Mrs. Mary Etta Wheatt Hicks of Wadley entered into rest on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, at Vero Nursing Home, Wadley.

Mrs. Hicks was a native of Tuskegee, Ala. She was born to the late Joseph Wheatt and Lula Grister Wheatt in Tuskegee, Ala. She was married to the late William “Bill” Eljoy Hicks. She later moved to Queens, N.Y., for several years before relocating to Jefferson County. She was a homemaker.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Salters Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Bartow, with Rev. Walter Holmes Sr. as eulogist. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Survivors include her children, Gwendolyn Denise (Willie) Hicks Brookins, Wadley, Louise Robertson, Richmond, Va., and Walter Lee (Lillian) Johnson Sr., Bartow; siblings, Clinton Wheat, Long Island, N.Y., Lindsey Wheat and Mary Julia Dickerson, both of Freeport, N.Y., Roosevelt Wheat, Far Rockaway, N.Y., and Addie Barrett, Birmingham, Ala.; grandchildren, Daniel Gibbs Jr., Laurie Robertson, Sabrina Johnson, Warren Johnson and Walter Johnson III; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Davis Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Mr. Marvin “Bug” “Big Daddy” Huff II, 59, of Wrens were held on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Stone Springfield AME Church, Stapleton, with Rev. Willie B. Tomlin presiding and Rev. Kenneth Hannah as eulogist. Interment was in Sugar Hill Cemetery, Wrens. 

Mr. Huff was born on Oct. 21, 1956, to Lorene Huff and the late Willie James Oliphant. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Marvin Huff Sr. and Mary Alice Boatwright-Huff in Wrens. Mr. Huff was a 1974 graduate of the Jefferson County School System. He joined Wrens Chapel AME Church at an early age. He worked at Savannah River Site, Plant Vogtle and Lewis Steel Works. He medically retired from Lewis Steel Works after many years.

He was preceded in death by his son, Keon Huff; father, Willie James Oliphant; grandparents, Marvin Huff Sr. and Mary Alice Boatwright Huff.

Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline Huff of Wrens; children, Alisha Hobbs and Jerry Kemp Sr., both of Augusta, Michael Sanders of Killeen, Texas, Dorothy Avera and Annissa Kemp, both of Stapleton, Sherry Kemp of Gibson, and Arthur Hannah  Jr. of Wrens; mother, Lorene Smith of Wrens; brother, Willie James Oliphant Jr. of Sherman, Texas; sisters, Norma J. White of Sherman, Texas, and Donna Oliphant of Dallas, Texas; aunts, Mary Ann Huff, Merlease Mathis and Sara Wynn, all of Wrens, and Ada O. Dorcelus of Augusta; great-uncle, Roy Boatwright of Augusta; great-aunt, Dillie Edwards of Wrens; sister-in-law, Susan Bell Lane of Wrens; brothers-in-law, James Bell, Odell Maryland, Curtis (Stacy) Bell Sr. and Willie Bell Sr., all of Wrens; 19 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Freeman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Timothy D. Jackson, 55, of Bartow entered into rest on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at his residence.

A native of Augusta, Mr. Jackson was a son of the late Carl Jackson and Shelby Jean Holton Jackson.  Before retiring, he was a mixer and dryer operator for Thiele Kaolin Company, Sandersville. 

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, Louisville, with Rev. Dewey Henderson officiating. Burial followed in Davisboro City Cemetery.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Renee Jackson; and brother, Carlton Jackson.

Survivors include his wife, Regina Lewis Jackson of Bartow; sons, Timothy Jackson Jr. (Emily) of Davisboro, T.J. Jackson of Bartow and Tray Jackson (Christy) of Evans; daughters, Taylor Jackson of Bartow and Tara Jackson of Avera; and grandchildren, Jackson Dukes, Luke Jackson, Beau Jackson, Gage Jackson, Autumn Jackson and Dalton Jackson; and several nieces and nephews.

Taylor Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Randy Ray Mock, 51, of Avera entered into rest on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, at Georgia Regents Medical Center, Augusta. 

A celebration of life service was held at James Funeral Home Chapel at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, with Rev. Ed Chance officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date at Goloid Baptist Church Cemetery, Sylvania.

One of six children born to the late Betty Jane Doyle Mock Messer and the late Claude Watson Mock, Mr. Mock was raised in Screven County near Sylvania and Burke County near Waynesboro, moving from the area at age 18 to Mobile, Ala., for work. Being a painter, he worked in construction, following the job to different places in Alabama. Due to health issues involved after a fall from the roof on a job site, he moved to Avera to live with his sister. Becoming totally disabled and as his health further declined, he then moved to Thomson to live with his other sister.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Wayne Allen Mock and Claude Watson Mock Jr.

Survivors include his sons, Randy R. Mock Jr., Ricky Mock and Richard Mock; stepdaughters, Nicole Redd and Jennifer Rabun; sisters, Shirley A. Taylor (James), Annette Bolton (Wendell) and Susie Hall (Earnest); companion, Kathy Whitaker; mother of his children, Karen Collins; grandchildren, Ian, Addison, Bryson, Lexi, Ricky, Malinda, Jerry, Khloe, Miles, Ethan and Alyssa; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. 

James Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Linzie Curtis Moore entered into rest on Friday, Dec. 25, 2015.

Mr. Moore, a native son of Burke County, was the fifth of seven sons born to the late Martin “Jack’ and Ruby Jordan Moore on Sept. 19, 1950. He joined Ways Grove Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. He attended Gough Elementary School and Blakeley High School. He married Mary Frances Jones in 1972. He was employed at Waynesboro Industries for many years.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at 1 p.m. at Ways Grove Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. Jimmy McCullough as eulogist. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Martin Moore Jr. and Sylvester Moore.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Frances Jones Moore of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; son, Corey Curtis Moore (Phyllis) of Augusta; grandchildren, Brittney Moore, Corey Moore Jr., Shacoria Moore, Makayla Moore and Blair Moore; great-grandchildren, Hailey Wooten and Khy’ran Moore; brothers, Bartha Moore (Catherine), Savannah, Wilbert Moore (Betty), Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Willie Moore (Annie Ruth), Hephzibah, and Carnell Moore (Shirley), Atlanta; sisters, Sallye M. Hightower, Dr. Gladys M. Twyman and Barbara M. Oliver, all of Atlanta; sisters-in-law, Regina Moore and Ruth Moore; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Davis Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Miss Edna U. Toole, 87, of Gibson entered into rest on Jan. 1, 2016.

Miss Toole was born Sept. 23, 1928, in Gibson to the late Leon Usry and Farris Williams.

Funeral services were held at noon at Hatcher Funeral Home Chapel, Langley, S.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, with Rev. David Lester officiating. Burial followed at Langley Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Alvin W. Isbell; and son-in-law, Charles Weathers.

Survivors include her son, Loyd E. Isbell (Gail) of Seeley Lake, Mont.; daughter, Shirley A. Weathers of Warrenville, S.C.; brother, David Usry of Gibson; grandchildren, Robert Isbell, Diana Tamayo, and Mark and Travis Weathers; and great-grandchildren, Justin and Autumn Weathers.

Hatcher Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Mr. Lester Lee “Hollywood” Wilcher, 72, of Warrenton were held on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Second Mineral Springs Baptist Church, Mitchell, with Rev. Robert Smith as eulogist and Minister George Ivey presiding. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Thomson Funeral System was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Johnny W. Bargainnier, 91, of Brunswick entered into rest on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at Hospice of the Golden Isles.

Born in Louisville, Mr. Bargainnier had been a resident of Brunswick since 1990. He was a longtime resident of Savannah, where he retired with 42 years of service with Union Camp Corp. He also served in the U.S. Navy and was a WWII veteran.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, at Brunswick Memorial Park Cemetery, with Rev. Drew Thompson officiating.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita; brothers, Obe and Malcolm; sisters, Jetta Allen and Emily New; sister-in-law, Clarice Bargainnier; and nephews, Donald L. Hartley and Ronnie Bargainnier.

Survivors include his sons, Derrell Bargainnier (Jere) and Barry Bargainnier (Vicki), both of Brunswick; brother, Charles Bargainnier of Rome; grandchildren, Stacie Haire (Audie), Tara Duckworth (Mike), Jeremy Bargainnier (Sheera) and Kelli Bargainnier; great-grandchildren, Maggie Duckworth, Nathan Duckworth, Kate Haire, Matthew Haire, Skyler Bargainnier and Tristan Bargainnier; and a host of other family.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Golden Isles.

Brunswick Memorial Park was in charge of arrangements.

  Mrs. Jessie Bell Stone Farmer, of Wrens, departed this life Sunday, Jan. 17, at her residence.

Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Stone Springfield African Methodist Episcopal Church, 7476 Highway 296, Stapleton. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Farmer was a native of Jefferson County. She was born the daughter of the late Eddie Stone and Leomia Boatwright Stone. She was married the late Olin James Farmer. She was a member of the Stone Springfield African Methodist Episcopal Church where she served on the Missionary Board until her health declined. She retired from Directorate of Public Works in Fort Gordon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and children; Luretha Farmer, George Farmer, Sr., and Jimmy Farmer, Sr.

Survivors include her children, James Shelton (Ora) Farmer, Clarence (Shirley) Farmer,of Thomson, Eddie (Christine) Farmer, of  Davisboro , Henrietta (Donald) Pastor, of Grovetown and Loretta (Edward) Cousins,of Columbia; daughters-in-law, Betty Farmer and Sharon Farmer of Wrens; sisters-in-law Gertrude Butler,of Augusta and Elouise Stokes,of Chicago, IL; brothers-in-law George Farmer,of Lithonia,  Willie (Pinky) Farmer,of Long Island, NY and Billy Drayton, of Maryland; 45 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends

Family may be contacted at the residence, 808 Walker Street, Wrens, Georgia, or at Davis Funeral Home in Louisville which is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. David C. Jones, 63, of Bartow, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016.  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, at the Sandersville United Methodist Church with Reverend Sidney Lambert and Reverend Mike Jones officiating.  

 Mr. Jones was born in Louisville the son of the late J. R. Jones and the late Sue Tannahill Grabiak.  He was a graduate of Georgia College as an educator and coach formerly working for the Washington, Johnson, and Baldwin Counties Boards of Education.  Mr. Jones was a current and longtime employee of Dorman Dodge as a salesman.  He was a member of the Sandersville United Methodist Church and in recent years attended the Friendship Baptist Church.  

Survivors are: his wife, Laurie Peppyria Coleman “Peppi” Jones of Bartow; sons, Joshua Jackson Jones of Statesboro, and Nicholas Tannahill Jones and his wife Mary Kate of Atlanta; stepsons, Baron Wesley Wasden and Jacob Aaron Wasden both of Dunwoody; brothers, John Ridgley Jones and his wife Sandy of Conyers, and Andrew Tannahill Jones and his wife Beth of Carlsbad NM; and his stepfather, Tony Grabiak of Sandersville. 

The family will greet friends following the memorial service at the church.   

 Donation may be made to Pawleys Island House of Worship, “The Chapel”, c/o Betsy Altman at Pawleys Island Reality, P.O. Box 306, Pawleys Island, SC, 29585.

 May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.

Kathleen Krystal Hewett Kilbourne died peacefully in her home in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 30, 2015. She is survived by her two sons, Arden Alan Kilbourne and Keith Ray Kilbourne of Orlando, Florida; her granddaughter Laura Cierra Kilbourne and step-grandson Brandon Stevie Kilbourne of Orlando, Florida; and her sister, Joy Hewett, of Silk Hope, North Carolina.

Born in Sandersville, Washington County, Georgia, April 7, 1940, Krystal was the daughter of Kathleen Perkins Hewett and John Ray Hewett. Her grandparents included Ruby Holladay Perkins and Henry Clyde Perkins of Louisville, Georgia, and John G. Hewett and Laura May Hewett of Grange, Georgia.

Krystal worked for CSX in Jacksonville, Florida, from 1986 to 2002 when she retired. She was a member of the DAR. She enjoyed painting, the beach, animals, and travel. She participated in Red Hat Society functions.  As a long time Democrat, she also supported women’s rights. She was devoted to her sons and grandchildren.

Taylor Funeral Home of Louisville, Georgia will be assisting the family in a Memorial Service to be held in Louisville, Georgia, in June 2016. 

Mr. Roy C. Kitchens, 83, husband of Mrs. Carolyn Kitchens, entered into rest Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016 at Herrington Place.

Funeral  services were held Wednesday, Jan. 20, in the Curtis Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Faye Burgamy and Rev. Melissa Reynolds officiating. Burial will be in Savannah Valley Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Kitchens was a native of Glascock County, but had lived in Thomson for many years. He worked for Augusta Sportswear and Thomson Company. He was a member of Young Memorial United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Kitchens; two daughters, Teresa (Lawrence) Otwell of Fayetteville, and Terri Hicks of Thomson; a son, Todd (Kathy) Kitchens of McLean Va.; and three grandchildren; two sisters, Janet Wells, of Baker. La. and Joan (Billy) Kitchens of Stapleton; a brother, John (Laura) Kitchens of Wrens.

Pallbearers were Lester Taylor, Johnny Kitchens, Danny Kitchens, Parker Hicks, Jeff Hicks and Keith Chalker.

Friends may call at the residence of Terri Hicks or the funeral home.

Curtis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Judge Walter C. McMillan, Jr., age 86, of Sandersville, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at the Sandersville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Sidney Lambert and the Rev. Gary Mimbs officiating. 

Judge McMillan was the son of the late Walter C. McMillan, Sr. and the late Gladys Dukes McMillan. He was a native and lifelong resident of Sandersville. He served for 40 years as Chief Judge of the Superior Courts for the Middle Judicial Circuit. Judge McMillan followed his father into the practice of law. After attending law school at Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta, he was admitted to the Bar in 1950. He served with the U.S. Army in Japan during the Korean Conflict. Judge McMillan obtained his undergraduate business degree from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. In 1960 he was elected Solicitor General (now District Attorney) for the Middle Circuit and held that position until he was elected to the Superior Court bench in 1966. Over the next 40 years, Judge McMillan tried thousands of cases, including numerous death penalty prosecutions that garnered national attention. At his retirement in 2006, Judge McMillan held the record as the longest-serving Superior Court Judge in Georgia history. 

During his 50 years of public service, Judge McMillan served as President of numerous organizations including the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia, the Council of Juvenile Court Judges, and the Council of Superior Court Judges. He was a charter member of Georgia’s Judicial Council and, as Chair of the Courts Automation Committee, played a key role in early efforts to bring technology to Georgia’s bench and bar association.

In 2005, the State Bar of Georgia presented him with its distinguished “Traditions of Excellence” award, and in 2007, he was awarded the Washington County’s Citizen of the Year. 

After he retired from the bench in 2006, Judge McMillan remained active, practicing law and serving as a special master in the state and federal courts. In 2012, at the age of 83, he started a new law firm, McMillan & Rawlings, LLP, and was actively engaged in representing clients in court. He tried his last jury trial in November, 2014, at the age of 85, successfully defending clients in an action over a property dispute. Even as his physical health failed, he continued his fascination with the law until the end of his life. Besides being a lifelong Georgia Bulldog fan, Judge McMillan was a member of Sandersville United Methodist Church, the Sandersville Masonic Lodge, and the Gridiron Secret Society.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sally McMillan Starr, and his first wife, Jan Rountree McMillan. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Paige Peterson McMillan of Sandersville; daughter, Leigh McMillan Newman and her husband Chunk of LaGrange; stepdaughters, Emma Holman of Athens and Sumner Holman Markwalter and her husband Jay of Augusta; two granddaughters, Ashley E. Hamilton and her husband Jamie and Beverly Evans; two step-grandchildren, Joe and Hart Markwalter, and many relatives and friends.

 The family will receive friends following the memorial service in the Social Hall of the Church. 
Donations may be made to the Sandersville United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 611, Sandersville, GA. 31082 or to the donor’s favorite charity in memory of Judge McMillan. 

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.

Mrs. Lillian Milburn Smisson, 94, of Gibson, died Friday afternoon in Jefferson Hospital.  

A native of Glascock County, Mrs. Smisson was a daughter of the late Robert L. & Callie Reese Milburn.  She had worked as a store clerk, was a homemaker and a member of Fort Valley First Baptist Church.

Mrs. Smisson was preceded in death by her parents; husband Samuel Smisson; brothers J. C. Milburn, Roy Milburn, Horace Milburn, Ralph Milburn and Bobby Milburn; sister Celia M. Parrish; and is survived by a sister and brother in law, Sara and Pete O’Neal of Augusta; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were Monday in the Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home in Gibson with Rev. Clay Weed and Mr. Carol Bethune officiating.  Nephews served as pallbearers. Graveside services were held in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Fort Valley.

If so desired, memorials may be made to the Together We Grow (TWG) of Fort Valley First Baptist Church, 209 South Miller Street, Fort Valley, GA  31030.

Taylor Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

SSG (Ret) Ronnie “Sweet T” Thomas entered into rest on Jan. 10, 2016.

Mr. Thomas was born on Jan. 20, 1952, in Jefferson County to Bessie King Thomas and Will Thomas. He attended the public school system of Jefferson County, and graduated from Wrens High School, Wrens, in 1972. Mr. Thomas entered into the U.S. Army on July 7, 1973, shortly after graduating from high school. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant. He married Brenda Brown Thomas in 1976. 

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Thompson Springhill AME Church, Matthews, with Rev. Kenneth Hannah presiding and Rev. Thomas Berry as eulogist. Interment was in the church cemetery. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Brenda Brown Thomas; pet, Cody; mother, Bessie Thomas; father, Will Thomas; sister, Joann Thomas Little; and brother, John Robert Thomas.

Survivors include his sisters, Judy Thomas of Far Rockaway, N.Y., Faye Smith of Atlanta, Carolyn Brown, Eleanor (Larry) Jackson and Janice Thomas, all of Wrens; brothers, Beau Jack (Margaret) Thomas, Michael (Wanda) Thomas and Bernard Thomas, all of Atlanta, and Walter Thomas of Wrens; aunt, Elizabeth King of Inwood, N.Y.; sisters-in-law, Barbara Ann Thomas and Josephine (Theodis) Hudson, both of Wrens, and Annie Brown of Atlanta; cousins, Eldoria King and Willie Lee Hannah, both of Wrens; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Freeman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Johnny W. Bargainnier, 91, of Brunswick entered into rest on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at Hospice of the Golden Isles.

Born in Louisville, Mr. Bargainnier had been a resident of Brunswick since 1990. He was a longtime resident of Savannah, where he retired with 42 years of service with Union Camp Corp. He also served in the U.S. Navy and was a WWII veteran.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, at Brunswick Memorial Park Cemetery, with Rev. Drew Thompson officiating.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita; brothers, Obe and Malcolm; sisters, Jetta Allen and Emily New; sister-in-law, Clarice Bargainnier; brother-in-law, Donald L. Hartley and nephew Ronnie Bargainnier.

Survivors include his sons, Derrell Bargainnier (Jere) and Barry Bargainnier (Vicki), both of Brunswick; brother, Charles Bargainnier of Rome; grandchildren, Stacie Haire (Audie), Tara Duckworth (Mike), Jeremy Bargainnier (Sheera) and Kelli Bargainnier; great-grandchildren, Maggie Duckworth, Nathan Duckworth, Kate Haire, Matthew Haire, Skyler Bargainnier and Tristan Bargainnier; nephew, Ronnie Bargainnier; niece, Linder McLendon; and a host of other family.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Golden Isles.

