The News and Farmer - Obituaries

Edward John Himes passed away of heart complications on Sunday, July 23, 2017 in Louisville. He was 52 years old.

Edward was born May 21, 1965 in Buffalo, NY to his mother, Gayle F. Himes. He then grew up in Springville, NY until moving to Georgia in 1996.

He is survived by his two daughters Tina Himes and Rachel Himes, his son Allen Himes, grandson Shane Maxwell, brothers Mark Himes and William Himes, mother of his children Paulette Weidmann, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

He served in the military for a brief time before being medically discharged.

A private memorial service will be held for family and friends to celebrate his life later this week in his hometown of Springville, NY.

Edward was loved and respected by many, and will truly be missed as he is laid to rest.

Mr. Joe Willie Hymes, 75 of 1552 Brown Lane, Wrens, entered into rest Friday morning, July 28, 2017 at Doctors Hospital in Augusta.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017 at Spring Bethel AME Church in Louisville. Rev. James Jenkins, pastor of the church will be officiating. Interment will be in the Spring Bethel Society Cemetery.

Mr. Hymes was born in Sept. 25, 1941. He was the son of the late Elijah and Mae Rose Hymes. He was a member of Spring Bethel AME Church and the Spring Bethel Benevolent Society. He received his education in the Jefferson County School system.

Memories will be cherished by his wife, Betty Mae Hymes; sons, Dannis Cooper (Cathy), Joe Willie Cooper (Teresa), Jackie Hymes (Veronica) and Nathaniel Hymes of Wrens, Joseph Johnson (Lawanda) of Grovetown, Michael Cooper of Louisville, and Christopher Hymes (Lakesha) of Augusta; daughters, Angela Cooper of Covington, and Sebrina Hymes of Wrens; brothers, Cleveland Boatwright of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; sister, Mary Ann Graves of Riverdale; thirty grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steward and Trustees of Spring Bethel AME Church. Active pallbearers will be Calvin Stiddons, Johnny Ray Thomas, Joe Boyd, Sam Kelly, Joe Thomas, Brandon Bennett and Marcus Hall.

Family and friends may call at the residence of his wife, Mrs. Betty Mae Hymes, 1552 Brown Lane, Wrens or at Garrer Funeral Home. Garrer Funeral Home of 721 New Street, Louisville is in charge of the funeral arrangements of Mr. Joe Willie Hymes.

Eugene “Gene” Thomas Parker, 69, Cutler, passed away at 9:26 a.m. Monday, July 31, 2017, in the emergency room at I.U. Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

He was born June 13, 1948, in Augusta, to James and Florence (Thomas) Parker. On March 31, 1979, he married Maureen J. Daly, in Louisville, and she survives.

Gene graduated from Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Fla. He began working for Lafayette Venetian Blind in 1992 and retired in 2011. Gene’s faith was very important to him, and he greatly enjoyed fellowship with his church family at Oakland Christian Church, where he was involved with the Carroll and Clinton County Jail Ministries. His pastimes included gardening, traveling, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Maureen Parker, he is survived by his children, Christopher (Courtney) Parker, Brownsburg, Matthew Parker, West Lafayette, Rebekah (Nick) Hoffman, Flora, Seth Parker, Grovetown, Samuel (Ashley Simmons) Parker, Indianapolis, and Rachel Parker, Indianapolis; two grandchildren, Cecelia Hoffman and Evan Hoffman; two brothers, James Parker and Robert Parker, both of Zephyrhills, Fla.; and one sister, Linda (Larry) Keith, Zephyrhills, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John Parker and Jack Parker.

Funeral services for Gene will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, at Oakland Christian Church, 2005 S. 1280 W., Russiaville, with Pastor Dennis Riggs officiating. Burial will follow in Ball Hill Cemetery near Cutler. Friends are invited to visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Stout & Son Funeral Home, Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan St., Burlington. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Messages of condolence may be expressed online at www.stoutandson.com.

Ronald Gene Warnock, age 80, of Mineral Bluff formerly of Louisville, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2017, at Pruitt of Blue Ridge,

Mr. Warnock was born Nov. 16, 1936, in Soperton, to the late Delmar David Warnock and the late Mattie Pauline Page Warnock. He graduated from Mercer University with a BS Degree and later received a Masters Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forrest, NC. Ronald had served as pastor at numerous churches in North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia. He was currently a member of Harbor Ministries in McCaysville. He was also a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in the state of Georgia and had provided temporary administration services to Nursing Homes in Georgia for over 16 years.

He was a man that enjoyed spending time with his family, enjoyed history and the study of his family genealogy.

Preceding him in death was a granddaughter, Joyce M. Warnock, two brothers, Donnie Warnock and William P. Warnock, Sr.

Survivors include: wife of almost 60 years, Eleanor Sceals Warnock, three sons; Michael R. (Cindy) Warnock, Robert D. (Merry) Warnock and Steven E. Warnock, daughter; Carol W. (Lee) Arnold, sister; Paula W. Archer; grandchildren; Rebecca Warnock, Levi Arnold, Josh Warnock, Tommie A. (Jody) Nicholson, Stephanie Warnock, Quinn Warnock, Eli Warnock, Daniel Warnock, Anabel Warnock and Brantley Warnock.

