Dukes Harley Funeral Home and Crematory

01/25/2026

Thomas Barnhardt (Barney) Chase, Sr., 80, of White Oak, SC, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and family. Born on December 7, 1945, in Laurens, SC, to Charles Carroll Chase and Elizabeth Moore Chase, Barney lived a life full of warmth, adventure, and devotion to those he cherished.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Susan Phillips Chase, his parents, his sister Betty Moore Chase Cass, his brother Charles Carroll Chase II, and his nephew Jordan P. Chase and niece Chase Page.

He is survived by his fraternal twin brother Donly (Linda) Chase of Atlanta, GA; daughters Anna (Marc Melkerson) of Flowery Branch, GA, and Tara (Kevin Kirk) of Kingsport, TN; son Thomas (Tom) (Shannon) B. Chase Jr. of St. Matthews, SC; five granddaughters, Riley, Sarah, Hayley, Ashlyn, Jillian, two grandson's, Dayton Chase and Luke Currier, as well as three great-granddaughters.

Tom’s journey took him from Laurens, SC, to Myers Park in Charlotte, NC, Santiago, Chile, and eventually Chattanooga, TN, where he met his beloved Susan. A proud graduate of Tyner High School, Barney attended The Citadel for two years before earning his degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. His career began with the management program at Norfolk and Western Railway in Roanoke, VA. After the merger forming Norfolk Southern, he served as Assistant Superintendent and later Superintendent in Bellevue, OH, before becoming Director of Transportation and Planning in Atlanta, GA. Tom also worked with Union Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroad. Taking early retirement, he was able to purchase “The Farm” in White Oak, SC, a family homestead since the early 1900s.

A devoted father and avid golfer, Tom never met a stranger, touching countless lives with his kindness and generosity. Holding fast to the promise of eternal life in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his family finds comfort knowing he is now at peace with his Savior.

Tom will be deeply missed and forever loved by his children—Boogle, Goochie Moo-Doo, and Tom Jr.—and all who knew him.

Thomas Barnhardt Barney Chase, Sr., 80, of White Oak, SC, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and family. Born on December 7, 1945, in Laurens, SC, to Charles Carroll Chase and Elizabeth Moore Chase, Barney lived a life full of warmth, adventure, and devotion to those

01/22/2026

Thank you to all who came to celebrate and honor the life of retired Chief Larry Seckinger of the St Matthews Fire Department. Special thanks to all of the firefighters and first responders who were present to honor Chief Seckinger with the Firefighters Last Call. 🇺🇸

01/22/2026

Thank you to all who came to celebrate and honor the life of retired Chief Larry Seckinger of the St Matthews Fire Department. Special thanks to all of the firefighters and first responders who were present to honor Chief Seckinger with the Firefighters Last Call. 🇺🇸

01/21/2026

Richard "Ricky" Anthony Antley, 68, of the Canaan Community, passed away on January 20, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with A.L.S.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, January 23, 2026, at Canaan Baptist Church, with Pastor Robert Templeton and Pastor Phillip Proveaux officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. Ricky desired to be buried on the land that his great-great-grandfather had given to the church, where many members of his family are buried. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home. At other times, the family will receive friends at the home of Brooks and Heather Mount. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Stuart Antley, Brooks Mount, Connor Mount, Justan Wolfe, Dean Sanders, and Ralph Proctor. Honorary pallbearers are his brothers Allen Antley, Gene Antley, and Jerry Antley. Additional honorary pallbearers are Lamar Collins, Dukes Proctor, Tommy Bonnette, and the men of Cope Baptist Church. In honor of Ricky's passing, Antley's BBQ will be closed on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Ricky was born to James W. and Dorothy Myers Antley, being the youngest son out of four siblings. He graduated from Wade Hampton Academy in 1975. After graduating, he went to Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College in preparation for working at the American Koyo Corporation for a few years. In 1978, Ricky went to work at Mayer Industries and retired as a supervisor of final assembly after working for forty-one years. In 1977, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Hydrick, and were married for forty-eight and a half years. Ricky was a co-owner of Antley's Brother's BBQ and Duke's BBQ on Whitman Street.In his spare time, Ricky loved fishing, hunting, and gardening. Ricky was a member of Cope Baptist Church and loved his Lord. He served Him as a Sunday school director, Sunday school teacher, and a deacon. He was a mentor to many. In addition, he was a member of the Bair Dove Club and an avid life long S.C. Gamecock fan.

