DEATH NOTICES

Wilson Frederick "Rickey" Baker, 67, Murrells Inlet

Richard Hannah, 55, Hemingway

Stephen A. Knopp, Georgetown

FUNERAL SERVICES

Robert Cooper

Robert L. Cooper, 89 died Sunday, December 20th at his residence in Georgetown, SC.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, December 28, 2009 at Bethel AME Church with burial following at the church cemetery.

Mr. Cooper was born on October 23, 1921 in Georgetown, SC, a son of Elizabeth Golden Cooper and Albert Cooper.

After graduating from Howard High School, he joined the United States Navy and served his country admirably for six years.

He moved to Brooklyn, New York where he worked for the New York Housing authority as a boiler room supervisor.

He returned to Georgetown in 1989.

Surviving are a sister, Elise Gallant of Brooklyn, NY; and two nieces, Melinda Humes of Richmond, VA and Sheila McCoy of Florence, SC.

Arrangements  were entrusted to Wilds Funeral Home, LLC of Georgetown.

Johnny Deas

Johnny Lee Deas, 61, 6073 Pennyroyal Road, Georgetown, SC, departed this life on December  22, 2009 at Georgetown Memorial Hospital.

Funeral Services were held 3 p.m. Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Greater Gethsemane Baptist Church in the Woodland Community, Georgetown, SC with Rev. James Brown officiating. 

Burial followed in the Church Cemetery under the direction of McKnight-Fraser Funeral Homes.

Mr. Deas son of the late Cephus and Christina Deas was born November 25, 1948 in Georgetown County, South Carolina.

Survivors are four sons, Winston J. Ladson and Randolph Deas of Georgetown, SC, Sherman C. Deas of Blue Bell, PA and Tavanel L. Deas of Orlando, FL; one daughter, DaShanda D. Davis of Wilshaden, Germany; two sisters, Virginia Grant and Mary E. Daniels; three brothers, William Deas, Cephus Deas Jr. and Lee Edward Deas.

James Flowers

James Flowers, 66, of Georgetown, SC, died on December 22, 2009 in Georgetown, SC.

Funeral services for Mr. Flowers were held 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Singleton Chapel A.M.E. Church in the North Santee Community of Georgetown.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Mr. Flowers was born February 17, 1943 in Georgetown, South Carolina to the marital union between Mrs. Daisy Fraser Flowers and Walter Flowers.

He attended the public schools of Georgetown County and was a member Singleton Chapel A.M.E. Church.

He worked for twenty-six years until retirement as a mechanic with Georgetown Steel Corporation.

Mr. Flowers is survived by his wife, Mrs. Dotharine Flowers of Georgetown, SC; his sons, James Earl Flowers, Garden Grove, CA, Timothy Flowers, Georgetown, SC, and Kwamane Smith, Pawleys Island, SC; and his daughters, Joyce Jackson, Monroe, NC, Cynthia Sargent, New Castle, DE, Marticia Goodwin, Ft. Knox, KY, and Jannette Jett, Darlington, SC.

Family visitation was held from 7-9 p.m. on Friday evening, December 25, 2009 at Wilds Courtyard Chapel.

Funeral service arrangements were entrusted and directed by Wilds Funeral Home, LLC.

Troy Jenkins

Troy Stacy Jenkins, 38, formerly of Georgetown, SC, died on December 16, 2009 at Saints Medical Center in Boston, MA. 

Funeral services for Mr. Jenkins were held 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Wilds Courtyard Chapel.

Mr. Jenkins was born October 12, 1971 in  Georgetown, South Carolina, from the marital union between Mrs. Vera Blunt Jenkins and Clarence Jenkins.

He attended the public schools of Georgetown County and was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church.

Mr. Jenkins is survived by  his wife, Camilla Jean Scott; his children, Nyembia Jenkins and Stacy Jenkins Jr.; his parents, Vera Blunt Jenkins and Clarence Jenkins; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Earlene Hilton; and nine siblings.

Viewing took place at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, December 26, 2009 at Wilds Courtyard Chapel.

Funeral service arrangements were entrusted and directed by Wilds Funeral Home, LLC.

Annie Lawrence

Annie Lawrence, 78, of Georgetown, SC, died on December 23, 2009 in Georgetown, SC.

Funeral services for Mrs. Lawrence were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at Friendship St. Mary A.M.E. Church in the Annie Village Community of Georgetown.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Lawrence was born October 12, 1931 in Charleston County, South Carolina, South Santee Community to the marital union between Mrs. Lottie Kelly Washington and Mr. Phillip Washington.

She attended the public schools of Georgetown County and was a member Friendship St. Mary A.M.E. Church.

