Cox-Collins Funeral Home

10/19/2025

Jackie M. Collins
Mrs. Jackie M. Collins, 67, widow of Robert Hugh Collins, Jr., of the Gapway Community of Mullins, passed away peacefully with her loving son, Sammy, by her side, during the mid-afternoon of Friday, October 17, 2025, at her residence.
Ms. Jackie was the daughter of the late James Woodrow “Buck” Hooks and the late Marion Joratha “Jo” Stevens Hooks. She was born on November 5, 1957, in Marion County, South Carolina. Jackie spent most of her life in between Mullins and Marion. She went to school, raised a family and worked within the community. She was a dedicated worker with the Hospital System, working from 1977 on through to 2023, where she finally retired with the MUSC-Marion Medical Center following 46 years of service. She made many friends and acquaintances during her time with the hospital that she cherished dearly. She loved her family, her late husband Robert Hugh and her devoted son, Sammy, she made sure they knew she loved them and cared for them. Jackie had a special hobby that she loved and shared with others. She enjoyed cross stitching, and with it, she loved to cross stitch Family Trees, which she would research, create it and then share it with other family members. Jackie will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Jackie is survived by her son of the home, Sammy Neil Collins of Mullins, along with many extended family members and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her brother, James Stevie Hooks.
Services for Jackie will be held at a later date; however, the family will receive friends at the home in Gapway.
A guestbook for Ms. Jackie is available on our website, and our Facebook wall is open for friends to leave kind words for the family during this difficult time.

10/06/2025

Brenda Ard McDonald

Brenda Ard McDonald, age 84, of Mullins, SC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and cherished memories. Born on December 19, 1940, Brenda was the daughter of William “WD” Dey and Bertha May Ard of Mullins. She lived a life marked by strength and grace—resilient, kind, and devoted to those she loved.
Brenda found joy in the simple pleasures—playing cards with family and friends, feeling the wind in her hair on Harley rides, diamond art, and soaking up the sun during beach trips in her younger years.
Most of all, Brenda treasured the time spent with her loving husband, Dan, and cherished sister, LaTrelle Jackson, brother-in-law Earl and their family: Andy Jackson (April Purvis) and Drew, Zach and Reagan. Whether gathered around the card table, sharing holiday meals, or diving into lively discussions, their bond brought joy and laughter to everyone around them. Brenda also held a deep affection for her Aunt Jacquie Stewart of Florence, SC, whose wisdom, warmth, and unwavering support were a cherished part of her life.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents and devoted daughter, Kimberly Sue Thomas of Mullins, SC and brother-n-law Mel Goodner of New Mexico.
Surviving is her beloved husband Daniel McDonald whom she married March 10, 1989; sister LaTrelle Jackson (Earle) of Florence; stepson Warren McDonald (Valerie) of Jamestown, NY; stepdaughter Reba Constable (Billy) of Frewsburg, NY; grandchildren Shawn and Nathan McDonald, and Fawn, Raysha, Braxin, and Zeva Constable; great grandchildren Olivia and Grayson Fellows. She is also survived by her sisters-in-laws Sherry Goodner and Lori Laughlin (John); brother-in-law Gary McDonald (Susan), and many other loving family members and friends who will carry forward her memory with deep affection.
Friends and family are invited to a graveside service to honor Brenda’s life which will be held at Cedardale Cemetery on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House of Florence, SC, in recognition of the compassionate care they provide and in honor of Brenda’s lifelong values.
Her legacy lives on in the laughter around the card table, the freedom of the open road, the beauty she embraced, and the memories that will forever warm our hearts.

10/03/2025

Funeral services for Ms. Katie Lucille Sawyer 10/3/25 Little Bethel Baptist Church