In addition to his wife, Janet H. Antley, Ricky is survived by his son, Stuart Antley (Courtney); daughter, Heather Mount (Brooks); three brothers, Allen Antley (Barbara), Gene Antley (Deborah), and Jerry Antley (Doris); five grandchildren, Connor Mount, Makenzie Mount, Hannah Antley, Alyssa Antley, and Caleb Antley; and two nephews, Kevin Antley (Laura) and Brad Antley (Hailey).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Cope Baptist Church, P.O. Box 84, Cope, SC 29038.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Ricky's caregivers; Kathy Garrick, Grove Park Hospice, Center Well Home Care, S.C. House Calls and Dr. Lamar Dawkins.

Richard Ricky Anthony Antley, 68, of the Canaan Community, passed away on January 20, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with A.L.S. Funeral services will be held at 200 pm, Friday, January 23, 2026, at Canaan Baptist Church, with Pastor Robert Templeton and Pastor Phillip Proveaux officiating. T...

01/17/2026

Larry Wayne Seckinger, 76, of St. Matthews, SC passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026 following an extended illness.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home and Crematory, 3379 Columbia Road Orangeburg, SC 29118. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Congaree Baptist Church, 299 Old Belleville Road Saint Matthews, SC 29135 with Pastor Dan Zeigler officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. Honored to serve as their Uncle Larry's pallbearers, are his nephews Brian Baltzegar, Larry Baltzegar, Austin Cope, Lawton Robinson, Randy Knight, and Joseph Yoakum. Honorary Pallbearers will be current and past members of St Matthews Fire Department and Calhoun County Fire Service.

Larry was born in Orangeburg, SC to the late Henry Wingard "Bill" and the late Mable Ray Seckinger. He was born into a close knit and loving family. He attended St Matthews schools and he graduated from St Matthews High School in 1967. Larry went on to Charleston and attended the United Electronics Institute where he graduated and became an electrician.

Larry began working at Carolina Eastman where he spent the next 32 years until his retirement in 2002. Larry then went on to work for Shealy Electrical Wholesale in Columbia, and finally South Carolina Department of Public Safety-Highway Patrol Fleet Shop where he retired from in 2014 following a decline in health.

Larry was a dedicated member and former Sunday School Teacher at Congaree Baptist Church in St Matthews. He joined the St Matthews Fire Department in 1974 and served faithfully as Firefighter and Fire Chief during his time of service. When he retired, he was made a Life Member and was very proud of that accomplishment.

Larry was a founding member of the Calhoun County Rescue Squad where he served as an EMT. Larry was very active in his children's schools, specifically Garden City Christian School where he served in the Booster Club and Boy's Baseball Coach for several years. Larry never hesitated to help those in need and truly had a servant's heart. To know him was to love him and he never met a stranger.

Larry married Catherine Diane Price of Orangeburg on February 13, 1971 at Garden City Baptist Church in Orangeburg. Larry and Cathy would have celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary this year.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, William Bruce Seckinger of the home, Patty Seckinger Connelley (Rhett) of Orangeburg, and Carla Seckinger Jordan of St Matthews; two sweet sisters, Billie Seckinger Knight of Hanahan and Carol Seckinger Avant of St Matthews. Larry had 4 grandchildren, Katie Connelley Fanning (Andy), Brice Connelley Parnell (Bryce), Elizabeth Madison Seckinger, and Lawton "Connor" Seckinger and his fiance Barry Lynn Lorick; and a great granddaughter, Blair Elaine Parnell, who is due to make her arrival in May. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews and very best friends HL and Kathy Feagin.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Grove Park Hospice, especially Kim Kelly who cared for him in his last days.

