Ouster leaves many stumped

May 12, 2006

By JOANIE BAKER
Index-Journal staff writer

In case you were wondering why the phone line at the Cobb residence was busy Tuesday night, it was because family members were frantically voting for their favorite “American Idol” contestant.
Now that you know, don’t ask any members of the family about it.
That’s because the show that has become a weekly family affair and even pulls in their grandmother and friends has left all the women heartbroken and swearing off the show for the rest of the season. The object of the family’s heartbrokeness is Chris Daughtry. And the announcement that the rock star reality show contestant, with his raspy Bob Seger-like vocals, was voted off the show created an American hangover all over the country Thursday, as many of the show’s fans said they are shocked and devastated by the results.
“It was like losing our last football game this year. That’s what you can compare it to,” Greenwood High School senior Taylor Cobb said. “I was absolutely heartbroken.”
Cobb said she and her family called in to vote for Daughtry at least 11 times, tying up the phone line for about 30 minutes.
Mom Leslie Cobb, the secretary to the assistant principals at Greenwood High, said she’s not usually attracted to the rock singers, but was definitely pulling for Daughtry to win over the three other finalists, Taylor Hicks, Katherine McPhee and Elliot Yamin.
“You get so wrapped up in seeing the beginning part when they’re trying out and, once you’re hooked, you’re just hooked,” Leslie said. “When he did ‘Dead or Alive,’ we were just like, ‘uh, he’s awesome.’”
But rumors floated around the “American Idol” blogs that Daughtry might be getting a record deal sooner than the next American Idol. The buzz is that bands Creed and Fuel are looking to snatch the Idol reject as their lead singer sometime in the future.
For Karin Shuman, a waitress at Dixie Drive-In, that’s exciting news.
Shuman said that between serving customers hamburgers on Wednesday, she would swing around to the TV at the take-out door to make sure the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest, announced McPhee’s elimination.
Shuman said when Seacrest said Daughtry’s name, she was shocked and almost wanted to cry.
“I thought he was excellent, and he was from around here. Being from the Carolinas made it kind of special,” she said of the North Carolina native.
Even the judges on the show seemed shocked by the fans’ decision.
Paula Abdul, who recently told Daughtry she would “see (him) in the finals,” welled up with tears when Seacrest asked Daughtry if he was surprised among the loud boos from the crowd. The 26-year-old father, visibly taken off-guard, replied “yes.”
Contestants sang Elvis Presley classics — two songs each — in Tuesday night’s program. Daughtry’s cover of The King’s “Suspicious Minds” drew rave reviews from judges.
Even the whip-tongued Simon Cowell, who had called Daughtry’s second performance — a rendition of “A Little Less Conversation” — “flat” and “not as good as the first,” dropped his jaw in surprise.
While some point to the conspiracy theory that the show was rigged and wouldn’t knock off the only woman contestant, Sally Jones, the secretary to the principal at Greenwood High, doesn’t call for a recount. Though she too was attracted to Daughtry because he has worked selflessly to support his young family, she said she thinks people who liked the last ousted contestant probably voted for McPhee this time.
Jones said she tried to call in to vote for Daughtry but her cell phone wouldn’t let the call get through.
“I could swear my husband blocked 866 numbers, but he swears he didn’t,” she said with a laugh.
Taylor said she wishes more people would have picked up the phone to vote for Daughtry.
“I think most people like Chris and thought he’d be OK without their votes so they didn’t even bother,” she said. “And it turns out that’s what got him kicked off.”
While fans such as the Cobbs are refusing to watch the show, Blake Burton said she was surprised but will still keep watching.
“I guess I was surprised when I saw everyone’s reactions because, obviously, he was better than any of the other ones on there,” she said. “But it’s just a show. You shouldn’t get mad at it. America is the one who voted for it.”
Just don’t tell that to the Cobbs.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Opinion

Helping Meals on Wheels helps more than shut-ins

May 12, 2006

The people of Greenwood and surrounding areas are known for their generosity and volunteerism. It’s safe to say that many organizations would be severely hampered in the efforts to help people in need were it not for the good people who lend their time, money and “blood, sweat and tears” to improve the quality of life for everyone.
Volunteers even go the extra mile to improve the lot of unwanted and discarded cats and dogs, which is a tremendous help to the people of Greenwood. We see that every day at the Greenwood Humane Society shelter. However, despite the giving nature of people hereabouts, there comes a time - or times - when volunteers are needed by many organizations.

