Week of January 3, 2017

James “Bubba” Edward Cooper, 55, of Darlington, SC went to join the other angels on December 22, 2017. He was born on March 7, 1962 in Darlington where he resided most of his life. Mr. Cooper graduated in 1981 from Spartanburg School for the Deaf & Blind. He was on the wrestling, baseball, and football teams. Annually, he would visit his alma mater for Homecoming Weekend. He loved his school and the many teachers, coaches, and friends. James retired from Sonoco Products after 22 years. He worked part time at Piggly Wiggly and recently at BiLo in Hartsville. James taught sign language at the SC Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics. Mr. Cooper attended Florence Baptist Temple and Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church. He was heavily involved in the deaf community and Southeastern Deaf Association.

“Uncle” to many, he loved unconditionally and made himself a part of many joyous celebrations and occasions. All who knew James gave and received many hugs and “I love you” was a favorite for him to sign to all he loved. Bubba leaves behind his father, Edward James Cooper; sisters, Myra Mims (Larry) and Sandra Milczewski (Dr. Joseph); nephew, Benji Lowry, and nieces, Mia Grimsley (Daniel) and Alexis Rohrer; two great nephews, Keaton and Landon. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Louise Nolan and niece, Mary Eris Fraley. Additionally, we appreciate the great families of the Syracuse Community, Claudette Quinn, Cathy Britt, and Kitty Howle.
Thank you, Cameron Lloyd, you gave James gifts he cherished beyond measure; brotherhood, friendship, love, patience, and family. He loved all of you dearly.

Visitation was 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Belk Funeral Home, service on Thursday at 3 p.m. at Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church in Florence with burial following at Grove Hill Cemetery.

Memorial may be sent to charities on one’s choice.

A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.

Danny T. Mercer, age 63, formerly of Wilson, NC, died Thursday, December 21, 2017. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 23, in Lamar Cemetery, directed by Belk Funeral Home.

Born in Wilson, NC on May 12, 1954, he is the son of the late Roney and Peggy Walston Mercer. Danny graduated from Rock Ridge High School in Wilson and then from DeVry University. He worked as a salesman in the plumbing supply industry and also served two terms as Wilson County Commissioner. He was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Wilson.

Surviving are his wife, Polly Plummer Mercer, children: Rhonda (Tommy) Blackmon of Lamar and Rick (Jamie) Gaskins of Darlington, two grandchildren, Whitney and Carissa Gaskins; two great-grandchildren, Bryce and Berkley Anderson, his mother-in-law, Sammie Plummer, and his canine buddies, Jack and Reagan.

Memorials may be made to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, PO 56 Lydia, SC 29079.

A tribute page is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.

Booker T. Wingate died peacefully at his home on Dec.16, 2017 after an illness.

He was born in Darlington County on July 21, 1929, in Darlington County, to the late Ms. Bertha Wingate. He resided in Florence prior to moving to the Washington, D.C. area in 1950. He became established there and he worked and raised his family. Booker returned to Darlington after his retirement and shared a home with his only daughter.

His deceased wife, the former Carrie Baker and their two sons, Melvin and Booker T. Wingate Jr. all preceded him in death.

He is survived by his present wife, Rose Sumpter Wingate who resides in Maryland; his devoted daughter, Cynthia Yvonne Wingate of the home; two grandsons, Marcus (Latisha) Wingate of Atlanta, Ga. and Jared Wingate of Hyattsville, Maryland; 10 great-grandchildren; also a number of great-great-grandchildren. Other survivors include a sister, Miriam Jones of Darlington; and a special cousin, Josie Pratt of Florence.

Wake service was held at 11a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23rd at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 212 Chestnut St., Darlington. Funeral services were conducted at noon, immediately after the wake. Graveside/Burial services were held at Northview Cemetery on Roughfork Street, Florence.

Kenneth L. Boatwright, Sr. and the staff of Jefferson Funeral Home Service, Inc. of Lynchburg were in charge of arrangements.