Memorials may be made to Congaree Baptist Church, 299 Old Belleville Rd St Matthews, SC 29135 or Dukes-Harley Funeral Home, 3379 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, SC 29118.

Larry Wayne Seckinger, 76, of St. Matthews, SC, passed away on January 16, 2026. He was the husband of Catherine Price Seckinger. Funeral services will be held at 200 pm, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Congaree Baptist Church in St. Matthews, SC, with Pastor Dan Zeigler officiating. The burial will

01/14/2026

Sandra Apgar D’Antonio, 77, of St. Matthews, SC, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 14, 2025.

The family will host a celebration of life service at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Gethsemane Baptist Church in St. Matthews, SC, with Rev. Henry Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Sandra was born in Orangeburg, SC, a daughter of the late Mr. Winton Shuler and Mrs. Edith Shuler. She was a graduate of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College where she received her business education. She retired from her position as a manager at JC Penny’s after 17 years of employment. Sandra was a life-long, dedicated member of Gethsemane Baptist Church and a loyal volunteer for Dazz of Orangeburg assisting young women in need. Sandra loved the Lord and her faith was strong. She also enjoyed flower gardening, making crafts and beaded jewelry, and trips to the beach to see what treasures she could find along the way.

Sandra is survived by her two children, Margie Rena Green and Kenneth Winton Apgar; grandchildren, Cherokee Green, LeiLani Green, Monroe Apgar, Waylon Apgar, Shuler Apgar, and Alyana Apgar; one great-grandchild; two siblings, Dwight Shuler (Barbara) and Jerry Shuler (Diane); and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by the father of her children, Glenn Apgar.

Memorials may be sent to Dazz-Orangeburg, 923 Chestnut Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115 and Gethsemane Baptist Church, 655 Hammond Cross Road, St. Matthews, SC 29135.

Sandra Apgar DAntonio, 77, of St. Matthews, SC, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 14, 2025. The family will host a celebration of life service at 100 pm, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Gethsemane Baptist Church in St. Matthews, SC, with Rev. Henry Cooper officiating. The

01/14/2026

‼️ Due to the weather, all service ‼️arrangements have been rescheduled. The visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home and Crematory, 3379 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, SC 29118. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 am at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Mary “Louise” Gray Smoak, 91, of Cordova, SC, and widow of Richard Dean Smoak, Sr., passed away on January 12, 2026 at Rolling Green Village in Greenville, SC following a period of declining health.

Louise graduated from Cope High School, received her undergraduate degree from Winthrop University and her masters degree from South Carolina State University. She was given the spiritual gift of teaching and after completing college, she began her lifelong career as a business teacher at Norway High School. She then taught at Denmark-Olar High School, Cope Area Vocational School and then spent the majority of her career at Edisto High School. She taught business for 37 years full time, then after retirement, she spent the next 24 years working as a substitute teacher and office assistant in the Edisto School District. Louise is remembered for being a dedicated, passionate teacher with the sole purpose of preparing her students to be the best version of themselves, recognizing their God given potential.
When Louise wasn’t teaching, she and Richard enjoyed planting and harvesting a huge vegetable garden that was enjoyed by many in the community. When not teaching, she probably was happiest in her flower beds of amaryllis, iris and yes, even weeds.

Louise was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Cordova for 70 years. She was a life long teacher of adult Sunday School and held various roles within the church. Whether it was business subjects, Sunday School lessons or Godly values and life lessons to her children and grandchildren, Lousie taught with purpose, passion, conviction and love.

In addition to her husband of 61 years, Louise was preceded in death by her parents, T. Woodrow Gray, Sr and Lizzie Mae Fogle Gray of Cordova, SC; brothers, Richard Gray of Slidell, LA, Tyrone Gray of Cordova, SC and an infant sister, Deborah Gray of Cordova, SC.

