Mrs. French G. Carpenter Elliott Boyd, 94, wife of the late Vern Boyd, entered into eternal rest on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, following a brief illness.
A celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m., at Good Hope Baptist Church, 1738 Greenwood Hwy., Saluda, SC, with Pastor Jeremy Beauford officiating.
Born Jan. 19, 1922, to the late Seba and Lennie (Mitchell) Gregory in Saluda, SC, Frenchy, as her friends knew her, left home after graduating from high school to attend nursing school in Augusta. Even though she lived most of her life in Augusta and North Augusta, she always called Saluda her home. She worked for 22 years as head nurse in the newborn nursery at University Hospital. Later she held a nursing position with the Richmond County Public Health Department in Hephzibah.
Frenchy was an avid reader, always having a book in her hand and it was common for her to read a book a day. For many years you could find her line or square dancing at one of the square dance clubs around the CSRA. Frenchy was a member of the Barrett School of Retired Nursing Association, University Hospital Nurses Alumnae, Kalmia Court #8 of the Amaranth, CSRA Square Dance Association and Myrna Watkins Sunday School class at Good Hope.
She was preceded in death by Jack Carpenter, Thelbert Elliott, Vern Boyd, her son George Carpenter, granddaughter Katie Woods and grandson Greg Black.
She is survived by her sister Emily Dominick, Newberry SC; daughters Cherie (Noel) Munoz, Pensacola, Fla. and Carolyn (Joe) May of Wrens; grandchildren Elizabeth (Derek) McGee, Melanie (Doug) Bailey, David (Ashlie) Neal Jr., Bobbie Carpenter, Daniel Carpenter, Melissa (Mike) Kase; 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to Good Hope Baptist Church, 1738 Greenwood Hwy., Saluda, SC 29138.
Mrs. Lena Patton, 73 of Bostic Mill Road in Wadley, died Thursday morning, Nov. 10, 2016, in Vero Health and Rehab of Wadley.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov.13, in the chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Mitch Vaughn officiating. Burial followed in the Moxley Cemetery. Pallbearers were Kalein Bryant, Cody Stapleton, Nick Farrer, Tommy Dye, Bryan Dye and Rusty Pate.
A native of Louisville, Mrs. Patton was a daughter of the late Russell Pate Sr. and Alleen Markins Pate. She had worked 20 plus years as an assembly line worker for Thermo King and was a member of Shekinah Church.
Mrs. Patton was preceded in death by her husband, William (Butch) Eldren Patton and son, Mike Patton and is survived by her daughter, Debbie (Donald) McManus of Stapleton; daughter-in-law, Tammy Patton of Wadley; brother, Russell Pate Jr. of Wadley; sister, Teresa (Billy) Horton of Buford, SC; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Food Pantry.
Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Louisville is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Joe Luther Rabun, 72, husband of 52 years to Emily Dye Rabun, entered into his eternal rest Thursday night, Nov. 10, 2016, at Jefferson Hospital.
Graveside services with military honors were held in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Monday afternoon, Nov. 14, with Ray Nash and Reverend John Beck officiating.
Mr. Rabun, a native of Savannah, was one of eight children born to the late Delia Neal Rabun and the late Samuel Bose Rabun. When a young boy, his family moved to Wrens where he graduated from high school. A proud patriot, Joe joined the Marines and fought in the Vietnam War. He met the love of his life while riding the school bus to school - his first, last and only girlfriend - marrying her after she graduated from high school while he was still in the Marine Corps. He joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church soon after the wedding in 1964. Discovering that he did better as his own boss, Joe was a true entrepreneur and had his hand in many ventures. He was a skilled ironworker and steel fabricator, diesel mechanic, salesman, trucking business
just to name a few of his many talents and skills. His passion was his work, but he also enjoyed fishing and traveling. He and his love visited all of the states with the exceptions of Alaska, Hawaii and Maine, as well as many countries in Central America, the Mediterranean, Belize and a host of other places. He enjoyed experiencing God’s creation. Everywhere he went, people gravitated to Joe. He was a good listener and advisor. A big man with a big heart; a truly unique man with many talents,whatever words are used to describe him, everyone can agree that there was not another like Joe Rabun in this world.
Mr. Rabun is also preceded in death by five siblings, Floyd Rabun, Bill Rabun, Jack Rabun, Doris Nash and Faye Rabun. Other survivors include his sons, Kenneth Andrew (Norma) Rabun and Ronnie L. (Stephanie) Rabun; two siblings, Martha Foss and Michael (Nancy) Rabun; five grandchildren, William Andrew Rabun, Kenneth James Rabun, Sara Grace Rabun, Rhett Tyler Rabun and Mallory Head; two “adopted” children, Maurico Moyo Mena and Alvaro Mena; many nieces, nephews and friends. Serving as pallbearers were Bill Dye, Vic Dye, Tim Gantt, Charles Legette, Alvaro Mena, Moyo Mena, Pete O’Donald and Jamie Rabun James.
James Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Audrey Elizabeth Sheppard Rooks, 93, wife of the late Andrew “Jack” Jackson Rooks, entered into her eternal rest Friday morning, Nov. 11, 2016, at Brightmoor Hospice Facility in Griffin.
