MARTHA TISDALE - SALTERS

Funeral services for Mrs. Martha Luvine Smith Tisdale, conducted by the Rev. Samuel L. Davis, were held Saturday, May 31, 2008 at St. Mary AME Church in Salters. Burial, directed by Henryhand Funeral Home, followed at St. Mary AME Church Cemetery in Salters. Mrs. Tisdale died Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at her residence. She was born on July 26, 1916 in Salters, the daughter of Willie Smith and Charlotte Swinton Smith Davis, the oldest granddaughter of Sam Smith and Martha Luvine Miller Smith, and the oldest granddaughter of William “Son” Henryhand and Mary Swinton Hugee.

She was educated in the public schools of Williamsburg County, at St. Lawrence School. At an early age, Martha accepted Christ as her personal Savior and be-came a member of Ranzie Grove Baptist Church. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Jeffrey Gervie Tisdale, on January 16, 1937. They enjoyed 67 beautiful years together.

Their union was blessed with nine children; three preceded her in death, Mary Tisdale, Helen Tisdale and Carrie T. McClary. After getting married, Martha moved her church membership from Ranzie Grove to St. Mary AME Church. She served in numerous capacities including Stewardess, Trustee, Assistant Class Leader, choir member and many other ministries. Martha was a member of Providence #249, Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed cooking, canning, gardening and baking “mouth-watering” yeast rolls.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. As a mother, she ensured unity within the family, wherein no sibling rivalry occurred. Those left to cherish her memories forever are her six loving children: Mr. William “Bozo” Tisdale (Diane) and Rose Patricia A. Tisdale, both of Salters; Martha Tisdale of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Get Tisdale-Gaiter (Rolston) of Pri-nceton Junction, New Jersey; Rubye Tisdale-Todman (Clar-ence) of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; and Patrick E.C. (Lib-by) Tisdale of Summerville; two sisters, Remelle Davis Mc-Cray of Detriot, Michigan; and Mary Jane Davis of Salters; three sisters-in-law, Jannie Alston-Tilman of Bronx, New York; Dorothy Davis of Detroit, Michigan; and Lillie Davis of Sumter; two aunts, Thelma He-nryhand and Mamie Henry-hand Battle of Camden, New Jersey; 13 grandchildren, Craig, Veronika, Donald, Casey, Dwayne, Jeffery, Anissa, Daniel, Rolston, II, Desiree, Joi, Patrick, II, and Princess; 13 great-grandchildren, Danielle, Kelly, William, Alexander, Justin, Aaron, Jeffery, II, Kelsey, Craig, Bryson, Aubrianna, Marcus and Donnie; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

DERIAL McCREA - KINGSTREE

Funeral services for Derial McCrea, conducted by Elder Dr. Alonzo Middleton and the Rev. Enrique R. Gordon, were held Sunday, June 8, 2008 at Greater Bethel AME Church in Kingstree. Burial, directed by Henryhand Funeral Home, followed at Kennedyville United Methodist Churchyard Cemetery.

Mr. McCrea died Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at the Medical University Hospital of Charles-ton. He was born April 13, 1973 in Williamsburg County, a son of David McCrea and the late Betty Gene McCrea. He attended the public schools of Williamsburg County. He attended Old Mt. Zion AME Zion Church.

He was a truck driver for 3M Equipment Company, a lineman for Santee and operated heavy equipment for Hob-caw Plantation. Survivors, in addition to his father of Kingstree, are: his wife, Marcella McCrea of the home; one daughter, Yasmine Singletary of Kingstree; four sons, Xavier McCrea of Charleston; Derial McCrea, Darren McCrea and Darius McCrea, all of the home; one step-son, Donald Ransom of the home; three brothers, David McCrea, III, Lavern McCrea and Lorenzo McCrea, all of Kingstree; three sisters, Barbara Williams and Bell Mabry (Antonio), both of Kingstree; and Belinda Caldwell (Maurice) of Florence; his grandmother, Mrs. Othel McCrea of Kingstree; and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Bertha Williams (Edmon) of Kingstree.

JOHN WATES, SR. - KINGSTREE

John Banks Wates, Sr., 102, died Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at a Kingstree nursing home. Funeral services were held Friday, June 13, 2008 at Kings-tree First Baptist Church. Burial, directed by Williamsburg Funeral Home, followed at Williamsburg Cemetery.

Mr. Wates was born February 24, 1906 in Saluda, a son of the late Joseph Franklin and Lena Belle Banks Wates. He was a graduate of Saluda High School and Newberry College and was a retired employee of Tomlinson’s Grocery Store and John Yancey McGill Real Estate.

