Arleen Rhames

Arleen Rhames, 54, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at her residence.

Born Dec. 3, 1953, in Clarendon County, she was a daughter of Betty Jean Merchant and the late John Baxter. Arleen received her education in the public schools of Clarendon County. She was employed at Days Inn in Summerton, until her health failed.

She was predeceased by her grandmother, Bernice Rhames; an aunt, Earline Rhames; two uncles, Willie Mood and James Rhames; and a sister, Jerline Rhames Lawson.

Her legacy of love will continue through her son, Gary Rhames of Rochester, N.Y.; her mother, Betty Jean Merchant of Summerton; two grandchildren, Latoya Ragin of Summerton and Quinesha Rhames of Manning; two sisters, Jean Richburg of Summerton and Melinda Baxter of Stafford, Conn.; her brother, Tyrone Merchant of Summerton; a brother-in-law, Ernest Lee Richburg of Summerton; three aunts, Ruby (Leroy) Chambers of Bronx, N.Y., Hattie Rhames of Baltimore, Md., and Sarah Rhames of Trenton, N.J.; an uncle, John Allen (Carrie) Rhames of Bronx; two great-grandaunts, Malvenia Rhames and Mary Dennis, both of Summerton; a special friend, Leroy Bowman; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Ms. Rhames were held on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at St. Mark Baptist Church with the Rev. W.J. Chandler, pastor, officiating.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Summerton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.