Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel

06/06/2026

Emily Dawn Haney Sloan of Columbia, SC gained her heavenly wings on May 30, 2026. Dawn was born on Nov. 26, 1954 in Waynesville, NC to Richard Helmick Haney and the late Aileen Campbell Haney Fleming.

Dawn graduated with honors from Brevard High School in 1973. Dawn earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1977, graduating magna cm laude from Western Carolina University.

Dawn had many friends having lived in Murphy and Brevard, NC; Pembroke, Springfield, Thomson and Augusta, GA; and Deltona, FL. Most of all, Dawn loved living in Columbia, SC where she lived most of her life.

Dawn is survived by her father Richard Helmick Haney (Ann) of Spruce Pine, NC and sister Vicki Haney Walker Mills (Danny) of Canton, NC, her aunt Sue Campbell Morrow of Waynesville, NC, stepsister Pam Fleming Davis (Bryan) of Sparta, GA; step nephew Chris Davis (Christy and their two girls Emma and Theo) of Columbia, SC and former husband Jim Sloan of Louisville, KY. Not to be forgotten are Dawn’s heart sisters Deborah Dennis, Paulette Edwards and Nicole Holland.

A celebration of life will be held at Hendrix on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/give

06/06/2026

Born on January 1st, 1936, she was one of eight children of the late Benjamin H. Patrick and Maude Hensley Patrick.

She was married for 70 years to the love of her life, Billie J. Varney. She started her married life as a military wife, lasting 21 years. Opal had 4 children; Bob Varney (Cathy), Bill Varney (Linda), Brenda Mack (Buddy), and Linda Barber (Billy). She took her children at a very early to church to learn about Jesus, while teach VBS.

She was very family focused, making holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas her time to prepare a feast for her family to enjoy. During her husband’s time of sickness, she served as his caregiver until he passed.

For the past 15 months her life has been filled with people and activities. She found a best friend, Marie Williams. Together, they kept the staff and residents of Harbison Shores entertained.

Surviving are her siblings, Hazel Nicholas (Lexington, KY), Fred Patrick (Tishomingo, MS), and Rhonda Garbett (Seymour, TN); grandchildren, Bobby Varney, Jennifer Vennett, Adam Barber, Jon Varney, Ben Varney, Michelle Steinbach, and Laura Varney, along with 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Lillian Jarrell, Benjamin H. Patrick, Jr., Jean Huff, Marcella Abbott, Jackie Patrick, Jimmy Patrick, and grandchild, Chris Varney.

A graveside service will be held on Friday June 5th, 2026, 10 A.M., at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29229.

Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

06/06/2026

Today we come together not only to mourn a remarkable woman, but to celebrate a life that was filled with love, strength, grace, and devotion. She was many things to many people — a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and a proud great-grandmother. But above all, she was important to her family.

As a mother she leaves behind 2 Daughters and a Son. As a Sister she leaves behind a brother as she joins her sister. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she created memories that will forever live in the hearts of those she held close. Her laughter filled rooms, her prayers covered her family, and her love became the foundation upon which her legacy was built. Now she will be the angel that guides us and protects us!

Though our hearts ache in her leaving, we find peace in knowing that her life was meaningful beyond measure. The values she instilled, the lessons she shared, and the love she poured into her family did not end with her passing — they continue through every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild, sibling, and friends whose lives she touched.

She leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind a legacy of lessons, strength, kindness, and unconditional love. A legacy that will continue to bloom for generations to come.

Even in grief, we rejoice in the beautiful life she lived. We rejoice knowing that love this deep never truly fades. It lives on in the stories we tell, in the traditions we carry forward, and in the memories we find ourselves sharing.

May we honor her not only with tears, but with gratitude. Gratitude for every embrace, every lesson, every sacrifice, and every moment shared. She was truly one of a kind, and her spirit will forever remain woven into the hearts of her family.

Though she may be gone from our sight, she will never be gone from our hearts.

Rest peacefully, surrounded by eternal light and love. Your legacy lives on.

