Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week

Obituary for Beulah Gillard

Beulah Frances Palmer Gillard was born November 10, 1932 in Florence, SC, to the late Elease Mason Palmer and Floyd Palmer Sr. Beulah entered into eternal rest on March 8, 2022.

Beulah was educated in the Clausen County School district. She later relocated to Philadelphia, PA.

Beulah worked as a domestic and was a faithful member of East Bethel Methodist Church, Philadelphia, PA. She was one of the “Mothers of the church” and served diligently as an usher, a service she truly enjoyed. After retiring Beulah married Herman Gillard and moved to Vineland, NJ where she resided until his passing in 2005, Beulah’s greatest desire after his passing was to move back home to Florence, SC which she did in 2006. She was a faithful member of Salem United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband Herman Gillard; brothers Leroy, Frank, George, James and Wilbur: sisters Mary Lee Graham, Minnie Brooks, and Queenie Lawrence.

Left to cherish her memories are; three brothers, Maxie (Deloris) Palmer, Floyd (Wanda) Palmer Jr, Sammie (Sharon) Palmer; sisters-in-law, Aundrea Palmer, Lillie Ann Palmer; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ideal Funeral Parlor.

Obituary for Joyal C . McLaurin

Joyal Collins McLaurin was born March 2, 1975 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Jimmy and Lois Thomas Collins. Being very young when her parents died, God saw fit to bless her with a loving aunt Mary and uncle Artis Blanchett who continued raising her. In her younger years, she was educated in the public schools of Detroit, Michigan and continued her education in the public schools of Darlington County, South Carolina after her family relocated.

She was joined in holy matrimony to Henry Malcolm McLaurin. They enjoyed over six years of joy and bliss before God called her home. Their union joined together three children between the two of them for a beautiful blended family.

Joyal was employed with St. John Elementary School in Darlington for many years until her health failed. She loved her co-workers and doing a great job gave her joy.

Joyal's contagious smile and infectious laugh bought joy to everyone in her presence. She loved to love. She knew that God does not always promise skies always blue, flower strewn pathways all our lives through. God has not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow or peace without pain. But that God has promised us strength for the day, rest for the laborer, light for the way, grace for the trial, help from above, unfailing sympathy and undying love.

On Monday, March 7, 2022, at McLeod Florence Hospital, God in His infinite wisdom, picked His beautiful flower, our beloved, Joyal Collins McLaurin, to join Him in His heavenly home.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her loving husband, Henry Malcolm McLaurin of the home; one daughter, Sha'la Collins of Florence, SC; two step children, Hillary McLaurin of Dallas Fortworth, TX and Henry M. McLaurin III of Florence, SC; one grandchild, Abriane Collins of Florence, SC; aunt/mother, Mary Blanchett of Detroit, MI; two brothers, Jimmy Collins of Aiken, SC and Cary Lowery of Florence, SC; one sister, Terri Collins of Philadelphia, PA; her mother-in-law, Jacquelyn McLaurin of Moncks Corner, SC; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Clint) Walker of Salters, SC and Evett Roper of Atlanta, GA; one brother-in-law, Timothy (Christine) McLaurin of Hawaii; her special friend, Kimberly Bryant of Manning, SC; several aunts and uncles, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.

Obituary for Charlotte Coleman

Mrs. Charlotte Josephine Coleman was born on August 19, 1942 in Darlington, South Carolina to the late Major and Mary Jackson. She left this life to return to the open arms of her Creator on Thursday, March 10, 2022 with her family at her side.

Charlotte was married to the late Patrick Coleman.

Charlotte was a member of New Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Darlington, South Carolina.

Charlotte a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother will be remembered for loving and caring ways. She had a great sense of humor and always made others laugh. She had a heart of gold and loved her family.

As we continue through life with the precious memories of our loved one, we are compelled to give thanks unto God for His promise of eternal life.

