Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week

Obituary for Edith Mae Bethea

Mrs. Edith Mae Brown Bethea was born on October 23, 1935, in Florence, South Carolina to the late Mr. David Charlie Howard Brown and Mrs. Annie B. Brown Smalls.

Mrs. Edith went home to our Lord on February 13, 2022, at McLeod Hospital after a long illness.

Mrs. Edith attended the public schools in Florence County. Upon her marriage to Mr. Gilbert Bethea in Florence, SC, they moved to Newport News and raised seven children.

Edith was preceded in death by her husband; two children, Emma Evelyn Brown, Susan Darlene B. Moore; three brothers, Edward H. Brown, George L. Brown, Jimmy Brown, two sisters Mildred P. Brown, Catherine B. Artis.

Left to cherish her memories are her children, Patricia B. Chamblee of Florence, SC; Barbara B.(Tim) McCall of Virginia Beach, VA, Margaret B. Banks of Hampton, VA, Gilbert (Michelle)Bethea Jr., of Newport News, VA, and Teresa Bethea of Newport News, VA; one brother Curtis (Loretta) Brown of Florence, SC; one sister-in-law Betty Brown of Long Island, NYC.

Mrs. Edith had twelve grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives, family, and friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ideal Funeral Parlor.

Memorials and Condolences may be mailed to Ideal Funeral Parlor 106 E. Darlington Street, Florence, SC 29506 or you may visit www.idealfuneral.com to leave a message for the family.

Obituary for William Phillips

Mr. William James Phillips was born on October 5, 1952 in Darlington County. He was the son of the late Isaiah and Martha Phillips. Brother Phillips gained his heavenly wings on the morning of Saturday, February 19, 2022. Truly heaven has a precious soul in the midst. The comfort in knowing that the man we love is looking down upon us, shall surly warm the hearts of those he loved dearly.

William received his education in Darlington County Public School System.

William met and joined in holy matrimony with Sister Helen Haggin Phillips and to this union five children were born.

After marrying the love of his life, William was devoted to being a faithful husband. He took care of the a being the spiritual lead patriarch of the family gave him great joy.

Brother William James Phillips was a lifelong member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Hartsville, South Carolina, currently under the leadership of Reverend Orlando James. He was also a dedicated member of the Antioch Gospel Choir. He had special designated seat on the front row that he sat in. He will surly be missed within the spiritual family of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.

Those preceding Brother William Phillips in death are his parents, Isaiah and Martha Phillips; four sisters, Laura Suarez, Shirley Miller, Joanne Hough, and Gwendolyn McCoy; and two brothers, Isaiah Phillips, Jr., and David Phillips.

Survivors to cherish Brother William James Phillips life, love, legacy are his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Helen Phillips; two daughters, Lashonda Johnson and Carolyn (Quincy) Lyde; three sons, Michael Davis, Timothy Phillips, and Anthony Phillips; three special children, Jessica Phillips, Kamarion Phillips, and Jakaylen Phillips; ten grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; four sisters, Ruby (Isaac) Edward, Shelby Caldwell, Stella Turner, and Bonnie Williams; two brothers, Ennis (Terry) Phillips and Henry (Gloria) Phillips; and a large host of nieces, nephews, and other close cousins, and friends.

Family will receive friends at 3148 Sand Oak Dr., McBee.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, please wear a mask.

Please keep the family of William Phillips in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary for Willie Lee McGill

Today, we have come as family and friends to celebrate the “Homegoing” of our loved one, Mr. Willie Lee McGill. Mr. McGill is the son of the late Hattie McGill and was born February 22, 1933 in Florence. He was called to eternal rest on Friday, February 18, 2022 after a brief illness.

Mr. McGill was educated in Florence County Public Schools after which he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the Korean War. Upon return, he attended Denmark Area Trade School now known as Denmark Technical College receiving a Certificate in Radio and Television Repair. He later became an entrepreneur by opening, McGill’s TV and Repair Service. He was also employed with Koppers Treating Plant for 30+ years, prior to his retirement.

In his early life, he became a member of New Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Abney and served under several pastors including his current Pastor, Reverend Doctor Norman Gamble. He sang with the Men’s Choir until his health began to fail.

Mr. McGill hobbies included playing piano as he sang, watching and discussing sports and politics. He also loved to write articles to the Florence Morning News voicing his opinion on various matters.

He was preceded in death by parents; his wife, Cathalee Robinson McGill; son, Larry James McGill; sister, Hattie Spann.

