Ms. Blanche Evelyn Davenport

Batesburg, SC - Homegoing Services for Ms. Blanche Evelyn Davenport, 76, will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the St. Mark Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Rd, Leesville, SC, where Pastor Rev. Dr. Amos O. Harling, Jr., will officiate.

Visitation for Ms. Blanche Evelyn Davenport will be Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Batesburg-Leesville, SC.

Ms. Blanche Evelyn Davenport was born May 9, 1949. She departed this life on November 14, 2025.

Mrs. Sallie Ann Corley Pue

Homegoing Services for Mrs. Sallie Ann Corley Pue will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 258 Line Street, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, where Reverend Ronnie Peterson is the officiating pastor.

On Monday, November 3, 2025, Sallie Ann Corley Pue answered the call of our Lord and Savior, entering eternal rest at a specialty care hospital in Augusta, Georgia.  

Sallie Ann was born August 17, 1945, in Lexington County to the late Floyd and Willette Clark Corley. She was preceded in death by siblings, William, John Phillip, Marion, Willie Henry, and Floyd Corley Jr., Doris Ann Corley, Sara Mae Corley Quattlebaum and Bessie Corley Jackson.  

At a very young age, Sallie Ann accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  She joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church where she was a member of the Floral Club.  She was a graduate of Twin City High School and a member of the Twin City High School Alumni Association.  She was a member of the Twin City Chapter #243, Order of Eastern Star.   

Sallie Ann married George Pue, Sr. in 1967 and moved to New Haven, Connecticut. She became a member of Faith Baptist Church and was a member of the choir.  Sallie Ann was employed at the VA Hospital in West Haven, Connecticut for 37 years. She retired in 2007 and returned to Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina in 2008. 

Sallie was a dedicated servant in the Lord’s house and willing to help in any way she could. She enjoyed traveling, dancing, cooking, talking, and spending time with family and friends. 

She leaves behind to celebrate her life and cherish her memories: her husband of 58 years, George Pue, Sr. of the home; three sons, George Pue, Jr. and Derrick Pue, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Terry Pue of New Haven, Connecticut and one daughter, Wendy Pue (Joseph Jr.) Hawkins of Augusta, Georgia; twenty-one grandchildren, two nephews and three nieces that were raised in the home, John P. (Joyce) Corley, Jr. of New Haven, Connecticut and Bobby Corley Gantt of Maryland; Gabriela, Patricia, and Gail; three brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Rakeem "Duke" Deshaun West

Homegoing Services for Mr. Rakeem Deshaun West will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the New Fellowship PH Church, 402 Highland Avenue, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, where Pastor Ricky Long officiated.

Rakeem Deshaun West, 35, son of Timothy and Mary Ann West, was born June 27,1990 at Lexington County Hospital in Lexington, SC. He departed his earthly life to receive his heavenly crown on Wednesday, October 29,2025 at Prisma Health Richland, Columbia, SC.

Rakeem was a joyful and lively soul, bringing smiles to all that were in his presence. No one was a stranger. He was a devoted and loving father to all his children. All that knew him knew he was a protector of his family.

Rakeem received his education from the Batesburg-Leesville School System. He will be dearly missed by all of his friends and loved ones.  

Those left to cherish his memories are:  his parents, Timothy and Mary Ann West of the home; sister, Venesha West of Batesburg-Leesville, SC; eight children, Jaliah Abney-Green of Saluda, SC, Braylan Davis, Jada Reed, Elijah Williams, Royalty West, Kaycen West, Kylan West and DeVeha West, all of the home; a devoted loved one, Jessica Jeffery; two nephews, Tamarion West and Amare Odom, both of Batesburg-Leesville, SC; a niece, Ma’Kylah Merriweather of Batesburg-Leesville, SC; seven aunts, Nora Bell West, Janie Ruth Todman and Roberta (Jerome) Culbreath, all of Batesburg-Leesville, SC, Thelma Daniels and Tina Daniels, both of Monetta, SC, and Lillie Mae Jones of Aiken, SC; five uncles, Elzie (Katie) West of Lexington, SC, Ned (Heidi) West, Jr. of Illinois, Eddie (Lachelle) Daniels of Saluda, SC, Lee Daniels and Bernard Daniels, both of Monetta, SC; special cousin, Jalessa West of Columbia, SC. and a host of other sorrowful cousins, friends and loved ones that will all cherish their special memories.   

