Hiram Francis Johnson, Jr., 71, died Thursday, March 11, 2010 in Appling HealthCare System. Mr. Johnson was born Jan. 1, 1939 in Appling County, to the late Hiram Francis Johnson, Sr. and the late Lillie Deen Johnson. He was a member of First Baptist Church. As a lifelong educator, H.F. believed in the power of a good education and that the sharing of ideas and knowledge through educational clubs and organizations improves everyone. He served on numerous boards and committees of educational organizations, including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders and the Georgia Superintendent's Associations. Johnson was honored in 2006 by the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders with the Fulbright Distinguished Service Award, and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools with the Distinguished Educations Achievement Award in 2007. He also loved Baxley and Gainesville and the people that made these communities. H.F. gave much to many civic organizations, including serving as President of the United Way of Appling County, and as board member for the United Way of Hall County. He also served on the Chamber of Commerce for both Appling and Hall Counties. In 2006, the Appling County Chamber of Commerce honored him as the Citizen of the Year. H. F. also had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. He believed he was to live out his faith before others. As such, he served as deacon many years of his life, a Sunday school teacher who delighted in sharing God's word, and a role model for his children, grandchildren and others. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Lawanna Boyette Johnson of Baxley; two daughters and sons-in-law, Renee and Mike Betz of Birmingham, AL, Karen and Greg Bull of Cumming; one son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Wendy Johnson of Baxley; two sisters and brother-in-law, Sally Ruth and Frank Boulineau of Hephzibah and Carolyn Eunice of Bristol; including nine grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 13 from First Baptist Church with the Rev. Marvin Holladay, Dr. Ches Smith, Don Spence and the Rev. Rick Brown officiating. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Josh Betz, Brent Johnson, Marc Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Robert Eunice, Randy Oakley, Joey Boyette and Mark Boyette. Honorary pallbearers were Fisherman's Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church, officers and directors of Community Bank of Georgia and members of Appling County Board of Education. Remembrances may be made to the Building Fund of the First Baptist Church, 15 North Main Street, Baxley, GA 31513 or the charitable organization of your choice. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Larry M. (Lightfoot) Carter
Larry M. (Lightfoot) Carter, 59, died Sunday, March 14, 2010 in Appling Health Care System. Mr. Carter was born March 19, 1950 in Jeff Davis County, and had resided in Appling County, for most of his life. He was a welder and had been employed by J. M. Miles Construction. Larry was the son of the late Samuel and Kathleen Myers Carter. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Shelia Carter and a son, Marlin Carter. He is survived by his wife, Murline Carter of Baxley; three daughters and sons-in-law, Stephanie and Gary Odom of Baxley, Angela Overstreet of Winston, CA and Celinia Crapps of Baxley; one son and daughter in-law, Dewayne and Sandra Carter of Odom; two sisters, Jackie and husband, Dean Gibbs and Glenda Kay Lynn of North Carolina; three brothers, James and wife, Jeanie Carter, Danny Carter, David and wife, Donna Carter and seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild also survives. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 19 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Rev. Gilbert Wommack officiating. Interment followed in Oak View Church Cemetery in Jeff Davis County. Active pallbearers were Randy Jones, Jamie Lynn, Randall Carter, Shorty Sharpe, Billy Overstreet, Matt Griffin, Jacob Land and Oscar Sikes. Honorary pallbearers were employees of J. M. Miles Construction. Musical selections were rendered by Valerie Griffin and piano was played by June Cauley. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Winifred Mann Varnadore
Winifred Mann Varnadore, 66, died Sunday, March 14, 2010 in St. Joseph Hospital in Savannah. Mrs. Varnadore was born Jan. 22, 1944 in Savannah, (Chatham Co) and had resided in Winter Haven, Florida, before moving to Baxley, five years ago. Winifred was a member of Zoar Baptist Church and served as W.M.U. Director for the Consolation Baptist Association. She was a retired accountant and had been employed with John Woods Development before her retirement. Winifred was the daughter of the late Byron Mann and the late Rosie Peacock Mann. She is survived by her husband, Raymond Varnadore of Baxley; two sons, Christopher Varnadore and Kirk Varnadore, both of Baxley; two sisters, Dona Beatty of Lake Wales, FL and Merle Hildebrand of Jacksonville, FL; and two brothers, Bill Mann of Baxley, and Earl Mann of Kingtree, S.C. also survives. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 18 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Rev. Ken Stodola and the Rev. Greg Rentz officiating. Interment followed in Zoar Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Raymond Varnadore, Jr., Wayne Taylor, Theron Herrington, Roy Wilkes, Alvin Sellers, James Yarbrough and Marvin Crossan. Musical selections were rendered by Jennifer and Allison Stodola. Arrangements under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Wilda Ann Gaskins
