Chessie "Evetta" Gleaton

Chessie "Evetta" Shealy Gleaton, 88, of Batesburg, passed away on March 22, 2024. Born in Saluda County on May 3, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Chester Edwin and Viola Annieree Shealy. Evetta served for more than 40 years as an extraordinarily talented pianist for the Highland Avenue Pentecostal Holiness Church of Batesburg-Leesville. Her music accompanied the church’s radio broadcasts for over 20 years. She also played piano for her family’s gospel singing group, the Chester Shealy Family. She was a tireless worker in the church, teaching the cradle and nursery classes for decades. In addition to her church and family, Evetta loved flowers. Her yard was full of beautiful blooms pretty much year-round as she was a skilled and avid gardener. She also enjoyed collecting porcelain dolls and cookbooks with the flair and relish of a true connoisseur. She was an excellent hostess with a gift for hospitality.

Surviving are two sisters, Juanita Harmon and Olivia Kirkland; and a brother, Garlyn Shealy (Deloris). She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, along with their spouses, all of whom she loved and by whom she was loved dearly. In addition to her parents, Evetta was preceded in death by her husband of 23 years, Wade Gleaton; brothers, John, Lathan, Lamar, Melvin, and Graham Shealy; and sisters, Myrtice and Vilette Shealy, Leta Grice, and Lois Crapps.

A graveside service for Mrs. Gleaton will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Sunday, March 24th at Ridge Crest Memorial Park with the Reverend Ray Massey, Evetta’s beloved pastor, officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Summerland Church, formerly known as Highland Avenue Pentecostal Holiness Church, P.O. Box 2046, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070.