Betty Jean Davis Gunnells

 

Betty Jean Davis Gunnells, 84, of North, South Carolina,  passed away on June 28, 2026. A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory in Barnwell, South Carolina. Services will be officiated by Timmy Gunnells and Travis Shirley.

Betty was born on January 17, 1942, in Norway, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Hubert Davis and Inez Hutto. She worked for many years in manufacturing and sewing, primarily in the carpet industry. Betty loved camping, fishing, spending time at the beach and in the mountains, and enjoying nearly anything outdoors. She also loved her dog, Tiffany, and was a member of the Church of God on Columbia Road.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, Clyde Melvin Gunnels. She is survived by one son, Melvin (April) Gunnells of Williston, South Carolina, one daughter, Pam Gunnells of North, South Carolina; one brother, Ray Lee Davis of Norway, South Carolina; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by three brothers, Ted Archie Davis, Jimmy Dale Davis, and Hubert Davis; and three sisters, Elizabeth Davis, Francis Hutto, and Lorraine Davis.

The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements

Virginia ” Suzie” Jackson Elmore

 Virginia “Suzie” Sue Jackson Elmore, 61 of Barnwell, wife of Jessie Lee Elmore passed away on June 10, 2026.   Service will be held at 4 pm on Sunday, June 14, at Dyches Funeral Home & Crematory in the chapel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service with the Reverend Jeremy Creech and Allen Bodiford officiating. Burial will follow at 330 Red Cedar Rd. Barnwell SC.

    Suzie was born on April 3, 1965, in Camden, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Leroy Tilman Jackson, Jr. and Margaret Lyvonne White Jackson. She served her community faithfully, working as a dispatcher for Barnwell County and as an EMT for Barnwell Rescue for many years, also serving in both Barnwell and Bamberg counties.  Suzie dedicated 32 years to her work as an EMT and 36 years as a firefighter. She was a proud volunteer firefighter with the City of Barnwell, Snelling, and Barnwell Rural Fire.
She loved her family deeply and enjoyed helping others. In her quiet moments, she found joy in sewing, quilting, reading, baking, and exploring her family’s ancestry. Suzie will be remembered for her quick wit and the warmth she brought to every room. Her kindness, her love, and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who know her.
She is survived by her husband, two daughters, Jeanene Elmore (Preston) of Beech Island, SC and Rebecca Elmore (BA) of Barnwell, SC; 2 sons, Wesley (Jessica)Gatlin of Barnwell, Ty Brunson of Barnwell SC; along with her constant companion, Olive. Three brothers, Steve Jackson (Tom) of Summerville, SC, Ricky Jackson (Dianne) and Mike Jackson (Nancy) both of Barnwell, SC; her four Grandchildren, Leah Gatlin, Jase Gatlin, Everly Wright, Westin Brunson, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Anthony Wade Jackson and two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Croft Jackson and Shirley Wilder Jackson. Pallbearers are Wesley Gatlin, Juan Nevarez, Derek, Charles, Rusty, & Nikki Jackson.
Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Barnwell Rural Fire Department, 57 Wall Street, Barnwell, SC 29812. Special Thanks to Agape Hospice.

The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements.

Eddie Lee Rhodes Jr.

Eddie Lee Rhodes Jr, age 71, of Augusta, Georgia, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. 

A memorial service will be held to honor Eddie’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to any charity of choice.
 

Eddie was the son of Eddie Lee Rhodes Sr. and Betty Tudor. Survived by his wife Theresa Rhodes and his children Dusten Rhodes, Jennifer Rhodes, Valerie Baldree, Andrew Baldree, his sister, Nancy Ried, his nephews, Chris Ried and Chance Ried. He also leaves behind his faithful dog, Bear, who was his constant companion. Eddie was a loving grandfather to three grandchildren who brought him immense joy.

Eddie dedicated his professional life to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he made significant contributions to environmental services. Outside of work, he was a quiet man with a passion for life. He loved anything to do with cars, enjoyed hunting, and cherished his time spent in the mountains and at the lake, especially while boating.

Eddie will be remembered for his gentle spirit, love for his family, and the joy he brought to those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Eddie. You will be forever loved and missed. 

 

Family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements. 

CARLTON DRIGGERS

Carlton Driggers, 81, of Blackville, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on May 20, 2026, surrounded by his
family.
Funeral services will be held 4 pm Saturday at Dyches Funeral Home chapel with the Reverend John Jerkins
officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Burial will follow at Blackville Cemetery. Pallbearers
will be Nelson Bolen, Carl Peoples, Cecil Chavis, Gerald Chavis, James Salley and Trey Sharpe.
Mr. Driggers was born on January 11, 1945, to the late Andrew Driggers and Lottie Elkins Driggers. He was a
faithful member of Unity Baptist Church in Blackville, a longtime truck driver, and a loving husband and father. He
will be remembered for his devotion to his family and his community.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 30 years, Rose A. Chavis Driggers; his children, Angela
Driggers (Billy Robertson) of Walterboro, SC, Tonya Jackson of Orangeburg, SC, and Michael Driggers of Aiken,
SC; his sister, Carolyn Bolen of Cross, SC; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by
one brother, JC Driggers and one sister, Frances Myrick.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Gentiva and his care givers for the care,
compassion, and support shown during this difficult time.
The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements

