Linton Wilson "Dub" Crosby, died Tuesday, November 10, 2009.
Born in Baxley, to the late John E. Crosby and Evelyn Bullard Crosby, "Dub" was a welder.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, John E. and Kara Crosby of Fort Valley; granddaughter, Britley Grimes of Fort Valley and a brother and sister-in-law, James and Deborah Cannon of Macon.
Services will be private.
Rooks Funeral Home in Byron was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Lissa Butler RYALS
Died: Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia
Lissa Butler Ryals, 70, died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2009 at St. Joseph Hospital in Savannah. Lissa was born Dec. 16, 1938 in Surrency, to the late Rev. Mose Butler, Sr. and the late Geneva Person Butler. Mrs. Ryals was a faithful member of the Mizpah Baptist Church where she served as Church Mother until her health failed. Known for her compassion, selfless service and genuine love for others, Lissa often volunteered her services to others as a hostess, cook, personal attendant, prayer warrior and friend. She was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary and served as past president of the Appling County Senior Citizens Center. She was preceded in death by a daughter, granddaughter, step-son, two sisters, two brothers and one brother-in-law. She leaves to cherish her memories and to celebrate her life her children: Cynthia Esambe, Zachary Butler, Sr., Renee Eason, Thresa Nails, Bobbie Faye (Larry) Clements, Beatrice (James) Olden, James Byrd, Lisa Stevens, Chip Ryals and Kristy (Reuben) Bennett; step-children, Nell Byrd Vann, William A. Byrd, Jr., Virginia Harrell and Carenna Beard; two goddaughters, Lula Cox and Debra Lloyd; one godson, Cody Collins; siblings, Reuben (Louise) Butler, Wallie (Earlene Butler, Delores (James) Harris, Joan Hodges, Gwendolyn Williams, Donnie Butler, Susan Sampson, Elease (Eddie) Rogers, Alnorris (Ida) Butler, Dale (Lenda) Butler, Felix (Retha) Butler, Jacquelyn (Boyd) Davis and Carolyn Watts; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; special friend, Sheila Collins; a dedicated physician, Dr. Teresa Cezar; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends also survive. To know Lissa was to love her. Her beautiful smile, great sense of humor, extraordinary culinary skills and Christian compassion for others will be greatly missed by all those lives she touched. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Gerald SELLERS
Gerald Sellers, 82, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 in Appling HealthCare System. Gerald was born April 21, 1927 in Appling County, and had resided here all of his life. He was a farmer and a member of Satilla Baptist Church. He was the son of the late Isaac and Pearl Deen Sellers. Gerald was preceded in death by two brothers, Cecil and Wilton Sellers and a sister, Corneila Roberson. He is survived by his wife, Fannie Lee Sellers of Baxley; one son and daughter- in-law, Larry and Ann Rush of Baxley; three grandchildren, Chris and Terri Rush of Hazlehurst, Ken and Erin Rush of Mt. Vernon and Stan and Stephanie Rush of Hazlehurst; four great-grandchildren, Ryan, Ross, Allie and Demi Rush, all of Hazlehurst; three sisters, Linda Altman and husband, Billy Altman of Baxley, Betty Beck of Baxley and Welda Rush of Jacksonville and a sister-in-law, Colleen Sellers also survives. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Williamson officiating and eulogy given by Cecil Sellers. Interment followed in Satilla Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Chris Rush, Ken Rush, Stan Rush, Mitch Altman, Cecil Sellers, Kelly Stone, Bob Douglas and Ronnie Mobley. Honorary pallbearers were the staff of the Pavilion, Martin Crapps, Vance Hunter, Keith Mobley, Gary Mobley, Jeff Altman, Don Rush, Johnnie Sellers, Joe Sellers, Mike Sellers, Malvin Bullard, James Sellers, James Edward Clark, JoAnn Beecher, Urlee Butler, John Beck, Roger Beck, Randall and Donna Odum, Wendell and Beverly Brown, Dr. Orlando Fernando, Warren McDaniel and Roger and Cathy Dial. Musical selections were rendered by Floyd Hunter. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Kelly M. CARTER
Kelly M. Carter, died Nov. 17, 2009. Kelly was born in Baxley, on Aug. 13, 1976. He is the son of Helen Carter and the late James Hall (Marsha). He attended Appling County Schools. Kelly was a member of St. Paul Church of God in Christ. He is survived by two daughters, Kaleisha and Mariah Miller; two sons, Da'Shaun Hagan and Kysun Brady, all of Baxley; one sister, Zylphia Hansley of Baxley; one brother, Jamie (Donniece) Hall of Portland, OR; god sister, Bridgette Carter of Baxley; six aunts, Francis (James) Powell of Rivera Beach, Fla., Mamie (Leroy) Armstrong, Stella (Freddie) Burnett, Rutha (Anthony) Boggs, all of Brunswick, Ann (Terry) NeSmith and Phyllis Carter, all of Baxley; six uncles, Cleveland (Georgia) Carter, James (Joyce) Carter, Charles (Brenda) Carter, Lennie (Reatha) Carter, Lee Norris (Shirley) Carter, Earl Williams, Bart (Christine) Robinson, all of Baxley; special friend, Joe Williams and a host of great aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 from St. Paul Church of God In Christ, Surrency, with Superintendent James F. Carter officiating. Interment followed in Baxley, Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Travis Carter, Charles Carter, Everett Carter, Deon Carter, Bryant McCall and James Powell, II. Honorary pallbearers were Angels with Care and Appling HealthCare System. Musical selections were rendered by Tammy Richburg, Daesia Fields and the choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Ernest Lee GIBBS, SR.
