Joel Theodore Brighton (February 20, 1962–September 29, 2026)

Joel Theodore Brighton, 64, of Charlotte, North Carolina, peacefully entered the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the early morning hours of September 29, 2026, surrounded by family.

A man of steadfast faith and a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, Joel lived a life defined by his love for the Lord and his family. Joel was born on February 20, 1962, at Philadelphia Naval Hospital in Pennsylvania to Dr. Carl Theodore Brighton and Ruth Louise (Krentz) Brighton.

From an early age, Joel’s parents instilled in him a deep and enduring faith in Christ that would remain the foundation of his life. Joel attended Valparaiso University, where he graduated summa cum laude with high distinction in Mathematics in 1984 and served as Captain of the Men’s Soccer Team. He then attended law school at the University of Pennsylvania, earning his Juris Doctor in 1987.

Joel began his legal career at Duane Morris & Heckscher in Philadelphia, where he met the love of his life, fellow attorney Jo Ann Jawidzik. They married on June 6, 1992, and began their life adventure together in Weare, New Hampshire. It was in New Hampshire where they welcomed their four children and built the family that would become Joel’s greatest source of pride; he often recalled their years in New Hampshire as some of the happiest of his life.  Joel’s legal career spanned more than three decades, culminating in his role as Managing Counsel and Senior Lead Counsel at Wells Fargo. While he was deeply respected for his intellect, integrity and leadership, his greatest accomplishment, and the title he held most proudly, was being a dad.

Through life’s joys and hardships, Joel was a steadfast source of strength for his children. He exemplified the heart of a loving father, offering them a reflection of God’s unconditional love. To his children, he was not just their father, but their hero. His journey was never about what he built for himself, but about laying a foundation for his children, grandchildren and the generations to come.

Joel also had a lifelong love of sports, particularly anything involving Philadelphia. A loyal fan of the Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers, he supported these Philly sports teams with an unwavering sense of pessimism that only a true Philly sports fan can understand. His passion for soccer, which began during his own years on the field, continued through his deep devotion for Fulham F.C. He followed his teams faithfully through the highs and lows, and his family will forever associate him with the excitement and spirited commentary that accompanied game days.

Above all, Joel loved Jesus. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, marriage and family. He believed deeply in the importance of raising his children to know the Lord, and the faith he passed down remains his greatest legacy.

Joel was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann (Jawidzik) Brighton; his parents, Dr. Carl T. Brighton and Ruth Louise (Krentz) Brighton; his brother, Rev. David Carl Brighton; and his nephew, Jacob Thomas Terrell.

Joel is survived by his four children, Casey (Stetson) Starkey, Carl Brighton, Micah (Sydney) Brighton, and Zachary Brighton; his five grandchildren, Gianna and Freya Starkey, and Charlotte, Caroline, and Mark Brighton; his sister, Dr. Susan (Rev. Thomas) Terrell; his brother, Andrew (Trisha) Brighton; his sisters-in-law Marcia Brighton and Karen (Gregg) Zinn; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

While his family will miss him beyond words, they find comfort and peace in knowing that he is reunited with his Savior and has been made whole.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” – 2 Tim 4:7

Funeral Arrangements

Friends and family are invited to visitation on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5:00-6:30pm at Greene Funeral Home, Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina. A celebration of Joel’s life and faith will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Harvest Baptist Church, 153 Miller Pond Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina. A graveside service will immediately follow.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Renown Collective, an organization close to Joel’s heart through his dear friend Patrick Mitchell. Renown Collective is a Charlotte based non-profit partnering with local African leaders in their villages in the poorest parts of Africa. These partnerships focus on holistic community development via clean water projects, education, health care, orphan care, pastor & leadership training, micro-finance loans, gender equity + church partnerships.

Donations may be made at:

https://renownc.org/renownc-donate

Adelynn Mae Harrison (July 16, 2023–December 15, 2025)

Born July 16, 2023, our sweet Adelynn (Addy) Mae Harrison entered a world filled with joy, love, and the energy of her three older, protective brothers. Though she was the youngest and only girl, she quickly grew into her baby sister role. She loved all things girly but knew how to keep up with her big brothers even if it meant playing in the dirt. She could fend for herself and knew what she wanted.

Her beautiful, innocent spirit brought immeasurable joy and love to our family. Her parents, Derrick and Krysti, delighted in every moment with their precious daughter, cherishing her sweet personality and the joy she brought to their lives. Everywhere she went, she bounced or ran with her little blond tuft of hair blowing in the wind, dragging her blanket behind—her spunky personality and smiling eyes charming everyone around her.

On December 15, 2025, Addy, only two and a half years old, was called home to be with the Lord. Though her time on earth was brief, Adelynn’s life was a precious gift from God to us. As Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him,” and she certainly was. Addy was that gift—formed by the Lord and artfully “knit . . . together in [her] mother’s womb.” God tells us that “every day of [her] life was recorded in [His] book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:13, 16). We know that she was and is precious to God. He loves her even more than we do.

Though we are crushed in our spirit that she is absent from us, we know that she is alive in the presence of God, safely in His keeping. We know this because God’s own precious Son was born and died to pay the payment for our sins. But Jesus rose from the grave and defeated death forever.

