Lindsey Peede Tharpe, 66, died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012 in Appling HealthCare System. She was born Oct. 20, 1945 in Oglethorpe (Macon Co) and had resided in Baxley, for 41 years. Lindsey was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church. She was the daughter of the late John C. Peede and the late Annie Kate Pennington Peede. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Karen Tharpe, Jr. of Baxley; one sister, Mary Ann Hale of Los Angeles, CA and two grandchildren, Katie Mae Tharpe and William Edward Tharpe III, both of Baxley. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Rev. Jimmy Howard and the Rev. Bryan Gill officiating. Interment was held Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in Oglethorpe City Cemetery in Oglethorpe. Active pallbearers were John Lightsey, Don Moehring, Terry Braswell, Clifford Hardee, Mike McDaniel, Bryan Medders, Michael Butler and Scotty Lee Allen. Honorary pallbearers were the Joy Group of First Baptist and the nursing staff of the Pavilion. Musical selections were rendered by the Rev. Bryan Gill. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Mrs. Madie Berry Thomas
Mrs. Madie Berry Thomas, affectionately known as Madie, Mama, Sister Madie, Aunt Madie, Mother Thomas, Mom, and Grandma Madie, died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2012 in the Pavilion. Mrs. Thomas was born in Glennville on Feb. 13, 1909 to the late Agrippa Berry and the late Mary Williams Berry. She was the tenth and last child born. Madie accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in 1918 and joined the Greater Zachariah Missionary Baptist Church in Glennville and was baptized in 1920. She attended school in Tattnall County. Madie was united in holy matrimony to Leo Buster Thomas in 1929 and later moved to Appling County. She joined Second Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Surrency. Madie served in various departments and ministries of the church, in the choir, Sunday-school, Junior Church, Mother Board and was chosen the Church Mother in 1979. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were the parents of one son, Ivy Jimmie Thomas, who died in December 2004. She had a smile and bright eyes and a lively spirit, a genuinely kind, tenderhearted Christian who loved the Lord. Madie read the Bible everyday and tried to obey the word of God. She loved to help people, especially sharing a meal with people who needed assistance or help. Madie loved people, was an avid lover of the beauty of nature, flowers and life. She loved the young people as well as the old. To know her was to love her and being blessed by her sharing her beautiful smile. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Thomas, a son, Jimmie and nine brothers and sisters. Survivors include one daughter-in-law, Amenzerolee (Pennye) Thomas of Surrency; two grandsons, Wilson Bernard Thomas of Apopka, FL and Gregory Dewitt Thomas of Atlanta; numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews, three first cousins, Ella B. Hall, Elruth Futch, Lona Mae Menefield and many other relatives, church family, and close friends, special, Joann, Leona, Margie, Rosa Roberson, Junior Copeland and Zona Mae; special children in the Lord, Mary Nell Alderman, Tiny Wilcox, Al Stripling, and others including, Bobby Jones, Joyce Gibbs, June Alderman, Linda Smith and Zola Mae. Funeral services for Madie Berry Thomas were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10 at Greater Zachariah Baptist Church in Glennville with the eulogy given by Pastor Leonard Berry. Interment followed in Greater Zachariah Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jesse Alderman, Henry Alderman, Jr., Tony Scott, Craig Scott, Deacon Robert Hill and Doctor Glenn Hill. Honorary pallbearers were Betty Hill, Minister John E. Hill, Mary Hill, Deacon Luke Arnold, Jr., Carolyn Arnold, Henry Alderman, Sr., Mary Nell Alderman, James W. Berry, Second Pleasant Hill Deacons, Bobby Jones, Dorothy Harleston, Deacon Harry Scott, Carolyn Mitchell, Ruben Kirby, Al Stripling, Jesse Alderman, Ollie Berry, Zola Mae Gibbs, Jackie Jones, Helen Hill, Mildred Wilcox, Charles Wilcox, Jackie Alderman, Betty L. Burney, Geraldine Crawley and Josephus Clanton. Musical selections were rendered by Kenneth Woodruff and the choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home (black).