Mary Alice Madden

Mary Alice Madden, 81, of Barnwell, SC, entered eternal rest on May 15, 2026.                                                                                                                                                 
 Mary was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  A graveside ceremony will be held in her honor at Calvary St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Aiken, SC, on June 1, 2026, at 11 am. Deacon Leguizamon will officiate the service.
She is survived by her son, Brian (Debbie) Madden of Conway, South Carolina; her daughters, Kathryn Madden (Tony) Mills of Beaufort, South Carolina, and Mary (Tommy) Winburn of Beaufort, South Carolina; one sister, Ann Tessitoro of Calverton, NY; and five grandchildren: Zach Madden, Max Madden, William Winburn, Tommy Winburn, and Robby Winburn.
Mary was born in Bayside, NY, to the late Isabel Morrell and John Matthews. She was a prim and proper lady who loved her costume jewelry and had an abundance of it. She also loved cats, enjoyed caring for her plants, and was a generous supporter of AA in Aiken and Barnwell. She worked as an operator in her younger years, including with Sarah Lawrence College, before later devoting herself to her home and family as a housewife.
Mary was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She lived in Barnwell, SC, for 20 years and spent the last 12 years of her life in Augusta, GA.
Mary will be deeply missed by her family and friends and fondly remembered for her grace, devotion, and love for those around her.
The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements.

CYNTHIA DIANE JOHNSON BROWN

 

  In Loving Memory 

  Cynthia Diane Brown Johnson

       Cynthia Diane Brown Johnson, age 71, passed away on April 5, 2026. Cynthia was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. On January 10, 1955, Cynthia was born to the late Colie and Inez Brown. She is survived by her daughter, Ashli Johnson of North Augusta; her grandson, Logan Vaid of North Augusta; her sister, Beryl Barrett of North Augusta; and her three brothers, Ronnie and Carol Brown of Williston, SC, Randy and Sheryl Brown of Fripp Island, SC, and Rex and Candi Brown of Williston, SC.

       Cynthia cherished her golden retriever, Draco, and found joy in spending time at the beach and with her family and friends. She dedicated 25 years of service to SRS before her retirement, leaving a lasting impact on her colleagues.

    A memorial service will be held at Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, April 11, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM. Pastor Wendell Bruner will be officiating. The burial will be followed in the Williston Cemetery The family deeply appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time of remembrance and healing. The Memorial may be made to charity of one’s choice.

           The family has entrusted Dyches funeral home and crematory with the arrangements.

 

Nancy Jane Saxman

Nancy Jane Saxman, age 43, of Williston, passed away on March 9, 2026.

The family will be holding a celebration of life at a later date. Nancy was born to Christina Mary Walker and Wayne Saxman on November 1st of 1982.

Nancy was full of life and had an abundance of love for her family and friends. Above all her husband for whom she was most passionate. She was known for her loyalty, kind heart, and her free spirit. She felt most at home outdoors, where she could make anything an adventure. She loved animals, ice cream and especially her morning cup of coffee with Jesus.

Nancy will always be remembered by how she lived life and spread love through her unshakeable faith. She is survived by her father, Wayne Saxman, and husband, Timothy Seth Ligon. She was preceded in death by her mother, Christina Mary Walker.

The family entrusted Dyches Funeral Home with the arrangements.

 

FRANK ALAN SIMONETTI

Olar, SC-Frank A. Simonetti,66, passed away March 11,2026. A private service will be held at a later date. the family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home with the arrangements.

KATHALYN ANNE GILLESPIE BAKER

Kathalyn Anne “Skeeter” Gillespie Baker, 81, of Blackville, SC entered eternal rest on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, and raised in Laurens and Blackville, SC, she was a graduate of Barnwell High School where she mastered the skills of shorthand, typing, and dictation. She worked as a receptionist for the Barnwell People-Sentinel, served many years as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician of Barnwell Rescue Squad, earning recognition as EMT of the year in 1987, was a full time dispatcher & administrative assistant at the Barnwell Sheriff’s Office, and a served as a home health aide and transportation coordinator for the Lower Savannah Council of Governments in Allendale, County.

A gathering to celebrate the life of Kathy will be held March 7,2026 at Dyches Funeral Home Chapel from 11 am to 1 pm.

Ms. Baker was the daughter of the late James Franklin Gillespie and Anna Margaret Albrecht Gillespie. She was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church of Barnwell and was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Survivors include daughter Bridgitte H. Gunnells (Perry) of Flagler Beach, FL; son, Thomas N. Baker (Anne) of Aiken, SC; brother James V. Gillespie (Mae Jo) of Olar SC; seven grandchildren: Ryan Gunnells of Kincardine, Ontario, Canada; Catherine Gunnells of Nashville, TN; Falcon Baker (Christina) of Pickens, SC; Zoe Baker of Columbia, SC; Skye Baker of Taylors, SC; Travis Edwards and Julia Harper, both of Aiken, SC; and four great grandchildren, Aidan Gunnells, Declan Gunnells, Rylan Gunnells, and Lily Baker. Nephew Danny Gillespie (Geri) of Olar, SC and Grandniece Carlee Creech of Aiken, Sc. Her dear friend and fellow quilter Clarice Dyches. Ms. Baker was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Charles Daniel Gillespie and her Niece Cynthia Gillespie Creech.

Her hobbies included genealogy, reading, collecting recipes, cooking, baking, and various crafts including – designing and decorating cakes, making wedding mints, sewing Afghans, blankets, and quilts, and creating ornaments of felt and yarn.

The family thanks the nurses and staff of Advent Health Hospice for their loving and kind care.

The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home & Crematory with the arrangements for the Celebration of Life Ceremony.

SHERRY BLOCK BODIFORD

Sherry Block Bodiford passed away on February 13, 2026, arrangements will be posted at a later date.