Current Obituaries

  Steven “Bird” Brooks “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.” – John 14:1 On Friday, November 15, 2024, the Lord in His infinite wisdom called home His servant, Steven “Bird” Brooks. Born on February 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Paul Jones
and the late Narcissus Brooks Terry, Steven lived a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished relationships. Steven was educated at Lincoln High School in Taylors, SC, and later served as a dedicated employee at Bahn Textile for many years. Known affectionately as “Bird” by his friends, he found joy in playing pool and basketball, bringing a competitive spirit and a warm smile to those who
knew him. Steven was preceded in death by his beloved brothers Anthony Terry and Johnny Melvin Crouch, as well as his dear sister Carol Terry.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his devoted son, Steven Andre Golden; seven loving sisters, Mozell Nesbitt of the home, Mae Troy Murry (Ronnie), Rebecca Feaster of Taylors, SC, Martha Phelps of Greenville, SC, Magaline Austin of Simpsonville, SC, Saresa Aiken of Fayetteville, NC, and Mildred Toliber of Indianapolis, IN; and three devoted brothers, Charles Terry, Lorenzo Terry, and Daryl Terry, all of Taylors, SC. Steven’s presence will also be deeply missed by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who held him close in their hearts. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday November 23, 2024, at 1 pm. The service will be at Upstate Family Funeral Greer Chapel located at 502 Hampton Rd Greer, South Carolina. 

A public viewing will be held on Friday November 22, 2024 from 1pm until 5pm at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer

Interment will take place after the funeral service at Brown Eternal Gardens located on Elmer Street in Greer, SC. 

The family is at 12 Wynette Avenue, Taylors South Carolina 

Joseph Bernard Jackson, 60, of 9 Dobbs Street, Greenville, SC departed this Earth on October 16,2024 at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. Mr. Jackson was born on November 17, 1963 in Greenville, SC.

He was the son of the Joseph Jackson Sr. and Ruthie Lee Williams

Jackson. He was a die hard San Francisco 49ers Football Fan. 

Funeral services will held on Friday October 25 ,2024 at 11;30 am. The service will be at Long Branch Baptist Church on 28 Bolt St. Greenville, SC.   A public viewing will be held on Thursday October 24, 2024 from 1pm until 5pm at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel located at 506 Arlington Ave   Greenville, SC. 

Interment will take place after the funeral service at Brown Eternal Gardens located on Elmer Street in Greer, SC. 

 Ola Summer, 81 of 534 Lowndews Hill Rd,  Greenville, South Carolina entered into eternal  life on October 19, 2024 at Patewood Post Acute. Ola was born on January 6, 1943 in Greenville, South Carolina.  Her parents were the late Sam B. Paden and Ola Ballenger. She was a life long member of  New Salem Baptist Church  in Tigerville, SC 

Funeral services will held on Friday October 25 ,2024 at 2:30 pm. The service will be at New Salem Baptist Church located 2916 Highway 414, St. Tigerville, SC.   A public viewing will be held on Thursday October 24, 2024 from 1pm until 5pm at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer Chapel located at 502 Hampton Rd   Greer, SC.  The body will lie in state at the church from 10am until the funeral.

Interment will take place after the funeral service at  New Salem Baptist Church  

Cemetery

 Robert Floyd, 82 of Fountain Inn, SC departed this earth on October 4, 2024 at Chandler Creek Post Acute . Mr. Floyd was born on May 24, 1942. His parents were the late Perry Floyd and Missie Tucker. Robert grew up in the Fountain Inn Community and was a member of Center Raburn Baptist Church in Gray Court, South Carolina. He later attended New Saint Luke United Methodist Church of Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Mr. Floyd was preceded in death by Grandparents Sam Tucker and Mary Lou Tucker. Sisters Mary F. Marant and Alberta Coker.  He was preceded in death by his step-son Antonio Brown. Robert retired from being a Environmental Specialist with the Greenville County School District.  He leaves to cherish his life long memories: Two Sons Rodney Floyd and Robert Wydman both of Greenville, South Carolina. One Sister Ruby Webb of Greenville, South Carolina. Two Grandchildren Akai Goodjion-Jeter and Kodesha Bryson. He is also survived by Four Great Grandchildren. Mr. Floyd was married to Callie Floyd. He will truly be missed by a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday October 11, 2024, at 12:00 o'clock pm. The service will be at Upstate Family Funeral Greer Chapel located at 502 Hampton Rd Greer, South Carolina. The Family will receive friends from 11am   until 12:00 o'clock. The family is located at 1900 Boling Road Extension Apt 24 D Taylors, South Carolina

Learnda Palmer,56, of 216 Cedar Avenue Greenville SC passed away on September 27th. She was born in Spartanburg County to the late Lee Junior Palmer and Loualgia Williamenia Smith Palmer.  Survivors include one sister; Asharnda Guy; one brother, Willis Palmer; three nieces, Shaquita Palmer, Nene Allen, and Lee Yvette Williams; one nephew Rashad Allen; and a host of other family and friends.  Arrangements are incomplete.

