Mrs. Willie Mae Caldwell Bynem

Leesville, SC — Mrs. Willie Mae Caldwell Bynem was born on July 30, 1918 to the late Joseph and Alice Davenport-Caldwell.  She was second to the youngest of 15 siblings, all of whom have preceded her in death.

Willie Mae was educated in Newberry County public schools until her family relocated to Leesville, South Carolina where she met and married her late husband of 55 years, Clarence Leon Bynem, Sr. From that union came five children, three boys and two girls. Clarence Leon Bynem, Jr. (Washington DC, preceded her in death), Leonard Lorenzo Bynem (Wagener, South Carolina, preceded her in death), Thelma Louise Bynem Thompson (Irmo, South Carolina), Elzie Lee Bynem (Jacksonville, Florida, preceded her in death) and Deaconess Evelyn Bynem Green (Suitland, Maryland).

She tirelessly worked various jobs to provide for and educate her children and many grandchildren, including “town beautician” where everyone came to get a press n’ curl.   She was an active member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church for 75+ years; having served on the senior choir as second lead, church secretary, Deaconess and Mother of the Church.  Prior to becoming a member of St. Mark, she was a member of St. John CME Church.  She loved her Pastor Amos O. Harling Jr. and First Lady Emma Harling.

Willie Mae was of service to everyone in need of advice, guidance, council, a warm meal and always a helping hand in her community.  She loved to fish and garden and enjoyed cruises in her latter years.

Those left to carry on her legacy are:  her two daughters – Thelma Louise Bynem Thompson of Irmo, South Carolina and Deaconess Evelyn Bynem Green of Suitland, Maryland; a loving daughter-in-law – Ella Mae Bynem of Wagener, South Carolina; twenty grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren followed by numerous great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Homegoing services will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023 at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Batesburg-Leesville, SC. Interment was in the St. Mark Baptist Church cemetery.

Mrs. Janie Mae Adams

Ms. Janie Mae Adams

Leesville — Homegoing services will be held on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 607 Kestrel Drive, Leesville, SC 29070, where the Reverend Dennis Jackson is pastor and officiant.

Mrs. Janie Mae Adams was born January 2, 1936 to the late Will and Ellen Sulton.  She fell asleep in death on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

She was a beloved homemaker and caregiver to her family and an extremely hard worker.  She dedicated her life to caring for those she knew and loved.  Janie was a long time member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where she was a member of the Senior Choir.

Janie was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Jimmie Lee Adams, Sr.  To this union, they bore twelve children.  Jim and Janie were never seen apart.  Wherever you saw one, you saw the other riding around town and never knew a stranger.  Together they were a force to be reckoned with and created a huge family that loved and cherished them both.  Never one to bite her tongue, everyone knew where they stood with her and loved her for it. 

Janie was also preceded her in death by two daughters, Elvina James and Mary Alice Adams; one granddaughter, Fredrina Johnson; one grandson, Jessie James one great-grandson, Jonathan Sulton; four brothers and four sisters.

Those left to celebrate her life and cherish her memories include:  ten children – Gladys Whetstone of Wagener, South Carolina; Jimmie Lee (Naomi) Adams, Jr. of Columbia, South Carolina, Lelar (Thomas) Dunn, Sandra (Michael) Thomas, Aron (Cathey) Adams, Evaline Adams, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; Rosa (Andrew) Parris of Lexington, South Carolina; Cathy (Michael) Cyrus and Jacqueline Smith, both of Ridge Spring, South Carolina; Lee (Geraldine) Adams of Gaston, South Carolina; grandchildren reared in the home include Chamika McKeiver, Jamarco Parris, Quendarlyn Adams, Corey Adams and Kendra Adams, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; one brother-in-law, Joe (Robena) Adams of Bronx, New York;  one God-son, Angelo Trapp of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; thirty-two grandchildren, sixty-six great-grandchildren, twenty-six great-great grandchildren and 2 great-great-great grandchildren; also a host of nieces and nephews to love and cherish her memories.

A special thanks to Compassionate Care Hospice for the care they provided to our Mother.

