Shrinkdown organizers prepare
for making Greenwood thinner

January 4, 2006

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

A thinner, lighter Greenwood will be a work in progress starting Monday.
That’s the target day for the Greater Greenwood Shrinkdown, commencing with registration and an initial weigh-in at the PEES Gym at Lander University. Program organizers gathered there Tuesday to mark the day Shrinkdown programs across the state were kick-started.
Shrinkdown South Carolina, involving 11 YMCAs statewide, is the only weight reduction and health information program of its kind in the United States.
The Greenwood Family YMCA has joined in a partnership with Lander and Self Regional Medical Center to bring the eight-week program to people in the community who think they need to lose weight, exercise more and develop a healthier lifestyle in general.
“The focus of YMCAs around the country is to pull together these partnerships,” Gray Stallworth, CEO of the Greenwood Family YMCA, said. “Lander and Self Regional are coming together with the Y of Greenwood in a program that also involves USC, Presbyterian College, the Upper Pee Dee Rock Hill area and the Lowcountry in Beaufort and Berkeley counties.”
South Carolina ranks among the nation’s leaders in obesity rates, Stallworth said, and a goal of YMCAs and their partners across the state is reducing that health-hampering statistic.
To that end, the Greater Greenwood Shrinkdown starts weighing participants and passing along health-improving information from 3-7 p.m. Monday at the PEES Gym. The first 500 people to register get a free T-shirt. Weigh-ins then will be available each Friday, and Health Talk programs will be each Monday and Thursday for the Shrinkdown’s eight weeks.
Stallworth said the Shrinkdown will stress healthy lifestyles and accountability through the weigh-ins. “All of the elements are there to make it a successful effort,” he said. “It’s not just pounds lost, although that’s a good indicator. It can’t be said that Greenwood is not fighting back against this obesity issue.”
Obesity is an important health risk to tackle because the condition can worsen diseases such as diabetes, John Heydel, CEO of Self Regional Medical Center, said.
“We’re taking this seriously,” Heydel said. “We hope that hundreds, if not thousands, of people will take part.” “Lander is in the business of health — mental health, actually, but physical health, too,” Lander President Dan Ball said. “We’re on a health kick at Lander. We hope to make this an annual event.”
The initial Shrinkdown event at the PEES Gym on Monday corresponds with the first day of spring semester classes at Lander.
Once the Shrinkdown gets under way and weigh-ins are conducted, communities can chart their progress compared to the other areas of the state by logging onto www.scshrinkdown.com. Weight loss will be charted in each community, without using the names of individual participants, and people signed up for the Shrinkdown can chart their own progress by logging on with their individualized password.