Wilda Ann Gaskins, 58, died in St. Joseph's Hospital (Chatham Co.) on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. Ms. Gaskins was born in Appling County, on Feb. 29, 1952 and had resided here all of her life. She worked as a sewing machine operator until she became disabled. Wilda Ann was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She was the daughter of the late Floyd Gaskins and the late Shellie Altman. She is survived by one daughter, Janice Jeffords of Baxley; two step-daughters, June Crosby and Latrelle Crapps, both of Baxley; two sisters, Lydia Shuemake of Baxley, and Kathryn Gaskins of Boston, MA; brothers, Kenny Gaskins, J. T. Gaskins, Olen Gaskins and Floyd Gaskins, all of Baxley; one grandchild, Ruben Lee Miles of Baxley; step-grandchildren, Karen Branch, Lisa Taylor, Dewayne Crapps, Chris Crapps, April Crapps and Jody Crapps. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 20 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Rev. Billy Gardner officiating. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery in Baxley. Active pallbearers were Jody Crapps, Dewayne Crapps, Chris Taylor, Buddy Kersey, Jr., Wayne Jeffords, Ronnie Music, Jimmy Music, Robert Shuemake, Buddy Kersey, Sr. and Cliff Branch. Honorary pallbearers were the staff of Altamaha Home Care, the VNA and aids, the Appling County Rescue, the employees of Fulghum Drugs and all friends in attendance. Musical selections were rendered by the Rev. Billy Gardner. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Thomas Lee Coffman
Thomas Lee Coffman, 54, died Thursday, March 19, 2010 in Appling Healthcare System after a long illness. Mr. Coffman was born March 27, 1955 to Violet McCall and the late Raymond McCall of Lakeland, FL. Thomas moved to Baxley in 1984. Mr. Coffman is survived by two sons, Thomas Lee Coffman, Jr. of Savannah and Timothy Jason Coffman of Daytona Beach, FL; one sister, Yvonne Coffman Ripley, her husband, Danny of Baxley; one brother, Ron Coffman, his wife, Diane of Ellabell; three grandchildren and also survived is one niece, Shannon Coffman Zuniga, her husband, Samuel of Lakeland, FL; five nephews, Ronald Coffman, Jr., his wife, Glenna of Lakeland, FL, Scott Tillery of Baxley, James Branum, his wife, Jonnie of Baxley, David Pervis, his wife, Kathi of Rincon and D. J. Douglas of Claxton. A memorial service has been set at a later date for family and friends. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Juanita Bullard Williams
Juanita Bullard Williams, 87, of Graham, died Sunday, March 21, 2010 at her residence. Mrs. Williams was born Jan. 26, 1923 in Appling County, to the late Ira and Lila Carter Bullard. She was a member of Graham United Methodist Church. Juanita was preceded in death by a sister, Inez Mann and two brothers, James and William I. Bullard. She is survived by her husband, Vernon T. Williams of Graham; two daughters and sons-in-law, Waunell and Bill Brewer of Graham and Jean and Ed Stetzer of Fernandina Beach, FL; one son and daughter-in-law, Carroll and Rita Williams of Graham; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 25 from Graham United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Griffin officiating. Eulogy was given by Ed Stetzer. Interment followed in Graham United Methodist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Chip Williams, John Falls, Jr., Richie Williams, Ronnie Mullis, Lawton Bullard and Johnny Padgett. Honorary pallbearers were Shirley McRae, Christine Cooper, Southern Care Hospice, Georgia Home Health and Hospice, Judy Williams, Graham United Methodist Church members, Nelda Padgett, Melissa Rentz, Shemeka Vann, Cheryl White, Linda Williams, Eloise Bullard and Bessie Conaway. Musical selections were rendered by Jimmie Ryles, Solita Miles, Wilbur Copeland, Pat Bryant and Gayle Ogilvie. Remembrances may be made to the Graham United Methodist Building Fund, 206 Graham Methodist Church Road, Graham, GA 31513 or your choice of charity. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Paula Fay Peacock Hutchinson
