Current Obituaries

Barbara Elizabeth Bell departed her life  August  27, 2025  in Greenville SC. 

 Mrs. Bell  is predeceased by her daughter Arteagia Bell, and her husband  George W. Bell Jr. 

Survivors ; one daughter and one son  whom loved her beyond words; Royal Bell and Lolita Bell; Five Grandchildren; Mario Gallman, Sheena Gallman, Devin Grant, Lachelle Byrd, and King Hunter; 12 Grandchildren; 

Three brothers, Bobby Davis, Michael Davis, and  Robert Lee Davis Jr; Four  sisters, Carolyn Davis, Teresa Davis, Mattie Williams and Arlene Davis; a Best Friend Linda Mangle,  and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Celebration of Life: Sunday Upstate Family Funeral Services 

Greenville Chapel  at 3:00 PM at 506 Arlington Avenue

Burial location will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens 1699 Piedmont Hwy

Keldrick LaTroy Benson, 44, was born to Calvin Benson Sr and Wilma Jean Gaines Benson. He passed away on August 15th at The Reedy River Post Acute in Greenville SC. In addition to his father, Mr. Benson is predeceased by ; four sisters, Monica Lynn, Deborah Kaye, Allecia Shandraqmeyer, and Karren Marshane Benson. In addition to his mother Wilma Jean Benson survivors include; one brother, Calvin Benson Jr; two sisters, Tonya Calvinia Benson and Tammy Evans(Kelly); a special cousin, Fredricka Yancy(Patrick); aunts, Bernice Benson and Mariah Benson; and a host of other relatives and friends. Graveside services will be 3:00 pm at The Brown Eternal Gardens. Mr. Benson can be seen from 1 to 5 Tuesday, August 19th at The Upstate Family Funeral Services Chapel in Greenville at 506 Arlington Avenue

Lillie Ann Hailstock, beloved aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Lillie Ann lived a life rooted in love, care, and devotion to her family. She played a significant and lasting role in the lives of her nieces and nephews—Kelvin Hailstock, Erica (Mims) Camm, Wendi (Jermaine) Boston, Richie (Cicily) Stoddard, Natalie Thomas, and Ashley Stoddard—nurturing them

from birth and lovingly claiming, “I think they belong to me.”

She shared a special sibling-like bond with two dear cousins, William (Pauline) Franks and Dorothy Franks, who held a cherished place in her heart.

She will be missed by her fur baby, Tia. Lillie Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Hailstock and Lydia Franks Hailstock Thompson.

She leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends who will remember her warmth, humor, and unwavering support. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Celebration of Life: Friday, August 1, 2025, 11:00 am

Poplar Spring Baptist Church

290 Springdale Drive,

Simpsonville, SC 29681. Viewing hours will be Thursday July 31, 2025 from 1 to 5 at The Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel.

Receiving family and friends at:

345 Potomac Ave

Greenville, SC 29605

Mr. George Grayson,83, of 115 Tremont Avenue  Greer passed away on July 13 at the Prisma Memorial Hospital Greer. He is the son of Garfield Daniel and Mary Grayson. Mr. Grayson loved to spend time fishing and making memories with his grandchildren. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by one brother William Grayson and one sister Rosa Mae Beasley.   Survivors include; daughters, Pamela Williams Wells(Ocyruss) of Brooklyn,NY and Dorothy Grayson; sons, George E Grayson Jr, Dewey Williams, Christopher Grayson(Angela), and Tim Nesbitt(Ruth Ann) all of Greer; special grandchild Jennifer Spurgeon of Greenville SC; aunts, Jane Hayward and Julia Leaonard both of New York; sister-in-law Mae Jane Grayson; brother-in-law Sewell Beasley; special niece Dorthelia Dalisa Griffin; and host of grandchildren and other family. Services will be 3:30 Saturday July 19th at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer Chapel with burial in The Brown Eternal Gardens.  Viewing hour will be Friday from 3 to 6

Earl Scott, 62, of 106 Karapha Court, Woodruff South Carolina passed away on July 12 2025 at the Spartanburg Medical Center. He was born to the late Billy Holley and the late Carrie Scott Alexander. Mr. Scott is predeceased by one daughter; Zenia Ballard , one brother; Homer Lee Scott; and one sister Ann Scott. Survivors include ; one son , Christopher Williams; three sisters, Patsy Thompson, Billie Ann Scott, and Kathy Sullivan(Stacy) ; three brothers, Tommy Scott(Debra), Duffie Alexander, and Tony Alexander; one uncle Lewis Scott; and a host of other relatives and friends.  Services will be held 12:00 noon Saturday, July 19th at the Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer Chapel. Mr. Scott can be viewed from 1 to 6 at the Greer chapel.

