A Simple Service

A Simple Service A Simple Service is a family-owned funeral home with a commitment and legacy of serving others. Also located at:
700 S.

New Hope Road
Gastonia, NC 28053
704.865.3451

515 N. Central Avenue
Belmont, NC 28012
704.825.5301

A Simple Service Burial and Cremation is dedicated to providing a caring and compelling environment for life celebration...
03/16/2026

A Simple Service Burial and Cremation is dedicated to providing a caring and compelling environment for life celebrations. We're also dedicated to offering the best funeral value possible. For pricing, call (803) 283-3344.

Darlene Ann Desmond Scowcroft, 65, of Lancaster, SC, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Piedmont Medical Center...
03/14/2026

Darlene Ann Desmond Scowcroft, 65, of Lancaster, SC, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill.

Born on July 1, 1960, in Boston to Donald Desmond and the late Elizabeth Stone, Darlene was a woman of immense talent and heart. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as a proud “Yorkie Mom.” Her family, especially her grandchildren, were the center of her world.

Darlene was also a gifted writer and an accomplished bowler. While she was widely known for her evocative poetry, she was working on a horror novel titled Cemetery Shadows at the time of her passing. Her daughter plans to complete and publish the book in the near future to honor her creative legacy.

Those who knew Darlene will remember her for her quick wit, fluent sarcasm, and the signature smirk that could communicate exactly what she was thinking. She was a deeply loving person who left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be greatly missed.

Our Home

If we saw the world
Through all our hearts
We'd see a world
Of beauty and grace
If we saw the world
Not through our hearts
We'd see a world
Of crime and disgrace
Love our world
As our home
For the world
Is your home

-Darlene Scowcroft

In addition to her mother, she is preceded in death by her brother, John Desmond.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Mark Scowcroft; daughter, Marisa Wolf (Jeremy Comeaux); sons, Joshua Scowcroft (Tanuja), Joshua Francis (Jessie), Jonathan Francis (Tiffany) and Aaron Scowcroft (Megan); father, Donald Desmond; sisters, Beth Curtin (Steve) and Jean Pike (Rich); beloved grandchildren, Nayana, Alexia, Elizabeth, Liam, Noah, Maverick, Winston, Thatcher and Leela; also left to cherish her memory are numerous other relatives and dear friends.

In accordance with Darlene’s wishes, no formal services will be held at this time. Instead a celebration of her life will be announced this summer. Mass will be held in her memory at St. Catherine of Siena, Lancaster, SC, at 10:30 am on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

For those wishing to do so, please consider making a charitable donation to your local animal rescue in her memory.

My family dream

As time slowly went by
I came to realize all that was wrong
My family and I were so far apart
Each listening to a different song
Once upon a time, a time long gone
I thought a family would always prevail
But now my eyes are open to see
My family of my dreams is a fairy tale
To me a family is always there
Through all the good and bad
A family is always there to share
To be with you through happy and sad
Although I have family near
The security of love is far away
For though good news is shared
Bad news awaits a rainy day
A family once important to me
Is one full of love and trust
One of values and compassion
But it is all left in the dust
So, to the children of my womb
I show how a family should be
For within me lies much confusion
And they will not be like me
For they will learn to share it all
And stand by each other's' side
To prove a family is not a nightmare
And my dream family has not died

-Darlene Scowcroft

Arrangements are under the direction of A Simple Service Burial & Cremation – Lancaster, SC

https://www.asimpleservice.com/memorials/darlene-scowcroft/5695247/

James Mitchell Smith, 56, of Lancaster, SC, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. In accordance with Ja...
03/14/2026

James Mitchell Smith, 56, of Lancaster, SC, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

In accordance with James's wishes, no formal services will be held. A committal service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery and will be announced at a later date.

The official obituary will be published shortly.

Arrangements are under the direction of A Simple Service of Lancaster.

Online condolences can be made by visiting James's obituary page on the funeral home website at the link listed below.

https://www.asimpleservice.com/memorials/james-smith/5695396/

Reaching out to A Simple Service Burial and Cremation in a time of sorrow can feel overwhelming. However, when Funeral D...
03/13/2026

Reaching out to A Simple Service Burial and Cremation in a time of sorrow can feel overwhelming. However, when Funeral Director Jacquelyn Duncan is asking the right questions and taking the right steps, the journey to peace can quietly begin. Call us at (803) 283-3344.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, is National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day. At A Simple Service Burial and Cr...
03/11/2026

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, is National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day. At A Simple Service Burial and Cremation, caring for families is more than a profession. It's a calling! To the funeral directors who guide families with compassion and dignity every day, thank you for the quiet work you do for our community. Join us by sharing a word of appreciation for all they do.

Writing down your final wishes can be a meaningful parting gift to your family. Knowing exactly what you wanted takes th...
03/09/2026

Writing down your final wishes can be a meaningful parting gift to your family. Knowing exactly what you wanted takes the guesswork out of their decisions, leaving them confident they're honoring you well. Call A Simple Service Burial and Cremation at (803) 283-3344 and preplan with Funeral Director Chad Cotton.

