A 1957 graduate of Greenwood High School, Dr. Hancock earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina. She later received her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership, an Ed.S., and an M.B.E. from Georgia State University and completed post-doctoral studies at Harvard University. In recognition of her accomplishments, Coker College awarded her an honorary doctorate. She was also honored as the first woman academician named an Honorary Alumnus of Clemson University in 1982 and received the Wade Woodward Award for outstanding contributions to the university, along with the Clemson Athletic Department������Ƶ�s Super Tiger Award.

Dr. Hancock devoted nearly 50 years to education as a professor, administrator, speaker, and advocate for educational reform. During her career she inspired countless students and colleagues with her commitment to excellence and her belief that education should serve both individuals and communities. A nationally recognized speaker, she delivered more than 450 speeches, seminars, and workshops in 44 states and abroad, sharing her message of leadership, service, and civic engagement.

Her expertise and leadership were recognized at the national level. In 1989, President George H. W. Bush appointed her to the Presidential Commission on Student Financial Aid, where she was the only two-year college educator in the nation to serve on the commission. In 1990 she took leave from her position at DeKalb College in Atlanta to serve as Deputy to Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander.

In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Dr. Hancock as the U.S. Department of Education������Ƶ�s Regional Representative for the Southeast. In this role, she served as the Secretary of Education������Ƶ�s envoy and spokesperson, representing federal education policies and initiatives throughout the largest region of the department. She worked extensively with the administration������Ƶ�s landmark education legislation, the No Child Left Behind Act, and served for eight years in the administration.

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Hancock was President and Founding Partner of A. Hancock & Associates in Atlanta, an educational consulting and motivational speaking firm. During her 42 years in Atlanta, she was widely active in civic and community affairs and was named one of the ������Ƶ�Super 17 Citizens of Atlanta������Ƶ� by Turner Broadcasting Systems. She also received the Big Heart Award for humanitarian efforts on behalf of Georgia������Ƶ�s citizens, resolutions from both the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives for her contributions to education, and recognition as a ������Ƶ�Gracious Lady of Georgia������Ƶ� for her cultural contributions to the state.

After returning to Greenwood, Dr. Hancock remained deeply involved in her community. She served as President of the Republican Women of Greenwood County and on the Executive Board of the South Carolina Federation of Republican Women. She was also active in numerous civic and charitable organizations, including serving as Vice Chair of the Food Bank Board, Chair of the United Center Board, President of the Unit One Garden Club, a member of the State United Way Board, a member of the John de la Howe Board of Directors, a member of the Milford Manor Homeowners Board of Directors, and President of the Magnolia Cemetery Association.

A devoted woman of faith, Dr. Hancock was an active member of First Baptist Church in Greenwood, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and Chair of the Worship Committee.

In addition to her parents, Dr. Hancock was preceded in death by her brother, James William ������Ƶ�Bill������Ƶ� Hancock.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Frances Croft Hancock of Rock Hill, South Carolina; nephew James William Hancock, III of Rock Hill; niece, Deanna Katherine Hancock (Tyler Sandifer) of Arvada, Colorado, two great nephews, James Cole Hancock (Samantha) of LeMars, Iowa and Justice Lee Hancock of Rock Hill, South Carolina; great great nephew James Barrett Hancock and her cousin, Norma Woodle Hopkins of Greenwood, South Carolina.

Dr. Hancock was widely admired for her intelligence, wit, and gift for storytelling. Through her work as an educator, speaker, and public servant, she inspired generations to pursue excellence and to work for the betterment of their communities.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 6:00PM ������Ƶ� 8:00PM at Blyth Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Greenwood on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 2:00PM with the Rev. John Uldrick officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Connie Maxwell Children������Ƶ�s Home, 810 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to The First Baptist Church of Greenwood, 722 Grace Street, Greenwood, SC 29649.

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On August 13, 1945, Nancy was born the eldest of three children to Mr. and Mrs. Charles H Ingram in Waco, Texas, where her father was stationed as a flight instructor.

Nancy was a proud graduate of Coker College with a degree in religion and taught in the public school system in Special Education, Reading, and Spanish for 35 years. She was passionate about learning, and was a supportive and caring teacher to her students. If she wasn’t finding someone with whom to speak Spanish, she was learning about the flora of her region, often using her knowledge and creativity to make beautiful displays for friends and family and their special events.

She will be most remembered for the love and care she gave to her family and friends and the faithful way she served her church community. With never a harsh word to say about anyone, Nancy would strive to open doors of communication and love to anyone she met.

