Mrs. Blanche Claudia Johnson, 86, of Gaffney, South Carolina, peacefully gained her heavenly wings at 5:42 pm June 1st, 2020, at her Charlotte Square Assisted Living residence of Charlotte, North Carolina. She was born on December 19, 1934, to the late Rev. Claude E. and Bessie McCollum Rice of Gaffney, South Carolina.

After moving to New York Blanche worked at the Van Duren Nursing home in Corona, NY and then at the Crown Plaza Hotel on Astoria Blvd in Queens, NY where she happily reached retirement. In 1998, Blanche moved back home to Gaffney and later moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Blanche had a heart of gold with a nurturing soul. She was a God-fearing woman who loved to listen to gospel music, read the Bible, Women’s World, The Gaffney Ledger and her Word Search puzzles. She loved to watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune if she wasn’t watching the news. Blanche was wholeheartedly devoted to her children and watching her grandchildren grow. She was strong, determined and a fiercely independent woman who led by example. There was never a job too big or too small that she couldn’t tackle. There was definitely no ailment she didn’t cure without the use of raw garlic. Blanche was as pure and authentic as her remedies and she will be remembered with love that stands the test of time.

Blanche was preceded in death by her husband Wellna Johnson; a son, James Arthur Rice; a daughter, Claudia Rice; four brothers, David Rice (Priscilla), Wilbert N. Rice, George Rice and John Rice (Vera Mae); four sisters, Ozzetta Rice (Richard), Alice Rorey (John), Elizabeth Valentine (Robert Sr.) and Wilhelmenia O’faire (Luther).

Blanche leaves to cherish her memory: two siblings; Rev. Joseph Rice (Ollie) Compton, CA, Rev. Mitchell T. Rice Sr (Cheryl) Baltimore, MD,; five children; Jerry D. Rice (Laura) Harlem, NY, Paul F. Johnson Baltimore, MD, Geraldine Johnson Charlotte, NC, Llewellyn Johnson (Betty) Montgomery, AL, Elizabeth M. Johnson (Corona, NY); 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and dearest friends.

Public Viewing will be Friday, 1:00-6:00, June 12th.

The Funeral Service will be Saturday, 12:00 noon, June 13th, at The Gilmore Mortuary, with Rev. Mitchell T. Rice Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Limestone Cemetery.

Lowell Carlton Manning, 85, of 203 Hampton Avenue, passed away Saturday, May 30th, in his home.

Husband of Mattie Harris Lipscomb Manning, he was born in Gaffney and was a son of the late Robert “Bob” Manning and the late Lillie Camp Manning.

He was a member of Dunton United Methodist Church where he served a Father of the Church, member of the Methodist Men, choir, and Steward.

Lowell was a retired truck driver with Overnite Trucking Company.

He was preceded in death by: two sons, George Manning and Jack Lipscomb; five sisters and five brothers.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by: a son, Lowell C. Manning (Melissa), of Florence, SC; five daughters, Linda Manning, of Spartanburg, Lorre Dion Wilkins and Ava L. Dover, both of Gaffney; Lisa Moran, of Richmond, VA, Sandra Smith, of Bayonne, NJ; a brother, Jack Manning, of Greer; 20 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service will be held Thursday, June 4th, 1:00 p.m., in The Gilmore Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Calvin Smith and Rev. Willie Wilson. Attendees are requested to wear a mask and observe social distancing. Interment will follow in Wesley Chapel Church Cemetery.

Mekonah Caleb Gregory, 37,  passed away May 21, 2020  in Colorado Springs.

Caleb was born March 25, 1983 to loving parents Grover and Mae Gregory of Blacksburg, SC.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Grover Guest of Shelby, NC and John Gregory (Tabitha) of Aurora, Colorado; four sisters, Nickey Guest of Shelby, NC, Queen Ponder (Jerome) of Shelby, NC, Shecaniah Allen (the late Bruce) of Greenville, SC, and Ashleigh Gregory of Charlotte, NC. One of the things Caleb was most proud of was being an uncle to 7 nephews: Jeremy, Keisean, Jerome, Justin, Samuel, Gabriel, and Cainaan. Six nieces: Alexis, Tyshawnessy, Ebonee, Quendasia, Shania, and Jenasis; one great nephew Kobe and one great niece Kodie.

Caleb was predeceased by paternal grandparents, William Gregory and Katie Lou Gregory; maternal grandparents, Kirby Wilson and Marion Wilson; two brothers Orlando Wilson and Antonio “Tone” Gregory I.

Graveside Service will be Wednesday, 2:00 p.m., June 3rd, at Fairview AME Zion Church cemetery in Earl, NC with Rev. Peay officiating. Family is receiving friends at 1:00 p.m. till the time of service.

The family is at the home of his parents, 161 Byers Circle, Blacksburg, SC.