Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC (2026)

01/22/2026

Nell was married on June 10, 1949, to Albert C. Morgan, with whom she shared many loving years until his passing in April 2020. She attended high school in Columbia, South Carolina, and went on to dedicate over 30 years of service to the Internal Revenue Service, working in both Columbia, SC, and Miami, Florida.In her later years, Nell resided in Prosperity, South Carolina, where she was a faithful member of Chapin Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert C. Morgan; her father, Cauthan D. Broom Sr.; her mother, Irene Frick Broom; her sisters, Catherine M. Early, Marguriete Horton, and Freida Williamson; and her brothers, C.D. Broom Jr. and Steven Broom.

She is survived by her brother, Kenneth “Dick” Broom; her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Victor C. Morgan and Wanda K. Morgan; her daughter, Debra D. Morgan; her grandchildren, Melissa K. Colwell and Dr. Robin M. Morgan; and her great-grandchildren, Morgan P. Wilkerson and Caroline A. Smith.

Nell’s three great loves in life were God, her family, and shopping—each of which brought her immense joy and purpose throughout her life.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, with burial in Serenity Memorial Gardens, Buckner Rd. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

01/22/2026

Vera was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Wedemeyer; her granddaughter, Stephanie Duvall; her great-grandson, Jackson Ellis; her parents, Ralph and Elsie Kirsch; and her brother, Robert Kirsch.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Duvall (Craig); her grandchildren, Kelly Webb (Mary), Ashley Ellis (Mike), and Eric Duvall; her great-grandchildren, Emily Ellis, Mylee Ellis, and Logan Ellis; John Spence (Fiancé).

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC 29063.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Vera’s memory may be made to the Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org).

01/22/2026

Frances Alene (Elliott) Rogers, 85, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026. She was born on March 5, 1940, in Laurinburg, North Carolina, to John Henry Elliott and Bertha Elizabeth (McAbee) Elliott. Alene was a devoted wife, mother, Grammy, and Great Grammy. Her faith, family, and friends were the cornerstones of her life.

She earned her associate’s degree from Wingate University and shortly thereafter met the love of her life, Vern Rogers. Together they shared 66 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family. In 1969, they made their home in Columbia, South Carolina, where they raised their daughters Karen and Lori and later welcomed their third daughter, Tracy, in 1976.

Alene retired from the South Carolina Department of Corrections in 2000 after more than 20 years of dedicated service in various administrative assistant roles. She was highly respected in her work and treasured the long-lasting relationships she formed with her coworkers.

A devout Christian, Alene was a faithful member of Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church since 1973. She was actively involved in the Seven Oaks Presbyterian Women and served as chair, co-chair, and treasurer of the Mary Martha Circle.

Alene found joy in bowling, reading, baking, social outings, boating on Lake Murray with friends, and most of all, spending time with her family. Her three daughters, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren were the heart of her happiness.

She is survived by her loving husband, Vern Rogers; daughters Karen Rogers and Lori Rogers Remensnyder (Gary); grandchildren Erika Swanson Barnhardt (Carter), Collin Swanson (McKenzie), John Remensnyder, Andrew Remensnyder (Ashley), and Anna Remensnyder; and great-grandchildren Harper, Elliott (Elle), and Sloane Barnhardt. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Tracy Rogers; her parents; and her nine siblings, Marie, Johnny, Golman, Gertrude, Grace, Violet, Charles, Maxine, and Peggy.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, 530 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, South Carolina. A reception will follow immediately in the church fellowship hall. A private graveside service will take place following the reception at Bush River Memorial Gardens, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, South Carolina. Memorials may be made in Alene’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Thornwell Home for Children, 302 South Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325.

01/17/2026

Elvira Carmen Pena (also known as Abuela) of Columbia, SC passed away after a brief bout of illness on Tuesday – January 13, 2026 at Lexington Medical Center, surrounded by family.
Born on December 29, 1937 in Mendoza, Argentina, she was the daughter of the late Manuel Antonio Parra and the late Maria Carmen Manzano. She was happily married to Manuel Pena until his death in 1991.