Mr. Wates was a member and former treasurer of Kingstree First Baptist Church. His wife, Mary Frances “Mamie” Montgomery Wates, preceded him in death. Survivors are: two sons, John Banks Wates, Jr. (Suzanne) of Sumter; and Dr. Lucius Franklin Wates (Mary) of Kingstree; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Memorials may be made to Kingstree First Baptist Church, PO Box 608, 400 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556 or Bethea Baptist Home, 157 Ho-me Avenue, Darlington, SC 29532.

OLIVE PETERSON - GAFFNEY

Mrs. Olive Floyd Peterson, 92, of Gaffney, died Sunday, June 8, 2008 at her residence.
Funeral services, directed by Dr. Jim McClure, were held Tuesday, June 10, 2008 in the chapel at Shuford-Hatcher Fu-neral Home at Frederick Mem-orial Gardens. Burial, directed by Shuford-Hatcher Funeral Home, followed at Frederick Memorial Gardens.

The wife of the late Benjamin Theodore Peterson, she was born in Kingstree to the late James Nathan and Caroline Scurry Floyd. She was a member of the Elm Street Church of God. And was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by one son, James Nathan Peter-son; and three daughters, Roxanne Stockhert, Linda McCraw Trivette and Debbie Peterson. Survivors are: two sons, Frankie and Vernon Peterson, both of Gaffney; one daughter, Patsy Bridges of Gaffney; two sisters, Margie Harvey and Verline Stewart, both of Gaffney; 15 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

GLENNA COOPER - KINGSTREE

Funeral services for Mrs. Glenna L. Cooper, conducted by the Rev. Colin Giles, were held Friday, June 13, 2008 at Wilson Chapel First Baptist Church in Kingstree. Burial, directed by Dimery and Rogers Funeral Home, followed at Florence National Cemetery.

Mrs. Cooper, 89, died Saturday, June 7, 2008 at her home in Kingstree. She was born March 13, 1921 in Kyle, West Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Ross and Berta Perry Carrington. She attended Wilson Chapel and was a homemaker. Survivors are: her husband, James (Jimmy) Cooper of Kingstree; two nieces, Gloria and Nicole McKnight of the home; and additional nieces and nephews.

EDWARD CHANDLER-NELSON - SALTERS

Edward Chandler-Nelson, 59, died Saturday, June 7, 2008 at Clarendon Memorial Hospital in Manning. Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. S. A. Green, were held Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Salters. Burial, directed by Redmond-Richardson Funeral Home, followed at Salters Cemetery.

Mr. Chandler-Nelson was born May 29, 1949 in Salters, a son of the late Sharper Chandler, Sr. and Elizabeth Pendergrass Chandler. He was adopted and raised by the late Willie Nelson and Frances M. Nelson. He was a member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. He received his formal education in the public schools of the county and attended C.E. Murray High School.

He was employed for many years at the W.S. McCullough and Sons as a farmer. Survivors are: eight sisters, Daisy Grate (Christopher), Lula Manning (Johnny) and Brenda B. Scot, all of Salters; Bertha Chandler of Brooklyn, New York; Lula Chandler of Bladensburg, Maryland; Evangelist Geraldine Singleton of Sumter; Joann Woodard (Ru-fus) of Hyattsville, Maryland; and Verlie Burgess of Lane; and four brothers, Hubert Chandler (Sharon) of Dallas, Texas; Marion Washington (Debbie) of Silver Spring, Maryland; Willie L. Brown of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Johnny L. Wilson of Atlanta, Georgia.

JAMES McBRIDE - GREELEYVILLE

Funeral services for James Gregory “Greg” McBride, conducted by the Rev. Albert Rose and the Rev. Arthur Manigault, were held Friday, June 13, 2008 at St. James Baptist Church in Greeleyville. Burial, directed by Redmond-Richardson Funeral Home, followed at Florence National Cemetery.

Mr. McBride, 49, died Sunday, June 8, 2008 in Cheraw. He was born March 17, 1959 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a son of Julia Mae Gist McBride and the late James Peter McBride. He received his formal education in the public schools of Baltimore and graduated from Booker T. Washing-ton High School in Baltimore, Maryland.

For several years he was enlisted in the United States Army. He furthered his education by graduating from Williamsburg Technical College and later he received a certificate from the South Carolina Police Academy in Columbia. Recently, he completed truck-driving school. He had various occupations in the community and surrounding counties.