Brunswick Memorial Park was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. George Anthony Deraney, 61, of Mitchell, died Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, in the University Hospital McDuffie.

Funeral services were Friday, Jan. 22, in the Mitchell Methodist Church with Rev. Mary Griswell and Rev. Al Curtz officiating. Burial followed in the family lot of Mitchell City Cemetery.

Deraney was a native of Thomson but had lived in Glascock County most of his life. He retired after many years of service in sales and investments and was a jack of all trades, including a skilled musician.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Habib & Margaret Farah Deraney; and son Michael Deraney. He is survived by his wife, Carrie Deraney of Mitchell; daughters Erin D. and Robert Arnett of Warthen and Ellie D. Frost Gawthrop of Dublin; sons Jason Deraney of Mitchell and George Deraney, Jr. of Mitchell; sisters Ann and Steve Clay of Miami, FL, and Rose Marie Deraney of Mitchell; brother Danny and Lonna Deraney of Mitchell; eight grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Taylor Funeral Home of Gibson in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Jessie Bell StoneFarmer, of Wrens, departed this life Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, at her residence.

Mrs. Farmer was a native of Jefferson County. She was born the daughter of the late Eddie Stone and Leomia Boatwright Stone. She was married to the late Olin James Farmer. She was a member of the Stone Springfield African Methodist Episcopal Church where she served on the Missionary Board until her health started to decline. She was retired from Directorate of Public Works in Fort Gordon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and children Luretha Farmer, George Farmer, Sr., and Jimmy Farmer, Sr.

Survivors include her children James Shelton (Ora) Farmer, Clarence (Shirley) Farmer, all of Thomson, Eddie (Christine) Farmer of Davisboro, Henrietta (Donald) Paster of Grovetown, and Loretta (Edward) Cousins of Columbus; daughters-in-law Betty Farmer and Sharon Farmer, both of Wrens; sisters-in-law Gertrude Butler of Augusta and Elouise Stokes of Chicago, IL; brothers-in-law Georgia Farmer of Lithonia, Willie (Pinky) Farmer of Long Island, NY, and Billy Drayton of Maryland; 45 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at the Stone Springfield African Methodist Episcopal Church in Stapleton. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Davis Funeral Home of Louisville was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Fay Emory Hadden, 78, of Louisville died Friday, Jan. 22, 2016.

Mr. Hadden was a native and lifelong resident of Louisville. He was a son of the late Clinton N. and Vera Sheppard Hadden. He was an U.S. Army veteran, and retired after 32 years of service at Thermo King Cooperation as a quality control inspector and was a member of the Wrens United Methodist Church for more than 20 years and the Louisville Ingles Coffee Club.

Mr. Hadden is survived by his wife Brenda McNeely Hadden of Louisville; son Shannon Hudson of Kite; brothers and sister-in-laws Wallace and Annette Hadden, of Avera, Murray and Joy Hadden of Louisville, Dean and Cathy Hadden of Wrens; sister and brother-in-law Gloria and Charlie Smith of Augusta; extended family Abby, Mallie and Kaden Sims; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

Funeral services were Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, in the Wrens United Methodist Church with Rev. Thad Harvey, Rev. Stan Littleton and Rev. Daniel Porter officiating. Burial followed in the Tanner Family Cemetery in Riddleville.

Pallbearers were Chuck Wimberley, Brian Jones, Britt Jones, Brian Watkins, Joel Lamb and David Weatherford. Honorary Pallbearers were members of the Louisville Ingles Coffee Club.

Taylor Funeral Home of Louisville was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Michael Lanier Huff, 57, entered into his eternal rest Thursday morning, Jan. 21, 2016 at his residence. A celebration of life service was held in the James Funeral Home Chapel Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, with Rev. Brian LaFavor officiating. Interment followed in the Wrens Memorial Cemetery.

One of six children born to the late Mary Frances Thompson Huff and the late Shelton Eugene Huff, Sr., Mike was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County where he attended Wrens High School. An ironworker and carpenter by trade, he worked hard and he played hard. His favorite pastimes were shooting pool, hunting and fishing.

Mike is also preceded in death by his brother Shelton E. Huff, Jr. Survivors include his two children, Michael L. Huff II of Stapleton and Tangie Huff Dunn (Jason) of Winder; four siblings, Donna Huff Hooks (Chris), Andy Huff, Sheila Huff Scarber (Wayne) and Tammy Huff Barbour (Kevin); four grandsons, Lucas Dunn, Samuel Dunn, David Dunn and Noah Dunn; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made directly to James Funeral Home in Wrens who was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Charles Jenkins of Davisboro departed this life Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at the Oconee Regional Medical Center in Milledgeville.

Mr. Jenkins was a native of Washington County. He was born the son of the late Best Tukes and Rosie Lee Bryant.

Survivors include his son Thomas Jenkin of Boston, M; daughter Sharon Jenkins of Boston; sister Charlie Cooper Vaden of Sandersville; nieces and nephews Brenda Davis, Carol Marilyn Harris, Bridget Davis, Ann Jenkins, Lena Jenkins, Caroline Taylor, Ida Lee Strowbridge, Charles Jenkins, Jr., Willie Albert Jenkins, and Calvin Strowbridge; and a host of other cousins and friends.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 at the James and Virginia Davis Memorial Chapel in Louisville.

Family may be contacted at the residence of his sister; Charlie Cooper, 404 Highway 242, Sandersville.

Davis Funeral Home of Louisville was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Bobby H. Raley, 60, of Mitchell passed away Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family. 

He was the son of the late Hugh Raley, Jr. and Lillie Kitchens Raley.  Mr. Raley was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and enjoyed woodworking, painting and drawing. 

He was preceded in death by his father; granddaughter, Emily Lee Cobb; and father-in-law, Olin David Parnell.

He is survived by his wife, Donnie Sue Raley; mother, Lillie K. Raley; children, Bobby Raley, Jr. and April Lee Raley; stepson, Edward Ray (Laurie) Parnell; step-daughter, Tammy Lynn (Mike) Countler; grandchildren, Joshua Parnell, Lane Howard Stone, Tyler Parnell, Jacob Parnell and Stormie Lynn Countler; brother, Sterling Raley; mother-in-law, Donnie O. Parnell; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Jan. 28, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, at Friendship Baptist Church in Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Glascock County Cancer Foundation, 412 Logue Avenue, Gibson, GA  30810.

Taylor Funeral Home of Gibson is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Corene C. Todd, 95, entered into rest Jan. 18, 2016.

Mrs. Todd was a lifelong resident of Glascock County and the oldest of 11 children born to the late Will Chalker and the late Addie Hammock Chalker. She was a homemaker and a faithful member of Magnolia Baptist Church of Gibson. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Todd was predeceased by husbands, Roy Swint and Pete Todd; her son, Ernest Swint; a daughter, Elaine S. Gilmer; a son-in-law, Earl Smith; and a grandson, Jimmy Smith.

Survivors include her daughter, Vivian S. Smith of Gibson; a stepdaughter, Pat Carr (Earl) of Thomson; a son-in-law, Allen Gilmer of Gibson; two brothers, Hollis Chalker of Gibson and Winnard Chalker (Hazel) of Thomson; four sisters, Wilma Mathis (Olin) and Frankie Griswell (Moses) all of Gibson, Betty Johnson (Lewis) of Thomson and Helen Johnson of Conyers; a grandson, Michael Gilmer (Stephanie), two great grandchildren, Breanna Gilmer and Boone Gilmer; and two stepgrandchildren, Kevin Carr and Steve Carr.  The family also recognized her caregivers, Rosella, Darlene, and Beulah.

Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 22, at Magnolia Baptist Church in Gibson with Rev. Tommy Harwell and Rev. Randall Whitaker officiating.  Interment followed in the church cemetery.

It is the family’s request that memorials be made to the Magnolia Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Louis Swint, P.O. Box 95, Gibson, GA 30810.

Beggs Funeral Home in Thomson was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Julian Wilcher, of Wrens, departed this life Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, at his residence.

Mr. Wilcher was a native of Jefferson County. He was born the son of the Eva A. Smith and the late R.M. Wilcher.

Survivors include his mother Eva A. Smith; five sisters, Alice Mae (George) Tucker of Wrens, Earline Braddy of Warthen, Josephine (Tommy) Horton of Tennille, Rose Lee Wilcher of Wrens and Rosetta Smith; two brothers Robert Wilcher, Jr. and James Wilcher of Wrens; devoted friends James Lockhart and Patrick Williamson; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, at 2 p.m. at the Holly Spring Missionary Baptist Church in Warthen. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Family may be contacted at the residence, 1568 Mosley Chapel Road, Wrens or at Davis Funeral Home.

Davis Funeral Home of Louisville is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. William James Wren Jr., of Duluth, passed away on Jan. 24, 2016, due to complications from pneumonia. 

Born to William and Corrie K. Wren and raised in Wrens, Mr. Wren graduated from Georgia Tech in April 1946 with a degree in electrical engineering. That same year he married Nancy Austin. While at Tech, he was president of his junior class and for three years treasurer of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was also in the Navy Reserve while at Tech. During his career, Wren was president of the Machinery and Systems division of Carrier Heating and Air Conditioning Company and a Vice President of Carrier Corporation. He and his family lived in the Syracuse, N.Y., area for many years.

A Southerner to his core, after retiring from Carrier, Mr. Wren and his wife Nancy moved back to Georgia. He served several years on the Georgia Tech advisory board, volunteered at Big Brother, and did community work for seniors in the Snellville area. Golfing, woodworking, math, bridge and puzzles were his hobbies.  His church community included Pleasant Hill Presbyterian (Duluth), Westminster Presbyterian (Snellville), Northminster Presbyterian (N. Syracuse),  where he was an elder and Sunday school teacher, and Wren’s Community Presbyterian (Wrens).

Mr. Wren was preceded in death by his wife of 65 yrs., Nancy Austin Wren. He is survived by his four daughters and sons-in-law Nancy and Bob Ragan of Duluth, Teresa and Rich Stoner of Big Prairie, Ohio, Janice and Steve Hansell of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Shirley and Rob Smith of Brookhaven. Also surviving are his brother Jerry Wren (Betty)of Augusta, his sister Kelly Dantzler (Bill) of Birmingham, Ala. and six grandchildren: Gerin (Rick) Ragan Hennebaul, Drew (Kelly) Ragan, Austin (Ben) Hansell Mackey, Jasmine Stoner, Alexandra  Hansell, Phoebe Stoner, and four great grand children: Abby, Imogene, Andrew, and Max.

A memorial graveside service will be held later in Wrens. 

To honor Mr. Wren’s life and desire to share his Christian faith with all, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Rainbow Village, Duluth, Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, Duluth, or Wrens Community Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.billheadfuneralhome.com

Mr. Sydney McKeon Blair, 37, died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016 at his mother’s residence.

He was born on July 20, 1978 in Augusta, to Gwendolyn Blair and David Brinson.

Mr. Blair attended the public schools of Jefferson County and graduated with the Class of 1996.  In 1997 he enlisted into the U.S. Army and served proudly for 11 years; then was honorably discharged.

He is survived by his mother, Gwendolyn Blair (Walter) of Avera; his father, David Brinson (Keisha) of Greenwood, SC; Danielle Nicole Blair of Hampton, VA; three daughters, Sydney Nicole Blair of Ewa Beach, HI, Khloe Evelyn Blair and Kenzie Gabrielle Blair, both of Hampton, VA; one son, Xavier Sincere Blair of Ewa Beach, HI; a loving companion, Catherine Eason of Clarksville, TN; three sisters, Ladessah Moore (Michael) of Augusta, Lorraine Hill of Wrens and Tonya Brinson of Atlanta; three brothers, David Brinson, Jr. of Atlanta, Sean Brinson and Deon Brinson, both of Augusta; five aunts, Truddie Polen of Augusta, Christine Pitts of Atlanta, Mary Jenkins of Matthews, Cathlene Blair, Janice Blair, both of Avera, and Laquisha Blair (Anthony) of Wadley; two uncles, Leotis Brinson of Wrens and Leroy Blair (Donna) of Vero Beach, FL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Services were held on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at the Stone Springfield A.M.E. Church in Stapleton with the Pastor, Rev. Forrest Dickey, officiating.  Interment followed in the  church cemetery.  Flower Bearers, Jefferson County High School, Class of 1996; Pallbearers, Dwayne Lane, Brandon Roberts, Calvin Beasley, Tildon Walker, Joey McBride, Jeremey Oliphant, Gary Jordan, Wesley Kelly. 

Freeman Funeral Home of Wrens was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Robert Lee McGraw, 74, entered into his eternal rest Jan. 24, 2016 at his home in Louisville.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 30,  at Gordon Grove Baptist Church in Louisville with Rev. James Edwards officiating.

Mr. McGraw was the son of the late Otis and Inez McGraw Johnson. Born in Hampton County, S.C., he attended public schools and graduated from Estill Training School in Estill, S.C. At an early age he joined Sweetrose Baptist and was later affiliated with Mays Grove Baptist Church.

After graduating from Benedict College he moved to Jefferson County where he began his long career as an educator at Wrens High School. He worked for the Jefferson County School System for  40 years. He served as advisor of the TRI-Hi-Y Club, the Senior Class Advisor and other clubs and organizations for many years and monitored the Feed-A-Kid program.

Mr. McGraw was selected as an Honored Teacher numerous years by coworkers and students.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Delores Taylor McGraw.

The is survived by his son, Joey Cordy of Macon; devoted friends Mary Lee and Bernard Washington and Mr. and Mrs. Leon Carr of Louisville, Beulah Williams, Everett Huggins, Helen Still, Edd, Anease and Ann Goodman all of Estill, S.C. and a host of other cousins and friends.

Employees of Jefferson County School System served as pallbearers and flower attendants.

Garrer Funeral Home of Louisville was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Pauline “Polly” Ledger Kendrick, 86, of Seguin, TX, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016.

Mrs. Kendrick was born on Jan. 3, 1930 in Andersonville to Pauline A. and Daniel J. Ledger. She lived most of her childhood in Bartow. She graduated from Bartow High School and attended nursing school at Emory University where she met her future husband, Bobbie Joe Kendrick.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her daughter Pamela Kendrick; her parents and seven siblings.

Mrs. Kendrick is survived by three sons, David (Jackie), Brian (Ruth) and Daniel (Ranae); four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and a brother, Paul (Sarah Ellen) Ledger of Bartow.

A service was held on Friday, Jan. 22, at First Baptist Church in Seguin, TX.

Goetz Funeral Home of Seguin was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Charles Riley Prescott, 88, entered into his eternal rest Tuesday morning, Jan. 26, 2016, at Gibson Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services were held Saturday morning, Jan. 30, in the James Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Greg DeLoach officiating. Interment followed in the family plot in the Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr. Prescott was the middle of three sons born to the late Carrie Anne Riley Prescott and the late James “Jim” Atkinson Prescott and was a lifelong resident of Wrens. After graduating Wrens High School, he attended Middle Georgia College in Cochran after which he went into commercial real estate. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Augusta where he served as a past deacon, usher, worked with the youth, and in various other capacities. Mr. Prescott was active in community politics. He faithfully mowed the grass around the pond and the private Beasley Family Cemetery. He was an avid, lifelong fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and found great pleasure going fishing and being with his cats. Never having married, he was very close to his nieces and nephews and loved them as his own.

He is preceded in death by his older brother, James A. Prescott, Jr. Survivors include his younger brother, Walter (Eva) E. Prescott; two nieces, Margie (Reuben) Swint, and Sandra Foster; four nephews, Richard (Ina) W. Prescott, James (Joyce) W. Prescott, Raymond (Susan) E. Prescott, and Tommy (Nancy) Prescott; 12 great nieces and nephews; and his Christian brothers and sisters. Pallbearers were Daniel Foster, Joel Foster, Scott Prah, Jesse Prescott, John Prescott and Moises Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers were the Usher Board of First Baptist Church of Augusta.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church of Augusta, 3500 Walton Way Ext., Augusta GA 30909.

James Funeral Home in Wrens was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Vivian Swint Smith, 69, entered into rest January 29, 2016 at University Hospital.

Mrs. Smith was a native of Glascock County and the daughter of the late Roy Swint and the late Corene Chalker Swint Todd. She was retired as the nutrition manager at Gibson Health and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Smith was a member of Magnolia Baptist Church and served as the church clerk.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Smith was predeceased by her, husband, Earl Smith; son, Jimmy Smith; brother, Ernest Swint and sister, Elaine S. Gilmer.

Survivors include her nephew, Michael Gilmer (Stephanie); brother in law, Allen Gilmer and great niece, Breanna Gilmer and great nephew, Boone Gilmer all of Gibson,  nieces, Gail S. Norris of Warrenton and Angie S. Kemp of Gibson.

Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 1 at Magnolia Baptist Church in Gibson with Rev. Tommy Harwell and Rev. James Canada officiating.  Interment  followed in the church cemetery.

It is the family’s request that memorials be made to the Magnolia Baptist Church, c/o Louis Swint, P.O. Box 95, Gibson, GA 30810.

Beggs Funeral Home in Thomson was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Lottie Elizabeth Peters Unruh, 99, wife of the late Harvey A. Unruh,  entered into her eternal rest Monday morning, Jan. 25, 2016 at Pruitt Health-Old Capitol Nursing Home in Louisville.

Funeral services were held Friday  Jan. 29, 2016 at Pinecrest Mennonite Church. Interment  followed in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Unruh was the second child born to Alpha and Clara Gable Peters, on Aug. 31, 1916, in Harrison, MI.  At the age of 13, Lottie answered God’s call. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite by Minister Fred Fricke on Feb. 23, 1930. 

The Unruhs were married on Oct. 21, 1934 by Minister Frank Haynes at Harrison, MI. The family lived in various places through the years, then, in 1954, they were the fifth family to settle in Georgia, bringing their family of two daughters and five sons.  The Unruhs moved to the Louisville area in 1965.  She spent many hours baking food to deliver to others. 

Survivors include two daughters,  Rosalie and Isaac Loewen of Oroville, CA., and Thelma Gearig of Sedalia, KY; four sons, Melvin and Barbara Unruh of Louisville, Kenneth and Ann Unruh of Dumas, AK, Harlan and Glenda Unruh of Louisville, and Ronald and Frances Unruh of Louisville; a daughter-in-law, Mabel and Walter Ensz of Louisville; thirty-five grandchildren; one hundred seventeen great-grandchildren; and twenty-seven great-great-grandchildren.  Three of her brothers survive her, Russell Peters of Michigan, Howard and Josephine Peters of Michigan, and Ivan Peters of Louisville; two brothers-in-law, Chester and Laverna Unruh, and Russell and Dorothy Unruh of Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Joan Peters of Michigan, and Edna Unruh of Kansas; one brother-in-law, Noah Koehn of Kansas; an aunt, Elizabeth Peters Gable of Michigan; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. 

James Funeral Home of Wrens was in charge of arrangements.     

Mr. Clinton Walter Williams, III, 68, of Gibson, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at his residence.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home in Gibson with Rev. Ralph Kitchens and Rev. David Kitchens officiating. Interment followed in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Augusta.

A native of Columbus, Clinton was the son of the late Clinton Walter Williams, II and Doris Taylor Williams. He was a former owner of C & W Tire in Augusta, enjoyed fishing, and yard sale hopping where he searched for antiques.

Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, and sister; Bonnie Harrison and is survived by his loving wife; Katherine Kitchens Williams of Gibson; daughter, Bonnie  (Darrin) Newman of North Augusta; son, Clinton W. Williams, IV of North Augusta; step-daughter, Marie Todd Samples of Gibson; step-sons, Rodney Todd of Eatonton and Colen and Sandra Todd, Jr. of Mitchell; and brother, Bobby (Linda) Williams of North Augusta; five grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Taylor Funeral Home  of Gibson was in charge of arrangements.

Rev. Willie Horace Amerson, 84, was called home on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at his residence following an extended illness.

Reverend Amerson was born Nov. 8, 1931, in Bartow to Willie Lee and Ester Taylor Amerson who proceeded him in death. Reverend Amerson is also preceded in death by his wife, Anne Swinney Amerson; two brothers and one sister (Roy and Booker Amerson and Evelyn Spann).

Reverend Amerson leaves the following to cherish his memories:  two daughters, Sherry L. Nelson (Alvin Nelson) and Cynthia Buffong; sons, Dr. Efland H. Amerson (Yolanda Amerson) and Carlton B. Amerson; grand children, Ebony and Aja Nelson, Noah, David, Tyler and Zion Amerson, Nathaniel and Noel Buffong; great grandchildren, Noah Jr, Micah, Nadia, Mason and Messiah Amerson, Melanie and Christiano Buffong. There are many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends which make up the Amerson clan.

A Service of love and memory was held Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 from the Temple Memorial Baptist Church in High Point, NC. 

Funeral arrangements were by Johnson & Sons Funeral Home, High Point.

Funeral services for Mr. Smith Edward Change,71, of Matthews, were held on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at Matthews Circuit A.M.E. Church, Pastor Rev. Nokomis R. Jones, with Rev. Thomas Berry, Presider and Rev. Dr. Willie L. Jones, Sr., Eulogist. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Willie Eva Change of Matthews; son, Edward Lee Thomas, of Matthews; three grandchildren, Kendrick Thomas, of Augusta, Lee Edward Brown, of Matthews and Tiffany Daniels, of Stapleton; two sisters, Shirley Atwell, of Brooklyn, NY and Ruth Change, of Charlotte, NC; two brothers, Alexander Change, of Louisville and William Change, of Matthews; devoted mother-in-law, Geneva Thomas, of Matthews; six sisters-in-law, Brenda Change, of Wrens, Ann Jones, of Keysville, Marilyn Gray, of Matthews, Janice Wright, Debra Wright, both of Hephzibah and Gwendolyn Change, of Augusta; five  brothers-in-law, Henry Thomas, Dennis Thomas, Troy Thomas, all of Matthews, Scottie Wright and Roosevelt Wright, Jr., both of Hephzibah; a goddaughter, Jakayla Gray, of Matthews; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Freeman Funeral Home in Wrens was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Annie Julia Colding DeGrow, 93 of Friendship Church Road in Bartow, formally of Englewood, Fla. died Saturday morning Feb. 6, 2016 at her residence.

Funeral services were held Wednesday Feb. 10, 2016 graveside in the Hurrah Cemetery at the Alafia Baptist Church in Lithia, Fla. with Rev. Chris Greenwood & Rev. Terry Holland officiating

A native of Sarasota, Mrs. DeGrow was the daughter of the late Berry and Jennie Connell Holland and was a homemaker and a member Old Bethel Baptist Church in Bartow.

Mrs. DeGrow, was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Morris Colding and Hollis DeGrow; two brothers and one sister. She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Colding Greenwood of Lithia, Fla. and Margie Colding Jenkins of Venice, Fla.; a sister, Shirley Gill; and brothers Tom Holland and Sam Holland; many nieces and nephews including Carl & Paula Weaver of Bartow; four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers family request memorial be made to a Church of the donor’s choice.

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

Mr. James “Vernon” Irby, 69, loving husband of 51 years to Linda Pennington Irby,  entered into his eternal rest Saturday evening, February 6, 2016, at University Heart and Vascular Institute in Augusta.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.. Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 9, 2016, in the James Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. John Forrester and Dr. Charles Drummond officiating. Interment will follow in the Stapleton Memorial Gardens.

Born to the late Frances Beckworth Irby and the late Fred Irby, Vernon was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County.  He graduated from Wrens High School and attended Augusta Tech where he obtained his engineering certification.  After 30 year of service, Vernon retired as a civil engineer at Fort Gordon.  He faithfully served his Lord at Stapleton Baptist Church where he was a Sunday School teacher and served as church clerk. He was also a member of the Optimist Club. His passion was baseball so it was very fitting that he was a coach in the Wrens Dixie Youth Baseball League for fourteen years—many of his fondest memories were during these coaching years.  He still actively supported the league in any way he could.  He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan—GO DAWGS!! As a hobby, he could be found doing woodworking projects.  A people-person, Vernon had a knack for storytelling and making people laugh. Described as a big man with a big heart, he had a kind, considerate and generous nature. Vernon had a great love for his family, especially his grandchildren, and taught them his “life lessons” in hopes of making their lives easier. A dedicated, loyal husband, father, brother and friend, Vernon has left a great void no one can fill.

Other survivors include his children, Jeff Irby (Teresa), Mike Irby (Stephanie), Jason Irby (Stefanie) and Julie Irby; nine grandchildren, Emily Irby, Kali Irby, Kaitlyn Irby, Locklin Irby, Harley Irby, Jacob Irby, Carson Irby, Zoie Grace Irby and Camryn Johnson; three great-grandchildren, Lily Russell, Audrey Holmes and Baby Braxton Douglas (on the way); sister, Joyce Irby Cullars; “brother”, Tommy Neal; and many friends.  Serving as pallbearers will be Bob Barrow, Hank Barrow, Danny Beckworth, Ernie Kelley, Keith Neal, Robbie Rooks, Brian Usry and Scott Williams.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Wrens Dixie Youth Baseball, PO Box 326, Wrens GA 30833 or to Stapleton Baptist Church, PO Box 146, Stapleton GA 30823 earmarked for the GA Baptist Children’s Home.

The family will received friends at James Funeral Home Monday evening, Feb. 8, 2016.

James Funeral Home was in charge of Arrangements.

Mrs. Janette Hobbs Perdue, 85, wife of the late J.L. Perdue, entered into her eternal rest Thursday morning, Feb. 4, 2016, at Jefferson Hospital in Louisville. 

Funeral services were held at Sunday,  Feb. 7, at Wrens United Methodist Church with the Reverends Thad Harvey and Race Lariscy officiating. Interment  followed in the family plot in the Ways Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Perdue was one of 13 children born to the late Pearl and Joseph Hobbs in the panhandle of Warren County. She attended grade school at Purvis Schoolhouse and graduated from Warren County High School. After obtaining her LPN degree at Augusta Tech Nursing School, she worked for Gracewood State School and Hospital, retiring with 40 years of service. Upon her marriage to the love of her life, Janette made Wrens her home. She was a member of Woodmen of the World and served as a member of Wrens United Methodist Church and the Griswold Sunday School Class.

Mrs. Perdue is also preceded in death by her eldest son, Wayne Perdue; and her siblings, Lee Hobbs, Nora Russell, Bobbie Whitaker, Lester Hobbs and Doris Sleister.

Survivors include her son and his wife, Wright (Sharon) Perdue; her daughter-in-law, Laurie Ford Perdue; five sisters, Ann Smith (Jimmy), Weslyn McGee, Betty Jo Hobbs, Marian June Widener (Gus), and Iris King; two brothers, Davis Hobbs (Maitlyn) and Barton Hobbs; five grandchildren, Benjamin Perdue (Laila), Logan Perdue, Rachel P. Jones (Brint), Jaclyn P. Love (Josh) and Bonnie P. Grossarth (Adrian); four great grandchildren, Eli Jones, Brielle Grossarth, Hannah Love and Haley Love; a multitude of nieces and nephews; and many friends.  Pallbearers were Trey Franks, Jimmy Gay, Jody Hobbs, Ben Perdue, Logan Perdue, Andy Russell and Barry Russell.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Wrens UMC Building Fund, 202 Russell St, Wrens  GA 30833 earmarked for the kitchen project.

James Funeral Home in Wrens was in charge of arrangements.

 Mr. Donald William Warren, 70, husband of Mrs. Phyllis Byrd Warren, entered into rest Sunday, Jan. 31 2016.  

Mr. Warren was born to Mack and Birdie Warren in Lenoir, NC.  He relocated to Stapleton where he worked in the recycling business.  He was a member of Victory Baptist Church in North Augusta, SC.  

Mr. Warren is survived by his wife, Mrs. Phyllis Warren; sons, Evan Clark and Shawn Martin; daughters, Beverly Shelley, Michal Bonfanti, Melissa Laston, and Tiffany Clark; brother, James Gary Warren; and sister, Patricia Adams.  

He is preceded in death by his son, Donald W. Warren, Jr.; and daughters, Laurie Warren and Jennifer Warren. 

A memorial service was held Thursday, Feb.4, at Berean Baptist Church.  

McNeill Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Sarah Eunice Johnson Wilcher, age 81 of Hamburg State Park Road, Warthen, died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 6, at Mt. Nebo Primitive Baptist Church in Mitchell with Elder Lee Price officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were : Jimmy Wilcher, Andrew Wilcher, Nick Wilcher, Andy Rodgers, John Raley, Trey Price and Earl Hutto.

A native of Edgehill, Mrs. Wilcher was the daughter of the late Edward S. Johnson and Lizzie Parrish Johnson. She was a homemaker and a member of Mt. Nebo Primitive Baptist Church in Mitchell.

Mrs. Wilcher was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George Lamar Wilcher; son, George Henry Wilcher; brothers, Glynn Johnson and Everett Johnson; and sister, Margaret J. Wilcher.

She is survived by her daughter, Della (Kris) Kirkpatrick; sisters, Mattie Ann (Eston) Price, Geneva J (Don) Kitchens, and Ollie Mae (Ted) Cooper; brother, Gene Johnson; granddaughter Abby Kirkpatrick; grandson Andrew Kirkpatrick; several nieces and nephews.

Taylor Funeral Home Gibson in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Inez Grant Allen, Louisville, departed this life Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at her residence.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Hardeman Springfield Baptist Church and Cemetery, Louisville.

Mrs. Allen was a native of Jefferson County, the daughter of the late Tyles and Idell Gibbons Grant. She attended school in the Jefferson County School System before moving to Miami, Fla. in the late 1960s. While in Florida she attended Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and worked and retired from D & K Optical.   

Mrs. Allen returned to Jefferson County along with her husband, L. B. Allen, Sr. in 2001. She reunited with the Hardeman Springfield Baptist Church Family and served faithfully until her health failed.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband and two children, Constance Denise Walker and Derrick Walker.

Survivors include her children Horial Grant of Louisville, Charles Walker, L.B. Allen, Jr. of Miami, and Delores Walker of San Antoni, TX; her siblings, Robert (Pearl) Grant, Katie Porter and Irene Grant of Louisville, Mary Frances Grant and Annie (Chaves) Ballard, Miami, Mable (Victor) Cupp, of Windfield, AL; 19 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

Davis Funeral Home, was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Ether Mae Amerson entered into eternal rest on Saturday, Feb. 6, in  Naperville, Ill. after an extended illness.

Services were held on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Hudson Mortuary Chapel in Wadley with Elder Ronnie Harden officiating. Interment followed in the Pineola  Church  of God  cemetery in Wadley. 

Survivors include her son, Michael Ford; her sisters Charlie Mae Atkins, Sallie Mae Young, Betty Jean Amerson, Ellen ( Edward) Ross and step sister, Thelma Days; Aunts Cora Lee and Minnie Amerson; a host of nieces and nephews.

Hudson Mortuary in Wadley was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. John Black, 85, of Stapleton, entered into his eternal rest Monday in the Gibson Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016 in the Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home in Gibson with  Rev. David Kitchens officiating. Interment followed in the Mt. Nebo Primitive Baptist Church in Mitchell. Nephews served as Pallbearers.

A native of Glascock County, Mr. Black was the son of the late George and Mary Lou Dixon Black. Mr. Black retired from Jebco  Steel  in Warrenton after many years of service and faithfully attended Mt. Nebo Primitive Baptist Church in Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Nell Kitchens Black; brothers, Ray Pool and Banburen Samans and is survived by his step-children, Sara Wood of Gibson, Katherine Williams of Gibson, Judy Lamp of Gibson, Mildred McDonald of Augusta, Linda Hulme of Hephzibah, Frankie Black of Stapleton, Janel Higdon, of Comer, Chester Kitchens, of Gibson, Ralph Kitchens, of Gibson, James Kitchens, of Gibson, Wendell Kitchens, of Gibson; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews. 

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

Mrs. Hattie Boatwright, of Louisville, entered into rest Thursday, Feb.11, 2016 at the University Hospital, Augusta.

Mrs. Boatwright was a native of Jefferson County. She was born the daughter to the  late Casper Combs, Sr., and Carrie Elnora Browne Combs. She was a 1957 graduate of the Jefferson County Training School. She attended Fort Valley State College where she received a BS degree in Elementary Education in 1960.

She was a dedicated member of St. Matthews African Methodist Episcopal Church all of her life where she served as a Christian Educator, Ushers Board, Advisor for Junior Ushers Board, Vice President of Women’s Missionary, and the Steward Board. She was a member of the GAE and was a member of the Georgia Retired Teachers Association. She was formerly employed with Wrens Elementary and later Louisville Academy until her retirement in 1995, and was a member and Treasurer of the Benevolent Society.

Mrs. Boatwright was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings; Maggie Hilton, Casper Combs, Jr., and Georgia Combs.

Survivors include her husband, Bobby Boatwright, of Louisville; daughters, Barandes Sinitra Boatwright, Jamasena Yvette Boatwright, and Ramona Collette (Tyrone) Young, of Augusta;  step-son, Rev. Michael Stephens, Augusta; brother, Willie Curtis, Louisville;  nine grandchildren, Audina Boatwright, Tre’lonne Brown, Tre’Nel Boatwright, O’Brian Thomas, Briana Boatwright, Joshua Gordon, Javaris Boatwright, Tyrone Young, Jr., and Khalik Young; one great-grandchild, step-grandson  Michal Devoughn Doyle, Junction City, Ks; four   great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Services were held Monday, Feb. 15, at the Greater St. Matthews African Methodist Episcopal Church in Louisville. Interment followed in the Benevolent Society Cemetery, Louisville.

Davis Funeral Home in Louisville was in charge of arrangements.

Master Ja’Marion Ky-Mani Hill, 17 months, of Wadley, died Jan. 10, 2016.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 18, at Praise Deliverance International in Wrens. Pall bearers were Patrick Smith and Cedric Smith.

The son of Kimberly Michelle Hill of Wadley and Johnny Lee Thomas Jr. of Wrens, Hill is also survived by sisters, Zoriae Dixon, Javionna Brown, both of Wrens, Kamille Bass, A’Zariya Hill, Rylie Hill, all of Wadley; brothers, Ja’Quan Hill of Wadley and Johnn Lee Thomas III of Wrens; grandparents, Ada Mae Smith and Johnny Lee Thomas Sr. of Wrens, and Mary Hill of Wadley; aunts Elizabeth Hll, Francine Hill and Leslie Hill, all of Wadley, Shemeka Thomas, Sherika Smith and Crystal Smith, all of Wrens; uncles Cedric Smith and Patrick Smith, both of Wrens; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Burnett Funeral Home of Wrens was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Fletcher “Bud” Jones Sr., 77, a retired farmer, died Dec. 27, 2015 at Georgia Regents University in Augusta.

He was born in Jefferson County on Dec. 18, 1938 to the late Hubert Jones and Hattie Brown Jones. At an early age he joined Gethsemane Baptist Church.

He was preceeded in death by his parents and a son, Brinson Jones; brothers, Lamar Jones, Willie Brown and Mitchell Roberts; sisters, Hattie Gaston, Lula M. Blair, Essie Mae Curtis, Carrie Eva Oliphant, Seares Neal, Jereline Brown and Gertrude Wynn.

Survivors include Elizabeth (John) Adams of Augusta; sons, Eric Jones of Avera and Fletcher (Judy) Jones Jr. of Augusta; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; special friends, Rosa D. Robinson and Classie L. Roberts; special nieces, Betty (James) Roberts, Catherine (Earnest) Harris, Jackie Harris, Margie Denise Kelly and Henrietta Gatson; sisters-in-law, Ruth (Jimmy) Wells of Wrens, Grace (Lewis) Sims of Augusta, Sally M. Braddy and Priscilla Sinquefield of Pompano Beach, Fla.; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A service was held at Gethsemane Baptist Chruch of Avera on Jan. 5, 2016 with the Rev. Jimmy Davis officiating.

Mr. George W. “Buddy” Leverett, 75, entered into rest on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 at Golden Living Nursing Home.

A native of Coumbia County, he was born Feb. 21, 1940 the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Vera Leverett. He attended school in Jefferson County and was baptized at an early age at Olive Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Appling.

Mr. Leverett retired from JB Whites where he worked for 23 years. He was a musician and a former member of the Spirits of Harmony.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Martha Leverett and Beatrice Maryland; five brothers, Oliver, Rufus, Thomas Sr., Samuel Jr. and Henry Leverett.

He is survived by his wife, Eunice Leverett of Hephzibah; two daughters, Janice (Kevin) Thurmond and Myra Leverett, both of Augusta; five grandchildren, Dr. Aishia Leverett, Terry (Harpa) Leverett, Kevin Thurmond Jr., Tijuana Lockhart, TaKenya Lockhart; five great-great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Garnett of Augusta; two god children, Jimmie Maryland and Vedra Bean, both of Augusta; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services were held for Mr. Leverett Thursday, Jan. 14 at Olive Grove Baptist Church in Appling. Rev. Willie J. White presided.

C.A. Reid Funeral Home of Augusta was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Letitia McNair Peel, 79, wife of Mr. Robert D. Peel, Sr. entered into rest Monday Feb. 8, 2016.

Mrs. Peel was a native of Stellaville, She graduated from University Hospital’s Barrett School of Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital for over 30 years.

Family members in addition to her husband include son, Robert D. Peel, Jr. (Olivia); grandsons, Robert Davis Peel III and Brian Judson Peel; sister, Ann Sheffield of DeBary, Fla; and brother, Lewis McNair (Ann) of Huntsville, Al.

Mrs. Peel was preceded in death by her parents, James Elijah and Claira Dye McNair; brothers, Jutson McNair, William “Bo” McNair, M.D., Rufus McNair, Ray McNair and Tom McNair; and sisters, Helen Georgeson and Nell Arrington.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 13, in the chapel at Thomas Poteet & Son with Pastor Todd Sturgell officiating. Interment followed in Westover Memorial Park.

Pallbearers were Steven McNair, George McNair, Bill DeLoach, Bruce Thurmond, Woodie Melton and Johnny Mims. Honorary pallbearers were Martinez-Evans Little League Intermediate 2015 Georgia State Champion Southeast Regional Runner-Up All-Star Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to Martinez-Evans Little League, P.O. Box 402935, Martinez, GA 30917. 

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Director of Augusta were in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Mary A. West, 87, of Gibson, entered into her eternal rest Monday evening Feb. 8, 2016 in the Doctors Hospital in Augusta.

Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 12, in the chapel of Taylor Funeral Home in Gibson. Interment followed in the Edgehill Latter Day Saints Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Don Finch, Dick Embry, Ken Pullum, Larry Kent, Ernie Marrs and David Moore.

A native of Glascock County, Mrs. West was a daughter of the late Norman and Bell McCoy Williams. She was a homemaker and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Harlem Ward.

