Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week...

**Obituary for Lelia Smith**

Mother Lelia M. Cooper Smith was born on December 3, 1926, in Florence, South Carolina to the late Granison “Nick” Cooper and Mother Ida Gibson Cooper. She departed this earthly life on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.

She attended the Public Schools of Florence County.

Mother Lelia was married to the late Deacon Frank Smith, Jr. and to this union there were twelve children.

She was employed with Florence District One Public Schools for several years, until her retirement.

At an early age, she joined Mount Zion United Methodist Church, then later joined Wayside Progressive Church of Jesus, where she was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost, under the leadership of the late Pastor Earline Howard and Pastor Mary Helen Cooks. At the time of her demise, she was under the leadership of Pastor Dolores M. Smith, her daughter-in-law.

As a faithful member of Wayside Progressive Church of Jesus, Mother Lelia M. Cooper Smith served in several capacities, such as: Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Senior Choir, a member of the cooking Culinary Committee, an avid Church Attendant, a Firm believer in God, a number one Bible Scholar with finding scriptures “without” using Google.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Granison “Nick” Cooper and Mother Ida Gibson Cooper; her husband, Deacon Frank Smith, Jr.; nine siblings, Willie Cooper, Neverson Cooper, Granison Cooper, Jr., Otis Cooper, David Cooper, Edward Cooper, Annie Mae Scott, Thelma Scott, and Louise Peoples; three daughters, Helen Cooper, Mary F. Smith, and Marilyn Moses; one granddaughter, Tanesha Cusaac; two grandsons, Stedman L. Smith and Colin Smith; and one son-in-law, Garry M. Cusaac, Sr.

Mother Lelia M. Cooper Smith leaves to cherish her loving memories: two daughters, Marie Taylor of Florence, South Carolina and Anna S. Cusaac of Effingham, South Carolina; seven sons, Deacon King (Pastor Dolores) Smith of Florence, South Carolina, Bishop Frank (Deaconess Margaret) Smith of Florence, South Carolina, Woodrow Smith of Jacksonville, North Carolina, James A. (Rosa) Smith of Florence, South Carolina, Deacon Clifton (Janice) Smith of Florence, South Carolina, Deacon Allen (Iris) Smith of Florence, South Carolina, and Gregory Smith of Florence, South Carolina; fourteen grandchildren, to include one granddaughter, Valarie Taylor, that was reared in the home; eighteen great grandchildren; two first cousins, Odell Williams of Atlanta, Georgia and Henry Cooper of Florence, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Mother Lelia M. Cooper Smith, a true servant of God will always be remembered as a wonderful Mother who was loving, humble, faithful, dedicated, courageous, thoughtful, peaceful and an obedient peacemaker that was encouraging and strong.

Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Please keep the family of Lelia M. Cooper Smith in your thoughts and prayers.

**Obituary for Taniyah Wilson**

Our precious angel, Miss Taniyah Lashai Wilson entered into this world on April 4, 2002 in Hartsville, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Shemeka L. Wilson and the late Michael L. Jefferson. Taniyah and her precious baby girl Londyn Lashai Johnson departed this earthly home on Friday, July 30, 2021.

"T-Noont" as she was affectionately called by her family , received her education in the Public Schools of Darlington County, South Carolina. She later graduated from Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School in Springdale, South Carolina in 2020.

She touched so many lives and had a smile that would light up a room. She had many talents that were so amazing. She loved to sing and had the voice of an angel.

"T-Noont" was always on point especially with her hair and her eye lashes. She was such a doll baby with pure beauty inside and out. She was loved by so many. She truly loved her family and they loved her in return.

She was loving, caring, and compassionate, these qualities led her to her profession in the Medical field. At her young age, she was a dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant. She loved her job.

Taniyah leaves behind to cherish her memories: her mother, Shemeka L. Wilson; a “special father figure”, O’Bryan Williams; five siblings, Jamarien Williams, Bryonna Williams, Ananda Addison, Mikeia Jefferson, and Jeremiah Josey and all of Hartsville, South Carolina; her grandparents, Glendora Toney, Dorothy McDaniel, and Barbara Jefferson; four aunts, Vendora Toney, Denise (Kevin) Peterson, Haley Jefferson, and Trecie (Mario) Williams; five uncles, Lorenzo (Dominique) Toney, Lamont Wilson, Randy (Shalette) Toney, Jamie McDaniel, and Mario McDaniel all of Hartsville, South Carolina; a godmother, Chastine D. Jackson; a special friend, Eugene Johnson; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

The family of Miss Taniyah L. “T-Noont” Wilson will love, cherish, and miss her.

