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.

Lanies Gray, Sr.

Homegoing Services for Lanies Gray Sr. will be on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Ridge Branch Baptist Church, 601 Church Road, Ridge Spring, SC with Reverend W. N. Yarber officiating.

Lanies Gray Sr., 87, of Monetta, SC entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 28, 2025 at his home. He was the son of the late Matthew (Doc) Gray and Marie Blocker Gray.

Mr. Gray was educated in the public schools of Lexington County. He worked at Burlington Mills of Batesburg, SC until they closed their doors. Then he went to work at American Fiber Finishing in Newberry, SC until he retired. Mr. Gray was married to the late Bobby Jean Tolen Gray for 57 years.

Mr. Gray was proceeded in death by his wife; Bobby J. Tolen Gray; three daughters, Deloris Gray Rowe, Tracey Lynn Gray and Linda Marie Bush; one son, Lanies Gray Jr.; one grandson, Patrick O’neal Gray.

Those left to cherish his precious memories are one daughter, Laura Gray of the home; two sons, Lawrence (Renee) Gray of Batesburg-Leesville and Larry (Angela) Gray of Columbia, SC; three granddaughters raised in the home, Tikia Gray of Leesville, SC, Shannon Rowe and Latoya (Warren) McLean both of Monetta, SC; one daughter-in-law, Linda K. Gray of Batesburg, SC; one son-in-law, Howard Rowe of Monetta, SC; two sisters, Ora Bell Whitt of Lexington, SC and Barbara Hands of Patterson, NJ; three brothers, Kenneth (Shirley) Morris Sr. of Leesville, SC, Billy (Sara) Gray of Monetta, SC and Raymond Gray of Patterson, NJ; four sister-in-laws, Sallie Ann Tolen of Batesburg, SC, Vernell Moss of Atlanta Ga,, Gail (James) Stewart of Stone Mountain, Ga. and Jean Moss of Tampa Fla.; three brother-in-laws, Carl Tolen of Leesville, SC, TC Farrow of Saluda , SC and Darnell (Susie) Moss of Chattanooga Tenn. Nineteen grandchildren, fifty great grandchildren, and six great- great-grands a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends who will miss him dearly. 

Ms. Janie M. Jennings

Ms. Janie M. Jennings

Batesburg, SC - Homegoing Services for Ms. Janie M. Jennings will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 2 pm at St. Matthew CME Church, 214 S Lee St Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070 with interment at B & L Memorial Cemetery.

Janie Myers Jennings, daughter of the late Isaiah and Thelma Myers was born May 26, 1952, in Saluda County, SC.  

She attended the local schools in Batesburg, SC.  Janie quit school and started working before graduating from Twin City High School.  She eventually went back to night school and got her high school diploma. 

Janie joined the St. Matthews C.M.E Church at an early age and it has been her home church all her life.  

Janie worked at Knights Industries, Milliken Industries, Burlington, Glassmasters, KJ’s, KFC, Generations, and Babcock Center, where she enjoyed making people smile with her kind heart. She was always willing to help others in any type of way. 

Janie was a devoted mother of three children. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her two siblings Walter Myers and Anette Bynem; two sons, Donald L. Jennings and Dewhite Jennings; one grandchild, Tiara S. Jennings; and one great-grandchild, Isiah Jennings.

Those left to cherish her memories are her children; Desiree M. Cannon of Gilbert, SC; Dermon L. Jennings of Florida; one sister, Jeanette Hill of Batesburg, SC; three grandchildren, Kobe F. Myers, Va’Dole C. Cannon, and Tiffany S. Jennings; two great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Ms. Thomasina (Tom) Adams

Funeral Services for Ms. Thomasina (Tom) Adams will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Olive Branch Baptist Church, 122 S Oak St Batesburg-Leesville, SC, 29006 with Rev. James Dukes, Pastor officiating. Viewing will be on Thursday, 2/13/2025, at the Amos & Sons Chapel Batesburg from 12:00 - 6:00 pm.

Ms. Thomasina (Tom) Adams was born May 1, 1951 in Batesburg, South Carolina. She is the daughter of the late Earnest T. and Gracie Lee Davis Adams. She entered into eternal rest on February 7, 2025 at Lexington County Medical Center, West Columbia, South Carolina.

