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December 23, 2021
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Obituary for Alfonza Williams

Mr. Alfonza Williams, son of the late Rayfield and Cora Darden Williams was born on March 29, 1940 in Lewiston, North Carolina. He was called home to eternal rest on December 17, 2021.

Mr. Alfonza was a graduate of John B. School in Lewiston, North Carolina.

Mr. Alfonza was joined in marital bliss to Mrs. Deloris.

Mr. Alfonza was employed at General Motors in Terrytown, New York for 28 years in the Material Trim Department.

Mr. Alfonza was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Rayfield and Mrs. Cora Darden Williams; a son, Mr. Alphonso Williams, Jr.; and two sisters, Mrs. Lois Futrell and Mrs. Barbara Cherry.

Mr. Alfonza Williams, an avid New York Giants fan, a man of love, laughter, kindness, integrity, and wisdom will be remembered for his extraordinary gift of caring.

Mr. Alfonza leaves to cherish his precious memories: his wife, Mrs. Delores Williams; two daughters, Ms. Alfreda Williams and Mrs. Wanda (Michael) Haslam of Yonkers, New York; two brothers, Mr. Harry (Joan) Williams of Elmsford, New York and Mr. Ernest (Catherine) Williams of Hampton, Virginia; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Please keep the family of Alfonza Williams in your thoughts and prayers

Obituary for Evelyn Woodberry

Mrs. Evelyn Andrews Woodberry, age 86, of Pamplico, South Carolina, departed this earthly life on December 15, 2021 at McLeod Hospice Hospital after a brief illness.

Evelyn, the tenth of eleven children, was born on January 3, 1935, to the late Billy Cuttino Sr. and Catherine Gregg Andrews.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Mill Branch African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. She was a devout Christian who loved the Lord deeply. She supported the church faithfully in many ways, including singing in the Senior choir, serving on the Stewardess Board, Women’s Missionary Society and the YPD (Young People’s Department). In 1994, Evelyn was appointed to the Steward Board and worked as the church secretary. As an adviser to the YPDers, Evelyn always made Christmas special for the children in Mill Branch and the community by giving each child a “Belkie” Bear.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Business Education in 1956, she went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Business Education from South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, SC in 1973. A lifelong learner and teacher, Evelyn continued her education and received additional qualifications beyond her Master’s degree at the University of South Carolina and at Francis Marion University in Florence, SC.

Evelyn worked in the public schools of South Carolina as a classroom teacher beginning in McClellanville, Charleston County and continued to Florence County Schools, Districts Four, Two and before retiring District One. She served as an administrator in Florence County District One for more than twenty years. Often thought of as the educators’ educator, many of her former students have become educators themselves. Her influence spanned more than sixty (60) years in educational service. In 2016, the Florence County School Board named the Business Department wing of the Florence Career Center, the Evelyn Woodberry Center in her honor.

Evelyn’s contributions to the community, both inside schools and out, have touched countless lives. She was a member of the South Carolina Education Association, the National Education Association, the South Carolina Association of Technical Educators, was named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and School Administrators and was a long-time member of the “Lady Dozen” Club. Evelyn also served as a board member for the Florence County Library and the Pee Dee Federal Credit Union. Because of her selflessness, contributions and invaluable service, Evelyn was also inducted as an Honorary member of United ’74, Inc, an organization developed to have an impact on the lives of underserved members of the community.

On June 28, 1959, Evelyn married her sweetheart, Jack Benjamin Woodberry.

Evelyn and Jack were blessed with one daughter, Kristal Woodberry.

Evelyn is predeceased by her husband, Jack Woodberry; parents, Billy Cuttino Sr. and Catherine Gregg Andrews; four brothers, Billy Cuttino Andrews Jr., Charles (Clyde) Andrews, Foster Andrews, and John (Marlene) Andrews Sr.; four sisters, Mary “Tay” (Jethro) Bailey, Minda (George Sr.) Hunter, Clarice Andrews, and Eunice Andrews; and brother in-law Levern Grant.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristal Woodberry; one sister, Lizzie Andrews Grant; one brother, DeLeon (Anne) Andrews, Sr.; one sister-in-law, Rosan Andrews and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

Please keep the family of Evelyn A. Woodberry in your thought and prayers.

Obituary for Moneshia Nenelette Lambert

Sister Moneshia Nenelette Lambert was 37, and departed this life Monday December 13, 2021 in Marion County. She was the daughter of Deloris Lambert.

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel on Monday December 20, 2021 at 2:00 pm. She will be laid to rest at Job Cemetery, Marion. Services will be live-streamed on the Jackson & McGill Facebook Page.