She immigrated to America in 1969 with little more than a suitcase and a dream. She came in search of a better life – which she found. Her journey through life has made her tougher than nails. She’s known hardship and struggle, but she’s never once complained. She led by example and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Reminiscing through old letters and photos of how she came to America and the obstacles that she overcame makes her family proud of the example that she has set and of her life’s journey.

She loved reading books and was a lifelong student, furthering her own education at every opportunity. She passionately and unapologetically encouraged others to do the same, especially her children and grandchildren. Her house was full of books and magazines at every turn, and it is often joked about within the family that her favorite place in the world to visit was Barnes & Noble bookstore.

She was a devout Roman Catholic all her life and very rarely if ever missed Mass until her health started to decline. She would recite her rosary and end most conversations with her children, “Que Dios te bendiga.” She truly showed love and forgiveness in every step she took.

Her greatest strengths in life were her honor, integrity, and work ethic. These deeply embedded character traits never failed her – ever.

Elvira is survived by her children: Brian Pena (Allison) of Lexington, Robert Pena (Glinda) of Columbia, and Mercy Pena (Peter) of New York, as well as grandchildren: Laney, Gabby, and Israel – all of which she referred to as “Mi Amor”.

A visitation will be held on January 19, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Dunbar Funeral Home - Dutch Fork Chapel, located at 7600 Woodrow St, Irmo, South Carolina, 29063. The funeral service will follow at the same location, beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Bush River Memorial Gardens, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, South Carolina, 29212, following the funeral service on January 19, 2026.

01/17/2026

Albert D. Crosby, Jr., (known as Al), age 77, went home to Jesus on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 9:15 p.m. in hospital in Columbia, SC, surrounded by family, less than a month shy of his 51st Wedding Anniversary to his wife, Linda Holmes Crosby.

Al is preceded in death by his mother Eunice Barley Crosby, father Albert D. Crosby, Sr., and brother-in-law Gale E. Brewer.

He was born in San Antonio, TX to Eunice Barley Crosby and Albert D. Crosby, Sr. Al spent his youth living on his family farm in Eudora, AR, graduating from Eudora High School, where he was a member of the District and Champion Football teams and the District and State Champion Track teams. He attended one semester of college at Arkansas A&M in Monticello. Like a true Southern boy, he loved hunting and fishing and spent most of his free time doing so, when he wasn’t in school, playing sports or driving a tractor.

Al was a lifelong Baptist. He was a member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church until his death. He served as President of the Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church Christian School in Asheville, NC, while a member of that church.

While serving in his long career in retail management, Al and Linda moved 26 times and lived in 7 different states, often multiple locations in each state. He started his retail career with TG&Y in Greenville, MS, as Assistant Manager in 1973. He worked for Walmart, McCrory Stores, Everything’s a Dollar, and Dollar General, before ending his retail career in 2002 as a Region Manager with Dollar General in Columbia, SC.

Not one to sit idle after retiring, he worked as a Real Estate Agent from 2002 – 2007; bought and operated an in-home health care service from 2008-2014; and founded and operated a cell phone sales and repair store-front business from 2011-2014.

Al’s favorite past times were antiquing, repairing old and battered antiques to their original glory, building new furniture for his family, boating and water skiing, riding motorcycles, and driving and restoring Corvettes. He loved doing things for his daughter, Lauren, and especially doted on his grandson Aidan, 11 yrs. He loved watching Aidan grow through his studies in martial arts and participating in tournaments.

