Clyde S. Hardee, 46, died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 in Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. Mr. Hardee was a native of Orange County and was born to the late Jerry and JoAnn Hardee March 14, 1963. He was employed by Lewis Generator & Starter Service. Clyde was preceded in death by a brother, Gordon Hardee and a sister-in-law, Janice Hardee. He is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Stephanie and Scott Burd and Katie Hardee, all of St. Mary's, Ohio; one son, Brad Hardee of St. Mary's, Ohio; one sister and brother-in-law, Jody and Mike McDaniel of Baxley; two brothers, Cliff Hardee and Gary Hardee, both of Baxley; a loyal pet, Nattie; and 10 nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17 from the chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Redwine officiating. Interment followed in Hazlehurst Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Nick Hardee, James Bellah, Shelby Hallman, James Lewis, Martin Lewis and Brian Medders. Honorary pallbearers were all employees of Lewis Generator & Starter Service, employees of Hardee Auto, M &M Industrial Maintenance, Kenny Wright, Stewart and Linda Campbell, Dillon Bass, Jerry and Linda Causey, Linda Dyal, Clint Carter and Dena Greer. Musical selections were rendered by Floyd Hunter and David Williams. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
William Albert "Al" Lowther, Jr.
William Albert "Al" Lowther, Jr., 59, died Saturday, January 16, 2010 in the Appling HealthCare System. He was born in Ridgeland, S.C. and had resided in Appling County, since 1974. Mr. Lowther was retired and he worked as a salesman for B. C. Moore's before his retirement. He was a member of Oak Grove Church of God. Al was preceded in death by his mother, Margie Overstreet James. He is survived by two daughters, Carla Mansfield of Baxley, and April Mansfield of Baxley; father, William A. Lowther, Sr. and step-mother, Ruby Lowther of Livingston, S.C.; two granddaughters, Brittney and Christine Overstreet of Baxley; one grandson, Jacob Mitchell Scott of Baxley; two brothers, Richard and wife, Carolyn Lowther of Surrency and Jerry and wife, Karen Lowther of Baxley; two step-sisters, Pamela and husband, Noah of Lexington, S. C. and Tammi Williams of Pelian, S.C. and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Revs. Dennis Bryant and Rick Brown officiating. Interment followed in Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Danny Giddens, Stephen Lee, William Holland, April Mansfield, Clyde McCall, Howard Tomberlin and Jasper Tomberlin. Musical selections were rendered by Danny Lewis. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Mrs. Lena Davis Helmken
Mrs. Lena Davis Helmken, 80, of Lyons, passed away peacefully at the Bethany Nursing Center on Sunday, January 17, 2010 due to complications of Alzheimer's disease. She was surrounded by her loving family and had been under the care of Community Hospice of Vidalia. For more than thirty years "Miss Lena" owned and operated Nip and Tuck Nursery and Kindergarten where she taught, cared for, and loved each and every child that was part of her life. They forever touched her life and she theirs. She was involved with the Girls Scouts of America and was past president of the Robert Toombs Christian Academy Parents League. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lyons where she sang in the choir for many years, Mrs. Helmken was preceded in death by per parents, Sterling and Bell Davis, and her son, William (Billy) Henderson, and three brothers, Jack, Robert and Billy Joe. A devoted, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and Christian, she leaves so many fond memories for her husband of 49 years, Ralph; daughter Judy Lynn (Ronnie) of Lyon; son, John (Melanie) of Savannah; grandchildren: Kendra Lynn, Vidalia; and Dequera L. Newton of Lyons; and Emma and Cord Helmken of Savannah; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Ella Newton of Lyons; sister, Sara Young of Waycross; brother, James Davis of Tacoma, Washington, and a number of nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Wednesday, January 20 at 1:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Lyons with the Reverend Dannie Williams officiating. Interment followed later in Savannah. Visitation immediately followed the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Robert Toombs Christian Academy, PO Box 227, Lyons, GA 30436, or, Community Hospice, PO Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475. Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia was in charge of arrangements.
