Cox-Collins Funeral Home

12/20/2025

Paula Lynn Caulder Coleman
Mrs. Paula Lynn Caulder Coleman, 62, of Mullins, passed away under the care of McLeod Hospice House in Florence, following a courageous battle with an illness, during the afternoon of Friday, December 19, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Paula, a loving mother, sister and friends to many, was born on June 10, 1963, a daughter of the late Clyde Caulder and the late Margaret Yarborough Caulder. Paula grew up in and around the Marion County community of South Carolina, where she went to school, made friends, earned a living and raised a family. Paula had worked at Gore’s Seafood Restaurant in Marion, Wee Care Daycare, and was an office assistant for Sweat Brothers Tree Company for a short span while she resided in Norfolk, Virginia. Paula absolutely loved spending time with friends and family, from sharing jokes and meals to holidays and celebrations, she loved and treasured it all. Paula loved music, especially listening to it live. She also enjoyed riding horses. Taking in both the sunshine and fresh air riding trails back through the countryside. Paula will be deeply missed by everyone whose life she touched with her kindness and laughter.
Paula is survived by her son, Thomas (Jay Graham) Coleman of Norfolk, Virginia; her daughter, Ashley (Holly Bailey) Coleman of Sellers, SC; her sister, Dianne (Mike) Martin of Mullins; her life partner, William Edwards of Dillon; special uncle, Laverne Yarborough of Florence; and several special chosen family members and friends across the country.
Paula was predeceased by two sisters, Doris Ann Caulder and Wanda Faye Cook.
Paula’s family will receive friends Monday evening, December 22, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Cox-Collins Funeral Home in Mullins.
A funeral service for Mrs. Coleman will be held Tuesday afternoon, December 23, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Cox-Collins Funeral Home. Paula will be buried, following the service, in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion, directed by Cox-Collins Funeral Home.

12/15/2025

Sarah Ann Blanton Porter
Sarah [Say-rah] Ann Blanton Porter, 39, the cherished daughter of Jeff and Bonnie Blanton, ascended to her heavenly home while surrounded by her loving family on December 14th, 2025, at the Medical University of South Carolina following an unexpected illness.
Born on December 30, 1985, in Marion, SC, Sarah dedicated her life to raising her beloved son and greatest joy, Tate. Sarah was known for the love she had for her family and the pride she had in being a farmer's daughter and the values that were instilled in her. Above all, nothing brought her greater joy than pouring her heart and soul into raising her only son, Tate.
Sarah’s favorite thing to do was spend quality time with her son and her mother – from fishing, to riding the golf cart, to going on various adventures together.
Sarah is survived by her cherished son, Tate, and his father, Brandon Porter; her parents, Jeff and Bonnie Blanton of Mullins, SC; sister, April Smallwood and her husband, Bobby, who Sarah loved like a brother, both of Mullins, SC; niece, Zoe Shelley, and her husband McKenzie of Mullins, SC; nephew Zane Smallwood, of Mullins, SC. She leaves behind her loyal friend, her golden doodle, Maggie. As well as a special little girl whom she loved like a daughter, Presley Anne Mounger.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Cleateous and Anne Blanton of Mullins, SC, John and Eulee Britt of Bayboro, SC and her uncle Dan Wesley Britt.
Sarah will be remembered for her sweet and loving spirit and the pride she took in being the best mom to her little boy. She made an impact on everyone who knew her and she will be deeply missed, especially by her family.
A memorial service for Sarah will be held at Mullins-Marion Free Will Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, at 1:00 PM with visitation immediately following.
A private burial will follow for immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mullins-Marion Christian School. 299 Drew Rd. Mullins, SC 29574.

