Mrs. Lelar Mae Dunn

Photo by Greg Johnson

Batesburg-Leesville - Funeral Services for Mrs. Lelar Mae Dunn will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Wesley Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 1501 Double Bridges Road, Batesburg-Leesville, SC. Rev. Dr. Doris Hicks is pastor.

Mrs. Lelar Mae Dunn was born January 14, 1955 to the late Jimmie Lee Adams, Sr. and Janie Mae Adams.  She fell asleep in death on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

She was dedicated to her family and truly loved her grandchildren with all of her heart.  Listening to blues music and being surrounded by her family is what brought out the best in her and a smile to her face.  Mae was truly one of a kind.  Her humor in the smallest things would cause laughter to the point of tears.  Lelar was a member of Wesley Chapel CME Church.

Lelar was supported by her devoted husband Thomas Dunn, Sr. of 50 years.  Together, they bore three sons, one daughter, eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.  Lelar and Thomas were a force to be reckoned with because of their love for their family, especially the grands.  Strong-willed and devoted to each other is what kept their love alive.

Lelar was preceded in death by two sisters, Elvina James and Mary Alice Adams.

Those left to celebrate her life and cherish her memories include:  a devoted husband, Thomas Dunn, Sr. of the home; three sons, Thomas Dunn, Jr. of Aiken, South Carolina, Darell Dunn (special friend, Engride Coleman), Kevin (Carlether) Dunn and a daughter, Ashley Adams, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; eight grandchildren, Kevin Dunn, Jr., Dmazhane Dunn, Shanise Dunn, Tyneka West, Quention West, Samayah Lott, Shyada Walker and Larry Stroman; fifteen great-grandchildren; nine siblings, Gladys Whetstone of Wagener, South Carolina, Jimmie Lee Adams, Jr. of Columbia, South Carolina, Sandra (Michael) Thomas, Aron (Cathey) Adams, Evaline Adams and Rosa Parris (special friend, Eugene Dennis), all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Cathy (Michael) Cyrus and Jacqueline Smith, both of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, Lee (Geraldine) Adams of Gaston, South Carolina; four sisters-in-law, Emma (Freeman) Bodrick and Doris Dunn of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Debbie Clemons of Mississippi and Sheryl Dunn of Columbia, South Carolina; special niece, Chamika Adams and special nephew, Jamaryon Long; God-daughter Jha’Ziyah Adams of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; and a host of nieces and nephews to love and cherish her memory.

Ms. Doris Rena Williams

Batesburg-Leesville - Homegoing Services from Ms. Doris Rena Williams will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 258 Line Street, Batesburg, SC 29006.

Ms. Doris Rena Williams, 58, was born on October 31, 1965 in Lexington County, South Carolina to the late Ms. Carrie Williams and Mr. Booker T. Jennings.  Doris departed this earthly life at home on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

As a child, Doris was a joyful spirit who loved spending time with her beloved mother, who she fondly called “Little Fella”.  She graduated from Batesburg-Leesville High School in 1983.  Doris managed The Pantry’s / Caper House, a convenience store in Lexington for many years. 

Her commitment to helping others led her to further her education in healthcare, where she became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).  Doris worked as Direct Support Personnel (DSP) at Babcock Center, providing more than two decades of dedicated service at Babcock Assisted Living Homes.

Doris was a woman of faith, deeply involved in her community and her church, Mount Zion Baptist Church.  She served as the Financial Secretary, a choir member, and a member of the Floral Club.  Doris had a deep respect and love for Mrs. Lily Bryant, whom she affectionately called “Mama Lily”.

Doris was preceded in death by her sisters Sara Mae Wise, Helen Tolen, Vernell W. Holloway, Jessie Mae Williams, and her brother Larry Charles Williams. 

She leaves behind cherished memories with her brother Jacob (BJ) Williams; her sisters, Earlene (Bobby) Dobbs, Bertha (Alphonso) Quattlebaum, Clara (Charles) Williams Jeffcoat, Mary J.  (Charlie Mack) Williams and Cynthia Cannon; a brother-in-law, Louis Holloway and a sister-in-law, Shenelle Williams, and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives and sorrowing friends.

Anthony Davon Leaphart

Batesburg-Leesville - Anthony Davon Leaphart was born in Lexington County, South Carolina on October 31, 1977.  He was the son of the late Shirley Leaphart and the late Lindsay Robinson.  On Sunday, December 10, 2023, Anthony entered into eternal rest.  He is loved and missed by family and friends.