Janette Vaughn Williams
Janette Vaughn Williams, 73, died Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010 in Appling HealthCare System. Mrs. Williams was born June 25, 1936 in Jeff Davis County to the late Frankie Miles Vaughn and the late Jettie Simmons Vaughn. She was a member of Zoar Baptist Church. Mrs. Williams served as Appling County Superintendent of Schools. She taught school for 29 years teaching all grades, 4th through college classes. Janette received numerous special honors and awards throughout her career a most significant state honor was when Williams was named the 1986 recipient of Georgia Teacher of the Year Hall of Fame award (plaque hangs in State Capital); Appling County Teacher of the Year- two years; and Appling County STAR teacher. Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Oliver Williams. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and Frank Smith of Vidalia and Violet and Bobby Shannon Marchman of Baxley; one son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Lynn Williams of Baxley; sisters and brother-in-law, Geneva and Norman McKinney and Jo Ann Vaughn, all of Baxley; brothers and sisters-in-law, J. M. and Edna Vaughn and Billy and Ruth Vaughn, all of Baxley, and Leon and Linda Vaughn of Alma; special sister-in-law and caregiver, Willie Ina Harper and other sisters-in-law, Lillie Maude Barlow, Oreta Williams, Linda Williams and Virginia Williams; eight grandchildren, Jana Lewis, Johnathon Boatright, Peyton Lightsey, Alayna Marchman, Noah Marchman, Frankie Oliver Williams, Lydia Janette Williams, Trent Smith; one great-granddaughter, Jaylee Boatright and other family members, Lynn Hale and Raylene Sellers. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22 from Zoar Baptist Church with the Revs. Rick Brown, Jeff Waters and Greg Rentz officiating. Interment followed in Zoar Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Leon McKinney, Keith McKinney, Scott Sapp, Randy Branch, Jimmy Vaughn, Harry Lee Williams, Davy Barlow, Jeff Williams, Jr. and Terry Williams. Honorary pallbearers were ACRE Appling County Retired Educators, Mary Wheeler Sunday School Class at Zoar Baptist Church, G. M. and Betty Jo Daniels, Roger and Sonja Cain, Christine and Billy Coleman, Jackie and Robert Herrington, Theron and Wynell Herrington, JoAnn and Chap Causey, Betty and Simon Wooten, Lynette Faulk, Donald Hall, Gail and Richard Thompson, Jean Orvin, Eulene Lightsey, Michelle, MiMi and Dr. Singh and nurses, Pam Hall, employees of Health Department Home Care, Jenny Drawdy, Frank Moore, Rita and Gene Boyette, Stan Brobston, Betty Turner, Clara Mae Allagood, Robert and Ollie Mae Jackson, H. F. and Lawanna Johnson, Rev. Raymond and Evelyn Chauncey, Bart Mixon, Eloise Bullard, Appling County Vocational Department, Lonnie Sanders, Mary Kay Craven, Evelyn Alderman, Rose Dixon, Jennifer Waters, B. W. and Willese Sapp, Maxwell and Kim Leggett, Dr. Orlando Fernando, Albert and Lerlene Coleman, Chris and Chrystal O'Quinn, Evelyn Collins, Mark and Carol Barnes, Winifred Varnadore, Buddy and Dianna Stone, Darian Hale, Fannie Mae and Earl McDaniel, Lee Johnson, Bud Stoner, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Dyal, Cathy Campbell, Bernice Brannen, Dr. Keith Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Kendall Keith, Jeannie Crews, Ray and Jeanelle Mayers, Danny Orvin, Artis Vaughn, Sam Herndon, Dr. Lynn Overstreet, Jason and Reanna Vansickle, Darnell Stone, Marshal Anderson, D. J. Reeves, Noel Herrington, Ryan Stewart, Kevin Lightsey, Appling County Board of Education, J. W. Orvin, Charlie Leggett, Debra K. Arnett, Beth Hornish, Polly Flood, Mary and David Burke and other friends and former students. Fred and Neva Pound, Eva Akins, Christine Vaughn and Carolyn and Russell Herrington. Musical selections were rendered by David Williams and Elaine Black. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Mary Elise Lightsey Eunice
Mary Elise Lightsey Eunice, 88, of Bristol, died Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 in the Pavilion. Mrs. Eunice was born Dec. 9, 1921 in Appling County, to the late Millard and Mary Jane Winn Lightsey. She was a member of Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church. Mrs. Eunice was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She loved gardening, cooking, and fishing. Mrs. Eunice was preceded in death by her husband, Lorace A. Eunice also four sisters and two brothers. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Donnie Bargeron of Glennville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jerald and Ileene Eunice and Neil and Kay Eunice, all of Bristol; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24 from Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Hughs and the Rev. Darrell Quinn officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Steve Dixon, Phillip Hale, Jerry Lightsey, Danny Rogers, Tracy Rediger and Eric Fletcher. Honorary pallbearers were Adult Sunday School Class of Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Claudia and Timmy Metts, J. W. Boyette, Joey Boyette, Mark Boyette, Johnny and Dianne Metts, Dr. Errol G. Graham and the staff of the Pavilion. Musical selections were rendered by the McCall Family Singers. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Piney Grove Church Road, Bristol, GA 31518. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
John Henry Arnett
John Henry Arnett, 27, died Friday, Jan. 22, 2010. Mr. Arnett was born June 17, 1982 in Florida. He was a member of Red Oak Baptist Church. John Henry resided in Appling County, for four years. He was preceded in death by a brother, Timothy Allen Arnett. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Connie Lynn and James Smith of Baxley; his father, Terry Berry Arnett of Baxley; one sister, Vivvanna Arnett of Baxley; one brother, Terry B. Arnett, Jr. of Milledgeville; grandparents, Nancy Forist of Baxley, and George Forist of St. George; and several aunts and uncles also survive. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 in the chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Rev. Freddy Griffin officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Savannah Ann Murray
Savannah Ann Murray, age 3, of Bristol (Pierce Co), died Sunday, January 24, 2010, after an extended illness. Survivors are her parents: Herman "Russell" and Sandra Minchew Murray of Odum; one brother,Mason Murray of Odum, one half-sister, Hannah Minchew; paternal grandparents, Herman G. Murray of Odum, Carolyn Murray of Baxley; maternal grandparents, Kathy Conner of Brunswick, Gene Minchew of Brunswick; and great- grandparents, John and Anne Conner of Brunswick. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, January 25 from Unity Church of God with the Rev. George Moxley officiating. Interment was in Big Creek Cemetery in Wayne Co, GA. Visitation was from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Monday from the church prior to services. The Rinehart & Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of the arrangements.
