Current Obituaries

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.

 Mr. Devlin Lavernon Bobo,  45 often call Debo by friends and family entered into eternal rest on March 19, 2025.  He was the son of Gracie Allen Bobo and the late Vernon Nathaniel Bobo. Delvin lived in Welford, South Carolina. He was a graduate of the Class of 1997 at  J. F. Byrnes High School in Duncan, SC. Mr. Bobo was employed at R+E Automated in Duncan, SC. Leaving to cherish precious and fond memories along with his mother Gracie, are one sister; Darlene Bobo. Brother Maurice Bobo; Honorary Brother  Robert Evans. A niece Hycinth Bobo, Honorary niece Keymeria Williams. Four nephews; Jerry Torez Bobo( Stephanie), Bobby Shannon Bobo, Marlon Izell Bobo, Maurice Nathaniel Bobo, and a host of great nieces and nephews. Also dear friends Shemika Kerr, Makiah Miller, Milani Miller, Marilyn Kerr and the rest of the Kerr family.  Viewing for Mr. Devlin will be from 1 to 5 pm Friday March 28th at the Upstate Family Funeral Services chapel in Greer at 502 Hampton Road. Funeral is 4:00 pm Saturday March 29th at New Trinity Baptist Church 1130 Old Spartanburg Hwy, Wellford SC. 

Mr. Timothy Russell Fair of 10 Monroe Street, Greenville, South Carolina entered into his eternal home. He was the son of Louise Austin mother and the  late Freddie Clark his father.. Mr. Fair was born in Greenville County. He was preceded in death by his father  and two brothers; Gene Hudson and Steve Austin. 

Timothy was educated in the Greenville County Public School System. He worked throughout the Upstate as a handyman. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a very kind man and was always will to help people. If you needed help, he would drop what he was doing to lend a helping hand.He was a worker and didn't believe in sitting around. Fair was the best Step-Father and had the biggest heart. 

He leaves to cherish his memories several family members. His wife Mrs. Deborah Fair. Mother Louise Austin. Step-daughters Cherrelle Ferguson and Patrice Clement. Grandson Ke'Davious Burnside; Step Grandson Alali Perkins. Step-Grandaughter Sindraya Clement. 

One Great Granddaughter Aijaiya Tucker. Four Brothers; Luther Fair, Gunnye Fair, Preston  Austin and Elder David Austin. Step- Brothers; Frederick Lamer Clark and Fred Remark Lewis Four Aunts; Sarah Dendy, Earnestine Greene(Clyde), Maurice Hamilton (Rev. Charles) and Mae Frances Oglesby. One Uncle Steve( Cookie)Fair.  Funeral services will held on Saturday March 8, ,2025 at 3pm. The service will be at Upstate Family Funeral Services  Greenville Chapel.   A public viewing will be held on Friday March 7, 2024 from 4pm until 6pm at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel located at 506 Arlington Ave   Greenville, SC.  

Mrs. Millie Valentine Carson, age 79 passed away February 18, 2025 at her home . Born in Greenville County, South Carolina in October 22, 1945 to William and Willie Mae Valentine. Mille was educated in Greenville County public  school system graduating from Lincoln High School in 1965. She was a retiree from Stone MFG Company after 25 years of services. She spent the rest of her career with the Walmart Company in Taylors, South Carolina in a position she proudly held for sixteen years. Left to cherish her memory daughter Angelia (Cory) Lawton; Son Jerry(Bridgett) Carson; Sister Sarah Valentine , all of Taylors. Brother Donny ( Sara) Valentine of Greenville, South Carolina. Three grandsons Anthony Jackson of Easley, Jerbralyn Carson and Zach Lawton both of Taylors. Granddaughters Tajay ( Tivaurus) Lawton, Zylahia Burgess, and A' amora Burgess all of Taylors and one great grandson Kashton Henderson. She was preceded in death in addition to her parents by siblings; John Valentine, Clabon Valentine, Ralph Valentine, and grandson Tyreek Dandy.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday  February 26, 2025, at 2 pm. The service will be at 

Upstate Family Funeral Services in Greer, South Carolina.  

