JANIE OPHELIA WITHERSPOON

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Funeral services for Mother Janie Ophelia Witherspoon, affectionately known as "Sweetie," will be held on Friday at New Hope Ministries, 95 Community St., Sumter, with District Elder Robert Garrett officiating.

The public may view from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Palmer Memorial Chapel, 304 S. Main St., Sumter. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park, Sumter.

Mother Witherspoon transitioned on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at her home in Sumter. Janie was born in Sumter County to the late Wilson McKinley Mickens and Lou Ida Holmes Mickens. She was educated in the public schools of Sumter. She later attended Sumter Beauty College Inc., where she pursued a career in cosmetology. Janie was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom. During the times that she worked, Janie was employed by Pioneer Dress Factory, Glen Manufacturing and operated her own home-based florist. Janie was also a volunteer at Tuomey Regional Medical Center of Sumter. Janie was united in holy matrimony to the late James Witherspoon in 1952 and to that loving union they had eight children. She was a lifelong member of New Hope Ministries Church, where she served faithfully in many capacities including: church secretary, president of the missionary auxiliary, president of the minister's and deacon's wives auxiliary, Sunday school teacher and many other ministries as well as several choirs over the years. Janie leaves a legacy of love and sweetness.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Jacqueline W. Smith; four sisters, Geneva Clark, Mary Quince, Marie Isaac and Albertha Rogers; three brothers, Earl Mickens, Pastor James Mickens and Elder William Mickens.

Survivors include two sons, Elder James E. (Crystal) Witherspoon and Pastor Clifton N. Witherspoon; five daughters, Loretta (Pastor J. Russell) Rogers, Fiesta (Dwight) Brooks and Dr. Christola D. (Melvin) Brayboy, all of Sumter, Pamala W. (Kenneth) Mercer of Columbia and Minister Quentina W. (Cephus) Gregg of Sumter; one sister, Susan Emma Spann of Columbia; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of devoted surrogate sons/daughters, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Condolences may be made on her tribute page found at www.PalmerMemorialChapel.com.

In accordance with CDC guidelines, the family is requesting all in attendance to please wear masks.

Professional services rendered by Palmer Memorial Chapel Inc.