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Obituary for Teresa Timmons

Mrs. Teresa Ann Joe Timmons, affectionately known as Ann was born on July 2, 1962, to Olivia Joe Timmons and the late Aaron June Joe. She was born and raised in Florence, South Carolina. Ann was called home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2022, after a brief illness.

Ann was a Wilson High School graduate of the Class of 1980. After graduating high school she furthered her education by attending Florence Darlington Technical College. She later obtained certification at Professional Training Center as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was employed with many nursing facilities where she provided the best of care to many families such as; Honorage Nursing Center and Commander Nursing Center. Ann later continued her passion working as a Home Health Nurse until her health declined.

Ann was joined in Holy Matrimony to James Earl Timmons in 1999. She accepted Christ and was a faithful member of I Heard the Lord Say Church under the leadership of Pastor Pamela Rufus.

She was a devoted, caring, and loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. To know Ann was to love her. She was always outgoing and did not mind speaking her mind. That is what she was known for. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, father, and Godmother Annie Mae Sheppard.

Left to cherish her precious memories are: her parents, Olivia and Thomas Timmons of Florence, SC; children Terry (Felicia) Joe of Greenville, SC, Terrance Joe, Tereka Joe, Terrica Joe, and James Timmons, Jr. all of Florence, SC, and Jameka (Norman) Grant of Lugoff, SC; grandchildren, Teanna, Alayshia, Devon, Trenton, Tristian, Collin, Telicia, Taylor, Carly, Cameron, Tremaine, Payton, Norman, and Lennox; four sisters Pamela (John) Perry of Panama City, Florida, Linda (Richard) Warfield of Darlington, SC and Jennifer (Michael) Ragin and Donna Whitsett both of Florence, SC; three brothers John Joe, Sr, Virgil Robinson, and Gregory Timmons all of Florence, SC; God-siblings Angela McCall, Sherman Peterson, Torraina Gattison; three aunts Eloise Brown of Darlington, SC, Chianne Young, and Elizabeth Augustus both of Florence, SC; four uncles Jessie (Josephine) Joe, Johnny Joe both of Darlington, SC; Rochelle Timmons, and Raymond (Etta) Mack both of Florence, SC Bestfriend Sandra Ann Willis of Florence, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives, and friends.

Obituary for Florence Nesmith

Florence Brown Nesmith affectionately known as "Linda," "Grandma," and "G-ma," was born on March 15, 1948 in Walterboro, South Carolina. She was the tenth child of the late Govan Brown and Lillian Gaddist Brown. On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, a golden heart stopped beating. Florence heard those long awaited words from the Lord! Her Master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's Happiness."

She was a 1967 graduate of Ruffin High School. She worked at Smoaks Manufacture for twenty-nine years and ten years in the public school as a permanent substitute teacher.

On June 15, 1967, Florence married the love of her life, Leemaih Nesmith, Sr. They were married for forty-nine years. To this union, four children were born to include a niece they raised as their very own.

Known to many as Linda, she was a true icon and truly a treasure to behold. Linda loved her husband, children and she adored her grands and grandchildren.

Linda worked faithfully and diligently as a member of Oakman Branch Baptist Church until her health declined. She worked faithfully in Red Bank United Methodist Church for many years. Linda sang on the choir, and served as the Women Auxiliary Secretary. She wore many hats in our family and in the community. She would give anyone the shirt off her back and the shoes off her feet. She had a 'Heart of Gold!'

She was preceded in death by her parents, Govan and Lillian Gaddist Brown; husband, Leemaih Nesmith, Sr.; siblings, Effie Hicks, Azalee Kelly, Valaree Nesmith, Estell Johnson, Willie Brown, James Brown and Jerome Brown.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories, Leemaih (Marjorie) Nesmith, Jr., Dallas Texas, Evella Nesmith, Karen Nesmith-Holmes, Stacy Nesmith, and Senekita (Robert) Farmer all of Walterboro, South Carolina; grandchildren, Ebony Nesmith, Essence Jordan, Joia Jones, Shakera Nesmith, Alicia Mincey, Winter and Justin Williams, Kayla Mincey, Dominique Moore, Alexis Mincey, and Naquan Owens; great-grandchildren, Bralynn Washington, Lauryn Russell, Ava Jones, Amora Rivers, Carmelo Russell, Kenslee Johnson and Terris Stephens; siblings, Elizabeth Setti, Catherine Williams and Nellie McCloud; in-laws, Gilbert (Mary) Nesmith, Elease Brown, Mary Frances Brown, Jackie Brown, Alice Morales, Rebecca Logan and Ruth (Addison) King; a special niece, Angie Brown Salley; special cousin, Veronica Clayton Swinson; special friends, Annabell Simmons, and Rosella Stephens and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Obituary for Nellie Ann Ramirez