 Public Viewing will be on October 18, 2024 at Upstate Funeral Home Services Chapel (Greenville) from 1pm-5pm Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Saturday October 19, 2024, at the Upstate Funeral Services Chapel, (Greenville).

Interment will follow the service at Brown Eternal Gardens, Greer, South Carolina.

Jamie Daniel Headen born on March 11, 1972, to the late Joyce Hunter and late Robert Headen in Nassau County. He was the youngest of four, he attended to Brentwood High School. After school he became an entrepreneur making a way for himself and his family and friends. Through life he left a positive impact on the people he crossed paths, he was everyones light. He loved where he came from, NY. In time he made his way down to South Carolina to take care of his mother. Moving here to South Carolina his love was able to touch people still. He became a driver and devoted his time to his mother and his brother Timothy. Jamie’s faith kept him up and going and his sense of humor was unmatched he always kept people laughing. His motto was just to live life to the fullest, and he did. In his last days he was surrounded by hi support system and the people who loved him dearly. Jamie parted September 23rd, 2024, leaving his brothers William Hunter, Timothy Hunter and the late Kelsey Anderson. As well as his son. His goddaughter Shayla Williams and his two nieces. Nyasha Hunter and Anaja Rose. And a host of cousins and and friends.

 Funeral services will be held on Saturday September 28, 2024, at 12:00 o'clock pm. The service will be at Upstate Family Funeral Greer Chapel located at 502 Hampton Rd Greer, South Carolina. The Family will receive friends from 10am   until 12:00 o'clock.

 Interment will take place after the funeral service at Brown Eternal Gardens located on Elmer Street in Greer, SC. 

The service will be streamed on the Upstate Family Funeral Services Facbook page. www.facebook.com/Upstatefamilyfuneralservices/

Cynthia J. Hicks, 89, of Greenville, SC, peacefully entered her eternal rest on August 31, 2024, at the Bon Secours McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Cynthia, affectionately known as Ann to her family, was the beloved wife of Reverend Granville A. Hicks.

She leaves to cherish her fond memories, her husband; Granville Hicks of the home; two sons Rene’ Hicks of Greenville, South Carolina and Franz Hicks of Laurens, South Carolina; two daughters; Granit Richardson of Orangeburg South Carolina and Anjanette Sullivan of Humble, Texas; One brother

Stellia (Mary Jane) Jackson of Clover, South Carolina;. One sister Sarah (Lewis)

McKinney of Glenside, Pennsylvania and she was an aunt to numerous nephews and nieces. Mrs. Hicks loved her cousins and was a friend to many.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday September 7, 2024, at 1:00 pm. The service will be at John Wesley United Methodist Church located at 100 E Court Street in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The Family will receive friends from 12:00 o’clock noon until 1:00 o’clock. The funeral service will start at 1:00 o’clock promptly. There will be a public viewing on Friday September 6, 2024, at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel located at 506 Arlington Avenue in Greenville, South Carolina. The viewing will take place from 1 pm until 6 pm. Interment will take place after the funeral service at Resthaven Memorial Gardens located at 1655 Piedmont Highway, Piedmont,

South Carolina. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the John Wesley United Methodist Church Endowment Fund. Please keep the family in your prayers.

 Funeral services will held on Wed August 28,2024 at 4:00pm. The service will be at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel located at 506 Arlington Ave   Greenville, SC. 

