Mr. Derrick Windslow “DJ” Hill Jr. entered into rest Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Louisville with Minister Derrick Hill, Sr. officiating and Rev. David Blockum presiding. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
“DJ” was born in Richmond County, Sept. 9, 1991. He was the son of Minister Derrick Windslow Hill Sr. and Minister Eva Cunningham Hill.
He was a 2010 graduate of Jefferson County High School, continued his education at Valdosta State University and received a BA degree in Mass Media.
Memories will be cherished by his parents, Minister Derrick Windslow Hill Sr. and Minister Eva Cunningham Hill; daughter, Khloe Nicole Smith of Palm Bay, Fla., siblings, Viktor Hill and Jessica (Anthony) Hill Gibbons of Louisville, Major Elam Jr., Coppetta Elam and Johnetta Elam of Augusta, maternal grandparents, Minister Nola Cunningham and Thomas (Eunice) Cunningham, Sr. of Louisville, niece and nephews, Avery Gibbons, Antonio Gibbons Jr., Jaimere Elam, Terrell Shinholster Jr.; aunts and uncles, Amy Elam of Norwood, Dorothy Scott (Rev. Judson), Tammie Alexander and Diane Cunningham of Augusta, Tonya (Keith) Freeman of Beech Island, SC, Calvin (Sharon) Hill of Powder Springs, James Earl Hill of Louisville, Kenneth (Cathryn) Hill of Riverdale, and Thomas (Niesh) Cunningham Jr., Stapleton, great uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Rev. Jessie and Mary Hill and an uncle, Major Elam Sr.
Honorary Pallbearers Deacons and Trustees of Mt. Olive Baptist Church JCHS Class of 2010, Valdosta State University College & Friends
Active Pallbearers were Major Elam Jr., Jamal Cunningham, Henry Cunningham, Telvin Sherrod, Antonio Gibbons and Braie Burton.
Family and friends may call at the residence of his uncle James Earl Hill, 1117 Hwy 17, Louisville or at Garrer Funeral Home. Garrer Funeral Home of 721 New Street, Louisville is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
Mr. Olin Ronald Jackson, 73, of Bartow, died Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. Funeral services were held Sunday, Dec. 4, at Sandersville United Methodist Church with burial in Brownwood Cemetery. Reverend Dr. Stan Littleton officiated.
Pallbearers were, Donnie Jackson, Richard Jackson, Charles Jackson, Robbie Jackson, Kevin Cobb, Steven Everett, Jay Jackson, Mark Cooper, Rudy Hall and Jimmy Glover. Current and former board members and employees of Queensborough Bank will sit as an honorary group.
Mr. Jackson was a native and lifelong resident of Washington County, the son of the late Olin Jasper Jackson and the late Doris Lord Jackson. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia and LSU School of Banking. Ronald retired from Queensborough Bank as Executive Vice President after 37 years of service. He was a lifelong farmer, a lover of the land and his cattle. He served as Chairman of the Washington County Board of Education for 18 years. Ronald was an active member of the Sandersville United Methodist Church, where he served the church in numerous leadership roles during his life. He was a member of the Washington County Farm Bureau, the Washington County Cattleman’s Association and the Washington County Historical Society. Popsie, as he was often called by his grandchildren, possessed a great love for his Lord and his entire family cherishing the roles of husband, father and grandfather. He is predeceased by his parents and his wife Brenda Hodges Jackson.
Survivors are his wife, Emilee C. Giddens Jackson of Bartow; children, Dana J. (Mark) Brown of Cornelia, Jason R. (Jennifer) Jackson of Houston, TX., Kecia J. (Drew) Jones of Demorest, Tracy (Cindy) Giddens of Tennille, Wendy G.(Keith) Williams of Covington, Lisa G. (Carl) McDonald and Joey C. (Leia) Giddens of Sandersville; grandchildren, Taylor Brown, McKenzie Brown, Matt Brown, Reece Jackson, Bekah Jackson, Gracie Jones, Andrew Jones, A.J. Giddens, Preston Giddens, Mitch Williams, Ashleigh Williams, Caleb Williams, Abby McDonald, Lillie McDonald and Joseph Giddens.
Donations may be made to Sandersville United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 611, Sandersville, GA. 31082 or Mighty Man’s Ministry, 3311 Breezy Hill Road Davisboro, Georgia 31018.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.
Mrs. Fannie Lawson Futch, 98, wife of the late Cecil Futch, entered into her eternal rest Sunday morning, Dec. 4, 2016, at Vero Health and Rehabilitation Center in Wadley. Celebration of Life services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon, Dec. 10, in the James Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Carson Fellows officiating.