Ernest Lee Gibbs, Sr., died Nov. 17, 2009. Mr. Gibbs was born Nov. 28, 1923 to the late Willie Gibbs, Jr. and the late Lottie S. Gibbs. He married the late Pearlie Mae Rogers on March 24, 1951. Ernest Lee was a long time member and Chairman Deacon at Greater Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C. He is survived by six children: Peggy (Freeman, Sr.) Williams, Earnestine (Frank) Young, Zelma Gibbs (Robert), Clistine (Eddie Joe) Newkirk, Lottie (Leavern) Thomas and Michael Gibbs; four sons preceded him in death: Ronald Rogers, Marvin Rogers, Ernest Gibbs, Jr., and Bobby Gibbs; five sisters and two brothers, Flossie (Jimmy) White, Ella Bert (Carl) Marion, Florita King, Zola Mae Gibbs, Sevella McNeely (deceased), Moses Gibbs (deceased) and DeWitt (Eddie Mae) Gibbs; 24 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, three great-great- grandchildren; one very special god-granddaughter, Tanesha Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends also survive. Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 from Greater Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C., located at 129 Nails Ferry Road in Baxley. The pastor is Norris Williams, Sr. Elect Lady Gail Williams officiated. Interment followed in Surrency, Grove Baptist Church. Active pallbearers were Nathaniel Newkirk, James Gibbs, Marcus Gibbs, Elder Anthony Gibbs, Sr., Deacon Reginald Jones and Jerry Howard. Alternate pallbearers were Dwayne White, Kenny Hayes, Jr., Freddie King and Clinis White. Honorary pallbearers were Dorceil Price, Altamaha Health Care and hospice nurses. Musical selections were rendered by Lance Newkirk, Greater Faith Temple Senior Choir and Tammy Richburg. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Lillie Mae Thompson
GOETHIA - Lillie Mae Goethia, died Nov. 13, 2009. Ms. Goethia was born to Henry Thompson and Eldora McMillan Thompson January 25, 1936 in Baxley. She was the fifth of five children. Lillie Mae was the wife of the late Eugene Goethia. She is survived by daughter, Debora Jones of Baxley; sons, Gennies (Nancy) Goethia of Bridgeport, CT and Henry (Gladys) Goethia of Baxley; step-children, Willie Jean Troupe and Loula Harrison, both of Baxley; one brother, Henry (Ramona) Thompson of Fort Myers, Fla.; sister-in-law, Dorothy Thompson of Baxley; grandchildren that she cared for as her own: Stevie Atwell, Felica Atwell-Chery, Lillie Atwell-Hamilton, Andrea Goethia and Herbert Atwell; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, favorite cousin, Inez Castleberry; and a host of other relatives and friends also survive. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 from Thankful New Jersey Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. B. J. Virgil officiating. Interment followed in Old Field Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers were Herbert Atwell, Willie Earl Johnson, Michael Gringer, Marcus Hartwell, Lafayette Jones and Derrick Arnold. Musical selections were rendered by Napoleon Bryant, Ethel Pearl Johnson, Vernon Bennett and the choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Lois McCarthy PATTERSON
Died: Alma, Bacon County, Georgia
Lois McCarthy Patterson, 86, of Bristol, died Saturday, November 21, 2009 in Twin Oaks Convalescent Center in Alma after an extended illness. The Pierce County native had lived in the Piney Grove Community in Appling County, most of her life. She was predeceased by husbands, Earl Chancey and Onis Patterson. Survivors include four sons: Eddie J. McCarthy of Bel Air, MD, David Chancey of Brooksville, FL, Bill Chancey of Hilliard, FL, Onis "Buddy" Patterson of Jesup; one daughter, Linda Medsher of Glen St. Mary's, FL; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23 from the Rinehart & Sons Chapel with the Rev. Stanley Todd officiating. Interment followed in Piney Grove Cemetery in Appling County. Active pallbearers were family members. Visitation was from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Monday from the funeral home prior to services. The Rinehart & Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of the arrangements.
