lewis of Columbia, SC; an adopted son, Richard Bull of Florence, SC; two sisters; Cora Lee Henry and Rosa Ann Goodman, both of Florence, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Arrangements are entrusted to Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.

Obituary for David Johnson, Jr.

Mr. David Johnson, Jr., entered eternal rest on Monday, January 10, 2022. He was born on March 4, 1931, in Timmonsville, SC a son of David “Tobe” Johnson Sr. and Pauline Butler Johnson. He was hard-working farmer, employee of Wise Construction Company and life-long resident of the Timmonsville community. He was also a long-time member of St. Luke United Methodist Church. He was married to the late Mrs. Clara Mae Johnson.

Survivors include: fourteen children, seven sons, Larry (JoAnn) Johnson, Bennie (Sheila) Johnson, Rodney (Betty) Johnson, Craig Johnson, Derick (Elaine) Johnson, Michael (Andrea) Johnson, Terrence (Sonia) Johnson; seven daughters, Diane Haigler, Cindy (Mike) Worrell, Bonita (Boykin) Jordan, Wanda (Jack) Smith, Vickie Williams, Pam (Shawn) Smith, Tisha (Terelle) Bailey; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother Herbert (Ralphine) Johnson ; two sisters, Dorothy White and Caroline Franklin.

Obituary for Andrea Gause

Sister Andrea Gause, age 39, departed this life on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, in Concord, NC. She was the daughter of Mr. Alexander & Mrs. Linda Pernell Bethea, the wife of Mr. Frederick Gause, and mother of five daughters: Keyona, Brianna, Kennedy, Teonna, and Rhianna Gause all of the home.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Friday, January 21, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Manning Baptist Church on 308 E. Calhoun Street in Dillon, SC.

Interment will follow in the Rest Haven Cemetery, 34 Haymount Road, Latta, SC 29565.

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, services will be limited to close family and friends, and masks are required.