Delores McKelvy, daughter of the late Grady Sullivan

and Magaret McKelvy Jackson, was born on April 14,

1954, in Greenville, South Carolina. Educated in the

Greenville County public school system, she dedicated

her life as a caregiver and homemaker, tending to the

needs of those she cared for. Delores was a member

of Queen Street Baptist Church.

Delores departed this life at Prisma Health Greenville

Memorial Hospital on June 10, 2025, and entered

Eternal Peace at the age of seventy-one. Preceding

her in death were three brothers, Dennis McKelvy,

Milton Kelly, Rico Jermaine Jackson, and one sister,

Avonne Cureton.

Left to cherish fond memories are her son, Antonio

(Angela) Carrington; four sisters, Wanda (Tito) Cruell,

Kimberly Jackson (Andre) Williams, Yvonne Sullivan-

Brown, and Phyllis A. Sullivan; and one brother, Grady

Reginold Sullivan. Two grandchildren, who were near

and dear to her heart, Audrianna Cherelle Carrington

and Cameron Keshun Carrington; Nieces, nephews,

cousins, and generations of great friends. Memorial Services will be 2:00 pm Sunday, June 22 2025 at The Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel

Cortina “Tinkerbell” Brewton, affectionately known as Tink, was born

April 27, 1979, in Spartanburg, SC, to the late Sandra Anne Grady and

James Lumpty Brewton. A radiant soul with a bright mind, Cortina

was always smiling, smart, and spirited. She deeply loved her family—

especially her mother, son, and brother.

She graduated from Greer High School in 1997, where she was

President of the Culture Plus Club, a member of the National Honor

Society, and Beta Club. She continued her education at Johnson C.

Smith University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business

Administration with a 4.0 GPA. On campus, Cortina was well known

for her polished appearance—tight hair done, lipstick popping, and

always well put together. In her own words:

“As a woman, you got to be lotioned down and lip gloss popping.”

Cortina pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on December 5,

1999, through the Gamma Delta Chapter. Her line name was

Reflektion, and she was fondly called Chocolate.

She began her career at Wells Fargo in North Carolina as a Fraud

Specialist, where she worked for 12 years. After building her career,

she made the selfless decision to leave Charlotte, NC, and return

home to South Carolina to focus on being an amazing mother to her

son, Derrick Seegars (“DJ”).

Tink often reminded those around her of the value of life. One of her

favorite sayings was:

“We only have one life and should make the most of it. Live, play,

work, and always handle your business.”

Cortina is survived by her beloved son Derrick Seegars (“DJ”), her

devoted brother Anthony (Adeia) Brewton, niece Jordan Brewton,

nephews Kristian Conard and Deandre (Kimberly) Moren, and a

loving extended family including aunts and uncles: Ben (Louise) Grady

Jr., Patsy Davis, Bennie Earl Grady, and Teresa Grady.

An angel sent from God, Cortina’s life was a blessing and a source of

motivation to many. She will be forever missed and remembered with

love. care.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm on June 22 2025 at The Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer Chapel with burial in The Brown Eternal Gardens. Public viewing on Saturday from 1 to 6 at the chapel

 Betty Louise McBee,73, passed away on June 7th. She is the daughter of the late Nathaniel and Gertrude Gordon McBee. She is predeceased by a daughter Damita Barton.  Survivors include two sons John Barton and Raymond Barton; two sisters, Doreather McGowens and Ellen McBee; one brother Evangelist Allen McBee; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday June 14, 2025 at The Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel. Public viewing will be Friday from 1 to 5 at the Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel. 

 Minnie Davis Jones, 67, was born in Greenville South Carolina to the late Rufus T Davis and Lillie Ruth Duckett Davis. She passed away on June 8 2025. She is predeceased by one son; Andre Guy; two brothers Alonzo Davis and Kenneth Thompson; and two sisters Ruby Mitchell and Gloria Garrett. Survivors include her husband Charles A Jones of the home; two sons Taurean Davis (Shequita) of Greenville and Darius Jones(Camecia) of Simpsonville; two daughters Tracy Jones(Carlos) and Nikki Jones Jenkins both of Greenville; two brothers  Curtis Duckett(Brenda) of Greenville and Joshua Davis of Texas; 6 grandchildren;  and a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 Sunday, June 15th at The Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel with burial following in The Brown Eternal Gardens. Public viewing will be Saturday from 2 to 6. 

Laura Mae Martin, daughter of the late James Edward Martin and Geneya Victoria Margaret Martin was born on November 2, 1965 in Spartanburg County. After a short courageous battle with lung cancer, She passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025 at Hillcrest Hospital. 