Allen DYKES
Born: in Jeff Davis Co, GA
Died: 26 Nov 2009 in GA
Burial: Satilla Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery, Jeff Davis Co, GA
Allen Dykes, 79, died Thursday evening, Nov. 26, 2009 after an extended illness. Allen was a native of Jeff Davis County and had resided in Ellijay and Milledgeville for several years before moving to Baxley. He is the son of the late Mariah Creamer Dykes and the late Dewey Dykes. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Dykes; two sons, Allen James Dykes and Charles Pickman; a brother and sister-in-law, Otis and Alice Dykes. Mr. Dykes was a member of Camp Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Milledgeville. He is survived by five daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Shaver Lightsey of Baxley; Jennifer and Shawn Fales of Hazlehurst; Margaret "Blondie" and Don Weber of Kissimmee, Fla., Sandra and Donald Dixon of Hazlehurst; and Gail and Jim Hatcher of Milledgeville; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Marcus and Johnita Dykes of Hazlehurst and Aubry and Mary Dykes of Fitzgerald; one daughter-in-law, Brenda Pickman of Milledgeville; 23 grandchildren, 47 great- grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29 in the chapel of Miles Funeral Home with Elders Robert Torrance and Bill Torrance officiating. Burial followed in Satilla Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Jeff Davis County. Arrangements were under the direction of Miles Funeral Home in Hazlehurst.
Genell Leggett HYLTON
Born: 26 May 1949 in Alma, Bacon Co, GA
Died: 30 Nov 2009 in Savannah, Chatham Co, GA
Burial: Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Bacon Co, GA
Genell Leggett Hylton, age 60, died Tuesday, November 30, 2009 in the Memorial Hospital in Savannah. She was born on May 26, 1949 in Alma, and had resided in Baxley, for most of her life. She was a homemaker and a member of Oak Grove Church of God. She was preceded in death by a son, George Washington Stone, sisters, Bessie Jane Lane, Jerrell Haffel, Alvada Collins, and Patsy Stone and a brother, Gerald Leggett. She was the daughter of the late Carlos Leggett and the late Mattie Mathis Leggett. She is survived by a daughter, Robin Lynn Baker of Darien; a son Bill and wife Kim Baker of Wadsworth, IL; grandchildren, Patricia Baker, Elizabeth Tamiee Baker, Ashley Genell Hamm, Jessica Lynn Hamm, Austin Eugene Baker, and Kayley Marie Baker; two sisters, Wanda Gribble of Baxley and Velma "Smokie" Strailey of Baxley; two brothers, Thomas "Buddy" Leggett of Baxley and Michael Webb Leggett of Baxley; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the Chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with Rev. Dennis Bryant officiating. Interment followed in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Bacon County. Active Pallbearers were Keith Beckworth, Carl Stone, James Lamb, Ronald Lamb, Beth Baker, Jamie Leggett, and Carl Leggett Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Oak Grove Church of God. Musical selections were rendered by Robin Lynn Baker, Danny Lewis, and Ann Stone. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Eunice E. Wood MILES
Born: 05 Sep 1919 in Jackson, Lowndes Co, GA
Died: 30 Nov 2009 in Duluth, Gwinnett Co, GA
Burial: Miles Family Cemetery, Appling Co, GA
Eunice E. Miles, age 90, died at Peachtree Christian Hospice in Duluth, Georgia Monday, November 30, 2009. She was born in Jackson, Georgia, September 5, 1919 and had resided in Appling County, for 10 years before moving to Kennesaw, Georgia. She was a homemaker and was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband John W. Miles and she was the daughter of the late Tyrie Wood and Beulah Bennett Wood. She is survived by one daughter Valera and husband Kent Johnson of Fairfax, Virginia; son Kenneth Miles and wife Pamala Miles of Kennesaw, Georgia; grandchildren, Misty and husband John Golden, Wesley Miles, Brad Johnson, Chris Johnson, and Dan Johnson; great-grandchildren, Angela Golden and Nichollas Golden. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, December 3, 2009 at the Chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with Rev. Al Bulter officiating. Interment followed in Miles Family Cemetery in Appling County. Active pallbearers were Dan Johnson, John Golden, Jimmy Laidler, Christopher Johnson, Bradley Johnson and Carlton Wood. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
