Florence SC Obituaries

Please keep the bereaved families in your thoughts and prayers.

Willie McElveen

Graveside Service for Mr. Willie Lee McElveen, Sr. “Bud” was held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Sunset Memory Gardens, 2615 Alligator Road, Effingham, South Carolina, directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Mr. Willie Lee McElveen, Sr., “Bud” the son of the late Luther and Louise McElveen was born in Florence, South Carolina on March 16, 1942. On Tuesday, December 1, 2020 God in His Divine Love and Wisdom called home His son, Willie Lee McElveen "Bud" from labour to reward.

He attended Florence County Public Schools. He gained Higher Education and earned a Certificate of Training in Pipelaying under a program approved by the Secretary of Transportation sponsored by Carolina Branch/Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. administered by Carolinas Construction Training Council. He retired from Construction but never stopped working.

Early in life, Willie knew he was a “Jack of All Trades.” He was extraordinary at “fixing” all kinds of things. He was a dedicated, hardworking soul who was always willing to help his family, friends, neighbors, and community by using his broad knowledge and talented hands.

Willie’s favorite quote was “where there is knowledge, there is power and where there is power there is strength” which is what he had. He always had a kind heart and gentle spirit. He knew the Lord at an early age. His faith, his trust, his beliefs kept him going and comforted him on good and bad days. No matter what, he never let go of God’s hand. He enjoyed being outside, working in his garden, fishing, and collecting and working on “old stuff.”

Willie was joined in marriage to his bride, Rosa Davis McElveen and this union was blessed to raise three daughters and one son. He also raised a grandson, Robert McElveen as one of his own children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Louise McElveen; a sister, Mary Barr; and four brothers, William McElveen, Luther McElveen, Chester McElveen, and Donnie McElveen; and one brother-in-law, D. L. Davis.

Willie leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of fifty-eight years, Rosa McElveen of the home; three daughters, Daisy McElveen of Florence, South Carolina, Dorothy (Gary, Sr.) Sharpe of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Rosetta (Rickey) Richmond of Florence, South Carolina; a son, Willie, Jr. (Hattie) McElveen of Charlotte, North Carolina; fourteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren; four sisters, Margaret McElveen-Williams, Minister Martha McAllister, Clara (Tommy) Cooper, and Betty McFadden all of Florence, South Carolina; three brothers, Bright McElveen, Henry McElveen, and Thomas (Rosenna) McElveen all of Florence, South Carolina; five sisters-in-law, Mary McElveen of Brooklyn, New York, Louise Douglas, Cornelia Davis, Daisy Vanderhall, and Elizabeth (Willie) Coleman all of Florence, South Carolina; four brothers-in-law, Paul (Francis) Davis, Eli (Cynthia) Davis, Jake Davis, and Michael Davis all of Florence, South Carolina; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Willie “Bud” as he was affectionately called was a devoted husband, loving father, loyal brother, and an exceptional grandfather and godfather who will be greatly missed.

Eloise Hines

Funeral service for Mrs. Eloise G. Hines was held on Monday, November 30, 2020 at J. O. & Annette Smith Memorial Chapel. Interment followed in the Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery, directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence.

Mrs. Eloise Gibbs Hines was born the daughter of Boston Hughee and Thelma Gibbs in Pamplico, SC, January 18, 1935. She died Thursday, November 26, 2020 after an illness.

At an early age she attended the public schools of Pamplico. She decided later in life to finish obtaining her education thus becoming a graduate of Wilson High School.

A hard worker most of her life, she did domestic work early in her life and finally landing her dream job working in the daycare field until her retirement.

Eloise met and married the love of her life the late Cato M. Hines for over 60 years. To this union, she became the mother of three sons. Robert (Viola) Hines, Randy Hines, and Randolph “Rudy” (Shirley) Hines. She was a loving and devoted person to her family and her friends.

She was proceeded in her death by her husband Cato, as well as her sons Randy (Skip) and Robert. She also was preceded in death by a devoted sister Lucille Boatwright as well as a brother Alphonso Gibbs.

Left to cherish her memory is one son Randolph “Rudy” (Shirley) Hines; one brother Boston Gibbs of Delaware; one granddaughter Tracy Hines of Elgin, S.C.; one grandson Robert Hines Jr. of Quinby, S.C.; one great-granddaughter Zykeria Hines of Quinby, S.C. and one great great-grand. She will truly be missed by her family, as well as her extended family, friends and love ones.

Rose Ann Johnson

A Private Funeral Service for Mrs. Rose Ann Johnson was held 2:00 PM Sunday, December 6, 2020 at J. O. & Annette Smith Memorial Chapel, 307 South Johns Street, Florence, South Carolina. Interment was 9:00 AM Monday, December 7, 2020 at Florence National Cemetery, directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC. Mrs. Rose Ann Johnson, the daughter of Curtis “Buddy” Durant and the late Shirley Archie was born July 7, 1959. She departed this life on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at her residence.

Rose Ann received her Public Education in Florence County District 2 Schools.

Rose Ann attended House of God Church Keith Dominion in Florence, South Carolina under the leadership of the late State Elder Elijah Green.

Rose Ann was employed with Walmart for 15 years. She then pursued a career in Home Healthcare.

Rose Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Archer; her stepmothers, Virginia Mitchell and Martha Durant; and a brother, Bobby Durant.