Back from holidays,
LU hoops face test against North Georgia

January 4, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

Now that the holidays are over, it’s back to business for the Lander University men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Lander will play host to North Georgia College in Peach Belt Conference action tonight at Finis Horne Arena. The women’s game tips at 5:30, while the men get going at 7:30.
Both Lander squads will look to improve on somewhat slow starts in the early part of the season.
The Bearcats (2-6 overall, 0-2 conference) struggled offensively over the first eight games. However, the team headed into the holiday break on a positive note by defeating Livingstone, 69-67, Dec. 10.
The Lady Bearcats (3-5, 0-2), with their eight-player roster, defied expectations over the first five games, jumping out to a 3-2 record. However, the team has lost three consecutive games since, including a 71-60 defeat at the hands of Limestone Dec. 20.
“I told our girls this is a new year and we’re getting a fresh start,” Lander women’s coach Kevin Pederson said. “Now that we’re in conference play, if we can hang in there and play close with teams until the five minute mark at the end of games, we’ll give ourselves a chance to win.”
Lander men’s coach Bruce Evans is also eager to get back to conference play.
“We spent our time during the holidays focusing on ways to make ourselves better,” Evans said. “I think our guys know that we still have a chance in the conference, but every game is a must win.”
The North Georgia men’s team enters tonight’s contest with a 7-3 overall record and a 2-0 mark in the PBC. The Saints feature a high-powered offensive attack highlighted by three players that transferred to North Georgia from major Division I institutions.
Saints’ guard Matt Causey, who is averaging 21.3 points per game, transferred from Georgetown. His brother Mark Causey, also a guard, is averaging 14.3 points per game and is a transfer from Duke. And Buzz Wehunt, a small forward averaging 16.9 points per game, is a transfer from SEC competitor Georgia.
If Lander hopes to notch its first PBC win of the year, it will have to find a way to subdue the prolific trio from North Georgia, as well as show a scoring punch of its own. The team is averaging 64.6 points per game this season.
Jarred Jackson, an All-PBC selection a year ago, has led the Bearcats with 12.8 points per game. However, he is the only Lander player averaging double digits. Forwards Michael Griffin and Scottie Smith have each chipped in 8.1 points per game. Smith leads the Bearcats with five rebounds per contest.
The Bearcats will need solid perimeter defense from guards Jahi Rawlings, J.T. Greene and Jason Davis tonight in order to limit the Causey brothers’ scoring prowess.
“We obviously would like to get more scoring from our guards,” Evans said. “Coming into the year we felt like that was certainly the strength of our team.”
Scoring is not an asset monopolized by the men’s team at North Georgia.
The Lady Saints are averaging 79 points per game, while only surrendering an average of 58. It’s a statistic that concerns Pederson.
“They’re beating people by 21 points per game,” Pederson said. “That’s staggering. It’s important we don’t get down early. We let ourselves get down early against Limestone and never recovered.”
The Lady Saints (7-1, 2-0) feature five players that average double-digits in scoring. Guard Katie Williamson and forward Syretha Marble are tied for the team lead, averaging 12.6 points per game. Williamson also leads the squad in assists at 3.9 per game.
According to Pederson, North Georgia uses a pressure defense that serves as a catalyst for its offense. Also key in the Lady Saints attack is the tough play of forward Jeanine Dorminey, who averaging 10.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
“They are certainly one of the more talented teams in this league,” Pederson said. “They have a had a really solid team going back to when they were in the NAIA.”
Lander will counter North Georgia’s gameplan with its own scorers, namely Shatora Irby and Bryony Crouch. The pair is averaging 16.8 and 15.9 points per game respectively.
Pederson said his team, both tonight and as the PBC schedule continues, needs consistent scoring from at least three players if it hopes to remain competitive.
“With Bryony and Shatora, along with (Shaquanta) Glaze and Tara Nyikavaranda, we have some girls that can put it in the hoop,” Pederson said. “But we’re only getting it from one of them per night. We need three or more to step up per night and make plays.”

Chris Trainor covers area sports for The Index-Journal. He can be reached at: ctrainor@indexjournal.com

Obituaries

Robert Theodore Behrendt

DUE WEST – Robert Theodore Behrendt, of Due West, SC died Monday, January 2, 2006, at the Due West Retirement Center Carlisle Nursing Center.
A native of Newark, NJ, he was the son of the late Herman F. Behrendt and Ella Benkert Behrendt. Mr. Behrendt served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during WWII.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Helen Christian Behrendt and his half-brother, Frederick Behrendt.
Surviving Mr. Behrendt is his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carrie Christian Wilson and R. B. Wilson; a nephew, three nieces, six great-nieces, two great-nephews, and four great-grandnephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, at the Due West ARP Church, Due West, S.C., with Rev. Calvin Draffin officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Due West ARP Church, P.O. Box 397 Due West. SC 29639. Online condo-lences may be sent to the Behrendt family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com
HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville is assisting the Behrendt family.
PAID OBITUARY

Ruby Bell

GREENWOOD – Ruby Breazeale Bell, 80, former resident of Greenwood, widow of J. Jones Bell, died January 2, 2006 at Stroud Memorial Nursing Home in Marietta, SC.
Born in Simpsonville, August 14, 1925, she was a daughter of the late Lyman Gage and Addie Mae Lancaster Breazeale. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School and the Greenwood College of Commerce. Mrs. Bell retired from CSX Railroad.
A member of South Main Street Baptist Church and the Couples II Sunday School Class, she was also a member of the Pilot Club.
Surviving are two daughters, Susan B. and husband, Clement Lord of Travelers Rest and Angela B. and husband, Billy Dorn of Troy; two brothers, Lawrence E. Breazeale of Greenwood and Earl C. Breazeale of Columbia; grandchildren, Michael Waters of Greewnood, Timothy Lord of Travelers Rest and Nathan Lord of Easley; eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm Thursday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brian Brock officiating.
Burial will be in Faith Temple Church Cemetery in Taylors.
Pallbearers will be Clement Lord, Michael Waters, Timothy Lord, Nathan Lord, Brandt Latimer and Allen Irwin. Honorary escort will be members of the Couples II Sunday School Class of South Main Street Baptist Church. The family is at the home of Lawrence and Sarah Breazeale, 112 Sheffield Road and will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 2 Thursday afternoon.
The family of Mrs. Bell wishes to express to the staff of the Stroud Memorial Nursing Home their sincere appreciation for the love and care shown to their mother during her illness.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Bell family.
PAID OBITUARY

