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Dyches Funeral Home & Crematory, 1113 Ellington Highway, Barnwell, SC (2026)

03/13/2026

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.

03/12/2026

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.

02/28/2026

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.

02/17/2026

In Loving Memory
Sherry Lynn Block Bodiford

Gone but never forgotten.

1960-2026

May your journey to eternal rest be peaceful; your kindness and
memories will live on in the hearts of those who knew you.

Sherry Lynn Block Bodiford, born May 27, 1960, in Fort Benning, Georgia, to Betty Ruth Taylor Block and
William David Block was proud to have been raised in a military family. Her early years were spent
traveling and living in various states across the United States, experiences that helped shape her
adventurous and resilient spirit. Sherry was the third of six children and the oldest daughter. From a
young age, she naturally stepped into the role of caregiver, helping care for and provide for her

younger siblings.

Sherry attended several schools throughout her childhood and graduated from Spencer High School in

Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 17.

In 1979, following high school, Sherry moved to Barnwell, South Carolina from Columbus, Georgia to live
with her grandmother, Margaret Block. In 1982, Sherry married Ricky Bodiford. In 1984, Sherry became a
devoted mother to daughter Heather Bodiford and in 1986, Sherry became the mother of son Ricky

“Bubba” Bodiford Jr.

Sherry dedicated her professional life to serving children through Barnwell School District. For over 28
years, she faithfully served as a Special Services Aide at Barnwell Primary School. She had a true
calling for working with children, especially those with special needs. The love, compassion, and
patience she showed her students were admirable and unforgettable. Sherry was known for her
incredible work ethic and her heart of gold. She was not just an employee or teacher — she was a

friend and confidant to all who knew her.

Sherry had many interests and hobbies. Her love of travel began at a young age and continued
throughout her life. In recent years, her favorite adventures were cruises shared with friends and
family. She also cherished camping at Lake Marion, shopping, visiting the beach, listening to music,
dancing, sitting outside her camper talking with close friends, and riding her golf cart. Above all, she

treasured time spent with her family and adored loving on her grandchildren.

On February 13, 2026, Sherry unexpectedly yet peacefully entered eternal rest at MUSC in Charleston,

South Carolina, following a long health battle.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Ruth Taylor Block of Columbus, Georgia, and her

brother, Thomas Moler Jr. of Gulfport, Mississippi.

She leaves to cherish her memory her father, William David Block of Columbus, Georgia, her brother,
Jerry Moler of Gulfport, Mississippi; her sisters, Donna Sue Block of Smithfield, North Carolina; Carol Ann
Block of Harris County, Georgia; and Kathy Marie McIntyre of Columbus, Georgia; her children, Heather
Bodiford (Chris) and Ricky “Bubba” Bodiford Jr., and her bonus children, Cody Nix (Heather) and

Barbara Herron, all of Barnwell, South Carolina.

Sherry was a proud grandmother to Zoe, Zane, Landon, Cage, Emme, Hayden, Brodie, and Tanner, as

well as a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

She also leaves behind numerous special friends including, Brenda Carter, Eryn Outz, Kim Humphrey,
Brenda Creech, Jo Jo Grooms, Stephanie and Keith Knotts, Danny and Kelly Collins, Ann Way,

Margaret Crider, Peggy Sullivan and the rest of her Millcreek Family

Her legacy of love, strength, compassion, and dedication to family and community will live on in all

who knew and loved her.

The family will host a celebration of life which will be held Saturday February 21, 2026, at the El Bab
shrine club, 571 Patterson Mill Rd Barnwell, South Carolina at 5:00p.m. Flowers and condolences may

be sent to Dyches funeral home of Barnwell South Carolina.

02/15/2026

Annie Lou Owens, 79, of Barnwell, passed away on February 15, 2026, surrounded by family.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dyches Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 18, at 1:00 p.m. at Dyches Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Flanders officiating. Burial will follow at Reedy Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.

Born on April 27, 1946, in Barnwell County, she was the loving daughter of the late Luther Owens and Ruby Morris. Annie cherished her family and found joy in simple pleasures like fishing at the creek with her kids and grandkids. When at home she enjoyed catching up on her favorite soap operas.

She leaves behind two sons, Jamie Owens and Daron (Jessica) Owens of Barnwell; seven grandchildren, Madison (Kodee) Zissett, Kodi Owens, Connor Owens, Allison Owens, Savannah Owens, Jordan Owens, and Courtney Owens; one great-grandchild, Colsen Owens and one sister, May Holder of Barnwell. She is predeceased by her husband, Robert Holder and two sisters, Helen Dyches and Matlee Holder, and her two brothers Luther Holder Jr and Willie Holder.

Pall Bearers are Ashton Holder, Michael Holder, Richard Holder, Kodee Zissett, Timmy Ho**er, and Stan Zorn.

01/24/2026

Vernon E. Owens, 50 of Barnwell, South Carolina, passed away on January 23rd surrounded by family.
He was born on October 18, 1975, in Columbia, South Carolina to Dina Jackson and the late Eddie Owens.
He is survived by his caregiver and friend, Sarah Williams and his faithful dog, Bullet. He was an avid Clemson football fan.
Funeral services will be announced at a later date .
The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements.