12/15/2025

Ernest James “Jim” Drew
Ernest James “Jim” Drew, born September 29, 1948, in Marion, South Carolina, passed away early Saturday morning, December 13, 2025, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina, following an illness.
Jim was raised in Marion, where he attended school and built lifelong connections in the area. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Drew and Elsie Mae Alford Drew and by his beloved wife, Linda Collins Drew, whom he married in 1967. They shared 54 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2022.
Jim retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service with BellSouth/AT&T. Service was a defining part of Jim’s life. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, stationed in San Pedro, California, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Jim also devoted his time to mentoring and leadership, serving as a Boy Scout troop leader, where he shared his love for the outdoors. An accomplished pilot, he volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol, combining his passion for flying with service to others.
Above all, Jim’s greatest devotion was to his faith and his church, Mullins First Baptist Church. He served faithfully as a deacon and on numerous committees. In later years, he became the church’s audio-visual specialist, implementing systems that allowed church services to be broadcast and shared with a wider community.
Jim is survived by his son, James Burke Drew (Laura) of Holly Springs, North Carolina, and his grandson, Rowan Drew; his sister, Gwen Haigh of Elgin; brothers, John Drew of Mullins and Lonnie Drew (Vickie) of Moncure, NC; his brothers-in-law, Mike Collins (Faye) of Mullins and Steve Collins (Karen) of Florence; a special friend, Stewart Hickman of Greer, SC; along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, December 20, from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary of Mullins First Baptist Church.
A service remembering the life of Jim will follow at 1:00 P.M., with the Reverend Robbie Baxley officiating. The family will lay Jim to rest with a private family committal following the service. Cox-Collins Funeral Home of Mullins is assisting the family during this time.
Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers, to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, “In Memory of Ernest James ‘Jim’ Drew”, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.

12/14/2025

Calvin Coolidge Asbury, Jr.
Mr. Calvin Asbury, Jr, 78, passed away after a period of declining health on Friday, December 12th, 2025, while in the Mcleod Hospice House in Florence, SC, with his family at his bedside.
Calvin was born in Pounding Mill, Virginia, on March 9th, 1947, a son of the late Calvin C. Asbury and the late Hanna Gaynell Asbury. Calvin enjoyed many adventures with his cousins while growing up in Virginia and often shared those fond memories with his family (most of them humorous). After graduating high school, Calvin proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic specializing in C5’s. After his time in service, he eventually settled in Mullins, SC, and worked for many years at Mullins Hospital as the Maintenance/Housekeeping Director. Calvin’s last career move was as the Environmental Services Director at Covenant Towers in Myrtle Beach, SC, where he was loved by the residents and staff alike. He retired from Covenant Towers in 2008.
After retirement, Calvin and his wife, Hazel, became Master Gardeners and spent many hours together making their backyard a small oasis for everyone to enjoy. He also loved golfing with friends and hand crafting furniture from pallet wood to be sold at his booth at the Palmetto Peddler in Florence. He had a passion for model trains and spent countless hours in his “train room” designing and laying out the landscape for his trains.
Calvin is survived by his sister, Peggy Hess of Abington, VA, and several nieces and nephews along with his children: Jennifer Martin and her husband Stacy of North Charleston, Timothy Asbury of Mt. Pleasant, and Lisa Arnel and her husband Bruce of Marion; his grandchildren Aisha Lee, Keaton Shusta (Shane), Shelby Shusta, Alex Shusta, Sydney Asbury, Madison Arnel, Lindsey Arnel; and his great grandchildren Landen, Aubrey, Elijah, Liliana, Brooklyn and Harper. Calvin was predeceased by his beloved wife, Hazel Asbury, and his sister Nancy Eliswick, and brothers, Michael, Jim Ed and Charlie.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, December 16th at 2:00 P.M., at Red Hill Cemetery, 1932 Old Stage Road, Mullins, SC 29574, directed by Cox-Collins Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service there at the cemetery.
A viewing will be held by the family prior to the graveside from 1:30 until 2:00 P.M. at Red Hill Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, December 16th.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Calvin’s Centerwell therapists and nurses for the kindness and compassion shown during Calvin’s care along with the wonderful staff at the McLeod Hospice House.
In leu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Parkinsons Foundation where your gift will be matched (www.parkinson.org) or to the Marion County Friends & Volunteers Spay and Neuter Program, 1006 Myrtle Street, Mullins, SC 29574

