Mattie "Louise" Mullis Creamer, 88, of Hazlehurst (Jeff Davis Co), died Friday, Feb. 5, 2010. Mrs. Creamer was born in Dodge County, GA, but had lived most of her life in Jeff Davis County. She was the daughter of the late John J. and Susie Mae Giddens Mullis. Louise was the wife of the late Elbert Lee Creamer. She was a homemaker and a member of Southside Baptist Church. She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Norma Jean Miles of Baxley, Elois Conner of Hazlehurst, Judy and Jimmy Hutcheson of Lyons and Debra and Dean Edenfield of Metter; sons and daughters-in-law, Johnny and Carolyn Creamer, Don and Bobbie Creamer, all of Hazlehurst; Roger and Betty Creamer of Uvalda, Danny and Candy Creamer and Kenny and Marie Creamer, all of Lyons; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Redeatha and Wendell Wells of Odum; 21 grandchildren, 47 great- grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. Active pallbearers were Dwayne Creamer, Lee Creamer, Charles Creamer, Wes Hutcheson, Wade Hutcheson and Dustin Hall. Honorary pallbearers were the remaining grandchildren. Musical selections were rendered by Selena and Angie Hutcheson. Arrangements were under the direction of Miles Funeral Home in Hazlehurst.
Mary Ann Royal Smith
Mary Ann Royal Smith, 47, of Dublin (Laurens Co.), died Friday, February 5, 2010 at the Community Hospice in Vidalia, (Toombs Co.) after an extended illness. She was the daughter of the late Cleveland Wayne Royal and Mary B. Newton. She served as church secretary for the First Methodist Church of Lyons, bus driver and janitor for Laurens County and Dublin City School Districts, and EMT for Heartland EMS. Ms. Smith is survived by her husband: Mike Albanese of Dublin; four children, Ashley Smith of Spartanburg, S.C., Danna Smith of Vidalia, Karl Smith of Vidalia, and Valerie Smith of Vidalia; one sister, Rose Royal of Vidalia; two brothers, Cleve (Jean) Royal of Lebanon, PA and Robert Royal of Baxley; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to Community Hospice of Vidalia, Serenity Hospice of Vidalia, or a charity of your choice. Towns Funeral Home of Alamo was in charge of arrangements.
Lamar Mathew Black
Lamar Mathew Black, 77, died Friday, February 5, 2010 in Appling Healthcare System. Mr. Black was born Jan. 9, 1933 to the late Mathew and Clyde Peacock Black. He was a native of Appling County, GA, and had lived here all of his life. Lamar was a retired electrician and had been employed with DE &K Construction before his retirement. He was a member of Dunn Memorial Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Drew Black and son, Richard Black. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Bart and Natalie Black of North Augusta, S.C.; five grandchildren, twins, Emma and David Black and Michel, Mathew and Thomas Gilman, all of North Augusta, S.C.; and sisters, Betty Adam of Sedona, AR and Ruby Gegan of Jacksonville, Florida. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Revs. Rick Brown and Ron Ross officiating. Interment followed in Miles Family Cemetery with the Rev. Jack Peeler officiating. Active pallbearers were Bill Bowers, Jr., Calvin Edmond, Randall Odum, Shane Bookhardt, Michael Gilman, Matt Gilman and Thomas Gilman. Honorary pallbearers were Beverly and Wendell Brown, Donna Odum, Mickey and Sue Davis, Dr. Errol Graham and Denise Graham, Richard and Beverly Crosby, Jackie Strickland, Buck Buchanan and Bobby and Wayona Lewis. Musical selections were rendered by the Rev. Rick Brown and David Williams. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Brianna Nicole Mansfield
Brianna Nicole Mansfield, age 3 months, died Monday, February 8, 2010 in Memorial Health Center in Savannah, (Chatham Co.) Brianna Nicole was born Nov. 7, 2009 in Savannah. She is survived by her parents, Carl and Christine Mansfield; brother, David Henderson; three half-sisters, Kayla Mansfield and Carla Mansfield, both of Allenhurst and Stephanie Sippett of Okeechobee, FL; maternal grandparents, Melissa and Greg Faust of Baxley, maternal grandfather, Victor Eugene Lewis of Baxley; paternal grandparents, Ulysses "Gomer" and Debra Mansfield of Patterson; maternal great-grandparents, Danny and Connie Jones of Baxley; and paternal grandmothers, Barbara Landon of Patterson and Etta Dixon of Odom. Graveside services were held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 at Mount Mariah Church Cemetery in Toombs County with the Revs. Robert Powell, W. R. Connell and James Lightsey officiating. Active pallbearers were Randy Jones, Sr., Ryan Hopkins, Kevin Mansfield and Dan Landon. Musical selections were rendered by Christine Mansfield. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home. y
David "D.A." Watson
