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.