Lillie Annette Davis of Gaffney, SC, entered eternal rest on Friday, October 29, 2021 in Columbia, SC. Born July 14, 1940, she was the daughter of the late James Edward Davis and Rosa Peeler Davis. Annette graduated from Granard High School in Gaffney, SC, Class of 1957. She excelled in academics and was a majorette with the Granard High School Band.

After graduating high school, Annette went on to acquire a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Affairs from Columbia College and an Associate Degree in Business from Midland Technical College in Columbia, SC. Annette worked more than 31 years with South Carolina State Government serving in various capacities including Director of Native Affairs with the South Carolina Governor’s Office and several key positions with the South Carolina Employment Security Commission. Annette also had an entrepreneurial spirit and was a licensed insurance agent and a couture consultant with Lady Cameo.

At an early age, Annette joined Ebenezer Baptist Church in Gaffney, SC. After moving to Columbia, SC, she became an active and longtime member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, USA. During her time at Northminster, Annette served as Moderator for PCAAY which is a South Carolina Presbyterian Youth Ministry, Secretary of the African Caucus of the Trinity Presbyterian, a member of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus, Director of the Northminster Men’s Ensemble, one of the church musicians playing piano and organ, and a Charter Organization Representative for the Northminster Cub Scouts.

A true servant leader, Annette was always willing to help her family, friends, and others she met on her life’s journey. She became a mentor for many young people providing guidance and words of encouragement. She graciously opened her heart and home to others. Annette had a quiet elegance that was reflected in her style of dress, hair, speech, and professional demeanor. With a genuine love for music, she learned to play the piano and organ under the tutelage of Mother Thornton and played for several churches including Camden Second Presbyterian Church, USA and for special programs or events.

In 1986, Annette became a member of Gamma Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Columbia, SC. She was also a NAACP Life Member and volunteered with the NAACP South Carolina State Conference. Annette received several awards honoring her community service and outstanding work.

Annette will be truly missed by surviving family members and friends, including one sister, Marylou Littlejohn of Gaffney, SC; one brother-in-law, Deacon Eddie Littlejohn of Gaffney, SC; one sister-in-law, Shirley B. Davis of Lancaster, SC; one lifelong sister friend, Peggy Bradley of Atlanta, GA; one great niece, Tiffany Nicole (George) Council of Columbia, SC; two nephews, Freddie Lamar (Kimberly M.) Davis, Jr. of Charlotte, NC and Michael Todd (Kenisha) Davis of Lancaster, SC; two great nephews, Jalen N. Davis and Kyran Stewart of Pageland, SC; four great nieces, Mary Katlin Davis of Charlotte, NC, Khloe Blackmon and Kamille Carter of Lancaster, SC, and Kendijah Brown of Greenville, SC; two great great nephews, Nathaniel Williams, IV of Columbia, SC and Kourtlyn J. Blakeney of Pageland, SC; one longtime brother-in-love, Robert Littlejohn of Gaffney, SC; three longtime sisters-in-love, Beatrice (John) Culp, Elizabeth Brunson, and Geraldine Bedenbaugh of Columbia, SC; one God sister, Juanita Smalls of Charleston, SC; two Goddaughters, Natasha Brown of Rock Hill, SC and Charlene Smalls of Charleston, SC; a favorite cousin, Mary L. Peeler of Gaffney, SC; faithful friends and caregivers, Sarah Chiles and Virginia Peterkin of Columbia, SC; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents; her loving brother Freddie Lamar Davis, Sr. of Lancaster, SC; and her cherished niece Donna Tolar of Orangeburg, SC.

A Graveside Service will be held, Wednesday, October 3, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Kimani Wright officiating and Rev. Freddie Davidson presiding.

Charles Crate, Jr., 80, of 414 Dr. Martin Luther King Street, Gaffney, SC, passed away Thursday, October 21, 2021, in his home.

He was born in Cherokee County, SC and was a son of the late Charles Crate Sr. and the late
Grace Jefferies Crate Galmer.

As a young adult, Charles moved to Bronx, NY and resided there for several years. Approximately 30 years ago, he returned to Gaffney and became an employee of South Eastern Plastics Company. He attended Limestone Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, George Arthur Crate, Rickey Dean Crate, Barbara Ann Galmer, Henry Franklin Galmer, Catherine Galmer, and Evon Galmer.

He leaves to cherish loving memories: a son, Charles Crate, III, of Spartanburg (Sandra); a daughter, Tina Crate Kates (Keith), of San Antonio, TX; two sisters, Martha Jean Houey and Diane Mayberry, of Gaffney; seven grandchildren; an aunt, Terriza Jefferies, of Silver Spring, MD; other relatives and friends.

The Funeral Service will be Saturday, October 30th, 2:00 p.m., in The Gilmore Mortuary Chapel with The Reverend Michael L. Golden officiating. Interment will follow in Gaffney Memorial Park.

Stanley Watkins, 55, of 1223 N. Granard St., Gaffney, SC, passed away Thursday, October 21st, in his home.

He was born in Cherokee County and was a son of the late Ben Jr. Watkins and Jeanie Sarratt Watkins Moore.

He leaves to cherish loving memories: a daughter, Kimberly Faith Watkins, of Gaffney; step-children, Ashley Jefferies, of Chesnee, Cierra Lipscomb, Lee Edward Tate, both of Gaffney; a brother, Readus Moore, of Forest City, NC; a sister, LaShonda D. Watkins, of Shelby, NC; aunts, Ozee Wood, of Everette, WA, Ezee Watkins, of Hollis, NY, Luella Quincy, of Covington, WA, Nora W. Fernanders (James), of Chesnee, SC, Deborah McEntire, of Forest City, NC, Fitzella Eatman, of Baltimore, MD;

The Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, 1:00 p.m., in The Gilmore Mortuary Chapel with The Reverend Dr. Kerwin Wray officiating. The family is at the home of Kimberly Watkins Parker, 408 Oak Street in Gaffney.