FOR THE MEALS ON WHEELS program, for exmple, now is one of those times.
Meals on Wheels has a need - actually a constant need - for volunteers who are able to give only one hour just one day a week. That’s all it takes to join in the effort to bring body-nourishing food and soul-nourishing sunshine into many lives that otherwise would be totally gray and cold. Added to the nutritious, warm meals that volunteers deliver to homes of shut-ins, is the uplifting joy of having a visitor, someone to talk to. Meals on wheels volunteers are people for shut-ins to just chat with. They are friends to help break the monotony of being alone, not to mention the often debilitating drain on simple hope for a better tomorrow, sure, but especially for a better today.

FOR ALL THIS HUMANITARIAN effort does for those who need it, it is just as uplifting for the volunteers. They have the instant gratification of seeing their volunteerism at work and the positive results they help bring to so many. When they leave their “clients” with a smile on their faces, it’s a sure thing they’ll have a smile on theirs as well.
Got an hour to give? Call Pat Mann, Meals on Wheels Volunteer Coordinator, and get involved. The telephone number is 223-2233.
It’s better to give than to receive, they say. In this case, though, it’s a win-win proposition for everyone ..... giver and receiver.

Obituaries

Lois Belcher

Services for Lois Belcher, of 101-C Ohio Court, are 1 p.m. Saturday at Glovers Chapel Baptist Church, McCormick, conducted by the Rev. M.L. Taylor, assisted by the Revs. Lahona Mosely and Elder David Connor Jr. The body will be placed in the church at 12. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are friends of the family.
Visitation is this evening at the home.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

Alene Boiter

ABBEVILLE — Alene Hart Rambo Boiter, 68, of 600 Pecan Road, wife of Harold Franklin Boiter, died Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of Simeon Brooks and Sara Gruber Rambo. She recently retired from Greenwood Eye Clinic after 33 years of service and was an artist and a member of Hodges Church of God.
Survivors include her husband; three sons, Clay Evans of Moncks Corner, Mark Evans of San Francisco and Scott Evans of Greenwood; two stepsons, Chester Boiter and Ronnie Boiter, both of Greenville; a stepdaughter, Rita Boiter of Greenville; a sister, Nancy Coursey of Greenwood; eight grandchildren. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Blyth Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Charles Caldwell. Burial is in Oakbrook Memorial Park.
Pallbearers and honorary escorts are the physicians and doormen of Greenwood Eye Clinic. Other honorary escorts are former co-workers of the clinic.
The family is at the home.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Christine P. Howard

Christine Plampin Howard, 81, of 114 Milling Court, wife of George Arthur Howard, died Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at Hospice House.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late William Eric Plampin Sr. and Martha Holsonback Plampin. She had worked for Green Thumb and at the Social Security Office. She was a member of West Side Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband of the home; a daughter, Susan Howard of the home; and a sister, Sybil Sparks of Greenwood.
Services are 11 a.m. today at Greenwood Memorial Gardens Chapel Mausoleum, conducted by the Rev. Hal Lane. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are John Howard, Bob Howard, Gene Howard, Victor Sparks, Anthony Freeman, Emery Holsonback, Steve Strieter and Tom Whatley.
Visitation is in the chapel mausoleum after the service.
The family is at the home of a nephew, John and Elizabeth Sparks, 3015 Highway 221 S. Memorials may be made to Hospice House, HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Maj. Carey J. Johnson

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Services for Major Carey Johanson Johnson are 11 a.m. Saturday at Mount Lebanon AME Church, Due West, S.C., with Bishop James C. Austin officiating, the Rev. Judy M. Richardson presiding and Dr. Lelita Watford assisting. The body will be placed in the church at 10:30. Burial is in Oakbrook Memorial Park, Greenwood, S.C.
Pallbearers are Air Force members.
Flower bearers are Ushers of Faith members.
Honorary escorts are Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity members.
The family is at the home of his mother, Edith S. Collins, 154 Mount Lebanon Church Road, Due West. Memorials may be made to Carey J. Johnson Educational Memorial Fund, Wachovia Bank, Main Street Branch, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, Greenwood, is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at pertompfh1@earthlink.net

Micka Lou Kerr

Micka Lou Kerr, four months, infant daughter of Horace W. “Tri” Kerr III and Autumn Rachael Clauson Kerr, of Pope Air Force Base, formerly of Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, died Thursday, May 11, 2006.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

John W. Lott Jr.