He attended Tabernacle of Prayer for All People Church. Survivors, in addition to his mother of the home, are: his wife, Debra Rush McBride of Bonaire, Georgia; two sons, Maurice McBride and Michael McBride, both of Bonaire, Georgia; two daughters, Marquita McBride and Desiree McBride, both of Bonaire, Georgia; one brother, John McBride (Sharon) of Greeleyville; one sister, LaChrisa Pernell-Jones (Daniel) of Stafford, Virginia; a special companion, Patricia Short of Cheraw; and four grandchildren.

ELMIRA NILES - SALTERS

Funeral services for Elmira “Mother Munchie” Niles, conducted by the Rev. Thurman Williams and the Rev. James Graham, were held Thursday, June 12, 2008 at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Salters. Burial, directed by Henryhand Funeral Home, followed at St. Mary United Methodist Churchyard Cemetery.

Mrs. Niles died Thursday, June 5, 2008 at her home. She was born July 15, 1915 in Williamsburg County. She was the daughter of the late Bemer Bill McCray and Liz Gamble McCray. She was educated in the public schools of Williamsburg County. She was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, where she served as the oldest mother in the church. She was also a member of the Farmers Aid.

She was employed by the Drucker family for 33 years. She was married to the late Bennie Niles. Survivors are: four daughters, Apostle Bertie Mae Williams (Joe) of Kingstree; Hattie Niles of Miami, Florida; Queen Ester Niles of the home; Thomasena Tisdale (Frank) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; two sons, Benny Niles, Jr. of Pompano Beach, Florida; and Minister Richard Niles of the home; two adopted daughters, Betty Conyers (Joe) of Trio; and Learlean Tisdale of Salters; one step-sister, Corrine McCollough of Salters; two adopted sisters, Janie Tisdale and Viola Sea-brook, both of Salters; 26 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

ELLIS FULTON - GEORGETOWN

Ellis Edward Fulton, 71, the widower of Lucille Miller Fulton, died Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at the Georgetown Memorial Hospital. A memorial service was held Saturday, June 14, 2008, at the Fulton Family Homestead in the Oak Grove Community of Georgetown County.

Mr. Fulton was born January 11, 1937, in the Big Dam community of Andrews, the son of the late James Madison Fulton and Ida Jane Davis Fulton. He served in the United States Army and was a retired welder. Survivors are:  four children, Derrick E. Fulton (Bonnie) of Spartanburg; Douglas E. Fulton (Peggy) of Columbia; Donna F. Miller (Kenny) and Tonya F. Jacobs (James), both of Georgetown; two step-daughters, Gayle A. Floyd (Johnny) and Carolyn A. Joyner, both of West Columbia; one brother, Doward Fulton (Chris) of N. Augusta; and one sister, Margaret F. Schrader (Harold) of Columbia; 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

GEORGE MATTHEWS, SR. - ANDREWS

George David Matthews, Sr., 75, the husband of Louise P. Crosby-Matthews and the widower of Glorise Mitchell Matt-hews, died Friday, June 13, 2008 at the Tidelands Community Hospice. Funeral services with military recognition were held Sunday, June 15, 2008 at Pine Crest Baptist Church. Burial, directed by the Andrews Chapel of McKenzie Funeral Home, followed at the Andrews Memorial Cemetery.

Mr. Matthews was born August 19, 1932, in Savannah, Georgia, the son of Edward DeLeon Matthews and Sulie Blanche Bryan Matthews. He was a graduate of Williams-burg High School; a United States Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict; a retired general manager of Sheet Metal Local Union #399; and a state director of the Dixie Softball for 10 years.

He was a member of Pine Crest Baptist, where he served in numerous positions including Deacon, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, and member of the Building Committee, the Pastor Search Committee, and the chancel choir. Survivors, in addition to his wife, are: three sons, George David Matthews, Jr. of Andrews, James Rodney Matthews (Wanda) of Williston, David Crosby (Katie) of Hemingway; three daughters, Patsy M. Morris (Michael) and Cindy M. Kozma, both of Andrews; Evelyn C. Broome (Ernie) of Ridge-way; one sister, Pansy M. Gunnis (Jimmy); 17 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Pine Crest Baptist Church, PO Box 31, Andrews, SC 29510 or Tidelands Community Hospice, 2591 North Fraser St., Georgetown, SC, 29440.

JIMMUE FULTON - ANDREWS

Jimmie Allen Fulton, 62, a native of Andrews, died Friday, June 13, 2008, at the George-town Memorial Hospital. Graveside services with military recognition were held Monday, June 16, 2008, at Piney Forest Cemetery directed by the Andrews Chapel of McKenzie Funeral Home.