She leaves behind her devoted parents, Derrick and Krysti, and her three loving older brothers, Ryland (8), Beckhym (6), and Cayman (4), who cherished her deeply. She was also well loved by her grandparents, Karyn St. Amand, Keith St. Amand, Sr., Christine and Rick Harrison, many doting aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her church family and youth group will feel her absence as well and miss her laughter and little voice in our halls. We all look forward to the day very soon when we will hug her once again.

Service Schedule

A Memorial Service will be held at Harvest Baptist Church, 153 Miller Pond Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina, at 2:30pm on Sunday, December 21. Family visitation will begin at 12:45pm.

Terry Clark (April 17, 1948–October 30, 2025)

Terry Clark, 77, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, passed away suddenly on Thursday, October 30, 2025.  He was born on April 17, 1948, to William and Janet Clark, who preceded him in death.  He grew up in Guilford, New York and later moved to Rochester, New York.

Terry was an avid fisherman who found peace on the water and joy in working outdoors.  Known for his gentle spirit, quick smile, and willingness to lend a hand, he lived his life with kindness, humility, and an unwavering dedication to family and friends.

He began his career with Wards Natural Science, later spending 32 years with Eastman Kodak Company and continued to share his skills and work ethic with Lowe’s after retirement.

Terry is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Susan and their children, Stacey (Brad) DeMarco, Katie (Doug) Thorpe, and Mike (Cindy) Clark. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Paige and Tyler DeMarco, Mikayla, Ally and Tori Thorpe, and Owen and Ella Clark. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon (Will) Ryan and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.  Terry will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his devotion to his family, and his quiet generosity that touched everyone who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Harvest Baptist Church, 153 Miller Pond Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.  The family will begin receiving visitors at 1:00 PM at the church.  Burial will be private at Forest Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials can be made in Mr. Clark’s name to Harvest Baptist Church Mission or Building Fund, 153 Miller Pond Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

Earle James Hillier (April 11, 1931–July 6, 2025)

Earle was born April 11, 1931, in Torrance, CA to the late Harry Hillier and Elsie Hazlett Hillier. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry Hillier and Walter Hillier, wife Peggy Hillier, and son David Hillier. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Helen Hillier; daughters Brenda Johnston and Julia (Donald) Driggs (with Peggy); son Micah (Christina) Hillier (with Helen); 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. 

Earle lived most of his life in California. He was raised in a family who loved the Lord and served in the church (his father was a deacon in the American Baptist Church in Torrance). After graduating high school, Earle’s first job was as a tomato picker. Earle joined the Air Force and served during the Korean War. After his military service, he made a career working for the prestigious Los Angeles Times. After the tragedy of losing his first wife, Peggy, God blessed Earle with Helen, whom he married in 1976.  

Earle loved the Lord, his family, music, language, and telling stories of his travels around the world to everyone who would listen. Though Earle experienced great hardship and loss throughout his life, he would often praise God for His many blessings. Earle was known for his love of the Lord Jesus Christ. He often sang and quoted gospel songs about heaven, some of his favorites being “Face to Face,” “If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven,” and “At the Cross” (the version he learned from an Alaskan Christian in 1950). Earle was known for his quiet nature, firm commitments, love of the truth, and his desire to see everyone he met know about Jesus. He was known to bid farewell with the phrases, “Vaya con Dios” and “God be with you.” 

There will be a funeral service for Earle Hillier on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Harvest Baptist Church, 153 Miller Pond Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 with Rev. Marshall A. Fant IV officiating. A visitation will be held in the Welcome Center at the church starting at 10:00 AM. A private interment will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Condolences may be made at greenefuneralhome.net. 

Lois Dianne Gardner (December 18, 1940- April 16, 2024)

Mrs. Lois Gaudette Gardner, 83, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill.

Lois was the daughter of Francis Gaudette and Glana Rodgerson, and the widow of Robert William Gardner. 

She was retired as a travel coordinator with SIM, USA and a member of Harvest Baptist Church in Rock Hill. 

Lois is survived by her daughter, Beth Kophazi (Dan), and the "daughter of her heart" Melody Clark (Bruce) and by her grandchildren: Joel Kophazi, Sam Kophazi, Katerina Kophazi, and Bill Clark (Danielle).  And on her maternal side by five half-sisters; Becky, Joanne, Ruth, Liz, and Rachel; and two half-brothers; Pete and Tim. Additionally, during her high school years, she lived with the Rhoda family, and is fondly remembered by this family as well.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lois was preceded in death by their son, William Gardner.

Memorials may be made to Harvest Baptist Church, 153 Miller Pond Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29732; SIM USA, 14830 Choate Cr. Charlotte, NC 28273; or to Deerfoot Lodge, PO Box 228, Speculator, NY 12164 and designated for Bill Gardner Memorial Scholarship Fund.  

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com. 

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, July 20th, at Harvest Baptist Church 153 Miller Pond Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29732.
Visitation at 12:00 PM. Service at 1:00 PM.

Memorial Service for Frankie Hollis Levister (1964–2024)

All are welcome to visit with the family at 12:00pm followed by a memorial service at 1:00pm on Monday, January 29 at Harvest Baptist Church.

Livestream of the Memerial Service from 1/29/24.