12/11/2025

Virginia Louise Richardson
2 Timothy the 4ᵗʰ chapter 4–7
“I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my department is at hand. I have fought a good fight; I have kept the faith.”
Ms. Virginia Louise Richardson, the daughter of the late Porter and Bonnie Richardson. Departed this life on Sunday Morning at 2:30 A. M. on November 30th, 2025, at MUSC Florence Medical Center in Florence, SC.
Ms. Virginia was born in the Britton Neck Community of Marion County, on July 5ᵗʰ, 1941. A daughter to the late Porter and Bonnie Ezel Richardson Richardson. She was the fourth child of ten siblings. Virginia attended the public school in Marion County. She was a 1961 graduate of Palmetto High School in Mullins.
She was employed at So-Pack-Co for ten plus years. Virginia also worked at Marvel lamp, and Supreme Lighting, 25 plus years. Virginia was a faithful member at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church until her health began to fail.
Virginia was preceded her in death her parents Mr. & Mrs. Porter Richardson, three sisters, Susie Woodberry of Atlantic City, New Jersey, Debrah Ann Gerald of Rochester New York, and Earnestine Mildred Richardson of Mullins; two brothers, Williams Levern Richardson, and Joseph Richardson, and two nephews, of Mullins, South Carolina.
Virginia leaves to cherish sweet memories two sisters: Ruth Reaves, and her daughter Tanya, and Mary (Zelle) Johnson, both of Mullins, SC; her two brothers: Franklin Richardson of the home and Charlie Lee Richardson of Charlotte North Carolina; a special friend, Franklin Davis of Mullins; her adopted Sister, Henrietta Yates; two God Daughters Crystal Cooper and Margie Wright (Joan), her CNAs; caretakers; and one aunt. Dolly Joe Richardson of Anderson, South Carolina; a sister-in-law, Annie Mae Richardson of Mullins; a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews, other cousins, relatives, and friends.
The family will hold a homegoing celebration for Viginia on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Mullins, with the Reverend John Lewis officiating. The family will lay Ms. Richardson to rest in Red Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the service.
An Eastern Star Remembrance will be held for Ms. Virginia on Friday evening, December 12, at 4:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Cox-Collins Funeral Home.

12/06/2025

Victor R. Martin, Jr.
Mr. Victor Russell Martin, Jr., 66, husband of Tammy C. Martin, of Mullins, passed away following a period of declining health, during the late afternoon of Friday, December 5, 2025, under the loving care of McLeod Hospice House in Florence, with his family at his side.
Russell was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on February 28, 1959, a son of the late Victor Russell Martin, Sr. and the late Lillianne B. Martin. Soon after his birth, Russell and his family moved to Marion County, South Carolina, and settled in Mullins. Following graduation, Russell jumped right into the business field. Being a hard worker and dependable soul, Russell became a salesman with Industrial Solutions until he struck out on his own with his own business as owner and operator of Dixie Graphics here in Mullins, and with his loving wife Tammy, was co-owner and operator of Shari’s Mobile Home Park, where they have maintained it currently. Russell, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, loved his family, they meant the world to him, especially being able to spoil his grandson. In his downtime, Russell had an affection for his motorcycles, anytime there was a chance to hit the blacktop on two wheels you could count Russell in. And when he wasn’t cruising, he was on the fairway chasing golf balls in his spare time.
Russell is survived by his wife of the home, Tammy C. Martin of Mullins; his children: Ashley R. White and her husband Lance, of Nichols and Shelly Rowell-Millis and her husband Michael, of Carolina Beach, NC; his grandson, Mitchell Traywick White; his brother, Harry Martin and his wife Pam, of Florence; and several nieces and nephews.
Russell was predeceased by a sister, Barbara (Dennis) Johnson.
The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon, December 9, from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Cox-Collins Funeral Home.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Russell will follow at 2:00 P.M., with the Reverend Art Ramsey officiating.

The family wishes special thanks for the kindness and care of Russell to McLeod Hospice House and their wonderful in-house and traveling nurses. Also, all supportive staff.
Memorials may be made to Marion County Friends and Volunteers Spay and Neuter Program, 1006 Myrtle St., Mullins, SC 29574.

12/05/2025

Arica D. Richardson
Arica Danielle Richardson, 35, of Nichols, passed away following an incident with an automobile while working on it, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Conway.
Arica was born on December 30, 1989, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a daughter to Phillip Gowing and Kathy Richardson. Arica, along with her brothers and sisters, spent a great deal of time with her aunt and uncle, Dora and David Jackson. She grew up in the Nichols Community, attending and graduating from Green Sea-Floyds High School. Arica was an entrepreneur, running her own business that dealt with all sorts of trades, helping people around Horry County. Arica had a deep love for the beach and spent most of her time around the beach area where she recently lived. Arica loved her friends and loved hanging out sharing laughs and making memories that everyone will cherish. Arica was a loving mother, she cared deeply for her daughter, Nevaeh.
Arica is survived by her mother, Kathy Richardson; her sisters, Crisk C. Jackson and Bonnie Davis; her brothers, Daniel Gowing and Justin Brown; her daughter, Navaeh Rodriqez Richardson; her aunt and uncle, Dora and David Jackson; her maternal grandparents, Bill and Lucille Richardson; special friends: Amanda Mosser, Ashley Spencer and Stacey.
She was predeceased by her great grandparents, Trody and Thelma Jane Tyler.
A graveside service, with Rev. Thad Jacobs, will be held Saturday morning, December 6, at 11:00 A.M. in Red Hill Memorial Gardens in Mullins, directed by Cox-Collins Funeral Home.

