Pee Dee Homegoing Services This Week...

*Obituary for Angela Blakney*

Angela Denise Mack Blakney was born March 31, 1958, a daughter of the late Lee E. Mack, Sr. and the late Mattie Lee Douglas Mack. She was the ninth of eleven children. She departed her earthly life on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center.

She attended the Darlington County public schools and graduated from Butler High School in 1976. She was very athletic, She played basketball for the Butler Tigers was an outstanding softball player for the Coastal and Carolina Softball leagues.

After high school, Angela worked at the Millen Cotton Mill and had her first daughter, Devon. Then in 1981, she married Tyrone Blakney and out of this union were born two daughters, Shawnta and Cassandra. She later worked at Hines Funeral Home and Hardee’s in Hartsville, South Carolina. She was also a Den Mother of the Cub Scouts in Darlington County. She later moved to Miami, Florida, and worked at Bennigan’s Restaurant, while there she attended New Vision for Christ Ministries.

Angela loved her family dearly. She loved and cared for EVERY child that crossed her path. She was “Grandma” not only to her grandchildren but to all the younger children in the family and neighborhood.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Mattie Lee Mack, Sr.; her brother, Clinton Mack; her great-nephew, Shykese Mack; two bonus children, Kip and Kamisha Haigler; and her brother-in-law, Freddie Goodson, Sr.

Surviving to cherish her memories are her husband, Tyrone Blakney; three daughters, Devon Mack, Shawnta Blakney, and Cassandra (Daniel Perkins); grandchildren, Oyoma, Tyrek, Chardaisa, Daniel, Tyrone, Tydaisa, Angela, Deondra, Devonna, Tarailyn, Jaronta, Deshawn, Regina, Jalani, Jahmua, and Jayla; great-grandchildren, Amya, Tyrin, and Ace; three sisters, Joyce Wheeler, Janice (Alton) Taylor, and Brenda Goodson; six brothers, Lee E. Mack, Jr, Glenn (Brenda) Mack, Larry Mack, Jackie (Teresa) Mack, Michael (Renee) Mack, and Isaac (Bridget) Mack; godson, Yarease Stevenson; goddaughters, Keisha Johnson, Latasha Mack Dukes, Fredrica Goodson, and Sh’Nyah Bacon; a very special best friend, Stephanie Haigler Davis; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and close friends.

*Obituary for Janie Mae Thomas*

Janie Mae Thomas, 73, received her angel’s wings on November 4, 2021, at her home in Hartsville, South Carolina.

She was born December 25, 1947, in Hartsville, South Carolina, a daughter of Eddie Coker Thomas Sr., and Grace Mae McFadden Thomas. She graduated from Butler High School in 1966. While attending Butler, she was a majorette and in the band. She attended college at Florence Darlington Tech and Ponyor Building for Adult Education. After graduation, she used her learned skills as a machine inspector at Sara Lee Hosiery, where she worked for 27 years. She also worked as a Cafeteria operator for 18 years through the Darlington County School System.

She was raised in a Christian home and was a former member of Kingsville Church and the New Haven United Methodist Church. She was an active member and usher board member of the Nazareth New Apostolic Church.

Her interests included family, cooking, and watching YouTube videos on her smartphone. She devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to family members, including her mother, Grace Mae McFadden Thomas, her sister, Ivory Jackson, her nephew, Antonio Vito Jackson, and her sister Rosa Lee Gerald.

She was the third of twelve siblings her parents raised. Surviving to cherish her loving memory include her four sisters, Carolyn (Lee) O'Neal, Deborah Thomas, Veronica Thomas, Rosa Lee Gerald; her three brothers, Rev. Eddie (Corrine) Thomas, Frank (Barbara) Thomas, Joseph (Dianne) Thomas; other nieces, nephews, close relatives, and very dear friends.

*Obituary for Dennis Lamont Davis*

Brother Dennis Lamont Davis was 45, and departed this life Thursday November 4, 2021 in West Virginia. He was the son of Olena Davis Waters.

