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Obituary for Rev. James Atkins, Jr.

Reverend James Atkins, Jr. was born on February 25, 1964, to the late James Atkins, Sr. and Margaret Ann Watts-Atkins in Birmingham, Alabama. He passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, in his home in Darlington, South Carolina. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends.

James was joined in marriage to his devoted wife, Andrena Vasser-Atkins, on May 26, 1996.

James accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 13 at First Baptist Church of Acipco in Birmingham, Alabama under the leadership of the late Reverend Vincent C. Provitt. He rededicated his life to Christ in February of 1996 and joined Outreach Family Fellowship in Dillon, South Carolina. He was ordained as a Reverend in June 2007, under the pastoral care of Pastor Pat Tyler of Marion Christian Fellowship in Marion, South Carolina.

James was educated in the public school system in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from Ramsey High School in 1982. Following high school, he attended the University of Alabama in Birmingham for Mechanical Engineering. He later transferred to the University of Huntsville. James attended Grace Christian College in 2007, where he obtained his associate degree in Biblical Studies and became an ordained Minister.

James had a successful career with Domino's Pizza. He started as a manager, got promoted to a consultant, and ultimately became a franchisee of multiple stores. Following his career at Domino's, he served our country as a contractor in Iraq in 2005. In 2010, he went to Afghanistan to continue his work as a contractor until his departure in 2018.

James and his wife Andrena volunteered their time traveling, building churches, and participating in Christian work projects worldwide in Nepal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, and Thailand.

James was a dedicated and loving husband, great dad, and granddad. He called all of his daughters sweetheart and made sure all of his children were taken care of. He loved his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Opa.” James shared his love of travel with his wife and his family. He had an infectious laugh and loved to joke and play around with his family.

James loved sports and his favorite teams were the Pittsburgh Steelers and Alabama Crimson Tide. He had many interests.. pplHe loved to cook, bake, and golf.

James, a praying man, prayed for his family daily.

James was preceded by his parents, James Atkins, Sr. and Margaret Ann Watts-Atkins; and his grandfather, Lee T. Watts, Jr.

James leaves to cherish his fond memories: his devoted wife, Andrena Vasser-Atkins; three daughters, Carmen Atkins of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, O'Teesha (Mark) Cornelius of Atlanta, Georgia; and A'Keta Vasser of Columbia, South Carolina; a son, Antonius (Angela) Vasser of South Korea; three grandchildren, Nyles Geiger, Antonius Vasser, and Ayden James Vasser all of South Korea, a sister, Valorie Gail Atkins of Center Point, Alabama; one brother, Anthony Atkins of Panama City, Florida; a loving grandmother, Lois Watts of Birmingham, Alabama; six precious aunts, Brenda (Troy) Dixon of Melville, New York, Sylvia Watts, Marilyn Wilson, Cynthia McClammy, Hollis Atkins all of Birmingham, Alabama, and Anita Atkins of Ohio; one uncle Lee Watts III, of Oakland, California; four sisters-in-law, Barbara Pugh of Latta, South Carolina, Bernice (Charles) Johnson of Willingboro, New Jersey, Annie (Kenny) Smith of Dillon, South Carolina, and Catherine Scott of Hope Mills, North Carolina; a brother-in-law, Thomas Pittman of Trenton, New Jersey; as well as a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Please keep the family of Reverend James Atkins, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary for Pamela Hall

Pamela Hall was born January 18, 1947, in Darlington County, South Carolina, a daughter of Willie “Bill” Hall and Mae Frances Ellerbe Hall. She was educated in the public schools of Darlington County. She was employed with Hardee’s Restaurant in Hartsville, South Carolina, for many years.

Pamela loved to be in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family. She loved talking to her family and friends. She always enjoyed jokes and laughing with others. She never hesitated to help someone in need. When she was younger, she always read Stephen King's novels. Her favorite singer was Prince, and her favorite song was “Purple Rain.” She just couldn’t wait for her favorite shows to begin with her much-loved action heroes such as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Wesley Snipes, Vin Diesel, and Jensen Ackles.

