Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week...

October 11, 2021
Click for more images

*Obituary for Major Leon Wingate*

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” II Corinthians 5:4

Major Leon Legrant Wingate, the son of Wallace Edward Wingate Jr. and Terri Ann Eaddy Wingate, was born on November 10, 1983, in Florence, South Carolina. He is the grandson of the late Rosanna Wingate and Vivian Eaddy. He was called into eternal rest by God on Friday, October 1, 2021, at the McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina.

Educated in the public schools of Florence, South Carolina, Major attended Wilson High School in Florence before transferring his senior year to North Gwinnett in Suwanee, Georgia, where he graduated in 2003.

At an early age, Wingate begin the interest of sports, particularly basketball. He began playing basketball for Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), Nike, and Adidas Teams. While attending Wilson High School, Wingate talents led him to the “Basketball Standout.” Due to his extraordinary skills and gifts, he played his senior year at North Gwinnett, where he was ranked among the top 50 players in the class of 2003 and the tenth best center prospect in the nation.

After a successful high school track, Major played his college basketball career with the University of Tennessee. After playing a few seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers, he subsequently went pro. His professional career includes: Greece, Turkey, China, Romania and France.

The North Gwinnett Hall of Famer, gifted and talented performer, Wingate’s legacy as a basketball player and coach will have a lasting effect upon the game of basketball and as well as personal lives of the many people he reached out and touched. He earned numerous awards and was featured in several magazines such as ESPN, UT Magazine, and other notable publications. One of the greatest memorable plays in his career was blocking, the athletic and physical center (NBA Star), Dwight Howard’s shot in an All-Star Game.

Major was joined in holy matrimony to Shannon Wingate.

Major will be cherished in memory by: by his wife, Shannon Wingate, San Antonio, TX; daughter, Naveah Wingate, San Antonio, TX; sons, Connor Reynolds, Charlotte, NC and Mekhi Louie Wingate, TN; mother, Terri Ann Eaddy Wingate, Florence, SC; father, Wallace Edward (Melika) Wingate, Jr., Florence, SC; sisters, Charnell (Monica) Wingate and Charnett Wingate both of Florence, SC; brother, Wallace Edward Wingate III, Aberdeen, NC; uncles, Major (Tammy) Eaddy Sr., Buford, GA, James Al Eaddy, New York, NY; aunts, Oliva Eaddy, Florence, SC, Barbara Eaddy, Florence, SC, Kenzie Champagne George, GA; God-Mothers, Shelia Alexander and Vanessa Robinson; God-Fathers, Legrant Hennighan, Sandy Gass, and Dick Brown; Step-brothers, Akeem Ford, Brandon Eagleton, and Lawrence Eagleton all of Florence, SC; Step-sisters, Salika Eagleton, Florence, SC; close friends, Carlos Powell and Chavis Thompson; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many other relatives, and friends.

Major leaves other fond memories to his sports family and friends. His mentors: James O. Jackson, Larry Johnson, Allie E. Brooks, Tommy Johnson, Bruce Williams, and Reverend Vandolph Backus. His coach: Tommy Johnson.

Arrangements are entrusted to 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.

*Obituary for Louise Pigatt*

Mrs. Louise “Cookie” Smith Pigatt was born September 19, 1949 in Florence, South Carolina to the late Leroy Smith and Gladys Cade Smith. She went from labour to reward on Monday, September 27, 2021.

She received her formal education in Florence County Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Wilson High School Class of 1969.

She was joined in holy matrimony to Julius Pigatt on March 29, 1967 and this union was blessed with three wonderful daughters.

She was a member of New Ebenezer Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina.

She was employed with Marlowe Manufacturing (Klear Knit) for more than thirty years, before she retired.

Louise, a strong-minded person was a loving individual that loved people, especially children, loved to travel, laughing, and taking care of people.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Gladys Smith; a sister, Dorothy Briggs; and two brothers, Leroy Smith, Jr. and Cecil Smith.

