All Obituaries

John Russell Blocker, Jr. Sergeant First Class, South Carolina Army National Guard, retired,  passed away January 25, 2023.  John was born November 20, 1948 in Orangeburg, SC and grew up in Bamberg, SC.  He was the son of the late John Russell Blocker, Sr. and Gladys Morton Blocker. John was retired from the Army/National Guard.  He was very active in his church, having served as a member of the Vestry, an Usher, and was a delegate to the diocesan synod.  He...

James Randall Taylor, 64, died January 20, 2023 at his residence.  He was a son of the late George Elbert Taylor, Sr. and Eva Mae Gantt. Mr. Taylor was a graduate of Bamberg High School and attended College. He is survived by two brothers, George E. "Bubba" Taylor, Jr.  (Eloise) and H. Marvin "Marty" Taylor (Amber) and a sister Carole Warrington, and a brother-in-law  Ed Roberts.  Additional survivors are several Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded...

James William Crow of Cope passed away at home on January 14, 2023 following an extended illness.  He was Born August 7, 1943, he was a son of the late Eron E and Emmie Williams Crow of Bamberg, SC.  He was a graduate of the University of South Carolina.  Crow was retired from Flour Daniels and was a "Basket Weaver Extraordinaire", creating beautiful white split oak baskets on the banks of his beloved Edisto River. Crow is survived by his loving life partner Karen...

Lewis Larkin "Bugs" Fanning, 74, died at home on January 9, 2023.  He was a son of the late Lewis Larkin Fanning, Sr and Annie Lucille Kinsey Fanning. Mr. Fanning was a graduate of Norway Highschool and retired from Edisto Electric Company.  He served in the Army National Guard and had a great passion for Golf. He is survived by his son Kevin L. Fanning, Jr. and a daughter, Melissa Ann Seale (Jonathon); grandchildren, Carson Fanning, Alexia Fanning, Blane Fender,...

Betty Jo Rhoad “BeBe” George, 87, died Saturday, December 31,2022, wife of the late James M George.  She was a daughter of the late Herbert Walter Rhoad and Annie Lee Moorer Rhoad. Mrs. George was retired from Edisto Electric and was a member of Zion Methodist Church.  After her retirement she volunteered for the Ehrhardt Elementary, Barnwell Primary and Andrew Jackson Academy Schools and was known by all as” Bebe”. “ Bebe” touched the...

Mr. Steven Taylor 68, died December 23, 2022 at the Orangeburg Regional Medial Center.  He was a son of the late  George Elbert Taylor and Eva Mae Gantt. Mr.  Taylor was retired from Bamberg County Public Works after thirty years of Service. He is survived by a son Brian Taylor and a daughter Jennifer Taylor.  Additional survivors are  brothers, George "Bubba" Taylor, Jr. (Eloise), Randy Taylor and Marty Taylor (Amber) and one sister, Carole Warrington....

Flemming W. Collins, Jr. 67, died Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at his home in Bamberg, husband of Marie Collins and a son of the late Flemming W. Collins, Sr. and Frances Hunter Collins. Mr. Flemming was retired from the Savannah River Site and a member of Olar Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, playing pool and had a large sense of humor. He is survived by his wife, Marie Collins, two sons, Flemming W. Collins, III (Terri) and Ben Collins (Katherine), two daughters, Stephanie Mahuron...

Patricia "Pat" Mae Taylor Roberts 76, died Sunday, December 11, 2022 wife of Edgar (Ed) Roberts.  She was a daughter of the late George Elbert Taylor, Sr and Eva Mae Gantt. Mrs. Roberts was a devoted daughter, wife and mother.  Her family was the most important part of her life. She enjoyed 26 years in her career with the American Cancer Society. After Retirement, she enjoyed spending time w her granddaughters and all others family members.  She spent many...

    Mildred Rae Ayer Allen, 100 years old, born May 2, 1922 went home to spend eternity with her loving Lord on December 8, 2022.  More than anything, Mildred’s greatest joy was her family and as a devout Baptist serving her Lord.  She lived in the Colston Community for 78 years.  An active member of St. John’s Baptist Church and past member of  Colston Branch Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School, Sunbeams and Bible School, along with being...

Ms. Laura Ann Bessinger, 78, of Bamberg, entered into eternal rest Friday, November 2, 2022 at her home surrounded by family and friends. Born November 14, 1944 in Bamberg, she was the daughter of the late Laurie Bessinger and Lizzie Bessinger. Ms. Bessinger began her career as a seamstress and eventually became a daycare operator. Ms. B was loved by all of the children she kept over the years. She loved each child she kept as if they were her own. She was a lifelong member of the Bamberg...