A memorial service will be Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, 2 p.m. at Sammons Funeral Home Chapel in Soperton. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery in Soperton.

In Lieu of flowers you may send contributions to Harbor Ministries; PO Box 388, McCaysville, GA 30555

Local Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Mr. Harry Hamilton Cooper, Jr., age 89 of Bermuda Drive, Louisville, died Monday, July 24, 2017 at his residence.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 26, 2017 in the Louisville First Baptist Church, with Rev. Jonathan Witt and Rev. Jim Newsome officiating. Burial followed in the Jefferson County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were: Brad Campbell, Larry Morgan, William Hadden, Kester Williford, Larry Johnson and Kevin Maxwell. Honorary pallbearers were: Marcus McLendon, Jane Green, Charla Cole and Susan Polhill.

A native of Tignall, Harry was a son of the late Harry Hamilton Cooper, Sr. and Julia Lunsford Cooper of Wilkes County. Mr. Cooper was a 1945 graduate of Tignall High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951-1953. Harry retired September 1980 after 35 years with the Georgia Department of Transportation, where he was a preconstruction engineer in the Athens, Greensboro and Wadley offices. He worked on I-85 in Jackson and Banks County, I-20 from Hill Street in Fulton County to Richmond County, and on I-75 from Cartersville to Dalton. Harry was a member of Louisville First Baptist Church for 51 years.

Harry is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Gloria Turner Cooper of Louisville; sons, Tony Cooper & Dianne of Louisville and Mark Cooper and Peggy of Louisville; daughters, Ann Cooper of Augusta and Lisa Cooper Widener and David of Augusta; grandchildren, Drew Cooper and Mary Alice of Augusta, Kay Cooper, Ansley Widener and David Widener, III., several nieces and nephews.

The Cooper family received friends Wednesday, prior to the service in the church.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Mr. Harry’s caregivers: Jeannette Thompson, Sheila Tillman, Angela Tarver, Jan Tarver, Daisy Lane and Barbara Battie.

You may sign the family’s personal guestbook online at www.taylorfhlouisville.com.

Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Louisville was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Mary Eva Wadsworth Deen, age 102 of West 7th Street Louisville died Saturday evening, Aug. 5, 2017.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017 in the Louisville United Methodist Church with Dr. James T. Pennell & Rev. Peter Vermeulen officiating. Pallbearers will be Larry Rhodes, Billy Jordan, Keith Hagen, Tommy New, Rocky Gilmore & Shane Youmans. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery in Baxley, with Mr. Jerry Taylor officiating.

Mrs. Deen was born in Birmingham, AL on June 28, 1915, a daughter of the late Elbert & Grace Steward Wadsworth. She was a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Art. Along with her husband, Rev. Ed Deen, they served 50 years in the ministry pastoring several churches throughout South Georgia, including Louisville United Methodist Church. The Deens loved traveling around the world and spending time at their summer home in Lake Junaluska, NC.

Mary Eva was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Rev. Edward Emmett (Ed) Deen; a brother, Corwin Wadsworth; son in-law, Ricky Green and is survived by a daughter, Betty Sue Green of Bartow; granddaughter, Brandy & Chantless Wheeler of Louisville; grandson, Michael Green of Bartow; great granddaughter, Caroline Grace Wheeler of Louisville; sister in-law, Tillie Deen of Baxley; several nieces & nephews.

The Deen family may be contacted at the residence on West 7th street in Louisville.

The Deen family request, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

The Deen family received friends Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the funeral home.

You may sign the family’s personal guestbook online at www.taylorfhlouisville.com.

Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Louisville was in charge of arrangements.

Funeral service for Elder Christine Goodson, age 71, of 208 McCollum Street, Wrens, was held on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Wrens Baptist Church, Wrens, Pastor Rev. Carson Fellows with Rev. David Batts, Presider and Pastor Chavas Boyd, Eulogist.

Interment was held in the New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Wrens. Repast was held at the Holding Forth the Word of Life Living Ministries, Wrens.

Elder Christine Avery Goodson was born to the parentage of Evelyn Gaston and Willie Harris Avery in Avera. She was reared by her maternal great-aunt and great-uncle, Hattie & Warren Gaston. Elder Goodson was a member of the Jefferson County High School graduating class of 1963. She was employed by Thermo King Corporation for over 33 years.

As a youth and young adult she attended Gethsemane Baptist Church in Avera. In 1977, Elder Goodson became a member of the House of Faith Holiness Church in Wrens. She was ordained as a minister under the leadership of the late Kellar Blair. In 1993, she became an Elder under the leadership of Dorothy Nelson, Senior Pastor of the “House of Faith.” In 2000, she became the Assistant Pastor of the House of Faith Holiness Church to Senior Pastor Dorothy Nelson. In 2012, she moved forth in her calling to Holding Forth the Word of Life Ministries under the leadership of Apostle Linda Lariscy where she served as a faithful member until she was called from labor to reward.