There is no certainty concerning the span of a human life. The certainty lies in the immortality of the soul. As we bid farewell to Charlotte, let us be ever more mindful of the influence of our lives upon the world and each other. And may we strive to live our lives as thoughtful, humble servants before our Creator as we await our reunion in Heaven.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Coleman; her parents, Major and Mary Jackson; a daughter, Tara Coleman; one grandson, Domonique Coleman; one one-in-law, Walter Martin; two sisters, Minnie Mae Sims and Catherine Jackson-Williams; three brothers, Henry Jackson, Leroy “Lee” Jackson, and Major Jackson, Jr.

Charlotte is survived by five daughters, Patricia (Robert) Abraham, Brenda (Terry) Mack, Tabitha Coleman (Reggie Scott), Bridgette Coleman (Leslie McNeal), and Loretta Martin all of Darlington, South Carolina; three sons, Willie Brown, Jr., Lance L. Coleman (Keri Joe), and Levern T. Coleman all of Darlington, South Carolina; twenty two grandchildren; twenty one great grandchildren; three sisters, Elzine Jackson of Baltimore, Maryland, Mary Cooke and Louise Jackson both of Darlington, South Carolina; one brother, Johnny (Willie Mae) Jackson of Darlington, South Carolina; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family will recieve friends at 1525 Millwood Dr., Darlington

Obituary for Frances Haley

On December 14, 1940, in Lake City, South Carolina, Francis Haley, affectionately known as ‘Sister’ entered this world. After 82 years of life, she was called into eternal rest on March 10, 2022. Francis is the oldest daughter of William and Blondell Graham, who have preceded her in death along with five brothers. She leaves to mourn her passing her sister Patricia Pasty” Graham of Boston, MA and her brother Donald Graham, also of Boston, MA.

As a native of Lake City, Francis attended Carver High School, where she displayed athletic talent in Track and Field while excelling in academic subjects. During her late teenage years, Francis began her work history working seasonal jobs that often required her to be away from her family for many months. At 20 years of age, Francis relocated to Boston, Massachusetts.

She believed in the importance of work and had acquired strong work ethics. While living in Boston, Francis worked for the same employer for multiple years. Most notably, she worked for the Gillette Company as a Product Safety Inspector for nearly 20 years. As a woman of Christian faith, Francis joined St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church.

At St. John’s, she served on the nursing and missionary board. Her faith in Christ was strong and unquestionable. In 2001, Francis retired from The Gillette Company. She then returned to Lake City to live out her retirement and to be with her aging mother. As a devoted daughter, Francis’s love and caring were unmeasurable. Upon returning home, Francis remained steadfast with her faith in God. She became a member of Mt. Clair Missionary Baptist Church and for a while was an active member until a chronic illness limited her ability for weekly attendance.

Collecting antique figurines, home decorative items, and watching favorite TV shows were some of Francis’s pastime activities. She had a flare for fashion and always dressed impeccably for special occasions. In recent years, Francis become an ardent sports fan. She followed professional sports teams such as the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox.

Despite the often hard and harsh realities of life she experienced, Francis possessed inner strength and wisdom that enabled her to overcome difficult and challenging situations. She was a soft-spoken even- tempered God-fearing woman with enduring qualities of kind-heartedness, empathy, and compassion. She loved to laugh and was fun-loving and good humored.

Surviving her death to mourn are: nine nephews, five nieces, numerous cousins, neighbors, and many friends.

Finally, the family wishes to express their thankfulness for the outpouring of love and support during this time of sorrow.

Obituary for Debra Johnson

It is with heartfelt sorrow that the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. and members of the Johnson family share the passing of Ms. Debra Johnson of Darlington, South Carolina. Ms. Johnson passed on Thursday, March 10, 2022 in the Medical University Center, Florence Campus following an illness.

Celebration of Life will be 11:00AM on Saturday, March 19, 2022 in Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Faith Memorial Gardens. Please adhere to mask wearing and social distancing for the service and burial.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at 529 Mallard Duck Dr. Darlington, from 3:00PM to 8:00PM daily. Please wear a mask while visiting the residence.