She was a  commercial hotel housekeeper for several years before retirement.

Mrs. Lawrence is survived by  her daughters, Lula Lawrence, Georgetown, SC, Mary Odom, Colorado Springs, CO, Carlethia Sparkman, Spartanburg, SC, Nancy Washington, Detroit, MI, and Cynthia Essic, Woodbridge, VA; and her sisters, Charlotte Grate, Georgetown, SC, Georgia Hunter, Columbia, SC, and Anna Walker, Deridder, LA.

Family visitation was held from 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, December 26, 2009 at Wilds Courtyard Chapel.

Funeral service arrangements were entrusted and directed by Wilds Funeral Home, LLC.

Helen Melton

Helen S. Melton, 71, wife of Joe R. Melton of Georgetown, died Thursday, December 24, 2009 at her residence.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 28, 2009 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Graham Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Melton was born July 18, 1938 in Horry County, a daughter of the late Bruce Skipper and the late Elberta Skipper.

She worked at Piggly Wiggly in Georgetown for 25 years in the Deli Department.

Mrs. Melton was a down to earth, bighearted wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving are her husband, Joe R. Melton of Georgetown; one daughter, Jodi Melton and her fiancé James Turner of Andrews; two grandchildren, Jarrett Dalton Turner and Brandon Laurice Turner, both of Andrews; one sister, Ronda King; one brother, Robert Milton Skipper; three stepdaughters, Renee Barron, Rhonda K. Dubroc and Nin McNelley; and a number of step grandchildren, nieces and nephews

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a twin sister, Hazelle Sidelle.

The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday December 27, 2009 at Graham Funeral Home.   

Please sign a guest book and send private condolences at www.grahamfuneralhome.org.

James Miller Jr.

James D. “J. D.” Miller, Jr., 66, husband of S. C. Representative Vida Miller of Pawleys Island, died Friday, December 25, 2009, at his residence, 335 Westfield Dr. in Hagley.

Mr. Miller was born in Hemingway on September 10, 1943, a son of Cornelia Rowe Miller Rodgers and the late James D. “J. D.” Miller, Sr.

He grew up in Georgetown, and was a graduate of Winyah High School and served in the S. C. Army National Guard.

Mr. Miller was the former owner of J. D. Miller Construction Company and retired from Georgetown County as Facilities Services Supervisor.

Mr. Miller attended First Baptist Church in Georgetown.

He was also a member of Pawleys Island Lodge #409, Ancient Free Masons, the Royal Order of the Jesters, and Omar Shrine Temple.

Mr. Miller was a founding member and first Unit Director of the Shrine Unit-Omar Trucking Company.

Mr. Miller’s battle with pancreatic cancer was a testimony to his courage and faith.

J. D.’s love for his family and friends were always of the upmost importance during his life.

Surviving in addition to his mother of Georgetown are his wife, Vida Osteen Miller of Pawleys Island; a son, James Womble Miller (Michelle) of Wilson, N.C.; a daughter, Allyson Miller Moye (Rob) of Wilson, N.C.; a brother, Charles “Charlie” R. Miller (Wendy) of Summerville; a sister, Marsha Miller Wilson (Johnny) of Georgetown; four grandchildren, Alex Miller, Kristin Miller, Kelsey Miller, and Rachel Moye; and several nephews and nieces.

Memorial services will be eleven o’clock Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at First Baptist Church in Georgetown.

Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Ted A. Sherrill.

Sign a guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com or contact the family at P. O. Box 481, Pawleys Island, S. C. 29585.

The family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church in Georgetown Fellowship Hall Monday evening, December 28, 2009, from five until seven.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, S. C. 29605 or Tidelands Community Hospice, 2591 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, S. C. 29440.

The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Peggy Miller

Peggy Diane Goings Miller, 56, of Georgetown went home to celebrate Christmas with Jesus on Tuesday evening,  December  22, 2009, at the Tidelands Community Hospice House.

Mrs. Miller was born the daughter of Ann Yopp Goings-Jayroe and the late Jospeh M. Goings on March 21, 1953.

She was a graduate of Cortez High School, Pheonix, AR; was a member of the Graves Southern Baptist Church; and was “southern mom” homemaker creating a house into a home.

She leaves behind her mother and step-father, James P. Jayroe; two children, Steven A. “Boo” (Donna) Miller III and Stephanie A. Miller; eight grandchildren, Darion, Ashton, Delana, Kaylee, Warner, Sophie, Lilly, and Charlotte; three brothers, Bill (Jill) Goings, Joe Daughtry (Judy) Goings, Bobby (Nicki) Goings; three sisters, Joanne Morris, Lorraine Goings, and Tammy (David) Goude; her fiance, Wayne Roberts; the father of her child, Steven A. Miller, Jr.; and a number of neices and nephews.