Thomasina was educated in the Twin City School system in Batesburg South Carolina. At an early age she joined Wesley Chapel C.M.E. Church and later joined Olive Branch Baptist Church of Batesburg South Carolina.

She worked at Walmart store in Batesburg, South Carolina since 2007.

She is preceded in death by her brothers, Major Adams, William D. “Billy” Adams and Earnest “Jet” Adams, Jr, one sister Levivian “Lee” Robinson Bamberg, her daughter, Tanya Adams and grandson Davon Adams, one great grandson Michaiel O’mail Boyd, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories; a daughter Sheila Adams of Batesburg South Carolina, three sons-Timothy J. Adams of Lexington South Carolina, Clarence (Malinda) Adams of Batesburg, South Carolina and Eric Adams of Columbia South Carolina; two sisters, Helen (James) Sumpter of Batesburg, South Carolina, Ollie Mae Foulks of West Columbia, South Carolina, a Godson, Derious “DJ” Williams, special friends Kenya Cunningham Tolen, Angela Hill, Angie Abney. A very special friend Carl Tolen; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and many sorrowing friends.

Mr. James Dozier

Homegoing Services for Mr. James Dozier were held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 12:00 noon at the Ridge Branch Baptist Church, 601 Church Road, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, where Reverend Willian N. Yarber officiated. Interment was in the Ridge Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr. James Dozier, 63, son of the late Frank Brazie Dozier and the late Rose Mae Dozier, was born in Newberry County, South Carolina on October 24, 1961. After a lengthy illness, he was granted his wings and went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 27, 2025.

James was educated in the publivc schools of Lexington County District 3, graduating from Batesburg-Leesville High School in the Class of 1981. He was employed by Amick’s Farm until his health declined.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents and two brothers-in-law, Lanies Gray Jr. and Johnny Tolen.

He leaves behind to mourn his passing, his wife, Bridget Dozier; a son, James Frank Blair, Jr.; a stepdaughter, Jelisse Blair, two stepsons, David Blair and Carduris Blair; six brothers, Glenn (Mary Ann) Dozier, Ricky (Tameka) Dozier, Steven (Lynn) Dozier, Larry (Diane) Dozier, Frank Dozier and Willie Lee Dozier; three sisters, Mary Whitt, Linda Gray, and Janice (Aarol) Wedderburn; one brother-in-law, James Blair; three sisters-in-law, Latesha Blair, Tawanda Blair and Dorothy Blair; a devoted friend and caregiver, Janet Wigfall; nine grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Remedee Jennings-Leaphart

Homegoing Services for Mr. Remedee Jennings-Leaphart were held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 3:00 pm at the Celebration Church, 1765 Batesburg Hwy., Batesburg, SC 29006. Interment was at Wesley Chapel CME Church Cemetery.

Remedee Damon Jennings-Leaphart was born in Lexington County, South Carolina on August 26, 2003. He was the son of Shawanda Cannon and Clifford Jennings and stepfather, Dread Smith. On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Remedee entered into eternal rest. He is loved and missed by family and friends.

Remedee joined Wesley Chapel CME Church, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina at an early age. He graduated from Ridge Spring-Monetta High School on June 2, 2022. He played football, basketball and baseball. Remedee broke multiple school records.

He worked for Shaw Industries for two years and enjoyed producing music in his spare time. Remedee enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was known as a true “Momma’s Boy” and loved his Grandma Sally, Sister Aniyah, Auntie Nicole and Uncle Daquan.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Mitchell Cannon; maternal great grandparents, Lucretia “Sissy” and Alonza Leaphart; paternal great-grandparents, Kurlina Gardener and Tim Cannon; an aunt, Shirley Leaphart Green and an uncle, Leon Leaphart.

Remedee’s memories are cherished by his mother and stepfather, Shawanda Cannon and Dread Smith of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; his father, Clifford Jennings of Orangeburg, South Carolina; his sister, Aniyah Jennings-Leaphart of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; his brothers, Deon Staley, Mason Jennings and Brendan Jennings; maternal grandmother, Sally Mae Leaphart of Gilbert, South Carolina; paternal grandparents, Tonnie Williams of Gilbert, South Carolina and Charles Aaron of Aiken, South Carolina; ten god-siblings; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, and special friends, Nytia, Zykorrian, Darrian and Montez.