Ms. Hall will be remembered for her humility, empathy, guidance, compassion, distinguishable character, generosity, honesty, inspiration, nurturing spirit, wisdom, and understanding. She was preceded in death by her family members, Timmy Hall, Ronnie Hall, Shelia Hall, her mother, Mae Frances Hall, and her father, Willie “Bill” Hall.

Surviving to cherish the memory and continue the legacy of Pamela Hall include: her siblings, James Hall, Jerry Hall, and Weldon Hall; her niece and nephews who she loved and cared for her entire life, Carnesha Hall, Antonio Hall, and Andre Hall; other relatives and very dear friends.

Obituary for Elder Willie Johnson, Jr.

Elder Willie Johnson, Jr. peacefully transitioned Saturday, November 27, 2021.

The family will be receiving friends at 1800 Jeffords Mill Road Darlington, SC 29540.

Celebration of Life for Elder Johnson was Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Tabernacle Worship Center 1200 South Main Street, Darlington, S.C. Elder Rodregus Smith, Pastor interment followed in Round O Baptist Church Cemetery

Life Reflections

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Elder Willie Johnson, Jr., was born on August 25,1947, in Darlington County to the late Elester and Willie Johnson, Sr. Elder Johnson peacefully transitioned into his eternal heavenly home on Saturday, November 27, 2021.

Elder Johnson received his formal education at Rosenwald High School and later graduated from Mayo High School, Class of 1966. He enlisted into the US Army on November 10, 1966.

Elder Johnson was employed as a Conductor at CSX Railroad of Florence for 34 years; he retired in August 2007.

Elder Johnson was united into marriage to Relinda Dawson Johnson for 40 years.

Elder Johnson confessed his love for Christ at Tabernacle Worship Center, where he was ordained as an Elder under the leadership of Apostle Charley Johnson.

Elder Johnson served as the President of the Brotherhood Ministry & Sunday school teacher. In May 2011, he obtained his associates degree in Theology from the True Vine Bible College.

Elder Johnson always displayed a positive attitude and was a faithful man of God. Elder Johnson was a quiet man that loved big. Elder Johnson enjoyed fishing, sports, gardening, and spreading the Gospel of Christ.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Relinda; eight loving children: Adealia (Terrance) Thompson of Hartsville, SC. Travis (Brandy) Johnson of Hammond, LA, Russell Dawson of Columbia, SC, Steven (Natasha) Johnson of Atlanta, GA, Sherline (Steven) Johnson of Downey, CA, Perry Johnson of Darlington, SC, Katina Johnson and Pamela Johnson both of Thomasville, NC; twenty-two grandchildren; ten great-grand children; one sister, Helen Crawford of Darlington, SC; a sister-in -law, Geraldine Johnson of Darlington, SC; four brothers: Edward (Francena) Johnson, Charley (Lorene) Johnson, Houston (Marjorie) Johnson, David (Helen) Johnson all of Darlington, SC; four sisters-in-law of Columbia, SC: Louella Newton, Thomasina Dawson, Louise Dawson, Janie Dawson; three brothers-in-law in Columbia, SC: Eddie Dawson, Nathaniel Dawson, Matthew Dawson; a host of nieces and nephews that admired him dearly.

In addition to his parents, Elder Johnson was preceded in death by three brothers: Roosevelt Johnson, Sr., Wilson Johnson and Isaac Johnson; two sisters: Elizabeth McCall and Doretha Johnson Jerry.

Obituary for Francena Cannon Marks

For as the hymn writer penned "Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed He'll prepare for us a place. For When we all get to Heaven, What a day of rejoicing it will be, When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!" The management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home and members of the Cannon and Marks families announces the transition of Mrs. Francena Cannon Marks. On Thursday evening, Mrs. Francena Cannon Marks transitioned from labor to reward following an illness.

A celebration of a life well lived was 3:00PM on Monday, December 6, 2021 in the Cemetery of New Providence United Methodist Church. Interment followed.