David "D.A." Watson, 87, died Tuesday, February 9, 2010 in Memorial Medical Center in Savannah, (Chatham Co). Mr. Watson was born August 4, 1922 in Tattnall County to the late Charles Arthur Watson and the late Carolyn Elizabeth Groover Watson. He was a member of Satilla Baptist Church where he was active in the Senior Adult Sunday School Class. D.A. was a veteran of World War II having served in the Pacific and European Theatres of Operation as a Military Policeman. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Mae Watson. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, David A., Jr. and Barbara Watson of Woodland Park, CO and Randall C. and Peggy Watson of Richford, VT; one sister, Corrine Levine of Mims, Fla.; five grandchildren, David A. Watson, Donal Watson, Dale Watson, Ashley Watson and Matthew Watson and two great- grandchildren, David Curtis and Falen Watson also survive. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 13 at Satilla Baptist Church with the Revs. Tommy Davis and Roger Taylor officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery with Military honors. Active pallbearers were David Watson, Dale Watson, Bruce Weaver, Donal Watson, Jimmy Wheeler and Johnny Harper. Honorary pallbearers were Senior Adult Sunday School Class, Donna Odum, Linda Harper, Doug and Betsy Harris, Duane and Margaret Whitley, Lisa Courson, Dr. Errol Graham and Randall Odum. Musical selections were rendered by Tammy Nix, Taffie Crosby, Kim Powers and Robin Berringan. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Reverend Lonnie E. Weaver, Sr.
Reverend Lonnie E. Weaver, Sr., 80, died Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at his residence. Mr. Weaver was a native and life-long resident of Appling County. He was a Baptist Minister and was currently serving as pastor of Philippi Baptist Church. Rev. Weaver was a farmer and was employed by the Appling County Board of Education for 32 years as a bus driver. He was preceded in death by his wife and the mother of his children, Loleta Hutchinson Weaver and a son, Glenn Weaver. He was the son of the late P. B. Weaver and the late Vinnie Wiggins Weaver. He is survived by his wife, Carol D. Weaver of Baxley; three daughters and son- in-law, Margaret and Kenny Gilbert, Cathy and Albert Herrington, Gail and Harrell Lynch, all of Baxley; four sons and daughters-in-law, Jessie and Selena Weaver, Lonnie and Camilla Weaver, Kim and Tonya Weaver and Carroll Weaver, all of Baxley; one brother, Ben Weaver of Baxley; one sister, Rose Mae Cowart of Darien; 12 grandchildren, Sheri Bragg, Amy Spell, Carissa Weaver, Summer Weaver, Dale Lynch, Jessica Taylor, Michael Norris, Blake Weaver, Kelly Herrington, Gary Gilbert, Tyler Weaver, Rusty Weaver; four great-grandchildren, Madison Bragg, Payton Spell, Marley Lynch and Elizabeth Herrington; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 13 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Rev. M. L. Ricks, Rev. Darrell Quinn and Elder Thomas Kelly officiating. Interment followed in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Active pallbearers were grandsons: Kelly Herrington, Gary Gilbert, Blake Weaver, Tyler Weaver, Rusty Weaver and Patrick Spell. Honorary pallbearers were members of Philippi Baptist Church and the Appling County Bus Drivers and Shop Employees. Musical selections were rendered by Robyn Berrigan, Kim Powell, Floyd Hunter and David Williams. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Dewayne "Rat" Johnson
Dewayne "Rat" Johnson, 53, died in Satilla Regional Hospital in Waycross (Ware Co) on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010. Mr. Johnson was born in Appling County, on July 31, 1956 to Dorothy Johnson Carter and the late Casper Carter and had lived here all of his life. He worked in construction and was a crane operator. He is survived by daughters, Brenda Love and husband, Brian of Vidalia, Crystal Gibbs and husband, Marcus of Surrency and Lacey Branch of Baxley; one son, Johnny Johnson of Nahunta; mother, Dorothy Johnson Carter; seven grandchildren, Dylan, Dustan and Dawson Love, Tyler, Ashley and Bryon Johnson and Nick Mitchell; one brother, Calvin Peace; and mother of his children, Gail Johnson. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 14 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Rev. Charles Hutcheson and Bro. David Fennell officiating. Interment followed in Altamaha Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Michael McCranie, Mitch Sheffield, Jim Johnson, Ronald Watson, Ron Tillman, Neil Lewis, Sammy Norris and Keith Norris. Honorary pallbearers were all friends attending the funeral service. Musical selections were rendered by Brian Love and Joanne and Joseph Switzer. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Deacon Charles Edward Ashley Bell
Deacon Charles Edward Ashley Bell, died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010. Deacon Bell was born June 21, 1941 to the late Mary Seed-Ashley-Bell and the late Charles Ashley in Baxley. He was raised and adopted by Melvin (Miles) Bell. Early Wednesday morning, on February 10, having fought a good fight, his name was called and he was more than willing to answer his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Charles joined First Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church at an early age, where he served faithfully as a deacon, pianist and Sunday School teacher until his health failed. He received his education from Appling County Consolidated School, Savannah State College and Waycross College where he received a degree in Brick Masonry. Deacon Bell was employed with Appling County Board of Education, ventured out as an entrepreneur and later retired from Georgia Power Company.
