James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

01/27/2026

01/25/2026

Eat dessert before dinner - Opposite Day made me do it!

01/24/2026

Families often choose to use life insurance funds to pay for a loved one?s funeral, but many don?t realize there could be unexpected complications. Check out this informative article to learn more about using life insurance to pay for funeral expenses!

Many people plan to use their life insurance benefits to pay for a funeral someday. But have you thought about what else you will need the funds for?

01/23/2026

Theodora Walpole

Theodora "Teddy" Wilson Walpole of Wadmalaw Island, SC, went to be with her heavenly father, Jesus Christ, on January 20, 2026. She joins those loved ones who went before her. Teddy was born on September 2, 1937, to Theodora Butler Wilson and William Edings Wilson. She was married to her childhood sweetheart, John Basnett Legare Walpole, for 67 years, and was a true matriarch to 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Teddy was deeply rooted in her Christian faith and devoted her life to Jesus Christ. She fulfilled her life by being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always delighting in preparing for large family gatherings. Teddy attended Columbia College and enjoyed her position as Sunny Point Farm office manager alongside her devoted husband for 58 years. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed planting all her vegetables from seed and harvesting the bounty.Each season's harvest would be lovingly canned, frozen, or enjoyed immediately at her table. She loved sharing her harvest and wisdom with her family and friends. Teddy lived a very full life of strength, compassion, faith, and unconditional love.

She is survived by her children: Bill Walpole (Bert), Jan Walpole, Jo Appleby (Tommy), Susan Walpole, and John B. Walpole Jr. (Heather); grandchildren: Billy (Jennifer), Ashley "Bucky" (Sara), Wilson (Alyssa), Peter, Legare, Thomas (Sarah), Matthew (Anne), Christopher, Josephine (Chris), James (Tatum), Alexis (David) and Bailey; great-grandchildren: Edings, Bates, Peyton, Violet, Caroline, Wilson, Corbett, Penelope,Brooks, Thomas, Wils, Sam, and McKinley. She is also survived by a sister, Ashley Wilson King, and 2 nieces and 1 nephew. She was predeceased by her loving husband, John, and her mother and father.

Family and friends are invited to attend her graveside service on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 pm at the Wilson-Walpole Family Cemetery on Wadmalaw Island. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive guests following the service at their home on Sunny Point.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. John's Parish Church for the Building Fund (www.stjohnsparishchurch.com/give) and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org).

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc.

View Theodora Walpole's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/20/2026

George Griffith, Jr.

George Louis Griffith "Skipper", Jr., 81, of Johns Island, SC entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 19, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

His Funeral Service will be 12:00 PM, Friday, January 23, 2026, at the James A. McAlister Chapel, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. The burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road. The family will receive friends Friday between 10:30 and 11:45 AM at the funeral home. The Celebration of Life reception will follow the burial, at the American Legion Post 147 968 Folly Road, James Island.

​Born in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 16, 1944, George was a true son of the Lowcountry. He attended Blessed Sacrament School and was a proud graduate of Bishop England High School. George honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1964 to 1968 as a machinist.

​Growing up, George was an exceptional athlete; he was an undefeated Golden Gloves Champion into the late 1950's and early 1960's. After high school, he played semi-professional football for the Charleston Sports, where he served as Team Captain for 12 years and was honored as an Outstanding Player of the Southern Dixie Football League.

​George was a graduate of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Charleston County Police Department during the 1970's and 1980's. A Master Plumber by trade, he was the retired owner and operator of Griffith Mechanical Contractors, a business he ran for over 40 years. He was also a member of the International Longshoremen's Association as a stevedore.

​Known for being dependable and fiercely loyal, George was a master storyteller who loved to share a good laugh, he was an excellent cook and was a man who truly loved to dance. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, golfing, horseback riding and fishing in the 23-acre pond where he built the family home in 1984. Above all, he was happiest when surrounded by his big family.