Ms. Maggie Louvina Cyrus

Ridge Spring, SC - Homegoing Services for Ms. Maggie Louvina Cyrus will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Young Second Baptist Church, 300 Ridge Hill Drive, Ridge Spring, SC 29129.

Ms. Maggie Louvina Cyrus, daughter of the late Ollie “Buster” and Annie L. Cyrus was born April 26, 1943. She transitioned from this life into eternal rest, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in the home after declining health.

She was a native of Ridge Spring, SC.  She received her education at Ridge Hill High School, Ridge Spring, SC.

At an early age, she joined Young Second Baptist Church, serving on the church choirs and the Women Society. She was always caring for others. She was a very faithful member until her health began to decline. 

 During her working life, she dedicated 44 years at Ridge Spring-Monetta School District. She also worked in the healthcare industry assisting the elderly and disabled. 

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by one son, Derrick Cyrus, Sr., Ridge Spring, SC.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: two sons; Jacob P. Cyrus (Donna) of Fontana, CA; James C. Cyrus, Ridge Spring SC; one sister, Leoris E. Cyrus, Monetta, SC; one sister-n-law, Mazel Cyrus; seven grandchildren; Jacob P. Cyrus, Jr., Jaren Cyrus, one granddaughter, Celisse Miller, Derrick Cyrus, Jr., Brittany Cyrus; 9 great grands; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Joann Smith Christie

Homegoing services for Mrs. Joann Smith Christie are scheduled for 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 258 Line Street, Batesburg SC 29006.  Burial will be at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Joann (G.I. Joe) Smith Christie, 69, of Batesburg, SC entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Columbia SC. She was the daughter of the late Willie and Josephine Smith.

Joann was educated in the public schools of Lexington County and was a graduate of the Batesburg-Leesville High School Class of 1974. Upon graduation she joined the U.S. Army, where she served as a Nurse. Later in life Joann met the love of her life, Wesley Wayne Christie. This union was blessed with 36 years of marriage.

Joann was a member of the New Joy Deliverance Church where she served as an Usher, Choir Member and Missionary Ministry member.

Joann was a fun-loving free spirit. All who knew Joann loved her for her gregarious character. She did not meet strangers throughout her life. Joann loved music, DANCING, singing, cars and everyone that knew her smiled and anticipated her jovial qualities.

Joann was preceded in death by three siblings, Willie Smith Jr., Tequila Smith and Jeanette Thomas; one special niece, Simone Bowman; and one special nephew, Lamar Brannon.

Those left to cherish her precious memories are a husband, Wesley Wayne Christie of the home; one daughter, Nicole Hendrix of Batesburg-Leesville SC; one son, Henry Hendrix of Batesburg-Leesville, SC; two sisters, Betty Jean Johnson (Alexander) of Batesburg-Leesville, SC and Geraldine Christie of North Augusta, SC; nine grandchildren, Shaniah Hendrix, Darrian Hendrix, Quaishia Hendrix, Tyhem Quattlebaum, Jaden Hendrix, Makari Hendrix, Lyric Hendrix, Kaleah Hendrix, Alaiza Abney; two great grand, Zuri Grooms, Emersyn Taylor; nieces, Toshus Johnson, Naomi Smith, Jacqueline (Greg) Baker, Williemae (Thrence) Johnson; nephews, Taurus Thomas, Alexander Johnson Jr., Jacqueal Johnson; a host great nieces and nephews, Goddaughters, bonus daughters, bonus grands, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends who will miss her dearly.

