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.

Amos & Sons Facebook Page: (20+) Facebook

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.

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.