Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC (2026)

02/15/2026

Born on December 22, 1951 in Brooklyn, NY, Stew was a son to the late Estelle and Louis Mukofsky. He and his beloved big brother, Stevie, had a wonderful childhood and often reminisced of fun holidays and family trips.

A close friend to Melinda’s brothers, he fell in love with their little sister on a camping trip to NC. He said he was struck in love by a lightning bolt, and he left his parents and job at a NY ad agency to follow her in 1979 to USC. Melinda & Stewart were in love for 48 years and would have celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary in April. They were parents to precious sons, Michael and Leo and later blessed with beloved daughter-in-law, Elysha. Stew and Melinda recently welcomed two precious grandsons, who loved their Pop Pop dearly. Nothing in the world was more important to Stew than his family. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather. He got immense enjoyment watching and coaching his boys play soccer for many years and never missed a game or school function. He was so very proud of his boys and grandchildren.

Stew loved sports and was a big fan of the NY Jets, Rangers and Mets and he missed going to see the horse races in NY. There were many special family vacations over the years to the beach, mountains, national parks, Italy and Spain. Stew loved live music and the family attended hundreds of concerts and music festivals together. The family moved to Lake Murray in 2014 where he was introduced to boating and kayaking. He loved hanging out with the family in their new pool and soaking in the hot tub. Stew had a fun sense of humor, which was often silly and he never truly lost his NY accent or attitude. He courageously endured many health issues over the past several years but never stopped living life.

Stew is predeceased by his parents, Estelle and Louis; brother Steve; brothers-in-law Michael, John and Chauncey. He is survived by his devoted wife, Melinda; sons Michael and Leo (Elysha); grandchildren Elias and Kaden; sisters-in-law Ann Chow, Darlene Estabrook and Tina Mukofsky; numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved kitties, Kit Kat and Micah Muko, all of whom will miss him unceasingly.

Stew had a long, successful career as a systems analyst with the SC Budget and Control Board (now known as the Department of Administration) from 1979 until his retirement in 2018.

Visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church 10000 Broad River Road, Irmo followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited to the family home after the service for refreshments and to celebrate Stew’s life. Please contact the family or the funeral home for address details for the family’s home address in Chapin.

02/15/2026

Robert was born in Ossett, Yorkshire, England, to the late Thomas and Bertha Walpole. He proudly served as a veteran of the British Army before building a long and dedicated professional career. Robert retired after many years of service with NCR and later Teradata, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment.

In his free time, Robert enjoyed watching sports at local pubs, boating on Lake Murray, and spending time playing golf. Above all else, he cherished his family and especially adored his bride and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Bertha Walpole; his brother, Richard Walpole; and his great-granddaughter, Layla Lundy.

He is survived by his beloved bride, Atonia Walpole; his brother, Stan Walpole; his sister, Nancy Gregory; his children, Sean (Dee) Johnson, Shannon Campbell, and Dustin (Shanna) Johnson; and his grandchildren, Sharon (Charlie) Williams, Amanda Campbell, Kimberly Campbell, Paul (Katie) Randall, Allan (Anna) Randall, Alexandria Easterling, Tucker Johnson, Luke Johnson, and Cole Johnson. He is also survived by fifteen great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date.

02/15/2026

Sharon was born July 28, 1939, on her family’s farm near Esbon, Kansas to parents Claus and Jessie Finch Lantis. Sharon’s upbringing was modest (her family home lacked indoor plumbing, electricity, or a phone), but, from an early age, her worldview was expansive. The first in her family to go to college, Sharon graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas, where she majored in accounting and minored in history. While in college, Sharon met John W. Hanson. The two were married on August 6, 1960, and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Sharon was a worker and a doer. She devoted her early married years to the care and development of their two children, Rita and John M., in Urbandale, Iowa. Those years were spent at musical presentations, athletic events, and various other school-related activities. While Sharon was characteristically reticent about discussing her own successes, she was proud to share her children’s (and grandchildren’s) accomplishments.

