The Howze Mortuary

09/23/2026

James Maurice “Jimmy” Smith of Travelers Rest passed away on September 19, 2026, at the age of 80.

Jimmy was born in 1946 to Stanley and Ruby Smith and grew up in the Union Bleachery Mill Village. He attended Parker High School, Anderson University, Mars Hill College and USC, earning a B.S. in Business and a Master’s Degree in Library Science.

Jimmy spent an incredible 57 years serving the Greenville community through his work at the Hughes Main Library in downtown Greenville, where he worked in Interlibrary Loan and Government Documents. He loved technology and created the Greenville County Library System’s first website.

Jimmy loved to work. He loved Clemson football, reading, contra dancing, playing tennis, collecting watches, traveling and his animals. One of his favorite adventures was a family road trip from California to New Mexico. He also had a special place in his heart for his dog Jenny and his cat Tofu, who, like Jimmy, was deaf.

Those who knew Jimmy knew his gentle spirit. He was patient, generous, curious and unfailingly kind, with a goodness about him that made people feel safe and accepted exactly as they were. He never needed anyone to be different in order to love them.

Jimmy showed his love by showing up. He took his mother-in-law grocery shopping every Saturday as she grew older. He was there for the recitals, games, weddings, funerals and church events. He took people to lunch, asked questions and genuinely wanted to hear...

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09/19/2026

Jack Cecil “J.C.” Cantrell, 83, widower of the late Patricia Ann Henson Cantrell, passed away on September 18, 2026.
Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late Cecil and Edith Moore Cantrell. Mr. Cantrell retired from JPS and was a member of Peters Creek Baptist Church. After his retirement from JPS, his hard work never stopped. He was always a loving and caring daddy and papa. As years went by he lost so many beloved family and friends. He kept himself busy and was avid to have the best garden to grow fruits and vegetables to eat and also share among others. He loved taking others fresh garden foods that he grew. In time he had to give that up but his heart was still there for the love of the garden, walks in the woods and enjoying God’s nature and fishing. He had a pond that he took care of and let others fish when they wanted. He was great at it all, especially trapping the turtles in the ponds to not eat up his love for fish to put them elsewhere. He helped others with their ponds to keep them looking great in his community he loved so much, Dacusville. J.C. most of all loved God, his kids, and all his grands. When he wasn’t able to go and do as he always had his entire life, he loved visitors from friends and family. He would always ask how they were doing and name off their family members to make sure everyone was ok. His heart was huge and loving in so many ways. He will be missed here on this ole earth but we know he is in Heaven, gained...

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09/19/2026

Renee Farthing Parham, age 63, of Travelers Rest, passed away peacefully after a brave, year-long battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Renee lived life larger than life itself, but those who knew her best knew that her heart was even bigger. She was a true fashion diva with an impeccable sense of style and a genuine passion for shopping, always bringing flair, vibrancy, and elegance wherever she went.

An avid traveler, Renee embraced every opportunity to explore the world, setting sail on over 58 cruises throughout her lifetime. Among all her travels, her heart remained especially fond of her cherished beach trips to Charleston, where she found endless joy, warmth, and relaxation by the water.

At the center of Renee’s world was her beloved husband, Manuel. Married for 41 years and 10 days, Manuel was the love of her life, and together they built a lifetime of beautiful memories, unwavering partnership, and deep devotion.

Renee's faith in Jesus Christ was one of the greatest treasures of her life. She not only cherished her relationship with the Lord but shared His love freely with those around her. Through her example of kindness, compassion, love, and forgiveness, Renee touched countless lives and reflected the faith that sustained her. Her family takes comfort in the promise of eternal life and the knowledge that she is now at peace with her Savior.

Renee’s greatest passion was living life to the...

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09/19/2026

Sandra Elaine Jones Loftis, 82 of Greenville, beloved wife of 62 years to Dwight A. Loftis, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Born on July 17, 1944, in the Union Bleachery community, she was the youngest of eleven children of the late William Claude and Helen Osteen Jones.
She was a graduate of Blue Ridge High School, class of 1962 and later attended Draughon’s Business College where she studied business and office administration. During her professional career, she worked as an office manager for Stevens Aviation, Dwight Loftis Insurance Agency, Vaughn Buchanan Physical Therapy, Travelers Rest Family Practice and eventually retired from Foothills Cardiology.
Sandra grew up north of Travelers Rest in the Locust Hill community where she attended Locust Hill Baptist Church and was most recently a member of Clearview Baptist Church. Her faith and family were the driving forces in her life and held a special place in her heart. Home is where her heart was and her commitment to family took precedence over everything. Her favorite times were always spent with family on vacations at the lake or beach and celebrating the holidays with her family. She was affectionately known by friends, co-workers and family for her empathy, gentle spirit and compassion for helping others and lending a hand. Many referred to her as the” glue” that held everything together.
In addition to her loving husband, she is survived...

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09/18/2026

Alvin “Dean” Tankersley, 79, of Marietta, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, September 17, 2026, at his home.
Born in Greenville County, he was a son of the late Louis and Agnes Dunn Tankersley. He was retired from Fluor Daniel and was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years: Doris Jackson Tankersley; children: Denine Miller(Pete), Darrell Tankersley(Sheri), Danny Tankersley(Tonya); brother: Maise Tankersley(Brenda); grandchildren: 3; and great-grandchildren: 6.
Along with his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Lewis Ray Tankersley and a sister, Judy Henson.
There will be a Memorial Service at a later date.

