Bobby Frank Birt Jr., 59, of Santee passed away on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at his residence. A Memorial service was held at 5 pm Saturday in Barnwell SC. Frankie was born on July 25, 1952 in Blackville SC. He was the son of the late Bobby Frank Birt Sr. and the late Esther Sorrow Birt Kennedy. He was predeceased in death by his son Eron Birt. He was an independent trucker and businessman and a member of Ashleigh Baptist Church. He was a loving father and grandfather.

Funeral services for Neonthea M. Bowers (Missy), 36, of Bamberg, were held Tuesday, July 3, 2012, in Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Olar. Daughter of Eva Bowers and Clay Glover, she was born February 14, 1976. She was raised in the home of her devoted and caring grandparents Brooker and Daisy Bowers. She was baptized at an early age in Bethlehem Olar Baptist Church in Olar. Missy attended school in the Bamberg County School System until she became ill. Her favorite pastime was watching TV, and was most happy when there were kids around.

Funeral services for Edith Juanita Morris Batchler Collins, 81, of Denmark, S.C., were held Monday, July 2, 2012, at Ashleigh Baptist Church. Mrs. Edith passed away Friday, June 29, 2012. Born in Old Ellenton, she was a daughter of the late Clifford Morris and Lillie Randall Morris. She was a homemaker and member of Ashleigh Baptist Church. She was first married to the late Robert Lee Batchler and was the widow of Joseph P. Collins.

David Hart Crum, son of John Wesley and Priscilla Hart Crum of Denmark died on June 28, 2012. He was born on July 11, 1927 in Denmark, South Carolina. David brought love, laughter, and light into the life of everyone who knew him. A memorial service was held at Bethel Park United Methodist Church in Denmark, South Carolina on Saturday, June 30, 2012. David was a World War II veteran and served principally in the Pacific. His last station was on Guam. After his discharge from the Army, David returned to the University of South Carolina, and was awarded his bachelor’s degree in 1953. He then attended the University of South Carolina Law School, receiving his LL.B. At USC, he was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Delta Phi, both leadership service fraternities. David moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as one of Senator Strom Thurmond’s first Senatorial aides. After his father’s death, David returned to Denmark to practice law with his brother, Henry Hayne Crum, at the firm founded by his father. He practiced law in Denmark for the remainder of his life, and was true servant to his town, community, and his clients. David was a member of many organizations and boards, including the Lion’s Club. He served on the Bamberg District 2 School Board, was an active member of Bethel Park Methodist Church, and sang in the church choir and the Columbia Choral Society, among his many activities.

George W. “Bubba” Hutchinson, Jr., 51, of Beaufort, SC, died Saturday, June 23, 2012 at his residence. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 in Carl Anderson Memorial Chapel. Bubba was born on November 15, 1960 in Bamberg, SC. He is the son of George W. Hutchinson, Sr. and the late Patricia Long Kizer. He was a heavy equipment operator. He served our country in the U S Army.

Services for Sandra Middleton, 43,of Denmark, was held Thursday, June 28, 2012, at Mount Carmel United Methodist Church in Bamberg. Ms. Middleton died Saturday, June 23, 2012 at the Regional Medical Center. Sandra was born April 1, 1969, a daughter of the late James Middleton and Lee Ethel Jones Middleton of Denmark. She was a member of New Life Outreach Ministry.

The funeral for Julia Ann Summers Brown Nettles, 53, of Denmark, was held Thursday, June 28, 2012, at Thankful Baptist Church, Bamberg, with the Rev. Dr. Carl E. Williams officiating.

Mrs. Vivian Harriet Goodwin Steadman, 84, of Branchville, died Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at her residence. Funeral services were held Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Lovely Hill Baptist Convention Center, St. George. Vivian Harriet Goodwin Steadman was born on April 5, 1928, to the late Julia and Frank Goodwin in Branchville, S.C. She was the youngest of eight siblings that have all preceded her in death. Vivian was a graduate of Richard Carroll High School in Bamberg, S.C. and South Carolina Area Trade School in Denmark, S.C. There she received her cosmetologist degree and became a licensed hair stylist. Vivian opened her first business across from the old Lockett School.

Bettylou Richmond Terry born January 24, 1929 in Middlebury, Vermont. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Hatcher and Saddler Funeral Home in Glasgow, KY, on July 5, 2012 at 2 PM with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Hiseville Cemetery in Hiseville, KY. Daughter of Hollis Joseph and Jennie Florence Martin Richmond of Brandon, Vermont died July 1, 2012. She attended Forestdale (VT) Grammar School and graduated from Brandon (VT) High School in 1947. She enrolled in Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI, where she earned a BS in Animal Science in 1950. She was the first woman to be editor of the University Agriculture and Home Economics Magazine. She was a member of the Block and Bridle Club, the Animal Science Honorary. In 1950 she married William Anderson Terry of Standish, MI, and Cave City, KY. Following their college graduation they moved to Doraville, GA, where she was president of the Atlanta Chapter of American Women in Radio and Television. She initiated the first Southeastern Conference of the organization, edited the first chapter newsletter in the nation, and was a cosponsor of the exchange of international women broadcasters. She was a charter member of the Fleetwood Garden Club. As a member of the Atlanta Women’s Chamber of Commerce, she initiated the first TV coverage of the Dogwood Festival Parade, invited national and international participants and chaired the souvenir program committee. The Diamond Jubilee Atlanta Dog Show was publicized nationally by her. She was also involved in the Georgia and Kentucky Morgan Horse Clubs. She was a member of the Atlanta First Baptist Church and a Sunday School Assistant Superintendent. In 1974, the family moved to Denmark where she became a 4H leader and a member of the SC Morgan Horse Club. She served in a variety of offices in the Denmark branch of the American Association of University Women, including president, and was the state Educational Foundation Chair for two years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Denmark.