Mr. B. J. Jennings

In Loving Memory

Mr. B.J. Jennings was born January 24, 1947 in Saluda County, South Carolina to the late M.C. Jennings and the late Carrie Lee Etheredge Jennings.  He departed this earthly life on Monday, July 7, 2025.

He attended Twin City High School in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.  He later attended Midlands Technical College and earned a degree in welding.  In his later years, he moved to Columbia, South Carolina.

In addition to both his parents, B.J. was preceded in death by a son, Donald Jennings and a great-granddaughter, Tierra Jennings.

He leaves to cherish his memories:  his son, Dermon Jerome Jennings; three sisters, Cheryl Jennings Harris and Gwendolyn (Willie) Carroll, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Donnette Jennings of Blackville, South Carolina and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends who will miss him dearly.

Ms. Shawanda Monique Robinson Ulin

Celebration of Life Services for Ms. Shawanda Monique Robinson Ulin will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 12:00 pm at the Ridge Branch Baptist Church, located at 1111 Church Road, Ridge Spring, SC 29129, where Reverend William N. Yarber is Pastor.

 Shawanda Monique Robinson Ulin, was born August 14, 1985 to Meshelle Robinson and Ricky Lundley. She was a graduate of the Batesburg-Leesville High School Class of 2004.  Upon graduating, she later attended Virginia College, where she received her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate and Bachelor Degree.

Shawanda loved everybody, had a beautiful attitude and a beautiful smile. She was a very talented young lady that loved to cook, eat cabbage, collards and spend time with family and friends. She loved to write poems and keep herself looking good. She was a good mother to her three beautiful children.

Shawanda is preceded in death by a brother, Rickey Jelani Robinson Sr.; maternal grandparents, Henrietta Smith Buckett and Joe Ben Robinson; paternal grandparents, Lila and Alton Ludley. Terri Ludley, James Lino, Dorothy (Phillips) Parks, Roger Sr., Roger Jr. and Kenneth Ludley.

She leaves to cherish her memories: a husband, Kenneth Ulin Sr.; mother, Meshelle Robinson Myers; father, Ricky (Yvette) Ludley; children, O’mari Wigfall, Tomaya Mack and Kenneth Ulin Jr.; five sisters, Francesa Fuller,  Larickia Ludley, Jalisa Kelly, Shyteria Lytes and Fierra Cottrell; mother-in-law, Mary Ulin; aunts, Patricia Dennison, Faye Ludley, Alnita Ludley, Carolyn Ludley, Teresa Robinson, Shirley Smith and Geraldine Williams; two uncles, Joe L. (Doris) Robinson, Ravern and Theodore Robinson; sisters-in-law, Helen Black, Gene Williams, Teresa Fishburn, Nadine Fishburn and Bernice Turvent; special friend of family, Sharon Ludley, and a host of sorrowful family and friends.

Mr. Charles Johnson

Homegoing Services for Mr. Charles Johnson will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, 604 Howard Street, Batesburg, SC, 29006. Military rites and committal will be held at the Fort Jackson Military Cemetery in Columbia, SC at 2:00 PM.

MR. CHARLES LOELLE JOHNSON, 74, affectionately known as “Sho-Tyme”, son of the late Sallie Mae J. Cannon and the late Clyde Johnson, was born February 4, 1951. He was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning, May 28, 2025.

Mr. Johnson was a graduate of Rosenwald High School in Lexington County. He was a retired veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Operation Desert Storm and honorably discharged at the rank of E-4.

Sho-Tyme was loved and respected by any and every one he came across…he was a happy, joyous gentleman who loved to sit and read romance novels and watch his favorite shows which were westerns and comedies. Sho-Tyme will be missed dearly by all whose lives he touched.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by both of his parents as well as two brothers, one sister, three nephews and one niece. He leaves to honor his passing: two daughters, Christina J. and Chiquita P.; one son, Johnny H.; two sisters, Mary “Tissie” Johnson and Teresa Martin; one brother, Clyde Johnson; two step-brothers, Jeffrey Cannon and John T. “J.T.” Cannon; one aunt, Susane Summers; two grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends who will miss him dearly.

