Simpsonville, SC, September 17, 2025

News Summary

The communities of Simpsonville and Greenville, SC, are in mourning after the passing of three beloved individuals: Jennet Chapman McElreath, Roger Cary Cottrell, and Susan Smith Ciofani. Each contributed greatly to their families and local activities, leaving lasting legacies. Funeral services for all three individuals will be held shortly, as family and friends come together to honor their memories. The community reflects on their contributions and the joy they brought to those around them.

Simpsonville and Greenville Community Mourns the Loss of Cherished Residents

Simpsonville and Greenville, SC are in mourning following the recent passing of three beloved community members: Jennet Chapman McElreath, Roger Cary Cottrell, and Susan Smith Ciofani.

Jennet Chapman McElreath

Jennet Chapman McElreath, aged 95, passed away peacefully at her home in Simpsonville, SC, on September 16, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Calvin McElreath. Jennet is survived by three children—Barry McElreath (Bill Bates), Terrie M. Barker (Drew), and Hope M. Tedards (Wright)—along with two grandchildren, Andrew Barker and Corey Barker (Tyler).

A funeral service for Jennet will be held on September 19, 2025, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast. Family and friends are invited to visit from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Jennet will be interred at Cannon-Byrd Memorial Park in Fountain Inn, SC. In honor of her memory, donations can be directed to Triune Mercy Center at P.O. Box 3844, Greenville, SC 29608, in lieu of flowers.

Roger Cary Cottrell

Roger Cary Cottrell, aged 64, of Greenville, SC, peacefully passed away on June 26, 2025. Born on November 23, 1960, in Alexandria, VA, Roger is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kathy Cottrell, along with their children: David Cottrell, Cary Rita (Zac) Rita, Taylor Cottrell, Thomas Cottrell, Shannon, and Trey Cottrell (Lacey). He is also survived by grandchildren Caroline and Levi, as well as his mother, Virginia Cottrell, a sister, Florence Moses (Steve), and several nieces and nephews.

Roger had a distinguished career at Michelin, where he worked for 40 years and became known for his professionalism and mentorship. He was active at Advent United Methodist Church and was involved in numerous community associations. Roger was passionate about woodworking and cars, often spending time outdoors with his family. A memorial service for Roger will be held on July 1, 2025, at Advent United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. Donations in his memory can be made to the Greenville Woodworkers Guild or Harvest Hope.

Susan Smith Ciofani

Susan Smith Ciofani, aged 66, of Simpsonville, SC, passed away on June 29, 2025, after being born on February 26, 1959, to William Grover Smith and Jimmie Ruth Smith. Remembered for her vibrant spirit as a wife, daughter, and aunt, Susan had a successful career in Human Resources, gaining a reputation for her kindness and strong family connections.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Ciofani, stepchildren Michael and Diana Ciofani, a brother, Mike Smith (Sharon), and many nieces, nephews, and friends. A visitation will take place on July 5, 2025, at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road, followed by her funeral service on July 6, 2025, with burial at Robinson Memorial Gardens. Donations in her memory may be directed to St. Jude or the First Baptist Simpsonville Campus Expansion.

Community Impact

The loss of Jennet, Roger, and Susan has profoundly affected their families and the larger community. All three were appreciated for their contributions to the community and will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved them.

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Additional Resources

• Legacy.com: Donald Doppel Obituary
• Cremation Society of SC: Roger Cottrell
• Robinson Funeral Homes: Susan Ciofani
• Hamlett-Dobson: Roy Dempsey
• Wikipedia: Obituary

Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE

The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.