Anna Elizabeth Baker Campbell

CLINTON, SC – Anna Elizabeth Baker Campbell, 87, of 616 Elizabeth Street, died Tuesday, January 3rd at her home. She was born in Cordelle, GA and was a daughter of the late Thomas and Emma Baker.
She was retired from Clinton Mill after 40 years of service; was a member of the Old Timer’s Club and the First Assembly of God Church. She attended and was very active in Church’s Ladies WMU organ-ization until the last year when declining health prevented attendance.
Surviving are three sons, Carl R. “Randy” Campbell and wife Betty Ott Campbell of Clinton, “Corky” Campbell and wife, Pat Osborne Campbell of Clinton, Ben D. “Ricky” Campbell and wife, Barbara Nabors Campbell of Ninety Six, one daughter, Gail Croy Sebastian Campbell of the home; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Sanford Campbell of Joanna; 11 grandchildren, Summer Campbell, Steffanie Dorn, Chris Croy, Angie Gahagan, Steve Campbell, Dennis Campbell, Mark Campbell, Cindy Gothard, Phillip Campbell, Jennifer Campbell and Jamie Edwards; three step-grandchildren, Danny Bagwell,Lisa Bagwell and Deniece Bagwell; 24 great-grandchildren, Amber Dorn, Austin Dorn, Madison Croy, Lily Croy, Sophie Croy, Anna Gail Gahagan, Nikki Camp-bell, Josh Campbell, Jimmy Campbell, Justin Campbell, Noel Campbell, Carissa Alexander, Bryan Campbell, Carl Campbell, Kayla Campbell, Bradley Campbell, Zack Campbell, Megan Sweatt, Chad Cole, Korey Campbell, Kody Campbell, Kasey Camp-bell, Allen Campbell and Lee Campbell; one great-great grandchild, Cheyenne Campbell.
She was predeceased by her husband, Carl Campbell, a son, Lester “Jimmy” Campbell, a granddaughter, Beth Campbell Sweatt, a grandson, Gary Lee Campbell; a special friend and companion, Milfred “Pappy” Wright; two sisters, Annie Price and Ruth Chambers and four brothers, Virgil, Ernest, Arthur and Thomas Baker.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, Jan. 6th at 2:00 p.m. in the Gray Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Rosemont Cemetery of Clinton.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gray Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grayfuneralhome.com
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is serving the family.
PAID OBITUARY

Lillie W. Dansby

McCORMICK — Services for Lillie W. Dansby of 5 Lillie Loop, are at 11 Thursday at Liberty Spring Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Henry Merriweather, assisted by the Revs. Johnny Peterson, Robert Dansby Jr., and Pastor Albert Bell. Burial is in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 10. Pallbearers are grandsons and great-grandsons.
Flower bearers are granddaughters and great-granddaughters.
Visitation is from 7-8 tonight at the home.
Viewing is from 1-8 today at Parks Funeral Home, Greenwood.
Parks Funeral Home, Greenwood, is in charge.