09/30/2025

Katie Lucille Sawyer

Katie Lucille Sawyer, age 90, of Marion, SC, passed away peacefully at 1 am on September 30 at McLeod Hospice Care in Florence. Born on September 24, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Rupert Bissell Sawyer Sr. and Katie Lucille Martin Sawyer.
Lucille had retired after years of serving at the Mullins Hospital to care for her aging father after the death of his second wife, Myrtle Rogers Sawyer. Lucille also worked with Baxley’s Hardware in Marion over the years as well. She loved her family, her church and, most of all, her heavenly Father.
She is survived by her cousins Becky Collins of Marion; Sally Kate Joye of Austin, TX; Robert Bell of Mullins; step-sisters Mary Ruth Lambert and step sister-in-law Dianne Gasque; niece, Kathy Brown (Jimmy) of Marion; Roy Cooper (Dirce) of Jackson, TN; Terry Ammons (Janet) of Mullins; Randy Sawyer of Marion; Fran Brown (Glenn); Charles Lambert (Cheryl ); Betty Wallace (Charles); and William Gasque (Stephanie) along with a precious extended family of great and great-great nieces and nephews. She especially enjoyed the company of great nieces Mandi Berry (Derrick) and April Traquina (Sam) and her great great nieces Katie Rockhill, Belle Rockhill and Lily Berry.
Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Rupert B. Sawyer Jr. (Buddy) and her sister, Della Sawyer Cooper, along with several stepbrothers and stepsisters.
Funeral services will be held at the Little Bethel Baptist Church on Friday, October 3 at 2 pm with Roy Cooper officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 1 pm to 2 pm. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering of the Little Bethel Baptist Church, 3811 Bluff Rd, Mullins, SC 29574.
The family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude for the long-term care provided to “Aunt Lucy” by Kathy and Jimmy Brown and the team of part-time caretakers who helped meet her needs during the last years of her life. We also want to express our deep appreciation to the staff at McLeod Hospice Care for their compassionate care during her last days on earth.

09/26/2025

Khalea Frances Bell
Our precious daughter, Khalea Frances Bell, was born on September 10th, 2025, and entered into eternal rest on September 24th, 2025, at just two weeks old. Though her time with us was brief, she filled our hearts with immeasurable love and joy.
She was a beautiful gift; a perfect soul whose presence touched the lives of everyone who met her. In her short days here, she brought light, hope, and a love that will remain with us forever.
Khalea is deeply loved and will be forever remembered by her parents, Bradley and Christine Bell; her doggy/cat brothers and sisters; her grandparents, Glenn and Deana Everett and Jeannie Mae Bell; her Aunts Amber Everett, Katrina Bell Mosley and Marshelia Daniels, her Uncle Austin Everett and Brandon Bell, and her cousin Lucas Everett, and many other family members and friends who longed for more time with her.
A private service will be held to honor her life and the love she brought to our family.
Though our arms ache for her, we find comfort knowing she is at peace and held in the embrace of love everlasting. Her tiny footprints will remain forever on our hearts.

09/24/2025

Robert Benjamin Brown
Mr. Robert Benjamin Brown, 74, husband of Vickie Poston Brown, of Marion, entered eternal peace during the morning of Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at McLeod Reginal Medical Center of Florence, with his family at his bedside.
Robert was born in Marion County, South Carolina, on April 7, 1951, to the late Howard Franklin Brown and the late Eva Mae Cox Brown. Robert retired as an Upholsterer with La-Z-Boy in Florence following 30 years of dedicated service. Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. They say Robert never met a stranger and loved to talk. He was a true definition of a hard-working man that was loving and devoted to his family and friends. And nothing came between Robert and his grandchildren, they were his world, and he spent every chance he had with them. Robert was a man of Christ and attended of Mullins-Marion Freewill Baptist Church. He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched.
Robert is survived by his wife of the home, Vickie Poston Brown, of Marion; his son, Robert Kevin Brown and his wife, Casey, of Pamplico; his two daughters: Tabitha Dianne Elliott and her husband, Mark, of Lake View and Amy Kay Arnette and her husband, Brandon, of Latta; his grandchildren: Loganne Elliott, Gavin Elliott, Braeden Arnette, Kalynn Arnette, and Ethan Arnette; his brothers and sisters: Ann Turbeville, Franklin Brown, Dianne Shelley, Timmy Brown, Terry Brown, James Lewis, and Gail Williams, along with several nieces and nephews, and close friends.
Robert was predeceased by his sister, Frances Brown Flowers.
The family will receive friends and well-wishers, Saturday, September 27, from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary of Mullins-Marion Freewill Baptist Church.
Mr. Robert’s service will follow at 2:00 P.M. in the sanctuary, with the Reverend Thad Jacobs officiating. Mr. Brown will be laid to rest in Devotion Gardens Cemetery at the conclusion of his service.