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel on Saturday November 13, 2021 at 2:00 pm. He will be laid to rest at Centerville Baptist Church Cemetery, Centenary, SC. Services will be live-streamed on the Jackson & McGill Facebook Page.
The family of Brother Dennis Lamont Davis in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state and local community, has decided to hold a private 50 people or less, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Davis family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

*Obituary for Annie Mae Washington*

Mother Annie Mae Washington was 83, and departed this life Saturday November 6, 2021 in Charleston, SC. She was the wife of David Washington. You may visit the family at 3204 Badger Rd. Mullins.

Graveside services are scheduled to be held at Devotion Gardens Cemetery, Mullins on Wednesday November 10, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Services will be live-streamed on the Jackson & McGill Facebook Page.

The family of Mother Annie Mae Washington in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state and local community, has decided to hold a private 50 people or less, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Washington family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

*Obituary for Dr. Charlotte Francis*

Dr. Charlotte Laverne Francis transitioned into eternal rest on November 3, 2021 at Medical University of South Carolina in Florence, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Lula and Charles Francis, Jr. and was born in Waynesboro, Georgia on September 5, 1956.

The genesis of Charlotte’s spiritual foundation began with parents who were members of John I. Blackburn Presbyterian Church located on the campus of Boggs Academy in Keysville, Georgia – where her strong roots of service to others were planted.

Charlotte’s educational pilgrimage began at Boggs Academy in Keysville, Georgia. The school motto was “Christian Purpose, Christian Preparation and Christian Performance,” a creed she carried forward and embodied in her personal and professional life from then on. At Boggs, she shared her rich alto voice as a member of the Boggs Academy Acapella Chorus. Charlotte graduated from Boggs with Honors in 1974 and headed to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a degree in nursing.

After receiving her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, the first major stop on her journey of love for medicine was as a Registered Nurse. Charlotte was a RN for over 10 years, serving at Saint Joseph’s Hospital and the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in Augusta, Georgia.

The loving care that she demonstrated as a nurse helped her realize her true passion to become a physician. To prepare for medical school she completed Southern Illinois University’s Medical Prep Program in 1988.

Dr. Francis later matriculated to Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia and received her medical degree in 1992. She then completed her internship and residency in Family Medicine at Mcleod Regional Medical Center in 1995.

Dr. Francis subsequently joined the staff of McLeod Regional Hospital as the first African American female doctor in Florence, South Carolina. She continued to faithfully serve the community for the next 30 years. She will be remembered as a physician who cared for and treated the whole patient and not just illness.

Dr. Francis was a member of the Pee Dee Medical Association Professionals scholarship committee. She is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Dr. Francis was a dedicated, founding member of New Harvest Presbyterian Church Florence serving as the church Treasurer and on various Church Boards.

Dr. Francis was preceded in death by parents, Lula and C.W. Francis Jr; husband, Cornelius E. Haynes; and brother, Charles W. Francis, III.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: three loving sisters, Adrienne (Willie) Oakman of Aiken, South Carolina, Flora Francis of Dallas, Texas, and Karen Francis of Newark, New Jersey; stepson, Cornelius A. Haynes of Bellevue, Washington; two nieces, Krishna (Christoffer) Ekman and Dr. Nikki Oakman both of Dallas, Texas; one nephew, William Oakman of Long Island, New York and her great niece Lucian Oakman; and a host of beloved relatives, friends, colleagues, and coworkers.

Please keep the family of Dr. Charlotte Laverne Francis in your thoughts and prayers.

*Obituary for Julia Mae Ervin*

Sister Julia Mae “Shirley” Ervin was born on August 27, 1950, in Darlington, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Arthur “Oz” Boston, Sr., and Virginia Agnes LunnBoston. She departed this life on November 3, 2021.

Sister Ervin received her formal education in the Darlington County Public School District. She graduated from Mayo High School in the Class of 1968. She was employed with L’eggs/Sara Lee Corporation for over 25 years.

Sister Ervin was a member of the Greater Gethsemane Apostolic Church (GGAC) all her life. She was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost under the leadership of Bishop Lloyd E. Swaringer, Sr. She faithfully served as GGAC’s Co-Captain and Treasurer of Team #5 until her death. She was also a member of the Jubilee Choir, Senior Choir, and the Pastor’s Support Team. Sister Ervin loved the Lord Jesus Christ and strongly encouraged people to surrender their lives to Him.