Mrs. West was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold Burton West; brothers, Vinson Williams, Cleo Williams, and Joseph Williams; and sister, Vera Thigpen.

She is survived by her son, Terry West of Gibson; daughter, Donna Knight of Warrenton; grandchildren, Shelley Kernohan of Spring, Tx., Shawn West of Edgehill, Shane West of Edgehill, and Scott Smith of Lynnwood, Wa.  Great grandchildren, Katie, Alexis and Patrick, several nieces and nephews.

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

Mrs. Bobbie Burke, 81, of North Charleston, SC, passed  Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, at her residence.

Services were held Friday, Feb. 26, in the chapel of Simplicity Funeral Home in North Charleston.

Mrs. Burke was born June 1, 1934 in Jefferson County, a daughter of Ruth Fortner and MD Fortner. Mrs. Burke recently attended Free Will Baptist. Mrs. Burke enjoyed arts and crafts, shopping and gardening.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas C. Burke and her sister, Elaine Butler. She is survived by  her daughter, Sabrina (Kelly) Cooper; granddaughter, Nicole Curtis; and sister, Joan (Norman) Fulgham Heberer; many nieces and nephews.

Simplicity Funeral Home in North Charleston was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Barbara Claxton, 81, of Waynesboro, entered into rest Monday Feb. 22, 2016, at her home.

Graveside services were held Saturday, Feb. 27, in the Burke Memorial Gardens with Rev. Wayne Dixon officiating.

Mrs. Claxton was a lifelong resident of Burke County and had retired from the Burke County Public School System where she was employed 25 years as a bus driver.

Mrs. Claxton was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Claxton, parents, Bessie Mae and Cletus Chavous, brothers, Abe Chavous and Albert Chavous.

She is survived by six children, Jesse Chavous, Sheila (Fred) Eskew, Mike (Sheryl) Claxton, Aaron Claxton, Andy Claxton, and Gerald Claxton; six  sisters, Carolyn Barefield, Joan (Floyd) Sparks, Virginia (Frank) Beasley, Jimmie Ann Flake, Pamela Laster, and Rebecca (James) Moore; one brother, Lonnie (Edna) Chavous;  five grandchildren, David Shaw, Jessica Eskew, Ashley Claxton, Michael Claxton, Charlie Claxton, and Abbigail Claxton; three great grandchildren, Madisen York, Anslee York, and Ryleigh Claxton.

 Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Care Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Frances Inez Daniel, 93, passed away Friday, Feb. 26, 2016.

Mrs. Daniel was born Sept. 2, 1922, to the late Calvin and Daisy Daniel Williams, in Stapleton. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis W. Daniel; a son, Joel Daniel; and two daughters, Carolyn Patricia Daniel and Gloria Kay Daniel.

Mrs. Daniel is survived by a son, Jack Daniel of Augusta; a brother, Don Williams of Conyers; two granddaughters, Tracy Daniel and Nickie Herink; a grandson, Jack T. Daniel; three great grandchildren, Keaton Daniel, Gracie Howell and Zoey Daniel.

Services were held Tuesday at The Poteet Funeral Home, Rev. Kevin Jones officiating. Burial followed Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Avera. 

Poteet Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Rachel Amelia Gribble Young Geisik, 100, wife of the late Michael Geisik, entered into her eternal rest Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, at her residence in Wrens.

Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, Feb. 24, 2016 in the Geisik family plot at First Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Rockaway, N.J., with Reverend Carl Geisik officiating.

The third eldest of seven children born to the late Sarah Gribble Young and the late Clarence Young, Mrs. Geisik was a lifelong resident of Rockaway until her health declined in 2001 at which time she moved in with her son who relocated to Wrens in 2012. 

She retired with over 20 years of service as an assembly worker at Aircraft Radio Corp., now Cessna. Mrs. Geisik submitted her life to Christ at the age of 16 and served Him as a member of First Presbyterian Church for 84 years.

Mrs. Geisik is also  preceded in death by her two sons, Michael Geisik Jr. and John Geisik; and her siblings, Overton Young, Edgar Young, Alan Young, Marian Blanchard and Sarah Young.

Survivors include her son, Carl (Patricia) Geisik, of Wrens; her sister, Ruth Laude of Utah; seven grandchildren; and many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

James Funeral Home in Wrens is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Roger “Bubba” Howard, 54, of Sardis, died Saturday evening Feb. 27, 2016, in the Burke Medical Center in Waynesboro.

Graveside services were held Wednesday in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Girard with Rev. Randy Walden officiating. Pallbearers were Cody Howard, Rusty Smith, Johnathan Gossett, Jerry Johnson, Daniel Combs and Steve McCoy.

Mr. Howard was a native and lifelong resident of Burke County. He was a talented woodworker and most of all loved spending time with his family and friends.

Mr. Howard was preceded in death by his father, Emmett E. Howard and is survived by his mother, Mary Godbee Howard of Sardis; sisters, Joy L. Royal of Sardis and Sandy (Rev. Randy) Walden of Louisville; brothers, Don Howard of Martinez, Brandon Howard of Martinez, Steven Howard of Louisville and Jeremy Howard of Sardis; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers family respectfully requests memorials be made to Taylor Funeral Home.

Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Care Waynesboro, was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Rufus Jackson, Sr., of Louisville, departed this life Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at the University Hospital, Augusta.

Mr. Jackson was a native of Jefferson County, but later lived in Florida for 30 years before returning to Louisville.

He was born the son to the late Roger Jackson and Carrie Paschal Jackson. At an early age he worshipped with the Christian Family at the Greater Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church and he was formally employed as a logger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and children; Elizabeth Jackson, and Larry Jackson.

Survivors include his two sons, Rufus Jackson, Jr. of Macon and Joenathan Jackson, Del Ray Beach, Fla.; eight daughters, Margaret Ann (Johnny) Mingle, of Louisville, Naomi J. (Frank) Wooden, of Lake Worth, Fla., Linda (Craige) White, Yvonne Jackson, Yvette Jackson, of Lake City, Fla., Pricilla (Jonas) Wright, of Lake Worth, Fla., Brenda Jackson, of Hollywood, Fla, and Andrea Brooks, of Sandersville; 23 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the James and Virginia Davis Memorial Chapel, 727 Beech Street, Louisville, with the Reverend Wallace Mason as Eulogist.

Family may be contacted at the residence, 406 Yazoo Street, Louisville, Georgia 30434 or at Davis Funeral Home, Louisville.

Davis Funeral Home of Louisville is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Ricardo “Poosie” Jermine Terrell, 26, and Mr. Antwon “Dudot” Jamal Terrell, 21, brothers and natives of Jefferson County, died in Belle Glade, Fla., Feb. 19, 2016. 

They were born the sons of Willie James Terrell, Sr., and Barbara Wicker Terrell on Sept. 26, 1989, and July 3, 1994, respectively. They both spent their early and formative years in Jefferson County; however, they along with their mother and other siblings, relocated to Belle Glade, Fla.

They both attended Louisville Academy Elementary School but completed their studies in the schools of Palm Beach County, Fla. 

Ricardo is survived by a daughter, Za’niyah. Antwon is survived by his daughter, Antiana. 

They are both survived by their parents, Barbara Wicker Terrell, of Belle Glade, and Willie James Terrell, Sr. of Louisville; three siblings,  Antonio Terrell Wicker, Willie James Terrell, Jr., and Nakiya Alexis Terrell all of Belle Glade.

They were both preceded in death by their grandfathers Ernest Mitchell Terrell and Robert Wicker; their aunt Mary Ann Terrell; and uncles Joe Lewis Gibbons and Timothy Wicker.

Other survivors include  grandmothers Annie Lee Terrell and Mildred Wicker of Louisville; aunts, Katherine Wicker, of Belle Glade, Christine (Ronnie) Burton, Georgia Ann Wicker, Sandra Holmes, Sabrina Wicker and Diane Terrell all of Louisville; uncles Dean (Tanginiki) Terrell, of Belle Glade, Donnell (Angela) Terrell, Ernest Terrell, of Louisville; Donald (Wanda) Wicker of Stapleton, and Robert (Priscilla) Terrell of Davisboro. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 5, at 2 p.m. at the Hardeman Springfield Baptist Church and Cemetery in Louisville.

Active Pallbearers will be Kortny Terrell, Randy Carr, Jr., Terry Lynch, James Swan, Henry Cunningham, Willie Fuller, Donald Terrell, Kelvin Kelly, Antowaski Kittles, Tim Cooper, Antonio Grant and Marcus Gamble.

Davis Funeral Home of Louisville and Stevens Brothers Funeral Home, of Belle Glade are in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Ruby Pollett Beasley, 87, died Wednesday at Ogeechee Area Hospice Inpatient Facility.

Mrs. Beasley was born in North Carolina but lived in several places in Georgia before settling in Statesboro. She worked at Western Sizzler as a manager in the ‘80s and ‘90s and later worked as a caregiver. She was a resident at Browns Health and Rehab and was known as a “fun loving person.”

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Pollett; her husband Roy Beasley; and daughter, Barbara Adcox.

Mrs. Beasley is survived by her two sons, Jim (Deborah) Pollett and David (Sheila) Pollett; her daughter, Lisa (Tracy) Deal, all of Statesboro; her grandchildren, Gene (Joanne) Adcox of Hepzibah, Monica (Glenn) Powell of Statesboro, Nicki Newton of Townsend, Justin Pollett of Statesboro, Paul (Candra) Pollett of Puyallup, WA, James C. (Tiffany) Pollett of Pembroke and Jada Pollett of Pembroke; 12 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Saturday in the chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Collins and Rev. Ron Johnson officiating. Interment followed in the Lower Lotts Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers were James Moxley, Bubba Pollett, Craig Brannen, Billy Brannen, Tim Wilson, Terry Deal and J.C. Pollett.

The family request that any memorial contributions be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice at PO Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459.

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Cora Lee McNeely Eaves, 97, wife of the late Calhoun Franklin Eaves, Jr., entered into her eternal rest Sunday night, Mar. 6, 2016 at Pruitt Health Old Capitol in Louisville.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2016 in the Ebenezer Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church with Reverend Carl Geisik officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

A lifelong resident of Jefferson County, Mrs. Eaves was one of two children born to the late Mary Louise Burke McNeely and the late Clyde Jasper McNeely. She served her Lord actively at Ebenezer ARP Church and was their oldest member. Being a great cook and homemaker, she loved taking care of her family and spending time with them.

Mrs. Eaves is preceded in death by her daughter, Virginia Dare Eaves Carpenter; her son, Edward Pierce Eaves; and her brother, Ollie Jasper McNeely. 

Survivors include her children, Coleman Harris Eaves and Anita Kaye Eaves Trujillo; and three grandchildren, Christopher Loudon Trujillo, Michael Trujillo and Dawn Kimberly Carpenter. 

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday evening, March 10.  

James Funeral Home in Wrens in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Allen Gilmer, 72, entered into rest Feb. 29, 2016 at Gibson Health and Rehabilitation.

Mr. Gilmer grew up in McDuffie County and  lived in Glascock County most of his life. He was the son of the late Hoke Gilmer and the late Gertrude Davis Gilmer.

Mr. Gilmer retired from Yancey Brothers Caterpillar with over 40 years of service. He was a member and a deacon of Magnolia Baptist Church. Mr. Gilmer was also a Mason and a member of the Gibson Lodge # 257.

He was predeceased by his wife, Elaine Swint Gilmer.

Survivors include his son, Michael (Stephanie) Gilmer; grandchildren, Breanna Gilmer and Boone Gilmer all of Gibson; brother, Clarence Gilmer of  Warner Robins; and sister, Frances (Gene) Randall of Carnesville.

The funeral was held Thursday, Mar. 3, at Magnolia Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Harwell and Rev. James Canada officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery with Masonic Rites.

Pallbearers were Mike Neal, David Kitchens, Levy Swint, Ronnie Hadden, Gene Randall, and James Harrison.

It was the family’s request that memorial contributions be made to the Magnolia Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Louis Swint, P. O Box 95, Gibson, Ga. 30810

Beggs Funeral Home Thomson was in charge.  

Sgt. Marvin Heggs, of, Louisville, departed this life Friday, March 4, 2016 ,in Louisville.

Sgt. Heggs was a native of Jefferson County. He was born the son of James Willie Heggs and Cora Heggs,in Louisville. He was a member of the Hardeman Springfield Missionary Baptist Church and served in the United States Army.

He was preceded in death by one brother; Rochelle Heggs.

Survivors include his  parents, James Willie Heggs and Cora Heggs of Louisville;  children, Chandra (James) Heggs Cooper, and KaChandra Rachelle Heggs of Louisville; siblings, Lenwood (Tammy) Heggs, Lithonia,  Velma Williams, Gwendolyn Heggs, Brenda Gordon, of Louisville, Laverne Shaw, of Fort Worth, Texas and Luevenia Heggs, Arlington, Texas.; grandchildren Treasure, Mytia, Kamarian, and Carrington; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held Wednesday, March 9, at the Sandvalley African Methodist Episcopal Church in Louisville. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Family may be contacted at the residence of his daughters; 508 First Street, Louisville, Georgia 30434, or at Davis Funeral Home.

Davis Funeral Home, Louisville  in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Mary Lee Flournoy Shellman, of Waynesboro, departed this life Friday, Mar. 4, 2016, at Augusta University Health, Augusta.

Mrs. Shellman was a native of Jefferson County. She was born the daughter of the late Albert Flournoy and Maderlene Heggs Flournoy.

She attended the Booker T. Washington School in Bartow. She was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She was formerly employed with Wadley Shirt Company, Wadley Shoe Plant, co-owner and manager of Sav-Mor Restaurant in Wadley and was a logger/farmer.

Mrs. Shellman was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings; Lovett Flournoy, Freddie Flournoy, and Albert Flournoy, Jr.

Survivors include her children, Jimmie Williams and Ann (Grant) Shellman Young; sister, Katie Mae Watson; grandchildren, Keith Williams, Jimmie Williams Jr., Jazmine Young and Justin Young; one great-grandchild; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday, March 10, at 11 a.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Bartow.

Family may be contacted at the residence of her sister; Katie Mae Watson;2134 Spann Road, Wadley, Ga. 30477, or at Davis Funeral Home.

Davis Funeral Home,  Louisville, is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Mary Lee Flournoy Shellman.

Mrs. Katie Ruth Usry Swint, 89, of Gibson, died Sunday, Mar. 6, 2016, in the Gibson Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Mar. 9, at Friendship Baptist Church in Mitchell with Rev. Tommy Harwell officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. 

A native of Glascock County, Mrs. Swint was the daughter of the late Robert Gordon Usry and Charlotte Hall Swint Usry. 

She was a retired L.P.N. with Tri County Health and the Assistant Director of Nursing at the Gibson Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

Mrs. Swint was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charlie Swint; daughter, Nona Dale Swint; siblings, Willie David Swint, Ab Swint, Vess Swint, Deanie Swint and Evelyn Thigpen.

She is survived by sons, James (Sherry) Swint of Hephzibah and Larry (Susan) Swint of Mitchell; daughter, Barbara Swint of Gibson; sister, Emmie Davis of Augusta; granddaughters, Sarah (Roy) Walters of Greenville, S.C., Jennifer (Ben) George of Greenville, N.C. and Rebecca (Eric) Clark of Gibson; grandson, Matt (Katie) Swint of Gibson; great-grandchildren, Zachary Barrow, Armando Walters, Rachel Walters, Gabe George, Eli George, Tristan Clark, Ansley Clark, Alyssa Clark, Caden Swint and Kinley Swint; several nieces and nephews.

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

Mrs. Patricia Ann Thompson, of Augusta, departed this life Sunday, Mar. 6, 2016, at Doctors Hospital.

Mrs. Thompson was a native of Jefferson County, but in 2009 moved to Augusta.

She was born to Leroy Turner and Daisy Gibbons Thompson and reared by the late Deacon Willis Gibbons and Sadie Gibbons. She was united in holy matrimony to Willie Roger Thompson Sr.

Mrs. Thompson was a member of the Hardeman Springfield Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Missionary Society and the Youth Department. She was a graduate of the Louisville High School, Class of 1974, and later received her BS degree from Paine College in 1979.  She retired as an educator from Louisville Academy in 2000.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Deacon Willie Gibbons and Sadie Gibbons; and one brother, Richard Thompson.

Survivors include her parents, Leroy Turner of Augusta, Daisy Gibbons Thompson of Newark, N.J.; husband, Willie Roger Thompson Sr., of Louisville; children, Willie Roger (Joslyn Dove) Thompson Jr., of Birmingham, Ala. and ShaMonica (DeMarcus) Battle, of Augusta; siblings, Ronnie (Raynecia) Thompson of Atlanta,  Darrell Thompson of Augusta, Rita Thompson of Newark, N.J. and Beverly (Gregory) TuDowns of Augusta; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Shelia Thompson of Atlanta,  Minister Gloria Thompson of Augusta,  Brenda T. Young of Augusta, Harold (Jeanette) Thompson of Louisville,  and Nixon Thompson of Augusta;  grandchildren,  Skyi Thompson, Willie Thompson III and Joshua Scott; godson, Cedric Thompson of Atlanta, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, March 12, at 1 p.m. at the Hardeman Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Louisville. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Family may be contacted the residence; 4121 Elders Drive, Augusta, Georgia 30909, or at Davis Funeral Home.

Davis Funeral Home of  Louisvilleis in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Agnes Clark Thigpen, 102, wife of 67 years to Curtis Thigpen, entered into her eternal rest Friday, Mar. 4, 2016, at her residence.

Funeral services were held Monday, Mar. 7, 2016 at James Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Ken Gross officiating. Interment followed in Wrens Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Thigpen was born to the late Dicy Hadden Dixon Clark and the late Cleveland Clark and was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County.  After graduating from Stapleton High School, she worked in the shipping department of the old shirt factory in Louisville after which she was a bookkeeper for Henderson Chevrolet. 

Mrs. Thigpen was preceded in death by all of her siblings, sister, Vivian Clark Hardin Sheppard, brother, Lester Clark, infant brother, J.T. Clark, and half-brother, Homer Dixon; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Survivors include her daughters, Patsy Thigpen, and Sheryl (Anthony) McDonald of Honea Path, S.C.; sister-in-law, Glenice Rabun Clark of Martinez; three grandchildren, Mark McDonald, Jason (Jill) McDonald, and Jane McDonald (Walter) Howard; three great-grandchildren, Emily McDonald, Abby McDonald and Will McDonald; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Pallbearers were Stan Allen, Jason McDonald, Dan Hollingsworth, Mike Thigpen, Sam Thorpe and Randy Rhodes.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Christian Missions in Many Lands Inc., PO Box 13, Spring Lake NJ 07762-0013.

James Funeral Home in Wrens in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Phyllis Ernestine Bartlow Wommer, 85,  wife of the late David Earl Wommer Sr, entered into her eternal rest Tuesday evening, Mar. 1, 2016, at her residence.

Funeral services were  held  Friday evening, Mar. 4, in the James Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Jason Burton officiating.

Funeral services were also held on Monday afternoon, Mar.7, 2016 at McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home in Hugesville, Pa., with interment in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Wommer was one of six children born to the late Emma Sarah Charles Bartlow and the late James David Bartlow in Lycoming County, Pa., where she attended school, married, worked and raised her children. She moved to Georgia in 1992 to be closer to her girls.

Mrs. Wommer is preceded in death by all of her siblings, Martha Bartlow, Eleanor Phillips, Alvin Bartlow, Geraldine Wommer and Miles Bartlow.

