Mayor Timothy O’Neal Cooner, Sr., 47, of Branchville, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2012, at his home surrounded by loving family and friends. Tim lived a life of service to his family, friends, and the town of Branchville as Mayor for 17 years. The funeral was held Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Branchville High School Gymnasium. He was born October 6, 1964, in Orangeburg, the son of Harold Gene Cooner and Betty Aultman Cooner. Tim spent his entire life in Branchville. He was a 32nd Mason and an Omar Shriner, and served in the National Guard. He was a past board member of the Orangeburg Council on Aging and was an active member in various municipal organizations. Tim was awarded the Order of the Silver Crescent by Gov. Jim Hodges, one of the state’s most prestigious honors. The town of Branchville has benefited tremendously from Tim’s personal passion to create a better community for all its citizens.

Ms. Lucille Elmore, 66, of Allendale, died Wednesday July 18, 2012, at UniHealth Post Acute Care of Bamberg. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at Virgin Mary Baptist Church of Allendale.

William R. Fudge, 57, of Bamberg, beloved husband and father, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at the Regional Medical Center, Orangeburg, after a brief illness. A graveside service was held Friday, July 20, 2012 in Bamberg County Memory Gardens. William was born January 5, 1955, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, the youngest son of the late Lt. Col. Royce W. Fudge, Sr. USAF (Ret.) and Erma Jean Price Fudge. He graduated from the College of Charleston and worked for the Gibbes Museum of Art and the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Charleston. After moving to Bamberg, he worked as director of the Denmark Downtown Development Association and was instrumental in helping establish the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor through Bamberg County. He possessed a true appreciation for historic architectural preservation and a keen knowledge of antiques, which he avidly collected.

Mrs. Mazie F. Glover, “Miss Mazie,” 99, of Augusta, Ga., formerly of Bamberg, died Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at her residence. Services were held on Monday, July 23, 2012, in the Pilgrim Baptist Church, Bamberg. Mrs. Glover was born to the late Jake and Betty Graves Frazier on Dec. 25, 1912, in Orangeburg. She was the last of 15 children. Miss Mazie, as she was known to many of her family and friends, was married to the late Jim Rumph who was the son of a slave, and to this union two sons were born. Her husband departed this life May 12, 1937, and she was left with two sons. In 1938 when she was 29 years old, she met and married Willie Glover who was a father to her children and a loving husband to her until his death 1993. Miss Mazie joined the Mount Zion United Methodist Church at an early age and later joined the Pilgrim Baptist Church where she served as a deaconess, choir member and a leader in hospitality. She worked for many years at the former Carlisle Military School as a cook. In 1997 she moved to Augusta, Ga., where she joined the Macedonia Baptist Church, and was a member of the Woman’s Sunday School Class, the mid-week Bible study class and attended regular worship services. A favorite pastime was attending the Carrie J. Mays Senior Center in Augusta. She was also known for the many quilts that she sewed for family and friends.

Thomas Cecil Smith, 66, of Tennessee, formally of Cordova, S.C., passed away on Monday, July 23, 2012. He fought his battle with cancer with dignity, and became victorious by going home to be with the Lord. Funeral services were held in Clifton, SC on Friday, July 27, 2012. Thomas began his career as a band director for Landrum High School, while receiving a Masters degree in music from Converse College. He then became band director for Stall High School in N. Charleston. He moved on to principal at Bowman Elementary School for many years while receiving his Doctorate in Education from USC before moving to Edisto Primary School as principal. He ended his 32 year career in education as assistant superintendent for Allendale School District. During his career, he touched many lives, and taught not only school lessons, but life lessons. He formally played 1st chair clarinet with the Spartanburg Symphony Orchestra and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. He was also a former councilman and town clerk for Cordova, SC for 13 years. After retiring, he combined two of his dreams of photography and flying to start his own business as an aerial photographer. His passion for flying also led him to work for forestry, became a flight instructor, and a commercial pilot. During leisure time, he enjoyed aerobatics and won several awards through air shows. He was an active Master Mason in Crossville Lodge 473 where he was dedicated in service and teaching others. He was also an active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church of Crossville, TN.