'C' Newberry County Obits

South Carolina Genealogy Trails

Andrew Counts
Memorial services for Andrew Nelson Counts, 62, will be held at the First Baptist Church in Newberry on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 2:00 PM by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth W. Harmon. The family will greet friends following the service. A committal service was held in Newberry Memorial Gardens on Friday, November 7, 2008.  Mr. Counts, son of the late Andrew L. and Vivian B. Counts, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2008..   He is survived by his sister, Judy, beloved extended family and dear, dear friends.  As a passionate pet care and adoption advocate, Mr. Counts' heart will live on with memorials to the Newberry County Animal Care and Control, 11494 S.C. Highway 34, Newberry, S.C. 29108

The above tells nothing about this very special person. This gentleman was eccentric to say the least. He roamed the street of Newberry, SC in what seemed to be an aimless route, but I have a feeling that he had his own agenda. He clothes were the product of the local goodwill and they were never a matched set at least in the eyes of the towns folk, but again they may well have been a beautiful outfit to him. Most folks shun Nelson (who was known around town as "Zip) but Nelson was a kind gentle sole that although he looked weird, was not once you allowed yourself to talk with him. He was far from dumb and in fact was rather intelligent. He had a mental quirk, but he was harmless and lived quietly in his home. He walked much of the time, but at times he rode a bike and some years ago had a driver's license and drove his old ragged out car all over town and surrounding area. There is an editorial in the Newberry Observer on 11/12/08 from a lady who was scared of Nelson when she first moved to Newberry.  One day he showed up for Sunday School where she was teaching. She learned a valuable lesson from Nelson and found that he was a kind and sweet person who appreciated any kindness that befell him. Newberry has had many characters and certainly Nelson was one of them, but the lesson that the Sunday school teacher learned that fateful day was "Judge not that you be not judged" Nelson will be missed by the Newberry Citizens but I have a feeling that he is in a much better place. He's probably wearing some really odd clothes that don't match and he may still not be combing his hair or washing his hands and face which I'll bet it makes no difference to the ones who now enjoy his sweet and gentle demeanor. God bless you "Zip" .  (contributed by Donna Brummett).
Entered into eternal rest Saturday, June 9, 1990

Beaulah F. Crumpton
Newberry - Beaulah Fulmer Wicker Crumpton, 73, died Saturday in a Columbia Hosptial.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Philip's Lutheran Church, Burial, directed by McSwain - Evans Funeral Home, will be in the church cemetery.      Mrs. Crumpton was born in Newberry, a daughter of John Carey Fulmer and Bertha Taylor Fulmer.  She was a Lutheran.  She was first married to the late James Andrew Wicker and was the widow of Olin Crumpton.  Surviving are a daughter, Marian A. Walton of Goose Creek, four step daughters, Christine Davis of Greenwood, Katherine Langford of Ninety-Six and Marcel Esther and Marzel Livingston, both of Newberry; a sister Edith Long of Newberry; two brothers, Aaron Fulmer of Joanna and Hoyt Fulmer or N.C.; two grandchildren; and two great - grandchildren...contributed by Linda Johnson

Entered into Eternal Rest
Friday, May 15, 1964
L.O. Crumpton
Newberry - L. Olin Crumpton, 74, died Friday at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital after several weeks of serious illness.   Mr. Crumpton was born in Newberry County, the son of the late Walter C. and Sara Wicker Crumpton.  He was twice married, first to the late Cora McCartha Crumpton and second to Mrs. Beaulah Fulmer Crumpton.  He was a retired textile employee.  Mr. Crumpton is survived by his wife; one son, Houseal Crumpton of Newberry; four daughters, Mrs. Virgil Bundrick, Mrs. Rufus Davis, both of Greenwood, Mrs. Willie Hugh Livingston of Pomaria, Mrs. Robert Taylor of Newberry; one step daughter, Mrs. Annette Walton of Charleston Heights; three brothers, Haskell A. Crumpton of Joanna.  Funeral services will be held Saturday at 3:30 p.m. from St. Philips Lutheran Church.  The body is at McSwain Funeral Home.  The family is at the residence....contributed by Linda Johnson