Funeral services were held in the James Funeral Home Chapel Sunday afternoon, Nov. 13, with Rev. Tommy Anderson officiating. Interment followed in Waldens United Methodist Church Cemetery.
One of nine children born to the late Mae Williams Sheppard and the late John Mims “J.M.” Sheppard, Audrey was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, living in Stapleton and Wrens her entire life until she could no longer maintain her home alone. After graduating from Stapleton High School, she married the love of her life and, while he was away at war, attended Andrew College, graduating with a degree in education. While being a loving, devoted wife and mother, Audrey also worked outside of her home. She taught school at Stapleton before leaving to work at the Department of Family and Children Services, retiring with over 30 years of service as a case worker. After retirement, she found great reward in being a wedding planner and a secret shopper. She enjoyed shopping, arts and crafts and reading, especially the newspaper every morning to keep up with all the happenings. Audrey gave her life to her Lord and Savior at an early age, actively serving him at Waldens United Methodist Church until her health declined. She also enjoyed the fellowship with the Keenagers at Pleasant Grove. Audrey loved people and was a dedicated, dependable friend. Above all, Audrey had a deep, abiding care and unconditional love for her family. She has now been greeted with a “Welcome home, my good and faithful servant” into her heavenly home.
Mrs. Rooks is also preceded in death by seven siblings, James Sheppard, Buddy Sheppard, J.M. Sheppard Jr., Louise McGahee, Vera Hadden, Gladys Usry and Johnnie Mae Miller. Survivors include her children, Kay Clark, Jodie (Ron) Mathews and Andy Rooks; sister, Wilma Jones; two grandchildren, Wesley K. (Karen) Mathews and Tripp Rooks; two great grandchildren, Austin Mathews and Haley Mathews; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Pallbearers were Dean Hadden, G.C. McGahee, Eddie Miller, Ollie Miller, Jerry Owens and Jimmy Williams. .
James Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Bonita Lynn Russ, a resident of Wrens, passed away peacefully on Nov. 4, 2016, at her residence.
A native of Florida, Bonita was born on March 15, 1958, in Miami to Lonnie Bell Murray Russ and Noah Russ.
In the 1960’s Bonita and her family relocated from Florida to Georgia. While residing in Wrens, she attended the public school system of Jefferson County, Serving many years as a devoted and active member, Bonita joined the Stone Springfield African Methodist Episcopal Church of Stapleton.
Affectionately and lovingly known to many as “Bunny Rabbit,” Bonita performed mostly domestic-work during her employment years. A people person is a great way to define who Bonita was. She had a heart of gold for children and much compassion for animals. She loved dancing whenever she had a moment to drop it like it’s hot. To her family and dear friends, Bonita will always be remembered for her inviting smile.
Bonita is preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie & Noah Russ and a brother, Sammie Lee Stone. Those left to cherish a lifetime of loving memories are: two brothers, Clifford (Sandra) Russ of Millington, TN and Clyde Russ of Waynesboro, two nieces, Nickki Russ of Jacksonville, FL, and Krystle Stone of Wrens, three nephews, Maj. Clifton (Thelma) Russ of Triangle, VA, Cpt. Carlos Russ of Osan, Korea and Patrick Russ of Millington, TN; two great-nieces, Cassandra Russ and Stacey Russ, both of Triangle, VA; a sister-in-law, Flora Jordan Stone of Wrens, three special friends, Lucille Lockhart, Patricia Lane and Gloria Brown, all of Wrens, a host of other relatives and additional friends
Celebration of life services were held on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the Stone Springfield A.M.E. Church, Stapleton with the Rev. Forrest Dickey, Pastor, Officiating. Interment was held in the church cemetery. Freeman Funeral Home, 402 Curtis St. Wrens, GA was in charge of arrangements
Mr. William Andrew Spinks, 97, of Marietta, passed away Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, surrounded by his family. He leaves a legacy of generosity, determination, perseverance, a strong work ethic, a witty sense of humor and a heart of gold. He had compassion for the less fortunate and continued his giving spirit until his death. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, 643 DP travel baseball and Mount Paran Christian School baseball. He and his late wife of 74 years, Helen Evelyn Burton Spinks, enjoyed traveling around the world, spending time at their farm in Louisville, watching their great-grandsons play baseball, and their only great-granddaughter “play house” and gymnastics. He was known as “Poppy” to many who considered him a grandfather.
Mr. Spinks was born in Marietta on June 18, 1919, to the late Corrine Hipps Spinks and William Wood Spinks. He was a member of Roswell Street Baptist Church since it was founded. He was a World War II combat veteran who was wounded on Feb. 6, 1945 at the Ruhr River Crossing. William won numerous medals including the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and The Purple Heart. William was honorably discharged after serving as a Private First Class Rifle Marksman and a Combat Infantryman Badge GO3 HQ in the 39th Infantry, 9th Division, Company K. He was a Royal Arch Mason and a Master Mason in the Grand Chapter of Georgia for over 50 years. He owned commercial real estate and was in the automobile business earlier in his life.