James Colon Howle, affectionately known as “JC”, 67, of Lancaster, SC, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 3, 202...
03/06/2026

James Colon Howle, affectionately known as “JC”, 67, of Lancaster, SC, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

James was born on Friday, March 28, 1958, in Cheraw, SC, to the late Emmitt Howle and Evelyn Hinson. He graduated from Buford High School in 1976 and went on to work for Springs Mill for many years, until its closure in September 2003. After the Mill closed, James went on to become a highly valued and respected employee of Connie Maxell Children’s Home as the grounds manager, as well as a “Cottage Father” to many children over the years. The children who lived there were very special to him; he would do anything he could to brighten their day every chance he got.

When James wasn’t working, it was not uncommon to find him enjoying the outdoors, usually working on cars, old lawn mowers, or, of course, riding his beloved motorcycle. He always enjoyed working with his hands, and there was not much that he could not fix. In his younger years, that passion was instilled in him from helping work on race cars. James was also a faithful member of the Connie Maxwell Baptist Church and served as a chaplain for the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Jessica-faith Howle and Sasha Mattox (Chad); son Quinton Kelley; sister, Sue Howle Staton; brother, Lester Charles Howle; grandchildren, Treven, Jace, Jaxon, and Amaya; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A celebration of James ’ life will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Antioch Baptist Church (1734 Antioch Rd., Lancaster, SC 29720) with pastor Trent McLaughlin officiating. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary one hour prior to the service. James will be laid to rest privately in the Connie Maxwell Children’s Home Cemetery in Greenwood, SC.

Online condolences can be made, as well as order floral tributes, by visiting the funeral home website at the link listed below.

https://www.asimpleservice.com/memorials/james-howle/5692904/

Arrangements are under the direction of A Simple Service Burial & Cremation – Lancaster, SC

When facing the challenges of a sudden loss, A Simple Service Burial and Cremation offers a serene setting to retreat to...
03/06/2026

When facing the challenges of a sudden loss, A Simple Service Burial and Cremation offers a serene setting to retreat to. Our facilities provide the kind of stillness and beauty that will surround your family in peace. Call (803) 283-3344 to learn more.

For families asking about cremation and wondering if there's more, there is. A traditional cremation has all the sights,...
03/04/2026

For families asking about cremation and wondering if there's more, there is. A traditional cremation has all the sights, sounds, and benefits of a traditional funeral, with the actual cremation occurring after the celebration of life. Funeral Director Jacquelyn Duncan can tell you more when you call A Simple Service Burial and Cremation at (803) 283-3344.

If you've preplanned a funeral elsewhere or with a funeral home out of the area, and now wish to transfer it to A Simple...
03/02/2026

If you've preplanned a funeral elsewhere or with a funeral home out of the area, and now wish to transfer it to A Simple Service Burial and Cremation, you can. Simply call us at (803) 283-3344. We will handle the entire process for you.

Jennifer Ann Ayres (D’Amico), 46, of Heath Springs, SC, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Atrium Hospital.B...
02/27/2026

Jennifer Ann Ayres (D’Amico), 46, of Heath Springs, SC, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Atrium Hospital.

Born on February 19, 1980, Jennifer was the beloved daughter of Thomas M. D’Amico and the late Robin E. D’Amico, cherished sister to Stephanie E. D’Amico, and wonderful aunt to Sophia Schwaab.

On August 1, 2018, Jennifer married the love of her life, Phillip Ayres, with whom she shared over 25 amazing years together. She is also survived by her two beautiful daughters, Tamaryn Italy Ayres and Lyric Addisyn Ayres.

Jennifer graduated from Perry Hall High School in Perry Hall, Maryland, in 1998. She was a lifelong animal lover, caring for everything from guinea pigs and parrots to dogs, cats, and even a snake. She found joy in nature, often surrounded by her neighbors’ cows and a donkey. Jennifer will be deeply missed by her beloved Cane Corso, Mercy, and her many fur babies.

Known for her warmth and hospitality, Jennifer loved cooking up large, family-style meals. She was a passionate Baltimore Ravens fan and enjoyed relaxing with friends around a bonfire. Jennifer dedicated herself to her work as a customer care representative at GB Electric Services, balancing her professional life with her love for family and friends. Jennifer’s kindness, sense of humor, and love for animals and nature touched everyone who knew her. She will be forever in our hearts.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm at A Simple Service Burial & Cremation of Lancaster (201 N. Catawba St. Lancaster, SC 29720)

Online condolences and floral tributes can be made by visiting the funeral home website, www.asimpleservice.com.

https://www.asimpleservice.com/memorials/jennifer-ayers/5690941/

Starting a family conversation about end-of-life preparations gives everyone a voice. It also shows how much you value t...
02/27/2026

Starting a family conversation about end-of-life preparations gives everyone a voice. It also shows how much you value those you love most. Call A Simple Service Burial and Cremation at (803) 283-3344 and preplan with Funeral Director Chad Cotton.

Address

201 N. Catawba Street
Lancaster, SC
29720

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+18032833344

Website

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Our Story

McLean Funeral Directors - Mahaffey Chapel is now A Simple Service - Lancaster!

We believe that the success of any business requires dedication and professionalism. In our business, in particular, it also requires a great deal of kindness, compassion and attention to detail. You’ll find these qualities in each and every member of our staff here at A Simple Service - Lancaster. Put your trust in us to make this experience as comfortable and carefree as possible.

Today, as most funeral services have been purchased by large corporate companies, we can proudly say that we have remained a family owned and operated funeral service through four generations. We proudly celebrated our 120th Anniversary in 2012!