Geneva Cannon
Geneva Martin Cannon, 87, of 2144 Adelaide St., Newberry, widow of Henry O. Cannon, died Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Cannon was born on Nov. 26, 1914 in Chapin, a daughter of the late Yancy and Phrone Frick Martin. She was a member of Summer Memorial Lutheran Church. Mrs. Cannon is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Jane and Morris Jones of Newberry and Linda and Ray Graham of Pomaria; a sister, Verta Mae M. Lathrop of Chapin; five grandchildren and spouses, Ricky and Dana Jones and Ronnie and Charlotte Jones, both of Newberry, Dennis Graham and Timmy and Sharon Graham, all of Pomaria, and Shelli Graham of Powdersville; a great-granddaughter, Emily Jones; two step-great-grandchildren, Amanda and Adam Hudgens. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Summer Memorial Lutheran Church by Rev. Brett Collins. Interment will be in Newberry Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Whitaker Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Summer Memorial Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 131, Newberry, S.C. 29108 or to a charity of one's choice. Whitaker Funeral Home, 1704 College St., Newberry is assisting the family...contributed by Donna Brummett

Ernest Cromer
Services for Ernest Calvin Cromer, 86, formally of 166 Piester Road, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at McSwain–Evans Funeral Chapel, with burial in Newberry Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends 6-8 tonight at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. The family suggests those desiring may make memorials to Lebanon United Methodist Church, c/o Estelle Smith, 12160 Highway 121, Newberry 29108. McSwain-Evans Funeral Home is in charge. Mr. Cromer died Tuesday, April  20, 1999, at White Oak Manor. Born in Newberry County, he was a son of the late William David and Mary Lillian Wicker Cromer. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a retired farmer. He was a member of Lebanon United Methodist Church and the Men's Bible Class. He was also a member of American Legion Post 24. Surviving is his brother, Thomas Hayne Cromer of Prosperity....contributed by Donna Brummett

Ernest C. "Chris" Crumpton
69, of 916 Lindsay Circle, Newberry, died Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia. He was born on March, 3, 1938 in Newberry, a son of the late H. Luther and Lorene Wicker Crumpton. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, retired long haul truck driver and was a member of the Cayce Moose Lodge. He is survived by his wife, Raynell Rinehart Crumpton of the Newberry; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Ernie Crumpton and John Crumpton both of Pelion and Rev. Mark and Natalie Crumpton of Lexington; four grandchildren, Tyler Crumpton, Meghan Crumpton, Emmaly Crumpton, and Alexandria Douberley; three sisters; Bessie Tarver, Frances Humphries and Camelia Brewer all of Newberry; and a sister-in-law, Betsy Crumpton of Whitmire. He was predeceased by three sisters, Doshia Gentry, Doris Smith, and Mavis Tarver and a brother, Thomas L. Crumpton. Funeral services were conducted at 3:00 PM Friday at Faith Assembly of God by the Rev. Mitchell Burriss with interment in Newberry Memorial Gardens. Visitation was from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Lexington Church of God, 1228 South Lake Dr., Lexington SC 29073 or to Faith Assembly of God, 798 Fair St., Newberry SC 29108. Active pallbearers were Luke Brewer, Jason Brewer, Chuck Clinton, Allen Tarver, Andy Tarver, and Mike Crumpton.....contributed by Donna Brummett

Nettie Lee Summer Cromer
83, widow of Gilbert Freddie Cromer, formerly of Kinard Street, Newberry died Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at Newberry County Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Cromer was born on June 29, 1922, in Lexington County, a daughter of the late John Daniel and Minnie Ola Rister Summer. She was a member of the Newberry Church of God. Mrs. Cromer is survived by her daughter, Betty Jean Cromer of Newberry; two sisters, Ruth Yochem of Greenwood and Ruby Ellen McCartha of Little Mountain; and a brother, Willie Summer of Little Mountain. She was predeceased by a sister, Inez S. Price and a brother, Harry Summer. Funeral services were conducted at 3:00 P.M. Thursday at Whitaker Funeral Home by Rev. Michael Causey. Interment was in the Newberry Memorial Gardens. The family did receive friends on Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 P.M. at Whitaker Funeral Home. Active pallbearers were nephews.
Memorials may be made to Newberry Church of God, 2693 College Street, Newberry S.C. 29108.....contributed by Donna Brummett

James C. Cousins
James "Jimmy" C. Cousins, 93, of 149 Wilbon Circle, Simpsonville, died Monday, January 19, 2009 at the Hillcrest Hospital.  Mr. Cousins was born on Oct. 5, 1915 in Newberry County, a son of the late John H. and Ila Cromer Cousins.  He retired from the Greenville Water Works System and was a former Superintendent of the Mauldin, Fountain Inn, Simpsonville Water District and was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church.  He is survived by 2 sons, Y. Floyd Cousins of Central and John Lloyd Cousins of Greenville; 4 grandchildren, Chad Cousins, Paul Cousins, Jennifer C. Adams, and Kelly Cousins; and 8 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Eula Floyd Cousins.  Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mauldin by the Rev. John Yost, III. Interment services were conducted at 2:30 PM, Thursday in Newberry Memorial Gardens.
The family was at 163 Green Lake Dr., Greenville and did receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 AM in the church social hall prior to the funeral service.  Pallbearers were Chad Cousins, Paul Cousins, Rooney Floyd, Yank Floyd, Gaston Floyd, Tim Conner, Randall Gilbert and Wendell Gilbert.  Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family......contributed by Donna Brummett