Laura was a loving mother, sister, aunt, cousin and grandmother. She enjoyed being with family and friends. She was the life of the party. Laura enjoyed being  her family and friends hair dresser. She took pride in her work. Laura had a very giving spirit and looked out for everyone throughout her life. Through all the battles with her overall health, her life was a testimony that touched many.

Laura was preceded in death by five brothers; W.C. Bennett, Buster Martin, Willie Jean Martin, Otis Lee Martin and Joe Martin; three sisters, Sylvia Bailey, Helen Gregory and Shirley Irby.  Survivors include two daughters LaQuita Latonya Martin of Greenville SC and Kristina "LaQuesha" Wilson (Keen) of Charlotte NC; three sisters, Elder Beulah Thompson and Debra Martin of Greenville SC and Edna Cumby (Bobby) of Valdosta Georgia; one brother James Martin of Greenville SC; seven granddaughters Miquaya Martin Hallums, Mariah Martin Whetstone and Alivia Marin all of Greenville SC and Khamarii Grant, Kaleah Wilson, Khloe Wilson, and Krystin Wilson all of Charlotte NC; a special friend Robert Dennis; and a niece and caregiver Jacqueline Irby; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family is at 601 Woodside Avenue Fountain Inn SC. Funeral Services will be 2:00 Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer chapel with burial in The Brown Eternal Gardens. Viewing will be on Saturday from 1 to 5 at the chapel. 

 Sandra Anne Grady, 66 of Greer, South Carolina was born on September 1, 1958 in Spartanburg, South Carolina to her parents the late Sammie Lou Miller and the late Ben T Grady. Mrs. Grady was proceeded in death by Husband James “Lumpy” Brewton. She was also preceded in death by brother Danny Grady
She was a graduate of James F. Byrnes High School in Duncan South Carolina. Mrs. Grady was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, cleaning,  dressing up and making sure her makeup was on point. Many Family members felt as if she was the best cook in the family. She enjoyed watching the Young & the Restless, the Bold and Beautiful, Andy Griffin and Leave It To Beaver. She also loved her morning coffee. 

She is survived by her Children; Daughter Cortina Brewton and Son Anthony ( Adeia) Brewton. Grandchildren; Derrick Seegars "DJ", Jordan Brewton, Kristian Conard, Deandre( Kimberly) Moren, Khloe Moren and Karter Moren. Siblings; Ben (Louise Grady Jr. , Patsy Davis, Bennie Earl Grady and Teresa Grady. Service will be 1:00 Friday May 30 at the Upstate Family Funeral Services chapel in Greer. Viewing will be Thursday from 1 to 5.

Jimmy Lewis Rodgers was born on November 21, 1953, to the

late James O’Neal and Arthena (Hoke) Rodgers. He was also

preceded in death by his oldest brother Marion Rodgers.

He attended Dunbar Elementary and graduated from Greer

High School. He was employed by the Celanese Plant for a few

years. After leaving Celanese he worked at Greer Mill as a

Doffer. Jimmy loved music. He played the saxophone and the

piano in a band called “Flatrock.”

Jimmy is survived by his son Jerod  Griffin of Atlanta, Ga and

daughter Lakeisha  Johnson of Greenville, SC; Six siblings, Levonia

(Jeannie) Rodgers of Columbia, SC, Judy(Paul) McCoy of

Augusta, Ga, Sharon (Michael) McCoy of Hampton Va, Glenda

(Sergio) Whitley of Grovetown, Ga, Deborah(Steve) Grady of

Greer, SC and Timothy Rodgers of Greer, SC ; Three Aunts,

Dorothy Wheeler of Trenton, NJ, Peggy Edmonds and Patricia of

Greer, SC.; A host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

John 11:25  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The

one who believes in me will live, even though they die;”

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, May 24 2025 at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer Chapel at 2pm. The family will be at the home of Steve and Deborah Grady at 123 Fuller Street Greer, South Carolina.

Mr. Willis Arcells Palmer was born on September 8 th , 1958, to Russell “Bo” Mayesand the late Loualgia W. Palmer of Spartanburg SC. He passed away on May 3 rd , 2025, at Reedy River Post Acute Facility at the age of 66. Mr. Palmer loved to dance to old school music and cook. Mr. Palmer is preceded in death by his father Russell “Bo”Mayes, the late Loualgia W. Palmer, and his stepfather the late Lee Jr. Palmer. He had

two siblings the late Learnda L. Palmer and Asharnda Guy of Greenville SC: 3 children Lee Yvette Johnson, Canisha M. Allen and Rashad T. Allen of Spartanburg SC. One niece Shaquita C. Palmer and two great nieces Kimora D. Palmer-Davis and Layla Q. Wright of Greenville SC. Mr. Palmer had two grandchildren and three great grandchildren and a slew of other family members. He will greatly be missed. Public viewing will be from 1 to 5pm, Friday May 16 at the Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel located at 506 Arlington Avenue.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 Saturday May 17th at the chapel with burial in The Brown Eternal Gardens

Funeral services will be held 2pm 

Thursday  May 15, 2025 at Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville, SC 

Public viewing will be held Wednesday May 14, 2025 at Upstate Family Funeral Greenville Chapel from 1pmk to 5pm

Shakneca Flemmings better known as “Nikki” born February 18th, 1975 to Thomas Goodlett and the late Delitha Goodlett. She departed her earthly life on Sunday, April 13, 2025. 