​George was a member of the Knights of Columbus and former member of the Hibernian Society. He was a man of faith and a member of Nativity Catholic Church as well as Our Lady of Good Counsel on Folly Beach.

​George was predeceased by his parents, George Louis Griffith and Elizabeth Vittitoe Griffith; the mother of his children and high school sweetheart, Joye Flato Griffith Alexander; his son, C. Michael Griffith; his brothers, Ashley "Timmy" Griffith, Guy Leon Griffith and Gregg Lawrence Griffith as well as his beloved dog, Rocky.

​He is survived by his daughter, Maria Annjanette Griffith Lowry and her husband, Michael Lowry; his brother, Gary Lee Griffith and his sister, Maria M'Liss Griffith Keith. He was the proud grandfather of Ronald Scott Berry (Bridget Rea), Caitlin Annjanette Berry and Calissa Rose Berry and the great-grandfather of Kinley, Charlie, Kiley, Avery, Jackson, Rilynn, Baylor and Isabelle.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.

View George Griffith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/19/2026

Terre Stevens

Terre Williams Stevens, 74, wife of Wyatt Stevens of Johns Island, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, January 16, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born November 21, 1951 to the late Cecil B. Williams and Katherine Rivers Williams of James Island, Terre grew up in a family where a love for plants was deeply intertwined with a desire to help others, shaping her belief that nurturing - whether of plants or people - was a true calling. This foundation blossomed into a lifelong passion for horticulture and a remarkable gift for sharing her knowledge with generosity and grace. As a founder of Brownswood Nursery on Johns Island, her kindness, patience, and welcoming spirit left an impression that will live on in countless memories and gardens across our community.

Terre's life was a reflection of her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, her devotion to family and friends, and her genuine love for people. She not only saw them, but she saw what they really needed and did what she could to help them get it. The people she encouraged and the relationships she cultivated all carry a piece of her heart. She lived a life with purpose, passion, and a deep love for God. She has left her mark on this world, and a beautiful legacy has taken root. She counted her blessings and encouraged others to do the same, especially when life got hard. On many occasions, despite being in pain, Terre would say, "I love my life!"

Terre is preceded in death by her sister, Cecile E. Stewart. She is survived by her loving husband, Wyatt Stevens; her sons, Ryan Watkins (Ivana) and Drew Stevens (Kaitlin); her daughter, Amy Duttera (Tony); and her cherished grandchildren: Jake and Riley Duttera; Evie, Ansley, Vera, and John Ryan Watkins; and Andrew Wyatt Stevens, Jr. She is also survived by her sister, Pam Kirby (Jimmy); nephews Michael Rooke and Danny Stewart (Christy); great-niece Callie Shellhaas (Gates); great-nephews Drayton Stewart and Alexander Kirby; and great-niece Lauren Kirby Riddick.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. The relatives and friends of Wyatt and Terre Stevens are invited to attend her Funeral Service at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at James Island Christian Church, 12 Sawgrass Road, James Island. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road.

We are profoundly grateful for Terre's life, her faith, and the enduring impact she made. Terre will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Memorial donations may be made to James Island Christian Missions.

View Terre Stevens's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/17/2026

After the loss of a loved one, you're likely to feel tired and sad. But did you know that exercise can help? This helpful article shares how even a little bit of exercise may help you as you grieve and move toward healing.

After a loss, the body experiences a high level of stress. Can exercise help you feel more peaceful during times of grief? Click for more!

01/16/2026

John Soffera

John Anthony "Johnny" Soffera, 69, of Huger, SC entered into eternal rest Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Johnny was born in Charleston, SC to the late Joseph D. and Mary Maginn Soffera. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 24 years, Sheila Russell Soffera of Huger, SC; his daughters, Chelsea Soffera (David Debruhl) of Allendale, SC, Susan Elkins (AJ) of Williston, SC and Amy Hardee of North Charleston, SC; his ten grandchildren: DJ, Landon, Gracie, Hannah, Anderson, John, Lydia, Liam, Gentry and Ireland; brothers, Joseph D. "Joe" Soffera, Jr. (Kathy) of Kings Mountain, NC, Thomas J. "Tommy" Soffera (the late Mary Moxham Soffera) of Charlotte, NC and William F. "Billy" Soffera (Mandy) of Saint Augustine, FL; his sisters, Mary Susan "Suzie" Crosby (Larry) of Charleston, SC and Sandy S. "Sandi" Faulkenberry (Haskell) of Lancaster, SC, as well as many nieces, nephews and a large and loving extended family.