 Rudolph Hill 65 was born in Greenville, SC. He was the Son  of the late Mr. Ralph Hill and Vergera Fuller. Rudolph entered into eternal rest on August 11, 2024 at his home. He was also preceded in death by two brothers Ralph Hill Jr, and Harold Lewis Hill. Mr. Hill graduated from Berea High School. He worked at Sunnex International of thirty plus year where he retired from the company.  He also ran his own cleaning company Rudolph also owned Hills Janitorial Services for thirty plus years. He enjoyed  spending time with family and friends. Rudolph was particularly fond of antique cars. He was also a fan of Clemson University Football. His pro football team was the Carolina Panthers.
He leaves fond memories to his loving wife Barbara Hill of thirty years, Two daughters Dortrice Glover (Charles) and Jennifer Spurgeon. Two sons Marion Hill and Joshua Hill. Three brothers Willie James (Lisa) Hill of Riverdale GA, Larry (Darlene) Hill and Randy (Viggie) Hill. One sister Sylvia (Kenny) Williams . Two Aunts, Carolyn Young and Ann of Greenville, SC. Four granddaughters, Five grandsons and host of nieces (Special Niece Toni “Juicy” Miller) and nephews.

 Funeral services will held on Saturday August 24,2024 at noon. The service will be at Long Branch Baptist Church on 28 Bolt St. Greenville, SC.   A public viewing will be held on Friday August 23, 2024 from 1pm until 5pm at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel located at 506 Arlington Ave   Greenville, SC. 

Interment will take place after the funeral service at Brown Eternal Gardens located on Elmer Street in Greer, SC.

Cynthia Marie Fernandes Vanderbeek 67 was born in New York. She was the loving child of Mr. Joseph Fernandes and Mary Fernandes.  Cynthia entered into eternal rest on August 6, 2024. She was also preceded in death by her son, Peter Mallas. Cynthia was the heart and soul of her home and family. With her infectious smile and her pure beautiful heart. She would light up any room. Her beauty was so intriguing. She loved to cook and boy she knew what she was doing in the Kitchen. Cynthia loved a good Kenny Rogers song and would sing her heart out." Her sense of style was runway worthy. " Heaven gained the most Beautiful Angel. She is survived by Life Long partner Kalika Huertas. Children, Mellisa Sialmas, Anna  Karambasis, Micheal Capiris. Grand Children, Cynthia Fernandes, Konstantina Karambasis, Maria Karambasis, Stelios Karambasis and Evangeline Seely. Great Grandchildren, Timaeus, Amaro, Bricedric and Aviyanna. Siblings, Shirley Moryer, Tommy Walsh, Bobby Walsh, Joey Fernandes, Richie Fernandes and Claire Borges. Niece's Adele Duran, Venvis Coelho, Angelic Movelli and Cidalia Coelho. Nephews, Richie Fernandes, John Borges and Billy Coelho. Son-In Laws, Christos Sialmas and Timaeus Marshall. Brother-In-Laws, Steve Moyer and Joao Borges. Sister-In-Law Kimbery Gordon.  Great Nieces and Nephews, Jacob, Christian, Ari, Maria, Audreanna, Ethan, Malachi, and Xavier.  She also leaves a host of other relatives and friends to cherish her memories. Funeral services will held on Saturday August 17,2024 at 2pm in The Greer Upstate Family Funeral Services Chapel. A public viewing will be held on Friday August 16, 2024 from 1pm until 5pm at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer Chapel located at 502 Hampton Rd Greer, SC 29651

Interment will take place after the funeral service at Brown eternal gardens located on Elmer Street in Greer, SC. 

Steve Eugene Irby 64, of Greer passed away on July 25, 2024 at Prisma Health Care System of Greer. Steve was a wonderful Man and was called Cowboy by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his Father Buck Gray Sr. Mother Mary Lee Turner & Step Father James Lester Irby. Steve was married to the late Lillie Dodd-Irby,  and was also preceded in death by Brothers; Arthur James Irby, Lester Jr. Irby & Roy Gray. He grew up in the Greer, SC  and loved the Oak Wood Community.  He retired from the Greenville County School System in the area of Environmental Services. He worked to ensure Children had a clean and safe environment to learn and grow.  He often loved spending time with his family joking and having a good time. Mr. Irby used colorful words at times to get his point across. He was no stranger to anyone. Steve took much joy watching his nephews play High School Football at Spartanburg High School. He also loved being out in the Community visiting friends and talking to people. If you needed something and he had it, It was yours. Mr. Irby had very giving  spirit. He was truly a people's person. If you knew anything about him, you understood he loved to dance to old school music. He met Deloris Mills at McDonald's one Day and she didn't give him her home address. Steve used his resources to find her and they became close friends that shared a lifetime of Love.

