Deaconess Mary Ann Gibbs Wilkins, affectionately known as “Mimi”, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, March 4, 2024. She was the wife of the late Deacon Mandret Wilkins Sr. She was the daughter of the late Rev. Jesse Gibbs Sr. and Minnie Hemphill Gibbs. 

Mary Ann was a 1952 graduate of Granard High School. She worked as a kindergarten teacher at Bethel Kindergarten for many years. She also reared and cared for many children at her residence.

Mary Ann is known graciously for her powerful voice and songs rendered to serve God. She was a longtime member of Mitchell’s Chapel Church of God F.B.H, where she also served as their faithful musician for over 60 years and attended Sunday School. In addition, she served as a faithful musician at Bethel Baptist Church for over 60 years, where she was also a member of the Deaconess Ministry and attended Sunday School. She is also known for utilizing her God given gift of singing and playing for various choirs and church services around the local area. 

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband Deacon Mandert Wilkins Sr., her son Minister Vincent Wilkins, brothers Robert Gibbs and Herbert Gibbs, sister Minnie C. Gibbs, and grandson J.R. Davidson. 

She leaves to cherish loving memories: her children Ms. Natalie Cannon of Gaffney, Mr. Mandret Wilkins Jr. of San Diego, CA, Mrs. Donna Davidson (Robert) of Gaffney; Ms. Cathy S. Martin of Charlotte, NC, Mrs. Jacqueline Hinkson (Levi) of Newark, NJ, Mr. Ricky Robbs of Gaffney; sisters Belinda S. Gibbs, Elaine Mackenzie; brothers Jesse Gibbs, Thomas Gibbs; grandchildren reared in the home Jarron Davidson, Brianne Cannon, Michael Cannon; aunts Mrs. Gwendolyn Hemphill, Mrs. Lille Ellen Thornton; god-children Ms. Tonya Adams, Mrs. Kim Littlejohn, Ms. April Littlejohn. A host of sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, March 10th, 2:00 p.m., in Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. James W. Sanders, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery.

The family is receiving friends at the home.

Catherine Hemphill Roberts, 85, of 542 Boiling Springs Hwy, Gaffney, passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in The Peachtree Centre, Gaffney.

She was born in Gaffney and was a daughter of the late Dock Hemphill, Sr., and the late Bertha Glover Hemphill. She was the widow of Bobby Roberts.

Catherine, affectionately known as “Red” by her family and friends, attended the public schools of Cherokee County. She was a member of Concord Baptist Church and a retiree of Stouffers.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by nine siblings, Janie Mae Littlejohn Reid, Annie Griffin, Lucille Mickles, Helen Jefferies, Viola Cox, Effie Moody, Dock Hemphill, Jr., Willie James Hemphill, and Charlie Thompson.

She leaves to cherish loving memories: two sons, Vernon Huskey (Pam), of Atlanta, GA and Kelly Lacey Roberts, of the home; four sisters, Thelma Horton, of Philadelphia, PA, Betty Harris, Addie Fay Dawkins, and Mary Ann Jolly, all of Gaffney; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; god-daughter, Linda Belk; a host of nieces and nephews, including her niece and caregiver, Alice Smith; other relatives and many friends.

A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, 1:00 p.m., in Concord Baptist Church with The Reverend Dr. Michael A. Bridges officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family is at the home of Mary Jolly, 559 Estelle Road, Gaffney.

Ja’Maurion Rayshawn (JR) Rodgers, age 17, of 142 Buckson Street, Gaffney, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2024, in his home.

He was a son of Georgia Smith and the late John Maurice Rodgers.

A Public Viewing will be held Sunday, February 18th, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Gilmore Mortuary Chapel.

The family is receiving friends at the home.