Annie Merle Bowers
Annie Merle Bowers, 87, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at her residence. Mrs. Bowers was born Feb. 3, 1925 in Wayne County, to the late Oscar Dennis Herrin and the late Bessie Blanton Herrin. She was a member of Memorial Free Will Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school. Mrs. Bowers was a great cook and seamstress. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her son, John Edward Bowers; three brothers, Dennis, Earl and J.W. Herrin and six sisters, Estelle Reddish, Verdie Harrison, Vida Pye, Alla Mae Carter, Amie Lee Herrin and Loree Long. Survivors include her husband of 70 years, James "Ed" Bowers of Baxley; two daughters and sons-in-law, Lois (Mike) Sutton of St. Simons Island and Sherry (Glenn) Stone of Baxley; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas (Ima Deane) Herrin of Baxley, and Robert (Betty Jean) Herrin of Surrency; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Annie Merle Bowers were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 at Memorial Free Will Baptist Church with the Revs. Amos McMillan, Darrell Quinn, R. M Warren, Ronnie Rentz and Virgil Carter officiating. Interment followed in church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Bryan Weaver, Brandon Dubberly, Jeremy Bates, Logan Thomas, Josh Smith and Stone Bates. Honorary pallbearers were Jerry and Charlotte Mann, Curt and Bobbie McMillan, Gene and Beth Mann, Larry and Pam Aspinwall, Dr. Erroll and Denise Graham, Southern Care Hospice Group, Memorial Free will Baptist Church Adult Sunday School class, Hilda McCall, Kathleen Overstreet, Susan Quinn, Dr. Erick Bournigal, James and Sue Dixon, Bernie and Dereta Kent, James and Joan Carter, Wanda Powell, Eula Lee Page, James and Melba Rentz, Pete and Brenda Mann and the Rev. Virgil and Betty Carter. Musical selections were rendered by Bryn Coleman, Shelbi Weaver, Kay Eunice, Bryan Weaver and Winton Herrin. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
James Monroe "Rooster" Dixon, III
Corporal James Monroe "Rooster" Dixon, III, 30, died Sunday, February 19, 2012 at his residence from events related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder received while serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps with three tours in Iraq. He was a Purple Heart Recipient in addition to the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Meritorious Mast, Navy Unit Commendation, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Certificate of Commendation, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He graduated from Appling County High School in the top three in his class and went on to Georgia Southern University to receive a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He enjoyed his friends, dog, nieces and military family. Survivors are his parents, Jimmy and Sue Brannen Dixon of Baxley; a sister and brother-in-law, Serran and Larry Aaron of Jesup; nieces, Mallory, McKenzie and Taylor Aaron of Jesup; a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 24, at Memorial Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Amos McMillan, the Rev. Carl Rowell and the Rev. Justin McLellan officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery with U.S. Marine Military Honors. Honorary pallbearers were U.S. Marine friends and the 1999 Class of Appling County High School. Visitation was held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home, 860 U.S. Highway 301, Jesup. Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup, was in charge of arrangements.
Michael Allen Gilkey "Mic"
Michael Allen Gilkey "Mic" left this world peacefully at home Tuesday (Feb. 21, 2012) after a fourteen-year battle with Parkinson Disease. Mic was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and respected Landscape Architect. Mic Gilkey is survived by Kathy Wilson Gilkey, his beloved wife of nearly 39 years; his children, Michael Gilkey, Jr. (Laura) and Gana Gilkey; his grandsons, Banyan Gilkey and Benjamin Gilkey; his mother, Ruth Gilkey and his stepfather, Albert Jewett; his stepmother, Linda Gilkey; his mother-in-law, Ethel Wilson; his siblings, Darlene Hodges (Ken), Dennis Gilkey (Debbie) and Rebecca Moody (Ralph); his sisters-in-law, Judy Wiggins, Donna Carter, Sherry Edwards (Wadis), and Cindy Morris (Johnny), his nieces and nephews and many, many fine friends. Mic was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Gilkey, and his brothers-in-law, Douglas Wilson and Hovis Carter. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 3 at 3:30 p.m. at the residence of a family friend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mic's honor may be made to Neuro Challenge Foundation, dedicated to the fight against Parkinson Disease. Arrangements were made by Toale Brothers Funeral Homes, Sarasota, Florida.
Kathryn Viola O'Quinn Harper
Kathryn Viola O'Quinn Harper, 82, of Surrency, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012 at Colquitt Regional Medical Center in Moultrie. Mrs. Harper was born Nov. 4, 1929 in Appling County, to the late Elvin and Hester Huskey O'Quinn. She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Ms. Harper was a retired seamstress. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Harper, grandson, Scotty Harper and brother, Harold O'Quinn. Survivors include one daughter, Patricia Anderson of Moultrie; one son, Ranze Harper of Surrency; two brothers, Wilbur O'Quinn of Monticello and H. Eugene O'Quinn of Surrency; five grandchildren, Christy Crawford, Grady Anderson, Georgia Millison, Mack Anderson and Charles Anderson; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 in the chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Statum officiating and eulogy given by Teddy O'Quinn. Musical selections were rendered by the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Statum. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Sarah Hughes
Sarah Hughes, 55, of Patterson, died Sunday, February 19, 2012 at her residence. Mrs. Hughes was born March 1, 1956 in Appling County, but had resided in Bacon County for the past 35 years before moving to Pierce County five years ago. She was employed by Altamaha Home Health Care. Sarah was preceded in death by her son, Jamie Hughes, grandson, Danial Reeves; father, Raymond Hughes; sisters, Linda Gail Hughes and Tammy Joe Bullard; and a brother, Columbis Bullard. Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Reeves of Patterson; three sons, Jr. Reeves (Adrien Hines), Tony (Elizabeth) Allen and Raymond Reeves (Tennille Morris), all of Patterson; mother, Nora Clark Davis of Patterson; six sisters, Aline (Eugene) Leggett of Patterson, Mildred (Bobby) Mixon of Homerville, Fay (Don) Driggers of Alma, Gloria (Bill) Cherette of Hazlehurst, Betty (Dan) Colamaio of California and Dianna Boatright of Mershon; three brothers, Buck (Cathy) Bullard of Bristol, Willie (Shelia) Hughes of Waycross and Alvin Hughes of Baxley; twelve grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Sarah Hughes were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 in the chapel of Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home with the Rev. Bryan Gill officiating. Interment followed in Zoar Cemetery in Appling County. Active pallbearers were Chris Hughes, Brian Reeves, Virgil Reeves, Joey Bullard, Randy McCollum and Ronnie McCollum. Musical selections were rendered by the Rev. Bryan Gill. Arrangements were under the direction of Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home in Hazlehurst.
