Obituaries

Joseph Elio Bell

Oct 10, 1924 - Feb 17, 2021

Joseph Elio Bell, 96, of Mt. Pleasant, Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Donna Lee Kennon Bell, entered into eternal rest Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Joseph was born October 10, 1924, on the family farm in Wampee, South Carolina, son of Oree Jerome Bell and Delessie Reatha Carter Bell. After graduating from high school he joined…

Frances Jean Blanchette Pittman

Mar 24, 1949 - Feb 17, 2021

Frances Jean (Blanchette) Pittman was born March 24, 1949 in Putnam, Connecticut to Larry and Aline (Johnson) Blanchette, who preceded her in death. Fran attended Putnam High School, transferring to Killingly High her senior year. She enjoyed coming north to attend reunions and catch up with friends from both schools. Fran married Donald "Donn" Pittman…

Valmae Margaret Maher Newsome

Aug 19, 1921 - Feb 16, 2021

Valmae Margaret Maher Newsome, 99, passed away February 16, 2021. Born in Melbourne, Australia on August 19, 1921, Mrs. Newsome spent most of her childhood and young adulthood in Sydney with the exception of a few years on Norfolk Island. She was the first child of Frank Maher and Jean Miller Maher. Her mother's family…

Alec Daniel Barbee

Apr 1, 1998 - Feb 14, 2021

Alec Daniel Barbee, 22, of Daniel Island, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest Sunday, February 14, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, February 18, 2021 at the Northwood Baptist Church, 2200 Greenridge Road in North Charleston. Services will begin promptly at 6:15 pm. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel.Alec was…

William Matthew Pierson

Aug 13, 1948 - Feb 13, 2021

William "Bill" Matthew Pierson, 72, of Ladson, SC, husband of Betty Ray Pierson entered into eternal rest Saturday, February 13, 2021. His family will receive friends at the J. Henry Stuhr Northwoods Chapel, 2180 Greenridge Rd., North Charleston on Tuesday, February 16, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Interment with military honors at Beaufort National Cemetery will…

Laura Ellen Gladden

Dec 27, 1958 - Feb 13, 2021

On Saturday, February 13, 2021, Laura Gladden, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away at age 62.Laura was born on December 27, 1958 in Sacramento, CA to Jerry and Dolly Thomason. She married Thomas Gladden on June 4, 1983. They raised two sons, Joey and Jerry. Laura took pride in her work at various…

David "Dave" Clayton Backus

May 27, 1930 - Feb 12, 2021

David "Dave" Clayton Backus, Sr., age 90, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away February 12, 2021 from natural causes. Dave was born May 27, 1930 in Olean, New York to Gladys (Raub) Backus and Stuart Wilson Dickerson who was adopted by his aunt, Lucy Blake Backus and renamed Edward Dickerson Backus. He had one sibling, the…

Gary A. Mastrandrea

Oct 16, 1939 - Feb 11, 2021

Captain Gary A. Mastrandrea USN (RET.), 81, after a courageous 23 year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare neurodegenerative disease, passed peacefully at home February 11, 2021 with his wife of 54 years, Donna, and daughters at his side.Gary was born in Portland, Oregon on October 16, 1939 to Joseph Mastrandrea and Jennie Oliver…

Kenneth J. Kirchner

Jun 26, 1950 - Feb 11, 2021

Kenneth J. Kirchner, born June 26, 1950 in Conway, South Carolina, passed away February 11, 2021 in Charleston, South Carolina.Kenny leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years, Beth Brown Kirchner, and devoted son Kelly "Will" Kirchner (Sydney). He was the oldest of eight siblings, Frances "Sissy" Seyle (Ron), Donna Melvin (John), Ruthy NeSmith (Jim),…

Harry George Speliopoulos Spell

Jun 24, 1931 - Feb 11, 2021

Harry George Speliopoulos Spell of Charleston, SC, husband of Lucy Stupenos Spell, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Harry was the heart of his family and will always be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and humility.Harry was born on…