Mr. Fulton was born February 5, 1946, in Kingstree, the son of Ervin Lester Fulton and Leona Benton Fulton-Long. He was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War receiving the National Defense medal, the Vietnam Combat Medal, the Vietnam Service medal, and the Air Medal with two stars.

He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars – Post 6444 – Georgetown Chapter and Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 925.  He was a retired salesman. A son, John Barton Fulton, predeceased him. Survivors are: two sons, Ervin Lester Fulton (Connie) of St. Stephens; and Jeremy Bodiford of Andrews; four brothers, Walter Fulton (Jamie) and Larry Fulton, both of Andrews, Leonard Fulton (Brenda) of Kingstree, and Ronald Fulton (Barbara) of Versailes, Kentucky; one sister, JoAnn Mercer (Larry) of Georgetown; and two grandsons.

ORA COX - FLORENCE

Ora Lee Tanner Cox, 88, died Sunday, June 15, 2008 at McLeod Hospice House in Florence. Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at Kingstree United Methodist Church.

Burial, directed by Williamsburg Funeral Home, followed at Bethea United Methodist Church Cemetery in Cades. Mrs. Cox was born July 18, 1919 in Williamsburg County, a daughter of the late William E. “Mott” Tanner and Annie P. Tanner.

She graduated from Hemingway High School and Southeastern Business College in Florence. She was the widow of Theron C. Cox and for most of her life lived in Kingstree, where she and Theron operated Cox Refrigeration and Cox Laundramat. Before moving to Florence in 2001 Mrs. Cox was a member of the Kingstree United Methodist Church.

She had attended Bethesda Baptist Church in recent years. One son, Tim C. Cox, preceded Mrs. Cox in death. Survivors are: two sisters, Leta T. Poston (Paul) of Greenville; and Betty T. Gos-nell (Harold) of Spartanburg; two sons, R. Dale Cox of Florence; and Bryan L. Cox (Sarah) of Murrells Inlet; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc-iation, PO Box 1131, Fairfax, Virginia 22038-1131.

RUTH PRESSLEY - KINGSTREE

Funeral services for Mrs. Ruth Wilson Pressley, conducted by the Rev. Jonathan Brown, Jr., were held Saturday, June 7, 2008 at Elijah United Methodist Church in Kingstree. Burial, directed by Pressley’s Funeral Home, followed at Elijah United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Pressley died Sunday, June 1, 2008. She was born August 15, 1928 in Hemingway, a daughter of the late Donnelly and Janie D. Wilson. She received her education from Battery Park School in Nesmith. She was married to the late Willie Pressley.

To this union two children, were born, Janie P. Graham and Zuline P. Lane, who preceded her in death. A niece, Rosetta McCrea, whom she raised as her own, preceded her in death. She worked for Williamsburg County for several years; she was a domestic worker for many area families. She was a member of Elijah United Methodist Church, where she served for more than 50 years.

She was a member of the Steward Board, senior and gospel choir, the United Methodist Women, Nomination Committee and an active Sunday school member. Survivor are: seven children, Virginia Pope, Henrietta Simons and Henry McGee of Kingstree; Annie R. Pressley of St. Stephen; Lillian Brown (James) and Mary Lee James of Hallendale, Florida; Ronald McGee (Patricia) of the home; two sisters, Rosa Lee Wilson and Mary Devaux, both of Kingstree; six grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

WILLIAM TODD – AUGUSTA, GA

William Judson “Bill” Todd died Monday, June 9, 2008 at University Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. A service of worship and praise was held at First Presbyterian Church in Augusta on Friday, June 13, 2008, with the Rev. Dr. George Robertson and the Rev. Peter Letchford officiating.

Burial with full military honors took place at Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Todd was born Sept-ember 4, 1928 and grew up near Myrtle Beach, attended college, entered the United States Air Force and later earned a master’s degree in business. Mr. Todd served his country with distinction through the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Following his military service, Mr. Todd taught business classes at a local college near Kingstree. He served on the Williamsburg County School Board for over eight years.

He and his wife, Min, were among the founding members of the Kingstree Presbyterian Church, PCA, where Mr. Todd served as deacon, elder, treasurer and administrator. In 2002, Mr. Todd and his wife moved to Augusta.

They joined First Presbyterian Church, PCA, where he served as an elder and parish leader, and became a member of the Trinity Sunday class. He joined the Forest Hills Golf Association in Augusta. Survivors are: his wife, Min; one daughter, Lark Session (John); one brother, Benjamin Haskell “B.H.” Todd of Horry County; three sisters, Ella Pearl Willard and Margie Holt, both of Horry County; and Mary Nell Thompson of Kingstree; and one grandson. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 642 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA 30901.