VAN BERNARD CONYERS SR.

Van Bernard Conyers Sr. was born on Nov. 25, 1962, in Sumter, the only child born to Katie Gardner Conyers and the late Nathan Conyers.

Van departed this earthly life on Thursday morning, Dec. 6, 2018, at Palmetto Health Richland, surrounded by close family and friends.

He received his education in the public schools of Sumter County, graduating from Hillcrest High School Class of 1983. At an early age, he opened his heart and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and joined Greater Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, where he served on the usher board and was ordained as deacon on June 25, 2006. He was a dedicated husband (Kimberly Dinkins), father and son, until his health failed on Oct. 3, 2018. Van was full of life and vibrant to all those that knew him. He was a hard worker and was employed at Kaydon Corp. from 2004 until his passing. He was a devoted Clemson fan and loved playing golf.

Van's memories will be fondly cherished by his mother, Katie Gardner Conyers; his five children, Lateshia (Anthony) Gilchrist of Columbia, Adrianna Bethea, Ashley Smotts, Van Bernard Conyers Jr. and Antwan Jervia Conyers, all of Sumter; two sisters, Jenelle (Lorenzo) Butler of Sumter and Felicia Keene of Boston; two brothers, Sherwood Brown of Sumter and Timothy Brown of Atlanta; a god-brother, Calvin (Mary) Miller of Sumter; nine grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two grandmothers, Thelma Roach and Louise Conyers; his grandfather, Charlie Conyers Sr.; and a father figure, Marion Wade.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary.

Mr. Conyers will be placed in the church at noon on Wednesday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, SC 29150 with the Rev. Larry D. Clark Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at Bethel AME Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at his residence, 5291 Dais Road, Rembert, SC 29128.

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.