Louise leaves to cherish her precious memories: her husband of fifty-four years, Minister Julius Pigatt of the home; three daughters, Diane Pigatt McCall of Snellville, Georgia, Michelle Pigatt McDonald of Florence, South Carolina, and Tavette Pigatt Hill of Snellville, Georgia; eight grandchildren, Marques C. Pigatt of Snellville, Georgia, Shinita Pigatt of Florence, South Carolina, Tyeshia Pigatt of Florence, South Carolina, Rachelle McDonald of Florence, South Carolina, Alicia Gambrell of Snellville, Georgia, Danielle Pigatt-Goode of Snellville, Georgia, Joshua Hill of Snellville, Georgia and Donavon Hill of Florence, South Carolina; fourteen great grandchildren; two sisters, Priscilla Smith and Sheila Smith both of Florence, South Carolina; her twin brother, Louis (Rosie) Smith; two aunts, Gladys (Edmond) James and Earline Smith both of Florence, South Carolina; one uncle, Jessie (Rosie) Smith of Willisberg, New Jersey; four sister-in-laws, Barbara, Rachel, Earnestine (George), and Gennet; one brother-in-law, Nelson; a god daughter, Tonya Coker of Florence, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Please keep the family of Louise Smith Pigatt in your thoughts and prayers.

*Obituary for James Belin*

Today we celebrate the Home Going Service for Mr. James Luther Belin, affectionately known as "Baby Belin". James departed this earthly life on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at McLeod Regional Medical Center, where the reward of eternal life was given - and an eternity of bliss in heaven in the presence of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

James was born, December 9, 1946, in Marion, South Carolina to the late Willie Clarence Belin and the late Bertha Davis Belin. In his childhood years, his family relocated to Pamplico, South Carolina. James graduated from Gibbs High School. It was there while driving school bus, he decided what his dream job would be: driving tractor trailer trucks. James went on to have a 29-year career of driving trucks for a living.

It wasn't long after moving to Florence, South Carolina with his family, James met the love of his life and lifelong partner, Mary Ann Anderson. They were married on March 27, 1971. The couple just celebrated their 50th year anniversary. This loving union was blessed with two children, a daughter that preceded him in death, Shakever S. Richardson and a son, Shelton Belin.

James had a passion for singing; you would hear him singing as a part of the Male Chorus at Wayside Chapel Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina, where he was a dedicated member for 40 plus years. In addition to the Male Chorus, he dedicated his time at Wayside Chapel Baptist Church as a Trustee and served in many other capacities.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Clarence Belin and Bertha Davis Belin; a daughter, Shakever S. Richardson; a brother, Willie Clarence “Boy” Belin; two sisters, Renzella Burgess and Edith Belin; along with a few cousins, aunts and uncles that went on to be with our Lord and Savior!

James leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving wife, Mary Ann Belin; a son, Shelton Belin; a stepson, Andrew Anderson; two grandchildren, Phach Richardson and Keyavionn Richardson; two great- grandchildren, Jarrod Kenyonn Patrick Rogers and Kason Kenyonn Richardson; two sisters, Louise B. Anderson and Georgia May Belin; a brother, Gary "Toy" Belin; two uncles, David Belin and Luther Belin; one aunt, Lucille Belin; two brothers-in-law, Samuel (Gloria) Anderson and Cleveland Anderson; three sisters-in-law, Martha Samuels, Irene (Paul) Brown, and Corinne (Johnny) Barr; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Please keep the family of James L. Belin in your thoughts and prayers.

*Obituary for Christopher Brown*

Mr. Christopher Brown was born on November 10th, 1961 to Roosevelt & Peggy Brown. He was affectionately called Chris or Trip by his family and friends and was known by everyone for his huge heart, his sense of humor & infectious laugh. His favorite line in his words was “YOU KNOW WHO I ARE”.

Chris started his educational career in the public schools of Westbury Union Free School District. During his high school years, he relocated to Timmonsville, SC & graduated with the class of 1979. Also, during this time is when he became under the guardianship of his maternal grandparents Mr. Albert Jack & Bertha Nero and his paternal grandparents Roosevelt & Ethel Brown Jr.

Chris worked at Shoney’s for many years, he also worked as a horse trainer, and did various jobs in construction up until his health failed. After a terminal illness, God called Christopher home on October 3rd, 2021.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, a brother James (Jay) Brown, a Cousin Brenda Shivers & granddaughter.