Those left to cherish his memories: five additional children; Donald R. (Esther) McGill of Florence, Linda T. Dunham of Florence, Willie A. McGill of Asheville, NC, Gena McGill of Anderson, SC, Crystal E. (UL) McGill of Myrtle Beach, SC.; one sister, Annie B. Hicks of Florence; one brother, Sammie Lee (Barbara) McGill of Florence; one brother-in-law, Frank Robinson of the home; five grandchildren, Stuart, Bethany, Keith, Erneisha and Ashley; one great grandchild, Ethan; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

And finally, not to forget his foster parents, the late Ralph and Martha Lee Ham and his foster brothers and sisters, Lester Ham, Lezelle Ham, Milton Ham, Ernestine Ham, and Ophelia Ham.

Please keep the family of Willie Lee McGill in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary for William Junior Hart

Brother William Junior Hart was 70, and departed this life Friday, February 18, 2022, in Cheraw, SC. He was the brother of Charles Hart.

Graveside Services for Brother William Junior Hart are scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 11 am in the Jackson & Daughters Cemetery, Highway 76 in Marion, SC.

The family of Brother William Junior Hart in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state, and local community, has decided to hold a private 50 people or less, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Hart family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation..

Obituary for Diane Durant

Diane Lawanda Durant was born on March 17, 1975, in Newark, NJ to Mary and Ernest Floyd.

Diane was a member of Revival Temple Church from a child to her adult years and accepted Jesus Christ as her lord and saver at an early age.

Diane attended school in the Newark and Irvington Districts. She attended Drake College for medical assistant and certified nursing assistant, she graduated in 1996. Diane started working at Berkeley Heights Nursing Home after graduation and remained a faithful employee for 25 years there. Diane enjoyed helping & caring for the sick and elderly, she loved her patients!

Diane love for children and family was incredible. Diane was a very outgoing and loving person. Diane enjoyed family gatherings, styling her hair, skating, shopping and music. Diane loved buying gifts for everyone especially for her significant other, mom, son, nephews and sister. Giving made her happy. Diane was a loving and devoted mother to her son Tristan, she wouldn’t want us to cry. Diane would want us to continue living as if she were still here, smiling and laughing with us, she will truly be missed, especially by her parents and son.

Diane was proceeded in death by her grandparents the late Mary Lee and Elamuel Durant (maternal) Helen and Robert Floyd (paternal).

She’s leaves to cherish her parents, Mary Lee and Ernest Lee Floyd of SC, Son Tristan Jayden Prophet, Shariff Prophet (Son’s Father), sister, Doris Durant-Amsterdam, nephews, Ryan J. Durant-Amsterdam, Logan A. Durant Amsterdam and London C. Amsterdam and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Obituary for James Arthur "WOLF" Chestnut, Jr.

Mr. Chestnut was born Aug. 7, 1949 in Myrtle Beach, SC to the late James Sr. and Evelina Chestnut. James was known by many nicknames such as "Fingers", Ol Man", "Smurf" and mostly "Wolf".

He leaves to cherish memories ; 11 Children, Hansen Chestnut, James Bellamy, Antione Chestnut, Reggie Bellamy, Courtney Sessions, Chermaine Sessions-Moore(Jeffrey), Kendra McMillan, Shameka Shepard-Graham, Tawauna (Sandy) Madrid, James Williamson, and Lenny Williamson. One brother; Larry (Sandra) Chestnut. One sister; Vanessa (Paul) Cooper, One sister in law Audrey Chestnut. 25 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren.

The Viewing for Mr. Chestnut will be held at Latimer's Funeral Home Friday Feb 25, 2022 11-1PM

Immediately followed by Funeral at Latimer's Funeral Home 1Pm. Limited to 60 People due to COVID.

Obituary for Evelyn V. Vaught

Sunrise 10/28/1927

Sunset 2/22/2022

Sister Evelyn V. Vaught passed away on February 22nd 2022. She was the wife of the late Joshua Vaught Sr.

Her children are: Willie Banner, Freddie Richardson, Wilson I. Vaught (deceased) Fannie V. Frink, Dr. Marvin Vaught, Judy G. Vaught, Rev. Daniel L. Vaught, Calvin L. Vaught I (deceased) and Joshua Vaught Jr.

Arrangements are incomplete. Family is receiving friends at the Home 3506 West Shore drive Longs, SC