With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Trayon Virsean McDowell, 30, a member of the National Guard, of Effingham, SC, who passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Celebrating

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BISHOP

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death or mourning or crying or pain."

Revelation 21:4

Trayon Virsean McDowell affectionately known as "Bishop" was born on June 14, 1995 in Florence, South Carolina to Virginia Gathers and Dan Smith.

He attended Savannah Grove Elementary School, Dewey L. Carter, Southside Middle School, and graduated from South Florence High School in Florence, South Carolina. Soon after high school, Trayon enlisted in the United States National Guard proudly serving and protecting his country. While serving his three years in the Army, as a 19K a M1 crew member, he worked as a Security Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Johnson Control and Ruiz Foods. Trayon then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to work in his speciality as an HVAC Technician. While in North Carolina, on February 21, 2025, his beautiful baby girl,  Zora Leigh Davis was born. He also gained his beautiful bonus daughter, Loreleigh Schroder.

"Bishop" was one of a kind and had a heart full of gold. He was also a loving father, son, grandson, uncle, brother, and friend. Trayon was truly the life of the party even in the darkest of rooms. He took pride in maintaining the relationships that he encountered and valued each and every one of them. One thing about Trayon, if he didn't do anything else, he would sing his little heart out and dance to anything that had a beat.

Trayon is leaving behind: his mother and father, Virginia Gathers and Dan Smith; his daughter, Zora Leigh Davis of Charlotte, NC; a bonus daughter, Loreleigh Schoder of Greenville, SC; seven siblings, June Smith, Frank Smith, Saisha Fulmore (Jasmine Smith), Danique Smith (Takaysis Harrison, Sr.) Kendrell Smith, Destiny McDowell, and Ny'Rue Smith; seven nieces and nephews, Da'Zarii Moses, Ja'Zhyia Stephens, Janyiah Stephens, Takayis Harrison, Jr.,  Isabella Ellison, Aliyah Ellison, Takeese Harrison; his grandmother and grandfather, Judy Gordon and LeGrafton Nowlin; his godmother, Tamitra Gathers; his godson, Kai'Den Mills; his aunts and uncles, Tawanna Adams, Robin Bethea, James Graham; and a host of great aunts, uncles, family, and friends that loved him dearly.

family is receiving friends and family at 508 E. Smallwood Road, Effingham, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Lake City, SC. 843-354-2292.