Era D. Whitmire

Era DeLoach Whitmire, 67, of Batesburg, South Carolina died peacefully, surrounded by her family on June 8, 2022.  Born in Lexington County, she was the daughter of the late Calvin Bennie DeLoach and Patsy Joan Clark.  She was the oldest of five children, and at a young age, helped her father as caregiver to her younger siblings upon the untimely death of their mother.  

That nurturing continued throughout her life as she raised her own children, and helped to raise cousins, step-children, grandchildren, a great-grandchild, nieces and nephews.  She was well-known and loved for patiently teaching important life skills to her grandchildren such as cutting grass, cooking, picking up pecans, “feeding” fire ants, grocery shopping, fishing, and driving golf carts.  Her grandchildren would often say, “Grandma E told me to do it this way.”  She was always at the center of family get-togethers, hosting many dinners and parties at her beloved “Barn,” where her colorful conversation and laughter were inviting to all.

Era was known for her quick wit and fun-loving, one-of-a-kind personality.  She always spoke her mind and there was never a question as to what she was thinking.  She enjoyed spending time with the love of her life, the late William “Bill” Whitmire, II.  The two were a perfect match and always found ways to have fun together, whether taking scenic rides through the country, discussing their love of books, caring for their many four-legged family members, or sitting for conversation at the end of each day.  She also enjoyed spending days “loafing” with her sisters, as they often spent days together shopping and trying out new restaurants, always with rich laughter as their soundtrack.  

Prior to her battle with cancer, Era worked as a tax accountant and was very knowledgeable in her field.  She ended her professional career at Rudy Raborn Tax Services, LLC, where she had enjoyed many years of dedicated service.  

Era is survived by her children Michael Brad Rikard (Erica) of Leesville, SC; Nicholas Brian Rikard (Ellen) of Batesburg, SC; William Lincoln Whitmire III (Krerica) of Biloxi, MS; Courtenay Whitmire Ellis (Matthew) of Columbia, SC; cousin Bennie Cockerel (Jeri) of Elgin, SC; sisters Vesta DeLoach Troutman (Edwin) of Leesville, SC and Elizabeth DeLoach Miller (Doyle) of Batesburg, SC; brothers Calvin Bennie DeLoach, Jr. of Leesville, SC and Jonathan Neal DeLoach (Petrutsa) of Wagner, SC; grandchildren William Lincoln Whitmire IV, Joshua Levi Whitmire, Kathryn Amsden Ellis, Garrett Whitmire Ellis, Elizabeth Eden Ellis, Tyler Brad Rikard (Morgan), Roxanne Rikard, Tanner Brian Rikard, Pace Thomas Rikard and Conner Philip Rikard; great-grandchild Harrison Roy Rikard.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 10:00 am with funeral services to follow at 11:00 am, all conducted at Barr- Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, 256 Main Street, in Batesburg-Leesville.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of one’s choice. 

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