Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week

**The Governor of South Carolina advises to limit public gatherings to 50 guests or less to prevent the spread of COVID-19.**

* Obituary for Elder Harry Gerald

Elder Harry Lee Gerald, the son of the late Eddie and Veola Gerald was born June 10, 1953 and raised in Galivants Ferry, South Carolina. He was called to his rest on Friday, February 19, 2021. Harry attended the Public Schools of Galivants Ferry, South Carolina.

Harry was united in marriage to Dr. Kathryn Denise Wiggins Gerald.

Harry was a faithful member of Greater Mount Tema Holy Church in Darlington, South Carolina, under the leadership of Dr. Kathryn Denise Wiggins Gerald. He served in the Church as an Elder on the Ministerial Staff.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; Eddie and Veola Gerald; and a son, DeWayne Gerald.

Harry leaves to cherish his precious memories: his faithful wife of twenty-three years, Dr. Kathryn Denise Wiggins Gerald; one son, Clevie Wiggins of Florence, South Carolina; six daughters, Causandra (Wilson) Pickens of Columbia, South Carolina, Gwendolyn Gerald of Columbia, South Carolina, Amy Gerald (Leroy “Country” Shepherd) of Florence, South Carolina, Carolyn Wiggins of Florence, South Carolina, April Sampson of Florence, South Carolina, and Shirley Wiggins of Darlington, South Carolina; fourteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; one brother, Deacon James (Gloria) Gerald of Florence, South Carolina; one sister, Barbara Davis of Florence, South Carolina; one aunt, Hattie Mae McClendon of Miami, Florida; a special nephew, Donald (Teresa) Gerald of Florence, South Carolina; a special niece, Rosa Mae Gerald of Florence, South Carolina; and a host of cousins, other relatives, church family, and friends.

Please keep the family of Mr. Harry Gerrald in your thoughts and prayers.

* Obituary for Elijah Robinson, Jr.

Graveside Service for Mr. Elijah Robinson, Jr. was held February 7, 2021 at Sunset Memory Gardens located at 2615 Alligator Road, Effingham, South Carolina. Interment was directed by, Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Please keep the family of Mr. Elijah Robinson, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers.

* Obituary for Sheila Elaine Wilder
Sheila Elaine Wilder was born July 28, 1962, in Florence, SC. She was the daughter of Rosa L. Wilder and the late Woodrow Bobby Wilder. She departed this earthly life on Saturday, February 27, 2021.

Sheila attended the public schools of Florence School District One.

She was preceded in death by her father and one uncle; Raymond George.

Left to cherish her precious memories include; her son, Brian Dion Wilder, mother, Rosa L. Wilder, grandson, Jaycion Braswell; four sisters, Wanda Wilder Fulmore, Christina Kelly, Sheila Sewell, and Marcia Wilder (Harold) Brown, two brothers; Eric Wilder and Sherman Sewell, three aunts; Lula James, Darlene (Christopher) Brantley and Lois George, two uncles; Freddie (Lillie Bell) George and Sammie Wilder, Jr., bonus children; Alphonso Wilder, Hennesey Smith, and Rashaad Pompey, best friend; Alzalee Jones and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Arrangements will be announced by Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.

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

* Obituary for Robert “Snookie” Gurley

Mr. Robert “Snookie” Gurley, son of the late Mr. Willie (Jessie) Gurley, sr., departed this earthly life on Friday, February 26, 2021.

He was born on February 28, 1948, in Florence, SC; he attended Wilson High School of Florence. Robert retired from Kennedy Airport in Queens, NY.

“Snookie” was preceded in death by two brothers; Willie “Tight” Gurley, Jr., and James “Jimmy” Gurley.

Left to cherish his precious memories, his sons, Darrin Burgess of Florence, SC and Robert Gurley of New York, five sisters; Virginia (late Joe) Dixon, Delores Thompson, Martha Smalls, Vivian (Willie) Lewis, and Shelia (Louise) Jeffery all of Florence, SC, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Arrangements will be announced by Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc. Memorials and condolences may be mailed to Ideal Funeral Parlor, 106 E. Darlington Street, SC 29506 or you may visit www.idealfuneral.com to leave a message for the family.

* Obituary For Teresa Renee McCalister

Teresa Renee McCalister was born June 6, 1973 in Williamsburg County SC. At an early age Teresa attended Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Hebrew, S.C. where she was a faithful member and sung on the choir. Teresa later became a member and was baptize at/ Park Baptist Church in Charlotte N.C.

She graduated from Lake City High School Class of 1991. She attended Saint Augustine College in Raleigh, N.C. for three years and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in 1997 at S.C. State University in Orangeburg S.C. She moved to Charlotte, N.C in 1998 to pursue her career after receiving her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Teresa then received her Master’s Degree in Business Management at Strayers University in Charlotte N.C.

Over the years she had various jobs such as a Care Giver for Visiting Angels Home Health Care, Manager, Project Manager, Human Resources and Debt Collections at Intel Advantage all in Charlotte, N.C. Teresa was a tax preparer and a notary which she took great pride in her work.

Teresa truly lived her life to the fullest. She loved spending time with her family and friends, cooking, traveling and just having a good time. Teresa touched many lives with her kind heart, jolly spirit and funny jokes. She will deeply be missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Love ones she leaves to cherish is her son Jarren R. McCalister Charlotte N.C. Her mother Joan M. Burgess Scranton S.C. Two sisters Cicely Burgess Charlotte N.C. and Pamela Burgess of Effingham S.C.