Mrs. Earlease Wilson, 96, of Ehrhardt, died Saturday, June 30, 2012, at her residence. Funeral services will be announced at a later date.

Mr. Floyd W. Wimberly, 90, died Saturday, June 30, 2012, at his residence. Mr. Wimberly was born in Orangeburg County, a son of the late Clarence W. Wimberly and Geneva Nettles Wimberly. Mr. Wimberly was a lifelong member of Mount Tabor Baptist Church. He was a past Master Mason of Bowman Masonic Lodge No. 290, was on the Mount Tabor Cemetery Committee, a member of Farm Bureau, Elks Lodge, was an avid hunter, and a co-founder of Sandy Run Hunting Club, a lifelong farmer and resident of the Cattle Creek Community. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at Mount Tabor Baptist Church.

Funeral services for Abbie Thomas-Ellison, 72, of Bamberg, were held Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at Gethsemane Baptist Church, Bamberg. She was born November 17, 1939, in Bamberg County to the late Charlie and Louise Breland Thomas. At an early age, she joined Gethsemane Baptist Church, where she remained a loyal member until she moved to New York. After she and her late husband, Joseph Ellison Sr., returned home to South Carolina, they both reunited with Gethsemane Baptist Church.

Cyril B. “Pete” Fox Jr., born January 18, 1924 and entered into eternal rest June 23, 2012. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at Ehrhardt Baptist Church. Pete Fox was valedictorian of his senior class. Born in Walterboro he lived there as a boy and went to Clemson. Pete graduated from Clemson in 1947. Pete then married his high-school sweetheart "Mildred Alice Walker" on July 19th, 1948 who have stayed married 63 years. Pete Fox, after being called to served his county; served in one of Patton’s Brigades’ and earned one of the highest honors for crossing over enemy lines to retrieve half of his lost brigade. He retired as a Colonel after 20 years in the US Army Reserves. Pete was recruited with Eastman Kodak & Chemical Co. just a few months before he graduated from Clemson, and worked there 40 years and retired at 65 as Marketing Manager representing Eastman in Russia, Brussels, many Soviet countries; and many countries we all know such as France, Sweden, and most countries in the world. Never one to forget his roots, when he retired he came back to Ehrhardt, South Carolina and rebuilt the home he dated his wife in. They enjoyed life there for 25+ years as he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and all outdoor activities.

Funeral services for Vista Johnson, 92, of Bamberg, were held Saturday, June 23, 2012, at Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, Bamberg. She was born January 1, 1920, in Bamberg County, to the late Ishmeal and Prisell Wright Johnson. Ms. Johnson was a graduate of Marlboro High School in Bennettsville and went on to further her education at Claflin College and later earned her master’s degree in education from South Carolina State University. Vista was a retired school teacher with more than 30 years of teaching in the public schools of South Carolina. She was a life member of Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, where she served as superintendent of the children’s department, a member of United Methodist Women’s Organization, Summer Bible School Program and in many other capacities. She also was a certified lay speaker for the church. Ms. Vista served her community as a volunteer at the Matthew Center, Cheese and Cracker Box, Rhoad Scholar Senior Center Office on Aging and on the Lower Savannah Board. She was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. in Orangeburg. On Oct. 17, 2004, she was presented a Senate resolution by Sen. Brad Hutto for outstanding service to the state and her community.

Funeral services for Deacon Joseph LaBoard, 83, of Bamberg, were held Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at Mount Zion United Methodist Church in the Midway community near Bamberg. Joseph LaBoard was born in Bamberg to the late Henry and Bessie Brown. Early in life, he and his late wife, Charley, moved to New York. While in New York, he was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. After moving back to Bamberg, he was employed by Rockland Industries until he retired. In 1977, he reunited with Pilgrim Baptist Church, where he served as chairman of the deacon board, superintendent of the Sunday school, and a member of the senior choir. Charley Clay Steward LaBoard, his wife of 65 years, passed away on April 23, 2012. To this union were born three children.

Sandra Elaine Middleton, 43, of Denmark, formerly of Bamberg, died Saturday, June 23, 2012, at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg. Services will be announced at a later date.

Mr. Billy W. Nettles, husband of Joyce Elaine Fender Nettles, died Saturday at his residence after a brief illness. He was 78. Funeral services were held Wednesday. Mr. Nettles was born in Walterboro March 26, 1934 a son of the late Walter and Beulah Pye Nettles. A veteran of the Army National Guard, he retired after thirty-four years of service as a mechanic and shop foreman for the public school bus maintenance department in Colleton County. He was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church and the Unity Masonic Lodge #55. Billy was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Funeral services for Phynette Porterfield, 43, of West Columbia, were held Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Cayce. Ms. Porterfield died Saturday, June 16, 2012 at Palmetto Richland Hospital. She was born in June 24, 1968, in Richland County. At an early age, she joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and served faithfully until her health declined. She graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School and worked for a number of years as a nurse tech at Lexington Extended Care in Columbia.

Mr. Leon Reed, 73 of Denmark, died Saturday, June 16, 2012, at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg. Funeral services were held Friday, June 22, 2012, at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Lees. Mr. Reed was the son of the late Wesley Sapp and Queenester Reed Myrick and the stepson of the late Deacon Clyde Myrick Sr. He was educated in the Denmark public schools and after graduating moved to New York, where he lived until retiring.