Ms. Chiqnita Lena Jones

Ms. CHIQNITA LENA JONES was born June 19, 1974 in Avon Park, Florida to Fannie Whitt and Edward Jones. She departed this earthly life on Friday, October 21, 2022 at Lexington Medical Center, West Columbia, South Carolina after a brief illness.

Chiqnita was a graduate of Gilbert High School, Gilbert, South Carolina Class of 1993. She was a member of Zion Hopewell Full Gospel Family Worship Center, Gilbert, South Carolina.

Those left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life include: one daughter – Taralissa Jones; two sons – Xavier Tillman and Dana Tillman; grandchildren – Da’Marcus Jones, Lorenzoe Williams and Pierre Wigfall; mother & stepfather – Fannie & Michael Whitt of Gilbert, South Carolina; father – Edward Jones of Avon Park, Florida; one brother – Frederick Jones of Stone Mountain, Georgia; one nephew – O’Keibian J. Watson; one great-niece – I’Keiani Watson; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many sorrowing friends who will miss her dearly.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 3:00 pm at the Zion Hopewell Full Gospel Family Worship Center, located at 323 Zione Hopewell Road, Gilbert, SC, where Bishop Theotis White is pastor and officiant.

Calvin James “Kojack” Jeffrey

Mr. Calvin James “Kojack” Jeffery, 59, son of Benjamin Jeffery and the late Ernestine Rabb, was born June 26, 1963 in Richland County, South Carolina.  He departed this earthly life on Thursday, September 22, 2022. 

 “Kojack”, as he was affectionately known, was educated in the public schools of Ridge Spring-Monetta and Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.  He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.  He was employed by Amick Farms.  Kojack was also a head coach for Batesburg-Leesville Youth Football.

 Kojack was preceded in death by his mother, Ernestine Rabb and one brother, Otis Jeffery. 

 He leaves to cherish his precious memories:  a loving wife – Ellen Jeffery of Monetta, South Carolina; seven children – Shacamia (Lorenzo Jones) Gantt, Calvin Jeffery, Zederick Jeffery and Khadijah Jeffery, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Bonita Jeffery of Gilbert, South Carolina, Jamale Jeffery of Lexington, South Carolina and Anjewl Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia; his father – Benjamin Jeffery of Monetta, South Carolina; two sisters – Barbara Jeffery of Monetta, South Carolina and Francine Rabb of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; two brothers – Floyd Rabb and Burley Jeffery, both of Monetta, South Carolina; one aunt – Elaine Christie of Monetta, South Carolina; fourteen grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends throughout the community who will miss him dearly.

Homegoing services will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 3:00 pm at the Zion Hopewell Full Gospel Family Worship Center in Gilbert, SC, where Bishop Theotis White is Pastor, Reverend Sylvia Smith, Officiating, and Evangelist Jet Gladney, Presiding. Interment is in the Zion Hopewell FGFWC Cemetery.

Mrs. Gertrude Gantt

Mrs. Gertrude Gantt, daughter of the late Robert Lee Jay and Gertrude Jay, was born April 23, 1937 in Saluda County, South Carolina. God called her home on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 from Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina.

Mrs. Gantt attended the public schools of Lexington County, graduating from Twin City High School in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. As a young child, she attended Christian Chapel FHB Church, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.

Ms. Gertrude Jay married Mr. Jerome Gantt, Sr. in 1956. They resided in New York City for over 50 years. They relocated back to the home place in 2001. She was employed by FebCap and became a homecare provider for over 25 years.

Mrs. Gertrude leaves to cherish her memories: two sons – Jerome (Christine) Gantt, Jr. of Columbia, South Carolina and Calvin J. Gantt of Rochester, New York; two daughters – Malvina Jay Rogers and Patricia Gantt Lucas, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; one sister – Minnie Lee Jay Meachem of Fayetteville, North Carolina; two sons-in-law – Roy Rogers and James Lucas; nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many sorrowing friends.

Homegoing services will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Chinquapin Baptist Church in Batesburg-Leesville, SC, with Apostle Robert C. Ratliff, Jr. officiating, and Reverend Norman White Presiding. Interment in the Chinquapin Baptist Church Cemetery.

Alfonso Denny, Sr.

