Dorothy Jean Littlejohn McDowell, was born in Gaffney, SC on July 14, 1942 to Marion and Mrs. Myrtle Ellis Littlejohn.

She attended the public schools of Cherokee County, SC and was a graduate of Granard High School in Gaffney.  After graduation, Dorothy moved to Connecticut to seek employment. After working in Connecticut for a few years, to her surprise, her childhood sweetheart, Nubert O. Lee McDowell located her and rekindled their love for each other. They were united in marriage and eventually moved to New York. To this union, three children, Neville, Nathan and Kimberley, were born.

While in New York, Dorothy attended Emmanuel Baptist Church. She was employed as a secretary at Southern Wine and Spirits Distribution Company. Dorothy loved serving others and volunteered to serve with the PTA and the Tenant Patrol. After retirement, she later moved back to Gaffney and joined Island Creek Baptist Church, Cowpens, SC. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Marion, Jr.; brother-in-law, Billy Jefferies; sisters-in-law, Carrie Littlejohn and Jannie Littlejohn;

She leaves to cherish loving memories; two sons, Neville McDowell (Christine), of Queens, NY and Nathan McDowell (Nancy), of Bronx, NY; a daughter, Kimberley McDowell, of Gaffney, SC; three brothers, Cleo Littlejohn (Annette) and Larry Littlejohn, both of Gaffney, SC, Elliott Littlejohn (Chantel), of Rock Hill; four sisters, Mamie Jefferies, Gwin Posey (Freddie), and Sandra Littlejohn, all of Gaffney, Cindy Wallace (Harold), of Durham, NC; two cousins, Patricia Ellis and Georgia Lee Bewayo, reared in the home as her sisters, grandchildren, Facey Allman, Nahshon McDowell and Nahziah McDowell, all of New York; three brothers in-law, Keith, Phillip (Katrina), and Dennis (Deanna); three sisters in-law, Edith Hill, Sylvia Goonetilleke and Denise Sailor (George); a host of other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, 1:00 p.m., in Island Creek Baptist Church, with The Rev. Dr. Timothy L. Hunter officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

With a humbled submission to the will of God, our loving and precious family announce the earthly transition of our beloved :

Ms. Margaret Hollis – God decided to call her from this walk of life on Tuesday November 29, 2022.

She was born in Cherokee County and was a daughter to the late Grady and Edna Mae Wood Hollis.

She spent 25+ years at Hoechst Celanese and had a rewarding career there. “Mot” enjoyed spending time with her family, social media, traveling, and watching her gourmet cooking shows and always wanted some hot fish and gummy bears.

A humble servant of God, her faith was expressed in a number of ways, often through serving in various ministries at Bethel Baptist Church.

She is survived by her devoted daughter Mrs. Phyllis D. Garner (Ralph); her adored grandson Caleb Gardner; her loving brothers and sisters, Mr. Grady Lee Hollis Jr. (Willie), Mr. James Hollis Sr. (Jacqueline), Mr. Marshall Hollis (Shirley), and Mr. Baxter “Bo” Hollis, Mrs. Priscilla Hollis Lockhart, Ms. Sylvia Hollis Leach and Ms. Floree Copeland.

“ Mot” will forever be remembered by her caring nieces, nephews and family members.

Visitation will be 2:00pm-4pm Sunday, December 4, 2022 at The Gilmore Mortuary.

A Funeral Service will be held December 5, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., in The Gilmore Mortuary Chapel with The Rev. Dr. J.W. Sanders, Jr. officiating.   Interment will follow in Gaffney Memorial Park.

Final Care and Compassionate Services are being provided with love, care and uncompromising dignity by The Gilmore Mortuary. The Family of Ms. Hollis

Pastor Laura Bell Vaughn, age 79, of 111 Ridgewood St., Shelby, NC, passed away Monday, November 14, 2022, in her residence.

She was born in Cherokee County, SC and was a daughter of the late Edgar and Lois Oglesby Petty.

Laura joined Suck Creek Baptist Church at an early age. She attended Friendship Junior College in Rock Hill, SC and was a graduate of Morris College in Sumter, SC

Pastor Laura Vaughn was the Pastor and Founder of Dawning of a New Day Outreach Ministry. She was retired as a Counselor for Family and Children’s Association. While living in New York, she was employed as a counselor with Family and Children’s Association, a teacher and counselor with Head Start, in Freeport, NY, and as a Customer Service Representative with General Instrument Corporation, Hicksville, NY. She received numerous awards for outstanding service to families and the youth in New York.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by, siblings, nieces, and in-laws, including: Deacon WT Petty, Margaret Petty, Carolyn Raper, Ocie Houey, Parlena Johnson, Betty Petty and Terrance Petty.

Laura leaves to cherish loving memories: a sister, Minister Laura Ann Petty, of Shelby, NC; three brothers, LB Petty (Debbie), Jamie Petty, and Larmie Petty, all of Shelby, NC; a niece and great nephew of the home, Daphne and Steven Petty; a beloved cat, Coco; a spiritual daughter, Minister Cheryl Jackson; a special sister-in-law, Josephine Petty; other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 19th, 1:00 p.m., in Suck Creek Baptist Church with the Reverend Tony Makupson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. She will be in state in the church at 12 noon.