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Mr. Haskell Murray, Jr.

Haskell Murray, Jr. was born April 22, 1953 in Batesburg, SC to the late Haskell L. & Flossie Williams Murray.

Haskell departed this earthly life on Thursday June 5, 2025 at Pruitt Nursing Home in Aiken, SC.

Haskell was employed at Black’s Tire Service and Stone’s Tire Service for many years.

He became a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Batesburg, SC at an early age.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Haskell & Flossie Murray; three sisters, Flossie Gantt, Lula Murray and Gracie Foulks; two brothers, Donald Murray and Ronald Murray; a special niece, Jackie Carson.

His memories will be cherished by his loved ones: a sister, Leoma (Mark) Adams; a brother, Willie Leon Murray; caregivers (niece & nephew) Willie & Laura Murray of Monetta, SC; five nephews, Donald (Denise) Murray of West Columbia, SC, James (Debra) Murray of Monetta, SC, Bobby (Robin) Gantt of Batesburg, SC, David (Nancy) Murray of Greenville, SC and Elroy Carson of Columbia, SC; one niece, Tiffany (OJ) Gantt of Batesburg, SC; a brother-in-law, Donnie Gantt; a special cousin, Earlene (Bobby) Williams of Batesburg, SC; bonus brother, Wayne Black; bonus sister, Deanne Black, bonus nephew, Jeremy Black; bonus niece, Meredith Black and a special friend, Larry Stone. A host of great nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who will miss him truly.   

Funeral Services were held on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the New Fellowship Outreach Ministries in Batesburg, SC, with Pastor Ricky Long presiding.

Pearleen Tolen Speaks

Services for Pearleen Tolen Speaks will be 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at St. James CME Church,.133 Summerland Ave, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006.  Pastor Davis will be officiating.

Mrs. Pearleen Tolen Speaks was born on March 18, 1938 in Johnston, S.C. to the late Ernest (Jack) and Marie (Merritt) Tolen. She departed her life on Friday, March 28, 2025 in the Lexington Medical Center Hospital, Lexington, S.C. Pearleen was a graduate of Twin City High School Class of 1956, Batesburg, S.C. After graduating high school and pursuing a career as a cook which she loved, she met and married Willie Speaks, Jr. To this union four children were born Burnelle, Willie lll, James Frank (deceased) and Gregory Speaks.

Pearleen was employed at LMC, Lexington, S.C. and at Roberts Restaurant in Leesville, S.C. Also years later after the restaurant closed, she re-opened it and was the proprietor. She also sold Amway and traveled to different parts of the world.

Pearleen loved her children, family and everyone she came in contact with. She loved her church, and the missionary society, where she was the president until her death. She also loved doing work of the Lord, her pastor, Rev. Davis and first lady Evangelist Joyce Walker Davis, and her members. She believed in trying to keep us straight!

She leaves to cherish her memories loving children Brunelle Speaks Pace, of the home, Willie Speaks lll (Tina) of Gaston, SC and Gregory Speaks of Lexington, SC, adopted sister Mary Jennings (Charlie) of Batesburg, SC; Lucille Dubin, Johnston, SC, Ann Ethel Weaver of NY City, and Liz Dozier of Pennsylvania, all cousins; Mamie Lee Tolen, sister-in-law of Newberry, SC, Shamtrice Speaks, daughter-in- law of Batesburg, SC, two step- daughters Jenelle and Dorothy Gortman, of Prosperity, SC; 27 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and other nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss her; two great friends Patty and Amy. Special thanks to the staff of LMC, caregivers over the years she was sick Tracie Williams, Charidy Powell, Regina and Daisy Mae Broadwater & Shalonda Smith, also who we might have missed.