Sister Julia Mae “Shirley” Boston was united in marriage to Deacon Freddie Ervin, Sr., on March 4, 1972. They were within four months of being happily married for 50 years. To this union, two children were born, Freddie (Tiger) Ervin, Jr., and Dr. Shaun (Nae-Nae) Johnson. Despite only giving birth to two children, she was a mother to countless others especially, to LaQuanda Boston, Joshua Boston, Merritt Harris, Courtney McClain, and Taylor Burton. Sister Ervin had an infectious smile and a hearty laugh which filled every room she entered. “Shirley,” as she was affectionately known, never met a stranger. People loved her because she was a Vessel of Love. Her personality drew people to her. Sister Ervin was a loving wife, mother, “big mama,” grandmother, sister, aunt, family member, and friend. She was the Matriarch for the Boston Family. People leaned on her often for prayer, strength, guidance, and support.

Shirley! If she knew your birthday, this should sound familiar. To celebrate your birthday, you could always expect to receive a call from her at 12-Midnight! It did not matter whether you were asleep or in a daze, she would wholeheartedly sing her happy birthday song while hilariously laughing. Shirley loved her family, church family, and friends. Her favorite pastime was talking on the phone with her family, watching Hallmark movies, cartoons, cowboys, soap operas, and especially, wrestling with her husband.

Sister Ervin was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Virginia Boston, her sister, Mary Agnes (Polly) Gardner, and her brother, Johnny Edward (Ed) Boston.

Sister Ervin leaves to cherish her life-loving memory: her husband, Freddie Ervin, Sr., son, Freddie “Tiger” (Alicia) Ervin, Jr., both of Florence, South Carolina; daughter, Dr. Shaun E. (Reginald) Johnson of Locust Grove, Georgia; five grandchildren, Ty Ervin, of Canton, Georgia, Tyeshia Brunson and Tymere Ervin of Florence, South Carolina, and Reagan and RJ Johnson of Locust Grove, Georgia. Sister Ervin was gifted with four additional grandchildren, Courtney Brunson, Danielle Fletcher, Quenton Fletcher, and Jabree Morris of Florence, South Carolina. Seven siblings will cherish her life-loving memory: Rena (James) Ranger, Patricia Boston, Arthur (Stephanie) Boston, Joann Boston-England, Sylvester Boston, Cindy (Edward) Burton, and Dr. Wendy (Hamilton) McClain; paternal aunts, Geneva Boston and Eva Mae (William) Alford; sisters/brothers-in-law, Pearline (Thomas) Williams, Ann (Jimmie) Hart, Dessie Foxe, Shirley Ann (James) Woodard, Alan Foxe, Maxine Foxe Chapman, and Veronica (Gregory) Townsend; 3 god-children, Tamarah Fladger, Gregory Townsend, Jr. and Maury Fladger; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends.

At the request of the family, we ask that you do not take any photos. Thank you.

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 Mazie L. Myers*

Sunrise : Mazie L. Myers was born October 30, 1937 to late Horrom B. and Lugene Weaver Shird.

Mazie was educated in the Florence County Public Schools.

Mazie, a woman of faith, became a member of Aimwell Missionary Baptist Church at an early age.

Sunset : She departed this earthly life on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at the McLeod Hospice House, Florence South Carolina.

Mazie was preceded in death by her parents, sisters-Loretha S. Brown, Leta Mae Shird a brother-Judge Levie Shird and a great grandson-Xaiver Keith.

Mazie leaves to cherish her precious memories: daughters-Daisy (Charles Kirby) Eaddy, and Nelba M. Pressley; grandchildren-Stephanie M. (Steve M.) Moore, Katrina L. (Endawnson T.) Mungo, Quentin (Katie) Keith, Robert (Keisha) Keith and Ursula R. Eaddy; great-grandchildren-Adalia Keith, Ethan Kelly, Dominique Keith, Robert Keith II, Jessica Mungo, Divya Keith, Raven Keith, Teo Keith; sisters-Mattie (Rev. I. J.) Myers; and Bobby Jean Shird; a brother-Laurie Shird; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.