2026 OBITUARIES

A Life Remembered with Love: Ernest P. Brown, II  affectionately known as Ernie, was born on October 7, 1980, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Ernest P. and Deloris H. Brown. The youngest child and only son. 

January 19, 2026, at 5:38 p.m.

Ernie received his education through the Greenville County School

System, He and his cousin, Raymond Baker, II, were baptized at Jerusalem

AME Church—now White Hall AME Church—by his late

grandfather, Reverend Andrew Hugine, Sr. Throughout his life,

Ernie remained connected to his faith and was affiliated with St.

Mary AME Church in Greenville, South Carolina.

Although Ernie faced health challenges throughout his life, he never

allowed them to overshadow his joy, laughter, or love for others. His

warm spirit was evident in every interaction. He greeted his elders

with respect and courtesy, and he engaged younger family members

and friends with kindness, humor, and a welcoming smile. Family

meant everything to Ernie, and he made it a point to attend all

gatherings, including Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas celebrations,

family reunions, and other significant milestones—such as the

presidential investiture held in Alabama in honor of his uncle.

Ernie had a remarkable way of making people feel remembered and

valued. Without fail, the first messages for birthdays, anniversaries,

Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Valentine’s Day came from him.

He expressed love not only through words, but through consistent

acts of care and thoughtfulness.

When his health permitted, Ernie worked as a driver for the LaQuinta Inn in Greenville.

When his health permitted, Ernie worked as a driver for the LaQuinta Inn in Greenville, South Carolina. He was 

enjoyed playing basketball and cooking. A 

most treasured memories was attending Falcons vs Panthers 

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted and caring parents,

Ernest P. and Deloris H. Brown; the love of his life, his daughter,

Simone Brown-Byers; his sisters, Tonya Brown-Johnson, Pamela

Walker, and LaShun Cannon; aunts, Abbiegail H. Hugine, Willie

Mae Kanard, Lois Louise Carter, Montezel Searles, Elaine Kanard,

and Jean Kanard; uncles Andrew Hugine, Jr., Robert Walker,

Michael Kanard, Billie Jo Kanard, and Fred Atwood Kanard;

Brothers-in-law Donnie Cannon and David Walker; nieces and

nephews Delvin P. Brown, Aushaulay Smith, Kristany Brown,

Tykeeda Thompson, Tykelvion Thompson, Ashley Burnside,

Tyona Thompson, Adrian Anderson, and Antonio Anderson,; his

cousin who was like a sister, Akilah Hugine-Elmore; the matriarch

of the family, Cousin Lunetha Gary, his 96-year-old texting buddy;

his lifelong best friends Anaris Smith and Ansilee Smith; many

grand-nieces and grand-nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends

who loved him dearly.

Ernest P. Brown, II leaves behind a legacy of love, patience, 

The family will receive friends on February  6th, from 3 to 6 at The Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 7th 11:30 AM  at New St. Luke United Methodist Church.

 Arthur J Epps was born on February 20, 1968 in Greenville County to Joequita Epps, and the late Arthur James Dodd. Addition to his father,  he is predeceased by one sister Melissa Dodd. Survivors include his wife; Mary Hunter Epps; four sons, Emmanuel (Katie) Epps, Tyrece Garrison, Issac Epps, and Gabriel Epps; three daughters, Paula Epps, Quashala Epps, and Monica Epps; two brothers, James Dodd (Yolanda) and Allen Epps; one sister Tia Dodd; eleven grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM. Tuesday, January 27th at The Upstate Family Funeral Chapel, Greer Chapel with burial in The Brown Eternal Gardens. Viewing will be from 1-5 on Monday. 

Earnest Dillard was born July 4, 1956.

Earnest was the son of the late Lewis and Mary Ruth Floyd-Dillard. He grew up in Taylors, SC and graduated from Wade Hampton High School in 1974. Working at Copper River Grill for 19 years and retired in 2025. Earnest loved his family, golf, and cooking. He was a passionate Clemson Tiger football fan.

Earnest was preceded in death by Maternal grandparents, Lewis and Odessa Leamon-Floyd; Sister, Marie Nay Dillard; Aunts Virgie Lee Bush, Gwendolyn Tanner and Carolyn Humphrey, Walter(Butch)Humphrey, Roosevelt Floyd, Stanley Floyd and Lewis Floyd, Stanley Floyd and Lewis Floyd, Jr. 

Left to cherish fond and loving memories are his four sisters, Teresa Dillard of Wellford, SC, Cindy Worthy of Lyman, SC Mindy (Minister Rudy) Simmons of Prosper, TX and Cynthia (Thimmuelle) Greer of Duncan, SC; Three brothers, Ray (Ivy Gail) Dillard and Try (Gloria) Dillard both of Wellford, SC and James (Jewel) Dillard of Taylors, SC; Nephew, Tavaris Dillard (Financial Advisor); Special friend, David "Hog" Rowland; Breakfast buddy, Ben Ashmore; along with a host of aunt s, uncles, nieces, nephews , cousins and other family and friends.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, January 9th at Greater Hopewell Baptist Church with interment in The Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.