He is survived by his Siblings: Sisters-Emma Mae Irby, Margaret(June) Bivings, Lillie (Wilbur) Hames, and Dorothy Ann Irby: Half Sisters- Maddie Mae Gray, and Jimmy Ann Thomas. Brothers- Willie Lee Irby, Jimmie Lee Irby and Eugene Gray. A special niece Quay Gaston. and a host of  nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Including special friend Deloris Mills

The Family is located at 214 Carry Avenue, Greer, SC 

Mr. Ruben Y. Andre Guy, age 49 of 5 Cedar Avenue Greenville, South Carolina passed away on July 16, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Greenville, SC, to Minnie Davis Jones (Charles) and Ruben Guy. He is survived by his wife, Asharnda Guy of the home , mother, Minnie Jones of Greenville , SC, four children, Andre Willis and Dominique Guy both of Greenville, SC, Keiseyuan (Samantha) Guy of Chesnee, SC

and Shaquita Palmer of the home; two brothers; Taurean (Shequita) Davis of Greenville, SC and Darius (Camecia) of Fountain Inn, SC; two sisters; Shablea (Carlos) Frankin and Nikki Jones-Jenkins of Piedmont, SC; seven grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends

Public Viewing will be on Friday, July 26, 2024 at Upstate Funeral Home Services Chapel (Greenville) from 1pm-5pm Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Saturday July 27, 2024, at the Upstate Funeral Services Chapel, (Greenville).

Interment will follow the service at Brown Eternal Gardens, Greer, South Carolina.

Upstate Family Funeral Services is serving the family.

Mr. Antwan Maurice Brewster, age 48 of 107 3rd Street Greenville, South Carolina passed away on July 13, 2024 at his residence. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina to the late Earnest James Renick and Sarah Yeargin Brewster. He is survived by his mother; Sarah Yeargin

Brewster of Greenville, South Carolina; three brothers; Benjamin (Lisa) Renrick of Columbia, South Carolina, Joseph Alexander Yeargin and Earnest Lamont Brewster, both of Greenville, South Carolina; one sister Glenda (William) Robinson of Easley, South Carolina along with a host of other relatives and friends. 

 Public viewing will be on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel from 10 am to 5 pm.  Funeral Service will be 1pm, Saturday, July 27 2024 at The Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel.  Interment will follow the service at Brown Eternal Gardens, Elmer Street Greer South Carolina.

Mr. John H. Pitts, age 85 of 109 Daniel Avenue Greenville, South Carolina passed away on July 13, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Laurens County (Gray Court), to the late Johnny Pitts and Emma Lee Pitts. He is survived by his wife, Frances Williams Pitts, four children, Vada (Andrea) Brown Sr, Tameka (Tyrone) Bennette, Jackie (Christopher) Young, Anika (Chrauis) Geter; one brother, Darrel Pitts, one sister, Johnnie Mae Bostic; eleven

grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

Public Viewing will be on Thursday, 2024 at Upstate Funeral Home Services Chapel (Greenville) from 1pm-5pm Funeral Service will be 2 p.m., Friday July 19, 2024, at the Upstate Funeral Services Chapel, (Greenville).

Interment will follow the service at Brown Eternal Gardens, Greer, South Carolina.

Upstate Family Funeral Services is serving the family.

Hettie Roberta Arnold.    Hettie R. Arnold was born May 23 1941 to the late Robert Wardlaw and Marzella Dean Wardlow. She is predeceased by her husband Lewis C Arnold (LC).  Mrs Arnold attended Lincoln High School but later transferred and graduated from Sterling High School. She was baptized on August 15, 1959 as a Jehovah Witness and has proudly represented her faith ever since.   Survivors include one daughter; Deborah Arnold (Gary) of Charlotte NC; three sons, Lewis C. Arnold of Greenville SC, James L. Arnold(LaVette) of Houston Texas, and Dale M. Arnold (Leslie) of Greenville SC;  two sisters, Everlyne Wright of Taylors SC and Onnie Smith of Decatur GA; one brother Ronnie Wardlaw(Freddie) of Piedmont SC; fifteen grandchildren; Shamone Arnold, Michael Arnold, Regis Arnold(Jennifer), Marcus Arnold(Jenna), Morgan Arnold, Jordan Robinson(Charles), Jaden Arnold, Antonio Dupree, Sierra Dupree, Jermani Arnold, Joshua Arnold, Brianna Arnold, Alethea Arnold, Tessiona Arnold, and Dalevarious Arnold(A'Mya) ; and a host of other relatives and friends.   Memorial services will be held on 2:00 pm on Saturday June 22nd at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on 24 Lynn Street Greenville SC.