Left to cherish her memory are three children: Dean Smoak (Ellen) of Marion, SC, Terry (Rebecca) of Winston Salem, NC, and Deidre Nall (Doug) of Greer, SC; seven grandchildren; Jonathan Smoak (Kelly), Emily Knight (Jodie), Hayden Nall (Erin), Rolland Nall (Allison), Graham Nall, Elizabeth Smoak, Andrew Knight and four great grandchildren, Harrison Smoak, Emory Smoak, Theodore Nall and Abigail Nall. In addition, she is survived by a brother, T. Woodrow “Buck” Gray, Jr (Imogene), one sister, Janet Myers and three sister in laws, Doris Gray, Peggy Smoak and Maroma Smoak as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Louise was a teacher in life and death and as a final act of teaching, she decided to dedicate her earthly body to the USC School Of Medicine Body Donor Program, Columbia, SC with the hopes that she could be of assistance to medical students as they strive to serve citizens of South Carolina.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the health care team of Interim Hospice, Greenville, SC as well as the staff at Rolling Green Village, Greenville SC for their compassionate care to Louise in the final months of her life.

Memorials may be sent to Ebenezer Baptist Church, 3144 Cordova Road, Cordova, SC 29039, or the charity of one’s choice.

Mary Louise Gray Smoak, 91, of Cordova, SC, and widow of Richard Dean Smoak, Sr., passed away on January 12, 2026 at Rolling Green Village in Greenville, SC following a period of declining health. Louise graduated from Cope High School, received her undergraduate degree from Winthrop University and....

01/13/2026

🇺🇸 Kenneth Francis Kilgus, Sr., 78, of Orangeburg, SC, passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2026, following an extended illness, surrounded by the comfort of the place he loved most.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm, same day as the service at the funeral home. The burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Kyle Gallman, Brett Butler, Wade Hawkins, William Barrineau, Gray Barrineau, and Cam Barrineau.

Born in Rockville Centre, New York, Kenneth was the son of the late Gerda Braack Kilgus and the late Francis L. Kilgus of Bamberg. Known to family and friends as “Kenny,” he grew up in New York and graduated from Uniondale High School, Long Island NY in 1965.

Following graduation, Kenneth answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Army and served two tours in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. His bravery and dedication were recognized with him receiving the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. His commitment to service continued beyond the Army, as he also served in the United States Navy 1976-1978 on the USS Yosemite and the Army National Guard. Eventually, Kenneth made South Carolina his home, where he built a quiet, steady life centered on family. He worked for the local Winn-Dixie and later attended Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, earning a degree in Criminal Justice. He went on to work for the South Carolina Department of Corrections until his early retirement, which allowed him to spend more time with his family.

Kenneth was a quiet, unpretentious, and reserved man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He was happiest at home, surrounded by his furry companions, watching classic movies and television shows, enjoying good food, and spending time with his family. His life was one of service, love, and quiet strength.

Kenneth leaves behind his devoted wife of 38 years, Angela Oeffinger Kilgus; his son, Kenneth F. Kilgus, Jr. (Taylor); his daughter, Amanda “Paige” Kilgus; and his beloved grandson, Charles A. Kilgus. In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his son, Charles “Brook” Kilgus, whom he loved deeply and carried in his heart always.

Memorials may be sent to the Wounded Warriors Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Kenneth Francis Kilgus, Sr., 78, of Orangeburg, SC, passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2026, following an extended illness, surrounded by the comfort of the place he loved most. Funeral services will be held at 200 pm, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home Chapel. The f...

01/13/2026

Barbara "Bobbie" M. Caughman, 94, of Orangeburg, SC, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026. She was the wife of the late Dr. Marion R. Caughman.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Orangeburg Lutheran Church, 610 Ellis Avenue, Orangeburg, SC. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service. A private graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bobbie was born in Columbia, SC, a daughter of the late Allie B. and Ethel McCarthy. She grew up in the Shandon area of Columbia and graduated from Dreher High School. She attended Columbia College and, after raising her four children, returned to the University of South Carolina where she received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Early Childhood Education. Bobbie taught kindergarten for many years and served as a volunteer at Orangeburg Regional Hospital. She was a member of Orangeburg Lutheran Church. In addition to her husband of seventy years and her parents, Bobbie was predeceased by her sister, Faye M. Stanton.