Nancy is survived by her mother, Mrs. Charles H. Ingram (Grace) of Greenville, SC; her son Ben Acker and his wife Andrea and grandchildren Emily May, Jake, Lizzie and Niall of Pittsboro, NC who will always know her as NeNe; daughter Carole Acker Strong and her husband, James of Portland, OR; as well as her brother Charles H. Ingram and sister Emily Ingram Bolt, both of Greenville, SC, along with many additional extended family members.

A private family service and burial will be held at Landrum Cemetery in Landrum, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ������Ƶ Institutional Advancement in Nancy Ingram Acker’s honor:

Online: /giving-form/

Mail: 300 East College Ave, Hartsville, SC 29550

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Mrs. Bazen was born on August 14, 1946, in Florence County, a daughter of the late John Bryant Bazen, Sr. and Mae Belle Todd Bazen.

Mrs. Bazen was a graduate of Pamplico High School. She earned her Bachelor������Ƶ�s degree from Coker College in 1968 and later received her Master������Ƶ�s degree in Education from Francis Marion University. Throughout her distinguished career, she taught at Hannah Elementary School, Hannah-Pamplico High School, Florence-Darlington Technical College, and Britton������Ƶ�s Neck Middle School, retiring after 28 years of dedicated service in education.

A devoted servant to others, Mrs. Bazen was a prayer warrior, church historian, organist, and Sunday School teacher at Beulah Free Will Baptist Church, where her faith and commitment touched countless lives. She was an avid reader having read her Bible through 15 times since 2010.

Surviving are her husband of 56 years, Laverne ������Ƶ�Speedy������Ƶ� Bazen of Pamplico; daughter, Shannon Bazen (Everette) Turbeville of Effingham; grandchildren, Hannah Claire Turbeville, Jake Edward Bazen, Raegyn ������Ƶ�Lexi������Ƶ� Bazen, MaKaeley Grace Bazen, and MaKenzy Bryant Bazen; brother, Buddy (Sandra) Bazen; daughter-in-law, Tammie Stumbo Bazen; along with many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Bazen was preceded in death by a son, Stacey Bryant Bazen; a grandson, Braydon Thomas Bazen; and her stepmother, Clara Bazen Cox.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Carolina Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Beulah Free Will Baptist Church, 235 W. Bazen Road, Pamplico, SC 29583, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800, or to Beulah Free Will Baptist Church, 235 W. Bazen Road, Pamplico, SC 29583.

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Jayne was born and raised in Myrtle Beach, SC. She along with her twin, Wayne (Anne) Cannon shared their family time with their siblings, Bobbie Lou (Bobby) Cannon Snipes, Robert ������Ƶ�Bubba������Ƶ� (Bleeker) Cannon, Jr. and the youngest, William Racher ������Ƶ�Ray������Ƶ� (Cynthia) Cannon. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Jayne was preceded by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Cannon, and her siblings, Bobbie L. Snipes and Ray Cannon.

Jayne graduated from Coker College. She was the girls������Ƶ� Basketball and Tennis Coach for Myrtle Beach High School and is in the ������Ƶ�Myrtle Beach High School Athletic Hall of Fame.������Ƶ� She later became a business co-owner of Taylor Distributing in Myrtle Beach.

Jayne was a lifetime member with the First United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach. She taught Sunday School for over forty years, teaching the four-year-old class. Jayne was also active with the United Methodist Women������Ƶ�s (UMW) group.

Jayne loved sports, especially her Carolina Gamecocks! Loved to play golf, bridge, and bingo.

Graveside service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Ocean Woods Memorial Park, Myrtle Beach, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 1367, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578.

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Mrs. Bragdon was born on April 9, 1938, in Coward, daughter of the late Carl Manton Matthews and Alma Anderson Matthews. She was a graduate of J.C. Lynch High School in Coward and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Coker College. She later received her Master������Ƶ�s degree in Education from Francis Marion University and devoted her career to shaping young lives as a teacher until her retirement. A faithful member of Lake City First Baptist Church, she served as a Sunday school teacher and joyfully shared her love of music as a member of the handbell choir.

Surviving are her sons, William H. Bragdon, Jr., M.D. (Rebecca) of Lexington, South Carolina, and Terrell Brian Bragdon of Lake City, South Carolina; and her two grandchildren, Holly Rebecca Bragdon and David Revere Bragdon, both of Lexington; siblings, Carlie Brooks Matthews (Claire) and Elaine M. McElveen (Norman), both of Coward.