Mrs. Nellie Ann Bowman Ramirez was born in Sumter on March 19, 1961, to the late Gussie Mae Green Johnson and Isreal Tindall.

Nellie attended the public schools of Sumter County, where she graduated in 1980 from Sumter High School.

Nellie was the owner of Jo-Nell's Painting Company of Sumter, SC.

Nellie was married to her husband, Joseph for 27 years and to this union, one daughter, was born Erica Marie Ramirez and stepson, Joey Ramirez.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Essie Mae Sessions and Michelle Johnson and two brothers, Iraseal Larry Bowman and Melvin Leroy Bowman.

She departed this life on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, in Sumter.

Nellie leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Joseph Ramirez of the home; daughter, Erica Ramirez of the home; stepson, Joey Ramirez of Texas; three sisters Joyce woods of Sumter SC, Mattie Washington and Janie Johnson Herron (Tonya) both of Winston Salem, North Carolina; brother, Sammie Lee Bowman of Sumter, SC; four aunts, Minnie Brooks of Sumter SC, Maggie Rose (Leroy) Anna Green of Sumter, SC and Carolyn Green of Dalzell, SC; uncle, Leroy Rose of Sumter, SC; six sister-in laws, four brothers-in laws, a host of nieces and nephews other relatives and friends.

Obituary for Jamal Omari McElveen

It is with heartfelt sorrow that the management and the staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. and members of the McElveen Family announces the passing of Mr. Jamal Omari McElveen of Darlington. Mr. McElveen was a senior at Darlington High School. Mr. McElveen passed on Monday, January 17, 2022 in Prisma Health, Columbia, SC.

Funeral service is 12 Noon on Thursday, January 27, 2022 in the Salvation Temple Holiness Church Cemetery. Interment will follow. Please adhere to mask wearing and social distancing for this service.

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Jamal Omari McElveen in your thoughts and prayers.

Obituary for Deacon Nathaniel King

Deacon Nathaniel King was born on Oct 17, 1936, in Bethune, South Carolina, a son of the late Noel King and Roxie Gantt King. He departed this life for eternal rest on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at his residence.

Deacon King has been a faithful servant of Christ and a Sandy Level Baptist Church member for over 70 years. His service in a leadership capacity began in 1953 when he was just seventeen as a Trustee. He was ordained a Deacon of Sandy Level Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W. B. Johnson in 1973. Over the years, he has served in many capacities of the church, such as Chairman of the Deacon Board, and Chairman of the Burial and Cemetery Committee, church treasurer, senior choir leader and president, member of the male chorus, and President of the Ministers, Deacons, Trustees, and Wives and Auxiliary. He also served in many other roles as needed.

Deacon King was a well-respected pillar of his local community. The Neighborhood Committee for senior activities in Bethune SC awarded him the Man of Year Award for over 20 years of outstanding devotion to family and community in 1994. Also, he served on the Sandhills Medical Foundation Governing Board of Directors from 1985 to1993. Additionally, he served on the board of the Bethune Water Rural Company and was actively involved in the development of the Bethune Rural Community Center. Nathaniel was a member of Richmond Lodge No.152, Free & Accepted Masons in Bethune, SC, where he served as Worshipful Master from 1988 - 2015. Additionally, he was a member of the Richmond Chapter No. 176, Order of the Eastern Star.

Nathaniel was educated in the public schools of Kershaw County. His early years were spent in the low country region of South Carolina where he worked on bridge construction projects. He later moved back to Bethune where he was employed for 38 years, serving in many roles, at the local textile mill. He retired in 1998 from BBA Nonwovens, Inc (formerly known as Kendall Inc).