09/24/2025

Dale Lester Collins, Sr.
Mr. Dale Lester Collins, Sr., 92, of Mullins, entered eternal rest during the early morning of Wednesday, September 24, 2025, following a steady period of declining health, at his home with his loved ones by his side.
Mr. Dale was born on February 7, 1933, in Marion County, South Carolina, a son of the late Troy Lester Collins and the late Eva Mae Blanton Collins. Dale was a 1955 graduate of Clemson College. He served his Country with the United States Army, where he served as a Military Police Officer. Following college and his military service, Dale entered the workforce with Nationwide Insurance Company, where he finally retired after 23 years in the insurance business. Mr. Dale enjoyed traveling, visiting different places and meeting new people; he especially enjoyed traveling via cruises, taking in different ports of interests and locales. He held a passion for hunting, whether deer, ducks, or doves, he hunted them all, which also led to his love of guns, and the collecting of different and unique fi****ms, which he was proud of. Dale loved his Lord and was a member of Gapway Baptist Church.
Dale is survived by his grandchildren: Nichole King Black (Richard), Justin Mark King (Ashley), and Chance Derick Mincey; his daughter-in-law, Angela Pridgen Duncan, Stepdaughter, Katrina Cranford (Todd); and his great grandchildren: Jacob Walker Black, Caitlyn Ashley Black, Bailey Nichole Black, Carter Austin Black, Nash Collins King, and Caidence Nicole Johnson; and a special friend, Shane Emerson.
Mr. Dale was predeceased by his son, Dale Lester “Les” Collins, Jr., his daughter, Debbie Collins King, a grandson, Christopher Lance Collins, and a sister, Polly Collins Horger.
The family will receive friends at Dale’s home, 4859 Bluff Rd., Mullins, Thursday evening, September 25, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M., for those that want to have a laugh and share memories of Dale.
No services are planned currently, and Cox-Collins Funeral Home is assisting the family with Mr. Dale’s arrangements.
A guestbook for Mr. Collins is available on our website or you may post to our page.

09/24/2025

Jack Snipes
Mr. Jack Snipes, 91, husband of Peggy Merritt Snipes, of Mullins, gained his new body during the late evening of Tuesday, September 23, 2025, passing peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Jack was born in Marion County, South Carolina on September 14, 1934, a son of the late Eugene Snipes and the late Lular Martin Snipes. Jack grew up in and around the Gapway community of Marion County, where he worked, lived and raised a family. Jack was the Owner and Operator (retired) of Sandy Bluff Sand Company, where his family said Jack was affectionately known as the “Sandman”. Jack married Peggy on July 7th, 1955. They spent 70 years loving each other, raising three daughters and spoiling a truckload of grandchildren & great grandchildren. His family was his pride and joy. When Jack had time, and living so close to the Little P*e Dee River, he loved to fish whenever he could and in doing so knew where all the good fishing holes were located. Camping was another pastime of his, spending time outside around a campfire whether locally or traveling to different campsites, his favorite being the Great Smoky Mountains. Mr. Jack also enjoyed playing Bluegrass music. He could play multiple instruments by ear. He never had any lessons. Jack attended Gapway Baptist Church for most of his life and loved his church family as his own.
Surviving Jack in addition to his loving wife of 70 years and of the home, Peggy Merritt Snipes, of Mullins, are his beloved daughters: Cindy McIntosh of Marion, Susan Smith and her husband, George, of Mullins and Connie Edwards of Mullins; his adoring grandchildren: Amanda Haselden (Johnny Batten), Robbie McIntosh (Braedyn Scott), Hannah Gerrald (Brandon), Callie Smith (Shane Squires), Dustin Edwards (Jackie Hertel), and Alyx Bacot (Cody); his great grandbabies: Luke McIntosh, Dylan Gerrald, Harper Gerrald, Griffin Squires, Davalynn Rogers, and Lily Kate Bacot; his sisters and brother, Irene Small, Teny Snipes, and Maxine Small; and faithful fur baby, Bear.
Mr. Snipes was preceded in death by a brother, Lois Snipes, and a sons-in-law, Rusty Edwards and Randy McIntosh.
The family will receive friends Thursday, September 25, from 3:00 until 4:00 P.M. at Gapway Baptist Church.
Mr. Snipes’ service will follow at 4:00 P.M. there in the sanctuary of Gapway Baptist, with Reverend Will Jones and Reverend Stephen D. Bailey officiating. Mr. Snipes will be laid to rest following the service, in Gapway Baptist Church Cemetery. Cox-Collins Funeral Home is assisting the family during this difficult period.
The family of Mr. Jack would like to extend a gracious “thank you,” to the staff of Agape Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Mr. Jack during their time together.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Snipes’ honor to Gapway Baptist Church, 2305 S. Highway 41, Mullins, SC 29574.