Rose Ann is survived by her husband, Donald Johnson; her father, Curtis “Buddy” Smith, three children, Antonia Smith, John T. Davis, and Dawnica Davis; two grandchildren raised in the home, Tyanna Smith and Stephen Smith; three great grandchildren; four brothers, Curtis (Carolyn), Preston, Otto, Joe (Windy), nine sisters, Arneatha, Lorraine, Shawn, Lisa (Robert), Margaret Ann (James), Linda, Lesa, Sherry, and Kimberly; two uncles, John C. Cain and John Smith; three aunts, Raylenna Spates, Barbara B. Cooper, and Ella Hart; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.

Veronica Barbara Brooks

Veronica Barbara Brooks was born on February 15, 1939, in Florence, South Carolina to the late Olivia and Gus Halloway. Early morning on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at 8:3l am in her home Veronica ever so quietly and peacefully slept away into eternity.

Veronica attended Wilson High School, in Florence and later graduated from LaGuardia Community College in Queens, New York.

She was married to the late Frank Brooks and was later divorced. This marriage was blessed with 3 beautiful daughters. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Veronica worked at Wamer Lambert Company for many years until their closing and she then moved on to start a long career with the New York City Police Department.

Veronica enjoyed bowling and all sports but her favorite pastime was watching baseball and listening to oldies music. She was a big fan of the New York Knicks and the New York Mets.

She was loving and always there in times of need for her family and friends.

Veronica leaves to cherish her memory, one brother Joe Halloway, two daughters, Lisa and Michelle, 7 grandchildren, Demond, Alicia, Rahsaan, Jamill, Kee—Von, Kavon, and Kavonna, 2 great-grandchildren: Jhaleal and Jonas, Nieces and Nephews, Lazon, Jackie, Tyrone, Jocinta, Crystal and Jocelyne, Sister in Law Joyce and loving friend and coworker Joyce Harvin, and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded by her daughter Tonia Brooks and sister Marylee Page—Lang

Willie Mae Lewis

Willie Mae Lewis, devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and servant of Jehovah, passed away, peacefully, at home, on the evening of Sunday, November 29, 2020.

Willie Mae Lewis, 88, of Florence, SC., was born February 18, 1932, in Whatley, Alabama to Joe Knight (deceased) and Melvinia Pudding (deceased). She and her sister Eloise (deceased) relocated to New York in 1950. She became one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1954. While she spent time as a homemaker, domestic worker, and nurse's aide, the true love of her life was being a full-time Jehovah's Witness Pioneer for several decades. With her husband of over 50 years Wilbert (deceased), she relocated to South Carolina in 1984 to serve where the need was greatest. She was a member of the North Florence Congregation at the time of her passing.

Willie Mae enjoyed sewing, decorating, gardening, reading religious texts, and being as stylish as she could. She was rarely seen in public without a snazzy outfit, accented with jewelry, belts, hats, and, always, heels. She was known to say that if she ever ended up in a wheelchair, she'd better have on heels in her chair every day!

Willie Mae is survived by her daughter Barbara Singleton (Eddie, deceased) of Charlotte, NC and her sons Bennie C. Lewis and Ronnie S. Lewis, both of Lynchburg, SC, her grandchildren Penny, Melinda and Erica Singleton, all of Charlotte, NC, Sheanna Sauls of Philadelphia, PA, Stephen Savage (Kerbi) of Rex GA, Raine Boyd (Byron), Stone Lewis, both of Lynchburg, SC, Blaire Lewis of Columbia SC and Dylan Grate of Hilliard, OH and her great-grandchildren, Mayson Singleton, Jaaziah, Heaven and Zara Boyd and Stephen Jr, Gabriel, Phoenix, and Ember Savage and a whole host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews and other beloved relatives spread all over the country, including New York, Maryland and Texas.

Cynthia Kelly Johnson

Mrs. Cynthia Kelly ‘Peaches’ Johnson the daughter of the late Sara and John Cain was born in Florence County on June 29, 1968. She departed her life on November 26, 2020, at her residence after an illness.

Peaches attended the public schools of Florence County and graduated from South Florence High School. She also attended Chris Logan Nursing School and Heavy Equipment where she aced all her courses. She worked for Carolina Hospital System, Care Pro Nursing, and Smurfit Stone Containers until her health declined.

Peaches as she was affectionately called by family and friends was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Claussen at an early age and later joined Savannah Grove Baptist Church.

Peaches was the life of the party or crowd with the things she would say. She was a mechanic, advisor, writer, and all around good person, Sabrina BFF for 40 + years she will be greatly missed. We will keep your memories forever.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her half-sister and brother; Diane and Mickey Cain, two aunts; Thelma McClain, Mary McNeil, five uncles; Robert, John, Clarence, Wilbur, and Prince Kelly.

Left to cherish Cynthia’s precious memories include her husband; Twan Johnson, mother in law; Marie (Jake) Dillard, one great aunt; Hanrietta (Lawrence) Harley, special friend; Bobby Lane, half-sister; Sabrina Morris, Jeanette Barr, June Barr, Shirley Barr, two half-brothers; Jimmy Smith and John E. Cain, stepmother; Rennie Barr, special children; Quentin Morris aka (sexy chocolate), Cornelius aka (Toe Toe), Nick aka (Mama Baby), Sarina aka (Snazzy Sazzy), Nora, two special cousins; Tyrone and Renee and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.