Hubert Hazel

ABBEVILLE – Hubert Franklin Hazel, 87, of 342 Edgewood Drive, a longtime Greenwood resident, formerly of Siloam Church Road, husband of Evelyn Gillian Hazel, died Sunday, January 1, 2006, at the Hospice House.
Born in Saluda County, he was the son of the late Ernest Gary and Cora Shaw Hazel. He was retired from Greenwood Mills, Harris Plant, where he was a member of the Quarter Century Club. He was a member of Greenwood Wesleyan Church, where he was a member of the Bethel Sunday School Class.
He was preceded in death by a son, Jack Edward Hazel.
Surviving is his wife of the home; a daughter, Wanda H. Campbell and her husband, Ronny, of Abbeville; five grandchildren, Trevor McNure of Charleston, Michelle Kang, Jay Hazel, Leland Knight and Tracey Turner, all of Belton, several great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and special friends, J.A. and Effie Dorn of Greenwood.
Services will be 1:00 pm today at Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Jonathan Payne and Mr. Mac McLellan officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Jack Styron, Wayne Styron, Mike Fulmer, Gerald Deaton, Robert Hawkins and Douglas Seabolt. The family will receive friends from noon to 1:00 pm today at the funeral home.
The family is at the home of his daughter, Wanda Campbell, 244 Edgewood Drive, Abbeville.
The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorials be made to Hospice House, HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Albert Holloway

Services for Albert Holloway of 809 Brewer St. are at 3 Thursday at Flint Hill Missionary Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. John R. Brightharp, assisted by the Rev. Annette Edwards. Burial is in Evening Star Cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 2.
Pallbearers are nephews.
Flower bearers are nieces.
Honorary escorts are members of the class of 1973.
Viewing is from 1-8 today at Parks Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of his mother, Essie D. Holloway, 304 Campbell St., Greenwood.
Parks Funeral Home is in charge.

Allean “Wimpy” Jackson

Allean Butler “Wimpy” Jackson, 86, of 209 Louvenia Ave., died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006 at Azalea Nursing Home in Aiken.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late Matt Campbell and Eleanor Butler Campbell.
Survivors include two sons, Philip R. Jackson of Ninety Six and Andrew Jackson of Greenwood; three daughters, Annie J. Jackson of the home, Ruby Campbell James of Ninety Six, and Judith J. Williams of Columbus, Ga.; 22 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Robinson and Son Mortuary Inc.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com.

Lillie Pearl Jennings

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lillie Pearl Jennings, widower of James L. Jennings, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006 at her home. She was a daughter of the late Annie Julia Morgan Freeman and the late Jack Seigler.
Survivors include three sons, James Jennings, Willie Jennings and Harry Lowe, all of Washington, D.C.; a daughter, Mary Jennings of Washington; six brothers, Arthur Dye, Willie Freeman, Frank Freeman Jr., Paul Freeman and James Freeman, all of Greenwood, S.C., and Robert Freeman of Charlotte, N.C.; two sisters, Mrs. Alonzo (Marilyn) Chin of Edgefield, S.C., and Mrs. Willie (Linda) Talbert of Greenwood; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Marshall Funeral Home, Washington, D.C., is in charge.
Announcement courtesy of Robinson and Son Mortuary Inc., Greenwood, S.C.

Miller Leaman

CROSS HILL – William Miller Leaman, 98, former resident of Main Street, died Monday, January 2, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood after a short illness.
Born in Cross Hill, August 31, 1907, Mr. Leaman was a son of the late James Edwin and Aileene Miller Leaman. He was educated in the public schools in Cross Hill and was a lifelong member of Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church. He served as deacon and elder of the church, where members of the Leaman family have worshiped for more than 200 years.
Mr. Leaman was the proprietor of Leaman Brothers Dry Goods and Groceries, established in 1912 by his father. He left the family business to serve in World War II and was stationed in England and France. After the war, he returned to Cross Hill to resume the ownership and management of the store, which was known throughout the Southeast for its unique offerings.
In recent years, Mr. Leaman lived at Wesley Commons in Greenwood. A quiet philanthropist, he contributed to many causes related to his Presbyterian faith.
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family and, in addition to his parents, was predeceased by four brothers, James Edwin Leaman, Charles Henry Leaman, Samuel Madden Leaman and James Marshall Leaman.
Mr. Leaman is survived by nieces, Helen Leaman Petit and her husband, Dr. Edward L. Petit of Greenwood and Josephine Leaman DeBruhl of Lexington; a nephew, Samuel M. Leaman, Jr. of Greenwood. A sister-in-law, Margie Young Leaman of Whitmire and several great-nieces and nephews.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home in Greenwood and will be placed in the church at 10:00 AM Thursday.
Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Thursday at Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church with Rev. Robert L. Slimp officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Sam Leaman, III, Louis DeBruhl, Jack DeBruhl, Paul Koon, Michael Williams, Robert Hollingsworth and Robert Whiteford.
Honorary escort will be Deacons and Elders of Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church.
The family is at their respective homes and will receive friends in the Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church Family Life Center immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church, 200 West Liberty Springs Street, Cross Hill, SC 29332.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Leaman family.
PAID OBITUARY