After the children were grown, Sharon and John relocated to Columbia, S.C., where they have made their home since 1987.

Sharon took advantage of her proximity to the University of South Carolina, returning to school to complete CPA qualification courses and passing the CPA exam in one testing.

Sharon spent 28 years as a respected employee of the Colonial Life Insurance Company, enjoying her friendships with colleagues and flourishing in her career as she supported Colonial Life’s mergers with Provident and UNUM. Many Colonial employees knew of Sharon’s expertise, and relied on her unequaled memory of corporate accounting and events. After retiring from Colonial/UNUM, Sharon continued to utilize her accounting background to provide record-keeping for non-profit firms.

Since their arrival in Columbia, Sharon and husband John have been active members of the Union United Methodist Church in Irmo. Sharon was a member of the Wilson Circle, the Fellowship Class, and the John Rowland Sunday School Class. She was also a recent member of Union’s Board of Trustees.

Sharon loved to read, square dance, and spend family time at the beach. Her laugh was infectious and her eyes sparkled brightest in the presence of her beloved grand and great-grandchildren. They were the joy of her later life and her greatest pride.

Sharon was predeceased by her parents and her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley Ann and Robert Lorence.

Surviving are her husband, John, her daughter Rita (John) Ousterhout of Palo Alto, CA, son John M. (Shannon) Hanson of Wilmington, DE; grandchildren Kay Ousterhout (Patrick Wendell), Amy Ousterhout (Daniel Grier), Ben (Abby) Hanson, and Jack Hanson; and great-grandchildren Henry, Andrew, and Peter Wendell.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church, 7582 Woodrow Street, Irmo, S.C. 29063, with visitation immediately prior to the service, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Union United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.

02/15/2026

Nancy was originally from Pennsylvania and was the youngest of six children. She married Burley Wilson Johnson of Columbia who remained her loving husband for over 59 years. Together they raised three children and were blessed with three grandchildren. Nancy graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Nursing. She served in that capacity until retirement. She was selected by her Hospital to travel to Romania and provide training to the nursing staff.

Nancy was a devoted member of Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church where she served in the choir, food pantry, and many other church ministries. Those who knew Nancy found her to be a hard worker with a warm heart and genuine love for people. Spending time with her family brought her great joy. She enjoyed sharing in activities with her family including, snow skiing, boating, sailing, hiking, camping and riding on the back of Burley’s motorcycle. Nancy and Burley traveled extensively across the United States and abroad.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents Laura and Courtland Lamphere, her husband Burley, and sisters Ruth White and Jean Daniels. She is survived by her brothers David Lamphere (Janice), and Robert Lamphere (Kathryn) and sister Elizabeth Glanville (Charles), sons Mark Edward Johnson and Kenneth Wade Johnson (Cindy), daughter Diane Johnson Scully (Mark), granddaughter Ashtyn Scully, grandson Jarryd Scully and granddaughter Jessica Johnson.

Nancy lived a full and meaningful life in faithful service to her Lord and family. A celebration of life will be conducted at Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 1:00pm, located at 1500 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210.

Memorials may be made to the HealthWell Foundation 20440 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874, Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church or the charity of one’s choice.

02/02/2026

Kathleen was born on October 8, 1958, in Miami, Florida, to Loretto and Bill Murphy. She graduated from Miami Palmetto Senior High School in 1976 and went on to pursue her passion for education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Florida International University and later returned to school at the University of Miami, where she achieved a triple master’s degree with honors, specializing in learning disabilities.

Kathleen dedicated more than 20 years of her life to teaching in Florida and South Carolina. She was a deeply passionate educator who loved the children she taught and mentored almost as much as they loved her. Many of her former students remained in touch with her long after leaving her classroom, a testament to the lasting impact she made on their lives. Beyond her career in education, Kathleen devoted herself to teaching CCD classes, guiding countless children as they discovered and strengthened their faith.