Survivors include her children, Emma L. Givens, Alvin E. Wommer, David E. Wommer Jr. and Sue Wommer; 15 grandchildren, David Givens, Jeff Givens, Rusty Givens, Randy Givens, Tim Givens, Ernestine “Ernie” Phelps, Terry Wommer, Rebecca “Becky” Eidson, April Wommer, Mike Wommer, Davey Wommer, Jennifer Baldwin, Danny Keebler, Heather Keebler, and Katie Sheppard; 17 great grandchildren, Clinton Canaday, Jessica Givens, Dillon Givens, Trent Givens, Houston Givens, Cullen Givens, Kenny Phelps, Dusty Phelps, Jack Phelps, Stephanie Eidson, David Eidson, Katie Wommer, Macey Wommer, Zack Baldwin, Vinny Baldwin, Megan West, Landyn Wommer, Cohen Wommer, Destiny Keebler, Bridgett Keebler, Dixie Lee Sheppard, Rachael Keebler and Wyatt Herring; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Terry Wommer, Mike Wommer, David Wommer, Daniel Keebler, Matt Baldwin and Harold Keebler.

 James Funeral Home of Wrens and McCarty Thomas Funeral Home in Hugesville, Pa. were in charge of arrangements.

Mr. William James Wren Jr., 90, of Duluth, passed away quietly on Jan. 24, 2016, due to complications from pneumonia.

Mr. Wren was born to William and Corrie K. Wren and raised in Wrens.

Mr. Wren graduated from Georgia Tech in April 1946 with a degree in electrical engineering. While at Tech, he was president of his junior class and for three years treasurer of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was also in the Navy Reserve while at Tech. During Mr. Wren’s career, he was president of the Machinery and Systems division of Carrier Heating and Air Conditioning Company and a Vice President of Carrier Corporation.

After retiring from Carrier, Mr. Wren  and his wife Nancy moved back to Georgia. Mr. Wren served several years on the Georgia Tech advisory board, volunteered at Big Brother and did community work for seniors in the Snellville area. His church community included Pleasant Hill Presbyterian (Duluth), Westminster Presbyterian (Snellville), Northminster Presbyterian (N. Syracuse), where he was an elder and Sunday school teacher, and Wrens Community Presbyterian.

Mr. Wren was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Nancy Austin Wren. He is survived by his four daughters and son in laws Nancy (Bob) Ragan of Duluth, Teresa (Rich) Stoner of Big Prairie, Ohio, Janice (Steve) Hansell of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Shirley (Rob) Smith of Brookhaven.

Other survivors include his brother Jerry (Betty) Wren of Augusta; his sister Kelly (Bill) Dantzler of Birmingham, Ala.; and six grandchildren, Gerin Ragan (Rick) Hennebaul, Drew (Kelly) Ragan, Austin Hansell (Ben) Mackey, Jasmine Stoner, Alexandra Hansell, Phoebe Stoner; and four great grandchildren: Abby, Imogene, Andrew, and Max.

A memorial graveside service will be on March 12 at 1 p.m. in Wrens.To honor Mr. Wren’s life and desire to share his Christian faith with all, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Rainbow Village, Duluth, Ga., Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, Duluth, Ga., or Wrens Community Presbyterian Church, Wrens.

James Funeral Home in Wrens in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Hilda Reese Bartlett, 90, wife of the late Pete Bartlett, entered into her eternal rest Tuesday evening, Mar. 8, 2016, at Silver Linings Personal Care Home in Stapleton.

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, Mar. 12, in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Jerry D. Rockefeller officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were her nephews, Josh Anderson, David Chance, Robert Hudson, Brian Richey, Bryson Richey, Ethan Richey, and Cole Rooks.

One of four children born to the late Ruth Hadden Reese and the late Clifford J. Reese, Mrs. Bartlett grew up in Avera and graduated from Avera High School, after which she moved to Augusta and worked for Southern Bell. She was later transferred to Atlanta and then Macon where she married and made Macon her home for over 40 years.

She attended Crandell Business School and Macon Technical College. After obtaining her degree, she taught business courses at Macon Tech. After retiring as an educator, she moved back to Avera in the 1980s to assist in the care of her mother.

Mrs. Bartlett is also preceded in death by her siblings, Iris R. Jones and Harold Reese; her niece, Susan Jones Ramirez; and two nephews, Craig Jones III and Alan Jones.

Survivors include her sister, Beth R. (Frank) Chance; nephew, David Chance; two nieces, Carla (Rob) Hudson of Martinez and Amy (Brian) Richey of Johns Creek; 11 great nieces and nephews, Parker Chance, Natalie Hudson, Clare Hudson, J. Cole Rooks, Anna Rooks (Gene) Goff, Bryson Richey, Ethan Richey, Teresa Jones, Nikki Blum, Josh Jones Anderson and Duan Jones Pope; and 12 great-great nieces and nephews, Landon Goff, Axel Goff, Rhyder Goff, Craig Jones, Chelsea Jones, Carley Blum, Chance Blum, Logan Anderson, Will Anderson, Casey Thomson, Cartar Pope and Caden Pope.

James Funeral Home in Wrens was charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Barbara McNeal Lowe, 75, died Sunday evening March 13, 2016 at Georgia Regents Medical Center in Augusta.

Graveside funeral services were be held Wednesday, March 16, at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Avera, with Rev. John Jenkins officiating.

Mrs. Lowe, a native of Glascock County, was the daughter of the late Mary Hadden McNeal and William Earnest McNeal. She was a retired seamstress from Stapleton Garment Co and a member of the Trinity Baptist Church and the Glascock County Senior Citizens. 

Survivors include her daughter, Patsy L. (Greg) Renew, of Stapleton; her son, William C. “Pee-Wee” (Irene) Williams, of Mitchell; one sister, Shirley M. Kelly, of Stapleton; eight grandchildren, William E. Williams, Amy Jeanette Moore, Marie Adams, Kimberly Dilworth, Stacy Moody, Brandon Lowe, Greg Renew, Jr., Krystle Neal; and 21 Great grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the Glascock County Senior Citizens Center.

Lowe Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Ms. Marcia Pearl Stevens, age 62, of Augusta, passed away Sunday, Mar. 6, 2016, at GRU Medical Center.

Ms. Stevens was born Oct. 25, 1953 in Augusta, to the late Stiles E. Stevens and Marjorie May Stevens.
She spent most of her life in Gracewood State School and Hospital.

Ms. Stevens is survived by her mother, Marjorie May Stevens of Wadley;and many close friends and relatives who have cared for her over the years.

 Graveside Services were held Mar. 8 at 2 p.m. at Louisville City Cemetery with Rev. Christopher Shoemaker officiating, Pastor of Wadley United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Gracewood State School and Hospital.

Poteet Funeral Home in Augusta was in charge of arrangements.

Ms. Johnnie Mae Walden, 74, of  Wadley, departed this life Wednesday, Mar. 9, 2016 at Doctors Hospital in Augusta.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Mar. 15, 2016 at the Brinson Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. David Kemp officiating.  Burial followed in the Church cemetery.

Ms. Walden was a native of Jefferson County, and a member of the Brinson Hill Baptist Church.

Survivors include her son, Sammie Lee (Connie) Gibbons of Cannoochee; daughter, Rhonda W. Bennett of Wadley; brothers, Edward Walden of Jacksonville, Fla. and Barney Walden of Augusta; sisters, Annette W. (Will) Henry of Wadley, Gwendolyn W. (Larry) Clark of Cannoochee, Annie Lois (Durane Fleming) Jenkins of Bartow, Rosetta Johnson of Brooklyn, N.Y.; godson, Rufus Walden, Jr.; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. 

Davis Funeral Home, in Louisville was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Ollie W. Carter, 88, of Wadley, died Monday, March 21, 2016, at University Hospital in Augusta.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 24, at the Wadley Baptist Church with the Reverends Tom Harrison, Gene McCoy and Gary Carter officiating.  Burial will be at the Wadley Baptist Cemetery in Wadley.

Mr. Carter was a native of Surrency, and Valedictorian of the Surrency High Class of 1945. He was a 1950 graduate of the University of Georgia with a BSA degree in Agricultural Education.  He later earned two master’s degrees in agricultural education and in school administration.

Mr. Carter came to Wadley in 1950 as a vocational agriculture teacher at Wadley High where he taught for 14 years.  He was an FFA Alumnus and an honorary FFA State Farmer.

He served as Jefferson County School Superintendent for 20 years, 1965-1984.

He was a deacon and member of the Wadley Baptist Church and taught the Livingston Sunday School Class for 35 years.

He was a member of the Stonewall Lodge #98 for over 50 years.

He is a life member of both the Georgia Retired Educators and the American Legion. He served in the United States Navy.

He was a volunteer mission worker participating in several mission trips through the Georgia Baptist Builders, the Hephzibah Baptist Association and the Jimmy Carter work project with Habitat for Humanity. These mission trips involved mission work in Panama, Mexico, Jamaica, and several states.

He served as Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts for several years and several of his scouts earned the coveted Eagle Scout Award.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Hall Carter.

Survivors include two sons, Dr. Glenn (Becky) Carter of Hinesville and Gary (Barbara) Carter of DeLand, FL; one daughter Carol (Graham) Justice of Wadley; four grandchildren, Robert and Rebecca Carter, Sydney and John Carter; one brother and two sisters.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Brett, Lintorn Brett, Charles Smith, Wynder Smith, Benjie Leaptrott, Dr. Dudley Gunn, Bobby Weeks, and Bill Cooper. Honorary Pallbearers will be deacons of Wadley Baptist Church, members of the Livingston Bible Class, Kenneth Kelly, J.D. Smith, Frank Gordy, Dr. Molly Howard, Dr. Gardner Hobbs, Farris M. Hudson, Herman Baker and Isaiah Thomas.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Wadley Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gideon’s International or the Wadley Baptist Church (P.O. Box 759, Wadley, GA 30477).

Smith Funeral Home of Wadley is in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. William Samuel Gaston, 66, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2016, at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta.

Mr. Gaston was born  Oct. 29, 1949, in Avera to the late Louvenia Blair Gaston and the late Hardwick Gaston.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Blair Sr.  Mr. Gaston was educated in the Jefferson County School System of Georgia and he graduated with the Class of 1967.  He was a member of the Gethsemane Baptist Church in Avera.

On Aug. 28, 1969, Mr. Gaston enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country during the Vietnam crisis.  During his employment years, Mr. Gaston worked as a sheet metal worker for Air Balance.  He was a dedicated worker for over 20years.  Mr. Gaston was affectionately known as “Spank,” “Shaka-Laka,” “Sportio,” and “Gene” to his family and friends.  He was known in the community for his love of gospel quartet music and his inspiration for the late great James Brown and his music.       

Survivors include  his wife of 46 years, Dorothy Patterson Gaston of Wrens, two daughters, LaShanda Gaston of Wrens and Alishia Gaston of Valdosta; three grandchildren, Ashlee Stone, Jailyn “PJ” Stone and McKenzie Simpson, all of Wrens; a great-grandson, Kayden Stone of Louisville; two god-children, Rodney Scott of Wrens, and Brittney Scott of Jonesboro; eight aunts, Mary Jackson, John Dessie Davis, both of Gibson,  Min. Christine (James) Goodson of Wrens, Betty (James) Roberts, Carrie Gaston, both of Avera, Josephine Gaston, Henrietta Gaston and Marie Edmonds, all of Albany, NY; three sisters-in-law, Mildred Mathis of Wrens, Mamie (Charlie) Davis of Louisville, and Sarah Evans of Syracuse, NY; two nephews raised as sons, Andre Blair of Cherry Point, NC and Harold Blair, Jr. of Syracuse, NY;  a host of other relatives and  friends.

Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Gaston was held on Tuesday, March 22, at  Stone Springfield A.M.E. Church of Stapleton with the Reverend Forrest  Dickey, Pastor Officiant. Interment was held in the church cemetery.  

Freeman Funeral Home, Wrens in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Mr. Allen Lee Jr. of Mitchell were held Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Sparta.  Rev. Michael Curry, Pastor/Rev. Stephen Ivey, Eulogist. Burial was in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville.

Mr. Lee is survived by his wife  Cassandra Clark-Lee; six siblings Louis Lee, Homer Lee, Mildred Lee-Hill, Ellen Levert, Beatrice Johnson, and Florence Houston; nine children: Jacqueline Spruill, Deborah Lee, Christopher Lee, Cheryl Lee, Chanda Abercrombie, Chay Wells, Anthony Lee, Chynna Lee, and Chance Lee; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 

Dawsons Mortuary of Warrenton was in charge of arrangements.

Ms. Margaret “Dibby” “Debby” L. Brown, 79 of  Wrens, passed away Thursday March 24, 2016 at her son and daughter in laws residence, Tommie and Cindy Wells whom she had been living with during her illness.

Services  were held Tuesday, March 29, at  Harts Grove Baptist Church in Stapleton with Rev. Quinzel E. Chestnut I, Interim Pastor, presiding and Rev. Dr. Willie L. Jones, Sr., Eulogist.  Interment was in the church cemetery. 

Mrs. Margaret Louvenia Wells Brown was born to Louise Hatcher Wells and Dolphus Wells Sr. on Sunday, March 21, 1937 in Glascock County.  She was the sixth of 10 children.  She was raised in Jefferson County, attending school in Jefferson County. Mrs. Brown received her education from the public schools of Stapleton and Wrens.

Mrs. Brown relocated to Philadelphia, Penn. in 1955.  Often times when residing in Georgia, Mrs. Brown was affectionately called “Dibby.” She was an employee of the Philco Ford Corporation, retiring after 35 years of dedicated service. While in retirement, she decided to move back to Wrens to spend her later years. Mrs. Brown joined the Harts Grove Baptist of Stapleton and became an active member.

She was preceded  in death by her parents, Louise Wells and Dolphus Wells Sr.; husband, Charles Brown; two sons, Carlton Brown and Kerry Brown; sister, Evella Farmer; three brothers, Lennon Wells, Dolphus Wells Jr. and John Wells.

Survivors include five sons, Tommie (Cindy) Wells of Augusta, Malik (Marcia) Mohammad of Glenmore, Penn., Charles (Renee) Brown of Orlando, Fla., Jeffery (LaTosha) Brown of Pottstown, Penn. and Larry Smith of North Philadelphia, Penn.; many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; four sisters, Marie Lewis, Mattie Mikiel, Gertrude Hamby and Mamie Ruth Wells, all of Philadelphia, Penn.; one brother, Robert Wells of Sebring, Fla.; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, extended family.

Freeman Funeral Home, Wrens in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Jack E. Gaston, 78 of Wadley, died Sunday, March 27, 2016 in the Jefferson Hospital.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 30, in the Moxley United Methodist Church with Rev. David Boggs and Rev. Chris Shoemaker officiating.  Burial will be in the Moxley Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Gary Ware, Doug Dill, Harold Gaston, Charlie Roy Hall, John Cox, Butch Ware, Keith Hall, Bobby Gaston, Sam Gaston, Bruce Sammons and Albert Hall.

A native of Jefferson County, Mr. Gaston was a son of the late William Robert Gaston and Georgia Effie Deriso Gaston. Mr. Gaston was a graduate of Wadley High school, lifelong member of Moxley United Methodist Church, served in the National Guard Army and retired from Georgia Power.

Mr. Gaston was preceded in death by his parents, and brother; Sonny Gaston, and is survived by son, Greg (Jan) Gaston of Wadley; daughter, Salena (Clay) Grace of Wadley; grandchildren, Mallory Gaston, Madison Gaston, Haley Grace and Hannah Grace; brother, Roy (Mary) Lois Gaston of Wadley; sister in law, Julia Gaston of Wadley; several nieces and nephews.

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

Mr. Jimmie Lee Huntley passed away March 20, 2016 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Funeral services were held Saturday March 26 at Church of Christ, Louisville. Interment followed in the Jones Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. 

Mr. Huntley lived in Jacksonville, Fla., for several years. He was a landscaper.

Mr. Huntley was born in Louisville to the late Robert Huntley Sr. and Doretha  Robinson Huntley. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Charles Smith.

Mr. Huntley received his education in the Jefferson County School System and attended the Job Corps.

Mr. Huntley is survived by his brothers, Robert Huntley Jr., Roosevelt (Gwen) Huntley, Willie Roger (Eynt) Huntley of Louisville; sisters, Bertha Knight, Naomi Smith and Suzanne (Kent) Hardiman of Jacksonville, Fla., 19 nieces and nephews; 47 great nieces and nephews, three great great nieces and nephews.  He also leaves to cherish the Norris, Jordan, Burton, Walden, McBride, Gibbons, Cyler and Robinson families.

Pallbearers were family and friends.

Family and friends may call at the residence of his brother, Roosevelt Huntley, 1101 Peachtree St. Louisville or at Garrer Funeral Home.

Garrer Funeral Home, Louisville was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. J. T. Lowery, 60, of Louisville, departed this life Sunday, March 20, 2016, at an Augusta hospital.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 27, 2016, at Pierce Grove Baptist Church and cemetery in Louisville.

Mr. Lowery was a native of Jefferson County, the son of the late Pearly Ruth Lowery and Ulysses Swinney. He was a 1973/74 graduate of Louisville High School, a former employee of J. P. Stevens and Company, a member of the Pierce Grove Baptist Church and was presently employed with the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Survivors include his daughter, Conquisha Denise Lowery of Jacksonville, Fla.; brother, Freddie (Elizabeth) Lowery of Louisville; sisters, Betty L. (Willie) Kelly of Louisville, Dorothy (Glynn) Gaines of Wrens, Wanda A. Jones of Tampa, Fla. and Bernestine (Cecil) Reynolds of Bartow; two grandchildren, Kenneth Smith, II and Karmyn Smith of Jacksonville, Fla.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Family may be contacted at the residence, 1241 Stone Street or at Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street, Louisville.

Mr. Buford Jordan Pollett, 83, passed away Thursday March 24, 2016, at Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital.

Services were held Monday, March 28, at Moore’s Chapel United Church with interment to follow at Westview Cemetery. Mr. Michael Bland, Rev. Kenneth Watkins and Rev. Scott Osborne officiated.

Mr. Pollett was born July 8, 1932, in Johnson County. He was preceded in death by his parents, the late William Owen Pollett Sr. and Lillie Dell Price Pollett; and three brothers, William Owen Pollett Jr., Carlos Ashley Pollett and Marion Rayford Pollett.

He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict having served with the United States Navy. He was retired from J.P. Stevens-Forstmann as a foreman and was also a farmer. He was a member of Moore’s Chapel United Methodist Church, American Legion Post # 44, Johnson County Young Farmers and the Washington County Cattlemen’s Association.

Mr. Pollett  is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Boyd Pollett of Wrightsville; a son, Buford Boyd (Fidelia) Pollett; two granddaughters, Izabella and Agatta Pollett all of Tulsa, Okla.; a brother, Delma Eugene (Pauline) Pollett of Cartersville; two sisters, Katherine Lauren (Mark) Morgan of Ludowici and Mary Dell (Roger) Thornton of Camilla; an uncle, Fermon Rachels of Wrightsville and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers were Carroll Pollett, William Pollett, Mark Pollett, David Pollett, Patrick Pollett, Ashley Pollett and Jay Hewitt.

Members of Moore’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pine Hill United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #44, his Friday night music buddies, his military buddies, former employees of J.P. Stevens-Forstsmann, former classmates of the Wrightsville Class of 1952, and his breakfast club buddies from Jet Food Store and Wendy’s will all serve as honorary escorts.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions, in memory of Mr. Pollett, be made to Moore’s Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o Mary Elizabeth Pollett, 1330 Power Line Road, Wrightsville, Ga. 31096 or to the charity of your choice.

Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel was in charge of funeral arrangements.  

Miss Martha Estelle Clark, 83, daughter of the late Mozell Weeks Clark Matthews and the late John Clark, entered into her eternal rest Friday morning, April 1, 2016 at Willows Assisted Living Home in Augusta.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 4, in the Wrens Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church with Reverend Carl Geisik officiating. Interment in the Wrens Memorial Cemetery.

Miss Clark was a lifelong resident of Wrens and was a faithful member of Wrens ARP Church until her health declined three years ago. She graduated from Wrens High School after which she was employed at Fort Gordon, retiring with over 30 years of service. Athletic and considered a tomboy, Martha loved the outdoors and could be found mowing the lawn and working in the yard. She also loved to golf (a member of Wrens Country Club); to bowl (a member of Ladies Ten Pin for 40 years); to fish; to play cards with family and friends; and to watch the Braves games.

Never having married, Martha “adopted” her nieces and nephews and will be remembered for her good breakfasts and mean churns of ice cream. Children gravitated to Martha’s fun loving attitude. Having a reserved nature, she never wanted the limelight but worked faithfully in the background to ensure her family’s comfort. She loved her family dearly and was most content in their presence.

Miss Clark was also preceded in death by six siblings, Ruth Clark, Ed Clarke, Thomas Clark, Frances Clark, Bill Clark and Agnes Simons. Survivors include one sister, Katie C. Rabun of Augusta; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Bobby Brown, Justin Brown, Matt Deufel, Clark Rabun, Clay Rabun, Austin Webb and Larry Wooten.

James Funeral Home, Wrens in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Booker Tea Floyd Jr., of Louisville, departed this life Thursday, March 31, 2016 at the Select Specialty Hospital, Augusta.

Mr. Floyd was a native of Jefferson County. He was born the son of the late Rev. Booker T. Floyd, Sr., and Mary Cuyler Floyd in Louisville. At an early age he joined and worshipped with the Christian family at the Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church. He was a 1971 Graduate of the Louisville High School and was a retired veteran in the United States Army.

Mr. Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter; Tracey Floyd.

Survivors include his children; Booker L. Floyd, Augusta,  Brenton Terrell Turner, Louisville,  and Kendric Douglas (Emma) Floyd, Louisville;  siblings, Minister Wayne (Raquel) Floyd, Augusta and Malinda (Rev. Mack) Thomas, Statesboro;  grandchildren, Monique Cummings and Kierra Tucker, of Augusta,  Anthony Maye, Jr., Kristin McCall and Qualeisha Maye, of Charlotte, N.C., Domonique Lewis, of Atlanta and Brenton Terrell Turner, Jr., Louisville; step-grandchildren, Katrina Smith, Jeffery S. Bacon and Dominique Taylor; God-sister, Henrietta Seays, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, April 9, at 1 p.m. at the Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Moxley. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Family may be contacted at the residence of his son and daughter-in-law; Kendric and Emma Floyd, or at Davis Funeral Home, Louisville,

Davis Funeral Home of Louisvilleis in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Hilda Ann Jackson, 75, of Louisville, died Wednesday, March 30, 2016 in Jefferson Hospital.

Funeral services were heldSaturday, April 2, in the chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Rick Webb officiating.

A native of Cleveland County, NC, Mrs. Jackson was a daughter of Joe McSwain and the late Katie Guffey McSwain. Mrs. Jackson was a devoted house wife, mother and grandmother.

Mrs. Jackson was preceded in death by her mother; son, Tommy Jackson; and brother, Danny McSwain.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Jackson of Louisville; father, Joe McSwain and step-mother, Polly McSwain of Rock Hill, SC; son, Gary Jackson of Missoula, MT; daughter, Debbie Largen of Lyman, SC; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be made to Pruitt of Old Capital Health Care, 310 Highway 1 Bypass, Louisville, GA 30434.

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

Mrs. Marilyn Bailey Jones, 80, of Charlotte, NC, passed away Tuesday, March  29, 2016 at Levine & Dickson Hospice House - Southminster in Charlotte.

Mrs. Jones was born Nov. 21, 1935 in Sandersville, one of two children, to the late Willie Clinton Bailey and Mary Esther Meadows Bailey.

Most of her life she lived in Augusta, where she worked as an engineering clerk with AT&T for 36 years. She was a member of the Communication Workers of America, Telephone Pioneers of America and the Second Baptist Church of Augusta. 

Graveside services were held April 2, in the Bartow City Cemetery.

Mrs. Jones is survived by her only son, Benton Vinson Jones, Jr. of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren, Margaret Marilyn Jones of Atlanta,  Benton Vinson Jones, III of Manhattan, NY and Rachel Bailey Jones of Augusta; a sister-in-law, Jean Bailey of Gainesville; two nieces and a nephew, Dorothy Jean Bailey, William Leslie Bailey, Jr. and Claire Rockett.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Jones was preceded in death by her husband, Benton Vinson Jones, Sr. and a brother, William Leslie Bailey, Sr.

The family requests memorials be made to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513. 

Smith Funeral Home Wadley was in charge of local arrangements.

Mr. Harold L. Snipes, 65, husband of Veronica “Ronnie” Opsal Snipes, entered into his eternal rest Friday morning, April 1, 2016 at Gibson Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Born and raised in Aiken County, Mr. Snipes was a member of New Holland First Baptist Church and was a welder/fabricator at Hathaway Corporation in Augusta for 15 years before being injured on the job.

He loved to fish, especially for catfish, and NASCAR racing. Mr. Snipes was a cantankerous fellow who liked to cut up with family and friends—you knew he liked you if he picked at you. Moving to Gibson in 2014 to be closer to his sons, Mr. Snipes absolutely loved his family and spending time with them, especially his grandchildren and, of course, his canine buddy Dexter. He was a loyal friend and dedicated husband and father.

Mr. Snipes is preceded in death by his mother and step father, Betty Louise Snipes Drawdy and Eugene Drawdy; and his brother, James Drawdy. Other survivors include his two sons, Michael Snipes and Bryan (Anna) Snipes; three siblings, Willie (Stephanie) Drawdy, Diane Yenny and Hank Drawdy; six grandchildren, Seth Snipes, Blake Snipes, Kearstyn Snipes, Ashton Tiner, Abbie Tiner and Anderson Tiner; his two “adopted” grandchildren, Justin Rodgers and Carson Rodgers; his canine buddy, Dexter; and many friends.

James Funeral Home, Wrens was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Jeanette D. Tanner, 89, of Louisville, died Wednesday morning, March 30, 2016 in the Silver Linings Personal Care Home in Stapleton.

Funeral Services were held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2,  at Louisville First Baptist Church with Rev. Jonathan Witt and Rev. Bill Smith officiating. Burial followed in the Jefferson County Memorial Gardens.

A native of Johnson County, Mrs. Tanner was the daughter of the late James W. Davis and Pearl Gibson Davis. Mrs. Tanner retired from Piggly Wiggly and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Mrs. Tanner was preceded in death by her husband, Horace J. Tanner and eight siblings and is survived by her son, Jimmy (Martha) Tanner of Johns Island, SC; daughter, Jean T.  (Bernie) Christian of Evans;  grandchildren, Jason Tanner, Jonathan and Amanda Tanner, Charles A. “Tony” Toole, Jr., Becky and Terry Skinner, and Jennifer and Brian Larochelle; great grandchildren, Kaley, Jake, Aibhlinn, Madison and MacKenzie; and sister, Juanita Cofer of Louisville, several nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be made to the Louisville First Baptist church, 101 E 9th Street, Louisville, Georgia 30434.

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

Mrs. Betty Jean Jenkins Brady, 78, entered into rest on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at University Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 15 in the Platt’s Crawford Avenue Chapel with Chaplain Tim Stiers officiating. Interment  followed at Westover Memorial Park.

Mrs. Brady was born July 3, 1937 in Matthews. As an army wife and mother traveling around the world for over two decades, Mrs. Brady was the ultimate homemaker and caregiver to her family. She truly lived for her husband, daughter and grandchildren and was anxiously waiting for the arrival of her first great grandchild, Ryder, due in May. She will be dearly missed and forever in the hearts of her family members.

Mrs. Brady was preceded in death by her parents, Elliott and Fannie Jenkins; a brother, Howard Jenkins; and a sister, Grace Jenkins.

Mrs. Brady is survived by her husband, Terrance L. Brady of Augusta; daughter and son-in-law, Joye (Aaron) Clements of Evans;  granddaughter, Amanda Clements, granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Alyssa (Corey) Hickman and grandson, Brad Clements; her siblings, Phillip Jenkins, Sarah Jenkins, Miriam Jenkins, Maurice Jenkins, Joe Jenkins, Barbara Cosby and Ann Jenkins; and five nieces and nephews, including William Jenkins.

Pallbearers were Aaron Clements, Brad Clements, Corey Hickman, William Jenkins, John Ryan Mooney and Robby Coleman.

For those desiring, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 1384 Greene Street, Augusta, GA 30901.

Platt’s Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Beverly Roberts Gibson died Thursday April 7, 2016. Funeral services were held Saturday April 16 at Stone Springfield AME Church in Stapleton, with Rev. Kenneth Hannah officiating and Rev. Laverne Comer, Presiding. Interment in the Bethlehem AME Church Cemetery in Avera.

Mrs. Gibson was born in Richmond County, August 2, 1966, to Mrs. Classie Lee Roberts and late Mr. Jimmie Roberts, Sr. She was a member of Bethlehem AME Church. Mrs. Gibson received her education in the Jefferson County School System. She served as president of Roberts family reunion committee as well a member of the 296 Family Affair Club. Mrs. Gibson was a dedicated assistant manager at Walmart #1658, in Thomson.

Mrs. Gibson was married to the late Mr. Michael Gibson Sr. Survivors are her mother Mrs. Classie Lee Roberts of Stapleton; children, Taliah Roberts, and Michael Gibson, Jr. both of Stapleton; brothers, Jimmie L. Roberts, Jr. of Stapleton, Joseph (Sonya) Roberts of Fayetteville, NC, and Brandon (Jessica) Roberts of Fort Mitchell, AL; sisters Cheryl (James) Oliphant, Beulah Avery of Stapleton; grandchild, Kyleigh Roberts; godmother Josephine (Theotis) Hudson; godchildren, La Sonya Brown and Elaysia Jackson; sister-n-law, Loretta Johnson of Warrenton;  brother-n-law, Albert Louis Gibson of Crawfordville; uncle, Waymon Roberts of Avera; aunts, Pauline Davis and Willie Bell Roberts of Pompano, Beach, Fla, Cola Mae Roberts of Stapleton,  Vivian Grant of Florida and Annie Mae Roberts of St. Petersburg, Fla.;  nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded  in death by her sister, Cassandra Roberts.

Honorary Pallbearers were Employees of Walmart # 1658 and Employees of Walmart # 2754. Active Pallbearers were SFC Jeremey Oliphant,  Keldrick Hannah, Kendrey K. Hannah, Dante’ Roberts, Howard Johnson  and  Jefferey Johnson.

Garrer Funeral Home of Louisville was in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Mr. Antoine Maurice Walden died Saturday, April 16, 2016. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at St. Matthew AME Church in Louisville, with Rev. Daniel Thomas Jr. officiating and Rev. Willie Tomblin, presiding.

Mr. Walden was born April 10, 1977 in Richmond County to Evelyn Tomblin and Ronnie Cunningham. ‘Ghost” as he was lovingly called by his family and friends, received his education in the Jefferson County School System. He was a dedicated member of St. Matthew AME Church, where he was a part of the Arch Angel Men’s Choir.

Survivors are his wife, Yolanda Lowery Walden of Louisville; sons, Quantico Reese and Quantavius Walden of Tennille, Will Stone of Dublin and Jaydon Walden of Louisville;  daughters, Angelica Walden of Savannah and Joydan Walden of Louisville;  mother, Evelyn Tomblin of Louisville;  father, Ronnie Cunningham of Louisville; step-father, Nathaniel Tomblin of Matthews;  brothers, Travis Tomblin of Augusta and Antavious Tomblin of Louisville;  sisters, LaToya Gonzales of Atlanta, Antoinette Tomblin of Louisville and Sierra Tomblin of Augusta; maternal grandmother, Louise Holloway and paternal grandmother, Katie Mae Cunningham both of Louisville; mother-in-law, Eva Lowery and father-in-law, Willie Paul Lowery of Louisville;  brothers-in-law, Charles Cunningham (Yolanda) of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Devin Lowery of Louisville; sisters-n-law, Ann (Maurice) Gilchrist of Miami, Neshia Brown  and Sierra Burton of Louisville; grandson, Kameron Reese of Tennille; a host of aunts, uncles, great aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Stewards and Trustees of St. Matthew AME Church. Active pallbearers will be Robbin Warthen, Willie James, Jr., Bernard Bennett, Xavier Walden, Devin Lowery and Eric Holloway.

Garrer Funeral Home of Louisville, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. Dollye Andrea Wren Ward, 76, wife of the late Jerido Ward, entered into her eternal rest Thursday, April 14, 2016 ,at her residence. 

Funeral services were held at the Wrens Baptist Church on Saturday, April 16, with Reverend J. Scott McKinney officiating. Interment followed in the Wrens Memorial Cemetery.

Mrs. Ward was one of three girls born to the late Frances Hanna Wren and the late John Henry “Buck” Wren. Mrs. Ward was a native of Wrens where she graduated from Wrens High School in 1957, after which she attended North Georgia College. Even though she attended Wrens Baptist all of her life, she made it official and joined their membership in 1958 where she actively served her Lord and Savior attending the Lucy Howard Sunday School Class and the Lois Whaley and Ann Lewis Women on Mission Groups.

A life member of the John Franklin Wren Chapter of NSDAR, Mrs. Ward held numerous chapter and state offices and national chairmanships including Chapter Regent and Vice Regent, State Librarian, Historian, Chaplain and State Regent. Being very civic and community-minded, Mrs. Ward served the City of Wrens as a council member from December 1997 to December 2004 and as the first, and only, female mayor from January 2004 through January 2007.

Survivors include her three children, Stan (Lisa)Ward of Perry, Andrea (Parviz) Baghaii of Medina OH and Terry (Beverly) Ward of Terrell, NC; seven grandchildren, Jackson (Neely) Lee, Jennye Ward, Allie Ward, Meghan Ward (John) Scharnikow, Cale Ward, Ben Johnson and Daniel Ward; two great grandchildren, Maddox Lee and Austyn Lee; and two sisters, Jonnie Wren Ghetti and Hanna Wren (Sammy) Fowler.

Pallbearers were  Emory Clements, Raley Clements, Jim Gay, Charles Milburn, Richard Prescott and George Samples. Serving as honorary pallbearers were the Lucy Howard Sunday School Class and NSDAR members.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the John Franklin Wren Chapter NSDAR, c/o Beth Usry, 107 Quaker Road, Wrens GA 30833 or to Wrens Baptist Church, PO Box 217, Wrens GA 30833 earmarked for Operation Christmas Child.

James Funeral Home Wrens in charge of arrangements.

Ms. Thelma Mae Boatright, age 68, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at GRU Hospital, Augusta.

Ms. Boatright was born to Eugene Boatright and Ollie Neal Usry in Warren County, on December 14, 1947.  She attended the schools of Glascock County, and   is a graduate of Cornerstone Christian School.

Ms. Boatright is preceded in death by her parents, several aunts and uncles and a sister, Sherry Walker.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 28, at Thankful Baptist Church, Gibson at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Leroy Hudson Pastor officiating. Interment in the church cemetery.

Survivors are her son Dexter ( Jennifer) Walker, Louisville; daughter Tiffany ( Darrell) Kittles, Augusta, six sisters Cliffertine Story, Adie Patterson, Sarah (Alex) Lowe, Brenda (Clarence ) Blakely, all of Thomson. Catherine (Andrew) Flint, Douglasville, and Betty ( Julius ) Gunter, San Angelo, TX.; one brother Branson (Lois) Boatright, Warrenton. Three grandchildren, Jayla Walker, Shayla Walker, Louisville and Dar-Rel Kittles , Augusta, a dear friend of 30 years , James L. Tutt, Wrens.

Friends may call at the residence or Burnett Funeral Home Wrens.

Burnett Funeral Home in Wrens in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Jasper L. Davis, 62, also known as “Baby Brother” of   Avera ,  departed this life Thursday, April 21, 2016 at his residence.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Sandvalley AME Church and Cemetery.

Mr. Davis was a native of Jefferson County, the son of the late Lonzie Davis and Gussie Wells Davis. He was a member of the Sandvalley AME Church, a 1972 graduate of Jefferson County High School and a Veteran of US Army.

Preceded in death were his brothers, Lonzie Davis Jr. and James Arthur Davis

Survivors include his children, Jay Dee (Cayla) Davis of Lawrenceville,  Jacan (Jeraldmi) Davis Wright of Milledgeville, a and Joy Davis of Petaluma, California. Three grandchildren, Jeraldmi Wright, Jr, Alaya Davis and Jori Wright; three sisters, Mary “Mildred” Kelly, Louisville,  Carolyn (Danny) Swint, Hephzibah,  and Cathelin (Johnie) Wright of Avera, a sister-in-law, Mildred G. Davis, Homestead, Florida.

Family will receive friends, at the residence of his sister, Mary Kelly, 1259 Country Club, Louisville, Georgia or at Davis Funeral Home.

Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Janice Amelia Prescott Dowdy, 68, wife of 23 years to Bruce Miller Dowdy, entered into her eternal rest Thursday, April 21, 2016 at her residence. Graveside services were held at Mt. Moriah Cemetery at 4 p. m. on Sunday, April 24, 2016 with the Reverends Carl Geisik and Race Lariscy officiating.

Mrs. Dowdy one of eight children born to the late Amie Lou Johnson Prescott and the late William Lee Prescott, she was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. A 1965 graduate of Wrens High School, she attended Augusta College and Emory University, majoring in accounting and business administration. Retiring with 20 years of service as the Safety Director for J. M. Huber Engineered Materials, she was a member of the Georgia Mining Association. She was also the past president of the Wrens Garden Club, which has since been disbanded. Mrs. Dowdy was very active in serving her Lord and Savior—as a member of Wrens Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, the walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis. Having a servant’s heart, she was very generous—both with her time and monetarily—and loved helping people, especially young people. One of her greatest pleasures was being a Pink Lady at Jefferson Hospital where she found that it truly is better to give than to receive. Mrs. Dowdy is also preceded in death by her brothers, Norwood Prescott and Bryant Prescott. Other survivors include her five siblings, Bernice (Bill) Arrington, Helen Howard, Rowan (Linda) Prescott, Wanda McGahee and Hank Prescott; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.

The family respectfully requests that no flowers be sent but in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Mt. Moriah Cemetery Fund, c/o Diane Stewart, 8219 GA Hwy 88 E, Keysville GA 30816.

Mrs. Eugenia Cofer Gordy, 88, wife of the late Harris J. Gordy, entered into rest Monday, April 25, 2016 at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Louisville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jerry Cofer officiating. Interment will follow in Louisville City Cemetery.

