A devoted mother, grandmother, sister and church member, Lola Nails, of Norwalk, CT, died Thursday, July 5, 2012. Lola was born May 9, 1944 to the late Lonell and Sarah Ethel Nails in Baxley, where she was raised and attended school. Upon relocating to Connecticut, she was employed at Myers Manufacturing Company and Caldor in Norwalk, CT for many years. Lola was also a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Norwalk, CT for many decades. In addition to her parents, Lola was preceded in death by a sister, Frances Spearmon, a brother, Joe Nails and two brothers-in-law, Roosevelt Coleman and Charles Winston. Survivors include one daughter, Jacquelyn Morgan of Norwalk, CT; two granddaughters, Sharmane Morgan of Baltimore, MD and Alicia Phillips of Norwalk, CT; two great-grandchildren, Ariel and Amir Stover of Nowalk, CT; nine sisters, Sarah Coleman of Wildwood, FL, Violene Williams, Willmena (Vernell) Harris, Mary Nails and Mattie Nails, all of Baxley, Clara (Kenny) Young of Leesburg, FL, Louise Winston of Mobile, AL, Essie (James) Bullock and Ethel L. Nails of Norwalk, CT; four brothers, Artic (Martha) Nails of Norwalk, CT, Curtis (Lawanda) Nails and Robert Nails both of Baxley, and Carlos Nails of Jesup; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services for Lola Nails were held at 12 o'clock noon July 12 at Mizpah Baptist Church in Baxley, with Minister Romanita Bennamon officiating. Interment followed in Blarney Community Cemetery in Baxley. Active pallbearers were nephews and cousins. Honorary pallbearers were Graduating Class of 1963 of Appling County Consolidated High School and St. James Missionary Baptist Church of Norwalk, CT. Musical selections were rendered by Kristy R. Bennett, Valerica Nails, Roseanne Walker and Aaron Thompson. Arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home (black).
Jerry Wayne Thompson
Jerry Wayne Thompson, 66, died Sunday, July 8, 2012 at his residence. Thompson was born June 14, 1946 in Opelika, AL. He was a member of Harmony Baptist Church. Thompson was a retired police officer with Atlanta Police Department, a painting contractor and store merchant and was known as Papa Jerry's. He was a fine-fine man and was a gentleman. He was preceded in death by his father, Glennie Thompson and a brother, Roy Thompson. Survivors include is wife, Teresa Thompson of Baxley; two daughters, Heather Lynn of Elberta, AL and Rhonda Priest of Buford; one son, Todd Thompson of Panama City Beach, FL; his mother, Polly Chandler Thompson of Baxley; three sisters, his twin, Geraldine Sealing of Baxley, Linda Smith of Albany and Margaret Stidham of Doraville; one step-son, Rocky W. Jacobs; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and six nieces and nephews also survive. Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 12 in Swain Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sam Holland officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to offset the funeral expense to Swain Funeral Home, P. O. Box 536, Baxley, GA 31515. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Clara Lee Davis
Clara Lee Davis, age 80, passed away Saturday, July 7, in Appling Health Care. She was born September 22, 1931, in Appling County, and had resided here all of her life. Clara Lee was disabled and was a member of Midway Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Annie Bell Gurley, Beluah Crosby, and a brother Howard Davis and she was the daughter of the late Joe Davis and the late Irene Griffin Davis. She is survived by Fonnie Mae Rowell of Baxley, Rita Jean Norris of Starke, FL., Carolyn Weaver of Baxley, Charlene Lynch of Baxley, and Ruth Carter of Baxley: one brother Earl Davis of Baxley: several nieces and nephews also survive. Visitation was held Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Williamson, the Rev. Rick Brown and the Rev. Billy Gardner officiating. Music was provided by the Rev. Billy Gardner, Shannon Davis and the Ladies of the Pavilion, Donna Gray, Christine Shuman and Linda Ogden. Internment followed in Omega Cemetery. Active pallbearers are Jeff Lott, Randy Weaver, Harrell Lynch, Ricky Weaver, Randall Norman, Shannon Davis and Aaron Weaver. Honorary pallbearers were the residents and staff of the Pavilion, Danny Stone and Earl Dean Griffin. The family assembled at the home of Fonnie Mae Rowell on Edgerton St. in Baxley. David E. Miles Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements.\
Deacon Ellis Fields, Sr.
