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.

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.

Josh Martin Jr.

MR. JOSH MARTIN, JR., 70, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, November 22, 2020, at Saluda Nursing Center in Saluda, South Carolina.

Mr. Josh Martin, Jr.

Born in Saluda County, South Carolina on March 1, 1950, he was the son of the late Annell Gortman and the late Josh Martin, Sr. He attended Lexington County schools and was a member of the Olive Branch Baptist Church in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.

Josh was employed by the Town of Batesburg-Leesville for 40 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Louise Martin; two daughters, Elvina James and Mary Alice Adams; two grandsons, Jonathan Sulton and Jessie James; two brothers, Rosell Martin and Jimmie Marshall; four sisters, Rose Virginia Gantt, Annie Ruth Hill, Ann Wallace and Betty Jean Gunter.

Those left to cherish his memories include: his daughter – Maconya Kinard (Willie Brown) of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; one son – LaQuarius Brannon of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; one aunt – Fannie Mae Martin; one sister – Rhonda (Jabbar) Simpkins of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; one brother – John Arthur Langford of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; two grandsons – Marcus Smith and Rashard Lee, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.

Services handled by Amos & Sons Funeral Home of Batesburg-Leesville