Mr. Alfonzo “Booster” Denny, Sr., 60, of Concord, North Carolina, departed this earthly life bound for his heavenly home on Friday, September 9, 2022 at the Atrium Health Hospital in Concord, North Carolina.

Born January 30, 1962 in Saluda County, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Selonia and Frances Denny.

Alfonzo attended Ridge Spring-Monetta High School in Monetta, South Carolina. His last days were spent working at Shoe Show Distribution Center in Concord, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; one daughter, Shafonady Denny; one brother, Thomas Boyd; two sisters, Michelle Denny Yokley and Pamela Vickieleen Denny.

Alfonzo leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving wife – Christine Harris Denny of Concord, North Carolina; two sons – Alfonzo (Judy) Denny, Jr. of New Haven, Connecticut and Marquis (Heather) Denny of Winterville, North Carolina; five daughters – Katima Stevens of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Labria Denny of New Haven, Connecticut, Cherinity Denny, Alexia Denny and Synphony Denny, all of Long Island, New York; three step-sons – Bernard (Alicia) West, Jr. of Lugoff, South Carolina, Rodriquez (Tae) West, Jr. of Jackson, South Carolina and Derrick West of Charlotte, North Carolina; a stepdaughter – Tamiko Harris of Charlotte, North Carolina; six brothers – Sammie (Thomasena) Denny, Charles (Linda) Denny, Antonio (Ebony) Denny, all of Haven, Connecticut, Randy (Imani) Denny of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Freddie Boyd and Jerry (Helen) Boyd, both of Ridge Spring, South Carolina; two sisters – Stacey (Louis) Hall of Dallas, Texas and Shirley Boyd of Ridge Spring, SouthCarolina; two brothers-in-law – Robert Harris, Jr. of Concord, North Carolina and Kenneth (Michelle) Harris of Aiken, South Carolina; two sisters-in-law – Corrine Robinson Gross of Baltimore, Maryland and Eva Lou Scott of Aiken, South Carolina; two very close friends who were more like brothers than friends – Marvin (Nicole) Bost of Salisbury, North Carolina and Pastor Robert Robinson of Concord, North Carolina; twelve grandchildren, seventeen step-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 19, 2022 at 3:00 pm at Chinquapin Baptist Church, 1416 Chinquapin Road, Batesburg-Leesville, SC where Reverend Robert Ratliff is Pastor, and Reverend Robert Robinson is officiating.

Johnnie Lee Cannon

Mr. Johnnie Lee Cannon, affectionately known as “JB”, was born in Saluda County, South Carolina on January 14, 1949 to the late Penn and Lucille Cannon. On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, God sent an angel to guide him to his heavenly home.

Johnnie “JB” was married to Molly Tolen Cannon and to this union six children were born.

Those left to cherish his precious memories include: four daughters – Betty Tolen (Bennie), Loretta Cannon and Donna Tolen, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Jamesann Cannon of Lexington, South Carolina; two sons – Barry Cannon (fiancé, Telshela) of Aiken, South Carolina and Stephen Cannon of Lexington, South Carolina; three sisters – Sallie Hare of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Peggy Tolen of Gilbert, South Carolina and Dora Bennett of Aiken, South Carolina; one brother – James Cannon of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; three sisters-in-law – Patsy Williams of Columbia, South Carolina, Elizabeth Walker of West Columbia, South Carolina and Sara Tolen of Saluda, South Carolina; five brothers-in-law – Frank Tolen of Columbia, South Carolina, Johnny Tolen of Prosperity, South Carolina, James Tolen of Saluda, South Carolina, Mike Tolen and E.T. Tolen, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.

A special thank you to his nephew Butch Tolen, his sister Sallie Hare, his brother James Cannon and niece Mary Mitchell, for all that you have done.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the A.O.H. Church of God, 601 W. Columbia Avenue, Batesburg-Leesville, SC. Bishop Gregory Cannon is pastor, Evangelist Jet Gladney, officiating.

Annette M. Bynem

Annette M. Bynem

Annette M Bynem, 81, daughter of the late Isiah and Thelma Myers, was born August 13, 1940, in South Carolina. On Wednesday, February 23, 2022, God reached out His loving hand and called her precious name to come home to be with Him.