His daughter Lauren said the last time she talked to her dad alone during his illness, she asked him if she was still his favorite daughter (even though she was his only daughter) and he surprised her when he shook his head “no.” He held up three fingers indicating he had three daughters. Confused she asked him if he was referring to Carol and Connie (his younger sisters), and he responded “yes.” He always loved, took care of and watched after his two younger sisters and they adored their big brother.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Linda, his daughter Lauren, grandson Aidan, granddaughters Brittany and Shea, great granddaughter Sophia, sisters Carol Brewer and Connie Crosby, as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Any memorials can be mailed to:

St. Jude Children’s Hospital

The Fellowship of Christians & Jews

01/17/2026

Megan Marie Zelling was born on February 2, 2000, to Alex and Suzanne Zelling. She went to be with Jesus on January 10, 2026, at the age of 25.
Megan was a resident of Chapin, South Carolina.

Homeschooled by her Mom through SCAIHS; she graduated in 2018

Raised as a true GRIT, Girl Raised In The South , with her beloved dogs on Lake Murray.

Her loving dogs who went before her were Chuck, Murray, Hannah, Diesel, and her special girl Dottie who found Meg right after her first brain surgery.

Meg’s present, delightful dogs are Bella, Peanut, and her special girl Ruby.

Meg loved Jesus first, Christian worship music, singing, art and telling her testimony to any who would listen. She had special gift of knowing when someone needed encouragement.

Meg studied piano and voice under Dawn Smith Jordan.

She loved church and never wanted to miss the first song.

Meg wrote a letter to Jesus faithfully, every night.

She was a prayer warrior and her parents hero. If you ask her how are you doing today, she always answered, “I am Blessed”.

Meg is now where she longed to be, in heaven, in the arms of Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Saint Jude at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html or Homeward Bound Pet Rescue at www.homewardboundrescuesc.com

A "Life Celebration” will be held at Fresh Church on February 2, her birthday, at 3 PM. Her wish was to celebrate not to mourn as she is now in the arms of Jesus.

01/17/2026

Deborah “Debbie” Gehlken Odell, born April 6, 1965, made a lasting impact on everyone she met through her gentle spirit, sincerity, and genuine care for others. She was deeply loved by many and lived a life defined by meaningful friendships, devotion to family, and heartfelt connections.

Debbie was born in Charleston, South Carolina, where she began her education at the girls’ private school Ashley Hall. Her family later moved to Florence, South Carolina, where she continued her schooling while studying piano and dance. In 1975, the family relocated to Irmo, South Carolina. There, Debbie continued playing piano and formed lifelong friendships that remained an important part of her life. Her warm smile, soft manner, and authentic kindness made people feel truly valued and cared for.

In 1982, Debbie began working at Penny’s Hamburgers, where she met her future husband, Gordon Randolph “Randy” Odell Sr. Their first date was August 5, 1982. After more than five years of dating while Debbie attended Irmo High School and the University of South Carolina, the two were married on January 2, 1988.

The couple began their married life in Greenville, South Carolina, where Debbie worked at the North American Michelin Corporate Office. A promotion for Randy later took them to Columbus, Ohio, where they lived for five years before deciding to return to South Carolina. They settled back in the Irmo area, where they made their home and remained.

Debbie’s greatest joy and blessing in life was her three children—Gordon, Austin, and Alyssa—all born within sixteen months of one another. Her nurturing spirit, patience, and unwavering love played a significant role in shaping them into the wonderful individuals they are today.

Once her children began school, Debbie returned to the corporate workforce and, in 2010, joined Dominion Energy (formerly SCANA). There, she once again built close relationships with coworkers who quickly recognized her kindness, dedication, and strong work ethic. She thrived in her role and continued to exemplify these admirable qualities throughout her professional life until her untimely passing.

Debbie had many personal passions. She enjoyed collecting pottery, attending auctions and garage sales, working out, and attending concerts alongside her beloved husband. She was an avid sports fan—especially of the South Carolina Gamecocks—and rarely missed a football or basketball game. Her favorite television show was The Andy Griffith Show, and she also loved watching the Hallmark Channel. One of her most cherished places was Lake Murray, where time on the water brought her peace and comfort.

