ELIJAH GETER

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Elijah "Poo" Geter was born on Feb. 2, 1937, in Wedgefield, to Helen and Matthew Geter. He was one of six children born to them who included Carrie Climes, Janie Canty, Iretha Climes and Willie and Joseph Geter. He grew up in a house full of music, love and laughter and where God was first in their lives.

He married his soul mate and beloved wife, Mary Bowen Geter, at an early age, with whom he was married for more than 61 years. They were blessed with two sons, Wade Kaseen and Timothy, who died shortly after his birth. One of Elijah's first jobs after leaving the family homestead was working with his father, Matthew, as a gardener and caretaker at Swan Lake Gardens in Sumter, where he was one of the first black gardeners hired. Later, he joined the S.C. Highway Department, where he remained for more than 32 years, moving up the ranks until his retirement.

Elijah was a faithful member of Catchall Masonic Lodge and Tiverton Baptist Missionary Church, where he answered God's call and became one of Tiverton's youngest deacons. He was affectionately known as "candy man" because he always carried candy and offered it to anyone who came into contact with him.

Elijah departed this earthly life on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at Sumter Health and Rehabilitation Center.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Bowen Geter; son, Wade Kaseen Geter (Katherine) of Sumter; one brother, Joseph Geter of Columbia; one sister-in-law, Ruth Jackson of Wedgefield; five grandchildren, Ivan Tyrell (Marie) Phillips, Todd (Tasha) Geter, Andre (Angela) Geter, Malcolm Geter and Keylen Nelson; nine great-grandchildren, Destiny and Ivan Phillips Jr., Mykira Geter, Morgan Geter, Chloe Geter, Todd Geter Jr., Shaleet Geter, Aniyah Geter and Andre Geter Jr.; two friends affectionately called his adopted sisters, Marie D. McDaniel and Frances D. Hill; three step-sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary.

Mr. Geter will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. on Saturday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Tiverton Baptist Church, 2420 Old Highway 261, Wedgefield, SC 29168. Interment will follow at Tiverton Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home, 570 National St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.