Funeral services for Deacon Ellis Fields, Sr., who died July 6, 2012, were held Friday, July 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Isle of Hope Baptist Church in Uvalda. The Rev. Alvin Alexander, II, presided and Bishop L. C. Rogers officiated. Interment followed in Isle of Hope Cemetery. Fields was the oldest son of the late Charlie W. Fields and the late Lola Davis Fields. He was 105 years old. His wife, Hettie Jackson, sons, Ellis Jr., Thomas and Charlie Hubert and daughters, Allie, Henrietta, Carol, Ernestine, Bernadine, and his siblings, Etta Mae William, George Fields, Ressie Gullatt, Josie smith, Charlene Robinson and Sarah Williams, all preceded him in death. Deacon Ellis Fields had a short formal education. The need for education came second to the needs of his family; therefore he left school at an early age to help his father on the family farm. He was not shortened in education, his mother taught him to read and to write using various literary materials such as the Bible, newspaper and other printed sources found at home. The skills Ellis obtained from his parents would afford him an incredible life as a successful farmer/landowner, homeowner and businessman. He mastered the skills of farming and was often referred to as a walking almanac. He learned how to successfully produce crops such as cotton, tobacco and corn, and was excellent at raising livestock. His exemplary moral character was recognized at an early age. Ellis was a mere teenager when he was made deacon of Isle of Hope Baptist Church. He was a man who could see the best in people. His mission in church was to help bring out this potential in everyone. Ellis and his family traveled by ferry down the Altamaha River to settle in Jeff Davis County. After resettling in Jeff Davis County, Ellis became a deacon at Morgan Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Graham. His keen intellect and wisdom was utilized for years as a Sunday school teacher at Morgan Chapel and also a Master Mason of Sumner Lodge No. 10, Baxley District No. 17. He was a member of the NAACP and served as a personal advisor to many in his public and private life. Over his 105 years of life, Deacon Ellis held many positions within the communities, which he and his family lived. He retired from Appling County School System/Board of Education after many years of faithful service. On Aug. 7, 2006, Ellis was honored by the Appling County Board of Commissioners and Appling County Board of Education, as a successful retired businessman, a devoted retired public servant and a prominent citizen of the Appling community for his unselfish service to his community. Deacon Ellis was an active leader in is family, church, and community. His commitment to excellence made his life one to be emulated by both youths and adults alike. He was given the key to the City of Baxley by Mayor Steve Rigdon for his accomplishments and on Aug. 12, 2006, a letter of inspiration was written by Governor Sonny Perdue thanking him for contributing to the well being of his family, his community and the state of Georgia. He is survived by his three daughters, Janie (late James O., Sr.) Fletcher of Graham, Jettie Mazie (late Newton) Vann of Hazlehurst and Jeanette Jackson of Charlotte, N.C.; one son, Kaido Fields of Graham and one son-in-law, Ralph Pitts of Atlanta. He was a loving and dedicated father to 12 children, grandfather of 54, great-grandfather to 55, great-great-grandfather of 68. He has one great-great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Active pallbearers were Jeffrey Fields, James Fletcher, Jr., Earl Fields, Carey Vann, Arnold Stephens, Roy Dale Stephens, Vincent Fields and Marcus Vann, III. Honorary pallbearers were Masonic Brothers and grandsons. Musical selections were rendered by Peggy Fletcher and Uvalda Community Choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Earl Griffin, Sr.