Mrs. Joann Brown

Homegoing Services for Mrs. Joann Brown will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm at St. Mark Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Rd, Leesville, SC 29070. Rev. Dr. Amos O. Harling, Pastor, will officiate.

Deaconess Joann Brown was a beloved wife, parent, sibling, and friend, whose life was a testament to kindness, perseverance, and the quiet strength that comes from living with purpose and compassion.

Born on December 7, 1955, Joann was born to the late Horace and Gladys McKiever. A proud graduate of Batesburg-Leesville High School, Joann poured back into her community after establishing her family and took pride in the role that she played on Bus 19. Serving Lexington School District 3 for many years, she became a beacon of the community and was loved by all children who rode her bus.

Those who knew Joann would describe her as someone who brought warmth into every room, someone whose laughter could light up even the darkest of days. She lived a life grounded in love for family and friends, always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, and a heart open to those in need.

Joann was a dedicated member of Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully on the usher board, deaconess ministry, and couples ministry. She found joy in serving others and being a comfort and shoulder to lean on. It was in the way she made others feel that her true legacy lives on - by making them feel seen, heard, and valued.

Joann was preceded in death by her brothers, James Leo McKiever, Sr. and Larry D. McKiever; brother-in-law, Julius (Annie) Richardson; and sister-in-law, Patricia Brown.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Willie Brown; her children, Willeana (Dionsyius) Kearse and Delvin (Ami) Brown. She is also survived by her brother, Deacon Jimmy (Deaconess Eva) McKiever, Sr.; sister-in-laws, Sylvia Brown, Marie Lytes, and Betty Jean McKiever; and grandchildren, Shandrai Brown, Dai’Marcus Brown, Dionysia Kearse, Mackenzie Brown, Ryan Kearse, Aleena Perez, Khloe Brown, Jaxson Williams, and Javen Brown; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, as well as many beloved friends who are left to celebrate her life.

Almonzoe Cromer

Homegoing Services for Mr. Almonzoe Cromer will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm at St. Mark Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Rd, Leesville, SC 29070. Rev. Dr. Amos O. Harling, Pastor, will officiate.

Mr. Almonzoe Cromer, son of Darlene Cromer and the late Tony Dudley, was born January 20,1981 at Newberry Memorial Hospital in Newberry SC. He departed his earthly life on Friday November 29,2024 in Clinton SC.

Almonzoe was a 2001 graduate of Newberry High School in Newberry SC. After graduating, Almonzoe came back to Batesburg to reside with his God Parents Herbert (Patisha) Small and his God Brothers Tabias Dozier and Axazier Small. During this time Almonzoe worked at Amicks Farms in Batesburg SC and Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia where he took pride in his work.

Almonzoe loved Fishing and Football— especially the Dallas Cowboys. Nobody had a bad word to say about Almonzoe. He had a heart of gold, and he loved everybody, especially his family. Almonzoe was always the life of the party. His big smile could light up any room. Even when he wasn’t feeling good, Almonzoe had to make everybody laugh.

Almonzoe health started declining after he spent several months in Lexington Medical Center due to Covid causing his kidneys to fail and him having to take dialysis. Almonzoe fought these last three years with everything he had with the help of his wife Felicia West-Cromer.

Almonzoe was preceded in death by his father, the late Tony (Paula) Dudley, and his bother Tavares Dudley.

Those left to cherish his precious memories are his wife, Felicia Cromer, and Step-Daughter, Deshondria Youmans, of the home, his mother, Darlene Cromer, brothers Omar Cromer, Adrian Cromer, Terrence Dudley, Tony Dudley Jr., and Stacyce Etheredge; his sisters Tyronza Cromer and Zukera (Micheal) Moon; brothers in laws George West and Jerome (Trell) Johnson;. sisters in law, Lakeisha West and Nicole (Tony) Wright; maternal grandparents Johnny (Virginia) Cromer and Bertha White; uncles, Clayton (Allean) Dudley, Quieton Myers, Dawayne Sims, and Roderick Morris.; aunts Tonette Robinson, Dell Willaims, Kathy Cromer, Sharon Cromer, Ebony Burkett, Julie Brown, Rasheda (Beverly) Morris-Peterson; god-daughters Arie Adams, Miracle Risher, Nicole Valentine, Jashlynn Battles, Jalaysha Edmond; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Tavon O'Lonzo Waters

Batesburg-Leesville, SC — Homegoing services for Mr. Tavon Waters will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Wesley Chapel CME Church, 1501 Double Bridges Road, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.

