Thompson Funeral Homes

05/01/2026

Lola Marie “Sugar” Banks, a devoted daughter, sister, and veteran, passed away April 26, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina. Born on June 16, 1955, in Presque Isle, Maine, Lola lived a life of service, love, and dedication to her family and community.
Lola graduated from Pemberton Township High School in Pemberton, New Jersey. She pursued higher education at Virginia State College before earning her degree from Coker College in South Carolina. Her commitment to learning and growth was evident throughout her life.
A proud member of the US Air Force for 30 years, including 22 years with the Air National Guard, Lola rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8). Lola served her country with distinction. She was deployed numerous times during her career, including active duty during Desert Storm. After retiring from the military, Lola continued to make an impact as an educator. She was a substitute teacher for the Richland County School District. She served as the Deputy Director and as Interim Director for the Star Base program at McEntire Air Force Base, South Carolina. She taught and developed programming for teaching STEM classes to children in Grades 1 through 5. This Star Base served as a model for other Star Base programs at other locations.
Lola’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when she and her husband, Billee Purvis Jr, whom she married in November 1985, opened Life Force Karate Studio. Rooted in Christian values, the studio became a place where Lola shared her passion for martial arts as an instructor. Lola attained the rank of Black Belt. Her love for martial arts was matched by her enthusiasm for motorcycles and reading—a joy instilled in her by her mother.
A spiritual person, Lola valued a personal relationship with the Lord, not subscribing to any specific denomination. Lola was preceded in death by her brother Charles “Bantu”, her father Air Force Staff Sergeant Adam Banks, and her mother Airman First Class Jean LeGrande Banks. She is survived by her loving husband, Billee Purvis Jr., three loving siblings: Kim, Tommie “Pete”, and Tony Banks; as well as Zavion Conner and Leah Reza, whom she cherished as her own children, along with a host of family members: Dominque, Danielle, Donna (Adam and Adrien VanderVorste), DonNeal and Logan Cobb; Autumn, Kamille, Kievon, Tommie, and Kai Banks, Kali LeGrande, Ja’Kye, and Yanasha Brown. She also leaves behind numerous cousins as well as her loving in-laws: parents William Sr and Ann, siblings Barbara and Carl (Nary) Purvis. Lola also leaves behind friends, notably Verna Taylor and Debbie Marshall.
Lola’s legacy is one of strength, compassion, and devotion to those she loved.
A Funeral Service will be held on May 11, 2026, with visitation at 10:00 AM, service at 11:00 AM at Thompson Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Road. Committal will be at 1:00 PM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. Repast will be at Thompson Funeral Home from 2:15 PM to 4:30 PM.
For those unable to attend, the services will be streaming live via the following links:

Funeral Service: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/f26041321245504

Committal: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/f26044935211309

04/30/2026

Shirley Ann Garrett Cassidy, 76, of Gaston, SC, passed away on April 27, 2026. Shirley was born June 10, 1949 in Hannibal, MO. She found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time with her family and cherished making memories.

She was a devoted wife to her late husband, William Roy Cassidy, of 53 years. And was a devoted mother to her son, Tommy Cassidy and grandchild, Chesley McIver.

She is survived by her son, Tommy Cassidy; brothers, Pat Garrett, Terry Garrett and Steve Garrett; sisters, Dawn Reed and Debbie Garrett; many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Erma Lee Garrett and Cecil Thomas Garrett; and brother, Mike Garrett and Charlie Rhoades.

Family will have a Celebration of life at Shirley’s house from 2:00-4:00PM on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Family and friends are welcome to come.

04/29/2026

Patricia Ann Voelker, 85, of Lexington, South Carolina passed away April 28, 2026. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Patricia grew up in Florida where she was a graduate of Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Florida Technological University, now known as the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Patricia taught in elementary schools in Florida for many years before changing careers and working as a pastor for Metropolitan Community Churches, serving primarily in South Carolina. She returned to teaching in South Carolina prior to her retirement. However, Patricia did not stop educating and helping her community. She became an avid birdwatcher and led monthly bird walks at Saluda Shoals Park to spread her joy of birdwatching to people of all ages. She recorded books to tape for the local library system to give more options to readers and returned to elementary school classrooms as a volunteer.
Patricia is predeceased by her parents Jack and Sue Mixon; sister Betty Watson; son-in-law Elroy McConnell Jr.; step grandsons Elroy McConnell III and Nathan McConnell; and grandson Kelly McConnell. Patricia is survived by her daughter Amy Voelker; nieces Ginger Brengle and Rebecca Watson; and nephew Chip Watson.
Patricia requested that any donations be made to MADD South Carolina 421 Mission Court Irmo, SC 29063 phone 803-748-7333 or online https://madd.org/south-carolina

04/29/2026

Merry Christine Bogrees Young (79), of Lexington, SC, passed away peacefully at her home on April 26, 2026.