 Mr. Lonnie Lee McGee, "Gee" entered into eternal life on January 29 2025 in Clinton  South Carolina. He was born in Greer, SC on May 28, 1952 and was the son of the late Lonnie Lee McGee Sr. and Martha White McGee. He was also preceded in death by one brother Calvin McGee and one sister Martha Ann McGee; one Uncle James Robinson. Lonnie grew up in the Sunnyside Community of Greer, South Carolina. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Everyone affectionately love to see Gee walking throughout the community and would always see his wonderful smile.  One of his biggest joys of  life was supporting Greer High School. If Greer High had a football game, then you know who was lending the Coaching staff a hand.  Gee loved to blow his whistle. If you did not see him on the sideline  he was Interacting with people or cheering for Greer High School. Gee also loved leading the Greer High School band in parades. He was a staple in the Greer Christmas parades. In his free time, he would go to the Cannon Street Gym and watch basketball games. Gee was a big Clemson University Football.  Lonnie was a friend to all. One of his favorite  songs was Amazing Grace. One of his favorite restaurants was the Clock in Greer, South Carolina.  Later in life his journey to took him to Clinton , South Carolina. He spent 12 years at the Laurens County Disabilities and Special Needs Board. He found new friends during his time in Laurens County. He was a strong man of faith. Lonnie would sing, preach and pray for his extended family. One of his favorite  songs was Amazing Grace. Gee will be missed by the entire community. He has marched on with that praise band towards the gates of Heaven.  Left to cherish his loving memories are is his aunt Hattie W. Robinson. He also leaves to cherish his memories  a host of relatives and friends from the greater community.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 pm Saturday February 8, 2025 at New Jerusalem  Baptist Church locate at 413 E. Poinsett Street, Greer, South Carolina. Interment will be at the Brown Eternal Gardens on Elmer Street in Greer South Carolina. Public viewing will be Friday February 7, 2025 at the Upstate Family Funeral Services  Greer Chapel locate at 502  Hampton Rd, Greer, South Carolina from 1 to 6pm

Mr. Kelvin Douglas Wilson AKA "Beaver" entered into eternal life on January 30, 2025 at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. He was born in Greer, SC on February 26, 1961 and was the son of the late Willie Ed Wilson and Mary Jane Jackson Wilson. He was also preceded in death by one brother Ronald Eugene Wilson AKA "Coot". Kelvin was a graduate from Greer High School. He was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Greer, SC. After working at JP Stevens Mill; he started working in the restaurant business. Mr. Wilson was well known for working at Back Home Cafe in Greer, SC. He loved to hunt, fish, and watch television programs like Andy Griffith and  Westerns.  Left to cherish his loving memories are one brother Rickey (Barbara) Wilson of Lyman, SC; Sister Tina Wilson of Greer, SC.  Aunts Betty Jackson of Taylors SC and Marsy (Mark) Jackson of Cleveland, Ohio. Nephews Carlos Jermaine Bennett of Lyman, SC and Braven Bennett of Greenville, SC. A special friend, Dora Jean Owens. He also leaves to cherish his memories, a host of other relatives and friends. 

Funeral services will be held on Sunday February 2, 2025, at 2 pm. The service will be at Cedar Grove Baptist Church located at 109 Elmer Street, Greer, South Carolina.  Interment will take place after the funeral service at  Brown Eternal Gardens located on Elmer Street in Greer, SC. 

A public viewing will be held on Saturday February 1, 2025 from 1pm until 5pm at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer, SC.

John Thomas Nesbitt Jr. affectionately known as “Junebug” was born

February 7, 1947 to the late John Thomas Nesbitt Sr. and the late

Willie Mae Fernandez Nesbitt in Hendersonville, NC.

He was preceded in death by three sisters; Anita Jean Nesbitt, Shirley

Nesbitt, and Gail Williams and one son; Valentino Nesbitt, and one

grandson Micheal Nesbitt.

He was employed at the former Allen Bennett Hospital. He left fond

memories of jokes and laughter he shared with those he came in

contact with.

He was married to Mozell Brooks Nesbitt for over 40 years. He leaves

to cherish his memories of two daughters, NaTricia Bennett (Timothy)

of Greenville SC and Sophia Nesbitt of Taylors SC; two sons John

Thomas Nesbitt III (Lisa) of Forest City, NC and John Jeffery Nesbitt of

Taylors SC. Three sisters; Myrtle Mae Dodd of Hendersonville NC,

Darlene Johnson (Marion) of Fletcher NC, and Magdalene Ratchiff of

Greer; two brother in laws, Eugene White of Greer SC and Fred

Williams of Hendersonville SC, a special niece Antoinette Tucker

(Ivory); nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and a host of

other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 18, 2025, at 2 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 January 17, 2025 from 1pm until 5pm at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer.The family is located at 12 Wynette Avenue Taylors, South Carolina

Mr. Benny Lewis Meredith affectionately known as Ben was born on May 27, 1951 to the late James Edward and Genniev Meredith in Woodruff South Carolina. He is retired from Exide Battery.  He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Roy Meredith, Willie Meredith, Joyce Westfield, Charles Meredith; grand son Benny Dandy. 

Benny is lovingly survived by his children Bobby Lewis Meredith Jr, Benita Marie Meredith, Benny Lee Dandy, Bennisha Meredith, Angel Meredith; grandchildren, Nashea, Malica, Bobby, Julius, Celine, Remmington, Brandon, Ramya, Brielle, Jayveon, Elijah, Dallas; great grandchildren Kree, Kamari, and Karmen. Siblings: Dorothy Booker; Mattie Moates (Terry): Linda Murphy (James); James Meredith ( Irene): Janice Holley(Robert); Barbara Watt (Kenny) and Dennis Meredith.  He passed away on December 14 2024 at Prisma Health Greer. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday December  19, 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 Wednsday December 18, 2024 from 1pm until 5pm at Upstate Family Funeral Services Greer