Elizabeth F. Cousins
CHAPIN, SC - Elizabeth Floyd Cousins, 94, of 660 Mallard Dr., Chapin, widow of Jackson R. Cousins, died Saturday, December 29, 2007, in Saluda, N.C., at the home of her daughter.  Mrs. Cousins was born in Newberry County, a daughter of the late J. Yancy and Cora Maybin Floyd. She and her husband were the former owners of Suburban Food Store in Columbia. She was a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church and the Mary Parks Circle.  She is survived by her daughter, Narvice Gilbert of Saluda; a sister, Willie Ruff of Prosperity; three grandchildren, Cassandra Conner and her husband Tim, Wendell F. Gilbert, and Randall C. Gilbert; two great-granddaughters, Megan Davis and her husband John and Heather Conner; and a brother-in-law, James C. "Jimmy" Cousin of Simpsonville. She was predeceased by two sisters, Ellie Floyd and Eula F. Cousins, her brother, J. Reuben Floyd, and her son-in-law, Fred Gilbert.  Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry. Interment will be in Newberry Memorial gardens. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 215 St. Thomas Rd., Chapin SC 29036.  Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.......contributed by Donna Brummett

Barbara Comingore
Barbara Felker Pitts Comingore, 75, of 2203 Harper Street, Newberry, wife of Alfred Bruce “Charlie” Comingore, died Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at the Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital.  Mrs. Comingore was born on May 16, 1929 in Newberry, a daughter of the late Roland H. and Myrtle Ringer Felker. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. She was a member of the Newberry Lions Club and a member of the Town and Country Garden Club. She was a retired hostess at the Newberry Community Hall and was a former school teacher. She was first married to the late L.C. Pitts, III.  Mrs. Comingore is survived by her husband of the home, and a son and two daughters-in-law; Bobby Louis and Susan N. Pitts of Eau Claire, WI, and Lisa Pantano of Butte, MT; four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son Walter Pitts.  Funeral services were 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer by the Rev. Steven Counts. Interment was in Newberry Memorial Gardens. Visitation was from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday at the Whitaker Funeral Home.  Active pallbearers were M.C. Yarbrough, John Paul Whitaker, Ken Roehrs, Gary Felker, Bill Riley, and Gene Williamson.  Memorials may be made to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Growing in Grace, P.O. Box 382, Newberry, SC 29108.  Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family........contributed by Donna Brummett

William Crawford
William C. Crawford, Jr., 76, of 1156 Leita St., Newberry, died Wenesday, May 3, 2006 at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital.  Mr. Crawford was born on March 13, 1930 in Haywood Co. NC, a son of the late William Cornelius and Rosa Belle McCowan Crawford, Sr. He was a dairyman and a member of O'Neal St. United Methodist Church.
Mr. Crawford is survived by his wife, Mary Brown Crawford of Newberry; a daughter Darlene C. Garland of Whitmire; a son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Lanel Crawford of Newberry; six grandchildren; Lynetta Shealy, Shaun Garland, Cecilia Garland, Sheena Garland, Fred Briggs, and Virgil Briggs; and nine great grandchildren, one of the home Casey Shealy. He was predeceased by a daughter, Judy C. Shealy; two sons, William C. Crawford and Jess A. Crawford; and one grandson, Jeffery Crawford.  Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at O'Neal St. United Methodist Church by the Rev. Kem Thomas. Interment was in Newberry Memorial Gardens. Visitation was from 6:00 to 7:30 PM Friday at the Whitaker Funeral Home. The family will be at the residence. Memorials may be made to O'Neal St. United Methodist Church, 501 O'Neal St., Newberry SC 29108.
Active pallbearers were Lewis Lee, Tony Hawkins, Lee McCants, Ronnie Dickert, Jr., Dale Dominick, and Dell Rowe. Honorary pallbearers were Elmer and Doris Fleming, C. V. Garland, Clara Bouknight, Frank Trammell, Louie Henderson, the staff of Lo-Rex Drugs, and the staff of the Newberry County Memorial Hospital..contribtued by Donna Brummett