Mr. Tavon O’Lonzo Waters, 33, was born July 2, 1991 in West Columbia, South Carolina to Aaron S. Waters and Edna (Cornelius) Cheeseboro.  He transitioned on Monday, October 7, 2024.

Tavon attended Wesley Chapel CME Church, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina as a child, singing on the Children’s Choir.  He graduated from Batesburg-Leesville High School in 2009.  After high school, Tavon studied for three years at South Carolina State University, then worked several jobs before his employment with Michelin Tires.  Tavon was employed by Michelin Tires for the past eight years.

Tavon was known for the smile he kept on his face, regardless of how he felt.  He loved his wife and children dearly.  He always made sure all his family, especially cousins, nieces and nephews were, in his words, “straight.”  Tavon loved everyone.

Tavon was preceded in death by grandparents, Willie and Leola Butler and four aunts – Ann Williams, Willette Jenkins, Marion Butler and Tasha Waters.

Those left to cherish his memories include:  his wife, Shareka Waters; stepsons – Antoney “Duke” Burton and Marquis Burton; daughter, Serena Waters; his mother and stepfather – Edna & Cornelius Cheeseboro; his father – Aaron Waters; brothers – Travante (Madison) Waters, Tharon Waters and Alexander Davis; sisters – Sanita Davis and Adrian Waters; two uncles, James Butler and Rev. Darryl Jenkins; two aunts, Sandra Jackson and Velma Perry; mother-in-law, Cassandra (Jamarco) Parris; father-in-law, Michael (Pam) Peterson; brother-in-law, Darvis Peterson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends who will miss him dearly.

Willett “Big Will” Daniel Jackson

Batesburg-Leesville, SC — Homegoing services for Willett “Big Will” Jackson will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Chinquapin Baptist Church, 1416 Chinquapin Church Road, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006.

Willett Daniel Jackson was born on December 6, 1943 to the late Louisa Madison Boyd and Willis Daniel, Jr. and raised in Saluda County, South Carolina. Willett was the youngest of eleven children, of which nine have preceded her in death, leaving one beloved sister, Elizabeth “Noochie” Edwards. The sunset of her life occurred on October 6, 2024.

Raised by her beloved grandmother, Ella Cue, in Monetta, South Carolina, Willett, affectionately known as “Big Will,” was never alone — with her brother Charles (Bertha) Denny, they made life for Ella exciting. She eventually moved to New York, where she was reintroduced to her step-dad William Simpkins, whom she enjoyed until his last days.  During her time in Hempstead, New York, Big Will truly had a village.  She met and befriended Evelyn and Clinton Williams and that friendship lasted over 40 years. She raised many children and fed many, and of course no one will allow her to live down her lessons, cooking and of course her way of having fun by being true to you and herself.  Well known for speaking her mind, Big Will truly had a heart of gold.

Big Will had two children, one who preceded her in death.

Those left behind to cherish her precious memory include:  her daughter, Vera of Atlanta; a special daughter, Mary Whitt; four grandsons, James, Jahvelle, Jahkuille and Jahntrelle; four granddaughters, Celina, Edna, Mary and Dominque; six great-grandchildren, Porsha, Yazmine, Genesis, Knowledge, Isiah, Yuri and London; two great-great-grandchildren, Paris and Kairo; nieces, Tina, Thelma, Shay, Diane, Regina, Wendy, Tavi (Chris), Ayanna (Chris), Loretta (Rick), Shirley and a host more; nephews, BT, Jaquarius, Todd, Rahkeem, Eddie and a host more; adopted grands, Jaya, Khalil “KJ”, Amare, Tamarion, Jae, Tinasja and a host of many cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.