06/06/2026

06/02/2026

Douglas Klepchick, age 54, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 24th, 2026, at his home.
Douglas, the son of the late Andrew Richard Klepchick and the late Joyce Bernadette Klepchick, was born on July 31st, 1971, in Rahway, New Jersey. He grew up on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and graduated from the College of Charleston, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Doug took immense pride in his work, building a 30-year career in Medical Device Sales. He worked for Medtronic as a Senior Principal ECT/Perfusion Specialist, where he specialized in ECMO/ECLS. He was very successful, earning President's Club recognition in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Doug was loved by so many; his quick wit, playful sarcasm, and larger-than-life personality filled up any room he walked into and could turn almost any situation into a story worth retelling. Family meant everything to Doug, and the people he loved never had to wonder how much they mattered to him. Doug believed life was meant to be lived, not watched from the sidelines, always chasing new experiences and meeting new people on the way. He carried himself through life’s highs and lows, living each day by his favorite saying, “Everything Happens for a Reason."

He is survived by his loving husband, Randy Andres Baez, of Columbia, SC. His two children, Davis Matthew Klepchick of Alpharetta, GA, and McKenna Elizabeth Klepchick of Alpharetta, GA. He also leaves behind his two older brothers, Drew Klepchick of Atlanta, GA, and Glenn Klepchick of Greenville, SC.

A Burial Service will take place on Hilton Head Island, SC, at the Six Oaks Cemetery, Sea Pines Plantation, on Friday, June 26th, 2026, at 1:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life Ceremony at The Atlantic Room, Sea Pines Resort, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

06/02/2026

COLUMBIA - A funeral service for Betty Ellisor Wessinger, 94, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2026 at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Chapin, SC, with burial in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel.

Mrs. Wessinger died Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Born in Irmo, SC, she was the daughter of the late Eddie Ellisor and Mary Chapman Ellisor. She began her career with Southern Bell in Columbia before transferring to the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company in Washington, D.C. An active member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church since 1989, she loved volunteering at Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programs. She was also an active member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), Columbia Chapter 87, and volunteered with the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce.

Surviving are her children, Dwain Allen Wessinger (Dee) and Donald Alvin Wessinger (Patty); grandchildren, Jessica, Ashley, Jenna, and Kyle; great-grandchildren, Logan, Nathan, Cora, and Ethan; sisters-in-law, Janice Counts Ellisor, Judy Wessinger Swygert, Doris Moore Wessinger, and Rosmarie Meetze Wessinger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Hugh Jennings Wessinger; and siblings, Colie John Ellisor, John Adam Ellisor, James Ellisor, “Pepper” Ellisor, Mabel Moak, Vera Kesler, Mary Lou Rister, Alice Adkins, and Alma Kesler.

Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Lutheran Church or Alzheimer’s Association.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com

06/02/2026

Marlene Louise Chavis, age 74, passed away peacefully at her beloved Haven Hill Farms in Batesburg-Leesville on May 26, 2026.
Marlene was born on October 2, 1951, in Sidney, Nebraska, to her parents Edgar and Joyce Bennett, where she spent her childhood barrel racing and enjoying a passion and love for animals – especially horses.

Her life was defined by hard work, dedication, and purpose, which she instilled in her children. She was a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina and enjoyed a long and successful career as a manager in human resources. Throughout her career, she was known for her integrity, dedication, and her passion for being an advocate for those who needed one. Upon her retirement from Eagle Aviation in 1996, she dedicated her time, passion, and energy to realizing her lifelong dream of owning her own horse farm.

For the next 30 years, Haven Hill Farms grew into a place of joy, learning, and love. Through the farm, Marlene shared her deep love and passion for horses by providing riding lessons, training, boarding, and hosting weddings, birthday parties, as well as 4-H events for children. She especially enjoyed watching the children learn, love, and enjoy what she called “becoming one with the horse.” Truly, she found her greatest happiness realizing her dream of the farm and watching it grow, along with her family, her animals, and friends.

Marlene was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, John Steven Chavis; her children, Glenn Lee McKinney (Barbara), Ricki Kay McNahan (Shane), Jennifer Ann Passmore (J); and her grandchildren, J.R. Passmore Jr., Cole Hudson Passmore, Kendra Annarose McKinney, and Kameron Lee McKinney.

