Spartanburg, S.C. – Merinda Creech Henderson, age 64, beloved wife of Richard Henderson died on Wednesday, December 16, 2009.
Born June 3, 1945 in Spartanburg, Mrs. Henderson was the daughter of Nettie Jolley Creech and the late Earl Monroe Creech. She was a graduate of Spartanburg High School, Class of 1962. Mrs. Henderson was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and West Springs Baptist Church. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother of a large extended family.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Henderson is survived by a daughter, Sherri Lynn Splawn Rollins of Columbia, S.C.; a son, Jimmy Shannon Splawn and his wife, Sharon of Pauline; a sister, Sylvia Creech Knox of Pauline; and seven grandchildren, Jessica Shannon, Jimmy D., Joshua D., Jordan T., and Jada N. Splawn, Emily D. and Caleb M. Rollins.
A visitation will be held Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 1:00-2:00 PM at West Springs Baptist Church. Funeral Service will follow the visitation at 2:00 PM conducted by the Reverend Dr. Henry Johnson and the Reverend Bob Cato. Burial will be in West Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.
In memory of Mrs. Henderson, memorials may be made to the CFC Building Fund at West Springs Baptist Church, 4811 Buffalo-West Springs Highway, Pauline, SC 29374

Spartanburg, SC – John Thomas Cothran, age 83, husband of Margaret Ledbetter Cothran, passed away Friday, December 18, 2009.

Born in Spartanburg on June 18, 1926, he was a son of the late L.T. “Toy” and Louise Dodd Cothran. Mr. Cothran was a graduate of Spartanburg High School, Class of 1945. He attended Wofford College and honorably served his country in the United States Army, 187th Airborne Division. Mr. Cothran retired as manager of Public Relations for Southern Bell Telephone Company in 1983.

Spartanburg – Benita Celmins, age 87, passed away at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home on Monday, December 7, 2009, following a stroke 6 weeks prior.
She was born on January 11, 1922 in Riga, Latvia. Benita received education at home as well as through local schools. She was very proud of the fact that she learned to read at the early age of 4 and was fluent in several languages including Latvian, English, Spanish, German and French.
She met her husband of 66 years, Andrejs Celmins, in a college chemistry class at Latvian University in Riga. Benita pretended to need his help with her course work to get his attention; a shrewd plan as they were married the following year. They welcomed a son, Michael, in 1944 at the height of WWII. While Andrejs was called away to war, Benita cared for both her mother and Michael on her own through some very difficult times. She fled Latvia to escape Russian occupation, leaving behind nearly all of their possessions. After the war, she worked in the American Army motor pool office. She had a sharp intellect and was a very talented writer, editor and translator. She lived in a displaced persons camp in Germany while Andrejs finished his studies. Food rations were scarce and she recalled many times going without in order to give Michael as much as she could.
The family was reunited in 1948 and moved to Lima, Peru for Andrejs’ career in the textile industry. Benita’s early days in Peru were somewhat difficult with limited finances and learning a new language and culture. One highlight of her time in Peru was discovering one of the great passions of her life – Golf. Although she picked up the game relatively late, she became an excellent golfer and won many trophies throughout the years. She was one of the top ranked players in South America. Although she had not played in recent years, she still very much enjoyed the game, discussing the latest tournaments and players with Michael.
Benita had a wide variety of other interests including reading, music, politics and art. She was the quintessential hostess always making sure everything was as perfect as she could, down to the smallest detail. With the skill of a diplomat, she had mastered the art of conversation, able to discuss virtually any subject, always making people feel very comfortable and engaged right from the start. She had a keen sense of humor, bordering on the silly side at times, and was quick to make a joke or laugh about a tough situation.
Benita and Andrejs left Lima in 1989 to enjoy their retirement in Spartanburg. She took great pride in their home and was relentless at getting rid of clutter. Benita loved animals of all kinds, especially cats. Her backyard became the place to be as other cats, birds and small animals in the neighborhood soon learned where the best food was and came regularly for the daily feasts Benita provided them.
Benita is survived by her husband Andrejs; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Carol Celmins of Santa Barbara; her grandson, John Celmins of Santa Barbara; her granddaughter, Andrea Celmins of San Francisco; and her best friends Brigita and Brian Balaram of Spartanburg. She is further survived by several nieces, nephews, relatives and many wonderful friends.
Benita was a member of Joy Lutheran Church for several years. The wonderful support provided by Pastor Lane and the entire congregation was very comforting for her and the family and is greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank Colleen Daves and Ann Ruppe for the loving care they provided both Benita and Andrejs.

Clifton, SC – Carlon “Big Man” Eugene Weathers, age 67, husband of Nancy Fortener Weathers, passed away December 6, 2009 at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare.

Carlon was born on June 9, 1942 in Spartanburg County to the late Frank and Eula Smith Weathers. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Reggie E. Weathers and Carlon E. Weathers, Jr. and a daughter, Sonja E. Weathers. He was blessed with eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Carlon was predeceased by a great-grandchild.

Spartanburg – Betty Jean Conwell Ray, age 76, beloved wife of Harold DeFoy Ray died Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Born in Lyman, Mrs. Ray was a daughter of the late George Sanford and Maude Lee Turner Conwell. She was retired from BMG. Mrs. Ray was a member of the American Legion Auxillary and a volunteer with Mobile Meals. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church.