Mrs. Gordy, one of five children born to the late Loris Dudley Cofer and the late Charles Horace Cofer, was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, graduating from Louisville Academy and Georgia State College for Women. She faithfully served her Lord and Savior at Louisville ARP, as well as being instrumental in organizing and volunteering countless hours at the Louisville Food Pantry. Being creative and loving the arts, she was a member of the Arts’ Guild in Louisville and participated in art shows at the Firehouse Art Gallery. She also enjoyed sewing and embroidery.

Mrs. Gordy is also preceded in death by her son, Byron Gordy; and two brothers, Charles H. Cofer, Jr. and Wayne Cofer. Survivors include four children, Patrick (Melinda) Gordy  of Jackson SC, Carol (Warren) Driggers of Irmo SC, Elizabeth (Art) Bailie  of Salem VA, and Dawn (Daniel) Snyder of Traveler’s Rest SC; two sisters, Marianne Miller and Lettie Muhammad; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Blake Gordy, Chris Gordy, Frank Gordy, Jr., A.P. Jones, Eric Miller, Neil Miller, Owen Miller and Phillip Stevens.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 6 -8 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2016.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Louisville ARP, PO Box 9, Louisville GA 30434.

James Funeral Home Wrens in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Ethel W. Hughes, age 91 of Gibson, died Wednesday morning, April 20, 2016 in the Gibson Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral service were held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2016 in the Gibson First Baptist Church Cemetery with Dr. Don Drawdy officiating. Pallbearers were Daniel Pittman, Donald Kent, Russell Clark, Dr. Carroll Hughes, Dr. Bob Hughes, Jay Axon, Warren Mathis and Cloyce Pittman, Sr. Honorary pallbearers were Brad Hughes and Dean Couch.

Mrs. Hughes   native and lifelong resident of Gibson, was the daughter of the late John Thomas & Ola Poole Williams. She owned and operated Hughes Variety store in Gibson for many years and was a member of Gibson First Baptist Church.

Mrs. Hughes was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hubert Hughes; daughter, Pattie Jo Hughes; son, Thomas Hubert Hughes; sister, Ann Laura Williams and a brother, Horace Williams.

Mrs. Hughes is survived by her daughter, Angela H. Pittman, of Warner Robins; grandchildren, Daniel Pittman of Milledgeville, Natalie Pittman of Nashville, Tenn., Brooke Axon of Dearing, Brad Hughes of Atlanta; daughter-in-law, Patti Hughes of Charleston, SC and two great grandchildren.

Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Gibson, 57 College Place is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Clarence Larry Little Sr. departed this life on Monday, March 28, 2016 at Washington County Regional Medical Center in Sandersville.  Funeral services for Mr. Little were held on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 3 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with interment in the Sandersville City Cemetery. 

 Mr. Clarence Larry Little, Sr. was born December 12, 1952 in Jefferson County, to the parentage of Robert L. Little and the late Gertrude O. Little. Mr. Little graduated from Louisville High School in 1971.  He retired from Georgia Tennessee Mining Company in Wrens, after 30 years.  He will always be remembered by his smile, kind words and positive attitude. 

 Survivors include his  wife of 18 years, Jackie P. Little of Sandersville, father Robert L. Little of Wrens, children:  Nickole Ross of Louisville,  Cantrel L. Little of Atlanta,  LaVonya D. Little of Wrens,  Kevin Hodge of Louisville, , Clarence (Felicia) L. Little, Jr. of Wrens,  Erika N. Collie and Latoya Collie of East Point,  Clarissa L. (Tarrod) Jackson of Augusta,   twenty-one grandchildren, one great grandchild; sisters:  Jerline (Willie) Jordan of Wrens,  Mary Ann Little and Linda Little of Wrens,  sister-in-law:  Runea (Bobby) White of Sandersville,  five uncles, three aunts and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

L.M. Pierce Funeral Home, Sandersville in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Thomas “Tommy” Edward McKinney Jr., 67, husband of 47 years to Shirley Anne Robinett McKinney, entered into his eternal rest Friday afternoon, April 22, 2016 at Oconee Memorial Hospital. Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Monday April 25, 2016 in the Rocky Knoll Baptist Church with Rev. J. Scott McKinney and Rev. Dexter James officiating. Interment in the Wrens Memorial Gardens.

Mr. McKinney a native of Waynesboro, was the son of Doris Graves McKinney Lehn and the late Thomas Edward McKinney Sr. After graduating Waynesboro High School, he obtained his BS in Business Administration from Valdosta State College. Upon graduation, he returned to Waynesboro to work for his father and uncle in their hardware business, McKinney Wholesale. After the company was sold, he moved to Tifton where he worked for the John Deere dealership selling farm equipment then moved back to Waynesboro, continuing to sell John Deere equipment at Blanchard Equipment. In 1980, he moved his family to Swainsboro to buy and sell construction, logging and farming equipment as owner of East State Equipment Co. In 2009, he continued pursuing his passion for selling heavy equipment in West Union SC.

Mr. McKinney was   a past member of the Waynesboro First Baptist Church, past member of the Swainsboro First Baptist Church, past member of Hawhammock Baptist Church, and as a member of Rocky Knoll Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He will also be remembered for being instrumental in the organization of the Rocky Knoll Jeep & Truck Ministry.

Other survivors include his children, Jason Scott (Christa) McKinney of Cookeville TN (formerly of Wrens)  and Ronda Anne McKinney (Douglas) Bauknight of Buford ; a sister, Beverly McKinney(Harry) Fuller of Augusta ; five grandchildren, Taylor McKinney, Sam McKinney, Laura-Grace McKinney, Brittany Bauknight and Brian Bauknight; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Rocky Knoll Jeep & Truck Ministry, PO Box 1100, Walhalla SC 29691.

Davenport Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements in South Carolina with James Funeral Home handling the arrangements in Georgia.

Master Carey James “C.J.” Driver, Jr. of Monroe died Friday, April 8, 2016 after a two year battle with leukemia. That happened to be his Great Grandfather George Dupree’s birthday. Services were held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church,  Rutledge , Pastor Marcus Young officiating.

Master Driver, loved to laugh, play, dance and watch cartoons and videos or his favorite songs on his IPad. He was a bit aggressive when driving his Mini Cooper around the hospital grounds, blowing the horn to have people move over so he could come through.

Master Driver was born at Emory Eastside on October 14, 2013 in Snellville, to the parents of Jessica Baker and Carey Driver, Sr. His first church affiliation was Holsey Temple C.M. E. In Atlanta where he was baptized on Jan.26, 2014. He attended services at Open word Christian Ministries.

Master Driver is survived by his parents, Jessica Baker, of Monroe, and Carey J. Driver, Sr. of Fairburn. His brother Gino Picart, Grandparents Teri jones, Jeffery (Mary) Baker and Cary J. (Verneda) Driver, Great Grandparents, Juanita (Justice) Dupree – Brown, Bertha Baker and Charley Clark, godparents Dylan Lustick of Fairburn and Terri Smith, several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Young – Levett Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Masie Lou Haywood, age 82 of Washington Street Mitchell, Georgia, died Friday, April 29, 2016.

Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2016 in the Taylor Funeral Home of Gibson with Rev. Jacky Downs officiating. Burial to follow in the Mitchell Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jeremy Kelley, Josh Whitehead, Michael Reese, Joey Wheeler, Tyler Sammons and Gary Cooper.

Mrs. Haywood was a native of Warren County but had lived in Mitchell most of her live. She was a daughter of the late Odell & Tiny Whitehead. She had worked many years in the textile industry and retired from Gibson Health & Rehabilitation as a dietitian.

Mrs. Haywood was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earnest Allen Haywood; sisters, Lizzie Johnson & Helen Brooks; and brother, Otis Whitehead and is survived by son, Jimmy (Alicia) Haywood of Gibson; daughters, Luann (Jimmy) Marsh of Louisville, Betty (Ricky) Sammons of Gibson, and Shirley Haywood of Gibson; sister, Edith Hayes of Gibson; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

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

Mr. Herbert Tate Jackson, 72, son of the late Dolphus Jackson, Sr. and Mildred Washington Jackson transitioned on April 22, 2016. Mr. Jackson excelled in sports at an early age and ascended to “All American”, status.  He remained a life-long sports fan and a physical health enthusiast. A native of Jefferson County, he relocated early on to New York where he met and married Jacquelyn and raised two lovely children. He owned and managed Tate’s Hair Designs (later the Uzuri Gallery) located in Brooklyn, NY for over 50 years, a hub for community activities, an art gallery, a place where laughter, “Blues and Oldies”, debates on politics, science, sports and even religion, could all be heard. His devotion to the community garnered him the business man of the year award. Devoted to his birthplace, he frequently returned to visit family and friends and especially the “elders”.

Mr. Jackson was a holistic and physical health advocate and was greatly involved with community empowerment. He was a proud man of African descent, was on an eternal quest to gather and share knowledge of the culture. From his barbershop chair podium, he would encourage education, financial security and coming together as a people. 

Celebrating the life of Mr. Jackson are his wife, Jacquelyn Jackson, his son, Craig Jackson and his daughter, Dimetria Jackson-Priestly of Irvine, CA. and his daughter, Samira Pinkston of Atlanta . His six grandchildren, Avianna Johnson, Jackson Priestly, Jordan Priestly, Michael Pinkston, II., Kelly Priestly and Peyton Pinkston. His brothers, Kenneth Charles (KC) Jackson, Harold Jackson, Darnell Jackson, Kenneth Jackson, Ricky Wallace and his sister, Lena Mae Hill and many loving relatives and friends. He is preceded by his brothers Dolphus Jackson, Jr. and Charles David (CD) Jackson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Mt. Pleasant CME Church and Cemetery, Bartow. Family may be contacted at the funeral home.

Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Herbert Tate Jackson.

Mr. Terrance C. Jackson, of Watkins Street, entered into rest April 22, 2016. Funeral service were held 2 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 2016 at G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary.

Survivors include his wife, Guyana Lang; two daughters, Tatyana and LaQuana Lang; three sons, Taron and Terrelle Jackson and Diamonique Lang; six sisters, Miriam Jackson, Donna Jackson, Shetell (Christoper) Brewer, April Reid, Sharon (James) Quick and Monique Germany all of Augusta;  four brothers, Levi (Vicki) Freeman, Jr., Metter, John Freeman, Augusta,  Kevin Freeman, Atlanta, and Jerry Germany, Louisville; mother-in-law, Leamon Ann Lang, Augusta; a host of other relatives and friends.

G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary of North Augusta, S.C. was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Flem Tarver, Jr., 58, of Louisville, departed this life, Monday, May 2, 2016 at his residence.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 1 p.m. at James and Virginia Davis Funeral Home Chapel.

Mr. Tarver was a native of Jefferson County the son of Flem Tarver, Sr. and the late Mary Lue Carr. He attended Jefferson County School System.

Survivors include his father, Flem Tucker, Sr., St. Petersburg, FL.; sons, Ricardo Tarver, Sr., Louisville, Telly Tucker and Flem Tucker, Killeen, TX; daughter, Felicia Patterson, Stapleton  brother, Troy Tarver, St. Petersburg, FL; sisters, Rosa Diaz, Homestead, FL, Mary Ann Tarver, Augusta,  Tracy Tarver and Sebrina Tarver, St. Petersburg, FL; aunts and uncles, Annell Frazier, Katie (L.W.) Sherrod, Lewis (Helen) Carr, Louisville,  grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Family may be contacted at the residence of his aunt, Annell Frazier, 1184 Palmer Street, Louisville, or at Davis Funeral Home.

Davis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Don Q Vining, MD passed away April 7, 2016 after a long battle with Cancer.

He is survived by his life’s partner and soul mate, Beverley Wirch Vining and one surviving sibling Trez (Susan)Vining, of Wauchula, Fla. He is also survived by sister-in-law Gail Vining; brother-in-law, Allen Wirch; brother-in-law Gordon (Pam) Wirch and numerous nephews and nieces  and cousins. 

Born in Miami, Fla. to proud parents, Pearl Mae Edwards and E. Clyde Vining on May 9, 1938, Mr. Vining attended Miami Edison Sr. High School, earning honors as the outstanding graduate. He won the Key Club international talent contest in Dallas, TX July 1956. Continuing his education at the University of Florida, he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and honorary member of Florida Blue Key, the UF leadership fraternity. Following UF, he attended Emory University, graduating with a degree of Medical Doctor June 1964.

In 1965 he was selected for a top secret highly classified mission in 1965 as Flight Surgeon (USAF and CIA) 1129th Special Activities Squadron at Area 51, flying covert reconnaissance missions in the high altitude, high speed, Blackbird A-12. He attended the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine and also trained in high altitude physiology from the Clark Company, a user of the pressure suits worn by project pilots. He was deployed to Kadena AFB in 1967 for over flights of N. Vietnam and N. Korea.

For his service at Area 51, he was awarded the USAF commendation medal.
In 1967-70 he served as Chief Medical officer at the US Embassy, Djakarta, Indonesia. During this time he developed an interest in antique Asian Ceramics and amassed a large collection of museum quality ceramics, ultimately donating the collection to the Samuel P Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida.
Upon his return to the US, he did residency training at the University of Miami School Of Medicine where he became Board Certified in Radiology with a specialty in Neuroradiology.

A memorial celebration in Naples will be held May 14. In Mr. Vining’s memory, donations can be made to: The Foundation for the Immokalee Child Care Center 3775 Airport Road, Unit B Naples, FL 34105, The Heritage Foundation or The Harn Museum at the University of Florida. 

Fuller Funeral Home of Naples Fla. is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Kenneth William Walden, 89, of Denver CO, died Saturday, April 30, 2016. A native of Bartow, Mr. Walden was a son of the late John M. Walden & Cora Lou Cooper Walden.

Mr. Walden was one of the original Ogeechee Mudcats, a local softball team in the Louisville area. He attended the Augusta National Youth Administration (NYA) near Lake Olmstead where he studied welding and later worked in the shipyard in Savannah. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1945 where it was discovered that he had a heart problem. He worked at the News and Farmer from 1946-1952. In the 1950s and early 60s, he loved to travel around working short stints at various newspapers and printing places including Crescent City FL, Atlanta, Eatonton, New Orleans, Tucson AZ, San Jose CA, West Palm Beach FL, Hawaii, Washington Post in DC, Niagara Falls, Chicago Sun-Times, and later for many years for the Atlanta Journal and then eventually to Denver where he settled down and worked for the Rocky Mountain News until his retirement.  It was there that he met his wife, the late Shirley Chu Walden.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister Katie Dean Huff, brothers, J. M. Walden Jr., Charlie G. Walden Sr., Alec Royce Walden, Willard (Nook) Walden, and Donald Maxie Walden Sr., and nephew Wade Huff.   He is survived by his sister-in-laws Jean Walden and Johnnie Walden of Bartow, brother-in-law Robert Huff of Bartow, stepson Tony Langston, nieces Karen Mouton, Debra Hobbs, Donna Pittman and Kay Hughes, nephews Charlie Walden Jr, Buster Walden, Robbie Huff, and Brian Walden.

No services are planned at this time.

Ms. Veronica Ann Worthen  passed away at the Jefferson County Hospital in Louisville, April 20, 2016.

Ms. Worthen was born in Augusta, on Thursday, Feb. 11, 1965 to the late Tinnie Louise Smith and the late Leotis Dawson. 

At an early age, she joined the Harts Grove Baptist Church in Stapleton. “Pooky” as she was affectionately called by family and friends attended the public school system of Jefferson County.

Ms. Worthen enjoyed going to the beach as often as she could and shopping.

She is preceded in death by a brother, John “Bubba Dean” West.

Survivors are  a daughter, Shelica Thomas of Wrens; two sons, Darrell (Shaneika) Worthen of Waynesboro, and Elbert Thomas, Jr. of Wrens; three grandchildren, Kurstiunna Stone, Ivey Stone, both of Wrens,  and Kaliyah Worthen of Waynesboro; one brother, Tyrone Worthen of Wrens;  a nephew, Dexter Turner of Waynesboro; a great-niece, Jamiyah Turner of Waynesboro;  a great-nephew, Aydan Turner of Waynesboro; a special cousin, Wanda Wells of New Jersey; a best friend, Vickie Lane of Wrens; and  a host of other relatives and additional friends.

Celebration of life services were held on Saturday, April 30, at Harts Grove Baptist Church in Stapleton, with the Rev. Quinzel E. Chestnut I, Interim  Pastor, Presiding and Rev. Dr. Willie L. Jones, Sr. Eulogist. Interment was in the Church cemetery.

Flower attendants were, Ebony Thomas, Gina Wells, Kia Lane; Pallbearers were; Johnny Thomas, Eric Thomas, Charlie Jones, Derrick Smith, Jimmy Wells, Jr., Melvin Thomas, Jr., Octavious ‘O.J.’ Burton.     

Freeman Funeral Home  of Wrens was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Carroll Cheatham Arnold, 90, of Louisville, died Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Jefferson Hospital after a lengthy illness.

A memorial service will be held 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2016 in the Chapel of Taylor Funeral home with Rev. William Daniels officiating.

Mr. Arnold, a native of Washington County, was the son of the late Fred Walton Arnold and Lewise Cheatham Arnold. Mr. Arnold was a jeweler and retired after 25 years as owner of Arnold Jewelers in Louisville. He was a member of Davisboro United Methodist Church, a World War II Naval Air Force Veteran, member of the Masons for 52 years, the American Legion and the American Watch Maker-Clock Maker Institute and Independent Jewelers Organization.

Mr. Arnold is survived by his wife Hope Mays Arnold of Louisville and a brother, Fred Arnold Jr. of Eastman, along with several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask if donations can be made to the Methodist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 2525, Macon, GA 31203, or Davisboro Methodist Church, P.O. Box 237, Davisboro, GA 31018.

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

Mr. Shaun Earnest Berry, 31, of  Stephens Street, Wrens died May 10, 2016.  Services  were  held on Monday, May 16, 2016 at the New Zion Baptist Church in Wrens with the Pastor, Rev. Bennie Holmes as the Presider and Rev. Thomas Berry as the Eulogist.  The Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Mr. Shaun Earnest Berry was born on October 8, 1984 to Tyran Freeman Jordan and Jimmy Lewis Berry Sr.  Mr. Berry was a life-long resident of Wrens,   At a young age, he joined the Ways Grove Baptist Church of Wrens, which is located in the Stellaville Community.  He received his childhood education by attending the Jefferson County School System of Georgia. 

Mr. Berry is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mary Dixon and David Jordan Sr., his paternal grandparents, Mary and Richard Berry.

Survivors include  his  daughter, Jazzmine Beamon of Augusta,  his  parents:  mother, Tyran Freeman of Wrens, father, Jimmy Berry Sr. of Augusta,  two sisters, Kira Williams and TyKerria Freeman, both of Wrens,  three brothers, Steve Berry, Jimmy Jr. (Comerlita) Berry and David Berry, all of Wrens,  six aunts, Teresa Jordan of Atlanta,  Chiquita Freeman of Augusta, Christina (Zay) Harris, Dollie Mae Rowland, Mary Ann Avery and Mary Ann Jordan, all of Wrens,  four uncles, Dedrick Jordan, Richard Sr. (Fannie) Berry, Rev. Thomas Sr. (Francis) Berry and John Goodson, all of Wrens, a host of great-aunts, great-uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Freeman Funeral Home, Wrens in charge of arrangements.

Miss Karmen Tianna LaShay Brown, 18 months, departed this life Monday May 9.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at  James and Virginia Davis Chapel, Louisville,  Burial will be held in the New Fleming Baptist Church Cemetery, Bartow.

