Recent Obituaries
Irma Jean Rish Gunter
Feb 15, 2026
Irma Jean Rish Gunter, 93, widow of James “Jimmy” Virgle Gunter, Sr., passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Born on August 10, 1932, she was the cherished daughter of the late Morris Arthur Rish and Myrtle Kennedy Rish.
A faithful member of Steadman Baptist Church, Irma Jean was a devoted child of God who deeply loved her...
Edward Carl Johnson
Feb 13, 2026
Edward Carl Johnson, 55, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026. He was the beloved son of Raeford Johnson and Barbara Johnson. Edward enjoyed the simple joys of life. He had a love for motorcycles, found peace while fishing, and spent many happy hours playing video games. He was a devoted member of Bethel Baptist...
Mary Jacqueline Marvel
Feb 12, 2026
Mary Jacqueline Marvel “Jackie” passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her three daughters, on February 12, 2026.
Born in New York City on June 16, Jackie was the daughter of John and Helen Koblish and the sister of Janet Ann Utz. She spent most of her youth in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Jackie earned her undergraduate degree from Duquesne University and...
John William Franklin Garner
Feb 9, 2026
John William Franklin Garner, 49, of Leesville, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026. Born in Newberry, he was a son of the late Robert and Deborah Ann McGee Garner. John enjoyed the simple things in life, especially spending time with his family. He loved watching football with his brother, a pastime that brought him great joy and many cherished...
Ruby G Wilson
Feb 9, 2026
Ruby G. Wilson, 78, of Batesburg, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026. Born in Saluda County, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late T. W. and Nannie Lou Davis Gulledge. Ruby had a deep love for working with flowers and caring for animals, especially her beloved dogs. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her...
Alex McDomnal Cochran V
Feb 4, 2026
It is great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Alex McDomnal Cochran V, age 18, taken away far too soon, leaving behind a world forever changed by his presence. Though his time here was brief, the depth of his spirit and the imprint of his heart were immeasurable.
Alex will forever be remembered for his creativity, gentle soul,...
Dorothy Louise Christie
Feb 4, 2026
Dorothy Louise Cone Christie, 77, of Ridge Spring, passed away peacefully at home after a long-term illness due to a stroke. Born in Aiken, SC, she was a daughter of the late Dorothy and Clyde Cone of Ridge Spring. Louise was a graduate of Ridge Spring–Monetta High School and went on to earn a B.A. in Education from Baptist College...
David Wendell Corder
Feb 3, 2026
David Wendell Corder, 83, of Batesburg, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Born in Batesburg, SC, he was a son of the late Andrew Wellens and Luvenia Willis Corder. He owned and operated Corder’s Body Shop with his brothers for many years and, in the early 1970s, started Wendell’s Amusement Company. Along with his brothers and friend, L.C....
Robert Edward Shealy Sr.
Feb 3, 2026
Robert “Bob” E. Shealy, Sr., 74, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Bob was a graduate of Batesburg-Leesville High School, Class of 1970, and a 1974 graduate of Wofford College. He proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 3rd Armored Cavalry for four years. Following his military service, Bob pursued a lifelong...
Natalie Smith Long
Feb 2, 2026
In loving memory of Natalie Smith Long, a vibrant soul who graced this world with her warmth, faith, and infectious laughter. Natalie, 41, of Ward, South Carolina, passed away on February 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and beautiful memories.
Born on July 16, 1984, Natalie lived every single day to its absolute fullest. She was a woman of...
Pamela Ann Schmitt
Jan 31, 2026
Pamela Ann Schmitt, 72, of Lexington, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Born in Dearborn, Michigan, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Cassie Abbott. Pam enjoyed many creative hobbies, including crocheting, beading, sewing, coloring, and working crosswords. She also loved tending to her garden, shopping for a good bargain, and affectionately annoying her sister in Texas....
Georgia Mae Anderson
Jan 28, 2026
Georgia Mae Anderson, 83, of Ridge Spring, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Born in Saluda County, she was a daughter of the late George and Geneva Gulledge. Georgia was a devoted Christian and a founding member of Calvary Holiness Tabernacle, where her faith shone brightly through her life. She loved her God deeply and cherished her family with...
Kenneth Ray Speer
Jan 27, 2026
Kenneth Ray “Kenny” Speer entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of January 27, 2026, at approximately 10:15 a.m., following a gradual decline in health over the past three months.
Kenny was born in Bamberg, South Carolina, to Lindell Woodrow “Bob” Speer, a long-distance truck driver, and Ruby Ion Grooms Speer. He was the...
Morgan Gabrielle Friederich
Jan 23, 2026
Morgan Gabrielle Friederich, 30, of Batesburg, South Carolina, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 23, 2026. Born in Mena, Arkansas, on May 17, 1995, Morgan grew up surrounded by siblings in a lively, loving home.
She graduated from Gilbert High School in 2013 and later earned a dog grooming certificate, reflecting her deep love for...
Marsha Ann Conner
Jan 17, 2026
Our beloved Mama, Nana, and best friend, Marsha, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Marsha was born in Paris, France, and spent most of her life in Jackson, South Carolina, where she built a life centered on caring for others. She was a dedicated nurse for 34 years before retiring, a profession that reflected...
Mary Kathleen Parker
Jan 17, 2026
Mary Kathleen Parker, 56, of Wagener, SC, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Born in Towson, MD, on March 6, 1969, she was a daughter of Patricia Cooper Snyder and the late Albert Leroy Snyder. A lifelong animal lover, she was especially known for her passion for saving animals and giving them a second chance. Her farm was not...
Chester Alvin Plunkett
Jan 12, 2026
Chester Alvin Plunkett, 85, of Monetta, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026. The loving husband of Tobie S. Plunkett, who preceded him in death by just 12 days, he was born on September 6, 1940 in Saluda County, South Carolina. He was the youngest son of Chester Alvin Plunkett, Sr. and Cora Elise Ergle Plunkett and a life-long member...
Donald Rhea Morris
Jan 7, 2026
Donald R. Morris, of Aiken, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Born in Paris, Texas, he was the son of the late Felix Bailey Morris and Ida Collins Morris. Donald was raised in Paris, Texas, and graduated from Paris High School before proudly joining the United States Navy in January.
Donald dedicated 23 years of honorable service to the...
Susan Carol Kneece Plunkett
Jan 5, 2026
Susan Carol Kneece Plunkett, 56, of Batesburg, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026. Born in Prosperity, SC, she was the daughter of the late Wyman Phillip Kneece and Carolyn Wheeler Kneece. She found joy in life's simple blessings, especially sunflowers, trips to Edisto Beach, cheering on her beloved Clemson Tigers and spending time with her beloved dogs Flossy Mae...
Mary Groom Wells Fowler
Jan 5, 2026
Mary Groom Wells Fowler, 79, of Aiken, entered into rest on Monday, January 5, 2026. Mrs. Fowler was born in Auburn, New York, a daughter of the late Jason and Lillian Slade Groom.
Mary was the owner of Wells Tax Services, where she faithfully served her clients for many years as a dedicated tax preparer. She also worked as a dispatcher...