SALUDA — John W. Lott Jr., 76, formerly of 951 Columbia Highway, husband of Eliza Green Lott, died on Thursday, May 11, 2006 at Saluda Nursing Center.
Born in Saluda County, he was a son of the late John and Ethel Bertha Williams Lott. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and a member of Sons of Aide. He was a retired self-employed heating and air conditioning technician.
Survivors include his wife of Saluda; two sons, Anthony O. Lott of Saluda and Robert T. Lott of Charlotte, N.C.; six daughters, Annie B. Abney, Mildred Holloway, Elaine Freeman and Vanessa Lott, all of Saluda, Francine Lott and Michelle Lott-Walford, both of Columbia; two sisters, Ida Bosket and Lillie Lott Tolbert, both of Saluda; 20 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren.
Services are 3 p.m. Sunday at Bethlehem Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Calvin Robinson, assisted by the Rev. Johnny C. Gantt. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are church family and friends of the family.
The family is at 951 Columbia Highway.
Butler & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.

David Renner

WARE SHOALS — David H. Renner, 64, of Emerald Center of Ware Shoals, died Thursday at Hospice House in Greenwood.
Born in Newport, Tenn., he was a son of the late Clay and Maggie C. Renner and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include three brothers, Larry Raines of Piedmont, Billie Joe Renner of Pickens and Jimmy Renner of Tigerville; two sisters, Betty Jean Collins of Tigerville and Ann Riley of Piedmont.
Graveside services are 4 p.m. today at Ware Shoals Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. George Hill.
Memorials may be made to Emerald Center, 2 Griffin Drive, Ware Shoals, SC 29692 or Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
Parker-White Funeral Home is in charge.

William Henry Richardson, III

GREENVILLE, SC — William Henry Richardson, III, died in Georgetown County, SC on May 6, 2006. He was born in Greenville, SC on June 4, 1962.
Mr. Richardson lived in Ninety Six, SC since August 2003. He was President of Palmetto Loom Reed Company in Greenville, a 93-year-old Richardson family business. He was a Communicant of Christ Church Episcopal in Greenville. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and farmer.
Surviving are his parents, Elizabeth L. and William Henry Richardson, Jr.; three sisters, Kathryn R. Allen, Gladys R. Beattie both of Greenville, and Elizabeth R. Usry of Amelia Island, FL.; seven nieces and nephews; and one great nephew.
He was a descendant of Colonel James Williams and James Williams Lipscomb both former residents of Ninety Six during the Revolutionary War Period.
The omission of flowers is requested. Donations can be made to A Child’s Haven, 1124 Rutherford Road, Greenville, SC 29609.
A service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 13, 2006 at Christ Church Episcopal. Visitation with the family will be in the Parish House Courtyard off Washington Street at 10:00 am, weather permitting. A private committal service will be held at Springwood Cemetery at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com
PAID OBITUARY

Ola M. Roundtree Stevens

Services for Ola M. Roundtree Stevens are 2 p.m. Saturday at Flint Hill Missionary Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. John R. Brightharp, assisted by Dr. Willie S. Harrison, the Revs. William H. Booker Sr., Willie Evans, Arthur Kemp and Bishop Emanuel Spearman. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are nephews.
Flower bearers are nieces and church ushers.
Honorary escorts are church trustees.
Viewing is 1-8:30 p.m. today and 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday at Parks Funeral Home.
Visitation is at the home of Alvin “Pee Wee” Roundtree, 110 Carver St. and the home of Deborah Roundtree Harris, 110 Balsam Lane.
Parks Funeral Home is in charge.

Lutie Tennant

CALHOUN FALLS — Lutie Tennant, formerly of 115 Seneca Circle, of Abbeville County Nursing Home, died Thursday, May 11, 2006 at Abbeville County Memorial Hospital.
The family is at the home of a sister-in-law, Annie Ruth Lewis, Seneca Circle.
Services will be announced by Friendly Funeral Home.