Mr. Joe Earl Avant, Jr., 75, of Reevesville Road, Bowman, entered into eternal rest Saturday, December 15, 2012, at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg. Funeral services were held Monday, December 17, 2012 at Branchville Christian Church. Mr. Avant was born August 14, 1937, in Walterboro and was a son of the late Joe Earl Avant Sr. and Merrel Kinard Avant. He served his country in the South Carolina National Guard and retired as a supervisor with SCE&G. He also was a farmer for five years. He was a member of Branchville Christian Church, where he served as a deacon and elder. He had played the trumpet in the Walterboro High School Band.

Margaret Elizabeth Westbury McInnes, 94, of Charleston passed away Friday, December 7, 2012, at Roper Hospital. Memorial services were held Saturday, December 15, 2012 at Asbury - St. James United Methodist Church in Charleston and at Branchville United Methodist Church in Branchville. Born April 21, 1918, in Branchville, Ms. McInnes was one of eight children of Dove Lee Westbury and Carrie Eugenia Thompson. She attended Branchville High School and the American Institute of Banking. Ms. McInnes was best known by her family and friends as “Libby.” She moved to Charleston in 1934 and worked at the Francis Marion Hotel as a telephone operator and then as a bookkeeper for Shell Oil Co. Distributor. For 35-1/2 years, she worked for S.C. National Bank, now Wells Fargo. She was one of the first three women to be named as a lady officer in the Charleston office. As a member of Asbury - St. James United Methodist Church, she actively served on various church committees, taught Sunday school for more than 25 years, and was an active member of the United Methodist Women. During her lifetime, she not only was active in numerous organizations but also held many offices, such as TOPS-treasurer, Elizabeth Temple #2 Pythian Sisters (60-year member and treasurer for more than 25 years,) Southeastern Pythian Association-president, Women in the Chamber of Commerce, International Pilot Club (where she had perfect attendance for 33 years) and Roper Auxiliary Pink Ladies volunteer for 36 years. Libby enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. She particularly enjoyed attending family reunions, homecoming at her childhood church, Sardis United Methodist Church, and monthly dinners with her supper club friends. She also enjoyed spending time at the lake, swinging or rocking on the porch. Because of the active life she led for 94 years, Libby was an inspiration for all who knew and loved her. Her caring and generous spirit was contagious, and her wit and sense of humor kept you laughing. She will truly be missed.

Ms. Lena Mae Edwards, 78, of Norway, died Monday, December 17, 2012, at the Regional Medical Center, Orangeburg. Funeral plans will be announced.

Funeral services for Mrs. Hattie Thomas of Denmark were held Saturday, December 15, 2012, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Highway 78 in Denmark, with burial at Honey Ford Cemetery.