Funeral services were 2 p.m., Sunday, December 27, 2009, at the Graves Southern Baptist Church with interment in the Elmwood Cemetery directed by the Georgetown Chapel of McKenzie Funeral Home.

Visitation was 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday evening, December  26, 2009, at the McKenzie’s Georgetown Chapel, 2156 N. Fraser, 843-546-0198.

McKenzie Funeral Home is honored to serve the Miller family.  Online Family Condolences may be sent to mckenziefuneralh@aol.com.

Doris Prosser

Doris Virginia Jordan Prosser, 76, of Georgetown, widow of Sam Prosser, died Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Georgetown Memorial Hospital.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens.

Officiating will be Rev. Clyde Glover.

Mrs. Prosser was born January 13, 1933 in Georgetown County, a daughter of the late Andrew Jordan and the late Cola Jordan.  

She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  

Mrs. Prosser enjoyed spending time with family and friends and shopping.

She was a former forklift operator at International Paper.

Surviving are three sons, Sam Oshea (Melissa) Prosser Jr., Jerry LaHue Prosser and Robert M. (Tracey) Prosser; three brothers, Johnny Jordan, Joe Jordan, Billy Jordan; one sister, Katherine Hunter; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband.

The family is being served by Graham Funeral Home in Georgetown, SC.

Please sign a guest book and send condolences to the family at www.grahamfuneralhome.org.

Myrtle Ray

Myrtle L. Memory Ray, 96, of Georgetown, S.C., former long time resident of Wilmington, N.C. passed away Friday, December 25, 2009 in Georgetown.

Myrtle was born and grew up in Wilmington, proud of her Dry Pond roots, daughter of the late James Levi Memory and Lillie Melvin Memory.

She worked in the dry cleaning business, for the New Hanover County Schools in food service and then serving meals to the needy and the elderly at Nesbit Courts until quite elderly herself.  Myrtle  was a loving, kind and caring mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many.

Myrtle will be missed by all of those whose lives she touched.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Georgetown, S.C.  and former  member of Sunset Park Baptist Church in Wilmington where she was a dedicated member for over 50 years.

Myrtle is survived by her daughter, Kathy Ray Cain Newton and husband Danny Newton; two granddaughters, Katelyn Cain and Kristyn Cain of Georgetown, S.C.; and nieces, Julie Memory and Dorothy Marshburn  of Wilmington.

She was predeceased by her husband, James C. Ray, brothers  Lloyd Memory, Franklin D. Memory and sister, Berta Memory Hewlett.

The family would like to thank Dorothy Thornal, Bertha Cole, and Caroline Stalvey of Georgetown and her cherished friends and church family for their continued uplifting love and support.  

Myrtle humbly appreciated every small act of kindness ever shown to her.

She was an inspiration to all who knew her as a dedicated Christian who loved life, persevered through hardships with a positive attitude, had a keen sense of humor, was always ready for a game of Rummy, and looked  forward to going places and doing things to make the most of each day.

The family received friends in Georgetown from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday December 27, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Georgetown.

Visitation for family and friends in Wilmington will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, December 28th at Sunset Park Baptist Church.

Funeral  Services will be at 11 am at Sunset Park Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, officiated by Reverend C.L. King, Reverend Aaron King, and Reverend Chris Wroten.  

Interment will be at Oakdale Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grahamfuneralhome.org.

Thomas Tilton

Thomas Vernon Tilton, 34, of Andrews, the beloved son of T.W. “Tubby” Tilton, Sr., and Molly Ray Tilton, passed away Friday evening, December 25, 2009, at the Tidelands Community Hospice House.

Mr. Tilton was born on August 6, 1975, in Georgetown County.

He leaves behind his parents; one brother, Eddie (Sheila) Tilton; one sister, Brenda T. (Kevin) Lynch; two nephews, Josh and Travis; one neice, Ashley; and one great nephew, Jessie.

He was predeceased by his brother, J.W. “Jessie” Tilton, Jr.; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jessie James Ray Sr. and Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Tilton.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday, December 28, 2009, at the Victory Freewill Baptist Church with interment in the Piney Forest Cemetery directed by the Andrews Chapel of McKenzie Funeral Home.  

Visitation was from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday evening, December 27, 2009, in the sanctuary of the Victory Freewill Baptist Church.

McKenzie Funeral Home is honored to serve the Tilton family. Online condolences may be sent to mckenziefuneralh@aol.com.