Kathleen had an enormous heart, especially for animals. She regularly took in stray dogs, cats, birds, and other animals to nurse them back to health, most of whom ultimately became permanent members of her family. Above all else, her greatest joy came from being a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and grandmother.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her mother, Loretto Murphy. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Joseph F. Archino; her father, William C. Murphy; her siblings, Kevin Murphy and Lisa Trebbi; and her four children and their spouses: Andrew and Fabiana, Joseph, Anthony and Sarah, and Amy and Chris. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Alana, Sadie, Henry, Matson, and Carter, as well as her beloved dogs, Bailey and Harley.

A viewing will be held on February 3rd at 12:30 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home, located at 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, South Carolina 29063.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathleen’s memory are requested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?cID=14262&pID=24671

Kathleen’s kindness, compassion, selflessness, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

02/02/2026

Virginia (Jenny) G. Sizemore was born May 24, 1934 in Martinsburg, WV to Raymond Jones, Sr. and Marjorie Mills Jones. She graduated from Martinsburg High School and attended Shephard College, Shepherdstown, WV. She received her registered nurse certificate through City Hospital, Martinsburg, WV. Jenny worked in various hospitals throughout her career starting in pediatrics and ending in gerontology at the VA Dorn Medical Center. She served four years in the Air National Guard as a flight nurse. Even after retiring, she still nursed those who needed it.

Jenny loved all things sports. She played on the girls basketball team in high school. She bowled in several bowling leagues throughout her life. In her later years, she participated in the Lexington County senior games winning various medals. Jenny also loved a friendly game of UNO or bingo, which she played with her friends at Seven Oaks Park Senior Lunch Bunch. She was an avid fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks and the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Jenny was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, James Sizemore, her sisters, Thelma Calahan and Mary Catherine Myers, and her brother, Raymond (Casey) Jones, Jr.

Jenny is survived by her daughter, Stefanie (Tim) Vandiver, grandchildren, Chasity (Troy) Cable, Emily (Albert) Thompson and James Vandiver, great-grandchildren Tristan, Timmy and Carson Cable and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jenny was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed by all her knew her.

A visitation will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home - Dutch Fork Chapel, located at 7600 Woodrow St, Irmo, South Carolina, 29063, on February 4, 2026, starting at 10:00 am. A funeral service will follow at the same location on the same day, beginning at 11:00 am.

A private burial is scheduled to take place on February 4, 2026, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, South Carolina, 29229.

02/02/2026

Sylvia G. Kitchens, age 79, passed into Eternal Rest on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026.
Sylvia Laverne Guy was born on March 27, 1946 in Augusta, Georgia to James Ernest and Margie Gillion Guy. Sylvia attended Butler High School, and was a baptized member of Central Christian Church where she met her future husband of 56 years, Buford Thomas Kitchens. Together they built a home and family, welcoming three daughters, Deborah, Donna, and Angela.

After a move to Columbia, SC in 1979, while working, Sylvia began her collegiate studies at the University of South Carolina at the same time her daughters began theirs, likely with far greater enthusiasm. Graduating magna cm laude with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration & Accounting, she accepted a position with the SC State Auditor's Office and went on to secure her license as a Certified Public Accountant. A member since 1991, Sylvia served as President of the South Carolina Association of CPAs in 2008. Sylvia completed her career working numerous years as the Legislative Liaison for South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, retiring in 2012. In retirement, she devoted herself to family, friends, furry companions, and polishing her most treasured title of "Granny" to six grandchildren.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her Mother, Margie Gillion Guy; her Brother, George Ernest Guy; her Father, James Ernest Guy; her husband, Buford Thomas Kitchens; and her Daughter, Donna Kitchens Wagner.

