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.

J. C. Clark

Edgefield, SC - Funeral Services for Mr. J. C. Clark will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday August 13, 2025, at the United Church of God, Edisto St., Johnston, SC with the Elder George Gore, Jr, Pastor/Officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery, on Archie Ware Road. Viewing will be 11:00AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Johnston.

J. C. Clark was born on February 8, 1970, the son of Josh Clark and Alberta Anderson Clark. He entered into eternal rest on August 7, 2025.

J. C. was educated in the Edgefield County School System.

As a young man, J. C. was baptized and served his membership at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church for most of his young life.  More than 10 years ago, he changed his membership to Holiness and joined the United Church of God in Johnston.

J. C. didn’t have any children, but he was once married to Lisa Coleman.

J. C. was very dedicated to all the church members and friends. He loved going to church and church was his second nature. J. C. loved fishing when he had time. Also, when he had time he would take care of his chickens and watch sports, especially Lakers basketball and Carolina Panthers football. On a daily basis, J. C. would spend a lot of time with the family watching movies and talking about the good 'ole days. He would crack jokes from time to time about the good ‘ole days. When the movies would go off and we were done talking and cracking jokes, he would go back home and listen to his scanner to see what was going on in the area. Afterwards, he would go to sleep listening to his gospel music.

On the seventh of August 2025, he did his same routine. Only this time he didn’t wake up while listening to his gospel music. God called J. C. home that afternoon. God saw that his body was tired and it was time for him to rest.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ricky Clark.

J.C. leaves to love, honor and cherish his memories, his parents, Josh and Alberta Clark of Edgefield, SC, a sister, Daisy Mae Broadwater, Batesburg, SC, a brother, Jermaine E. Clark, Saluda, SC, paternal grandparents, Ben and Viola Clark, maternal grandparents, Julian and Frances Anderson, McCormick, SC, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

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.

Barbara Ann Kirk

Homegoing Services for Barbara Ann Kirk will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 2:00pm in the Amos & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, 412 Railroad Avenue, Johnston, SC 29832. Reverend Winston Oliphant is officiating, and Reverend Lonnie Jones will be the Eulogist. Interment will be in the Rosa Spring Baptist Church Cemetery, Johnston, SC.

Barbara Ann Kirk was born November 28, 1962. She was the daughter of the late Mike and Polly Williams Kirk. She transitioned to her new home on June 12, 2025.

She joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church at an early age and later attended the Reedy Branch Baptist Church occasionally.

She was educated in the Aiken County Public School System. She was a homemaker most of her life.

Those who preceded her in death are her parents, Mike and Polly Williams Kirk, and her siblings, Brenda Kirk, Christine Kirk, Bernice Kirk, Jeanet Kirk, Pearl Kirk, Authur Kirk, Matthew Kirk, Randy Kirk, James Kirk, Willie J. Kirk, Leroy Kirk, And Allen Kirk.

She leaves to love, honor, and cherish her memories: her sons, Anthony (Jackie) Kirk, Ricky Kirk, and Johnny (Linda) Kirk, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Earnest Martin

Homegoing Services for Mr. Earnest Martin will be held on Thursday, June 19. 2025 at 11:00 am at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, Johnston, SC. Officiating Minister is Rev. Damian Bryant. Committal service and interment will be held at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, SC at 10:00 am on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Mr. Earnest Martin was born April 24, 1947. He was the son of Manchester Martin and Cornelia Smith Martin. He entered into eternal rest on June 12, 2025, at the PruittHealth in Aiken SC after a brief illness.

At an early age, Earnest joined and was baptized as a member of Lotts Grove Baptist Church, where he served for many years.

Earnest was educated in the schools of Edgefield County, SC. Following school , Earnest answered his country’s call and entered the military, specifically the Army, to support his country. He proudly stood on his duty as a veteran.

After his honorable separation from the military, He served his county and town as a personal custodian for a number of years. His sharp wit and sharp tongue will be missed.

Earnest was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, Jackie Martin, Willie James Martin, Florence Young and Eddie Martin.

He leaves to love honor and cherish his memory, a special niece, Tenecka Young Dorn, (Nelson & Ashlyn Dorn), Edgefield, SC, additional special nieces, Faye Martin and Adrena Martin and Loretta Price, all from Johnston, SC, special nephews, Roosevelt Young Nelson Dorn; and a special cousin, Abbie Cook (Andrew) Lexington, SC and a host of other nieces ,nephews cousins other relatives and friends.

Thomas Dukes

Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Thomas Dukes will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the Amos & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, 412 Railroad Avenue, Johnston, SC, 29832, with Reverend Larry Raiford officiating.

Thomas Dukes was the baby boy of James Dukes, Sr., and Emma Nicholson Dukes. He was born on August 16, 1947. He departed this earthly life on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Greenwood Hospital.

He was educated at Ridge Hill School in Ridge Spring, SC. He worked many years logging with EC Culbreath. He will truly be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, WendyDukes.

He leaves to cherish his many memories, his wife, Hattie B. Dukes, Johnston, SC; his sons, Teddy Dukes (Lamyra), West Columbia, Jacob Moore, Maryland, Trans Rosser, Greenwood, SC, and his baby girl, Demetrius Dukes (Ivan), Johnston, SC; two sisters, Ann Jones (Bennie Lee), and Corrine Simpkins, 14 grandchildren, LaDovia Dukes, Brittany Foulks, Brandon Gladney, Jaelin Dykes, Mar’Kylin Dukes, Ivan Gilchrist, Jr., Allysa Henley, Alexandre Henley, Alesha Mayson, Raven Rosser Dukes, Sequoa Etheredge, Kelsey Rosser, Bendricka Wharton and Victoria Jackson, 16 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, other relatives and many 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.