Earl Griffin, Sr., 72, died Friday, July 13, 2012 in Community Hospice in Vidalia. Earl was born Nov. 22, 1939 in Ocilla to the late Rev. Ashley Griffin and the late Emma Gray Griffin. He was a member of Damascus Primitive Baptist Church of Mershon*, where he served as a deacon. Griffin was a veteran having served in the United States Air Force. He was a retired educator and was retired from the railroad. Earl was preceded in death by his sister, Lillian Fletcher, and four brothers, Albert, Barney, Virgil and John David Griffin. Survivors include his wife, Faye King Griffin of Baxley; two daughters, Robin and Joe Taylor Baxley and Racheal Griffin-Jackson of Athens; one son, Earl Griffin, Jr. of Baxley; one sister, Jean Buchan of Douglas; two brothers, Wiley Griffin of Fitzgerald and Herman Griffin of Lake City, FL; three granddaughters, Haleigh Taylor, Casey Taylor, Jessica Jackson and a grandson, Griffin Jackson, and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, July 16 at Swain Funeral Home Chapel with Elders Charles Tyson and Herman Griffin officiating. Interment followed in Damascus Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Mershon*. Active pallbearers were Griffin Jackson, Johnny Pendarvis, Tommy Griffin, Jeffrey King, Lee King, Max Roberson, Eric King and Randy Roberson. Musical selections were rendered by Floyd Hunter and David Williams. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
(* Cemetery not in Mershon. It is located in Coffee, Bacon Co, GA)
Louise Edwards Marsh
Louise Edwards Marsh, 67, died Friday, July 13, 2012 at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro. Mrs. Marsh was born Jan. 18, 1945 in Greenville, S.C. to the late R. Lee Edwards and the late Olive Hollis Edwards. She was a member of Melton's Chapel Methodist Church. Louise was preceded in death by a sister, Elaine Adams and a brother, Robert Stephen Edwards. Survivors include her husband, Roger Marsh of Baxley; one daughter, Lynn Marsh of Baxley; one son, Al and Sandra Marsh of Alamo; two sisters, Martha Lee Stone and Peggy Stone, both of Baxley; grandchildren, Tyler Marsh and wife, Jenilyn, Justin Marsh, Bradley Marsh and special family, Becky and Dwight Griffis and Travis Coffman and a host of nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 16 at Swain Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bernie Khaw and the Rev. Ricky Rushing officiating. Interment followed at Melton's Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Steve Craven, Stan Harris, Josh Stone, Marc Johnson, Mathew Johnson and Brent Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were Harry Moses Construction. Musical selections were rendered by Carolyn Edwards. Remembrances may be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Georgia Chapter, 3715 Northside Parkway Building 400, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30327. Arrangements were under direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Jesica Lynn Oliver
Jesica Lynn Oliver, 18, died in a car accident July 16, 2012. Jesica was born Apr. 22, 1994 in Jesup and had resided in Baxley, since 2010. She was a member of 2013 graduating class of Appling County High School. She loved to listen to her radio; she loved her computer and loved to make people laugh. She was preceded in death by her daddy, Robert Brinson Oliver and a brother, Justin Brinson "Red" Oliver. She left behind a son, Karloz Mortera and her very special friend, Gustavo "Angel" Mortera; her mother, Evelyn Roach; a sister, Allison Jean Oliver; brother, John Robert Oliver; sisters, Terrie Oliver and Kim Latham, all of Jesup; brother, Robin Oliver and sister, Annie Goims of Atlanta; grandparents, Eugene and Dianne Roach of Surrency and two special aunts, Imma Smith and Phyllis Oliver Jones; and two special nephews, Brinson and Trey Durance also survive. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 19 at David E. Miles Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dennis Bryant and the Rev. Chris Ogden officiating. Interment followed in Thompson Cemetery in Wayne County. Active pallbearers were Zachary Higginbotham, Brandon Kyle Carver, Larry Ginner, James Aaron Stevens, Jason Kersey and Shane Slater. Honorary pallbearers were the Appling County Class of 2013. Musical selections were rendered by Jordan Ball, Katelyn Sapp, Cameron Harrelson and Ann Stone. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Mamie Lou Ahl
Mamie Lou Ahl, 89, passed away Tuesday, November 27, at Pigeon Forge Care and Rehabilitation Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. She was a native of Appling County, and a member of Bethesda Baptist Church in Dublin. She was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Ahl; parents, William E. and Lela Carter; four sisters, Zeda Carter, Bea Carter McClain, Molly Carter Holton and Audrey Carter Calloway and three brothers, Staten Carter, Willis Carter and Wade Carter. Survivors include three daughters, Martha (Carl) Crosby of Blackshear, Ammie (Johnny) Humphries of Danville, and Marilyn (Herb) Heichelbech of Sevierville, TN; a son, Jimmie (Jamie) Ahl of Sulphur, LA; nine grandchildren, Carla (Don) Nipper of Jacksonville, FL, Charles (Mona) Crosby of Waycross, Lamar Humphries of Danville, Angel (Ben) Pennington of Lumberton, TX, Eric (Summerly) Humphries of Cochran, Melinda (Bill) Howell of Pigeon Forge, TN, Chris Kitchens of Seymour, TN, Tim Ahl of Houston, TX and Tyra Ahl of Houston, TX; nine great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren; a sister, Inez Hunter of Baxley; several nieces, nephews and other family members also survive. Visitation was held Friday, November 30, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside funeral services were held Saturday, December 1, at 11:00 a.m. at Carter Cemetery with the Reverend Wayne Williamson officiating and music by Floyd Hunter. Interment followed. Active Pallbearers were Lamar Humphries, Eric Humphries, Levi Thrift, Charles Crosby, Ryan Crosby, Dylan Crosby and Ben Pennington. The family would like to give a special thank you to the faculty and staff at Pigeon Forge Care and Rehabilitation Center for the love and special care that was given to Mrs. Ahl. Miles-Nobles Funeral Home, David E. Miles Chapel was in charge of these arrangements.
