Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week

*Obituary for Willie Lee Phillips*

Mr. Willie Lee Phillips was 91, and departed this life on Friday, April 8, 2022 in Florence, SC.

Services are scheduled to be held 11am Friday, April 15, 2022 at Cumberland United Methodist Church, 163 S. Coit St. Florence, SC.

*Obituary for Johnnie Mae Cooper*

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8

Johnnie Mae Cooper, daughter of the late George Cooper, Jr. And Sennie Mae Cooper, was born March 16, 1957, in Lane, South Carolina. She departed this life and was received by God on Thursday afternoon, March 31, 2022.

Johnnie Mae graduated from Williamsburg High School in June 1975. Upon graduating from high school, she went to work at Tupperware in Hemingway, SC but left because of a back disability. After Tupperware, she spent most of her life caring for her parents and her beloved grandmother, Florie McKnight. She lived a life of “dedication of service” to many others.

Johnnie Mae accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age while attending Jerusalem AME Church in Lane, SC. She was a member for many years and sang with the choir.

In 2004, the Lord blessed the community to build a new church, New Beginning Christian Church in Lane, SC. She served as a faithful member until her departure to Heaven. At New Beginning she served in many capacities. She was a long-time member of the Senior Trustee Board serving as First Vice Trustee since 2015, member of the Gospel and Combined choirs, Financial Recorder, church custodian and landscaper, co-chairperson of the Pastor’s Aide Committee, Videographer, member of the Missionary, Building and Beautification committees, and diligently served as co-chairperson of the church’s Annual Food Distribution project.

Johnnie Mae was also a member of the Santee Sutton Recreation Park Development committee.

Johnnie Mae was adamant in checking on her community family and friends. She would prepare and take food to the sick and elderly when they were unable to do for themselves. Be mindful she was a no-nonsense lady and loved every one of them. She made certain a daily phone call was made to them.

Johnnie Mae leaves to cherish her memories: one sister, Sandra (Sebastian) Cheston of Upper Marlboro, MD; four brothers, Samuel Cooper of Columbia, SC, George (Elsie) Cooper of Clinton, MD, James (Mary) Cooper and Randolph Cooper both of Columbia, SC; a devoted Godmother, Carrie “Dell” Crank Cephus; a devoted niece/daughter, Kimberly Burroughs; a devoted nephew, Terris Wilson; a devoted brother-in-law, Bryant Burroughs; Godson, Christian “CJ” Cooper; devoted friends, Ann Evans and Vernestine White (“The Golden Girls”) and Johnalynn “Elaine” Robinson; one uncle, Luther Cooper, one aunt, Ida Mack and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

*Obituary for Pearline Johnson*

Pearline "Shirley" C. Johnson, 62, died Monday, April 4, 2022 at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, SC. She was born September 30, 1959 in Davis Station, SC, a daughter of the late Ferdinand Mack and Maxine Coard House.

Public viewing will be held from 4:00 PM til 6:00 PM Friday, April 15, 2022 at Hayes F. Samuels, Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St, Manning, SC.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Laurel Hill AME Church, 2032 M W Rickenbaker Rd, Manning, SC. Burial will follow in the Ivory Cemetery.

The family is receiving friends from 3:00 PM til 9:00 PM beginning Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 4731 Moses Dingle Rd., Davis Station, SC.

*Obituary for Boston Wheeler*

Boston Daniel Roosevelt Wheeler, 88, husband of Anne Elizabeth McCants Wheeler, died Monday, April 4, 2022 at his residence, 3234 Farmington Rd. Gable, SC. He was born October 5, 1933 in Gable, SC, son of the late Robert Boston and Rozenia Fullard Wheeler.

Public viewing will be held from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Friday, April 8, 2022 at Hayes F. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St. Manning, SC.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 Noon Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Hayes F. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St, Manning, SC. Rev. Dr. Franklin D. Colclough, Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in the Wheeler Cemetery, Farmington Rd., Gable, SC.

The family is receiving friends at his residence, 3234 Farmington Rd. Gable, SC.