One of the greatest joys of his life was taking care of his family. William is pre-deceased by his sisters, Mary Margaret Spinks DeHoff and Myra Lena Spinks Hill. He is survived by his daughter, Patsy Ellen (Hylton) Spinks Dupree; and granddaughters, Helen Kimbrell Dupree Kimbrough and Ellen Spinks Dupree Cook; grandsons-in-law, M. Scott Kimbrough and Lance L. Cook; great-grandchildren, Hylton R. Kimbrough, D. Wood Kimbrough, Lance L. Cook Jr., Andrew H. Cook, and MaryElla Dupree Cook; sister-in-law, Wylene B. Holcombe; brother-in-law, John DeHoff; and nieces and nephews. A special appreciation to Dr. S.J. Rosenbloom and Eunice Kimani.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at Roswell Street Baptist Church at 11:30 a.m., reception follow. Dr. Nelson L. Price officiated and Hylton B. Dupree Jr. gave the eulogy. William’s senior Sunday School Department, “Doers of The Word,” served as Honorary Pallbearers. The family has asked in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Paran Christian School Baseball Program, 1275 Stanley Road NW, Kennesaw, Georgia, 30152; Hickory Christian Academy, 3260 6th Street Drive NW, Hickory, NC 28601; or Roswell Street Baptist Church, 774 Roswell Street, Marietta, Georgia 30060.
Carmichael Funeral Home, Marietta in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Sidney “Sid” Smith, 78, died Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016.
He was born in Washington Co. but lived most of his life in Bartow,. Sid graduated from Wadley High School in Wadley, and Southern Tech. His life was filled with farming, cattle, three boys, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his high school sweetheart and wife, Ann of 58 years. He was a member of Moxley United Methodist Church and a past member of the Jefferson County Cattlemen’s Association.
Survivors include his wife, Ann; his sons, Mitch (Marian) Smith, Brad Smith, and Jay (Susan) Smith, all of Bartow; his grandchildren, Todd Smith, Mandy (Jeremy) Jackson, Dane Smith, Walker Smith and Jackson Smith; his great grands Brooks, Sid and Frances Mae; His sister: Linda S. (Colin) Gordy, North Augusta, SC and two nephews G.C. Gordy and Michael (Carol) Gordy; and his best friend, Bo.
Sid was predeceased by his parents Woodrow and Mattie Smith and his brother Mark.
Pallbearers were Todd Smith, Dane Smith, Walker Smith, Jackson Smith, Jeremy Jackson, David Carey, Michael Gordy and G.C. Gordy.
The funeral service were held Sunday, November 13th at the Moxley United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Boggs officiating. Interment will be in the Hall Family Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Schoolhouse Players, P.O. Box 251, Bartow, GA 30413 or Moxley United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 205, Bartow, GA 30413.
Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home of Wadley. Please visit Tom
Mr. Hubert “Mann” Tillman, 71, of Avera, departed this life Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at the Jefferson County Hospital, Louisville.
Mr. Tillman was a native of Johnson County. He was born the son to the parentage of the late John Lee Tillman and Irene Gilmore Tillman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings; James Lee Curry, Willie James “Buddy” Tillman, Ethel Daniels, Johnnie Mae Gardner, Cora Lee Tillman, Beulah Gamble and Virginia Hall.
Survivors include his daughters; Tolean H. (Michael) Waller, Avera, and Rosia Tillman, Bartow, brother; Robert Tillman, Sandersville, sister; Lorene (Leroy) Whitfield, Ft. Portfield, Florida, sister-in-law; Sarah Curry, grandchildren; Shantavia (Detrick) Walden, Bartow, ShaKaula Tillman, Avera, Ellis Hicks, Bartow, Lasherrica (Kendrick) Lovett, Augusta, and Angel Hicks, Avera, 14 great-grandchildren, god-grandson; ZyKell Johnson, Louisville, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at 2 p.m. at the James and Virginia Davis Memorial Chapel, 727 Beech Street, Louisville.
Family may be contacted at the residence of his daughter; Rosia Tillman, Bartow, or at Davis Funeral Home, Louisville.
Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street, Louisville, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Gwendolyn Brown Ward, 58, of Wadley, departed this life Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, at Doctors Hospital, Augusta.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Church and Cemetery, Midville.
Mrs. Ward was a native of Jefferson County, a member of the Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Missionary Board member and Usher Board member until her health failed. Gwendolyn was formerly employed at Pruitt of Old Capital, Louisville.
Survivors include her sons, Quardale Ward, Wadley, Odeus Ward, Louisville, daughter, Arneatrus Ward, Wadley, her mother, Jeraldine Jackson Brown, Wadley, brothers, Arcefus Jackson Sr, Verdene Brown and J. B. Gamble, Wadley, sisters, Charlie Mae (Terry) English, Wadley, Helen (Tom) Hicks, Bartow, grandchildren, Tevaris Harris, Ariyonne Ward, Nejada Ward, Lekedra Ward, LeKendrick Cunningham and King Johnson; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Family may be contacted at the residence of her mother, Washington Street, Wadley or at Davis Funeral Home, Louisville.
Davis Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.