Louise W. Puckett

GREENWOOD, S.C. – Louise Walker Trotter Puckett, 91, went to her heavenly rest Thursday, June 13, 2012 at HospiceCare of Piedmont in Greenwood, SC.

She was born in Edgefield, SC, May 29, 1922, the oldest of three children and the only daughter of the late Tom and Everlean Peterson Walker. She was preceded in death by both brothers. She was joined in holy matrimony to George Trotter, who preceded her in death in Philadelphia, PA, June 2008. To this union one child was born, Carolyn. Later, she married Pierce Puckett, also deceased and from this union one child was born, Patricia. In early years, the family moved to St. Petersburg, FL, where they resided for eight years. When her grandfather became gravely ill, the family moved again, which led them to Greenwood, SC, where she attended East End Elementary and Brewer Normal High. She graduated from Apex Beauty School in Washington, DC, with a license in Cosmetology. She was the first African American professional beautician in Greenwood when her father opened Blue Bird Beauty Shop, which she later owned and operated. Her beautician services spanned some 70 years. She was a faithful member of Morris Chapel Baptist Church, where she enjoyed working in the nursery before her health declined. She also enjoyed giving inspirational readings during Wednesday Bible Study at Morris Chapel.  Her professional affiliations included: Past President of the Regional 8 Modern Beauticians Club of Greenwood, SC; Region 8 Convention Chairman 1999; past Director of Region 8 of the SC State Cosmetologist Association; member National Beauty of South Carolina Cosmetology Continuing Education Certification.

She leaves to cherish with precious memories: two daughters, Carolyn T. (Dr. Willie B.) Louis, Orangeburg, SC, and Patricia P. Brown of Greenwood, SC. Also left to mourn are three grandchildren: Tasha (Robert) Nance, William Jermaine Louis and Brady Pringle (Roger) Darby, all of Orangeburg; 8 great-grandchildren: Christopher, Donnavuan, Shatasia and Ashanti Pringle, Haley Darby and Shicere Darby, Milligan and Nicholas Nance; and a number of special nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, caregivers, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Morris Chapel Baptist Church, with Rev. Michael Butler officiating. Burial will be in Oakbrook.  Mrs. Puckett will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m.  Pallbearers and flower bearers will be friends of the family.  Honorary escort will be SC State Cosmetology Association.

Online condolences and guest book may be signed at www.percivaltompkinsfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be made to the family in the name of Louise Puckett to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646; Morris Chapel Baptist Church, 530 Baptist Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646; or The Modern Beautician Club, c/o Mary Gary, 501 Baptist Avenue; Greenwood, SC 29646.  The family is at the home, 812 Franklin Street, Greenwood.  Percival Tompkins Funeral Home is honored to serve the Puckett family.