EMMA J. GETTYS

Emma Ross Jordan Gettys, 89, widow of William McCaa Gettys Jr., died Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, at her home in Manning.

Born June 11, 1921, in Lancaster, she was a daughter of the late Ernest Jordan and Norma Cothran Jordan Smith. She was a retired administrative assistant for Clarendon County School District 2, having served under three consecutive superintendents for almost 25 years. She was formerly employed by an automobile dealer, the conservative service and a congressman in Washington, D.C., bringing 20 years of secretarial experience to the District 2 office. She was a member of Manning United Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends in Manning.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Ray F. Smith.

Surviving are a son, William McCaa "Chip" Gettys III (Allene) of Manning; granddaughters, Jordan Price (Chris) and Jane Marie Gettys of Manning; a grandson, Bill Gettys (Melissa) of Kingstree; a sister, Harriett Hamrick of Lancaster; stepbrother, Dr. Ray Hoyl Smith (Shirley) of Cherryville, N.C.; a sister-in-law, Elaine Gettys of Sumter; four nieces, Lisa Barrows (Dr. Robert) of Trion, N.C., Debbie Jackson (Joe) and Lori Horton, both of Sumter, and Mary (Don) Shapiro of Sarasota, Fla.; a nephew, David Jordan Hamrick (Dianne) of Lancaster; and two special caregivers, Elmar Sharp and Rochelle Johnson.

Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, in the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home in Manning with the Rev. Dr. Robert Barrows officiating. Burial followed in Manning Cemetery.

Dr. Carl B. Ramsey and Coach John Franklin Thames served as honorary pallbearers.

The family received friends at the home, 510 Woodland Drive, Manning.

Memorials may be made to Manning United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 68, Manning, SC 29102; or to Animal Shelter of Clarendon County (Second Chance Animal Shelter), 5079 Alex Harvin Highway, Manning, SC 29102.

Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.stephensfuneralhome.org.

Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179.