Belk Funeral Home

03/09/2026

03/07/2026

Don't want to be late in the morning? Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour!

03/07/2026

Richard Warren Cribb, Jr.

Richard Warren Cribb, Jr. (Ricky) passed away on Friday, March 6th, 2026. A visitation is being held for him on Monday, March 9th 2026 from 6 to 8pm at Belk Funeral Home in Lamar. His funeral will take place on Tuesday, March 10th 2026 at 2pm at Hillside Free Will Baptist Church located at 1711 Lemont Drive Florence SC 29505

Ricky was born on January 20th, 1959 in Florence, South Carolina to Richard Warren Cribb, Sr. and Dorothy Celene Holland Cribb.

After attending Wilson High School, Ricky met the love of his life Lucille Hyman Cribb, while doing his chosen profession, a meat cutter at local grocery stores. He was a true outdoorsman and loved to go hunting, fishing and working with his hands.

Left to carry his memory are his three children: Richard (Amanda) Cribb, III of Florence, Katie (Robert) Windham of Lamar, and Susan Cribb of Florence. As well as his grandchildren: John, Dallas, Kaylee, Madilyn, Savannah, Emma Grace, Robert Windham, III and Brittany Windham. His sisters: Sharon (Rusty) Deas, Robin (Russell) Isgett, Tammy Renee all of Florence. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Ricky is preceded in death by his parents, wife and granddaughters Brianna and Isabella.

Memorials may be made in his honor to: Belk Funeral Home 229 W. Broad St. Darlington, SC 29532

View Richard Warren Cribb, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/06/2026

When someone you know is grieving, you may not know what to say, and that's okay. Read this article to learn about some common phrases you should avoid and what to say instead.

Knowing what to say when someone is grieving can be tricky. For a few ideas on what NOT to say, take a few moments to read this article.

03/05/2026

Patsy Amerson

Patricia "Patsy" Blackwell Amerson , 76, widow of the late Linwood "Pancake" Amerson passed away on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, at MUSC Charleston. A visitation is being held for her Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Lamar Belk Funeral Home at 1:00 to 2:00pm. Her funeral will take place at 2:00pm in the Lamar Belk Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Lamar Memorial Cemetery.

Born July 14, 1949, in Darlington County, she was the daughter of the late Fred Blackwell and the late Mildred Munn Blackwell. She was retired from McLeod Family Medicine.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Kathy(Derrick) Blackwell Lloyd. Including her mother and father-in-law, Gary Amerson and Lucille Watford Amerson.

She is survived by a son, Linwood (Becky) Marson Amerson of Summerton, two grandchildren: Linwood (Aubry) Amerson II of Florence and Tanis (Joe) Amerson Flegel of Lamar; three adored great grandchildren, Woods, Wren, and Emerson.

She is also survived by her sister Carol (Dathon) Reynolds and sister-in-law Geraldine Kirby as well as her best friend Ilene McCoy. She also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, and cousins. Patsy loved spending time with her family, cooking, and bringing everybody together at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society at: www.cancer.org (http://www.cancer.org/)

Patsy will be remembered in the hearts of all that knew her.

View Patsy Amerson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/05/2026

Paula Chaplin

Paula O’Neal Chaplin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. A visitation is being held for her on the evening of Friday, March 6th, 2026 at Belk Funeral Home of Darlington from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Paula was born on May 20th, 1963 to William O’Neal and Judy Suggs Boatwright in Darlington, South Carolina. She met and married the love of her life Ricky Chaplin and they shared 34 years of marriage together. In her early years, she was employed with McLeod Health as a payroll specialist as well as other places. In her final years, she was employed with Manheim of Darlington, SC. She very much enjoyed cooking for others and hosting them in her home as well as spending time with her family and friends, most notably her grandchildren. She loved her family and friends dearly. She liked to be outdoors and enjoyed summertime the most!