Obituary for Deacon Robert Tomlin

Deacon Robert Tomlin, Sr., affectionately known by many as ‘Joe Louis’ was born to the late Abram Tomlin Sr. and Mary Jackson-Tomlin in Sumter County. Born on April 8, 1938, As one of nine children and a twin to the late Roland Tomlin Sr., he spent his days attending public schools in the Sumter area and was later employed at Santee Print Works for 30 years. On June 17, 1961, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Bell Daniels, of Sumter. To this union, four children were born. His plumbing, carpentry, and design expertise were utilized throughout the community for years until his health began to decline. He was called from labor to rest on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at his home.

At an early age, Deacon Tomlin gave his life to Christ as a faithful, active member of Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church where he served in many capacities: Vice chairman of the Deacon Board; member of the Trustee Board; member of the Inspirational Choir, Male Chorus and Senior Choir; Sunday school teacher; usher; member of Senior Citizen Ministry; member of the Building Committee; member of the Historian Committee; member of the Prayer Band; and a Pastor’s aid. For the community, he was member of the Wateree Association – Lower Division, President of the Association Choir, Association Board member and a recipient of the Pioneer of the Year Award in 2011. Also, his work with Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years received great recognition and numerous awards. He was a devoted life member of the NAACP where he received the Marvin Scarborough Community Award in 2012.

He leaves to cherish fond memories his loving wife of 60 years, four children, Loretta (Anthony) Rembert, Robert Tomlin Jr., Bernard Tomlin, and Deidre (Robert) Maple, of Sumter; four grandchildren, Jameka Rembert, of Charleston, Nikki Rembert, of Snellville, G.A., Traiven (Vanessa) Maple and Alaysha Maple, of Sumter; three sister-in-laws, Jeannie (Alfred) Williams, of Sumter, who was reared in the home, Elouise Gordon, of Freeport, N.Y., and Ciara (Roderick) Brown, of Charlotte, N.C.; adopted son, Major (Sharon) Scott; adopted daughter, Sherry Glasscho; a god-daughter, Miranda Richardson; six step-grandchildren and four adopted grandchildren; one special cousin/sister, Vernice Dukes, and a special niece, Patricia Dukes; and a host of loving, caring nieces and nephews who loved their ‘Unk Joe Louis’ very much.

In addition of his parents, he was preceded in death by six sisters, Katie Bell Williams, Julia Dukes, Maggie Levine, Ida Washington, Mary E. Tomlin, Addie T. Williams, and his two brothers, Abram Tomlin Jr. and Roland Tomlin Sr.

Public viewing was on Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 2-6pm at Job’s Mortuary.

Funeral Services were held Monday, March 14, 2022 at Salem Chapel and Heritage Center 101 South Salem Avenue, Sumter, SC 29150. Interment in Mulberry Cemetery

Obituary for Clarence Smith

Clarence Smith, affectionately known as “Mater Gravy” by family and friends was born on June 16, 1939, in Lexington, SC. He was the son of the late James Alonzo and Victoria Bickley Smith. Although Clarence knew he would be missed by many, he chose to join his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

Clarence attended Lexington Rosenwald High School. He started his career at Lexington Water Plant and retired from South Carolina Electric & Gas. Clarence was an artist, carpenter, woodworker, and wonderful singer. Some of his work is exhibited in many homes around the area.

Clarence loved the Lord and had a life-long relationship with Christ that started at a young age. He was an active member of St. Paul Baptist Church, Lexington, SC where he was a dedicated member on the Men’s Choir and Usher Board.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Josephine “Peggy” Rouse, Frances “Bae” Bamburg, Bertha Mae Murray and Annie Richardson; brothers, James Alonzo Jr., “Buddy and Charles Williams Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his daughter, Rhonda (Sheila Mitchell) Smith; sons, Landon “Chico” Smith and Kenyatta Jones; three sisters, Allene (George) Martin, Lizzie (Alonzo) Walker and Vermalla (Willie) Tillmon; one brother, Joseph (Essie) Smith; nine grandchildren, Brittany, Shakimo, Jae’da, Jordan and Jaelyn Smith, Brooke (Jon) Dollarson, Tykilia and Tykeiven Jackson and Caleb Jowers; five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends and very special friends, Maxine Davis and Elizabeth Smith all of whom will miss Clarence Dearly.