Survivors include her parents, Shakelia Brown and Terence Hall; siblings, Jamayal Brown and Jakayla Brown; grandparents, Arlethia and Fleming Patterson Jr., Tommy and Lucille Brown, Barbara Hall and Clarence Danford; great grandparents, Eloise and Harvey Hall and Eva Murray; great great grandmother, Adnomie Morgan; aunts and uncles, Fleming Patterson, III, Tommy Brown Jr., John Brown, Willie and Tiesha Brown, Tyrone and Annie Cooper,  Shakeydra Hicks, Jacoby Brown, Lakesha Hall, Shontersa Holmes, Jartatives Williams, Patricia Hall, Kathy Hall, Verlyn Hall, Keith Murray; several cousins and other relatives and friends.

Family may be contacted at the residence of her uncle and aunt, Tyrone and Annie Cooper, 610 Caldwell Street, Louisville or at Davis Funeral Home.

Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Christine Davis Gay, 85, wife of the late Lester Gay, entered into her eternal rest Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Pruitt Health Old Capitol in Louisville. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2016 at Waldens United Methodist Church with Rev. Tommy Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Gay one of seven children born to the late Mattie Mae Landrum Davis and the late John Thomas “Tom” Davis. Mrs. Gay was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, graduated from Stapleton High School and worked as a seamstress at Stapleton Garment Company until it closed.

Mrs. Gay is also preceded in death by her brothers, Robert Davis, Cordele Davis, Glen Davis and Vinson Davis. Survivors include two brothers, James Eldus (Joyce) Davis of Martinez and Elwood (Carol) Davis of Woodstock; sisters-in-law, Jo Dean Davis and Jimmie Gay; nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers were Brent Davis, Ricky Kenny, Mike McGahee, Chris Rickerson, Ricky Rickerson and Vernon Simons. Serving as honorary pallbearers were her Sunday school class as well as Don Black, Jimmy Black, Bennett Howard, Larry Kitchens, Harold McGahee and Fay McGahee.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Waldens UMC Cemetery Fund, c/o Patricia Kitchens, 1304 Hadden Pond Rd, Avera GA 30833.

James Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Ada Mae Hill, 72, of West Palm Beach, Fla., born in Jefferson County,  April 6, 1944. She departed this life on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at Hospice of Palm Beach County following a brief illness.

Services were held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Orthodox Zion Primitive Baptist Church, West Palm Beach, Fla.  Internment is at Greenwood Cemetery.

Survivors are her son, Deacon Verdree (Justine) Patterson, of West Palm Beach, Fla.; three grandchildren, Verdreana C. Patterson of West Palm Beach, Sykendrik Jackson of Louisville, and Robert Williams, of Capital Heights, Md.; one sister Bernice (John Henry) Robinson of Louisville, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Davis Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Ms. Mary Lee Lewis, of Barwick Circle, Louisville, departed this life Saturday, May 14, 2016 at her residence.

Ms. Lewis was a native of Jefferson County. She was born to the parentage of the late Ella Mae Lee Blevins. She was a 1972 graduate of the Louisville High School, graduate from Sandersville Technical College as a CNA, and was baptized as Jehovah Witness.

Survivors include her children; Dewayne Lewis, Waynesboro,, and April L. Lewis, Decatur, reared as siblings; Roger Gore, Vidette, Bobby (Aazel) Lewis, Sanford, North Carolina, Charlie (Mary) Lewis, Sanford, North Carolina, Norma Thomas, Mary Johnson, Louisville,  Annie (Joe) Benford, and Inell (Eddie) Bynum, Mississippi, special friend; Helen Burton, grandchildren; Autumn Ariel Linsey, Winter Jade Harris, Decatur, aunt; Rutha Bowman Zackery, Decatur, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

 Services will be conducted Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the James and Virginia Davis Memorial Chapel, 727 Beech Street, Louisville, with Bro. Clarence Gamble, Officiating.

Family may be contacted at Davis Funeral Home, Louisville, Georgia, 30434.

Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street, Louisville.

Mr. Jimmy Lee Reynolds, 64 of Cain Drive, Louisville, died Thursday, May 5, 2016 at his residence.

Mr. Reynolds was a native of Phoenix City, Ala. He was the son of the late Tommy Lee Reynolds and Sara Theresa Johnson Reynolds. He was a self-employed painter.

Mr. Reynolds is survived by two sons, Billy Shane Reynolds and Christopher A. Reynolds both of Carrollton, a sister, Faye Shirey, of Louisville, brother, Lee Antony Benton of Macon

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

Mr. Don Larry Branch, 79, entered into rest on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, Augusta, after a more than eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born Oct. 9, 1936, in Dublin to D.H. “Buck” Branch and his wife, Grace Stinson, Mr. Branch was a graduate of Swainsboro High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in France for four years during the Korean Conflict. After returning home, he attended Georgia Southern College, Statesboro, before joining the Georgia State Patrol in 1960. As a trooper, he worked in numerous towns and cities including Milledgeville, where he met and married his wife, Christine Hooks, in 1962. The couple moved to Jekyll Island and lived in Milledgeville, Louisville and Thomson over their 51-year marriage. In 1969, Branch joined the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and became the agent based out of Jefferson County, covering some 15 counties in east-central Georgia. As the Bureau grew, he worked out of numerous regions in the area including the Dublin and Thomson offices, eventually being named special agent in charge of the Region Seven office in Thomson. Branch retired from the GBI in 1991 after 31 years of service to the State of Georgia. He was a third-generation law enforcement officer, with his grandfather, John Clayton Branch, serving on the Dublin police force, his father, Buck Branch, a Georgia State Patrol trooper, as is his son Delston. Mr. Branch and his wife were members of Macedonia United Methodist Church, Thomson. 

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Macedonia United Methodist Church, Thomson, with Rev. Katie Strals officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Christine, in 2014; parents; sister, Nancy Branch Bowen of Swainsboro; and numerous other relatives.

Survivors include his daughter, Donna (Victor)Branch Stillinger of Jekyll Island; son, Delston H. (Bonnie) Branch II of Washington; granddaughter, Grace Ann Branch of Washington; grandson, Grant Thomas Stillinger of Lexington, S.C.; and great-granddaughter, Marlee Vonn Stripling of Washington.

Pallbearers were Teddy Jackson, Haygood Keadle, Doug Parker, John Seay, Mike Seigler, Jimmy Talkington, Daniel Thomas and Stanley Thompson. 

Honorary pallbearers were Georgia State Patrol troopers, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents and any law enforcement officials.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the United Methodist Children’s Home or Macedonia United Methodist Church. 

Beggs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. John William Dougherty, 84 of Martinez died Saturday, May 21, 2016, at his residence.

Graveside services with Military Honors were held 3 p.m. Monday, May 23, in the Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery in Gibson with Rev. Tommy Harwell officiating. Pallbearers were James Mowel, Chris Spargo, Chad Harmon, Ronda Kinner, Robert Kinner, II, Nicole Harmon and Deborah Spargo.

Mr. Dougherty was the son of the late John Joseph Dougherty and Gladys May Britton Dougherty. He was a United States Army Veteran, serving in Korea. John worked for the Washington, DC government as an Electric Crain Operator, retiring in 1979 with over 25 years of service, and was a Catholic by faith. John was also a huge Atlanta Braves fan.

Mr. Dougherty was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bill Dougherty and a sister, Jean Mary Dougherty and is survived by two daughters, Catherine (Robert)  Kinner, and Dawn Bowen, all of Martinez; grandchildren, Deborah Spargo and Chris, Ronda Kinner and James, Robert Kinner, II, Nicole Harmon and Chad, and Tyler Bowen; great-grandchildren, Catherine Spargo, Brinna Spargo and Robert Kinner III; very special friends, Fred and Norma Conception, and his beloved furry friends, Lady & Saudi. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Foundation and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation.

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

Mr. Otis Donald Greene of Clarks Mill Road, Avera, entered into rest Monday, May 16, 2016, at his residence.

Funeral service were held Saturday May 21, 2016 at New Hope AME Church in Louisville, with Rev. David Batts officiating and Rev. Delmus Mosley presiding. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Mr. Greene was born March 16, 1953 in Greenville, NC., to the late George and Clara Smith Greene. At a young age he moved to Wrens, there he received his education in the Jefferson School System and was a 1971 graduate from Louisville High School. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Avera  later became a member of New Hope AME Church, where he served faithfully. He was a retired truck driver for OTD Lajestic Trucking Co. and owner of G&G Trucking Compamy.  He was instrumentally reared by his devoted stepfather, the late Clinton Sims.

Survivors include his wife, Vickie Greene of Avera, children, Isaac Thompson of Louisville, Eric Fleming of Decatur, Mario (Chiquita) Greene  of Avera and Kimblee White (Rev. Wright) of Grovetown; brother, Gregory Sims of Decatur; grandchildren, Shaquel Washington, Shatorea Farmer, Selei Chappell, Tameyah Farmer, Vickia White, Kymonika Farmer, Trey Farmer, Rodrez Hales, Trez Benefield, Jada Hughes, I’niya Thompson, I’Keria Thompson, Amauri Greene, Amoni Greene and Amiri Greene; one great grandchild, Rhyleigh Hill; god-mother, Mary Farmer of Wrens; several god-children, brothers-n-law, sisters-n-law, uncles, aunts, a great uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Stewards & Trustees of New Hope AME Church, Louisville High Class of 1971, and OTD Lajestic Trucking Co.

Active pallbearers were Jason Roberts, Terry Englett, Travis Shields, Jerome Howard, Jerry Jordan, Jr., Anthony Sons, Calvin Beasley and William Yancey.

Family and friends may call at the residence of his wife, Mrs. Vickie Greene, 11656 Clark’s Mill Road, Avera or at Garrer Funeral home. Garrer Funeral Home of 721 New Street, Louisville is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. Towanna Dawn Hicks, 41, of Thomson died on Saturday, May 14, 2016.

Funeral services were held Sunday, May 22, 2016 in the chapel at Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson with Rev. John Hill officiating.

Mrs. Hicks attended Augusta State University as an undergraduate and had worked as a Social Services Provider for the State of Georgia at East Central Regional Hospital in Augusta since graduating with honors from USC in 2013 with a Masters Degree in Social Work.  She was predeceased by her father, James Donald Vaughn, Jr.

Survivors include her husband, Ben Hicks of Thomson, ; daughter Amber Godowns of Harlem,  her son, Joshua Godowns of Thomson,  her step-son Cameron Hicks of Augusta,  her mother, Deborah (Butch)Brown of Adairsville, ; her step-mother, Judy Vaughn of Wadley,  her brothers, Allen Vaughn of Keysville,  and Darrell (Michelle) Pugh  of Franklin,  her sisters, Amy (Jason) Phillips of Wadley,  Laura (Eric) Eastmead of Davisboro, , Crystal Treadway of Rome,  and Dawn (Steve)Edmondson of Adairsville, ; and her step-sister, Michelle (Joe) Baggett of Alabama.

Beggs Funeral Home, 799 Cobbham Rd., Thomson, GA is in charge.

Mr. George M. Hattaway, of North Augusta, SC, husband of  Mrs. Maurene Hattaway, entered into rest Tuesday, morning, May 17th, 2016, under the care of Trinity Hospice. 

Born in Glascock County, a son of the late Earnest and Lila Cheely Hattaway, he was a graduate of Gibson High School. Mr. Hattaway was a very successful businessman and was the owner of George M. Hattaway Insurance Agency and won numerous sales awards from Nationwide.  He was a dedicated and active member of Clearwater First Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and also on numerous committees.

In addition to his wife and parents, family members include sons, Aaron (Sheri) Hattaway and Tim (Marie) Hattaway, all of North Augusta, SC; sisters, Kathleen Brooks Smith, Augusta, and Bernice Brooks Marsh, Thomson, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service was held at Clearwater First Baptist Church, Clearwater, SC. with Pastor John Bolin officiating.  Pallbearers were Travis Hattaway, Scott Brooks, Ron Brooks, Mark Brooks, Barry Jenkins and Joe Howard . Members of the Senior Men’s Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.  Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Graniteville, SC.

The family appreciated the care provided to Mr. Hattaway by Comfort Keeper’s, Renee, Yolanda, Amy and especially, Patsy Randall. Due to George’s love and dedication to his church, the family has asked that memorials be made to Clearwater First Baptist Church.

Hatcher Funeral Home, Graniteville, SC in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Betty Ann Farrer Kemp, 88, entered into her eternal rest Saturday afternoon, May 21, 2016 at her daughter’s residence in North Augusta. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday morning, May 25, 2016 in the James Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jerry Byrd officiating. Interment will follow in the Ways Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Kemp was one of six children born to the late Nellie Gay Farrer and the late Asa Farrer in Jefferson County. She was baptized in Brushy Creek and was a member of St. Clair Baptist Church. She, a strong-willed, godly woman, enjoyed music, sewing, cooking, gardening and flowers. 

Mrs. Kemp is also preceded in death by two children, Gloria Browning and Frank Williams; and four siblings, Asa Farrer Jr., Tressie Hardy, Doris Williford and Mary Chance. Survivors include her children, Robert (Ann) McNair, Donald “Scottie”(Debbie) Williams  Carolyn Williams Johnson, Marie (Herbert) Ledbetter , Bettie Williams, Teresa Renee (Eddie) Rish  her brother, Jimmy Farrer; 15 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends. Serving as pallbearers were Keith Bailey, Kyle Bailey, Dennis Farrer, Caleb Ledbetter, Bobby McNair and Dallas Snowden.

James Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Mary Zulene Josey Moats of Bartow, entered into rest at her home on Thursday, May 19, 2016.

Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Friendship Baptist Church, Bartow  with Pastors Tom Harrison, Steve Keener and Roger Holley officiating. Burial will be at Friendship Baptist Church cemetery. Pallbearers were: Eric Moats, Brian Barfield, Brentley Moats, Erik Miller, Dylan Moats and Ethan Moats.

Mrs. Moats was born on May 16, 1928, near Bartow, Mrs. Moats was a founding member (1954) of Friendship Baptist Church. At Friendship, she served for many years as the Girls Auxiliary director, Sunday school teacher and church treasurer.

Mrs. Moats was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Zepho and Marie Beckworth Josey; her son, David German Moats; her daughter, Valeria Moats Barfield; her brother, Henry Lewis Josey and her parents-in-law, German Quincy and Reba Cobb Moats. Mrs. Moats is survived by her husband of 70 years, Rogers William Moats; her daughter, Donna Faye Moats of Charleston, SC and her son, Lester Rogers (Vicki) Moats  of Newton, NC; her seven grandchildren, Lisa (Billy) Barfield Smith of Hartsfield, SC; Eric(Cindy)Moats  of Dobson, NC; Amy Barfield of Lewisburg, WV; Robin Narehood of Dobson, NC; Brian Barfield of Alderson, WV; Brentley Moats of Ruckersville, VA and Charla ( Erik) Moats Miller of Charlotte, NC; 13 great grandchildren, Alexis Barfield, Dylan Moats, Ethan Moats, Anna Barfield, Bailey Barfield, Trey Smith, Zayne Smith, Colter Smith, Jasmine Narehood, Nathan Narehood, Sophie Narehood, Marissa Miller, and Ivy Miller; two step-great grandchildren, Brooke Hawks and Brittany Hawks and step-great great grandchild, Randy Badgett.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Mrs. Moats favorite charity, the Baptist Foreign Missions or to Pruitt Health Hospice.

The family would like to thank Pruitt Health Hospice of Swainsboro for their wonderful support and care.

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

Mrs. Betty Ross Hayes Parish, 88, known affectionately as “MimMim,” joined her Heavenly Father early Monday morning, May 23 while surrounded by her family. 

Born in Atlanta in 1927, she moved to Wrens 10 years later when her father took a job managing stores owned by Floyd L. Norton. She quickly met Reeves Parish, a neighborhood boy with whom she played until he entered World War II. It was the first time the two friends had ever been apart. They each realized how deep their love was while he served on the front lines in France. They were married within a year of his return. Their first child was born in Yokohama, Japan one month before the outbreak of the Korean War. With her husband serving, the young mother returned to Wrens with her infant son by ship.

A military family, the Parishs moved many times early in their marriage, living for some time in San Antonio where she worked as the sole bookkeeper for the company that would become Pace Picante, however they always called Wrens home and returned for good in 1963.

Mrs. Parish immediately went to work as Wrens City Clerk, a position she would hold for the next 25 years. During her time there she and her husband were instrumental in establishing the city’s first ambulance service, for which she served as an active EMT. She also did bookkeeping work for several area companies including Atwell Pecan, Jefferson Construction and after her first retirement spent several years as assistant city administrator for the City of Thomson.

She also served as a justice of the peace in Wrens for 20 years.

Baptized at the age of 12, Mrs. Parish served both her church and her Lord all of her life. Not only did she teach Sunday school and serve as church treasurer for many years, she also lived the Sermon on the Mount, opening her door and offering a home to at least 10 non-related individuals over the years.

She raised her family in the church and taught her extended family, above all else, the importance of honesty, hard work and service.

The family will greet visitors Saturday, May 28, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at James Funeral Home in Wrens.  Services will be in the James Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, May 29, at 4 p.m. with Rev. Carl Geisik officiating.

Mrs. Parish is preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle Lester Skinner Hayes and Ross Jackson Hayes; and brothers Loren “Gabby” Hayes and Tommy Hayes.

She is survived by her husband, Randall Randall Reeves Parish Sr.; children, Randy (Susan) Parish,  Joy (Billy) Belding, Molly (Lex) Howard, Jerry (Mark) Howard and John Huff (Janice)Parish; siblings, Bill Hayes and Evelyn McGahee; grandchildren, Abigail (Vivek)Mathur, Reeves (Maura) Parish, Sarah Parish, Aquila (Kevin) Wright, Jamie (Keisha) Williford, Dixie Caroline (Tom) Pearson, Parish (Amanda) Howard, Matthew (Andrea) Howard, Marcus (Jenny) Howard and Elizabeth (Alexis) Rado; great grandchildrenShreya Mathur, Rudy Parish, Jackson Wright, Will Wright, Nate Williford, Ben Williford, Lucas Williford, Trevor Rowland, Hayden Howard, Lexie Lou Howard, Mandolyn Howard, Kamry Howard, Kamden Howard and Klara Rado; and special friends, Frances Jones and Lois Stone.

James Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Nellie Latimore Wilcher of 2639 Cranbrook Dr. departed this life Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Doctors Hospital.   

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 1 p.m.at the Brinson Hill Baptist Church and Cemetery, Wadley . 

Mrs. Wilcher was a native of Jefferson County, born to the late Harvey and Gertrude Brown Latimore. She was a homemaker and a member of the Brinson Hill Baptist Church.  

Survivors include her husband,  Wilmer Wilcher of Wadley, sons, Eugene Harris and Leon Wilcher of Hephzibah,  Donald Harris of Wadley,   daughters,  Bobbie Nell Harris of Ft Lauderdale,  FL and Sharon Wilcher of Hephzibah,  siblings,  Willie Roy Latimore of Massachusetts,  Van Latimore, Annie Laura  (Ronnie) Harmon, Janet (Wesley ) Snell, and Katherine King all of Wadley ;  sister-in-law,  Myrtis Wilcher of Homestead FL;  15 grandchildren including two that she reared as her own Kytrena Harris  of Grovetown,   and Andre’ Harris of Wadley  29 great grandchildren,  a host of loving nieces,  nephews,  cousins and friends.  

Family may be contacted at the 2683 Barclay Street, Hephzibah, GA or at Davis Funeral Home. 

Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street, Louisville.