The scripture Luke 10:27, “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” captures the spirit of Elder Goodson. She was a deeply rooted spiritual woman and her faith in God always remained steadfast.

On July 31, 2017 at the Doctors Hospital, Augusta, Elder Christine Goodson went from her labor to reward.

She gave very generously of her time and advice to anyone in need. She was known throughout the community for her strength, guidance, love and encouragement. Her door was always open for a listening ear, a nurturing meal and a prayer. Lovingly called “Granny” by her grandchildren, she was a loving mother and extraordinary grandmother.

Elder Goodson leaves to cherish her memory, a loving husband of 53 years, James Goodson, Jr.; children, Theresa (Calvin) Cunningham, Gregory (Chrystal) Goodson, Sr. and Pamela Hudson; grandchildren, Tamia Wooten, Monica Goodson, Devin Wooten, Gregory Goodson Jr., Celeste Goodson, Chasidy Stone, Corey Hudson, Alphodaisha Hudson, Samtavious Hudson, Christopher Hudson, Yuvondrea Tremble, Calvin Cunningham Jr., Brittany Cunningham, Jessica Jackson and Ciara Royston; great-grandchildren, Aniya, Hailey, Cason, Martavian, Montavis and Josiah; mother-in-law, Reba Goodson; sisters, Sarah Jackson, Lucy McCoy, Bobbi (James) Lane, Girdie (Earl) Thomas, Yvonne (Freddie) Foxx, Betty (James) Roberts, Marie Edwards, Josephine Gaston, Henrietta Gaston and Mozell (Bud) Seabrook; brothers, Willie James Avery and Henry (Audrey) Avery; sisters-in-law, Ella Goodson, Faye Smith, Eleanor Jackson and Carolyn Brown; brothers-in-law, Bobby Wheeler, John Goodson, Stanley (Martha) Goodson, Eddie (Marta) Goodson, Clayton (Linda) Goodson, Michael (Wanda) Thomas and Walter Thomas; special friends she loved as sisters, Bertha Stone and Renita Whicker; godchildren, Tomasenia, Roshonda, Dalmon, Lashanda, Shalaunda, NeTanya, Laray, Frank, Roy and Robin; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other family members and additional friends.

Honorary pallbearers were Willie Stone, Robert Hudson,Eugene Cunningham, Jr.,Jerome Cunningham. Active Pallbearers were Dwayne Lane, Kenneth Hudson,Willie Gaston,James Roberts, Jr. Gary Jones and Dalmon Smith.

Freeman Funeral Home. 402 Curtis Street, Wrens in charge of arrangements

Mr. B. Kevin Counsell, age 48, of Sandersville, died Monday, Aug. 7, 2017.

Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, 2017 in the Friendship Baptist Church, 8180 Friendship Church Road, Bartow, with Pastor Steve Keener officiating.

Pallbearers were: Donnie Hendrix, Carroll Chambers, Blake Counsell, Jordie Williamson, Jake Mulholland, Heath Pendley, Jamie Wheeler and Jason Sikes. Honorary pallbearers were: Wednesday Night Boys Club, Charlie Roy Hall, Lamar Baxley, Dr. Frank Pierce and Jeff Baker.

A native of Augusta, Kevin was a son of Clarence Gerald Counsell and the late Hilda Harper Counsell. He was a graduate of North Augusta High School, a licensed auctioneer, entrepreneur and jack of all trades. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.

Kevin is preceded in death by his mother, Hilda Harper Counsell; and a son, Dayton Colby Counsell and is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Lisa Counsell of Sandersville; daughters, Belinda Klayre Counsell and Londyn Tanner Counsell of Sandersville; son, Enon Talmadge Counsell of Sandersville; father, Clarence Gerald and Rhonda Counsell of Augusta; brother, Wesley and Rebecca Counsell of Augusta; nephew, John Wayne Counsell of Augusta; aunt, Doris Jean Williams of North Augusta; uncle, Dr. John Williams of North Augusta and many cousins and friends.

The Counsell family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

You may sign the family’s personal guestbook online at www.taylorfhlouisville.com.

Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Louisville is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Evelyn Cotter Dixon, 86, loving wife of the late Aurin Thomas Dixon, left her earthly residence and went home to be with her Savior Saturday evening, Aug. 12, 2017.

Funeral services will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 16, 2017 with Reverends Tom Kalliokoski and Jerry Pittman officiating. Interment will follow in the Magnolia Baptist Church Cemetery, Gibson.

Mildred was one of five born to the late Ina Cole Cotter and the late Arthur Eugene Cotter. Born and raised in Gibson, she married the love of her life at the age of 18 after graduating from Gibson High School, and moved to Avera where she made her home and raised her family. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at the age of twelve, faithfully serving Him as a pianist and Sunday School teacher, and as a member of Open Door Baptist Church until her health decline. Being a homemaker, Mildred also worked outside the home at Stapleton Garment Company as well as Gibson Garment Company. A talented seamstress, she made many of her daughter’s clothes. After retirement, she knitted each of her children and grandchildren at least one afghan.