Born on December 22, 1946, in Selma, Alabama, she was the daughter of Mary (Milling) Bogrees and Thomas Bogrees. She graduated from Parrish High School, Class of 1964. She cherished her role as a full-time mother before teaching and serving as Director of St. Paul’s Little Friends School for 13 years. She also enjoyed teaching sewing classes, especially smocking and French hand sewing. Her passion for teaching brought her immense joy throughout her life.

Chris was raised in Fairview Baptist Church and later became an active member of Elkdale Baptist Church. She lived a life centered on love for her family and found great joy in going to the beach, birdwatching, and traveling. Her hobbies included sewing, reading, and painting, particularly ceramics and watercolor. She was known for her kindness, her love of others, and her ability to make even the smallest moments feel special.

Chris is survived by her daughters: Dawn (Michael) Cage and their children, Greyson, Grant, and Lane Cage; Hope (Shane) Sweatt and their children, Callie, Tate, John Pearson, and Wilson Sweatt; and Joy (Brian) Smith and their children, Savannah and Levi Smith.

She is also survived by her sister, JoAnn Radford; her niece, Faith Lewis and her family; and her nephew, Andy Crocker and his family.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; her parents; her sister, Nancy Crocker; her brother, Tommy Bogrees; and her nephew, Heitz Radford.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, May 1, at 11:00 AM at Northside Baptist Church, 4347 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington, SC 29072. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00 AM.

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."-Proverbs 31:31

Chris Young will be lovingly remembered by many. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that you honor Chris by performing an act of kindness in her memory.

04/28/2026

Bernhard Norbert Bates (“Bernie”), 73, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and quiet strength. Born on December 28, 1952, in Würzburg, Germany, Bernie spent his childhood and early adult years in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he was raised and shaped by the values that guided him throughout his life.

In 1975, Bernie made Columbia, South Carolina, his home—a place where he would build a meaningful career, lasting friendships, and a life filled with purpose. A self taught artist, Bernie saw the world through a creative lens, expressing himself through his artwork and finding joy in the process of making something beautiful with his own hands.

Bernie graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1982 with an Associate Degree in Nursing. His career reflected his deep compassion for others, as he served in a variety of healthcare settings including Lexington Medical Center, Charter Rivers, the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, the South Carolina State Hospital, and ultimately the South Carolina Department of Corrections, where he retired from nursing. His work touched countless lives, and he was known for his steady presence and genuine care for the people he served.

Bernie had a special love for pets, especially his Great Danes. Barnabas, Paris, and Sargent Major were his loyal companions for the last seven years and a constant source of joy. His dedication to animals was well known to all who spent time with him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Hannelore Bates, and his father, James Bates. He is survived by his sister, Joyce Bates of Lexington, South Carolina, and his brother, Preston Bates of Jacksonville, Florida. Bernie also leaves behind three nephews: Eric Snead of Hobbs, New Mexico; Adam Bates of Atlanta, Georgia; and Samuel Bates of Jacksonville, Florida. All of their extended families loved him dearly, as well as his many friends.

Bernie will be remembered for his kindness, his artistic soul, his devotion to his work, and the quiet but meaningful ways he enriched the lives of those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love at:
https://birdeye.cx/n508g5
Please go to the bottom of the page for the link to donate.

04/25/2026

Lorena Faye (Lewis) Fowler, 85, of Cayce, passed away on April 24th, 2026 following a brief illness. Born in Loris, SC, Lorena was the daughter of the late Tally Seward and Eula May Lewis. She was a graduate of Loris High School, class of 1958. She married the love of her life, Brad, in 1961 and they enjoyed over 66 years together before he passed away in May of 2024.

In addition to raising her own two children, Lorena invested years of her life in child development. She served as the child care director at both Grace Baptist Church and Bethany Baptist Church before starting her own in home child care service. Lorena was kind, compassionate and nurturing which allowed her to impact dozens of children in her care. She was very involved in her home church, Gantt Street Baptist Church and actively participated in other local ministries across the Columbia area.

Lorena is survived by her son, Randal “Randy” Fowler (Jeanne); daughter, Melonie Lance (Stephen); grandchildren, Hayden Freiburger (Ben), Carter Reed (Hunter), Kalen Lance, Emma Fowler, and Dylan Fowler (Lexi); great-grandson Lucas Fowler: She is predeceased by her sisters Virgil Richardson and Ethel Lee Elmore.

The family will receive visitors at Thompson Funeral Home at 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC at 1:00 pm on Monday, April 27th, 2026. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm in the chapel. A graveside burial service will be held at Southland Memorial Gardens located at 700 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, immediately following the service.

04/23/2026

Tina Jones West, 65, of West Columbia, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at her home.