*Obituary for Frederick "Ricky" Yates, Sr.*

Frederick “Ricky” Yates Sr., son of the late Minster Paul Yates and Mrs. Mildred Doctor Yates was born July 8, 1958, in Colleton County. He entered eternal rest on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at the MUSC Ashley River Tower, Charleston, South Carolina.
Frederick was educated in the public schools of Colleton County. He was a member of Faith Tabernacle Deliverance Temple, Orangeburg, South Carolina and then became a member of Red Root Methodist Church, Ruffin, South Carolina. Ricky accepted Christ as his personal savior.

A hard worker, he was employed by Dayco, Sara Flex and AP Laboratories. Frederick’s passions were fishing and singing. His favorite song was “I’m Going Up Yonder”. He was a giver and would give the shirt off his back.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his two daughters, Shay Yates and Moesha Yates and two brothers-in-law, Bobby Varn and J.B. Simmons.

His memories will forever be cherish by his mother, Mildred Yates, Ruffin, South Carolina; fiancé, Ms. Shirley Fraiser; nine children, Mr. Frederick (Shianna) Yates Jr, Hopkins, South Carolina, Mr. Roderick (Shakema) Shider, Springtown, South Carolina, Mrs. Tiffany (Jarrett) Farmer, Hopkins, South Carolina, Mrs. Shaquella (Jason) Knox, Walterboro, South Carolina, Mr. Shaquille Yates, Walterboro, South Carolina, Shambracia Frasier, Charleston, South Carolina, Archie (Temeka) Frasier, Hollywood, South Carolina, Shaquana Pinckney, Walterboro, South Carolina, Sharome Pinckney, Patterson, New Jersey; fifteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; six sisters, Mrs. Sandra Simmons, Smoaks, South Carolina, Mrs. Patricia Varn, Smoaks, South Carolina, Mrs. Carol (Dexter) Stephens , Ruffin, South Carolina, Mrs. Tammy Walker, Ruffin, South Carolina, Mrs. Aquilla (Micheal) Cavanaugh, Summerville, South Carolina, Mrs. Constance T. Doctor, Columbia, South Carolina; four brothers, his twin, Mr. Freddie (Isabell) Yates, Ruffin, South Carolina, Mr. Johnathan Yates, Macon, Georgia, Mr. Paul (Catherine) Yates, Walterboro, South Carolina , Mr. Tony (Linda) Yates, Ladson, South Carolina, and his favorite niece, Mieshia Yates and host of nieces, nephews, others relatives and friends.

*Obituary for Glynda Lee Dozier*

On Thursday, March 31, 2022, God called home his beautiful angel, Glynda Lee Dozier, to rest after a short time at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter, SC.

Glynda was born May 11, 1960, in Williamsburg County and the was the daughter of Wunita Dozier and the late John Dozier, Jr.

She attended St. Mark Elementary & High School where she graduated in the Class of 1980.

At an early age, Glynda joined and attended Mt. Zion AME Church in the Bloomingvale Community of Andrews, SC. She later attended Scott Holy Temple on Red Road in Kingstree, SC. Glynda worked at Oneita Knitting Mill in Andrews, SC for several years and later worked as a housekeeper in Myrtle Beach, SC. She spent the last eight years of her life at Sumer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sumter, SC.

Glynda loved to go fishing, watch the cooking channels and do word puzzles. She will always be remembered for her kind spirit, jokes and encouraging words.

She leaves to cherish her memories; one daughter, Ovayia (Willis) Dozier of Effingham, SC; one son, Jontel (Kinec) Dozier of Lake City, SC; four grandchildren, Destiny McFadden, Rosyiah Dozier, Auria Dozier, and A’Mir Dozier; her mother, Wunita Dozier, three sisters, Silverteen Mitchum, Angiel Grayson both of Kingstree, SC and Jackie (Willie) Chandler of Rochester, NJ; three aunts, Ella Jones, Beulah Hayward, and Alafair Grayson all of Andrews, SC; one uncle, Seward Jones of Andrews, SC. She also leaves to cherish a close family member, Queen Gibson, a close friend, Edward Anderson and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

*Obituary for Mother Elsie Redden*

Mother Elsie Davis Redden, daughter of the late Samson and Flora Robinson Davis, was born in Florence County on September 12, 1940. She attended the Florence County public schools, including Wilson High School. At a very young age, she married Lucius Redden, Sr. on November 12, 1955. At the time of his death, they were married for more than 61 years. From their union, five children were born, Delores, Dorothy, Lucius, Jr., Jeanette, and James. She departed this life on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