Burlester "Junior" Lamar Tillman, Jr.
On Nov. 19, 2012 the Lord called The Rev. Burlester "Junior" Lamar Tillman, Jr. home. He was born Nov. 25, 1944 in Baxley. He attended the public schools of Appling County, and later went on to The Fort Valley State College, in Fort Valley. Furthering his education, he also attended Nursing School and Emory-Candler School of Theology of Atlanta. Burlester was one of the first EMT's and Bus Drivers of Appling County. At an early age he joined Harper Chapel United Methodist Church where he served as Trustee, the organist and director of the Senior and Junior choirs, a Sunday-school officer and a part of the United Methodist Men. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #10. He was a pastor in the United Methodist Churches in the Statesboro and Waycross Districts. Burlester joined and became pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Sylvania. He was also a member of the True Spirit Gospel Singers of Statesboro and other local singing groups. During his quest in life he had the opportunity to host the WSLT 88.5 Radio Station in Statesboro. Last but not least, he pastored the Foundation Open Bible Ministries in Statesboro. His parents, Sis. Elizabeth and Deacon Burlester Lamar Tillman, Sr. preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Jacquelyn Tillman of Baxley; three children, Anthony (Amy) Tillman of Baxley, Andrea Katina Tillman of Waycross and Allen (Devon) Tillman of Bluffton, S.C.; one sister, Nancy (Charles) Franklin of Hinesville; two brothers-in-law, Samuel Battle and Clarence Hill; two sisters-in-law, Mary Hill and Bette Dunson; uncles, Roland (Annie Bea) Rooks, Norman (JoAnn) Rooks, Isaac (Evelyn) Isom; aunts, Alene Rooks, Ruby Lee Rooks, A'lretta Wooten and Joanna Rooks; five grandchildren, Tyler Rogers, Tyrese Caldwell, Aiden Tillman, Daniela and Kimberly Perry and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24 at Harper Chapel United Methodist Church in Baxley, with Dr. Nancy Tillman-Franklin giving the eulogy, and the Rev. Wayne Rogers presiding. Interment followed at Old Field Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers were cousins. Honorary pallbearers were musicians, choirs and Gospel groups. Musical selections were rendered by the Rev. FaR'ell Malone, Anthony Tillman and a combined choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Luther Gordon "L.G." Beecher
(May 9, 1932 - November 18, 2012)
Luther Gordon "L.G." Beecher, 80, passed away Sunday, November 18, at Candler Hospital in Savannah, after an extended illness. He was a native and lifelong resident of Baxley. He was a Charter Member and Trustee of Faith Baptist Church where he taught the Senior Saints Sunday School Class since 1993. He was a former Deacon and Sunday School teacher for over 30 years at Friendship Congregational Christian Church. He loved his family, gardening, growing flowers with Mrs. Christine and riding his tractor. He enjoyed supplying friends and family with watermelon. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman and he loved the Lord. Survivors include his wife, Christine J. Beecher of Baxley; a daughter, Myrtle B. Johnson and husband Buddy of Hoschton; a son, Luther Jerry Beecher and wife Chrystal of Baxley; three sisters, Carolyn Hazzard and husband Junior of Savannah, Roberta Williams of Glennville and Henrietta Campbell and husband Bill of Baxley; a brother, Harold Beecher and wife Dorothy of Canoochee; seven grandchildren Ryan Beecher, Eric Beecher, Jody Beecher, Keith Beecher, Haylei Beecher, Luke Beecher and Jamie Yarbrough; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other family also survive. Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 20, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 21, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church with the Reverend Gary Congers, the Reverend Larry Morgan and the Reverend Tommy Daniels officiating. Active pallbearers were Ryan Beecher, Eric Beecher, Jody Beecher, Jamie Yarbrough, Bradley Morgan and Ben Campbell. Honorary pallbearers were the members of Faith Baptist Church. Interment followed at Friendship Church Cemetery. Miles-Nobles Funeral Home, David E. Miles Chapel was in charge of these arrangements.