Chris is survived by: his devoted soulmate Linda Fulgham; his daughter Ernestine (Yarnell) Sumter; five other children of the heart, Wendy Jackson, Sylvester Jackson, Audrey Rouse, Anthony Jackson and Monique Jackson all of Florence & Timmonsville; one brother Jerome Brown of New Jersey; one sister Keasha (Rajahn) Muslim of Virginia; one granddaughter, two nieces, two nephews, three grand nephews, two special cousins Debra & Jeanette Shivers, host of other cousins, family & friends who shared an incredible bond with him.

*Obituary for Mack Johnson*

Mr. Mack Johnson entered eternal rest on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at McLeod Health in Florence, SC. He was born on May 11, 1941 in Florence, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Isaac Johnson, Sr. and the late Clara Luke Johnson.

He was a graduate of Wilson High School, Class of 1960 where he was a devoted alumnus to his class. While attending high school, he received a trade in Brick Masonry, after high school he made a career of brick masonry and started his own business, Johnson Masonry, until his health failed. During his career he partaked in the building/development of many residential and commercial buildings in the surrounding state, including McLeod Health and Bruce Hospital. Mack not only was a builder by trade, he also was a teacher. Many young men worked for and with him learning this trade and many started their own business because of the trade he taught.

At an early age he joined the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church where he served as a trustee and a member of the gospel choir. Mack was a faithful member of Mt. Pisgah Masonic Lodge #437 and on October 18, 1998, the church held a cornerstone ceremony where he laid the cornerstone along with the Mt. Pisgah Masonic Lodge #437.

Mack was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac Johnson, Sr. and Clara Luke Johnson, a son, Sylvester Johson , a sister, Sharon Denise Johson and a nephew, Andrew "Vern" Jackson.

Left to love and cherish his memories are his children, Stephanie Ann Johnson of Florence, SC, Frarazia "Fee" Johnson of Columbia, SC, Lakesha(Robert) Franks of Effingham, SC, Rhoderick "Kennard" (Chastity) Baccus of Rock Hill, SC, Renee Robinson of Connecticut and Stephanie Johnson of New York, his grandchildren; Justin Johnson of Indiana, Frarazia Lakeisha "Kea" Johnson, Kendrick Baccus, Allyanna and Jocelyn Franks and Jakenna Baccus all of Florence, SC. One Sister, Carolyn Jackson of Florence, SC and one brother, Isaac Johnson, Jr. of Las Vegas, Nevada. Nephews and nieces, Ricky Jackson, Monty Johnson, Milton Johnson all of Virginia, Linda Gibelyou of Washington State, Alvin Johnson, Anna and Ashley Agoha all of Nevada. Very Special friends, Mr. Joe Spears, Ms. Eliza "Tennie" Johnson, Mr. Glen Richardson and Ms. Maxine Baccus and a host of family and friends.

*Obituary for Kewana Black Henry*

Reflections of Life

Kewana Black was born June 17, 1973, in Florence SC to her loving parents, Janet Black and the late Malcom Bolton. She transitioned this life on September 26, 2021 at Medical University of

South Carolina (MUSC).

Kewana was educated in the Florence school system and graduated from West Florence High School. She worked in the food services industry for most of her life. She worked as a waitress at Applebees Restaurant for 10 years, and at Pizza Hut for 5 years, where she loved meeting new people and providing excellent customer service. She loved fashion and couldn’t leave home without her red lipstick. She had such a unique laugh, that you could always tell when she was in a room. She loved to cook and spend time with her family. She also loved GOD to the utmost.

Kewana was married to Anwar Henry, and to this union two children, Adarius and Adaisha were born. Those loved ones preceded her in death were Maternal grandparents, Harry and Annie Mae Black; Paternal grandmother, Bertha Bolton; as well as her father, Malcom Bolton.

Kewana leaves to cherish her memory her husband Anwar Henry; children, Adarius Henry, Adaisha Henry, Simira (LaRyan) Cloudy, Jalen Harry and Codi Timmons; Mother Janet ( LeRoy) Brown; Stepfather, Willie Wright; three brothers, Mayo Dukes, Christopher Black and Cedrick Black; two sisters, Bridget (Kyle) Black, and Nicole Bolton; 6 grandchildren; cousin, Sharonda McGill; Special Niece, D’Ariel Black; special aunt, Linda (Frank) Morris; close friends, Toni Cooper, Dionne Goodman, Alice Swinton; a host of other relatives and friends.