Tina was born June 30, 1960 to Kimble Ward Jr and Romell Thompson Jones.

She retired from AT&T after a 30 year career filling many different positions in Columbia.

She will be remembered for her fun loving personality, her love of crafting and huge love of her cats.

Tina was predeceased by her parents, brother Randy and nephews Patrick and Josh Jones. She is survived by her sister in law Patricia Haile Jones and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Her friends Edy Spears and Genia Porch lovingly cared for Tina and we thank them so much.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday April 30 at 2pm at the gazebo located at Woodbridge Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 138 Corley Mill Rd, Lexington, SC.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Tina's name to a cat rescue or charity of your choice.

04/22/2026

Kerston Turner Sallings was born on September 9, 1985, in Marion County, South Carolina. He woke up in GOD’s arms on April 17, 2026, after a very long illness.

Kerston loved his family, the deaf community (extension of his family), his work, and sarcasm. He loved his family and was always ready to back up anyone needing help in whatever way necessary. He was the type of ride or die everyone knew they needed once they met him. He was the best friend you knew you wanted to be and was thankful Kerston was there to be it for you. Kerston would go to battle for you, if he felt he could make it better (which he always felt he could make everything better). Kerston also had a funny remark or comeback when he thought he needed to lighten the mood or he wanted to tell how wrong you were but didn’t want to offend. Kerston would always say something sarcastic. We really think sarcasm was his love language.

Kerston had a beautiful soul that loved everyone. He loved Christmas and spoiling his favorite people. He loved his family and friends. He loved spending time on triple dates with the Cribb’s and the Lunciano’s. He loved spending time with his 2 beautiful nieces playing games, going to the zoo or movies, or just spoiling them. Kerston loved spending time with his brother in law/sister in law, the Lock/Smith families, and he especially loved Sunday dinners with his mom, husband, brother and step dad. He was always the person you could call to ask questions or vent to; however, one of his favorite pastimes was setting everyone straight when he believed they were wrong. Most of all, he loved to make everyone laugh. Even during his multiple stays in the hospital, he would always be the person whose room was full of nurses. They instantly fell in love him, his bright smile, and, especially, his jokes would make his stay and the nurses jobs a little brighter and easier. He kept them laughing…and he never hesitated to tell them how to do something correctly, in Kerston’s typical fashion. His departure from this earth has left a very big hole in his family’s world. He will be missed every day, every minute, and every second until we can see him again.

Kerston fulfilled a lifelong dream by setting up Authentic ASL Interpreting, LLC. The business and his remarkable team remained a passion he lived daily. His mission in life was to make a difference in the Deaf community and fight for their rights. The deaf community was his second family.

Kerston left behind his husband, Clinton Sallings; his mother, Renee T. (Jeffrey) Copeland; his brothers - Jeremy (Denise) Nealy, Derek J. Turner; sister, Allison R. Baker; his children - Logan, Jacob, and Emma; father, Doug (Via) Brown; aunt, Gail (Gene) Martin; nieces - Allie, Jenny, Elizabeth, Abbie, Emery, Chloe; nephew, Teddy; paternal grandmother, Eloise G. Brown.

Proceeded in death were his maternal grandmother, Jewel P. Elvis Turner; grandfathers - Johnny P. Turner and C. Larry Brown; aunts - Susan T. Caulder and Karen A. Brown; and uncle, Danny Kaye Perritt.

04/15/2026

Harold Richard “Rick” Davis, 78, of West Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 11, 2026.
Rick was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on March 18, 1948, to the late Harold Henry Davis and Marie Austin Davis. Rick grew up in Orangeburg and attended Orangeburg High School where he met Julia, his high school sweetheart and future wife.
He attended Clemson University where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Systems Engineering and became a Professional Engineer in South Carolina. Rick worked for engineering and environmental services firms in South Carolina for over thirty years. His work was instrumental in ensuring environmental protection for South Carolina’s Lowcountry through proper wastewater collection and treatment, waste disposal, and design of coastal developments in sensitive ecological areas. Rick’s work only reinforced his childhood appreciation of South Carolina’s landscapes, from the swamps of the Edisto where he played and hunted as a child, to the foothills of the Upstate at Clemson and the tidal marshes of the coast.
In his early years, Rick enjoyed shooting and hunting with his cousins and became a movie buff after working at movie theaters in Orangeburg as a teenager. This passion followed him into adulthood when he often watched Turner Classic Movies late into the night. In college, he gained a similar passion for playing cards and was known to play bridge with his hallmates for hours on end. Rick passed on his love of golf to his son Hal, including trips to the Ryder Cup and The Masters. Together with Julia, Rick was a fervent follower of the Clemson Tigers, attending many games, Clemson Club meetings, and IPTAY gatherings to support the Tigers.
In retirement, Rick was a doting father-in-law and grandparent who with Julia enjoyed visiting his son Hal’s family, Anna, Ella, and Maggie. Trips with “the girls” to Disney World, Miami for the Orange Bowl, The Dominican Republic, Folly Beach, and Hilton Head made lasting memories.
He kept his spirits high through three years of intense testing and treatment for declining lung health, involving MAC lung disease, fibrocavitary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. The family is especially grateful for the personal care and empathy of Dr. Addie B. Spier of MUSC, the Lexington Medical Center Intensive Care Unit nurses and respiratory therapists, and DayBreak Adult Care Services.
Rick is survived by his wife of more than 56 years, Julia Jackson Davis, his son, Harold “Hal” Richard Davis, Jr. (Anna), and his granddaughters, Ella and Maggie, of Decatur, Georgia. Rick is also pre-deceased by his beloved grey snowshoe cat Kidd, who never left this lap.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, at 12:30 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm, both at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC. Donations in memoriam to support research and patient care for nontuberculous Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) may be made to the MUSC Foundation (fundraise.musc.edu) by directing funds to “Other” and specifying “9386 - NTM Education, Research & Patient Care”.