Mrs. Bragdon was preceded in death by a sister, LaVonne Matthews Hamilton.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, Friday, September 5, 2025, at Carolina Funeral Home, with funeral services to follow at 3:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be at Lake City Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Lake City First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 820, Lake City, SC 29560, or to ������Ƶ, 300 E. College Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550.

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Visitation is 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home – 8325 Covington Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46804. Visitation also on Thursday, April 11, 2024, one hour prior to funeral services Celebrating the Life of Linda at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the funeral home officiated by Avalon Church, Pastor, K.Paul Maurer. Burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens. Preferred memorials are to Avalon Church, 1500 Lower Huntington Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46819 tele. (260) 747-1531.

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Born in Atlanta, GA, he was the son of the late Talmadge and EvaLou Stokes Rutledge.

Reverend Rutledge was a man of God that preached the word not only by the words he spoke but by the life he led. Throughout his ministry, he pastored at Swift Creek Baptist Church, Darlington SC, Portside Baptist Church, N. Charleston SC, Northside Baptist Church, Rock Hill SC, and Welcome Baptist Church, Greenville SC. He taught classes at North Greenville University, was a previous Director of Missions for North Greenville Baptist Association, and was President of Luke 19:10 Ministries.

Reverend Rutledge was a member of Taylors First Baptist Church.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by son, Talmadge Rutledge (Tina); grandsons, Jonathon Dirks, David Dirks (Kaitlin), Andrew Dirks (Susanna), Taylor Rutledge, and Trent Rutledge; great-grandson, James Dirks; great-granddaughter, Thea Dirks; brother, Roger Rutledge (Debbie); sister, Amy Holley; and son-in-law, Cameron Kleiwer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Charlotte Dirks Kliewer.

A visitation will be held Thursday, March 09, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest. A graveside service will be held Friday, March 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenville Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Open Arms Hospice, givebsmh.org ������Ƶ�click donate, choose other and list Open Arms Hospice������Ƶ�, or Taylors First Baptist Church, taylorsfbc.org.

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Anne is survived by her loving sons, Samuel Ellis Neely and Charles Douglass (Kelly) Neely, and her two beloved grandchildren, Ellis Mazie Neely and Luke Douglass Neely.

Anne earned degrees from Coker College and Francis Marion University. Most of her working life was spent as a science teacher in Lamar and Florence, SC. She was a charter member of Cross & Crown Lutheran Church in Florence, SC, and was currently a member of St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church in , where she devotedly served as a member of The Order of the Daughters of the King.

After her retirement from teaching, Anne volunteered with hospice, the Museum of Coastal Carolina, and served as a church vestry member, a Eucharistic Lay Visitor, and a board member for Keep Brunswick County Beautiful.
Anne also worked tirelessly with the Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization, where she spent many summer nights beneath the stars with close friends and colleagues.

She will be remembered fondly and often by so many whose lives she touched.

A funeral service will be held at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church in , on Saturday, August 2nd, at 1:00 PM with a reception at the church directly after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, PO Box 68,  28470, or to the ������Ƶ Alumni Fund, ������Ƶ, 300 E. College Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550.

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Sandra was born on January 15, 1943, in Coward, SC, to the late Wilbur James “W.J.” and Belva Ham Lee.

Sandra was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Sherrill Lee in 2018; brother, Gerald “Jerry” Lee; and brother-in-law, Ronald Matthews.

She was a graduate of J.C. Lynch High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Coker College. She briefly worked as an elementary school teacher before becoming a stay-at-home mom and homemaker after the birth of her daughters. She was a life-time member of the Aberdeen Gardenette’s and enjoyed both flower arranging and gardening. She was an active member of Aberdeen First Baptist Church. Sandra was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many.

Sandra is survived by her daughters, Renee Youngerman (Matt) of Aberdeen and Christy Pusser (Patrick) of Pinehurst; grandchildren, Riley and Nicholas Youngerman and Carson, Lucas and Sophia Pusser; her brother, Vernon “Richie” Lee (Gwen); sister, Linda Lee Matthews; and sister-in-law, Jackie Lee.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Aberdeen First Baptist Church, a funeral service, officiated by Pastor Dr. Daryl Cornett, Pastor Brandon Wood, and Pastor David Litts began at 1:00 p.m. A private burial will occur at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Aberdeen First Baptist Church Forward in Faith Fund, P.O. Box 1066 Aberdeen, NC 28315, or FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374, or .

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