One brother Larry Burgess Atlanta GA. Two nephews Brandon Burgess Charlotte N.C. and Christopher Burgess Effingham S.C. A niece Cimyiah Burgess Effingham S.C. A host of aunts, uncles and relatives. A best friend/sister Patrice Branch, and a big brother Johnathan Barr.

Always Loved

Never Forgotten

Will be forever missed

Proverbs 31:28

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

* Obituary For Carrie Mae (McCants) McClain

Carrie Mae (McCants) McClain, in whose memory we gather, was a true Christian with a generous soul, kind actions, and inner strength that made her a role model for her family and friends. She was a tireless and diligent worker who did not grow weary in well-doing.

The youngest of three children of Mack and Daisy Robinson McCants, Carrie was born August 10, 1927, in Florence County, South Carolina where she attended public schools and graduated from Wilson High School in 1947.

Carrie was employed as a manufacturing worker at both Wentworth and Electric Motive Manufacturing Companies. Her love of children led her to become a daycare provider, a profession she loved for more than 40 years.

Carrie continued to nurture her Christian roots at Salem United Methodist Church, where she accepted Christ. Until her health failed, she sang with both the Gospel and Senior Choirs at Salem. She was also an active member of the Sunday School and a dedicated member of the United Methodist Women. She especially loved the Older Adult Ministry at Salem as well. Carrie was also a proud member of the Magdalene Chapter #63 Order of Eastern Star for 48 years. She held several leadership positions over the years.

Despite her work, civic and religious pursuits, Carrie's biggest love was her family. She valued the joy and fellowship of time spent with her close-knit family. She had a very positive disposition and always a warm smile for everyone she encountered.

Carrie was preceded in death by her parents, siblings- Maxine McCants Grice, Lottie James, and Hubert J. McCants, her husband of 58 years- Boston McClain, Sr., her oldest children- Carolyn McClain and Boston McClain, Jr., and a grandson- YoHance N. McClain, whom she raised as a son. Though she will always be with us in spirit, Carrie's physical presence will truly be missed by her children: Maxine L. McClain, Malachi (Angella) McClain, Kym L. McClain, Roy Ann Jolley, and special granddaughter, Deja J. McClain. Carrie's legacy will also live on through her six grandchildren- Jamal (Tamika) McClain of Florence, SC, Joanna (Akeem) Bethea of Orlando, FL, Boston (Marie) McClain, III and Jared McClain of Washington, DC, and Antwan McClain of Fort Sills, OK; six great-grandchildren- Brice Bethea, Elijah Bethea, Jasmyne McClain, Boston McClain, IV, Joshua Bethea, and Nasir McClain; two special grandnieces- LaKesia (Laguna) Jolley-Foster of Suffolk, VA and Andrea Jolley of Florence, SC; a special grand-nephew Bobby (Jeneil) Jolley of Florence: special cousins/best friends - Francis McClain and Henrietta (Lawrence) Harley of Florence, SC; adopted daughter, Evelyn Edmunds of Halifax, NC; A dedicated caregiver Georgia Johnson of Florence: the numerous children she nurtured in her daycare over the years, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carrie Mae McClain please visit our Tribute Store.

* Obituary For Denice James

Our community and family sadly lost a pillar on Monday, February 2, 2021, when Denice James, affectionately known as Necey, passed away after an illness. Her contributions to the many lives she touched throughout the years will not be forgotten, but surely misses.

Denice was the daughter of “Little Red” Ernest James and Mary “May Ester” Ester James. She was raised and brought up in the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, of Florence, SC where she devoted her life to Christ at an early age. Recently, she was an active member of the Missionary Circle #1 and Pastor’s Aide Committee. She also served as a member of the choir and kitchen committees. Wilson High School and her beloved class of 72’ Tigers is where she earned her diploma. She also attended North Vista Elementary School and Wilson Jr. High respectively.

Denice was a dedicated worker no matter what the job detailed. She began her career with Lawton Lynn Meat Processing Plant, where she then transitioned into working for Save Way Convenient Stores for many years as a cashier then becoming a manager. After the dissolution of Save Way, she worked as a caregiver for Comfort Keepers. She formed special bonds and lifelong friendships with several of her coworkers, employers, and clients; Michael Wesley Page, Gary Blackmon, Tonya Hanner, Francine Bostick, and Sarah Thomas.

Denice was a warm smile, warm hug, and a ray of sunshine to be around. Her smile and laughter would radiate joy, happiness, and comfort to anyone around her. Her giving spirit and humble personality will not be forgotten.

She is survived by her only daughter and child; Mrs. Monique Denelle (Michael, Jr.) Thomas, brother; Danny (Carolyn James, special companion; Albert Muldrow, granddaughter; Little Miss Micah Callie Thomas, bonus granddaughter; Laila Thomas, niece; Tamera (Jay) Faulk and Kadell (Jennifer) James paternal aunt; Berta Boone, maternal aunts; Ruth (Reynolds) Boston and Flora (Joseph) James, cousins that grew up up the same home as sisters and brothers; Diane Sanders Benjamin, Isabella Baucus, Joan Sanders, Bertha Mae Sanders, Leroy Sanders, Harriet A. James, Terry James, Marilyn James, Joseph “Butter Ball” James, Carmella Smith, George Smith, Larry James. Carlena Dargan, Lavon Sherman, Patricia Davis, and Tony James, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, family, and friends.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with as well as those she reached but never met.

Arrangements will be announced by Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.

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.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Denice James please visit our Tribute Store.