She loved to be outside doing yard work which relaxed her. She was also a great cook and loved feeding her family. Affectionately known by her grandchildren as “Mema,” her family was her first and foremost priority. Her greatest blessing for which she was eternally grateful was the knowledge that all of her family had accepted Jesus as their Lord.

A quiet person with a sweet, gentle spirit, Mildred always had a big smile for everyone, even “friends she had not yet met.” Generous, patient, selfless, tenderhearted, loving—these are such inadequate descriptives for this jewel of a lady. In her final years, she suffered without complaint, looking forward to taking Jesus’ hand for her final journey home.

Mildred is also preceded in death by her beloved son, Anthony “Tony” Dixon; and four siblings, Deward Cotter, Arnes Cotter, Ruby Buckner and Oree Cotter. Those left to cherish her memories are her children, Karen Raley Davis (Craig) and Gary Dixon (Tara); daughter-in-law, Susan Lamb (Anthony); sister-in-law, Delores Williford; seven grandchildren, Jason Dixon (Jennifer), Simon Raley (Bekah), Megan Edwards (Scott), Marshall Dixon (Nicole), Rebekah Moss (B.J.), Josiah Dixon and Carmie Dixon; 11 great grandchildren, Jacob Dixon, Daniel Dixon, Levi Dixon, Kaiya Harris, Remmi Raley, Zoe Edwards, Lucy Edwards, Ezra Moss, Judah Moss and Marshall Dixon Jr.; many nieces and nephews; and special friends from Trinity Hospice and Gentiva Home Health. Serving as pallbearers will be Hoyt Cole, Scotty Cole, Clay Daugherty, Jason Dixon, Josiah Dixon, Marshall Dixon, William Goodson, B. J. Moss and Simon Raley.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made the National Stroke Association, 9707 E. Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial CO 80112-3754 or to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231-4596.

Heartfelt thanks are expressed to the staff of Trinity Hospice and Gentiva Home Health for their compassionate, loving care.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. prior to the services on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 16, 2017.

Visit www.JamesFHWrens.com to sign the guestbook and to post condolences.

James Funeral Home, 630 North Main Street, Wrens in charge of arrangements for Mildred Cotter Dixon.

Robert Lucious Little was born on Oct. 10, 1929 to the parentage of the late Albert Lucious and Beulah Ella Dawson. He departed this life on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017, in the Pruitt Health Facility in Louisville.

Funeral services for Little were held Sunday, Aug. 6, 2017 at Lofton AME Church in Wrens with Rev. Walter Oliphant presiding. Pall bearers were Albert Berry Jr., Sidney Chappell, Jarvis Mims, Dewayne Nelson, Calvin Oliphant and Walter Oliphant. Interment was in the Lofton AME Church Cemetery.

He was a loving father. At an early age, he joined Lofton AME Church, where he served faithfully until his health failed. He was a veteran of the United States Army and a Korean War veteran. He has a Korean War Service medal with two Bronze Stars and a United Nations Service Medal. He loved playing checkers.

He was united into holy matrimony to the late Gertrude Oliphant Little. Preceding him in death was his wife, Gertrude Oliphant Little; one son, Clarence Little Sr.; and five brothers, Charlie Hubert Little, Eugene Little, Weldon Little, Oliver Little and Calvin Little.

He leaves to cherish his memories three daughters, Jereline (Willie James) Jordan, Mary Ann Little and Linda Little, all of Wrens; daughter-in-law Jackie Little of Sandersville; brothers-in-law, Newt (Martha) Oliphant of Wrens, Wayne (Joyce) Hobbs of Augusta, Rashad Oliphant of Jacksonville, Fla., and Willie James (Carrie) Oliphant of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; he was the guardian of Alton Washington; sisters-in-law Carolina (Hubert) Berry of Wrens, Tileasa Hobbs of Atlanta, Mae Vera Little of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Carnell Hobbs of Atlanta; aunt Gertrude McKelsey of Augusta; 16 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; close friends Roy Boatwright, Albert Berry Sr. and Johnny Fair; his caregivers LaKessia Johnson, Nickole Ross and Joyce Ann Holloway; he loved his daughters, Priscilla Stone and Daphne Beasley; he loved his son Freddie (Barbara) Fleming; and a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of other relatives and friends.

Burnette Funeral Home of Wrens was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Billy Joe Pearson, age 53 of Steephollow Road, Gibson, died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017 in the University Hospital in McDuffie County.

Funeral Services were be held 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, 2017 in the Gibson Church of God with Rev. Stacy Williford and Rev. Tim Hicks officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were: Frank Youngblood, Wess Haywood, Michael Gilmore, Gerald Davis, Vern Perry and Rusty Smith.

A native of Warrenton, Billy was a son of the late Harvey Pearson and Melba King Pearson of Warrenton. He was a mechanic with B & H Transfer in Sandersville, and attended Gibson Church of God. He loved his family, fishing and the Atlanta Braves.

Billy was preceded in death by his father and is survived by his loving wife, Brandie Pearson of Gibson; daughters, Ashley Haywood and Wess of Mitchell, Mindy Marsh and Kevin of Mitchell, Sabrina Pearson of Gibson and Madie Joe Pearson of Gibson; son, Nicholas Pearson of Gibson; grandchildren, Kaylee Marsh, Adalynn Marsh and Presley Haywood; mother, Melba Pearson of Warrenton; brother, Roger Avery of Warrenton; father and mother in law, Bobby and Teresa Williams of Gibson.