One of five children born to the late Minnie Lee Mixon Lawson and the late John Allen Lawson, Fannie grew up and lived in Bartow, attending Nail’s Creek Baptist Church. She then attended and graduated from Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville with a nursing degree. Fannie lived most of her married life in Pelham where she began her nursing career at Howard Hospital and was a member of Pelham First Baptist. Moving to Atlanta in 1967, she worked at Crawford W. Long Hospital before ending her career as a nurse in a private practice. Upon their retirement in 1982, they made the move back to Bartow where she attended Bartow Friendship Baptist Church, and then moved to Wrens in 1986 where she joined Wrens Baptist Church. Lovingly known as Granny, she enjoyed crocheting and quilting. But most of all, God gifted her with a love of people and a servant’s heart which allowed her to serve others and to forgive any slight and ugliness in others. A dedicated care giver, she was gentle of heart but was both determined and tenacious in character. She stayed busy but could always be found by listening for her humming or singing songs for which she had her own creative lyrics. Serious enough for adult thinking and conversation, she still had a youthful thought process and approach to life. She had a special place in her heart for babies and young children. Having an unconditional, absolute love for her family, she was most content in their presence. First and foremost, Granny loved her Lord and Savior above all else and is now reaping her just reward in Heaven.
Mrs. Futch was also preceded in death by all of her siblings, Richard Lawson, Marie Cobb, Sue McAfee and Helen Bundrick; and her grandson, Chris McMaugh. Survivors include her two daughters, Suzanne (Rob) Powers of Midville and Cecelia (Stan) Dawson of John’s Island SC; four grandchildren, Kimberly McMaugh Pichardo, Joshua C. (Jennifer) Dawson , Hill Powers and Jessica Powers; four great grandchildren, Britney (Nick) McMaugh German , Sophia Pichardo, Seidy Pichardo and Addie Olivia Dawson; two great-great grandchildren, Addy German and Ella German; many nieces, nephews and friends in Christ.
The family will receive friends after the services at James Funeral Home on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Mr. Mark Gerald Justen Sr., 65, of Louisville, affectionately known as “Pop and Papa” died Nov. 6, 2016 in Louisville.
Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec.10, at Louisville United Methodist Church, 301 W. 7th St. Louisville.
Mr. Justen was born June 3, 1951 in Rantoul, Illinois, the son of Lt. Col. Eugene James Justen and Nancy Henderson Justen. Mark graduated in 1969 from Louisville Academy and went on to graduate from Georgia Southern University in 1973 with a BA in Industrial Technology & Management. He was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity at Georgia Southern. On Sept. 7, 1974, he married Cathie C. Huff at First United Methodist Church in Marietta, Mark was a member of the Louisville United Methodist Church where he formerly served as a leader for the MYF. He also coached youth recreation teams for the Louisville Parks & Recreation. Mark spent his career working for Thermo King in Louisville, The Kroger Company in Atlanta, and President Baking Company in Augusta. He later went on to work with his son, John, in commercial construction until retirement.
Mr. Justen was a kind and gentle man who was extremely proud of his sons and grandchildren. He could be part of any conversation and so many people loved to talk with him. Mark’s favorite activities included playing or watching any sport, fishing, hunting, movies, and of course dancing for which he will always be remembered.
Mr. Justen is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lynn Harter and is survived by his two sons Mark G. (Cassie) Justen Jr. of Nevils, John W. (Melissa) Justen ) of Waxhaw, North Carolina; and four beloved grandchildren, Mark G. Justen III, Malone Isabella Justen, Riley Kathryn Justen and Logan S. Justen; his brother, Eugene J. Justen of Acworth, his sister Heidi J. Murphy of Louisville, and ex-wife Cathie H. Justen of Charlotte, NC.
The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Alpha-1 Foundation by visiting www.alpha1.org.
Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 401 West 8th Street, Louisville is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Durham “Vince” Milburn, 58, fiancé to Sonya Cantrell, entered into his eternal rest Saturday night, Dec. 3, 2016 at his residence.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday morning, Dec. 10, in the James Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ernie Richards officiating. A private interment in Waldens United Methodist Church Cemetery will follow at a later date.
A native and lifelong resident of Jefferson County, Vince was a 1976 graduate of Stapleton Academy. He then worked at Thiele Kaolin, after which he was a long-haul trucking owner/operator, before joining Team Excavation, now Piedmont, working in dispatching, logistics and maintenance—Vince had many talents and could do just about anything. Even as a child, he was very active and rambunctious, enjoying all sports, especially any type of motor sports. He played Dixie Youth Baseball, was an Eagle Scout, loved his horses and going on trail rides, built and raced cars, and rode his motorcycle on rides throughout the state. Vince worked hard and he played hard. Known for his great sense of humor and strong-willed personality, Vince loved people and wanted everyone to have a good time. He had a caring heart and often helped others in need, most of the time anonymously. People were drawn to his infectious laugh and happy-go-lucky attitude. Even in the many “ups and downs” of life, Vince always tried to find the positive and persevered through adversity. His death leaves a void that no one can fill; but his love leaves us memories that no one can steal.
Vince was preceded in death by his mother, Grace Lynette Usry Milburn; and his daughter, Mindy Milburn. Other survivors include his father, W. Durham (June) Miburn; two sons, Matthew Milburn and Nicholas Milburn; siblings, Pam (Rodney) Smith, Kristie (Shane) West, Valerie (Cecil) Shelton, George (Lorie) Arrington and Amie Avery; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family ask that memorials be made to Waldens UMC c/o Patricia Kitchens 1304 Hadden Pond Road, Avera Ga. 30803
The family will receive friends after the services at James Funeral Home on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016.