Marlene will be remembered for her love of animals, tremendous strength, generous heart, and the dedication and passion she brought to everything she did. Marlene’s legacy lives on in her family, her life’s passion, which is Haven Hill Farms, and in the countless lives she touched along the way. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A private memorial service will be held for family and friends.

06/02/2026

Barbara B. Hicks, born November 19, 1945, in Augusta, Georgia. Daughter of the late Thelma and Walter Braswell, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, May 25, 2026. She shared a beautiful life for 37 years with her partner and soulmate, Michael Dean Ritchie. Barbara was blessed with family including her mother-in-law Daisy Ritchie, her brother-in-law Eddie Ritchie and his wife Dawn, and sister-in-law Sharon Keefe. She also had many relatives in Augusta, Georgia.

Barbara had a heart full of love for animals, a passion for shopping—especially at T.J. Maxx, Sierra, and Marshall’s—and a deep appreciation for the mountains, crafts, flowers, and greeting everyone she met with warmth. She had a special love for Back Acres Farm, a place that brought her peace and joy.

She was employed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and retired from there. Known for her social spirit, Barbara never met a stranger and found joy in attending craft shows in search of unique yard art. Helping others was a big part of who she was, and her friendly spirit made her a cherished friend to many. Her generous nature shone through each Christmas as she joyfully participated in Toys for Tots. She was also blessed with sister-like friendships with Philoma Skipper, Sammie Haithcock, and Carol Geiger.

Barbara was a great person and friend, whose kindness and lively spirit touched many lives. A celebration of her life will be on Saturday, June 20th, 2026 from 2pm to 4pm, and will be held at Back Acres Farm, 100 Back Acres Rd, Chapin, SC 29036, where all who knew her can come together to honor her memory and the joy she brought to the world.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in her memory to the following:

Sharing God’s Love

147 Friarsgate Blvd, Irmo, S.C. 29063 - or to,

St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Memorial Giving

501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

05/26/2026

Edmund H. Carpenter III (Tripp) passed away peacefully At Baptist Hospital on May 19, 2026, at the age of 65. He was born in Columbia, SC on January 31st, 1961 and was the son of Edmund H. Carpenter, Jr. and Vivian Best Carpenter.

He graduated from USC with an associate degree and was an avid Gamecock fan and follower of local pro golfer Dustin Johnson.

He managed Family Owned Carpenters Auto Parts in Irmo for 18 years. After the closing of the business, he worked in various restaurant positions.

He had his own personal struggles in life, but still had compassion for the less fortunate and was always willing to help in any way he could.

Survivors include sons Christopher Carpenter (Hayley), Brandon Carpenter; grandson, Callan Carpenter; mother, Vivian Best Carpenter; sister, Tami Blackwelder (David); brother, John F. Carpenter (Carol), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

He is preceded in death by his Father, Edmund H. Carpenter, Jr.; John E. Carpenter, Troy Carpenter, Taigan L. Carpenter, and Grandparents, Bubba and Brunson Best, Kathleen and Len, Jr. McDaniels.

Visitation will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home - Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow St, Irmo, South Carolina 29063, US, on May 30, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Dunbar Funeral Home Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 WOODROW ST, IRMO, SC 29063, US, on May 30, 2026, at 3:00

05/20/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Hazim Majeed Khalaf, who departed this world peacefully into eternity on May 17, 2026, in Irmo, South Carolina, at the age of 97.

Born in 1928, Hazim lived a life defined by kindness, wisdom, love, and respect for everyone he encountered. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose presence brought strength and comfort to his family and all who knew him. In his final moments, he was surrounded by his close family and loved ones.

Hazim was the loving husband of Jacklin Yako and the devoted father of Majd Khalaf (Samar Kandela), Hala Khalaf (Jules Vivian), Hiba Khalaf (Fayadh Kandela), and Hind Khalaf Kasir (David Kasir).

He was a cherished grandfather to Tania, Marwan, Danny, Ghaith, Raya, Deema, Bradley, Namir, Steve, and Mark, and a proud great-grandfather to Taleen, Talar, Zain, Laith, and Mikhael.

A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Hazim’s life will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 1:30 PM at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at the church columbarium. A lunch will follow at the church reception hall.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel.

Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.