Paula Fay Peacock Hutchinson, 50, of St. Simons Island (Glynn Co), died Monday, March 22, 2010 at her residence. Mrs. Hutchinson was a born Sept. 9, 1959 to the late Elmer Carl and Valeria Faye Peacock. She was a member of Beulah Baptist Church in Blackshear. Paula was a retired cosmetologist. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and best friend. She is survived by her husband, Terry Allen Hutchinson of St. Simons Island; one son, Alston Allen Hutchinson of St. Simons Island; one sister, Kathy Maybell Roberts of Ann Arbor, Michigan; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Danny Carl and Donna Peacock, David Lee Peacock, all of Jacksonville, FL and Tommy Ray and Lisa Peacock of Warner Robins; father-in-law and mothers-in-law, Allen and Harriette Hutchinson and JoAnn S. Hutchinson. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 26 at Spring Branch Baptist Church with the Rev. David Price and Rev. Allen Herrin officiating. Eulogy given by Tommy Peacock. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery in Baxley. Active pallbearers were Jordan Wainwright, Jordan Peacock, Zack Griffis, Kyler Hutchinson, Dylan Hutchinson and Justin Morris. Honorary pallbearers were all friends in attendance. Musical selections were rendered by Robbie and Paige Tomberlin, Danny Smith and David Williams. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Floy Beatrice Hatcher Dowdney
Floy Beatrice Hatcher Dowdney, 81, of Norman Park (Colquitt Co), died Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at Colquitt Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Dowdney was born June 4, 1928 in Blakely (Early Co.) to the late John D. and Katie Hatcher. She was retired, but worked many years along side her late husband, who was the Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Georgia State Association of Free Will Baptists. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, the Rev. Cadel Bennett Dowdney, who was a Free Will Baptist Minister for 61 years, two sons, Roger David and Mark Wayne Dowdney, two brothers, Blacksher and Douglas Hatcher and two sisters, Maude and Eva Hatcher. She is survived by one daughter, Ann Moxley of Norman Park; two sons, Michael Dowdney of Knoxville, TN, and Ron Dowdney of Ty Ty; one sister, Rosetta Gordan of Panama City, FL; 15 grandchildren: Wendy Coleman Carter, Andy Dowdney, Misty Avera and Brittney Powell of Baxley, Shane Dowdney of Florida, Kelly Dowdney of Knoxville, TN, Volare' Cairns and Desire' Dowdney of Virginia, Niecy Tompkins and husband, Kevin and Chad Gay of Norman Park, Keith Gay and Don Moxley, Jr. of Moultrie, Craig Coleman of Statesboro, Brad Dowdney and Tony Dowdney; eight step-grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild also survives. Including Don Moxley, Sr., Linda Henderson, Betty Adair and E. L. and Doris Coleman, for they held a special place in her heart. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 26 at Cool Springs Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Phillip Bozeman officiating and assisted by Ronnie Dowdney. Graveside services were performed by the Rev. Herbert Waid and the Rev. Kenneth Thompson. Interment followed at Baker/Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers were grandsons: Andy Dowdney, Kelly Dowdney, Shane Dowdney, Keith Gay, Chad Gay, Kevin Tompkins and Craig Coleman. Arrangements were under the direction of Baker Funeral Home in Moultrie.
Alean Mosley Stanley
Alean Mosley Stanley, 95, passed peacefully March 24, 2010. Alean was born Nov. 12, 1914 in Baxley, to the late James and Maude Mosley. She moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1949 from Savannah. Alean was devoted to her family and friends. She celebrated life through helping others. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, R.B. Stanley, her son, Jap and her great-grandson, Brandon Lee Knutelsky. Alean is survived by her daughter, Judy Johnson (Wayne); her son, Bob Stanley (Patty), one sister, Lutricia Hudson (Ted); three brothers, Joe Dennis Mosley of Gordon and Elzie Mosley (Vivian) and Ledaril Mosley, both of Baxley. Alean is further survived by her grandchildren, Robin Geiger, David Johnson, Melissa Knutelsky and great-grandchildren, Matt Geiger, Courtney Johnson, Derick Knutelsky, Lyndsey Johnson, Summer Knutelsky and Mitchell Geiger and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation was held Sunday, March 28 from 5-8 p.m. at Hardage Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, located at 850 St. John's Bluff Road, North Jacksonville, FL 32225. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 29 in the chapel of Hardage Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home in Jacksonville, (Duval Co) FL.
Rhonda Michelle Carter-Dozer
Rhonda Michelle Carter-Dozer, 43, died on March 25, 2010 at her home in Palm Bay, (Brevard Co.) FL, after an extended battle with breast cancer. She was the only daughter of Mary Nell Carter and Tharian "Pete" Carter and the granddaughter of Lorene Wood of Baxley. Survivors also include her three sons Brian Hollingsworth, Shawn Hollingsworth, Cole Dozer, and only daughter, Caden Dozer of Sebastian, FL; two loving brothers, John (Amy) Carter of Palm Bay, FL and Jeff (Sabrina) Carter of Baxley; two nephews, Chase and Chaz Carter of Palm Bay, FL; one niece, Olivia Carter of Baxley, and many more family and friends. She was born in Baxley, and lived most of her life in Vero Beach, FL. She attended Vero Beach High. There will be two services held, the Celebration of Life service in Fellsmere, FL, on April 3 at 11:00 a.m. and then a graveside service at Calvary Baptist Church in Baxley, on April 4 at 4:00 p.m., with eulogies given by Sam Hutcheson and Stacy Teston. Remembrances may be made to your local Hospice organization. Local arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