Lewis E. G. Collins Sr
SSG - U.S. Army AUGUSTA, Ga. - Retired SSG Lewis E. G. Collins, Sr., born in Jackson, Miss., entered eternal rest on May 16, 2009. He was predeceased by his lovely wife, Evangelist Lucille Collins and one granddaughter. Family who cherish his memories are three daughters, Rev. Lare Weeks of Newberry, S.C., Louise Chapman of Augusta, Ga., Nezzie DeFrank of Morris Plains, N.J.; two sons, Lewis E. G. Collins, Jr. of Augusta, Ga., Dave E. Collins stationed in Kuwait. There are four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister-in- law, Ezellar Frederick of Hartford, Conn.; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Lewis Collins was a 30 year veteran of the U.S. Army and served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Funeral services will be held at F.B. Pratt & Sons Funeral Home, 601 South Street, Newberry, S.C. on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Interment services will follow at Newberry Memorial Gardens, 15127 C.R. Koon Hwy., Newberry, S.C. with full military honors...contributed by Donna Brummett

Mozelle Corley
Mrs. Mozelle B. (Bolin) Corley, 84, formerly of Route  2, Newberry, widow of James Pope Corley, died  Friday evening, January 3, at Brian Center in Columbia.  Born in Orangeburg County, Mrs. Corley was a daughter of the late Odim and Epsie Chavis Bolin.   She was a retired employee of Kendall Co., Mollohan Plant, and was of the Baptist faith.  Mrs. Corley is survived by four daughters; Mrs. Charles (Helen) Fulmer of Newberry,  Mrs. Elizabeth Hyatt and Mrs. Juanita Nunnery, both of Columbia, and Mrs. Betty Counts of Aiken; a sister,  Mrs. Lizzie Abbott of Blackville;  three brothers, Costi  Bolin  of Wauchula, Florida,  Odom Bolin  of Springfield,  and Bryant Bolin of  Gilbert;  11 grandchildren;  14 great-grandchildren;
and three  step-great-grandchildren.  Funeral services were conducted at 3:00 p.m. Sunday at McSwain-Evans Funeral Chapel by the Rev. Paul Williams.  Burial followed in Newberry Memorial Gardens.  The family suggests that those desiring may make memorials to the American Heart Association, C/oMrs. Myra Addy, 1606 Wilson Road, Newberry, S.C. 29108.
Active pallbearers were George Michael Counts, James Randy Counts, Cliff Hyatt, Steve Hyatt, Dean Hyatt, Jeffery Nunnery, Keith Nunnery, Don Morgan, Sr., Dale Wicker, Herman Chapman.  McSwain-Evans Funeral Home in charge...contributed by Donna Brummett

Elizabeth Ann Counts
Newberry - Elizabeth Anne Counts, 70, died Tuesday, September 23, 2008, in Heartland Hospice House. She was born February 27, 1938, in Prosperity. Mrs. Counts was a daughter of the late John Forrest and Mary Louise Shealy Wheeler. She was an employee of the S.C. Department of Revenue and a member of Bachman Chapel Lutheran Church. Surviving are her husband, William Royce Counts; a brother, John F. (Sylvia) Wheeler of Prosperity; a niece, Bridget Wheeler White; a nephew, Johnny (Melba) Wheeler; great-nieces, Brittany Measamer and Nikki Measamer; a great-nephew, Austin Wheeler. Mrs. Counts was predeceased by an infant son, William Gregg Counts. Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday at Bachman Chapel Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Bachman Chapel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 3124 Bachman Chapel Road, Prosperity, SC 29127 or Heartland Hospice, 141 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210...contributed by Donna Brummett

Mabel Counts
Prosperity – Services for Mabel McWaters Counts, 97, of 222 N. Main St., will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church, with burial in Prosperity Cemetery. The family will receive friends 7-8 tonight at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 1888, Prosperity 29127. McSwain-Evans Funeral Home is in charge. Mrs. Counts, widow of Horace E. Counts Sr., died Monday. Born in Prosperity, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Corrie Kinard McWaters. She was a retired Buyer for Bellk Department Stores in Columbia and Newberry. She was a communicant of Grace Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Lutheran Church Women and a former Sunday School Teacher. She was a member of the Prosperity Garden Club, a former member of the Literary Sorosis Club and the William Lester Chapter #140 of the U.D.C. She was also an avid bridge player. Surviving are her daughters, Christine Counts Ohlhues of Custer Park, Ill., Betty Counts Alexander of Homestead, Fla., Martha Counts of Prosperity; granddaughters, Jan Allen, Kay Luckey; three great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; dear friend, Bessie Gallman...contributed by Donna Brummett