Debbie was preceded in death by her mother, Vivian Celia Seiber Gehlken; her in-laws, Fitzhugh (Bud) Bland Odell Jr. and Dorothy Odell; and her sister-in-law, Diane Beach.

She is survived by her husband, Gordon Randolph “Randy” Odell Sr.; her children, Gordon, Austin, and Alyssa Odell; her father, Henry Douglas Gehlken Sr.; her brother, Henry Douglas Gehlken Jr. (Michelle); and her in-laws, Terry Dubsky (Jim), Bland Odell (Gwynn), and Joe Beach (Diana). She is also survived by two uncles, one aunt, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel, located at 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, South Carolina 29063.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 17, at Chapin Christian Community Church, 415 Lexington Avenue, Chapin, South Carolina. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

01/13/2026

Lenora Maxine Payne (also known as Miss Maxine, Mac, Mama, Grandma, and Aunt Mac), of Chapin, SC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Lexington Extended Care. Born September 22, 1935, in Farmerville, Louisiana, she was the daughter of the late Edwin Ramsey and Ola V. Williamson Ramsey. She was married to the love of her life, Billy Ray Payne, for 50 years until his death in 2003.

She loved her family. She loved her flowers. And she loved to cook. She welcomed everyone we brought into her home with open arms and always cooked enough to feed them all. She gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and never had harsh words for anyone—except maybe Daddy occasionally if he complained about the food.

Maxine is survived by her children, Alton Payne (Sandra) of Chapin, Rose Gunter (Bobby) of Gilbert, George Payne (Teresa) of Irmo, Cyndi Langlois (Jeff) of Chapin, Connie Okazaki (Ken) of Chapin; and daughter-in-law, Susie Payne of Salley.

She was a loving and devoted Grandma to Billie Payne Rogers, Lori Payne Pool, Amber Payne, Jessica Payne, Allen Payne, Bobby Gunter, Jr., Greg Gunter, Brent Gunter, Kristi Langlois Paschall, Christopher Langlois, Jacqui Okazaki, Jeni Okazaki, and Cruz Okazaki.

She also leaves behind 28 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Her surviving Farmerville, Louisiana, family includes her brother, Harvey “Boots” Ramsey, his wife Judy, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her son, David Payne of Salley; her brother, Royce “Preacher” Ramsey; and her sister, Bobbie Jean Ramsey Norris.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel, located at 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, South Carolina 29063.

The funeral service will follow at the same location, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The burial service will be private.

“To love a person is to learn the song in their heart and sing it to them when they have forgotten.”

Donations in memory of Maxine may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

01/08/2026

Bobbie Ouzts Carter, 89, of Irmo, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026. Born November 11, 1936 (Veterans Day), she was raised on the family farm near Calhoun Falls. She was the daughter of the late Mrs. Ruby Mae Cordell Ouzts and the late Mr. Linder Hayes Ouzts. She was a very devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Great-Great-Grandmother. Bobbie was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, especially her famous chocolate pound cake.

Bobbie is survived by her three sons, Donald, Billy (Amy), and Vincent (Chrystal), her sister, Betty Ouzts Brown, along with her nieces and nephews, nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Army veteran Otis Carter, after 66 years of marriage, two brothers and one grandson.

Bobbie was known as an extremely patriotic American and Republican to the core. She will be interred at Fort Jackson National Cemetery with her husband. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

A funeral service will be held 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 6 until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

01/08/2026

Lexington, S.C. - Helen P. Guidace, age 89, died at home surrounded by her family on Friday, January 2, 2026. She was born on September 30, 1936 in Altoona PA., and was the daughter of the late Domenico Tanzi and Mary Grace Palmucci. She graduated from Altoona High School, class of 1954 and immediately after graduation, she embarked on her life’s journey and her love of Washington, D.C. and Virginia.