Bobbie is survived by her children, Beth C. Fullwood, Julia C. Talley, M. Roddey Caughman (Becky), and Elaine C. Senn (Mark); nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Easterseals Arkansas, 3920 Woodland Heights, Little Rock, AR 72212, https://eastersealsar.com/get-involved/ways-to-give/tribute-memorial-gift/

Barbara Bobbie M. Caughman, 94, of Orangeburg, SC, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026. She was the wife of the late Dr. Marion R. Caughman. A celebration of life service will be held at 1100 am, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Orangeburg Lutheran Church, 610 Ellis Avenue, Orangeburg, SC.

01/12/2026

William "Billy" Morgan Bates, 92, of St. Matthews, SC, passed away on January 11, 2026. He was the husband of Johnnie Inabinet Bates.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Wesley Chapel Church, with Dr. Karl Coke officiating. The family will receive friends at 10:00 am, same day as the service in the church sanctuary.

Billy was born in St. Matthews, SC, a son of the late John David Bates and Susie Brady Bates. He retired from Tri-County Electric as a manager of the member services and served in the Army National Guard. He was a member of Wesley Chapel Church and the Bon Ami Social Club.

In addition to his wife, Billy is survived by his sons, Dennis Bates and Barry Bates (Bonnie); grandchildren, Maci Bates (Matt Simmons), Kip Nelson, Roy McClain, Erin Holsenback (Jon), Sarah Leonard, and Markie Leonard; seven great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Sarah Stooksbury; and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Fairey Bates.

Memorials may be sent to Wesley Chapel Church, c/o Ann Coker, 1114 Sunny Plain Road, St. Matthews, SC 29135.

William Billy Morgan Bates, 92, of St. Matthews, SC, passed away on January 11, 2026. He was the husband of Johnnie Inabinet Bates. A memorial service will be held at 1100 am, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Wesley Chapel Church, with Dr. Karl Coke officiating. The family will receive friends

01/10/2026

Teague Funeral Service in Charlottesville, VA is in charge of all arrangements.

Lillian Brice Dukes Salley Gamble, 97, died January 5th, 2026, at home surrounded by family. Lillian was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the fourth of five daughters of the late Julien Leroy and Margaret Summers Dukes. She received her education from Orangeburg County schools and her BS from Winthrop College.
Lillian married Walter Bair Salley on August 28th, 1948 until his death in 1987. She remarried John Morgan Gamble until his death. Although she was a homemaker for the majority of her life, she enjoyed her role as dietitian of the University Cafeteria and a teacher at Red Hill Elementary.

Lillian was an avid volunteer in her community including The University League ( Later Becoming The Junior League), Her churches, Olivet and later to Meadows Presbyterian Church, The Albemarle County School System, the Dogwood Garden Club, The University Faculty Wives, Ivy Creek Natural Area, on the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society, Girl Scouts Leader, Boy Scouts Den Mother, her Albemarle County Polling Precinct as Judge and Board of Directors in the earlier years of Lake Monticello are just some examples of her commitment to the locations she has lived.

Lillian is survived by her sons, Walter Bair Salley, Jr, and Julien Leroy Dukes Salley “Roy”, her daughters, Cynthia Summers Salley Hughey, (David), Lillian Brice Salley ( formerly Martin), Her grandchildren, Julien Leroy Dukes Salley, Jr, Justin Adam Bair Salley (Kim), Benjamin Chester McCarthy Salley, Walter Clifton Patrick Salley, Kristen Summers Bowie (Ryan), Meredith Peyton Martin (Bill), Cynthia Summers Martin, John McKenzie Dukes Martin. Great Grandchildren. Rylee Autumn Salley, Lillian Summers Bowie, Grace Katherine Bowie, William Ryan Bowie, Jordan Dukes Martin and Sage Julien Martin.

She was preceded in death by her first and second husbands, Her sisters, Margaret S. Dukes, Jeanette D. Davenport, Virginia D. Moss and Grace D. Livingston and her Daughter - in- Law, Rosemary Hildreth Salley, Lillian’s extended family, including many Nieces and Nephews, were greatly loved and appreciated, as were her friends.

