Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week

Leverne Ward May 1, 1961 - July 22, 2022

Levern Ward, affectionally known to family and friends as “Cootie Pan”, gained his eternal reward on Friday, July 22, 2022, in Florence, South Carolina.

On May 1, 1961, Levern Ward was born to the late Curtis and Annie Mae Jackson Ward, in Florence County and grew up in New Haven United Methodist Church in Cartersville, South Carolina. He was educated in the Florence School District Four school system and graduated from Timmonsville High School in 1979, where he was a member of the band. Levern was a skilled musician and played guitar for the Gospel Skyways of Olanta and the Familette’s of Lamar. Upon his graduation Levern Ward enlisted in the United States Army, where he served 10 years and received several military accolades and awards. In 2001 Levern begin working at SEPTA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as mechanic, he was employed there until his death.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Hornetha Gaillard Ward, whom he affectionally called “Mom”; five sisters: Sylvia Gaillard of Summerville, SC, Debra (Sammie) Goodman of Florence, SC, Gloria Ward of Hartsville, SC, Sharon Gaillard of Durham, NC, and Joyce (Lewis) Nelson of Lamar, SC; two brothers: Burnett (Brenda) Jackson and Alvin (Kimberly) Ward, both of Timmonsville, SC; two aunts: Mamie Miller of Florence, SC and Nathene (Maceo) Rowell of Timmonsville, SC; two uncles: John C. Jackson of Columbia, SC and Robert Jackson of Florence, Kentucky; one great-aunt: Rosa Lee Graham of Lamar, SC; two special young ladies that he loved dearly, Malysia Ingram and Janiyah Thomas of Philadelphia, Pa.

Levern was loved by so many, there are also a host of extended family and loved ones whose hearts he will forever live in including: nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends. Some special friends: Migdalia McAllister; a longtime friend, Calvin Pringle; the Friday and Peterson families. A special thanks to McLeod Hospice, the Breathing Room Foundation, and Jefferson Radiation and Oncology.

Essie Louise McCants April 28, 1954 - July 23, 2022

Ms. Essie Louise McCants affectionately known as “Lou”, departed her earthly life on Saturday evening, July 23, 2022. God called his loving daughter to rest. Born in St. Charles, South Carolina on April 28, 1954 she was the fourth and youngest child born to the late James McCants and Essie Herrington McCants.

At an early age, Lou joined Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church where she was a faithful member and worshipped the Lord. Her passion for education carried over into her spiritual life. Lou was a Sunday School Teacher, Worship Leader and Missionary. She was determined to bring souls to Christ because of the call she had on her life.

Ms. McCants was educated in the public schools of Lee County. She was the Salutatorian of the graduating class of 1971 at Mt. Pleasant High School Elliott, SC. She continued her education at Benedict College, Columbia, SC and she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics specialized in Education. Essie taught middle school and high school for 40 years in Fairfield, Lee, Sumter and Fulton Counties. Over the course of her teaching career, Ms. McCants received numerous awards, recognitions, and certificates. One award that she was most proud of was Teacher of the Year for the Sumter School District Adult Education Program. After retirement she continued in her role of educator as a private tutor.

Essie had many hobbies and passions. She was a writer, counselor, naturalist and fashionista. Her passion for Christ led her to create a workbook with puzzles and games using Bible verses.

Ms. Essie Louise McCants leaves to cherish her precious memories; one daughter, Kristal Alana McCants of Gaithersburg, MD; two sons, Wesley Jerrod (Selena) Fludd of Augusta, GA and Dane Ross Fludd of Atlanta, GA; one brother, General (Velma) McCants of Mt. Clemens, MI; one sister, Dorothy M. (Alonza) Lewis of Columbia, SC; four grandchildren, Jacob Aiden Wesley Fludd, Masie Ariel Fludd, Ethan Wesley Fludd and Ellen Louise Fludd of Augusta, GA; one uncle William Wilson McCants of Mayesville, SC; one aunt, Edna Herrington of Columbia, SC; loving nieces, nephews, cousins and caring friends all of whom will deeply miss her.

Essie was preceded in death by her father, James McCants; mother, Essie H. McCants and eldest brother, James E. McCants.

Barbara Ellison Conner March 13, 1938 - July 21, 2022

Sister Barbara Jean Ellison Conner departed this life on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Florence Hospice House, Florence, SC. She was the wife of Jule Conner and mother of Wanda Conner Dickens.
At the request of the family there will be no sit-in visitations at the home, but you may drop-off any condolences at the home on Friday, July 29, 2022 only between the hours of 3:00-5:00 p.m. 2848 North Highway 41-A, Marion, SC or at the Jackson & McGill Funeral Home.

Public viewing will be held at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel on Friday July 29, 2022 from 2:30 pm-7:00 pm.