He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Angelique "Angie" Soffera and by his niece, Anne Elizabeth Soffera.

Johnny was educated at Blessed Sacrament School, Bishop England High School and Trident Technical College. He was a member of Stella Maris Catholic Church.

Johnny spent 20 years as a machinist at the Charleston Naval Shipyard until its closing and spent 27 happy years at Walmart in Mount Pleasant, becoming warehouse manager before his retirement. Spending time with Sheila and his grandchildren was his first love, and golfing, fishing, and gardening helped fill his free time. He enjoyed working on his pond, affectionately known as "John's Island." Johnny's first loyalty in sports was Notre Dame football, but he was also devoted to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. He followed the Las Vegas Raiders and the Atlanta Braves enthusiastically as well.

Johnny's legacy of love, loyalty and devotion to family will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The Rosary will be recited at 2:30 PM, Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Stella Maris Catholic Church, followed by A Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 3:00 PM.

To continue the Celebration of Johnny's Life, the family will receive friends and relatives at The Fish Shack on Sullivan's Island, 1450 Hennessy Street (also known as Station 15), Sullivan's Island, SC 29482.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Stella Maris Building Fund, 1204 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.

View John Soffera's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/16/2026

Dennis Higgs

Dennis E. Higgs, 77, of Charleston, South Carolina passed away peacefully on January 12th, embraced by the love of his family in his final moments. He was the devoted husband of Kelly Higgs and loving father of Stacey Gros (Kevin), and a doting grandfather to Parker and Addison Gros.

Dennis was a truly kind soul who brightened every room he entered. Known for his wonderful sense of humor and storytelling abilities, he was beloved by all who knew him. Even during prolonged health difficulties, his unwavering optimism and positive attitude never faltered-a testament to the strength of his Christian faith that guided him throughout his life.

Dennis leaves behind his loving wife Kelly; his daughter Stacey and son-in-law Kevin; grandchildren Parker and Addison Gros; and his five sisters: Cindy Groves (Kisler), Betty Livingston, Carla Lutz (Mark), Mary Wolf (Bill), and Barbara Mahoney (Dave). As the eldest child and only son, he held a special place in his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Mary Elizabeth Wells and John Higgs.

A private graveside service took place on January 14th. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 1:30pm on January 31st at Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church, 754 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403.

Those wishing to honor Dennis' memory may consider memorial donations to Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church, The Lowcountry Food Bank; or a charity of their choice, in lieu of flowers.

View Dennis Higgs's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/12/2026

Joe Badger

Beloved husband and father, Joe Ivey Badger of Charleston, SC died Saturday, January 10, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Nativity Catholic Church, 1061 Folly Road, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road. The family will receive friends between 5:00 & 7:00 PM Wednesday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

Joe was born in Charleston, SC on January 31, 1945, the son of the late Jeanette Kendrick Badger and James Fred Badger. He was a graduate of Murray Vocational High School and worked as a Machinist Foreman at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. Joe enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, football and he was an accomplished horseman. He was a member of the Church of the Nativity on James Island.

Joe is survived by his wife Madeleine M. (Meg) Badger, children James K. (Jimmy) Badger and daughter Jennifer J. (J.J.) Tanzer (John Tanzer), brother Ben Badger, sister-in-law Helen M. Dodds (Kenneth A. Dodds) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers James F. Badger and Kenneth Badger, sisters Barbara Spitzer, Nell Lutge and Jacqueline Morrison, sisters-in-law Mary M. Mains and Julia M. Dyer.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister (843) 766-1365.

View Joe Badger's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.