Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week

Ms. Valarie Renee "Val" McClain was born in Florence County to the late Mr. John McClain and Mrs. Marilyn McClain on January 12, 1959. She was a graduate of Wilson High School, Class of 1976. She attended Benedict College where she earned her B.A. degree in Therapeutic Recreation, 1980, and her M.S. degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University, 2002. Valarie was employed by the Boys and Girls Club of Florence as the Unit Director, Palmetto Pee Dee Behavioral Health Services of Florence as the Activities Director, and served in various other capacities where she serviced children across the Pee Dee Area until her health declined. Valarie also owned her own Nail Salon business called "Over to Val's" and a Catering business known as "Val's Catering Services." She loved cooking, yard work, and DIY projects. She would capture and create beautiful memories of the family hosting family cookouts or holiday meals. Valarie's greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her "Helicopter Mom". Valarie was loving, caring, and had an infectious laugh that could bring everyone into the circle of laughter. She had a way of sacrificing and putting others' needs before her own.

Valarie was a true "Tiger for Life"!! She was not only a Wilson Tiger but also Benedict College Tiger. She wore her purple and gold proudly. She always made sure she attended and/or hosted festivities supporting Wilson High School and the Class of 76 annually. Her close friends who were NFL fans knew Valarie was a huge Carolina Panther Fan!! She enjoyed hazing her friends on Facebook during the NFL football season. She was a beautiful strong woman of God who truly loved the Lord. She was a faithful member of Savannah Grove Baptist Church until her health declined. She was predeceased by her father, Mr. John McClain, grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Dave McClain, Sr., Mr. & Mrs. Augustus Cameron I, uncles, Mr. William Cameron, Mr. Augustus Cameron II, Mr. Clayton Cameron, Mr. Dave McClain, Sr., Mr. Simon McClain, Sr, Mr. Simon McClain, Jr. (cousin/brother), and sister-in-law Mrs. Michelle McClain. Valarie leaves to cherish her memories, her loving and faithful Mother, Mrs. Marilyn McClain of Florence, Brother, Mr. Michael Q. McClain, and Mr. Alvin R. McClain both of Florence, Sisters, Mrs. Joan M (Adrian) Boston of Columbia SC, and Dr. Aliecia R. McClain (Willie Thompson) of Chesapeake VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends too numerous to name - whom all loved her dearly.

She will thoroughly be missed by all who loved her.

First Lady Lorene “Honey” Gattison Johnson peacefully transitioned Sunday, May 7, 2023 at her residence. The family will receive friends at 1900 Jeffords Mill Road Darlington, SC 29540. Arrangements are forthcoming and will be announced at a later time. Please keep the Johnson & Gattison families in your thoughts and prayers.

Sister Wanda J. Nichols was 78, and departed this life Tuesday May 2, in Florence County. You may visit the family at 2630 Nichols Rd. Mullins.

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the New Life Holiness Church, Rains on Tuesday May 9, at 11:00 am. She will be laid to rest at Florence National Cemetery.

The management and staff of Ideal Funeral Parlor regretfully announce the passing of Apostle Livingston Cannon who transitioned on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

Please keep the Cannon family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement. Arrangements are entrusted to Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc. Memorials and Condolences may be mailed to Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc. 106 E. Darlington Street, Florence, SC 29506 or you may visit www.idealfuneral.com to leave a message for the family.

Ms. Edna Lillie Pauley Barr of Florence, SC peacefully transitioned Sunday, May 7, 2023, at her residence. The family will receive friends at 2111 New Hope Drive Florence, SC. during the hours of 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm.Final arrangements are forthcoming and will be announced at a later time.

Please keep the Barr family in your thoughts and prayers.

Carroll Allen Samuel (also known as Fatso and Twin) was born in Florence County, South Carolina on August 4, 1961 to the late Mr. Charlie and Mrs. Hattie Bell Samuel. He departed this earthly life on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. He was a graduate of Timmonsville High School in Timmonsville, SC in June of 1979. He started his career working for Kroger Grocery and later several other grocery chains in the area throughout the years. He was last employed by Savannah Grove Elementary School. Carroll was the life of the party. On any given day, he would break out in dance. He did not need a special occasion. He always made everyone laugh with his vibrant personality and his dance moves. He brightened the room with his beautiful smile, sweet soul and was always willing to help you out. He will truly be missed from the family trips and functions. He will especially be missed representing the Class of 1979 at the Annual Timmonsville High Homecomings. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his son, Cameron (Varonica) Samuel, Sumter, SC; two daughters, Appollonia (Thomas Jerome) Timmons, Marietta, GA and Latia Sellers, Darlington, SC; four grandchildren, Chloe and TyQuarius Edwards, of Darlington, SC, Riley Timmons of Marietta, GA and Anniyah Samuel of Sumter, SC; two brothers, Jimmie Samuel of Florence, SC and Dyvonne Samuel of Cartersville, SC , four sisters, Patricia Samuel of Baltimore, MD, Hattie L. Spann of Timmonsville, SC, Eyvonne (Dr. Al) Smiling of Sumter, SC and Carolyn Dickens of Fort Washington, MD; a host of devoted nieces and nephews; an aunt, Corine Price of Lamar, SC; a special friend, Patricia Green, of Lynchburg, SC; a host other relatives and friends.