She is survived by two daughters, Deborah Simmel (Jon-Frederick) and Angela Floyd (Dean), son-in-law Robert Henry Wagner; and grandchildren, Caroline Elora Don (Rick), Jon Simmel, Caitlin Elease Wagner, Grant Avery Wagner, Katherine Lillie Floyd, and Addison Faith Floyd.

The family will receive friends and visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, South Carolina. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, also at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel. A graveside service will be held the following morning at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia at Westover Memorial Cemetery.

Memories and condolences can be shared at DunbarFunerals.com

02/02/2026

John William Gibson, age 88, of Irmo, South Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on January 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Myrtle Beach on March 17, 1937, he was the son of the late William Clyde and Dorothy Chestnut Gibson. He grew up in Florence and graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1955.

After attending Mars Hill College for two years, John proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. While overseas, he traveled to London, where he met the love of his life, Pamela Greaves. Their story was one of true devotion. Pamela accepted his marriage proposal and chose to leave London to build a life with John in Florence. They married on October 21, 1960, and remained best friends throughout their 65 years of marital bliss.

In 1975, John earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Francis Marion University. He built a long and successful career with DuPont, where he worked faithfully for 38 years before retiring.

Over the years, he faithfully served in numerous leadership roles at Immanuel Baptist Church and the Church of Sandhurst, including Chairman of the Finance Committee, the Nominating Committee, and Board of Deacons. John was a member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church and lived each day with a servant’s heart.

John traveled to Charleston and New Orleans to help communities recover after devastating hurricanes. He also found immense joy in sharing the Gospel during his many mission trips to South America, where he ministered in remote villages and jungles.

John never met a stranger. He had a gift for making people feel seen and valued from the very first conversation. With his warm smile and genuine interest in others, he built friendships wherever he went. His kindness and reassuring presence brought comfort to everyone who knew him.

He treasured his family and made countless memories with them through travel and quality time spent together. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to play tennis and golf, and most importantly the “proper” way to fish. He especially enjoyed the beach, where fishing and family were always the perfect combination.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Rose Gibson; his son, John William Gibson, Jr. (Paula), and their sons, William Burris Gibson, and Sam Patrick Gibson; and his daughter, Beth Gibson Bauknight, and her daughter, Abby Elaine Bauknight. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Marion Clyde Gibson.

His family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who brought him comfort and lovingly cared for him during his last few months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 15th, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to one of his favorite charities: Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).

01/22/2026

Nell was married on June 10, 1949, to Albert C. Morgan, with whom she shared many loving years until his passing in April 2020. She attended high school in Columbia, South Carolina, and went on to dedicate over 30 years of service to the Internal Revenue Service, working in both Columbia, SC, and Miami, Florida.In her later years, Nell resided in Prosperity, South Carolina, where she was a faithful member of Chapin Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert C. Morgan; her father, Cauthan D. Broom Sr.; her mother, Irene Frick Broom; her sisters, Catherine M. Early, Marguriete Horton, and Freida Williamson; and her brothers, C.D. Broom Jr. and Steven Broom.

She is survived by her brother, Kenneth “Dick” Broom; her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Victor C. Morgan and Wanda K. Morgan; her daughter, Debra D. Morgan; her grandchildren, Melissa K. Colwell and Dr. Robin M. Morgan; and her great-grandchildren, Morgan P. Wilkerson and Caroline A. Smith.

Nell’s three great loves in life were God, her family, and shopping—each of which brought her immense joy and purpose throughout her life.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, with burial in Serenity Memorial Gardens, Buckner Rd. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

01/22/2026

Vera was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Wedemeyer; her granddaughter, Stephanie Duvall; her great-grandson, Jackson Ellis; her parents, Ralph and Elsie Kirsch; and her brother, Robert Kirsch.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Duvall (Craig); her grandchildren, Kelly Webb (Mary), Ashley Ellis (Mike), and Eric Duvall; her great-grandchildren, Emily Ellis, Mylee Ellis, and Logan Ellis; John Spence (Fiancé).

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC 29063.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Vera’s memory may be made to the Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org).