04/13/2026

Thomas Leon “Tom” Graves was born on September 19, 1937, in Hereford, Texas. He was the sixth of nine children. He had three older brothers, Bill, Bob, and John; two sisters, Patricia and Pansy; and three younger brothers, Haskell, Jim, and Alvin. His parents were Robert L. Graves and Delphia Ann Hamiter Graves.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brothers Bill, Bob, John, Haskell, and Jim; his sisters Patricia and Pansy; his oldest son, Mark; and his granddaughter, Rachel.

Surviving is his wife, Margaret, and his younger brother, Alvin (“Al”) of Fresno, California. He is also survived by five children, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Tom’s early years were spent in Texas, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and California. In October 1955, he entered the United States Air Force. After completing basic training, he served at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana; Bitburg Air Base in Germany; Castle Air Force Base in California; Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska; and Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina, where he retired after 24 years and 8 months of dedicated military service.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, South Carolina. Visitation for family and friends will be held at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tom’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Following the service, burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, South Carolina, where Tom will be laid to rest with full military honors.

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04/10/2026

It’s with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Bubba Thomas, a devoted father, son, husband, and friend who left his heart behind on April 7, 2026. He was born in Columbia, SC and raised in a loving home in Cayce, SC. He was a graduate of B.C. High School.

Bubba was an extremely hard-working man and the proud owner of Thomas Construction Land Clearing and Hauling that he started in 1988. He loved to hunt and fish. He also loved John Deer, NASCAR (Dale Earnheart, Sr.), and most of all, South Carolina Gamecocks. He also loved spending time with his friends at Carolina Wings in Cayce.

He was a loving, devoted father to Heather and Michael and to his grandson Landon and granddog Ekko. His legacy, strength and profound sense of love will remain with them forever and they can only hope heaven is just as beautiful as the life he gave them.

Bubba is survived by his two children Heather Thomas Smoak and Michael Thomas, grandson Landon Smoak, granddog Ekko, his loving wife and best friend Suzie Thomas, sister Jackie Lineman (Larry) and nephew Andy Kirton.

Bubba was preceded by his parents Sonny and Betty Thomas, sister Diane Thomas Jeffcoat, and grandparents Clyde and Nelly Kelly.

You may be gone from our sight but will forever remain in our hearts.

Pallbearers for the service are Michael Thomas, Lorenzo Ward, Alex Inabinette, Larry Harrington, Mike Satterfield, Scott Hamm, Donnie Driggers, Sidney Ellison. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Jeffcoat, Pervis Hutto, Mitch Hook, and Durhamn Tager.

04/08/2026

Rebecca Ann Lowe, 70, entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Born in Columbia, SC, she was the daughter of the late Rebecca Stevens Cornwell and the late Thomas Cornwell.
She is predeceased by her brothers, Edward and Russell Cornwell.
Rebecca (Ms. Becky) owned and operated a childcare center for many years, where she loved and nurtured a countless number of children entrusted into her care. She will be remembered for her vivacious personality, her love of simple and beautiful things, her resilience, her strong faith, and her immense love for her family.
Her greatest joy was her children and her grandchildren. She was a devoted mom and mima whose love knew no bounds. The memories we all shared will be a treasure always.
She is survived by her dedicated and loving husband of 28 years, Ted Lowe; her children, Chris Moody and Amanda Gordon (Elliot); bonus daughter, Anna Lowe; grandchildren, Justin, Dylan, Erica, and Cassidy; and bonus grandchildren, Kayla, Matthew, and Isabella.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt and sincere gratitude to Prisma Hospice, especially Nurse Kelly and Caregiver Paula for providing her care with such love and compassion.