Because of her religious upbringing and strong belief in living Holy, she was baptized in Jesus’ Name and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost in 1961 at Bethel Apostolic Church under the leadership of the late Bishop U.I. McCall. She served faithfully in many capacities including being the finance secretary for more than 20 years, President of the usher’s department until her health failed a few years ago, adult ladies Sunday School teacher, secretary of the Senior Choir, member of the Dr. U.I. McCall’s Day Committee, President of the Missionary Department, member of the Senior Golden Years Organization and so much more. She lived a life of commitment and dedication to her church and remained faithful until the end. She loved singing and praising the Lord, and fellowshipping with her brothers and sisters in Christ. She was an avid bible scholar, but she also believed in living a holy life. When there was a church meeting going on, she wanted to make sure she was there. Not only was church attendance at her local church important to her, but she also made sure she attended all of our national meetings whether Youth Jubilee, National Convention, Secretaries Workshop, Leadership Meeting, etc. The distance did not matter; when it was time, she was ready to go!!! One of her passions was ushering at church locally and nationally. Oftentimes she would remind others that she has attended services and traveled as far south as Mobile, Alabama; Altamonte Springs, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee; Yonkers, New York; Martinsville and Ridgeway, Virginia; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Goldsboro, North Carolina; and so many other places. Her ultimate joy was to be with the Saints. When it was time for conventions, she started shopping and getting prepared months ahead of time. She continued to remain faithful under the leadership of Bishop Harry Williams, and in 2004, he officially designated her as one of the Mothers of the church. She felt that this was such a great honor that was bestowed upon her. The Lord granted her a full life, and allowed her to enjoy many of the things she desired.

During her early years, she was employed by Dr. Clyde T. Padgett and his wife Betsy. She became like family to them helping to raise all of their children and some of their grands. In her honor, Dr. Edwin Padgett named one of his daughters Elsie. The family continued to remain in close contact with her even when her health began to decline.

Mother Redden’s family was so important to her, and she enjoyed being with them. She looked forward to the Davis and Redden family reunions to reunite and fellowship with family. Her children, grands, great grands, and great great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved cooking Sunday dinners so all of them could be together. Even during her last days of life she wanted to make sure all of them were doing ok. We treasured her, and did all we could to make her life as comfortable as possible. She loved reading, especially the bible, cooking, shopping, and traveling. When possible, she wanted to be in attendance for all graduations, weddings, birthday celebrations, and any other celebrations for her children, grands, great grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, and other family members.

Mother Elsie Redden was preceded in death by her parents, Samson and Flora Davis; her husband, Lucius Redden, Sr.; her eldest daughter, Delores; a granddaughter, Jada Redden; eight brothers, Peter Davis, Preston Davis, Sam Davis, Jr., Robert Davis, Dan Davis, Willie Davis, Leroy Davis, and Jeremiah Davis; four sisters, Flora Wells, Pearly Mae Bynum, Earline Lunn, and Lucille Timmons.

Left to cherish her precious memories are four children, Dorothy (Henry) Jacobs of Florence, South Carolina, Lucius, Jr. (Darlean) Redden of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Jeanette (Mitchell) Lane of Florence, South Carolina, and James (Regina) Redden of Rock Hill, South Carolina; fifteen grandchildren, Tiffany Williams, Larry Redden, Tony Redden, Brandon Jacobs, Shaquanna Corbett, Kevin Redden, Latoya Lane-Milo, Quintell Lane, Elizabeth McDaniel, James Smith, LaQuilla Corbett, Andre Benbow, Roderick Smith, Rodregus Smith, and Leon McDaniel; twenty-three great grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; one aunt, Annette Robinson of Charleston, South Carolina; three sisters-in-laws, Jessie Redden of Hampton, Virginia, Mary Redden of Hampton, Virginia, and Margie (Rufus) Byrd of Florence, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Bishop Harry Williams and Bethel Apostolic Church Family, United Churches of Jesus Apostolic Family, the Padgett Family, and other relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends at 231 N. Lester Ave., Florence.