In addition to working full-time, he was a mechanic and used car salesman. He frequently worked as a dependable handyman for the elderly in the community. His hobbies were fishing, checkers, singing, playing the guitar, gardening, and working on cars. He loved gospel music and was the lead guitarist for the Jubilee, a gospel quartet group that he co-founded.

Nathaniel King was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Susie and Eva Mae, and brothers James and Major.

Deacon King was a loving husband, father, and friend to many. He leaves to treasure his memories a devoted wife of 59 years, Sandra B. King; children Bonita King of Columbus, GA, Nathan King of Sumter, SC, and Michael (Michele) King of Orlando, FL; and grandchildren Kenneth Pouncey, Alesia (Chris) Allen, Henry D. (Melida) Wilson, Rheanna King, Milania King, and Micah King; great-grandchildren Nyla, Mackenzie, Emma, and Melodi; sisters Isabelle Woods of Bishopville SC, and Lillie Mae of Bethune SC; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends; and special friends Thomas Jett and Rufus Hough.

Obituary for Reverend Dr. Willie Dennis, Sr.

Reverend Dr. Willie Dennis, Sr. was born on June 11, 1935 in Rembert to the late Reverend Abe Dennis, Sr. and the late Sarah Alston Dennis. He was called to the Lord on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence. Rev. Dennis received Christ at an early age and became a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Rembert, where his father was the pastor. He was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and graduated from Lincoln High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served faithfully until his honorable discharge in 1957. In 1969, God called Rev. Dennis to preach the Gospel. He served as pastor of Sandy Run Baptist Church as well as Barnettsville Baptist Church, prior to being chosen to lead Union Missionary Baptist Church, Rembert, where he labored tirelessly for 40 years. He also served as interim pastor of Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church for 18 months. He retired in 2014 as pastor, and graciously served as pastor emeritus at Union until his death. Reverend Dr. Willie Dennis has proven to be a devoted leader throughout Sumter County and its surrounding communities. He served as a volunteer pastor for Wateree Correctional Institution. Rev. Dennis had been an active and devoted servant of Wateree Baptist Association, Lower Division, where he served in the following capacities: Board Member, Clerk of Board, Chair of the Executive Board, Vice Moderator and Moderator. Rev. Dennis received a presidential citation from Morris College in 2006. In 2008, he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the Carolina Theological Bible Institute. Reverend Dennis was married to the late Earnestine Rembert Dennis until her passing, and God saw fit to send him another help mate, Gardenia Richardson Dennis. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Linda Sabrina Dennis; four sisters, Ella Bell Watson, Sarah Rollins, Naomi Sanders and Eva Clark, and two brothers, Jerry Wilson and Abe Dennis, Jr. Reverend Dennis leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 23 years, Gardenia Richardson Dennis; five daughters, Janie (Marion) McGainey, Sherry Glasscho, Andrea Thomas, Mary (Larry) Alexander, Mary (Garrett) Elliott; three sons, Eugene (Andrea), Willie Jr., and Bryant (Lakeshia) Dennis; twenty two grandchildren; twenty two great grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth (Whitt) Deas, Mamie Stephens; one brother, James Wilson, Jr.; two sisters-in-law, Aleen Wilson and Dorothy (Willie) Owens; three brothers-in-law, Ervin Richardson, Allen Watson and James Clark; two god daughters, Deidre Gathers Robinson and M. Renee Robinson; two step children, Charlotte Smith and Bridget Smith-Brumfield; along with many devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly. In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting no visitation at the home. Funeral services will be held 11:30 a. m., Monday, January 24, 2022 at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 5840 Spring Hill Road, Rembert, with the Rev. Walter Robertson III, pastor, the Rev. Eugene G. Dennis, pastor of Joshua Baptist Church, Eulogist. The Remains will be placed in the Church at 10:30 a. m. for viewing until time of service. The procession will leave from the home at 11:00 a. m. Burial will follow in the Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church Yard Cemetery, 7355 Camden Highway, Rembert.