The Pearson family will receive friends 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017 in the funeral home.

You may sign the family’s personal guest book online at www.taylorfhgibson.com.

Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Gibson is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Christopher Cornelius Atkinson, 41, of Fairlane Drive in Louisville, departed this life Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017 in Jefferson County.

Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at at Kingdom Life Fellowship Ministries and Cemetery in Wadley.

Mr. Atkinson was a native of Pitt County, N.C. Born in Greenville, N.C. to the parentage of the late Earl and Shirley Jenkins Atkinson. He was a 1994 graduate of D. H. Conley High School, Greenville, N.C., a Disinfectant machine operator with Coastal and a member of Kingdom Life Fellowship Ministries. One son, Christopher Earl Atkinson, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Vickie Walden Atkinson, Louisville; his son, Wanya Atkinson, LaGrange, N.C.; daughter, PaShance Worthington, Ayden, N.C.; stepson, Damion Thomas, Louisville; step daughter, Faith Thomas, Louisville; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Janet (Wesley) Snell and Charles Walden, Wadley; sister-in-law, Veronica Seafus, Wadley; special friends, R. J. Simmons, Keyonta Taft, Charles Prayer, Shon Newton and Julius Daniels all of North Carolina; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Family may be contacted at the residence 1114 Fairlane Drive, Louisville, or at Davis Funeral Home.

You may sign the guestbook at davisfuneralhomega.com or join us on Facebook.

Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Christopher C. Atkinson.

William Wells Jr. was born the fourth child of William and Sarah Wells in the Grange Community of Louisville. He was precocious and reticent…qualities that would serve him his entire life. An avid reader, hunter, fisherman, and gun collector, William had an engaging personality that endeared him to everyone whom he encountered. He especially enjoyed Stephen King novels. At an early age, he, like all his paternal ancestors, joined the Hardeman Springfield Baptist Church.

William was a member of the graduating class of 1983 from Louisville High School. For the past 15 years or so, he has been an employee of Baldwin State Prison in Milledgeville. There he met and established sound relationships with many of his fellow workers. He truly loved Baldwin State and the camaraderie he shared and enjoyed with others there.

William, June Beetle, as he was lovingly and affectionately known by family and friends, stepped from time to the vast expanse of eternity on Friday afternoon, Aug. 18, at Oconee Regional Medical Center in Milledgeville. He left a string of broken hearts, unfilled dreams, and an eternal void that only God Himself can heal.

William’s father, William, Sr., was called from earthly labor to eternal reward on Tuesday, March 4, 1986.

The memories of him are now a precious treasure. “June Beetle” will be forever missed by his mother, Sarah M. Terrell Wells, Louisville; his companion and significant other Ms. Brenda Hall of Wadley; he leaves three sons, Brenton Alexander Wells, active duty Air Force, Macon, Jaylin D. Best and Stephen Z. Wells, Louisville; his three daughters, Bethany Wells, Jonesboro, Treyonna (Christopher) Dreher, Atlanta, and Sarah Maegan Wells, a student at Savannah State University, and a resident of Evans; his siblings, Julia Wells, Gary Wells, and Bonnie V. Wells, Louisville and Master Sergeant Retired Stevie W. (Jennifer) Wells, Valdosta; his granddaughter, Madison Alexis (Maddie), Louisville; Brenda’s parents, Willie and Esther Hall of Wadley. Raised in the home almost as a sibling with him is his niece Phaedra (Adrian) Campbell, Atlanta. Other nieces include Briahnna Wells, Greensboro, NC; Keyona Wells, Raleigh, NC, and Oliva and Norah Wells, Valdosta.

His aunts and uncles, Louise Wells, Annie Lee Terrell, and Suluer Wells, Louisville and Pauline (Willie) Williams, Miami, FL., Willie Lewis Terrell, Nashville, TN, Henry Frank Terrell, Atlanta, John (Mamie) Terrell, Morrow, and Harvey (Bernice) McCall, Augusta. Many cousins, other relatives, friends, and coworkers are left to remember June Beetle.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m. at the Hardeman Springfield Baptist Church and cemetery.

You may sign the guest book at Davisfuneralhomega.com or join us on Facebook.

Family may be contacted at the residence of his mother, 1124 Berrian Branch Road, Louisville or at Davis Funeral Home.

Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street is in charge of arrangements for Mr. William “June Beetle” Wells, Jr.

Geraldine Brett Farrington, born Oct. 10, 1933 in Emanuel County, to Paul and Amanda Brett, died Aug. 24, 2017.

A child of farmers who were determined to send their daughters to college, she earned degrees from Brewton Parker and Tift College to become a teacher of Humanities. She taught more than 30 years in public schools.

As an avocation, Gerry taught Bible Study all of her adult life. She believed teaching was her calling just as her husband, J.C. Farrington, was called to ministry. In 2009, she was herself ordained as a minister.