He was united in holy matrimony to Minnie (Maxine) Simpson on Aug. 24, 1963.
Bell was preceded in death by a daughter, Yawnsha Bell-Wright, three brothers, one sister and a great-granddaughter. He is survived by a loving, caring and devoted wife, Minnie (Maxine) Bell; children, Travis (Gay) Bell, Sr., Deborah (Clifford) Jones, Tammy (Patrick) Wright, Kenneth (Simikia) Wright, Sonya (Ernest) Dixon and Tonya (Oliver) Kinsey; (grandson) Travis Bell, Jr.; sisters, Alberta (Avery) Jones, Diane Ashley, Betty Hill, Cynthia (Clarence) Butler and Sheila Ashley; brothers, Willie Lee Ashley, Edward (Darlene) Ashley and Michael (Rhayne) Ashley; aunts, Hazel Paulk, Lizzie Paulk, Ann (Nathan) Birdsong, Lillie Wells and Pearl (James) Copeland; seven sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, 22 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Feb. 13 from First Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church with the Bishop L.C. Rogers officiating and eulogy given by the Rev. Terrell Paulk. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Travis Bell, Sr., Steven Sailem, Kenneth Wright, Johnathan Wilkerson, Stacey Wilkerson and Patrick Wright, Sr. Honorary pallbearers were Georgia Power Security, Appling County Pavilion, Dr. Orlando, Rebecca Ogden, Deacons of First Pleasant Hill and ACS Transportation. Musical selections were rendered by Cynthia Marshall, Tammy Richburg, the Rev. Avery Jones and the choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Lewis William Kennedy
Lewis William Kennedy, 60, died Friday, February 12, 2010 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah, (Chatham Co). Mr. Kennedy was born February 21, 1949 in Bacon County, GA to the late Bill Kennedy and the late Doris Perry Kennedy. He was a member of Big Oaks Church of God and was a former tax commissioner of Appling County. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Kennedy of Baxley; one daughter and son-in- law, Kristan and Joe Edenfield of Baxley; a sister and brother-in-law, Judy Kennedy and Gerald Solie of Lyons; one niece, Nissa Beecher and one nephew, Logan Lastinger, both of Baxley; one sister-in-law, Rena Lastinger; father and mother-in-law, Pete and Naomi Fowler; special friend, Zachary Lee; all of Baxley; and two grandchildren, Maisey and Madison Edenfield. Funeral services were held at 6:00 p.m. at Big Oaks Church of God with the Revs. Virginia Herrington, Ronnie Rentz and Mark Grimes officiating. Interment will follow in Zion Church of God Cemetery at a later date. Active pallbearers were David Crosby, Michael Crosby, Garrett Crosby, John Oxendine, Gary Yawn and James McCoy. Honorary pallbearers were the Sanctuary Class and Adult Sunday School Class of Big Oaks Church of God. Musical selections were rendered by Floyd Hunter and Big Oaks Church of God Choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Michael Orris Jipson
Michael Orris Jipson, age 59, of Alma, died Saturday February 13, 2010 at the Pavilion Nursing Home in Baxley, after a long illness. He was a native of Penobscot, (Hancock Co) Maine but had lived in this area for many years. Michael was son of the late Orris Jipson and Ruth Thompson Jipson, had served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Revels Jipson of Alma; one son, Rodney Cothran of Alma; one daughter, Rhonda Harrelson and husband, Don of Baxley; two brothers, Roy Wayne Jipson and wife, Gloria of Victoria British Columbia, Eric Amos Jipson and wife, Judith of Isleahaut, Maine; three grandchildren and mother-in-law, Linnie Revels of Alma. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 o'clock from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with the Rev. Jack Peeler officiating. Military honors were conducted in the chapel following the funeral service. The family received friends at the funeral home Monday evening, between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Crosby Funeral Home of Alma was in charge of all the arrangements.