Paula leaves behind her loving husband Ricky Chaplin, daughter Amber Chaplin (Michael) and grandchildren: Ayden, Ansley, & Noah Cowick, her siblings Gloria (Johnny) Howle and Timmy (Jan) O’Neal, brother and sister-in law Frank and Teresa Chaplin, as well as special family friends David, Sandra, and David James Cortes, Nickie Outlaw, and Paisley Teel.

Preceding her in death are her parents William O’Neal and Judy Suggs Boatwright and her daughter Amy Chaplin Cowick.

Memorials may be made in her honor to: St. Jude’s Hospital at www.stjude.org

View Paula Chaplin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/04/2026

John Wesley Wright

John Wesley Wright went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. A visitation is being held for him on Saturday, March 7th, 2026 at Belk Funeral Home of Lamar at 1:00 to 2:00pm. With a funeral service to follow in the Chapel at 2:00pm.

Born in Lamar, SC to John Guy and Lillie Mae Wright, he lived his life on the homeplace he loved. He was a farmer for many years and later in life became employed with the Darlington County Prison Farm until he retired. “Big John” enjoyed fishing, hunting, dancing, and playing cards. He was an avid Clemson Tiger and Atlanta Braves fan. He was a kind soul with the biggest heart.

He was preceded in death by his wife Faye, parents John Guy and Lillie Mae, his beloved daughter Susan Rae, sisters Eunice Sanchez, Mary Davis, Sarah Calivas, brother Doc O’Neal and his best-friend Wayne Howell. Left to cherish his memory are his son John “Arnold” Wright of the home (whom he loved untold). Three nieces he raised and loved as his own: Bessie Mae (Tony) Sutton, Donna James, Terrie (Jimmy) Bell all of Lamar. Along with nieces Peggy and Bernice, nephew John Wayne. His first grandchildren: Lil Jimmy, Cynthia, Jamie, Kelly, Shelly, and Thomas. His last grandbabies: Avery, Kiley, Raeleih, Kimber, Junebug, Ky’Ana, Tink, Greyson, Maddie, Madalyn, and Cayson which he loved all very much. As well as his “Other child” Brooks Huneycutt. Big John wanted everyone to remember, “Honor God, Forgive Fast, Do Right, and Love’em so tight.” The family will receive visitors at the home of Donna James at 925 Newberry Road.

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

03/02/2026

Russell Wayne Suggs

Russell Wayne Suggs passed away Saturday, February 28th 2026. A visitation will be held for him Wednesday, March 4th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Belk Funeral Home of Darlington. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Wayne was born October 22nd, 1956 in Darlington, South Carolina to Peggy Adams Suggs and Kenneth Suggs, Sr. He was a hard worker and put in over 35 years at Nucor Steel. Wayne had a way about him that he was able to soothe people’s minds. He loved his family, children and his faith, he had a wonderful sense of humor and was the self-proclaimed “King of one Liners”. He was very compassionate , loved life, enjoyed his coworkers from Nucor, was a gun collector, was a superfan of West Florence Athletics.

Wayne leaves behind his loving, and devoted wife Shelia Lee Suggs, whom he married on August 24th, 1999. Their children: Ashley (David) Suggs Diaz, Morgan Suggs, Dedra Craft, Casey Lee (Aaron “Peanut”) Weaver, whom he considered as a son, along with special daughter Dana Benton. Grandchildren: Grayson & Gavin McLauglin, Kaylee (Dalton) Batts, Avery Weaver, River & Rush Jacobs, Kiran & Sebastian Diaz-Kumar. His sister Teresa Strickland, in laws Toby (Debbie) Lee and Abby (Barney) Lee McFalls. With many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Preceding him in death his first wife Davia Suggs, parents Peggy and Kenneth Suggs, his siblings: Sharon Nobles, Kenny & Larry Suggs, and his stepmother Barbara Jean Suggs.

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

2 Timothy 4: 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Those that knew Wayne will never forget him and keep him in their hearts.