Anthony joined Wesley Chapel CME Church, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina at an early age and sang in the youth choir.  He was the best independent contractor. Anthony had a special bond with everyone in his family and was a confidant to many.  He was a true football fan of the Clemson Tigers and Dallas Cowboys.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Leaphart; his father, Lindsay Robinson; maternal grandparents, Lucretia and Alonza Leaphart; paternal grandparents, Minnie Bell and Charles Robinson, Jr.; maternal great-grandparents, Alfred and Janie Coleman and one uncle, Leon Leaphart.

His memories are cherished by a son, Anthony Leaphart, Jr. of Saluda, South Carolina;  his brothers, Tyrone (Ashley) Leaphart, Derrell (Shermaine) Leaphart and Lindsay Robinson, Jr., all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; his sisters, Christie Leaphart (Eric Derrick) and Shanequa Jackson, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; step-father, Randolph Wigfall; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, and special friends, Dominique Burgess, Lamont Rowe and Dread Smith.

Homegoing Services were held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the Wesley Chapel CME Church, located at 1501 Double Bridges Rd, Batesburg-Leesville, SC. Rev. Dr. Doris Hicks is the Pastor Officiating. Burial was in the Wesley Chapel CME Church Cemetery.

Mrs. JoAnn Etheredge Lewis

Mrs. JoAnn Etheredge Lewis was the youngest of six children to the late George and Queen Etheredge, was born on June 14, 1947 in Leesville, South  Carolina.  JoAnn known as “Mimi,” was called to her heavenly home when her life came to an end at 6:14 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

Homegoing services will be held at the graveside on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the B & L Memorial Park, South Lee Street, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina with Reverend Jessica Etheredge Miles, Presiding.

 JoAnn graduated from Twin City High School in 1964, and got her cosmetologist license from The Waverly School of Beauty Culture in 1968.

 After graduation, JoAnn began employment at Wellington Industries in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina as a Relay Calibrator.  In 1965, JoAnn was offered a job as Office Assistant with School District 3 at Batesburg-Leesville High School, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.  After marriage in 1968, JoAnn moved to Washington, DC to join her husband and worked at Maxwell & Tennyson Pharmacy as a Typist.  After returning to the area, she received employment with Department of Mental Health, Columbia, South Carolina as a Beauty Shop Manager in 1973 and received the following certifications:  Fire and Casualty Insurance, Coaching & Team Building for Managers & Supervisors, Providing Continuity of Care Through Team Work, US Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations, Southern Atlantic Healthcare Alliance and Self-Defense Certification.

 JoAnn was preceded in death by one sister, Jeanette Mark and one brother, Joe L. Etheredge.

 She leaves to cherish her memory:  her devoted husband, Robert B. Lewis, Sr. of the home; two sons, Robert B. Lewis, II (Nikkie), Chris Lewis (Felicia) and one daughter, Kenya M. Lewis, all of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, three brothers, James Etheredge of Charleston, South Carolina, Jesse Etheredge of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and John Etheredge of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

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.

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.

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.

Shirleen Tolen Adams

Shirleen Tolen Adams

Shirleen Tolen Adams departed this life on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Lexington Medical Center, West Columbia, South Carolina.

She was born in Saluda County, South Carolina to the late Ed and Sallie Tolen. She attended Twin City High School in Lexington County School District 3 in Batesburg-Leesvlle, South Carolina. She worked for Gills Carting and Tyson Sewing Company for many years.

Shirleen was preceded in death by her father, Ed Tolen, mother, Sallie Gant Holmes and step-father Ross Holmes; brothers, Thomas Tolen and Edward Tolen; sisters, Joyce Norris, Perrin Tolen and Bobby Gray; husband, William Adams, and a very special companion of 19 years, Rory Byrd.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: three daughters, Shirley Tolen, Boston, Massachusetts, Michelle Adams, Norristown, Pennsylvania, and Stacey Jones, Lexington, South Carolina; one son, Terry Adams, Norristown, Pennsylvania; one adopted son, Vernon Adams, Norristown, Pennsylvania; three adopted daughters, Kendra Tolen, Norristown, Pennsylvania, Shaquayla Coles and Shaquana Coles, both of Columbia, South Carolina; one adopted great-grandson, Sincere Coles of Ridge Spring, South Carolina; one sister, Sallie Ann Adams, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; two brothers, Carl Tolen and Johnnie Tolen, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

She was deeply loved, and will be missed by her loved ones and a host of nieces, nephews, family members and sorrowing friends.