James Gregory "Greg" Morris, 52, died Friday, Feb. 24, 2012. Greg was born July 21, 1959 in Appling County, to the late Tom Lawton Morris, Jr. and the late Janet Gail Smith Morris. He was a member of Red Oak Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Marina Morris of Metter; one son, Brett Morris of Baxley; a special friend, Mary Jean Allen of Eastman; two special cousins, Shayne Smith and Nan Marie Miles; one uncle, Mike (Tish) Smith; two aunts, Martha Ann Poppell and Mary Sally Turner and two grandchildren also survive. Funeral services for Greg Morris were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27 in Swain Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Creig Smith officiating. Interment followed in Deen Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Timothy Courson, Jerry Hallman, Kenny Stone, Shayne Smith, Henry Morris and Frank Thornton. Honorary pallbearers were all friends in attendance. Musical selections were rendered by Sandra Smith. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Isabelle Dixon Murkerson
Isabelle Dixon Murkerson, 74, died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 at her residence in Hortense. Ms. Murkerson was born to William Harvey Dixon and the late Emily Barber Dixon Nov. 10, 1937 in Appling County, and had lived in Hortense for the past thirty years. Isabelle was a caretaker and she was disabled. Survivors include one daughter, Lynn (Michael) Brantley of Hortense; three sons, Raymond (Linda) Holton of Yulee, FL, Wade (Omergene) Holton, Roger Holton, both of Hortense; brothers, William H. Dixon Jr. and Willie Gene Dixon, both of Hortense; six grandchildren: Jason Thompson, Shantel Farrante, Sarma Pickett, Candice Thomason, Michael Brantley, Jr., and Brandon Brantley; seven great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Alex, Nicholas, Brennan, Belamy, Landon and Carter; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Isabelle D. Murkerson were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28 in David E. Miles Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Larry Altman officiating. Interment followed in Beckworth-Swinson Cemetery in Appling County. Pallbearers were George "Otha" Murkerson, Michael Brantley, Brandon Brantley, Jason Thomason, Dennie Dixon and Junior Dixon. Honorary pallbearers were Nick Ferrante, Fleming, Pickett, Curtis Knowles, Mike Manning, Scott Manning, Romeo Reyes, Sr. and Romeo (Tiger) Reyes, Jr. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Jane Carter Touchton
Jane Carter Touchton, 75, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2012 in Jacksonville, FL following a brief illness. Jane was born in Baxley, Nov. 1, 1936 to Cecil W. and Lois Beecher Carter. She went to be with her Lord and joined her father, the Rev. Cecil W. Carter (predeceased in 1980) and her son, Michael Howell, (predeceased in 1996), both of Baxley. Jane was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She had a deep and abiding love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was the pianist and organist at Faith Memorial Baptist Church for over 45 years. Ms. Touchton was also known to be a great cook. Her 'yellow bowl' of potato salad, chicken and dumplings, squash casseroles, pie and cakes were always the first to go at church socials. She was known for her devotion to her family, church and friends, her loving kindness and a life served for God. She is survived by her husband, Lloyd Touchton, Sr.; twin daughters, Kathy (Joe) Politano and Karen (Bill) Miller; one son, Lloyd (Jeannie) Touchton, Jr.; her mother, Lois Beecher Carter; one sister, Joan (James) Branch; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Her big smile will be greatly missed, but her gentle spirit will live forever in our hearts. NOTE: Buried Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, Jacksonville, Duval Co, Florida. Obituary published in the Florida Times-Union on January 23, 2012.
Joel R. Cray, Sr.