Dr. Tom Joseph Lightsey
Dr. Tom Joseph Lightsey, 80, of Bristol, died Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 in Palm Garden Rehabilitation Center in Jacksonville, (Duval Co.) FL. Dr. Lightsey was born June 24, 1929 in Appling County, to the late Willis and Mamie Bryson Lightsey. He was a member of Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church. Dr. Lightsey was an ordained Free Will Baptist Minister. He served several churches as pastor in Southeast Georgia. After spending several years in the public school system, he completed his career at West Georgia University from which he retired. He is survived by one sister, Ruth L. Johnson of Waycross; one brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Ralph and Wavine Lightsey of Statesboro; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27 at Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church with Dr. Charles Thigpen and the Rev. Steve Hughes officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Sigma Nu Fraternity Brothers. Musical selections were rendered by June Pool and Ramsey Bennett. Remembrances may be made to Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, Piney Grove Church Road, Bristol, GA 31518. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Mrs. Josephine "Jo" Claxton Beasley
Mrs. Josephine "Jo" Claxton Beasley, 68, of Hazlehurst (Jeff Davis Co.), died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010. Mrs. Beasley was a native and life-long resident of Jeff Davis County. She was the daughter of the late Elzie Hubert Claxton, Sr. and Janie Susie Newman Claxton. She was the office manager for Beasley Forest Products, a member and church secretary of Elizabeth Baptist Church and was the Sunday School teacher for 1, 2 and 3 year olds for 45 years. Mrs. Beasley was preceded in death by a daughter, Pollyanna Beasley Livingston; a grandson, Dustin Barrett Livingston, a sister and brother-in-law and a sister-in-law. She is survived by her husband, Henry Rabun Beasley of Hazlehurst; one daughter and son-in-law, Deborah Ann Beasley Johnson and Zachary Johnson of Hazlehurst; one son and daughter-in-law, Rabun Darrell Beasley and Sheilah Beasley of Hazlehurst; sisters and brothers-in-law, Katie Dale and Calvin Lewis of Hazlehurst, Annette and Corbitt Beasley of Cedar Crossing; brother, B. H. Claxton, Sr. of Hazlehurst; brothers and sisters-in-law, Alan Daniel and Louise Claxton of Hazlehurst, E. H. Claxton Jr. and Cherry Claxton of Hazlehurst; one son-in-law, Joshua Oliver Livingston of Hazlehurst; grandchildren, Darrell Grant Beasley, Jordan Henry Beasley, Nathanael Truss Beasley, Christin Elizabeth Beasley, Daniel Paul Beasley, Lauren Alene Beasley, Benjamin Micah Beasley, Lindsey Grace Johnson, Deanna Hope Johnson, Jared Zachary Johnson, Bryce Dalton Livingston, Joshua Cole Livingston, Alyssa Brooke Livingston; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 from Southside Baptist Church with the Rev. Keith Yawn and Dr. Pete Sharber officiating. Interment followed in Hazlehurst Memorial Cemetery in Jeff Davis Co. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The American Cancer Society. Arrangements were under the direction of Miles Funeral Home in Hazlehurst.
Wilton Spell
Wilton Spell, 66, died Friday, Jan. 29, 2010. Mr. Spell was born Aug. 20, 1943 in Appling County, to the late William Early and Nellie Mildred Burke Spell. He was a member of Big Oaks Church of God. Wilton was a member of the Exchange Club of Appling County, and was owner of Spells Electrical Services. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Earl, Edward "Tunny" and Homer Spell. He is survived by his wife, Gerri Revels Spell; two daughters, Sheryl and Tommy Lawrence and Shelly and Daniel McNeal, both of Baxley; one son, Steven Wilton Spell of Baxley; three sisters, Bobbie Walls and Barbara Fennell of Baxley, and Jewell Lightsey of Rock Hill, S.C.; two brothers, Redius Spell of Alma and Bernice Spell of Leesburg; eight grandchildren, several god grandchildren (sent by God) and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1 at Big Oaks Church of God with the Revs. Barry Teutsch, Virginia Herrington and Virgil Carter officiating. Interment followed in Zoar Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jason Spell, Dale Spell, Edward Walls, Edward Spell, Edwin Spell and Trampus Carter. Honorary pallbearers were Exchange Club, Joe's Coffee Club, past business associates, Big Oaks Adult Men's Sunday and Sanctuary class, staff and physicians of the Pavilion, nieces, nephews, friends and family. Musical selections were rendered by Debbie Taylor, Sheila Kennedy, Nadre Thompkins and the Rev. Virginia Herrington. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