Graveside services are scheduled to be held at the Devotion Gardens Cemetery on Saturday July 30, 2022 at 11:00 am. Services will be live-streamed on the Jackson & McGill Facebook Page.

The family of ter Barbara Jean Ellison Conner in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state, and local community, will hold a 100 person or less funeral service for their loved one with interment immediately following. While the Conner 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.

Earlene Doretha Graves June 13, 1949 - July 21, 2022

Sister Earlene Doretha Graves was 73, and departed this life Thursday July 21, 2022 in Marion County. She was the wife of Freddie Lee Graves.

Memorial services are scheduled to be held at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel on Thursday July 28, 2022 at 11:00 am.

The family of Sister Earlene Doretha Graves in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state, and local community, will hold a 100 person or less funeral service for their loved one with interment. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding.

Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

Master Jesiah Rivers June 27, 2009 - July 22, 2022

Master Jesiah Ailill Rivers, was born on June 27, 2009 in Aiken, South Carolina, the son of Unique Brown, Quinettah Brown, and John Quiller, Jr. He transitioned from his earthly life and entered into the kingdom of heaven on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at home peacefully.

Anyone who ever met or came by to visit Jesiah knew just how special he really was. He was the light of our lives. He was like the air in our lungs and the beat of our hearts.

Left to cherish his love and memories his two sisters, Tierra Quiller (Naomi, Pontoon-Jackson) of Aiken, South Carolina and Adriana Chorice of Florence, South Carolina; his three brothers, Koby Quiller (Journee Quiller) Carter of Aiken, South Carolina and Quantavius Brown of Florence, South Carolina; his father, John Quiller, Jr of Aiken, South Carolina; his loving mothers, Unique Brown and Quinettah Brown both of Florence, South Carolina; his grandfather, Thomas Brown of Florence, South Carolina, his grandmother, Quitta Brown-Gregg of Florence, South Carolina; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Service on Saturday July 30, 2022 at 10:00am.

Bernice Mickens Williams July 6, 1941 - July 22, 2022

Bernice Mickens Williams, the daughter of the late Johnnie Mickens, Sr. and Emma Spann Mickens, was born July 6, 1941, in Lee County. She was called to rest on July 22, 2022.

She received her formal education in the public schools of Lee County. Her spiritual growth and Christian education began at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Woodrow, where she was a member until moving to High Point, NC. She then became a member of Williams Memorial CME.

Mrs. Williams began her career in manufacturing at an early age working for L’Oréal Cosmetics in New Jersey. She retired from Crescent Tools in Sumter, after over 20 years of service.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her children, Djuna (Kenneth) Bradley, Elizabeth, NJ, Leon (Evelyn) Davis, Harker Heights, TX, Carlett (Bruce) Anderson, High Point, NC and Frances Regina Wade, High Point, NC; two sisters, Betty (George) Davis, Durham, NC and Marie Tucker, Sumter, SC; one brother Johnny (Barbara) Mickens, Jr., Sumter, SC, twelve grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Homegoing Service will take place on Friday, July 29, 2022, at Williams Memorial CME Church, 3400 Triangle Lake Road, High Point. The service will begin at 12 noon. Public viewing will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 1 to 7pm, where the family will receive visitors on Thursday from 4 to 6pm.

Burial will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022 – 11:00 a. m. at Mt. Olive Memorial Garden, Pear Street, Woodrow.

Debra Sue Stukes December 18, 1957 - July 20, 2022

Debra Stukes was born December 18, 1957 was the daughter of the late Bishop Stukes and Susan Dubose Stukes. She departed this life on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at MUSC after a brief illness.

She attended Pacific High school. Big Deb was employed with Florence Morning News.

She was a great grandmother who really loved her grandchildren. She was very fashionable and love to dress. Big Deb was kind hearted and understanding and would give you the shirt off her back but she always kept it real and it didn't matter if you liked it or not she said it!! Debra lived her life the way she wanted to and always had a good time. We love you but God loved you more and you will be missed.

Big Deb was preceded in death by her parents Susan Debose Stukes and Bishop Stukes.

Those left to cherish her memories include four daughters and two sons, Satara Stukes of Florence, SC, Calvin Stukes, Christina Stukes both of Miami, FL, Shadell Stukes of Raleigh NC, Jacquise Stukes of Charleston, SC, and Deidre Stukes of Dallas, TX; eight grandchildren Shaquana Rayquan, Keion, Kerry, Aviana, Tymia, Jacquise Jr, and Elias and one great grand Nasir; two brothers Leroy (Sheila) Stukes of Poughkeepsie, NY, Johnny (Laura) Stukes of Troy, NY; two sisters Annie(Kenny)Lyons of Griffin, GA, Pearl (Charles)Breland of Brooklyn, NY, Sylvia Stukes of Jacksonville, FL; a special friend who we thank and appreciate Nora Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends