Mole Funeral Home

06/06/2026

Willie Clem Collins passed away on June 4, 2026. Will was born on June 5, 1931, in Appling County, Georgia. He graduated from Surrency High School in 1949 and joined the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and served during the Korean War.

In 1952, he moved to Barnwell, South Carolina, and began working at the Savannah River Site. He worked for the majority of his career in the Reactor Division and retired in 1994 after 42 years of service.

Affectionately known as "Papa" by his family, he is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gertrude Collins; his son, Clem Collins, and daughter-in-law, Brannon Collins; his three grandchildren, Calli Collins, Cayton (Michael) Warmbold, and Cash (Natalie) Collins; and his three great-grandchildren, Hagen Warmbold, Brooks Warmbold, and Collins Warmbold.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Mole Funeral Home Chapel in Barnwell, South Carolina. A graveside service with Masonic rites will follow immediately afterward at Barnwell County Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Will’s name to Barnwell Harmony Lodge #17, PO BOX 1222, Barnwell, SC 29812.

06/06/2026

A Life of Calling and Service

Linda Farron Knapp, 70, passed away on May 31, 2026 after a 12 year cancer battle. Born on May 18, 1956 in Honeoye Falls, New York, Linda leaves behind a legacy of faith, friendship, advocacy, and love that continues to live on in the many lives she touched.

Throughout Linda’s life, she answered a calling to serve others. As a young Navy wife, she formed deep friendships through her church and numerous base assignments, becoming a mentor to many young women. Though military life often brought distance and change, she faithfully maintained those relationships through letters, Christmas cards, and phone calls, creating lifelong bonds that spanned decades and miles.

After earning an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Linda devoted herself to raising her daughter, Kimberly, fostering a love of reading, creativity, and learning. Her heart for children also led her to become a foster parent. Inspired by a desire to advocate for others, she later earned her bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University and pursued a legal career, graduating summa cm laude from the University of South Carolina School of Law after attending Wake Forest School of Law. Following a clerkship with South Carolina Supreme Court Justice Jean Toal, she practiced law in Barnwell before opening her own firm, Knapp Law Firm. Throughout her career, she devoted herself to helping families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities navigate life's challenges with dignity and confidence.

Linda’s commitment to service extended beyond the courtroom. She organized food donations, supported community holiday displays, and shared her artistic talents through numerous productions at Circle Theatre. She believed strongly in using her gifts to enrich the lives of others.

Above all, she treasured being "Baba" to her two grandsons, delighting in watching them perform on stage, succeed in academics and athletics, and grow into honorable young men.

Linda’s life was defined not by titles or accomplishments, but by the countless people she counseled, mentored, and loved. Through faith, service, and generosity, she left a lasting impact on her family, community, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

Linda Knapp was preceded in death by her father, John Edward Farron and mother, Elizabeth Cuffari Farron. She is lovingly survived by her husband of 52 years, Dennis Knapp of Barnwell, her daughter, Kimberly Knapp Sanchelli (Joseph) of Greenville, grandsons, Joseph Nicolas Sanchelli and John Ethan Sanchelli, brother David Farron of Honeoye Falls, NY, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 6, 2026 at 11:00AM in The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, 3617 SC-70, Barnwell, SC 29812, the family will greet friends following the service at the Church. A private graveside service will be held at the Barnwell County Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Linda’s name to Animal Advocates of Barnwell. PO Box 1924, Barnwell SC 29812

Mole Funeral Home is assisting the family, please visit our online registry at molefh.com

05/18/2026

05/11/2026

Dennie “Arthurleen” Waltz, 76, of Olar, South Carolina passed away peacefully at home on May 10th, 2026.

Ms. Arthurleen was born in Barnwell, South Carolina on September 25th, 1949. She was the daughter of the late Dr. C.W. Colquitt and Mildred Joyner Colquitt. A hardworking woman all of her life, Ms. Arthurleen started working at the young age of 14. She worked over 40 years at local plants in Barnwell including Milliken, Shuron and Sara Lee Sock Company. She later worked for the construction company TIC, and for the last 9 years she worked at CVS in Barnwell where she got to help locals and visitors alike with whatever they needed.

Her hobbies included spending quality time with her family, playing on her iPad, and watching her favorite TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Leverage. A lover of antiques, you could often find her shopping around thrift stores and yard sales.

A loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, her family was her pride and joy. Grandma Lottie, as she was known by her grandchildren, was always present and would do anything for family.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Baptist Church, with a memorial service to follow in the church at 12:00 PM, with Rev. Rommie Martin officiating.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Barnwell Animal Advocates, mailing address PO BOX 1924, Barnwell, SC 29812.

Survivors include her sons, Andy Hutto and Cliff Waltz; grandchildren, Payton Bragg (Bill), Carly Hutto (Mike), and Will Hutto; a sister Kathy Messex; brother Mike Colquitt; nieces Heather Ray (Scottie) and Angela Ray; daughter in-law Amelia McLeod (Willie); great-grandchildren Aubree Donaldson, Holland Bragg, Lockland Bragg and Kylo Brown.

She is predeceased in death by her parents, Dr. C.W Colquitt and Mildred Joyner Colquitt; grandparents Arthur and Letha Joyner; and her beloved dog Piper.

05/06/2026

John Henry Mole, Senior, age 77, of Barnwell, South Carolina, passed away on May 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving children.

John was born on August 24, 1948 in Augusta, Georgia, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Durant Mole. He graduated from Barnwell High School, Class of 1966, then went on to graduate from Anderson Junior College followed by completing his Bachelor’s of Science degree at Presbyterian College. He received an additional degree in Mortuary Science from Gupton Jones Mortuary School. Upon his father’s death, he continued to own and operate Mole Funeral Home and compassionately served the Barnwell community for the next 52 years.

John was a deeply caring man whose life was defined by his family and his career. As a small-town mortician, he served his community with dignity, kindness, and unwavering respect, guiding families through some of their hardest moments with grace and empathy. His work was not just a profession, but a calling, and he touched countless lives through his steady presence and gentle heart.

John was a lifelong member of Barnwell United Methodist Church, member of Barnwell Harmony Lodge #17, member of the Ellenton Agricultural Club, and a past member of the Barnwell Rotary Club.
Above all, John loved his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather who was always present. His love was constant, and his support never wavered. His family will always carry with them the lessons he taught—not just in words, but in the way he lived his life. He had an incredible work ethic, he loved the Lord, and he was a true friend to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his warm heart, his quiet kindness, and the way he made people feel seen and cared for. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, integrity, and love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Durant and Trixie Hazel Mole, his sister, Alice Jo Mole, and his stepson, William Bradford Riley. He is survived by his children Anna Christine “Chrissa” (Chad) Mole Matthews of Aiken, South Carolina and John Henry (Echo) Mole, Junior of Barnwell, South Carolina; and his treasured grandchildren, Charles Haze Matthews, Madeline Christine Matthews, John Hunter Mole, William O’Neal Mole, Richard Finn Mole, Michael Chase Mole, Grayson River Mole and Jasper C. Nguyen.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Barnwell United Methodist Church, followed by burial in the United Methodist Church Cemetery with Masonic Rights. Visitation will be held at Barnwell United Methodist Church on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Barnwell United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 126, Barnwell, SC 29812.

Please visit our online registry at molefh.com.

04/15/2026

A huge thank-you to Donna-Maria Conzalina and Jonathan Vickery with The People-Sentinel for featuring our new "Letters to Heaven" mailbox here at Mole Funeral Home. This mailbox is dedicated to writing letters, birthday cards, anniversary cards, or any thoughts we wish to write to those we have loved and lost. We encourage everyone in our community to stop by and use this mailbox at any time.

🗞️ This Week in The People-Sentinel (April 15 edition)

This week’s front page brings important local news and powerful community stories:
📰 Shooting leaves one dead, one charged
🎟️ Barnwell woman wins $2 million lottery
📬 “‘Letters to Heaven’ mailbox offers comfort for grieving families
🏛️ Two file to be Allendale mayor
🚔 Shooting reported at Williston Bi-Rite

Stay informed on the stories that matter most to Barnwell, Allendale and beyond.

🛒 Pick up your copy for just $1 at local stores
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Local People. Local News. Locally Owned.

04/04/2026

Abbie Jean Morris, 70, passed away on April 1st, 2026. She was born on August 18th, 1955 to the late Flossie Mae Bell Morris and Beo Morris. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Barnwell, SC. She enjoyed spending her time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her sister, Arlene M. Hoover, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother, Paul Wayne Morris, and her sister, Martha Rae Lee.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM at Mole Funeral Home, with a graveside service to follow at 1:00 PM at the Barnwell County Memorial (Airport) Cemetery. Rev. Jim Parnell will be officiating.

04/01/2026

Sarah Louise Grubbs, 57, of Barnwell, SC passed away on March 29th, 2026. She was born on July 11th, 1968 to Christine Stanley Grubbs and Alphis Grubbs.

She loved to cross stitch, watch Little House on the Prairie, and attending church. She was a big fan of Clemson and the Barnwell Warhorses. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and her fur-baby, Cujo.

She is survived by her sisters, Brenda Grubbs (William) Pullins of Warrenville, SC, and Susan Ann Barlet of Barnwell, SC, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her brothers, Tony Grubbs and John Grubbs.

A private, family service will be held at a later date.

03/27/2026

Caleb Epperson entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 20th, 2026.

He was a lifelong resident of Barnwell, born to Mark and Bobbie Epperson on September 1st, 2001. Throughout his life, Caleb found joy in making others laugh. He worked in his community at a variety of jobs since 2016, including NAPA, Tractor Supply, and Vorhees College. He enjoyed gaming with family and friends. He was a member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.

Survivors include parents, Mark and Bobbie Epperson; siblings William (Caroline) Epperson and Lily Epperson (Chris Ray); his grandparents Herbert (Judith) Lee; as well as his beloved nephews, Isaac and Aubry Ray.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Paul (Gracie) Epperson.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Barnwell, with a memorial service following at 11:00 AM. Rev. Travis Morehead will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Breakthrough T1D :

https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2374.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&idb=134150042&df_id=2374

03/18/2026

Frances Lightsey Kinard, 96, of Barnwell, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 8th, 2026.

Born in Estill, South Carolina, she lived a life centered on hard work, faith, and family. Mrs. Kinard served as the General Manager of Lowcountry Oil Company in Varnville, where she was respected for her dedication and leadership.

She was a member of Seven Pines Baptist Church and the Red Hat Club in Barnwell. Frances enjoyed spending time outdoors working in her yard, and she loved to dance—especially line dancing and s**g dancing. Above all, she cherished time with her family and took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Kinard; her father, Clifford Thomas Lightsey; her mother, Effie Phillips Lightsey; one brother, Otis Lightsey; and two sisters, Betty Long and Myra Kitchings.

Survivors include her sons, John C. (Jane) Rivers III and Tom (Monica) Rivers; her grandchildren, Ashley (Andy) Heineck, John C. Rivers IV, Katie (Tresco) Shannon, Hannah Dixon, and Regan Dixon; and her great-grandchildren, Flip Heineck, Watson Shannon, Lily Heineck, and Blair Shannon.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18th at 12:30 PM at Lawtonville Cemetery, with memorial service to follow at 1:00 PM. Rev. Greg Hellams will be officiating.