09/23/2025

George Evans Collins
Mr. George Evans Collins, 73, husband of Nancy Harrelson Collins, of Mullins, passed away during the evening of Monday, September 22, 2025, while at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, following a period of declining health following an illness.
Evans was born in Mullins, on November 10, 1951, a son of the late Robert Hugh “Bobby” Collins, Sr. and the late Magnolia Bullock Collins. Evans was raised and still lived in the Gapway community with his wife of 53 years, Nancy. Evans was a 1970 graduate of Mullins High School. Following high school Evans married Nancy, worked with Raytex and started a family. Following retirement from Raytex, Evans joined Anderson Brothers Bank, where he served as a bank courier for nearly 20 plus years. He was a proud father and grandfather of three. Evans had a quiet, calm demeanor and always had time to share a kind meaningful conversation with anyone he met. Evans held a strong Christian background he learned through his family and was a lifelong member of Gapway Baptist Church.
Evans is survived by his wife of the home, Nancy Harrelson Collins; his daughter, Summer Collins Lane and her husband, Michael, of North Myrtle Beach; his grandchildren: Zachary Evans Lane, Collins Haley Lane, and Carter Michael Lane; his two sisters, Alice Ruth Owens and her husband, Jimmy, of Mullins, and Beth Brown and her husband, Danny, of Chuckey, TN; and several nieces and nephews.
Evans was predeceased by his brother, Robert Hugh Collins, Jr.
A private family memorial service will be held at Red Hill Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, with Cox-Collins Funeral Home assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gapway Baptist Church, 2305 S. Highway 41, Mullins, SC 29574.

09/23/2025

Martha B. Brown
Martha B. Brown, age 102, of Mullins, SC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21 at Mullins Nursing Center. Born on November 19, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Mack Brown and Mattie Virginia Hatchell Brown.
Martha had a love for NASCAR, always cheering for her favorite drivers, and she enjoyed watching the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. She retired after many years of service as a switchboard operator at Marion County Medical Center. A woman of strong faith, she was the oldest living member of Gapway Baptist Church.
She is survived by her niece, Judy Ragan of Florence, SC; nephews, Tim Brown (Ophelia) of Columbia, SC, Donald Brown (Mickey) of Darlington, SC, and Randy Brown (Susan) of Georgetown, SC; along with a large and loving extended family of great and great-great nieces and nephews who cherished her dearly. Martha was preceded in death by her three brothers and six sisters.
Graveside services will be held at Red Hill Memorial Gardens on Thursday, September 25 at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Steve Bailey officiating. Visitation will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the WMU program of Gapway Baptist Church. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mullins Nursing Center for their compassionate and devoted care.

09/17/2025

09/14/2025

Alice Faye Lewis Bryant
With heavy hearts the family of Mrs. Alice Faye Lewis, 79, share her passing due to an extended illness, during the early afternoon of Friday, September 12, 2025, at her residence in Mullins, with her family by her bedside.
Ms. Alice Faye was born on September 7, 1946, in Mullins, South Carolina, the daughter of the late John H. Lewis and the late Lannie Henderson Lewis. Mrs. Brayant was a loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother and sister who loved her family dearly, always making sure she put them above her own self. From meals, life lessons and morals, Alice Faye made sure her family was in order. Whether being there for her children or spoiling her grandbabies and great grandbabies, they knew she loved them and will be sadly miss her for that. Mrs. Bryant worked in Housekeeping at MUSC Marion Medical Center until her health became a concern. During those times following, her family shouldered the heavy burdens for Ms. Alice Faye and took care of her the way she always did for them. Mrs. Bryant enjoyed watching television, especially her favorite show, Gunsmoke. She loved her Lord and her Bible and was of the Baptist Faith.
In addition to her husband of the home, Allen Bryant, Mrs. Bryant is survived by her daughter, Glenda (Henry) Bryant of Marion; her grandchildren: Melissa (James) Joyce and Eric Bryant (Debora Matthews and her son, Bentley Matthews) her step-son, Kenneth Ray Bryant; her stepdaughter, Sandra Bryant; her great grandchildren: Lindsey Garner, Evander Garner, Victoria Joyce, and Gregory Joyce; her step-grandchildren: Alex Joyce, Savannah Joyce, and Nick Joyce; her step-great grandchildren: Raylee Bryant, Kayla Bryant, Jordan Bryant, Logan Rogers, Aurora Oldfield, and Tegan Oldfield; and her brother, W.L. Lewis of Mullins.
Ms. Alice Faye was predeceased by a brother, Boyd Lee “Buddy” Lewis (Josephine), a sister, Eloise Alford, and a step-grandson, Christopher Bryant.
The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, September 16, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Cox-Collins Funeral Home.
A graveside service for Mrs. Bryant will be held Wednesday afternoon, September 17, at 3:00 P.M. in the Wildwood Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Reverend Jack Strickland officiating, directed by Cox-Collins Funeral Home.