She moved to Washington, D.C. in 1954 employed by the Department of Agriculture. She worked tirelessly and continuously for over 31 years with various federal agencies, including the Automobile Association, Rural General Electric and the Department of Energy while raising her family. A beloved second mother to many and a generous and fun loving friend to be cherished by many more, she left a tremendous impact on all who were lucky enough to know her. She was so special.

Widow of Vincent C. Guidace whom she married in 1959. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage before his passing in 2017. He was the love of her life. Throughout their life together they enjoyed spending many vacations with family and friends in Ocean City, MD and on Lake Murray in Lexington, SC and another 20 years of retirement bliss in these areas.

She was predeceased by her siblings Thomas, John Anthony, Marguerite, Anna Rose, Lena and Jean and has one surviving sibling Domenico “Corky” (Linda).

A loving and devoted wife and mother she leaves behind daughter Donna (Guidace) Pitts of Annandale, VA, who is married to Helen’s much adored son-in-law Dr. Thomas Pitts of Columbia, SC and leaves behind another daughter Kristen Guidace of Germantown, MD and her friend Catherine Hekimian. Additionally, there are many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews, along with many caring relatives and friends who loved her dearly. Burial will be at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Altoona, PA.

01/08/2026

Jane Youngblood Nesbit, 78, passed peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026. She was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on January 3, 1947. She was the daughter of the late John Craig Youngblood and the late Florence Iva Tate Youngblood. She graduated from Eau Claire High School followed by Erskine College. Jane received her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

Jane loved pouring into the children she taught and the people she worked with for more than 50 years in Lexington-Richland School District Five. One of her proudest accomplishments was being recognized for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She was an active, lifelong member of Centennial ARP Church. There, she served on various committees, including the Worship Committee, where she enjoyed decorating the church at Christmas and other holidays. She served on the Diaconate for many years.

Jane loved her family and her people fiercely. She loved reading, participating in underwater basket weaving classes, and needlepoint. One of her favorite needlepoint activities was working on the Christmas Nativity Scene with other ladies of the church. She looked forward to monthly dinner gatherings with her “Crazy Eights” group from church. Jane enjoyed her annual trip to the beach, where she was the queen of making onion rings, beach candy, and pine bark. She loved traveling, especially her trip to see the Great Wall of China. Jane loved going to the mountains with her family. She enjoyed watching “Judge Judy” as well as various Bravo shows and Hallmark movies. Jane had a contagious laugh and an infectious smile. Her wit was truly one of a kind.

She is survived by her husband, Calvin William Nesbit; children Nicholas Jay Nesbit (Ruark), Jeffrey Scott Nesbit Sr., Matthew Craig Nesbit, and Rebecca Nesbit Drozdak (Andrew); sister Susan Youngblood Braswell; grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, from 6-8 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo, South Carolina. A service will be Friday, January 9, at 2 p.m. at Centennial ARP Church. A burial will follow on Monday, January 12, at 11 a.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Centennial ARP Foundation Fund.

A special thank-you to Lexington Medical Center Central Floor 3 ICU staff—specifically Connor Kiker—for all the care and support shown to mom and to us, especially at the end. It was very reassuring knowing mom was in good hands around the clock.

Memorials may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.

01/02/2026

Lewis Belton Johnson of Columbia SC formerly of Lancaster SC passed away at his home on Wednesday December 31, 2025.
Lewis is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Bailey Johnson; his sons Todd Johnson (Sandra) and Michael Brett Johnson (Sonya); Alan Rae (Misty) who was like a third son, four grandchildren, Katie, Emma, Bryce and Conner. He is also survived by one sister, Joann Johnson Robinson of Columbia, SC.

After serving in the Air Force, Lewis worked for Rockwell International, Allen Bradley, and Cooper Industries. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed fishing and golfing. The family finds comfort knowing his love for the Lord and that he is at peace.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel

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