She is predeceased by her husband; infant son, Curtis Farrington; sisters, Pauline Brett and Ouida Manning; and granddaughter, Claudia Pezzino.

Gerry is missed by her surviving children, Judy Farrington Aust, Evelyn Farrington Perry, and Pauline Farrington; her grandchildren, John Pezzino, Amanda Francis, Sarah Rutowski, and Owen Aust; great-grandson, Coleman Pezzino; and sister, Linda Chappell.

Funeral services will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 6900 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN on Wednesday, Aug. 30, at 1 p.m.; and Moxley Baptist Church, Wadley, on her birthday, Oct. 10, 2017 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, Knoxville, or Shekinah Baptist Assembly in Louisville.

Click Funeral Home and Cremations 9020 Middlebrook Pike is serving the Farrington Family. www.clickfh.com

Mark Keith Guy, Jr., 31, entered into his eternal rest early Thursday morning, Aug. 24, 2017, at his residence.

Funeral services were held at James Funeral Home Chapel at 11 a.m. Monday morning, Aug. 28, with Reverend Tony Key officiating. Interment followed in the Woodland Baptist Church Cemetery.

Born in Augusta, Mark Keith was a lifelong resident of Wrens, a 2004 graduate of Jefferson County High School, and a 2006 graduate of Sandersville Tech with an Associates of Applied Science and Computer Programming degree. He then dedicated himself to the care of his beloved grandmother, Sarah, until her passing in 2014 after which he was employed at the Ingles Market in Wrens. As a young boy, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was a member of Woodland Baptist Church.

Being highly intelligent and having artistic talents—he loved to draw and create story lines for his own created characters—Mark Keith had interests in becoming a graphic designer. He was a competitive video gamer and an obsessive, expert collector of Dragon Ball-Z, Star Wars and Legend of Zelda memorabilia which, not only provided him much pleasure, but was also an investment for his children. He loved music and going to concerts, heavy metal being his favorite genre.

Mark Keith will be remembered for his sweet, gentle nature; his loyalty to family and friends; his beautiful smile; and, of course, his great wit and dry sense of humor. Death leaves a void that no one can fill; but love leaves memories that no one can steal. His memories live on forever in our hearts.

Mark Keith is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Sarah and Chester Guy; maternal grandparents, Carole and Ralph Marcel; and maternal great-grandparents, Violet and Howard Poole.

Those left to cherish his memory include his fiancé and the mother-to-be of his child, Jasmine M. Grubbs; “adopted” son, Brycen Grubbs; mother, Solange M. Marcel (Curtis Sikes); father, Mark Keith Guy; siblings, Thomas Matthew Dykes, Elizabeth Claire Miller (Slayter), Thera Marie Rentz-Dykes and John William Francis; two nieces, Khloie Dykes and Adalie Miller; paternal aunts and uncles, Donnie Guy (Daisy), Debbie Johnson (Richard), Ruth Guy, Marion Hammonds, Shirley Chalker, Brenda Pond, Bernie Fugett and Lee Guy; close friends, JoJo Mills and Tim Calhoun; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Serving as pallbearers were Matt Dykes, Matt Guy, Josh Guy, Eric Cunningham, Richard Cooper and Seth Williams.

The family received friends at James Funeral Home from Sunday evening, Aug. 27, 2017.

Visit www.JamesFHWrens.com to sign the guestbook and to post condolences.

James Funeral Home, 630 North Main Street, Wrens GA in charge of arrangements for Mark Keith Guy Jr.

Betty Jane Vaughn Herndon, 70, loving wife of 48 years to Tommy George Herndon, entered into her eternal rest Wednesday morning, Aug. 23, 2017, at her residence.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon, Aug. 27, 2017 at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church with Reverend Paul Moore officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

One of four children born to the late Virginia Russell Vaughn and the late Adam Vaughn, Betty was a lifelong resident of Wrens. At a young age, she accepted Jesus while attending Mt. Horeb Baptist Church where she was still a member.

After attending Wrens High School, she worked at Atwell Pecan Company for many years, after which she was one of the first employees hired at the Thomson Wal-Mart, working there 15 years until her health declined.

An industrious person, she worked hard to help provide for her family’s needs. She was always busy—working in her flower garden, canning vegetables, etc. Betty enjoyed fishing, especially for catfish, and then making her “catch” a meal for her family. Being a great cook, she found immense pleasure seeing her family enjoy her food. These family gatherings always uplifted her spirits.

A people person, Betty was strong-willed and had her opinions on a number of topics, but she was known for her big laugh and dry sense of humor—she wanted everyone to be happy, content and have a good time in life. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. Betty’s generous, loving spirit will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Betty is also preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Rathburn; and brother, Brantley Vaughn. Survivors include her two children, Dwayne Herndon (Teresa) and Charmion Herndon, as well as her “adopted” daughter, Angie Bridges; brother, Jerry Vaughn; eight grandchildren, Bethany Herndon, Shelby Herndon, Thomas Herndon, Shaun Jordan, Kevin Brinson, Keith Brinson, Malcolm Brinson and Malik Brinson; her three “adopted” grandchildren, Alyssa Austin, Hannah Roberts and Jayda Roberts; many in-laws, extended family, and friends. Serving as pallbearers were Rusty Eskew, Chris Herndon, Jeff Herndon, Wright Perdue, Chuck Rhodes and Ronald Russell.