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09/18/2026

With heavy hearts and everlasting love, we announce the passing of our brave, bright little boy, who entered into peaceful rest at the tender age of three after a courageous, year-long battle with cancer.

Though his time with us was far too short, he filled every single day with bounds of joy, endless energy, and an unyielding spirit. He was our tiny superhero in every sense of the word. A devoted fan of Spider-Man, he approached each challenge with the heart of a champion, reminding everyone around him to be brave, leap without fear, and love fiercely.

Few things brought him as much thrill as the roar of a fire truck engine or the busy magic of a construction site. He could spend hours playing with his favorite diggers, dump trucks, and fire engines, meticulously building, loading, and saving the day. His cheerful laughter was the soundtrack of our home, especially whenever his favorite show, Blippi, was on—dancing, singing, and learning along with pure, unbridled delight.

Even through his toughest hospital stays and medical treatments, his resilience shone brighter than any obstacle. He taught us the true meaning of strength, hope, and joy in the smallest of moments. His infectious smile could light up the darkest room, and his warm hugs were a sanctuary for all who loved him.

He is survived by his devoted parents, Trey Williams, III and Breanna Simmons; his big sister, Nevaeh; maternal great grandparents, Mike Viront (Jane) and Janet Nosic...

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09/16/2026

Sara Aurelia McCauley Tyner Travelers Rest, SC

Sara Aurelia McCauley Tyner, 82, of Travelers Rest, went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 14th, 2026.

Born in Travelers Rest, she was the daughter of Henry Earl and Marie Mabry McCauley. Aurelia retired from Fluor Corporation after working as a payroll clerk for 34 years. She was a member of Enoree Baptist Church. Aurelia enjoyed decoratin cakes for family and friends, making quilts, playing scrabble, and spending time with her friends in the Red Hat Society.

She is survived by her children, Carole Tyner Crisp (Charles), and Gina Tyner Meredith (Fletcher), and Randy Tyner (Jill); her grandchildren, Elizabeth and Charlie Crisp, Haley Meredith, and Ian and Zoe Tyner; her brothers, Larry, Harry, David (Sylvia), and Dale (Dolly) McCauley; and her special friend, Don Taylor.

In addition to her parents, Aurelia was preceded in death by her sisters-in-law, Jewell and Ester McCauley.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at 10:00am until 11:30am with a service to follow at 11:45am in the chapel at Enoree Baptist Church.

Burial will follow at Enoree Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Enoree Baptist Church at 881 Tigerville Rd
Travelers Rest, SC 29690.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.thehowzemortuary.com.

The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest, is in charge of arrangements. (864) 834-8051.

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09/15/2026

Bennett “Ben” Gaston Plumblee, of Travelers Rest, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Born on June 29,1932, in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, he was the son of the late William Lee and Lillie Ann Noble Plumblee.

Ben was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Carol Simmons Plumblee, as well as seven siblings. He is survived by a daughter, Jan Plumblee, and a son, Phil (Denise) Plumblee as well as three grandsons: Drew (Sarah), Jordan (Sarah), and Noah (Samantha). Ben leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Abby Grace, John, Lizzie, Eli, Carter, Hudson, Emma, and Sapphire.

He was of the Baptist faith and a lifelong member of Locust Hill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, treasurer, Sunday School teacher, and was a member of the choir. He and Carol were faithful members and served in numerous ministries and activities.

A graveside service will be held at Locust Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Travelers Rest on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 11:00am. The family will receive friends following the service.

The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the staff of Spring Park Assisted Living for their love and care for Ben over the past ten years. The family also wishes to thank the staff of V-Care Hospice for their care in Ben’s final days.

The families are at their respective homes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Spring Park Assisted Living Employee Christmas Fund, 925 North Main Street,...

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09/11/2026

Thank you to all who joined us at The Howze Mortuary Chapel today to observe the 25th anniversary of September 11th.
Taking time out of a busy day to pause, pray, and remember together is a powerful testament to the heart of our Upstate community. We are honored to provide a peaceful space for our neighbors to gather, reflect, and honor the lives lost and the heroes who served.
We will never forget. -

09/11/2026

Dorothy Mae Looper Buchanan Travelers Rest, SC

Dorothy Buchanan, 82, of Travelers Rest, went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 10th, 2026.

Born in Greenville County, she was the daughter of William Lewis and Lila Mae Looper. Dorothy worked as a banker for Wells Fargo for over 30 years. She was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. Dorothy enjoyed the outdoors, whether it’s gardening and taking care of her roses or going to the beach. She will be remembered as a fun loving woman who loved her family more than anything.

She is survived by her son, William Scott Vaughn (Cheryl); her grandchildren, Wil Vaughn (Claire) and Caleb Vaughn (Hannah); and her great-granddaughter, Ella.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Don Buchanan; her son, Stephen Blease Vaughn; and her brother, Thomas Henry Looper.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 at 1:00pm until 1:50pm with a service to follow at 2:00pm in the chapel at Shiloh Baptist Church.

Entombment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/sc.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www. thehowzemortuary.com.

The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest, is in charge of arrangements. (864) 834-8051.

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