In keeping with Lillian’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. Private gatherings of tribute will be held at later dates. Memorials may be made to Ivy Creek Natural Area. 1780 Earlysville Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or The Walter Bair Salley Scholarship in Accounting at the University of Virginia, Office Of the Dean, McIntire School Of Commerce, Monroe hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 or the charity of your choice.

Teague Funeral Service in Charlottesville, VA is in charge of all arrangements. Lillian Brice Dukes Salley Gamble, 97, died January 5th, 2026, at home surrounded by family. Lillian was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the fourth of five daughters of the late Julien Leroy and Margaret Summers Duke...

12/31/2025

Grace Dukes Livingston, 91, peacefully entered her heavenly home on December 29, 2025. She was surrounded by her granddaughters who loved and cherished her dearly.

Grace was born in Orangeburg, SC, the fifth daughter of the late Julien Leroy and Margaret Summers Dukes. She received her education in Orangeburg City schools and Columbia College. As “Miss Orangeburg” of 1953 she represented the city on many occasions. Grace married her high school sweetheart, Dean Bennette Livingston, on December 22, 1955 and was a devoted and loving wife of 59 years before his passing in 2014. Grace and Dean experienced many amazing travel adventures both stateside and abroad. Her faith, cheerful nature, and sensible view of life with personal responsibility set an example that has been a source of strength and guidance for her children and grandchildren. At the center of Grace’s life was always her family who affectionately called her “GiGi."

Her community involvement included Junior Service League, Philanthropic Educational Organization Sisterhood, Orangeburg Assembly, Historical Society, Verdant Garden Club, National Society Colonial Dames XVII, and Mary Sterling Heatly Chapter. She also enjoyed birding and researching family genealogy.

Grace supported her husband’s career and was Society Editor of the Times and Democrat newspaper. She served as president of the former Women’s Division of the SC Press Association (1968-69). She was a Girl Scout leader and active in many civic endeavors. Grace was a member of the Thursday morning bridge club which enriched her life for over 60 years. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Orangeburg where she served in many capacities.

Grace was the epitome of a southern belle and was truly full of grace. She carried herself with gentleness and a quiet faith, yet she also had a spark that made her unforgettable. Red was her color, and it matched her spunky spirit. Grace lived life to the fullest, knew how to have a good time, and loved a dirty martini. Her three most important jobs were being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, roles she embraced with devotion, pride, and endless love. She had a way of making everyone feel deeply known and adored.

Left to cherish Grace’s memory are her loving son, Dean Bennette Livingston Jr. (Tina); her devoted granddaughters, Grace Tyler Laird Johnston (John), Charlotte Tyler Laird, Lauren Laird Frost (Brandon) and Virginia (Jenna) Grace Livingston; her cherished great-grandsons, Parker Cole Johnston, Hudson Tyler Johnston, Bennette Lee Frost and Brooks O’Neal Frost; her sister, Lillian D. Salley Gamble; a host of nieces and nephews and extended family; goddaughter, Charlotte Underwood Cobb and godson, James Strom Thurmond Jr.

She was preceded in death by her dear husband; her beloved daughter, Donna Livingston Tyler Laird; her sisters, Margaret S. Dukes, Jeanette D. Davenport and Virginia D. Moss, and her son-in-laws, Jeffrey Culler Tyler and Martin O’Neal Laird.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Erica and Shaq of Shem Creek Health Center at South Bay for their exceptional care, genuine compassion and love. They also offer their deepest appreciation to Cheri and Sandy of Heartland Hospice for giving Grace gentle care and peace in her final moments.

In keeping with Grace’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. Her family is honoring her request and finds comfort in knowing she is now in the arms of Jesus reunited with so many loved ones. In celebration of Grace’s life, memorials may be made to Epworth Children’s Home, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Orangeburg, or a charity of one’s choice.

Grace Dukes Livingston, 91, peacefully entered her heavenly home on December 29, 2025. She was surrounded by her granddaughters who loved and cherished her dearly. Grace was born in Orangeburg, SC, the fifth daughter of the late Julien Leroy and Margaret Summers Dukes. She received her education in....