01/22/2026

Frances Alene (Elliott) Rogers, 85, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026. She was born on March 5, 1940, in Laurinburg, North Carolina, to John Henry Elliott and Bertha Elizabeth (McAbee) Elliott. Alene was a devoted wife, mother, Grammy, and Great Grammy. Her faith, family, and friends were the cornerstones of her life.

She earned her associate’s degree from Wingate University and shortly thereafter met the love of her life, Vern Rogers. Together they shared 66 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family. In 1969, they made their home in Columbia, South Carolina, where they raised their daughters Karen and Lori and later welcomed their third daughter, Tracy, in 1976.

Alene retired from the South Carolina Department of Corrections in 2000 after more than 20 years of dedicated service in various administrative assistant roles. She was highly respected in her work and treasured the long-lasting relationships she formed with her coworkers.

A devout Christian, Alene was a faithful member of Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church since 1973. She was actively involved in the Seven Oaks Presbyterian Women and served as chair, co-chair, and treasurer of the Mary Martha Circle.

Alene found joy in bowling, reading, baking, social outings, boating on Lake Murray with friends, and most of all, spending time with her family. Her three daughters, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren were the heart of her happiness.

She is survived by her loving husband, Vern Rogers; daughters Karen Rogers and Lori Rogers Remensnyder (Gary); grandchildren Erika Swanson Barnhardt (Carter), Collin Swanson (McKenzie), John Remensnyder, Andrew Remensnyder (Ashley), and Anna Remensnyder; and great-grandchildren Harper, Elliott (Elle), and Sloane Barnhardt. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Tracy Rogers; her parents; and her nine siblings, Marie, Johnny, Golman, Gertrude, Grace, Violet, Charles, Maxine, and Peggy.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, 530 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, South Carolina. A reception will follow immediately in the church fellowship hall. A private graveside service will take place following the reception at Bush River Memorial Gardens, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, South Carolina. Memorials may be made in Alene’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Thornwell Home for Children, 302 South Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325.

01/17/2026

Elvira Carmen Pena (also known as Abuela) of Columbia, SC passed away after a brief bout of illness on Tuesday – January 13, 2026 at Lexington Medical Center, surrounded by family.
Born on December 29, 1937 in Mendoza, Argentina, she was the daughter of the late Manuel Antonio Parra and the late Maria Carmen Manzano. She was happily married to Manuel Pena until his death in 1991.

She immigrated to America in 1969 with little more than a suitcase and a dream. She came in search of a better life – which she found. Her journey through life has made her tougher than nails. She’s known hardship and struggle, but she’s never once complained. She led by example and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Reminiscing through old letters and photos of how she came to America and the obstacles that she overcame makes her family proud of the example that she has set and of her life’s journey.

She loved reading books and was a lifelong student, furthering her own education at every opportunity. She passionately and unapologetically encouraged others to do the same, especially her children and grandchildren. Her house was full of books and magazines at every turn, and it is often joked about within the family that her favorite place in the world to visit was Barnes & Noble bookstore.

She was a devout Roman Catholic all her life and very rarely if ever missed Mass until her health started to decline. She would recite her rosary and end most conversations with her children, “Que Dios te bendiga.” She truly showed love and forgiveness in every step she took.

Her greatest strengths in life were her honor, integrity, and work ethic. These deeply embedded character traits never failed her – ever.

Elvira is survived by her children: Brian Pena (Allison) of Lexington, Robert Pena (Glinda) of Columbia, and Mercy Pena (Peter) of New York, as well as grandchildren: Laney, Gabby, and Israel – all of which she referred to as “Mi Amor”.

A visitation will be held on January 19, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Dunbar Funeral Home - Dutch Fork Chapel, located at 7600 Woodrow St, Irmo, South Carolina, 29063. The funeral service will follow at the same location, beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Bush River Memorial Gardens, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, South Carolina, 29212, following the funeral service on January 19, 2026.

Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel

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