01/21/2026

Shevy Jean Gleaton Dyches, 84, passed away on January 20, 2026. The funeral service will be held at Dyches Funeral Home in Barnwell, South Carolina on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Mark Warford officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Burial will follow at Windsor First Baptist church cemetery.
Shevy was born in Greenwood, SC to the late Cecil H. Dyches and Coral l. Kitchens. Shevy served as a Certified Nursing Assistant for over 20 years and was a long-time member of Windsor First Baptist Church. Shevy cherished her family and enjoyed gardening, crafts, and trips to the beach and most of all the mountains.
She was preceded in death by her son, Cecil Gleaton. She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Rogers of Greenwood; her son, Bill Gleaton; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family extends their gratitude to Simpsonville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association memorial.
The family entrusted Dyches funeral home and crematory with the arrangements.

01/19/2026

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.

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, Palm Coast Florida for their loving and kind care.

The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home of Barnwell with the arrangements for the Celebration of Life Ceremony on March 7th, 2026, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

12/29/2025

Barnwell — Virginia Lee Sharpe (Jenny) Walsh, daughter of the late Curtis and Nell Sharpe, passed away December 28, 2025, at the age of 90. Leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and quiet strength. Born in the Winnsboro, South Carolina Mill Village, she graduated from Mt. Zion Institute in 1953 and made Barnwell her home in 1954, becoming a cherished part of the community for more than seventy years.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Barnwell Memory Gardens, with Rev. Ken Catoe and Rev. Brandon Sadifer officiating.
A faithful member of Hagood Avenue Baptist Church since the mid‑1950s, Virginia’s gentle spirit and steadfast faith enriched the lives of those around her. She worked for State Farm for many years, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers alike.
Virginia was a loving mother and grandmother who found her greatest joy in caring for her family and creating a warm, welcoming home. She cherished family gatherings, homemaking, and the companionship of her many beloved dogs and cats. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her son, Lon Walsh of Barnwell; her grandson, Harrison Walsh of Barnwell and the University of South Carolina; her nephew, John Hudson Jr. (Lee) of Charleston; her niece, Kim Hudson Shuler of Charleston; and her longtime friends, Carolyn Beck & Bernice Hinson Lawrimore of Barnwell and Geraldine Stanley of Camden. She was predeceased by her husband, Jerry A. Walsh, her daughter, Karen Lisa Walsh and sister Dove Sharpe Hudson.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the fine staff at Pruitt Health in Barnwell, as well as the many friends and church members who faithfully checked on her during her stay. The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements.

12/04/2025

Marcina O’Shields Wood, a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister passed away at the
age of 76. Funeral services for Marcina will be held at 2:00pm with visitation one hour
prior to the service at Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Mark Walford
officiating.
Born on December 30, 1948, Marcina was the daughter of Alfred Aiken O’Shields and
Claudia Smith O’Shields. Marcina is survived by her two sons, Harold “Trey” (Sherri)
Wood and Christopher Ashley Wood both of Barnwell, SC; a daughter, Laurie Debose
McCaleb of Anderson, SC; five grandchildren; Austin, Dylan, Justin, Brandon, Loagan.
She is also survived by a sister, Doretha Hawkins of Charlotte, NC; two brothers, Brian
(Mary) O’Shields of Lancaster, SC and Joe (Harriet) O’Shields of Memphis, TN, and her
fur baby, Penny.
Marcina loved spending time with family, crocheting, cross-stitching, and time on the
beach. She will be missed by her family and friends.
The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory, Barnwell, SC with the
arrangements.

11/06/2025

Barnwell –William Anthony Buckmon 37, passed away on October 16, 2025. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Dyches Funeral Home Chapel, 11372 Ellenton Street, Barnwell, SC. Burial will follow at Barnwell County memorial cemetery, Barnwell, SC.
William was born in Aiken SC on February 10, 1988. He attended Barnwell High School. He loved sports, Writing and quality time with his friends and family. He will be missed by many.
He is survived by his Father Karl Leonard Howze of Blackville, SC, Mother Cassandra Garcia (SFC Leonard Garcia) of Columbia SC, Stepfather Johnnie Bokknight of Augusta GA, late Grandparents William Perry Buckmon Jr. and Martina Barnes, one sister Ashley Williams of Augusta GA, Four Brothers Nathan Felder of Springfield TN, Stanforin Felder of Athens GA, late Winston Thornton, and late Terrance Mayes, Aunts Tricia Buckmon of Augusta GA, and Nawana Barns of Bronx NY, Uncles William Buckmon lll of Barnwell, Sule Thompson of Bronx NY, and late Anthony (Turk) Buckmon, three nieces A’Niylah Felder, Ghaniyah Williams, and Averi Williams, three nephews Karmello Jamison, Makai Williams, and Raheem Bradley and a number of cousins.
Pall bearers are Nathan Felder, Stanforin Felder, Bryant Buckmon, Andre Buckmon, William Buckmon lll, and Atwan Jones.
The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements

10/29/2025

Leesville, SC - Robert S. King, 76, passed away on October 16, 2025. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced at a later date.

Dyches Funeral Home & Crematory

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