Memorials may be made in his honor to checks payable to: West Florence Athletic Booster Club P.O. Box 6164 Florence, SC 29502 (Please put in the memo field: Baseball/Wayne Suggs)

Or to Venmo: WFABC-22 For: Baseball/Wayne Suggs

View Russell Wayne Suggs's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/01/2026

John Richard Hedges

John Richard Hedges, 86, of Florence, South Carolina, passed away after a short illness on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, on August 26, 1939, John grew up in Waverly, New York. He was the son of the late Richard Leland Hedges and Jane Anastasia (Lynch) Hedges Gunderman. When John was just three years old, his father, a New York State Trooper, was killed in the line of duty.

An alumnus of Waverly High School, Class of 1957, and St. Bonaventure University, Class of 1965, John was also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. His 29-year career with Meiko America took his family from New York to New Jersey, Tennessee, and finally South Carolina. With deep affection for the Mississippi River, John requested that Memphis, Tennessee, be his final resting place.

Practically born with a guitar in hand, John was a lifelong and gifted musician. He played in honky-tonks across North New Jersey and New York City in the 1970s and 1980s — where he met his beloved wife, Judy.

John’s other great devotion was to the New York Jets. A 40-year season ticket holder, he rarely missed a game. Despite decades of heartbreak, he remained a loyal and eternal optimist.

Affectionately known as “Pa” to his grandchildren, retirement brought him his greatest joy: being present. He never missed a soccer game, an awards ceremony, or a graduation. He was a deeply loving father and grandfather, known for his kindness, patience, wit, and steady wisdom. His warmth, easy smile, and the twinkle in his eye will be profoundly missed. A proud Irishman, he loved a good story, a shared laugh, and gathering around good food with the people he loved.

In addition to his parents and stepfather, John was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Ann (O’Hara) Hedges; his stepdaughter, Lori Golino; his sister, Susan Willmott; and his beloved canine companion, Marley.

He is survived by his daughters, Tara Hedges Jones of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Julie Williamson (Scott) of Florence, South Carolina; his stepdaughter, Colleen Clark (George) of Gulf Breeze, Florida; his cherished grandchildren, Amanda Green (Marc), Sarah Dorak (Justin), Patrick Clark, George Clark IV, Justin Hedges (Nicole), Rheagan Williamson, Luke Jones, and Ruby Jones; three great-grandchildren; and his beloved nephews, Danny Viscel (Elizabeth), Richard McGinley (Lisa), and Paul McGinley (Sheryl).

John’s family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

A lifelong supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, John requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to:

ALSAC / St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105

Psalm 23King James Version

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

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

03/01/2026

William Dallas Stewart

William Dallas Stewart passed away at his home on Saturday, February 28, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 Tuesday, March 3rd in Darlington Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2;00 at Belk Funeral Home that same day and other times at the home, 548 Turnpike Rd.

Dallas was born in Lamar, son of the late Baxter Wilson Stewart and Frances Louis Bell Stewart. Mr. Stewart served honorably in the United States Navy for 2 years and then the Navy Reserves for 4 years. Following his military service, he went to work and then retired from DuPont. He was a member of Pisgah Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sadie Lee Goff Stewart, a son, Ricky (Kathy) Stewart, and his brother, Buddy ( the late Linda) Stewart.

He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Danny and Marilyn Stewart.

Memorials may be made to Pisgah Methodist Church, 621 North Ebenezer, Florence SC 29501 https://pisgahflorence.org

View William Dallas Sewart's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/01/2026

Shawna Leanne Watson

Shawna Leanne Watson passed away on Sunday, March 1st, 2026. She was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia on June 3rd, 1971 to Angela Dawn Smith. She met and married the love of her life Allen Watson. Together they had their only son Tristan Watson of Darlington. Together they traveled all over the country when Allen was on a job. She enjoyed being a waitress and being outside and was very athletic and loved her pets. Allen was her best friend.

Shawna leaves behind her dear husband Allen, son Tristan, and grandchildren: Jense Allen Watson, Arya Alina-Larue Watson. Her mother Angela Smith, her brothers: David Taylor of West Virginia and Gary Taylor of Florence. She will be missed by many.

View Shawna Leanne Watson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.