The family will receive friends at 2031 Stoney Brook Dr., Hartsville, SC.

Due to COVID 19, Mask are required.

Please keep the family of Taniyah Wilson in your thoughts and prayers.

**Obituary for Pearline Hines**

Mother Pearline Hines, daughter of the late Jesse and Celie McCray Anderson, was born March 25, 1930 in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. On Monday, August 2, 2021, Mother Pearline Hines entered into eternal rest at her residence.

Mother Pearline Hines was educated in Florence County Public Schools.

She was a dedicated employee of the Palmetto Center in Florence, South Carolina.

On May 12, 1962, she was joined in holy matrimony to Melvin Hines, and they were blessed with nine children.

Mother Hines was a faithful and lifelong member of Headquarter Progressive Church of Jesus, where she served wholeheartedly as a Missionary, Choir Member, Devotional Leader and Church Custodian. She also sang in a Gospel Group called “The Spiritual Gospel Singers.” She could be heard every Sunday morning on WYNN 540 AM Radio Station.

Mother Pearline Hines a great Prayer Warrior; she placed her confidence in the Lord. She loved and served the Lord, her family and the community well. She also loved giving God all the praise, glory and honor. She was patient, persistent and hopeful knowing that God’s timing is perfect. Her favorite saying “If God can’t do it, it just can’t be done.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; two sons, O’Neal and Ronald Anderson; a great grandson, Chadwick Anderson; seven sisters, Dorothea Anderson, Fannie Anderson, Rosa Black, Lillie James, Janie Muldrow, Lillian Scott, and Argie Thomas; five brothers, Frank Anderson, Jessie Anderson, Richard Anderson, Robert Anderson and Sam Anderson.

Left to cherish her precious memories are her children: Jessie Mae (Willie) Battle of Goldsboro, North Carolina; Bobbie Anderson of Florence, South Carolina; Edna Ellerbe of Darlington, South Carolina; Willie Mae Brown of Florence, SC; Janice (James) Kelly, Florence, South Carolina; Albert Anderson of Florence, South Carolina; and Novella Whitaker of Summerville, South Carolina; twenty-eight grandchildren, fifty great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; a special devoted loved one, Beatrice Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends at 827 N. Dargan St., Florence, SC.

Due to COVID 19, Mask are required.

Please keep the family of Mother Pearline A. Hines in your thoughts and prayers.

**Obituary for Rebecca McLamore Baker**

Mrs. Rebecca McLamore Baker, was born June 24, 1929, to the late Rhoda and Charlie McLamore in Wedgefield, S.C. She departed this life on Monday August 2, 2021 at McLeod Hospice House of Florence S.C.

Rebecca attended and was educated in Timmonsville S.C. public school. At a very young age she became a Christian, was baptized and joined the Antioch Baptist Church. Later in life she became a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church where she faithfully served as a Deaconess, served on the Usher Board, Missionary, and the Chairperson of the Kitchen for Mt Carmel. She worked tirelessly on the farm for many years and was a dedicated Nanny for several families.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Henry Baker Sr. This union were blessed with two girls and four boys.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her loving husband Henry Baker Sr., a son Ray Allen (Jerome) Baker, a great grandson, five sisters and six brothers.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories; two daughters Henrietta Jones of Timmonsville, SC and Carolyn Salter of Ladson SC, three sons Henry (Patricia) Baker, Willie James (Doris) Baker and Leroy (Elaine) Baker of Timmonsville, SC, 9 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, two special friends Mrs. JoAnn Edwards and Ms. Jervine Moses, a host of other family, friends and relatives.

**Obituary for Thomas “Tee” Wheeler**

It is with heartfelt sorrow that the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. and members of the Thomas and Wheeler families announces the sudden passing of Mr. Thomas Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler passed on Friday, August 6, 2021 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Funeral service is 1:00PM on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Faith Memorial Gardens, Rogers Road, Darlington. Interment will follow. Please adhere to mask wearing and social distancing for this service.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the residence, 405 Jamestown Road, Darlington.

Please keep the family of Mr. Thomas Wheeler in your thoughts and prayers.