Heartfelt thanks are expressed to the staff of Trinity for their compassionate, loving care.

The family received friends at James Funeral Home from Saturday afternoon, Aug. 26.

Visit www.JamesFHWrens.com to sign the guestbook and to post condolences.

James Funeral Home, 630 North Main Street, Wrens in charge of arrangements for Betty Jane Vaughn Herndon.

Mr. Leroy Sherrod, 57, also known as “Sarg or Boodie,” of 505 Caldwell Street, Louisville departed this life Sunday, Aug. 26, 2017 at the VA Medical Center, Augusta.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. at the James and Virginia Davis Chapel. Burial will be held in the GA Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville.

Mr. Sherrod was a native of Jefferson County, a 1979 graduate of Louisville High School and in June 2007 received a Degree in Automotive Technology from Augusta Technical College. Leroy was an honorably Retired veteran of the US Army (active and reserve). He worked several years with the Georgia Department of Corrections at Davisboro and Hancock State Prisons.

His love for truck driving lead him to work for various companies including Fortella Trucking Company, Swift Trucking and Coastal. He was a member of the St. Paul Baptist Church.

Survivors include his mother, Bernice S. Kelly, Louisville; his children, Lerodrick Sherrod and Abinecia Sherrod, Sandersville; his stepson that he reared as his own, Antonio Ingram, Sandersville; siblings, Ezell Lynch, Philadelphia, PA, Larry (Vonetta) Sherrod, Hephzibah, Mary (Herman) Yancey, Sherry Page, Terry Sherrod and Lizzie Mae Byrd, Louisville, Diane (Derrick) Norfleet, Tacoma, WA, Lillie Byrd and Annie Dorothy (Sam) Newcombe, Malinda (Mike) Peeples of Elkton, FL; grandchildren, Aubree Thomas, Malani Sherrod, Taylor Ingram and Gabriel Ingram; aunts, Jeanette Sherrod, Louisville and Emmitt Byrd, Wadley; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Family may be contacted at the residence 505 Caldwell Street, Louisville or at Davis Funeral Home.

Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Leroy Sherrod, known as “Sarg or Boodie.”

Agnes Lorraine Lewis Boulineau, 88, loving wife of the late Billy L. Boulineau, peacefully entered into her eternal rest Thursday evening, Aug. 31, 2017 at her residence.

Funeral services will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 11 a.m. Wednesday morning, Sept. 6, 2017, with Tony Key officiating. Interment followed in the Ways Baptist Church Cemetery.

Agnes was one of eight born to the late Clara Chavous Lewis and the late H. I. Lewis. Born in Augusta, her family moved when she was a young girl to Wrens, where she remained—graduating from Wrens High School and working as a bookkeeper for Lewis Steel, Cliff Martin Enterprises and Snow White Cleaners.

She met and married the most handsome man she had ever met in 1952. Agnes loved her Lord and Savior and served him as a past member of Wrens United Methodist Church and Ways Baptist Church, and a current member of Woodland Baptist Church.

She loved to cook for her family and was known for her potato salad, sweet potato biscuits, and most notably her chocolate cakes—everyone wanted her to make a chocolate cake for their birthday and for any occasion.

An organized person, she kept records of notable events in the community and her family’s lives—she was into “scrap booking” long before it became popular. She was a social person and loved being around people. Agnes also enjoyed quilting at her family reunions, probably more for the interaction and fellowship with her family rather than the quilting itself.

A product of the depression, Agnes was a straight forward, strong, independent, resilient and principled—a woman of character. Above all else, she loved her family and thanked God for blessing her with each of them. She leaves many wonderful memories and a great legacy.

Agnes is also preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Debra B. Norton; and four brothers, Charles Lewis, Walker Lewis, Bobby Lewis and Herbert Lewis. Survivors include two grandchildren, Annie N. Kiene and Johnnie Norton; son-in-law, Steve Norton; three great grandchildren, Jimmy Kiene, Andy Kiene and Elizabeth Kiene; three siblings, Leroy Lewis, G. I. Lewis (Doris) and Bessie Snider; nieces, nephews, and many friends. Serving as pallbearers were William Irwin, Gilbert Lewis, Lee Lewis, William Lewis, Danny Norton and Wayne Scott.

The family received friends at James Funeral Home Tuesday evening, Sept. 5.

Visit www.JamesFHWrens.com to post condolences and/or photos.

James Funeral Home, 630 North Main Street, Wrens, in charge of arrangements.

Eloise Pittman Brooks, 88, loving wife of the late John Edward Brooks, peacefully entered into her eternal rest minutes before noon on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017 at Gibson Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services were held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning, Aug. 12, with Reverends Jim Emery and Hal Burke officiating. Interment followed in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Avera.

