Avinger Funeral Home

12/25/2025

Christmas is the time to touch every heart with love and care, the time to send and receive blessings. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

12/24/2025

Electrolytes aren’t just something you can add to your water; they are also found naturally in some fruits! To learn which fruits contain this essential nutrient, click the link below. cutt.ly/fruits-with-electrolytes

12/22/2025

12/21/2025

The magic of winter begins! On this first day of winter, what are you looking forward to the most about the season?

12/19/2025

Are the holidays looming large in front of you and causing you stress and worry? Grief is hard enough without adding external stresses and worries, so this holiday season, consider making a few tweaks to normal activities to help you maintain the balance between grief and joy. Check out this article for a few practical tips on reducing your Christmas stress during times of grief.

If you are grieving this holiday season, then you might be feeling a little extra stress and strain. Check out this article for a few ways to reduce stress.

12/17/2025

While Christmas is celebrated around the world, each country has its own special traditions. Discover how various nations celebrate the holiday in this article!

Discover Christmas traditions from Germany, Mexico, France, America, Spain and beyond.

12/16/2025

Today, thousands of wreaths across the nation are being placed on the graves of veterans and military service members at more than 2,500 locations – both at home and abroad. Together, let’s remember those who have fought and died to preserve our freedoms! Go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org to learn more.

12/14/2025

Carl Lynn Smith

Carl Lynn Smith, age 70, passed away peacefully at his home on December 12, 2025, following a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Horace Buford Smith and Nellie Grace Smith.

Carl is survived by his sister, Linda Gail Price and was preceded in death earlier this year by his beloved Brother-In-Law, Corkey Price, husband of Linda. He is also preceded in death by a brother, Gene Smith.

He is further survived by his daughter, Yvonne (Eric) Noller, his son, Chris (Ashley) Smith, and three grandsons: Devon Noller, Dustin Noller, and Cody Smith as well as three nephews: Shane Calitine, Jason (Danielle) Price, and Robert (Courtney) Price.

Carl was the epitome of a Southern mechanic—working hard to provide for his family and always willing to help his fellow man. He could repair an engine like no other, and many sought him out not only for his mechanical skill, but also for the great laugh that came along with it. He lived the best way he knew how and tried to do what he believed was best for everyone, even when that meant sacrificing himself.

Though his life included difficult and complicated years, and in recent time he lived more quietly and privately, he was deeply loved through it all. He will continue to be missed as Carl, Daddy, Pops, Uncle Carl, Granddaddy, and friend by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. Carl found peace in the mountains, especially in the fall when the leaves changed. He wished for his ashes to be scattered there, and his wishes will be honored. Details will be shared when available, and all who wish to attend, share memories, or pay their respects are welcome.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.

View Carl Lynn Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/13/2025

Did you know that today is the National Guard’s birthday? Founded in 1636 as a militia force to protect families, the National Guard has nearly 440,000 service members. Be sure to thank these brave men and women for their service today!

12/12/2025

Are you looking for ways to remember and honor lost loved ones this holiday season? Consider baking! Not only will you have sweet treats to share with family and friends, there are so many benefits to baking during a time of loss. Click to learn more!

Smell is closely tied to memory, so baking your loved one's favorite things is an excellent way to keep their memory alive. Learn more here!

12/11/2025

Hettie Adkins

Hettie Elizabeth Padgett Adkins transitioned peacefully from this life to her heavenly home on December 10, 2025. She was born during the Depression on March 9, 1933, in Edgefield, South Carolina, to the late Mack C. Padgett and Ellen Inez Berry Padgett. The youngest of three daughters—Mary, Vivian, and Hettie—she grew up surrounded by family, faith, and the values that shaped her loving and hardworking spirit.

On April 14, 1951, Hettie married Robert E. Collins, Sr. Together, they welcomed four children: the late Judy Ellen Collins; Robert E. Collins, Jr. (Wanda) of Summerville; Elizabeth Ann Collins McCaskey (Maurice) of Holly Hill; and the late Lawrence Ray Collins. She was blessed with two grandchildren, Maurice McCaskey (Alicia) and Kayla Matthews (Joshua), and four great-grandchildren, Xavier and Zelda McCaskey and Ian and Luna Matthews, each of whom brought her great joy.

Hettie graduated from high school in June 1951 and began her career in the textile industry, working until the birth of her third child in 1958. After welcoming her fourth child in 1963, she devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mother until 1967, when she entered the electric heating industry. In August 1970, the family moved to Holly Hill, and in February 1971, she began working as a cutting-room scheduler in the garment industry. She remained there faithfully until her retirement in 1995.

A gifted and generous cook, Hettie never let anyone leave her home hungry. Sunday dinners were her favorite—always abundant with vegetables, hearty portions of meat, and the warmth of family gathered around her table. Nothing delighted her more than having her children home. “She was also renowned for her Jerusalem Artichoke Relish. Family cherished getting a pint of this delicacy at Christmas

Hettie’s life journey included three marriages. She and Robert Collins divorced in 1976. In October 1979, she married Ted Hudson; they later divorced around 1985. On February 5, 1989, she married Melvin Adkins, with whom she shared a loving companionship until his passing in February 1998.

In April 2004, Hettie sold her home in the country and moved into Holly Hill, where she enjoyed being closer to town and to her church. During this time, she began a successful baking service, preparing everything from cakes and pies to cookies—each treat crafted with the same love that filled her kitchen for decades. Around 2013, she moved to Summerville to live with her son and daughter-in-law. There she enjoyed crocheting, reading, watching TV, and taking a nap whenever she pleased—though she was always happiest when she could help with something.

The family will receive friends Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 12-1PM at Avinger Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1PM. Burial will be private at Holly Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, the Women’s Heart Foundation, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.

View Hettie Adkins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.