Johnnie Hall
Johnnie Hall, 69, of Fitzgerald, died Tuesday, July 24, 2012. Hall was born Jan. 17, 1943 in Irwin County to the late Glenn Hall and the late Lois Marie Steverson Hall. Survivors include two daughters, Pamela Denise Massey and Sandra Kay Hall, both of Baxley; one sister, Ruby Anderson; one brother, Billy Hall, both of Douglas; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and 10 nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, July 27 at Swain Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bryan Gill officiating. Interment followed in Appling Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers were Josh Boatright, Brandon Carter, Peyton Sutton, Clint Revels, Devin Mincey and Jeffry Dobbins. Honorary pallbearers were Steve (Ped) Harper, Vick Harper, Robin and Travis Sutton, Lori Harper, Dana Francis, Dr. Ludwick's office staff, Lisa and Glenn Pearce, James Williams, Madeline Spires, Pat Long, Katrina Waldron, Mr. Ponder, Glen Caves and Lamar Caves. Musical selections were rendered by Diane Foster. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Irvin S. "Buddy" Higginbotham, Sr.
Irvin S. "Buddy" Higginbotham, Sr., 73, died Saturday, July 21, 2012. Higginbotham was born Feb. 7, 1939 in Jacksonville, FL to the late Frederick Waas Higginbotham and the late Louise Batten Higginbotham. He was a veteran having served in the United States Air Force. He was a member of Morocco Temple Shrine, Albert J. Russell Blue Lodge and Woodmen of the World Life Insurance. Buddy was recognized for Who's Who International of Professionals. Survivors include his wife, Judie P. Higginbotham of Baxley; four sons, I.S. "Bubba" Higginbotham, Brian L. Higginbotham, both of Baxley, M. Dean Higginbotham of North Carolina and Al Campbell of Colorado Springs, CO; one sister, Judy M. Rewis of Jacksonville, FL; three brothers, Fred W. Higginbotham, Jr. of Warrensburg, MO and Gene W. Higginbotham of Camden, S.C. and Lawrence D. Higginbotham of Middleburg, FL; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and 25 nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 25 at Swain Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tommy Davis officiating. Interment followed in Deen Cemetery with Military and Masonic rites. Active pallbearers were Greg Chism, Wayne Griffis, B. J. Crews, Joe Beecher, Garrett Anderson and Jeff Whitaker. Honorary pallbearers were all employees of Bill Williams A/C and all family and friends in attendance. Music was rendered by Billy McKinley. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Jack V. Horn
Jack V. Horn, 82, passed away at his home on July 23, 2012. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Glenwood Hills Baptist Church on Rice Mill Road in Macon. Born in Macon on July 13, 1930, Jack was predeceased by his parents, Lona Freeman and Earl Boyce Horn, and his sister, Barbara Horn Hobbs. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eula Lightsey Horn; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and George Pirkle of Cumming; daughter and son-in-law, Rise and Steve McMillan of Macon; grandchildren Ginger McKneely (Jeff) Lusk, Marie McKneely and Charity Pirkle (Blake) McDaniel; niece, Sherry Hobbs and nephews, Keith and Jonathan Hobbs; and great-grandchildren Jackson and Jacob Lusk. He loved his family, his church, music, Made in America Barbershopping, the US Navy, woodworking and the TV remote. He worked for 41 years with Southern Bell and Bellsouth in Macon, Griffin and Savannah. After retirement he enjoyed 12 years on his wife's family farm in Appling County. He and his wife then returned to his hometown of Macon where they have lived for the last ten years. He was an active church member wherever he lived and was willing to serve in whatever capacity he was needed. At his death he was a member of Riverside United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Beaty Gray Sunday school class. While in Griffin he was an active Kiwanian for 15 years and helped organize the Crescent Council of the Telephone Pioneers of America, serving as its first president. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the local Alzheimer's Association at 886 Mulberry Street, Macon GA 31201. Visit www.maconmp.to express condolences. Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