James Funeral Home in charge of arragements.
M rs. Oglis Usry Norton, 97, wife of the late Glenn Powell Norton, entered into her eternal rest Thursday morning, Dec. 1, 2016, at Brown Health and Rehabilitation Center in Statesboro.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, Dec. 3, in the James Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Robert Townsend officiating. Interment will follow in the Jefferson County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
One of six children born to the late Mollie and Collins Usry, “Sister,” as most of her family called her, lived most of her life in Glascock County. During World War II and a few years thereafter, she lived in Augusta and worked at the Colonial Bakery and at Lily Cup. She also worked at the Stapleton Garment Company and the pants factory in Gibson. In her later years, she was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking and was famous for her pecan pies and pound cakes. Like her mother, Oglis had a green thumb and loved gardening and working in her yard. Those close to her know she enjoyed a good laugh and a good prank, and her quick wit and stories of times past made any gathering more fun. With her incredible memory, she kept all the family connections sorted and was the family (and the community) historian. While she was at Gibson Health and Rehab, she was a serious Bingo player and rarely missed a game. Her mind was sharp until the end, and she spent the days before her death visiting with her family. She loved Zoar United Methodist Church and attended as long as she was able.
Mrs. Norton was also preceded in death by three of her siblings, E. C. “Boss” Usry, Garvin Usry Sr., and Margie Connell. Survivors include her daughter, Patricia (Kenneth) Norton Homer of Statesboro; two sisters, Pauline (Aubrey) Montgomery of Thomson and Wauline (Sam) Susie of Tampa FL; two grandchildren, Abbie (Brad) Blackmon and Seth (Cecilia) Williford; two great grandsons, Hunter Blackmon and Walker Blackmon; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Brad Blackmon, Aubrey Montgomery, A. G. Phillips, Larry Rhodes, Brian Usry and Phil Usry.
The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Zoar UMC, c/o Frankie Kitchens, 3303 Quail Farm Rd, Thomson, GA 30824.
James Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Willard Thompson Pennington, 103, of Houston Texas, passed way in his sleep Nov. 23, 2016, after a long and enjoyable life.
Willard was born in Matthews, Dec. 10, 1912, the son of Andrew Floyd Pennington and Carrie Thompson Pennington.
He is predeceased by his loving wife, Ruth Douglas Pennington, and two brothers, Andrew Floyd Pennington, Jr. and Glenn Walton Pennington.
He is survived by his daughter, Sara Lee Pennington, and grandson, Kyle Thomas McInenly, as well as a niece, Deborah Pennington, of Dublin and nephew, Sam S. Pennington of Matthews.
After finishing Wrens High School, Willard graduated from business school at the University of Georgia and remained a proud, red wearing Bulldog until the end. He served in the 8th Army Air Corps in England during World War 11, and returned home at the end of the war a Major. He then joined Scott Paper Company and worked there until his retirement.
Mr. Pennington grew up a member of Mount Moriah United Methodist Church, and in Houston. Willard and Ruth were longtime members of St. Luke Methodist Church.
He was an avid golfer and made many pilgrimages to the Masters Golf Tournament, where he enjoyed the hospitality of visiting with his Matthews kin. On Saturdays he loved his trips to McDonalds with a group of veterans. The birthday party for his 100th was the celebration of his life.
A private burial was held at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston on Nov. 30, 2016.
Ms. Dorothy Cyril Thomason, 86, died Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, at Poet’s Seat Nursing Home in Greenfield.
She was born Sept. 14, 1930, in Louisville, the daughter of Mason Cyril Thomason and Dorothy Clark Thomason. Cyril’s father died in a plane crash before she was born. As a child she lived in Georgia, then in Richmond, Va., with her mother. She went to Germany with her mother and step-father, Henry Tragle, a U.S. Army officer, when he was stationed there, before settling in Amherst with her family. In her later life Cyril lived in Greenfield.
Legally blind from birth, Cyril had enormous determination and intelligence, and lived life to the fullest. She learned braille, and read hundreds of books. She loved travel, both in the U.S. and in Europe. She often visited family and friends in the south.
She loved music, especially opera. She had a beautiful soprano voice, and was a member for many years of the Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus. She adored the Saturday Metropolitan Opera broadcasts. She was a member of the Second Congregational Church in Greenfield, a staunch democrat, and a member of the League of Women Voters.
Ms. Thomason had many friends, and was a great socializer and conversationalist. Her warm smile and distinctive southern accent were a delight to all who knew her. She is greatly missed.
She is survived by two cousins, Alice Clark and Rosalind Clark Mason of Cleveland.
She will be buried with her mother and stepfather in Wildwood Cemetery in Amherst.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway St., Greenfield, MA 01301.
Arrangements are under the direction of Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst.
87 North Pleasant Street Amherst, MA 01002.