Recent Obituaries
Betty Jean McCullough
Mar 10, 2026
Betty Jean McCullough, 88, affectionally know as "Granny" of Batesburg, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Born in Greenwood, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Colie Hughes and Lucille Hollingsworth Maroney. She was the beloved wife of the late Vernon E. “Freck” McCullough and a member of Beulah Baptist Church. Betty enjoyed yard sales, cooking, and...
Cleta Jean Lizas
Mar 8, 2026
Cleta Jean Morrison Lizas passed away on March 8, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina. She was lovingly cared for in her final days by family, friends, hospice, and dedicated care providers. Cleta was born on January 27,1944, in Billings, Montana, to the late Kenneth Andrew Morrison and Elaine May (Ratcliff) Morrison. She spent her childhood surrounded by her close family...
Timothy Kent Tidwell
Mar 6, 2026
Timothy Kent Tidwell, 66, of Gaston, tragically passed away on March 6, 2026. Born on October 18, 1959 he was a son to the late William Preston and Lois Irene Fleming Tidwell. Taken from this world far too soon, Tim will always be remembered for his big heart, infectious humor, and jokester personality. Tim loved spending time with his family...
Matthew Morgan Kahler
Mar 3, 2026
Matthew Morgan Kahler, 68, of Gilbert, SC, and formerly of Gravette, AR, passed away on March 3, 2026. Matthew was born on February 27, 1958 to the late Reverend Joseph Albert Kahler and Lucie Garrick Kahler in Highlands, NC. Matthew is survived by his brother and sister in law, Tony and Ruth Ellen Kahler; nephew, Barry Kahler; and great nieces,...
Carl Timothy Blackhurst
Mar 1, 2026
There are some people who leave fingerprints on everything they touch; engines, tools, hearts. Carl Timothy Blackhurst, known simply as Tim to everyone who loved him, was one of those people.
Born on January 24, 1955 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Bonita Henschen Shiley and William Ward Blackhurst, Tim grew up with a natural curiosity about how things worked. If it...
Sandra Jean Andrews
Feb 28, 2026
Sandra Jean Andrews, lovingly known as Sandy, age 68, of Aiken, and formerly of Bluffton, SC, passed away on February 28, 2026. Born on September 2, 1957, to the late Richard and Shirley Ponec at Mount Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was raised in Cudahy, Wisconsin, where she spent her entire childhood as the middle of three sisters, Cindy...
Samuel Cruz Gaztambide
Feb 28, 2026
Samuel Cruz Gaztambide, 86, of Leesville, SC, formerly of Rincón, Puerto Rico, passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on May 1, 1939, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Juan and Dominga Cruz.
Samuel was known for his unwavering faith in God, his quiet generosity and his devotion to his...
Vera Mae Smith
Feb 28, 2026
Vera Mae Smith, 80, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Born in Leesville, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Wilbur and Hattie Ione Waters. Vera was the proud owner and operator of Dee’s Hollywood Stylette, where she not only styled hair but also built lasting friendships with the many clients she dearly loved. Her salon was...
Frances Williams Prater
Feb 27, 2026
Frances “Frankie” Williams Prater, 95, transitioned to her heavenly home on February 27, 2026. Born on July 27, 1930, in Edgefield, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Azalee and Barney Williams.
Although she lost her father at an early age, Frankie treasured her childhood, surrounded by the love of her four sisters, Nita, Betty, Bonnie, and Kitty, along...
Anita Buzhardt Philips
Feb 24, 2026
Anita Philips was a selfless, humble, patient, and loving child of God. On February 24th, she ran into the arms of her Lord and Savior.
Anita faithfully served her family, church, and community. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Pete and Melrose Buzhardt, and by her husband of 29 years, Jack Philips. She is survived by her loving...
Royal Charles Overman Jr.
Feb 21, 2026
Royal Charles Overman, Jr., 84, of Trenton, died Saturday, February 21, 2026, at his home. Born in Dallas, Texas, he was the son of Royal Charles Overman Sr.. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and retired after many years of dedicated service. Following his military career, he worked at the Aiken County Recycling Facility and...
Carolyn B. Cockrell
Feb 19, 2026
Carolyn B. Cockrell, 86, of Monetta, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Aiken County on November 16, 1939, she was a daughter of the late Jacob Bodie and Rosa Mae Duffie Bodie. Mrs. Cockrell had a true love for flowers and working in her garden and was well known for having a green...
James Shelton Walker, Sr.
Feb 17, 2026
James S. Walker, Sr., 81, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 7, 1945, in Great Falls, Montana, he was the son of the late James Oscar Walker and Miriam Frances Jernigan Walker. James was a faithful member of Couchton Baptist Church and a proud Mason with Aiken...
Sheila Anne Early
Feb 16, 2026
Sheila Anne Early, 75, of Saluda, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026. Born in Eloy, Arizona, she was a daughter of the late Richard and Imogene Robinson Vasquez. She was the widow of Michael Dalton Early. Sheila was a founding member of Hollywood Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as church secretary for many years. Her church family meant...
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 Oliver 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,...