She was a member of the Alive Center. She was on dialysis for 21 years. Shakneca loved to write stories growing up and in her older age work on puzzles. Through all she battled in her life with her health she always kept a smile face and her life was a testimony that touched many. 

She leaves behind to cherish fond memories, her son Marquise Foster, her daughter Jakariah Flemmings, both of Lyman SC. One brother Anthony Howard, her father Thomas Goodlett. Two uncles, Jimmy Green, and Kenneth Smith. Seven aunts. Dollie Hall, Lillian Goodlett, Ann Cunningham, Magadalene Byrd, Phyllis Green, Cynthia Green, Jackie Green; a host of close relatives and friends

Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 2pm in The Alive Center. The Church is located at 1675 Ja Brooke Dr, Greer, South Carolina.  Interment will be at the Brown Eternal Gardens on Elmer Street in Greer South Carolina.

Jerry Lewis Carson, 41 of 411 Fairhaven Drive, Taylors,  South Carolina. 

Passed away on 4-06-2025

 With heavy hearts we announce the viewing of Jerry "Pete" Carson at Upstate Funeral Home Sunday April 13, 2025 @2pm

Pete was a loving father, brother, uncle, husband, and friend. He was a man who took pride in being there for his family whenever needed and took on a father role not only to his own children but to his nieces and nephews.  The love that he poured into our family will forever be in our hearts.

Pete was preceded in death by his mother Millie Valentine Carson, his son Benny Tyreek Dandy, nephew Miracle Glover, and grandparents Joyce & John Bailey and Willie Mae Valentine. 

Evelyn Magdalene Miller Renrick-Jones of Greenville, SC passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Greenville Post Acute Care.

She was predeceased by her husband, Harold Jones. She is survived by her three children, Velma L. Greene of Travelers Rest, Thomas M. Renrick III of Greenville, SC and Maurice P. Renrick of Easley, SC; One sister, Frankie L. Jenkins of Greenville, SC; 6 grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren; 2 great-great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Funeral Service 3pm April 5 2025 at ST. Luke United Methodist Church located 250 Pine Log Ford Road Travelers Rest, South Carolina 29690.  There will be no viewing.

 Fannie Mae Charles Hill Brooks was born in Aliquippa Pennsylvania on January 10, 1927 to the late Aesop and Cordelia Smith. Her maternal grandparents, the late Ed and Nettie Josephine Smith raised her in Greer South Carolina from the age of seven. Mae enjoyed twenty years of wedded bliss to the late John W Brooks. Mae Charles dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and joined Calvary Baptist Church in Greer South Carolina. Subsequently becoming a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church where she worked faithfully until her decline in health. She was the treasurer for the United Methodist Women and sang in the Senior Choir and was also an usher. For many years she worked at the Carolina Blouse Factory in Greenville South Carolina in various departments until her retirement. She was a great seamstress for herself, family, and others. She was a conservative dresser. She loved to bowl, fish, crochet, and travel. Her husband referred to her as gift from the Lord , Proverbs 18:22  "He who finds what is good and receives favor from the lord." Mae was always  a quiet speaking woman who let her life speak for herself.      Mae leaves to cherish her memory; one daughter, Anette Sewell of Riverdale Georgia; one son, Marvin Lee Hill of Riverdale Georgia; one granddaughter Tiffany Sewell of Lawrenceville Georgia;  a bonus granddaughter Ryen Brooks of Orlando Florida; great grandchildren McKenzie and Nathaniel Sewell; a loving and caring niece Elder Mattie (Bobby) Lowden; a special niece  Jerri(Larry) Brinkley of Travelers Rest South Carolina; her adopted families Marilyn Fuller and  family, Charles and Jean Martin and family, Bertha Dhillon and family; and a host of other friends and relatives.  Funeral Services are Monday 1:00pm March 31 2025 at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church 732 Batesville Road Greer South Carolina 29651 with burial in church cemetery. Public viewing is Sunday March 30th from 1 to 5 at The Upstate Family Funeral Services Chapel in Greer at 502 Hampton Road.