She was proceeded in death by her son Charles Bynem, daughters Sheryl Ann Bynem, Deirdra Bynem, and brother Walter Myers.

Annette was educated in the public schools of Lexington County, South Carolina. She graduated from Twin City High School in 1959.  In her adult life, she worked as a machine operator at Owens Corning Fiberglass in Aiken, South Carolina for over thirty years until retirement.

She was a member of Saint Matthews CME Church where she served on the usher board for many years and taught Sunday school. She also attended Saint Mark Missionary regularly up until her health began to decline.

Those left to cherish her precious memories and celebrate her life include: her daughters: Latosha Mitchell (Kelvin) of Lexington, Deborah Smith of Batesburg, son, Leon (Linda) Bynem of North Carolina; grandsons: Stephen Bynem, Nickolas Foens, Aundreas Bynem-Scott, Daijohn Scott, Ahmaad Bynem-Scott, and Fayden Foens; granddaughters: Deanna Bynem, Sydnei Foens, and Zion Mitchell; a great-granddaughter, Aubree Scott; two sisters: Jeanette Hill and Janie Jennings; one sister-in-law, Mary E. Myers, all of Batesburg-Leesville; a close cousin, Shirley McRay of Maryland; a dear friend, Mary Gray of Newberry, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Funeral services held on Monday, February 28th, 2022 at 1:00 pm, at St. Matthews CME Church, Leesville, SC, with Rev. Dr. Amos O. Harling, Jr. Officiating.

Annie Ruth Small Bowers

Batesburg-Leesville

Mrs. Annie Ruth Small Bowers, born on March 29, 1942 to the late Lindy Small and Oscar Johnson, departed this earthly life on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at her home in Monetta, South Carolina.

Annie Ruth was affectionately known as “Big Ma” to many of her family and friends. She attended Aiken County public schools and worked at Amick Farms for several years until her health began to fail. She was a homemaker until her death.

She was a member of Monetta Baptist Church. Annie Ruth accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and loved to talk about the Lord. She also loved listening to her gospel music.

Annie Ruth leaves to cherish her precious memories: her loving children – Diane Fuller, Janis Small and Clarence Small all of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, William David Small of Gilbert, South Carolina, James Willie Bowers and Annette Bowers, both of Monetta, South Carolina; her loving sisters and brothers – Lula Mae (Ollice) Conner, Mary Jane Cyrus, Herbert Small, William Small, Patricia Small, Robert Small, Charles Small, Brenda Small and Calvin Small, all of Ridge Spring, South Carolina; ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; two special caregivers who held a special place in her heart – Cryshenda “Pudding Pie” Caudle and Willie “Lee Lee” Burton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends who will miss her deeply.

Albert Smith Sr.

Batesburg-Leesville

Mr. Albert Smith, Sr., son of the late Henry Smith, Sr. and Lula Mae Padgett Smith, was born July 7, 1939 in Saluda County, South Carolina. He departed this earthly life on Friday, December 24, 2021 at Pruitt Health.

Albert attended Twin City High School, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.  He was employed by T.A. Fore Company. 

He was married to the late Leila Mae Rabb Smith.  To this union, five children were born.

 Albert was preceded in death by seven sisters, Carrie Lou Smith Wise, Henrietta Smith Buckett, Mary Lee Smith Kearse, Minnie Bell Smith Robinson, Ella Rae Smith Leaphart, Venrietta Smith Jackson and Patricia Smith McKnight; two brothers, James Smith and Henry Smith, Jr.; and one grandson, Rashad Rabb.

Those left to cherish his precious memories and celebrate his home-going are:  three sons – Reverend Robert (Gloria) Rabb of Lynchburg, South Carolina and Albert (Lora) Smith, Jr. of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Robert (Edwina) Gantt; three daughters – Reverend Debbie Rabb and Lynette Smith, both of Lexington, South Carolina and Sharon Smith (Willie) Brunson of Gilbert, South Carolina; one brother-in-law – Edward McKnight; one sister-in-law – Martha Smith; a special cousin – Johnny Jackson; someone he loved like a daughter – Gail Keisler; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.