On Sunday September 7th, 2025, Rev. Eartha Lee Keitt Guess, 96, of Topeka Lane, Holly Hill, transitioned to a new life.  She was born on February 17, 1929, in Holly Hill, SC, to the late Thomas Preston and Mary H. Keitt.

She was educated in the public schools of Jacksonville, Florida and Orangeburg County.  She was an avid star basketball player.  Upon graduation, she attended South Carolina State University.

She was married to the late Mercue L. Guess for seventy-one years, and they were blessed with one daughter.

In 1994, Rev. Guess retired as an educator of thirty-four years from the Orangeburg County School District.

Rev. Guess is a born-again believer and loved people young and old.  She has touched the lives of many and was a pillar within her community. Over the years she has been recognized for her service within the community and the church.  She has also served on and with several community organizations and church affiliations to include some of the following:  Church School Superintendent thirty-four years;  Church School Teacher Adult Class; Vice President of the Gospel Choir; President of the Senior Choir; Pastor's Aid Board; Women's Missionary Society; Steward Board Member; Parliamentarian of the Greater Pastor's Aid League of Holly Hill and surrounding areas.

She was preceded in death by her husband Mr. Mercue L. Guess; her parents, Mr. Thomas Preston Keitt and Mary J. Hamilton Keitt; a sister, Mrs. Bertha M. Oliver; in-laws, Mr. Junior Oliver, Col. Albert Guess and Mrs. Reba Guess, Mr. Fletcher Summers, and Mrs. Willow M. Guess.

Those remaining to cherish precious memories are her daughter, Evangelist Margaret J. Guess of Holly Hill, SC; Sisters: Mrs. Thelma K. Summers of Norwalk, CT, Mrs. Louise Smalls of St. George, SC, and Mrs. Willow M. Anderson of Holly Hill, SC; Brothers-in-law: Mr. Thomas J. Guess of Vance, SC, Mr. Larry Anderson and Mr. Prince Smalls of Holly Hill, SC; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She loved God's work and His people.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday September 13, 2025, at Greater Friendship AME Church,3669 Tee Vee Rd., Santee, with Rev. Willie H. Brown, the Pastor, officiating.  The casket will be placed in the church at 12 noon, burial will follow in the Dantzler Cemetery.

Public Viewing is scheduled from 2 until 6 pm Friday, September 12th at Williams Funeral Home of Elloree.

The family is receiving guests at the residence between the hours of 2 and 6 pm daily.  Friends may also call the funeral home.