Rebecca Edwards of Pine Log Ford  Road passed away  May 30, 2024. She was the daughter of Evelyn Dobbins and Will Edwards. She was a homemaker and loved  to draw and color. Becks liked to listen music of all kinds. She enjoyed spending time with a special friend Ulysses Thanos

Memorial Services will take place on Saturday June 15, 2024 at 11:00am.

The services will be held at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer Chapel 

Evangelist Tiffany Spurgeon was born Tiffany Marie Gaskin on November 6, 1981, at

Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, NJ. She gained her heavenly wings on June 4,2024, at the age of 42.

She grew up in New York, NY where she loved to sing, play kick ball, and offer

everyone advice. She attended Carolina High Academy in Greenville, SC where she showed her love for singing as a member of their gospel choir. She became an ordained minister in 2013 and also became a life coach. She was an active member of Holy Hills Churches Worldwide. She was currently working on writing her book as well as assembling a women’s conference called W.H.E.W (Women Handling Everyday Warfare). She truly loved the Lord and her faith.

She was proceeded in death by her paternal grand-parents Eddie & Lilly Bell Gaskin and maternal grand-parents James Clemente & Clara Mae Bobien. Tiffany leaves to cherish loving memories with her parents Ronald Gaskin (of the home) & Mary Gaskin Clemente (Greenville) son Antonio Looper (Greenville) and 2 daughters Dameka Gates & Fatira Amos both of Greenville; 2 Brothers, Ronald Gaskin Jr (Taiya) of Charlotte, NC & amp; James Avery Gaskin of Atlanta, Ga a sister Lilly “Star” Gaskin of Atlanta, Ga; Nephews Roman, Romelo, Kyle, and David Jr, a niece Promyce. A host of

aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at Greenville Upstate Family Funeral Services. It will be on Saturday  June  15, 2024 at 2pm. Interment will be at Brown Eternal Gardens in Greer, SC 

There will be a public viewing from 1pm to 5pm on Friday June 14, 2024 at the Greenville Chapel

On August 7, 2000 a precious baby was born to Tria Sims and Antonio Grady. Aaron Grady was a quiet young man, but never met a stranger. Once he opened up to you he was the life of the party. He had a heart of gold and his smile was contagious. He loved spending time with his family that he adored and often entertained. He had a passion for music and spent many hours perfecting his craft. Aaron's journey here came to an end on June 1, 2024. He leaves to cherish many precious moments with his mother and father Tria Sims and Antonio Grady. Aaron also leaves 2 brothers, Cartier and Kamijay; 1 sister Khalenna Grady all of Spartanburg. He also leaves to cherish precious memories, maternal grandmother Elaine Woodruff, paternal grandparents Louise and Ben Grady and great grandparents Ruth and Leroy Jackson. There were also people who were special to Aaron's heart including, Fiance Audi Lindsay, Godmother Tammie Sims, Uncles' Byrson and James Woodruff, Aunt Mia Sims and Friend Ashley Wingo. Many other family and friends will also miss this precious soul.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, June 10, 2024 at 2:00pm

The Service will be at Mayfield Baptist Church

Officiating: Bishop Courtney Cohen

Public viewing will be at Upstate Greer Chapel on Sunday, June 9, 2024 starting at 1pm til 5pm

 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Timmy S. Evans, a dedicated Army Veteran, avid fisherman and beloved patriarch of his family. Timmy passed away on May 26th at the age of 61 surrounded by loved ones. 

Timmy served his country with honor and distinction in the Army National Guard for 27 years. After retiring, he found solace and joy in his favorite pastime of fishing. 

Timmy was a force to be reckoned with on the waters, where he spent countless hours pursuing his love of fishing. His competitive nature drove him to always strive for excellence, and be known for consistently coming out on top in fishing tournaments.

Timmy was a mentor and teacher to his friends and family. He was always willing to share his knowledge and expertise. He had a kind and generous heart, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Timmy is survived by his mother Frances, his fiancée Tammy, his children Kendrick, Brandon, Ryan, and Megan, his sister Mira, and a host of grandchildren who will always cherish the memories they shared with their beloved Papa. 

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday June 1, 2024 at 1pm in the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Greer, SC 

There will be a public viewing from 1 pm to 5pm on Friday May 31, 2024

at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer Chapel.