Jason Miller

WARD, SC – Daniel Jason Miller, 22, of 1404 Duncan Rd., died January 2, 2006.
Born in Lexington County, he was a son of Ricky and Sharon Edwards Miller. He was a 2001 graduate of Saluda High School. He was employed with Mike Rodgers Landscaping and a reserve police officer in Johnston. He was a member of the Young Farmers Association, Richland Creek Tractor Association and was a member of Richland Springs Baptist Church.
Surviving are his parents, Ricky and Sharon Edwards Miller of the home, a sister, Alicia Miller Bailey of Ward, a half-brother, Steven Rick Miller of Gibsonville, NC, his grandmother, Betty Long Edwards of Ward and a nephew, Joshua Bailey.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8PM, Wednesday evening at Ramey Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 2PM, Thursday, January 5, 2006 at Richland Spring Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Red Bank Baptist Church cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Richland Springs Baptist Church, 1895 Duncan Rd., Ward, SC 29166.
PAID OBITUARY

Ed Robinson

KATHLEEN, Ga. — Colonel William Edward “Ed” Robinson, (USAF Ret.), 56, husband of Julie Rogers Robinson, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006 at Houston Medical Center in Warner Robbins, Ga.
Born in Buckhannon, W.V., he was a son of William H. and Gale Judge Robinson. He was a 1967 graduate of Greenwood High School and a 1971 graduate of the Air Force Academy as 2nd Lt. He commissioned as a Colonel in 1993 and retired from the Air Force in 1997. He worked with SAIC in Warner Robbins.
Survivors include his wife of the home; his parents of Greenwood, S.C.; a son, Eric Robinson of Mainville, Ohio; a daughter, Ami Robinson of Greenville, S.C., a brother, John S. Robinson of Gordonville, Tenn.; two sisters, Teresa Robinson of Roswell, Ga., and Linda Ann Tester of Waco, Texas; and one grandchild.
Services are at 11 Thursday at Main Street United Methodist Church in Greenwood, conducted by the Rev. James Dennis. Burial with military honors is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens. The body will be placed in the church at 10. Visitation is from 10-11 Thursday at Main Street United Methodist Church in the Trinity Classroom.
Memorials may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, One Hanover Park Suite 600, 16633 N. Dallas Parkway, Addison, Texas, 75001.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Greenwood, S.C., is in charge.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.

Olin Roton

Olin Judson Roton, 88, of 1113 Ninety Six Highway, widower of Julia Estelle Hughes Roton, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
II, where he was a bridge builder and held the rank of Tech Sergeant. He was retired as a carpenter from Fluor Daniel after 39 years of service. He attended North Greenwood Church of God.
Survivors include three daughters, Vickie Coursey and Faye Ward, both of Greenwood, and Mrs. Walter (Peggy) Echols of Ninety Six; a son, Tony R. Roton of Abbeville; a brother, Edwin Virgil Roton of Greenwood; 10 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Services are at 3:30 Thursday at Blyth Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Richard Saxon. Burial is in Edgewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Danny Johnson, Jay Coursey, Wally Echols, Chad Echols, David Bell, Ray Roton, Chris Turner and Zachary Bell.
Visitation is from 7-9 tonight at the funeral home.
The family is at the home of Walter and Peggy Echols, 7002 Highway 25 South, Greenwood.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Upstate Chapter, P.O. Box 658, Greenwood, S.C., 29648 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1741, Greenwood, S.C., 29648.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.