12/02/2025

The family of Milton Laverne Collins (4/14/1958-5/5/2025), will hold memorial service on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in the Chapel of Cox-Collins Funeral Home, in remembrance and celebration of Milton’s life.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel followed by his service at 3:00 P.M., with Pastor Benjie Hutson officiating.
Mr. Collins will be interred following the chapel service in a private family committal at Red Hill Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

11/27/2025

From our families to yours have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving, sharing good tidings and love to you all.

11/22/2025

Mary Ellen Allen Wise
Mary Ellen Allen Wise, 93, passed away peacefully at her home on November 21, 2025. Born on May 17, 1932, in Aynor, South Carolina, she entered the world in the home of her late parents, Luther Enoch and Annie Viola Smith Allen, and spent her life filling the lives of others with warmth, beauty, and unwavering love.
She is survived by her sons, Gerald (Evita) Wise of Marion, SC, and Anthony Wise of Myrtle Beach; her beloved grandchildren: Stacy, Crystal, Blakely (Ryan), and Benton (Phoebe); and her great grandchildren: Anniston and Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents, her firstborn son Clinton Wise, Jr., and her siblings and in-laws Colin (Vienna) Hucks, Claude (Kathleen) Woodle, Hoyt L. (Beatrice) Hamilton, Avery (Doretha) Hinson, E. Nathan (Mildred Holmes Allen Prince) Allen, Luther Enoch (Ora Mae Johnson) Allen, Jr., and Lynn (Bernice McCrackin) Allen.
Mary Ellen raised her children in Marion, SC, and after retiring From Marion School District 1, returned to her native Horry County. A woman of steadfast faith, she was a member of Marion Baptist Church for more than forty years, where she taught Sunday School for over two decades before returning her membership to Salem Baptist Church. She was also a proud member of the Marion Order of the Eastern Star.
A lifelong educator, Mary Ellen touched the lives of students, many who continued to stay in touch with her long after their school days ended. Her influence stretched far beyond the classroom; she taught lessons of grace, diligence, and kindness simply by the way she lived.
To her family, though, she was so much more. Her yard and kitchen were her laboratories, and love was always her main ingredient. For more than 70 years, she transformed ordinary days into celebrations. Every Sunday felt like Thanksgiving, complete with cherished family recipes, puddings, pound cakes, and desserts that made everyone feel at home. Whether you were family or simply fortunate enough to sit at her table, you were welcomed with the warmth of true Southern hospitality.
She had an unmatched eye for beauty—whether nurturing a perfectly manicured lawn, setting a table worthy of a magazine, or cultivating relationships with the care of a seasoned gardener. She proved that beautiful things grow with time, patience, and devotion. Her fashion sense, quiet strength, twinkling eyes, and ever-present smile, with that special giggle, made her unforgettable. Tiny in stature but mighty in spirit, she lived life on her own terms: confident, loving, honest, and full of grace.
Her legacy is etched in the hearts of those she loved, taught, fed, and inspired. She will be deeply missed.
Graveside services will be held Sunday, November 23, at 2:00 P.M. at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, 4008 Salem Rd., Aynor, SC 29511.

11/19/2025

Jimmy W. Odom
Mr. Jimmy W. Odom, 86, widower of the late Lucille Odom, of Marion, passed away following a brief illness at his residence on November 18, 2025, in Marion.
Jimmy was the son of the late Hagood C. Odom and the late Leona Capps Odom. He was born on September 25, 1939, in Marion County. Jimmy is a graduate of Marion High School and attended Newberry College. Mr. Odom served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. Following the service Jimmy was gainfully employed with the city of Augusta, Georgia, where he retired following years of service as a Purchasing Agent for the city. Jimmy was a member of Tranquil Community Church, where he taught the Adult Sunday School Class.
Surviving Jimmy are his two nieces: Jonna Odom and Judy Wesley; and his nephew, Paul Odom.
Mr. Odom was predeceased by his parents, Hagood and Leona, his sister, Hazel O. Wesley, brother, Johnny F. Odom and a nephew, Randy D. Wesley.
The family will receive friends Saturday morning, November 22, from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. in the Fellowship Hall of Tranquil Community Church.
Mr. Odom’s graveside will follow there in the Church cemetery at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Grady Corder presiding, directed by Cox-Collins Funeral Home of Mullins.
Memorials for Jimmy may be made to Tranquil Community Church, 3602 Sand Hill Road, Mullins, South Carolina 29574.

11/11/2025