The family of Sister Moneshia Nenelette Lambert 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 Lambert 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 Emma Jean Brown

Sister Emma Jean Owens Brown was 68, and departed this life Wednesday December 15, 2021 in Marietta Georgia.

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel on Tuesday December 21, 2021 at 2:00 pm. She will be laid to rest at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family of Sister Emma Jean Owens Brown 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 Brown 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 Laura Hopkins

Laura “Puna” Hopkins, daughter of the late Jim “Papa” Hopkins and Laura Mae (Gunter) Hopkins, was born February 21, 1953 in Richland County. She entered the gates of Heaven on December 16, 2021 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter after a short illness. Laura graduated in 1971 from Webber High School. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior; joined and was a faithful member of Victory Church in Sumter. Those who truly knew Laura knew that she was wholesome, strong-willed and brutally honest. She was not one to bite her tongue nor mince words. She gave it to you straight and sometimes unfiltered. But there was also that sweet, loving side; the one she lavished mostly on her grandchildren whom she loved dearly and who loved her beyond words. She will truly be missed. Laura is survived by her children, Shonda (Andrew Moye) Brown, Carlisha Brown, Cathea (Enoch Pam) Brown and Natosha (Timothy Jacobs) Anderson all of Sumter; her mother, Laura Hopkins of Eastover; sisters, Eloise (Daniel) Hemingway of Rocky Mount, N. C., Mattie Hopkins of Pinewood, Maepop Wright and Junie Hopkins both of Columbia; eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation at the home, 4345 Confederate Road, Sumter. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p. m., Wednesday, December 22, 2021, in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home, Inc., 821 North Main Street, Sumter, with Bishop E. R. Graham, officiating. The procession will leave the home at 12:20 p. m. Burial will be in the Bethesda Baptist Church Cemetery, 4745 Highway 15 South, Sumter.

Obituary for Lenette Roberta Brisbon

Evangelist Lenette Roberta Brisbon was born on July 3, 1965, to the late Edward and Margaret Pearson Brisbon. She transitioned from labor to reward on December 14, 2021. Though she was a native of Hartsville, SC, Lenette spent a good portion of her years residing in Norcross and Stockbridge, Georgia. At the time of her death, she resided in Selma, Alabama.

Lenette always excelled academically, graduating with honors from Hartsville High School. She eventually went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Carolina, two master’s degrees and was recently pursuing a doctorate degree at Liberty University. She was a lifelong learner and enjoyed a challenge.

Lenette was also passionate about studying the word of God, reading, researching, cooking, and fashion. She was very meticulous in her appearance and loved shoes, clothes, and jewelry. She was a great cook and was a wonderful baker. She was a whiz at assembling things and completing projects. She was often sought out to help with business plans, non-profit business proposals, academic work such as research papers and many other things. Lenette had a beautiful voice and sang with several groups and choirs. She had a servant’s heart and always went the extra mile for the people she cared about. She was generous and very loyal. Despite many health challenges, she was so resilient and unwavering in her faith in the Lord.

Lenette gave her life to the Lord at a young age, answered the call to ministry, and served faithfully. She was serious about the things of God. She loved the Lord and loved to give him praise! She often poured into others, offering kindness, encouragement, and biblical guidance. At the time of her death, she was a member of the Holiness Temple Church of Christ in Prayer where Bishop Reginald Wells is the pastor. At Holiness Temple, she served as an evangelist, church youth worker, hospitality worker, intercessor, and administrative assistant to the Bishop and First Lady. She was also an administrator of IYAM (Impacting Youth through Arts and Mentoring) where her efforts of support have been invaluable as a great organizer who was knowledgeable about legal practices and the establishment of businesses.

Though she did not have children, she regarded the children in her life as her own. She was very special to her nieces and nephews. Lenette would laugh at just about anything and loved having a good time. She loved spending time with family and enjoyed attending church events.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Margaret Pearson Brisbon, and nephew Delvan Howard Caine. Surviving to cherish her memory are her sister Elder Petitia Caine of Darlington, SC, brothers Keith Vinson of Hartsville, SC, and Bobby Vinson of Columbia, SC; nieces Trekeelia (Kenton) Simon of Rock Hill, SC, Neia Caine of Florence, SC, Blaeten Caine of Darlington, SC and Emerald Caine of Charlotte, NC; a spiritual mother, Inez Thomas of Atlanta, Ga; special friends Kenya White of Columbia, SC, Pastor Deloris Duncan of Marion, SC, and Bishop Reginald and First Lady Dr. Renee Wells of Selma, AL; special nieces and nephews Reggie Wells Jr., Keturah Wells, James Wells, and Jada Wells, all of Selma, AL; her Temple Church Family, the Selma City Personnel Family, and a host of other relatives and friends.