A native of Dublin, Eloise was the youngest daughter and one of twelve born to the late Doretha Williams Pittman and the late Tobe Andrew Pittman. When Eloise was a young girl, the family relocated to the Matthews-Keysville area where she spent the majority of her life. She attended grade school in Matthews, and then attended High School, where she was a star player on the girls’ basketball team. After graduation, she married the love of her life in 1946. Eloise loved her role as wife and mother, but also worked outside the home. She was a seamstress at Stapleton Garment Company for fourteen years before opening and running the country store in Matthews for the next eleven (11) years. Then in 1977 after graduating from cosmetology school, she opened a shop where she was a barber for the men and beauty salon for the women which she operated until her health decline four years ago. Eloise loved flowers and her passion was working in her flower garden which brought her much joy. When not outside working in the garden, she enjoyed her “mind exercise” by working Word Find and Sudoku puzzles. She also enjoyed fishing, sewing and cooking for family and friends. The oldest resident of Matthews, she was the unofficial mayor. Because she always wore a hat when she was outside, Eloise was known around town as the “Hat Lady”. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a member of Mt. Moriah Methodist Church. Her out-spoken and straight-forward nature—she did not mince words and you always knew where you stood with her—camouflaged a loving, generous spirit. A woman of great talent, integrity and work ethic, Eloise was greatly respected and loved—she will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Eloise is also preceded in death by her daughter, Debbie Jenkins; and all of her eleven siblings. Survivors include her three children, Wanda B. Usry (David), Mack Brooks and Tim Brooks (Mary Grace); 14 grandchildren, Doug Todd (Rhonda), April Jewett (Rick), Sandie Weeks (Randy), Mack Brooks Jr. (Darlene), David Brooks (Teresa), John Brooks (Mindy), Phyllis Winings, Pam Potter (Geoff), Kim Brooks, Dave Usry, Stan Usry, Emily Edmunds, Nick Edmunds and Megan Edmunds; 20 great grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; a multitude of nieces, nephews and friends. Serving as pallbearers were David Brooks, Mack Brooks Jr., Stan Usry, Steven Usry, Doug Todd and Keith Pittman.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Pleasant Grove Cemetery Fund, 1350 Church Street, Avera GA 30803.

Visit www.JamesFHWrens.com to sign the guestbook and to post condolences.

James Funeral Home, was in charge of arrangements for Eloise Pittman Brooks.

John “Larry” Flowers, 68, loving husband of 42 years to Beth Jones Flowers, entered into his eternal rest Wednesday morning, August 30, 2017 at University Hospital in Augusta. A memorial service celebrating his home-going were held at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon, September 3, 2017 at Wrens Baptist Church with the Reverends Carson Fellows and Chad Watkins officiating.

One of three children born to the late Mildred Tucker Flowers and the late John A. Flowers, Larry grew up in Tifton where he was baptized in the First Baptist Church. He later attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College where he met Beth Jones of Matthews after she stole his cowboy hat while both were attending a rodeo. The two were married in 1975 and settled in Jefferson County where he raised his family as members of Wrens Baptist Church. He retired from Sandersville Railroad Company on medical disability after 25 years working there as a welder.

He coached Dixie Youth Baseball for eight years and loved being able to introduce the sport to his young players. An avid hunter and fisherman, in earlier years Larry raised and trained hunting dogs and was a member of the CSRA Retrievers Club and enjoyed competing in field trials. A life-long lover of quarter horses and horsemanship, one of his proudest moments was riding in last year’s Ranch Hand Class of the World Championship Sorting Event in Fort Worth, Texas.

A proud and simple family man, Larry lived a life well-loved and his pride and joy were his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Larry is survived by his two children, Karman Coursey (A.J.) and Clint Flowers (Kristi); two sisters, Betty Driggers of Tifton and Linda Petty of Chula; seven grandchildren, Mandolyn Howard, Kamry Howard, Trent Flowers, Remington Coursey, Tucker Flowers, Paisley Coursey and Isaac Phillips; in-laws Mike Jones (Meta) of Atlanta, Donna Story (Phillip) of Matthews; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Wrens Baptist Church, P.O. Box 217, Wrens GA 30833 earmarked for the electronic sign.

The family receive d friends at the home of Clint Flowers and in the church after the services.

James Funeral Home of Wrens was in charge of arrangements for John “Larry” Flowers.

Mr. Edward John Himes

Mr. Joe Willie Hymes

Mr. Eugene “Gene” Thomas Parker

Mr. Ronald Gene Warnock

Mr. Harry Hamilton Cooper Jr.

Mrs. Mary Eva Wadsworth Deen

Elder Christine Goodson

Mr. B. Kevin Counsell

Mrs. Mildred Evelyn Cotter Dixon

Mr. Robert Lucious Little

Mr. Billy Joe Pearson

Mr. Christopher Cornelius Atkinson

Mr. William Wells Jr.

Mrs. Geradline Brett Farrington

Mr. Mark Keith Guy Jr.

Mrs. Betty Jane Vaughn Herndon

Mr. Leroy Sherrod

Mrs. Agnes Lorraine Lewis Boulineau

Mrs. Eloise Pittman Brooks

Mr. John Larry Flowers