Mrs. Francena Cannon Marks was born January 25, 1943 to the late Frank Cannon and Cecelia Dubose Cannon. She departed this world for heaven on Thursday December 2, 2021 at Mcleod Hospice Home with her family by her side.
She started her formal education in the Darlington County public school system. After completion of her diploma from Mayo High School in June 1961, she continued her studies at Waverly School of Beauty in Columbia, South Carolina. There, she earned a Diploma of Cosmetology in 1962. In 1971, she received a Certificate of Interior Decorating from Florence Darlington Technical Education Center. She eventually opened her own beauty salon, “Francena’s Fashions Unlimited,” where she worked as a cosmetologist to the community for over 40 years before retiring.

At a young age, she accepted Christ in her life. She was a devout Christian and her love for Jesus flowed into everything she did. Francena was an active member of the Center Baptist Church where she served on the pastor’s aide committee.

Francena was married to the late Roosevelt Marks and unto this union two children were born: Angelia Marks McDowell (Darlington, South Carolina) and Shawn L. Marks (Las Vegas, Nevada). She leaves them behind to cherish her fond and precious memories. She also leaves behind two grandchildren: Brandon Alexander McDowell and Christopher Grant McDowell both of Columbia, South Carolina; two brothers: Alphonso Cannon (Jenny) of Darlington, South Carolina and Levern Hickman (Connie) Savannah, Georgia; two sisters: Willie Mae Muldrow (Eddie) and Elease McClain; one aunt, three nieces, three nephews, extended family and God children.

She will be missed by all who loved her.

At the family request, there will not be any visitation to the residence.

Please keep relatives and friends of Mrs. Francena Cannon Marks in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary for Beverly Ann Lee

It is with profound sorrow that the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. announces the passing of Ms. Beverly Ann Lee of Florence, SC. With humble submission to the call of God, Ms. Lee transitioned on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 in McLeod Regional Medical Center following an illness.

Funeral service was 11 AM on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 in the Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home Chapel. Private interment will take place at a later date. For those planning to attend the service in the chapel, please adhere to mask wearing. There will also be a limit of individuals at the service, please visit Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home Facebook page for live streaming of this service.

Obituary

Ms. Beverly Ann Lee was born January 19, 1953 in Darlington, South Carolina a daughter of the late Oram and Lillie Mae Samuel Lee. She entered into her final resting place on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

At an early age, she moved to New York City and received her education in the New York City school system.

“Ann,” as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was a stay-at-home mom that took good care of her daughter, Evonne, and played an active role in her daughter’s life. Attending and assisting Evonne’s school teachers, being a Teacher’s Aide or whatever help she could do at her daughter’s elementary school brought great joy to “Ann”. She kept Evonne in many different activities: ballet, tap, playing the clarinet just to name a few.

Later in her life, she relocated back to her origins of South Carolina to help take care of her parents. In doing so, she found an independence in herself. She started working at the library and enjoyed it, also Home Health Care Work and enjoyed meeting and helping her clients. As a grandma, “Ann” was the best grandma she could be. She loved her grandchildren as if they were her own. She spent her time raising her grandchildren, helping her sisters and being a good mother.
Those left to cherish her memory are: a daughter, Evonne (Samuel) Singletary of Darlington, SC; two sisters, Veronica Joyce Lee of the home and Helen Lee of the Bronx, New York; four brothers: Hugh Lee, Curley Lee of Loris, South Carolina, Oram (Kathy) Lee of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bernard Lee of New York; two grandchildren: Indira Roberson and Antwine Roberson; six nieces and nephews: Deidre (Glen ) Glover, Leslie (Eric) Hamilton, Pourshea (Jamar) Cunningham, Bobby Lee, Curtis (Stefania) Lee and Andrew Lee; two aunts: Lawrencenia Myers and Magnolia Johnson; a host of great nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Oram and Lillie Mae Lee and a sister, Evonne Lilorene Lee.

Please keep relatives and friends of Ms. Beverly Ann Lee in your thoughts and prayers.

Visitations for relatives and friends is held at 1416 Sunburst Drive, Darlington.