James Shiles

DONALDS – James Allen Shiles, 44, resident of 417 Bell Road, husband of Anna Marie Bell Shiles, died peacefully at his home January 1, 2006 after a two year battle with brain cancer.
Born in Ft. Collins, CO, March 11, 1961, he was a son of Col. Richard L. and Linda Richardson Shiles. He served 15 years in the SC Army National Guard - Company D of Hodges, having reached the rank of Staff Sergeant and had a career as an electrician Mr. Shiles was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he was very active in many positions in the church and was also a member of the Greenwood County Emergency Communica-tions Group.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are two sons, David Allen Shiles of Green-wood and Michael Lyn Shiles of Due West; a daughter, Brandi Rhoads and husband, Robert of Donalds; a grand-daughter, Dakota Sky Rhoads; his father and step-mother, Renate of Pennsylvania and his mother of Nevada; a brother, Jerry Andrew Shiles and a sister, Michele Lynn Johnson, both of Mary-land; his paternal grandparents, Elmer and Grace Shiles of Oklahoma. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm Friday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel, due to church construction, with Bishop Doug Pennock offici-ating.
Burial with military honors will be at Oakbrook Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Michael Shiles, David Shiles, Robert Rhoads, Jerry A. Shiles, Jerry E. Shiles and Joseph Sisiam.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 Thursday evening. The family is at the home on Bell Road.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family.
PAID OBITUARY

Leolia S. Thornton

NEW YORK — Leolia Starks Thornton, widow of Walter Thornton, died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2005 at Elmhurst Care Center in Queens, N.Y.
She was a daughter of the late Phil and Susie Carter Starks, and a former member of Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Greenwood, S.C.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Graveside services are at noon Thursday at Evening Star in Greenwood, conducted by Dr. W.S. Harrison.
Robinson and Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge of services.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting robson@nctv.com.

Tony Wiley

Charles Anthony “Tony” Wiley Sr., 63, of 107 Bonanza Drive, husband of Sandra “Sandy” Creswell Wiley, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006 at the Hospice House.
Born in Abbeville County, he was a son of Inelle Childs Wiley and the late Henry Samuel Wiley. He was a graduate of Calhoun Falls High School and a retired yard master with CSX Railroad. He served in the S.C. National Guard during the Vietnam Era, and was a member of the United Transportation Union and Beulah Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of the home; his mother of Greenwood; two sons, Anthony Wiley Jr. of Greenwood and Russ Wiley of Hodges; two stepsons, Mark Edmunds of Apex, N.C., and Frankie Edmunds of Anderson; a sister, Marsha Blackstone of North Augusta; and five grandchildren.
Services are at 2 Thursday at Beulah Baptist Church, conducted by the Revs. David Cobb and Eldridge Kelley. Burial is in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Abbeville. The body will be placed in the church at 1.
Pallbearers are Rusty O’Kelley, Mike Carruth, Kyle Morris, Bill Foster, Tony Morton and Bryan Corbin.
Honorary escorts are employees and retired employees of CSX Railroad.
Visitation is from 7-9 tonight at Harley Funeral Home.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice House, HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, S.C., 29646 or to Beulah Baptist Church, 2066 Highway 72 E, Abbeville, S.C., 29620.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Opinion

If adequate’s the goal,
that’s what we’ll have

January 4, 2006

Generally, public schools in South Carolina are “safe and adequate” for their students. A few, though, apparently need a financial boost in one area.
After years of testimony and debate in a lawsuit brought by several rural school districts against the state, Circuit Judge Thomas W. Cooper, Jr., has reached a conclusion on whether several of them are funded enough by the State of South Carolina to provide a minimally adequate education for their students. The bottom line? The conclusion is basically something that was fairly obvious. Early childhood education is extremely important and those schools bringing suit have not been getting enough money to do the job.

THERE’S NO QUESTION about the significance of early schooling for children, in kindergarten through third grade. Research has shown that children who get the proper attention in their early years go on to become better students. That should mean that if all but a few school districts are adequately addressing that question, improving the few while maintaining the others should be attainable.
Getting a jump on the learning process is beneficial to all children. Providing the means for that is not only needed, it’s the right thing to do. That should be one of the first pieces of “improvement” legislation lawmakers consider soon after they get back to work in 2006.
It’s a shame that state taxpayers have to pay for such litigation, to be sure.

HOWEVER, OVERALL THE ruling saved them a lot of money. It also provides some assurance that our youngsters won’t be short-changed in opportunities for learning. That’s opportunities. Whether they get an adequate education still depends on teaching, eagerness, attitudinally being prepared to learn, discipline and all the other factors that have always been part of education.
This is a step forward, though. It at least should create enough public interest to guarantee that an “adequate minimal education” continues to be adequate all through the educational years.
Of course, if South Carolina wants “adequate” that’s what we’ll have. Still, wouldn’t it be wise to think exceptional and proceed accordingly?B

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