Joel R. Cray, Sr. died Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Memorial Hospital in Savannah. Cray was born on April 16, 1935 to the late Lesley Cray and the late Ruby Cromartie. He attended Appling County School System. Cray was a lifetime member of Rachel Baptist Church in Baxley. He won the senior citizen award in January of 2012. Joel became the devoted husband of Eva Jean Smith on Sept. 30, 1961. That love brought forth six children. He worked in the turpentine and pulpwood business for most of his public work service. After retiring from pulpwood business he worked in the Appling County School System. In the year of 1970, Joel took into his home and cared for his youngest sister-in-law, Johnnie Mae (Smith) Jackson, whom he would raise until she was 17 years old at which time she got married. In 1978, he took into his fold of arms and lovingly cared for their niece, Marsha (Atwell) Mickens; giving him a grand total of five daughters. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Eva Jean Cray; five daughters, Veler Darcile (Warnell) Bell, Johnnie Mae (Clifton) Jackson, Mary L. Drayton, Mildred R. (Anthony) Richburg, Marsha L. (John) Mickens, all of Baxley; three sons, Joel R. Cray, Jr. of Baxley, Samuel D. Cray, Moses J. Cray, both of Atlanta; one brother, Gene Arthur (Arleta) Cray of Salisbury, Maryland; four sisters-in-law, Mary L. Hines, Pastor Billy (John) Jackson, Kathy (Henry) Ryals, all of Baxley, and Mildred Miller of Soperton; five brothers-in-law, David (Rosetta) Smith of Tampa, FL, Ruben Smith, Jr. of Fort Valley, Pastor Paul E. (Marianne) Smith of Collins, Jackie (Gloria) Smith of Toy, AL, and Mitchell (Betty) Smith of Hazlehurst; one special brother-in-law, Tommy L. Jones; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; nurses of Nurse Plus, Mae Joyner, Evang. Teresa Coley, Kataya Staton, and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 10 at New Life Ministries of Apostolic Faith, Inc. at 98 Alfred Butler Lane in Baxley, with Evangelist Shawn Holmes presiding and eulogy given by Bishop Alfred Butler. Interment followed in Rachel Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Deacon Glenn Dunlap, Jackie Smith, Jr., James Surrency, Jr., James Wright, Tommy L. Jones, Sr. and A. T. Wilkerson. Honorary pallbearers were James McTier, Ruben Smith, Jr., Jackie Smith, David Smith, Paul Smith, Mitchell Smith and Robert James. Musical selections were rendered by Renee Ryals, Minister Trenton Drayton and the choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Arvin Arthur Ketterer
The Rev. Arvin Arthur Ketterer died peacefully on Feb. 24, 2012 at the Pavilion Nursing Facility in Baxley. The Rev. Ketterer was born Oct. 10, 1924 to the late Rev. Fred Douglas Ketterer and the late Mary Adeline Kelley Ketterer. He attended school in the Pine View community and joined Pine View Baptist Church at an early age. Ketterer moved to Florida as young man and became a skilled tradesman building bridges throughout the southeastern region. He returned home to Baxley in 1968. The Rev. Ketterer was an amazing man who helped to mentor many young ministers to the ministry. He overcame the challenge of losing his eyesight at age 44 to become known throughout the community for his many concrete masterpieces, especially the picnic tables and benches that he produced in his home shop. Ketterer's work was the subject of a 1988 Baxley News-Banner article. For many years, each summer, he produced a vegetable garden and often gardened in the early morning hours, long before sunrise to escape the daytime heat. For many years, he served as the Senior Pastor of Pine View Baptist Church in Baxley, where many souls were saved and the gospel was preached to all. Not only was Ketterer a minister of the Gospel, but also a 32nd Degree mason and a member of Baxley Consistory #209 and Sumner Lodge #10. He was preceded in death by is parents, an infant daughter, Josephine Ketterer; sisters, Mary Ketterer Tucker and Beatrice Ketterer Wilson; brothers, Freddie, Harry and McKenzie "Mack" Ketterer. He was married to Josephine Conaway. Survivors include one sister, Annie Ketterer Putman of Washington, D.C.; one brother-in-law, Richard Wilson of White Oak; two nieces and three nephews; two great nieces and four great nephews; four cousins, Carolyn Reaves, Mary Ann Ogden, Leola Richburg and Curtis Howard of Baxley; along with a host of family and friends. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 3 at Pine View Baptist Church with Elder Norris Williams officiating and eulogy given by Bishop Lucious Rogers. Interment followed in Miles Cemetery located on Hutcheson Road in Baxley. Active pallbearers were Baxley Consistory #209 and Sumner Lodge #10. Honorary pallbearers were ministers and deacons of Pine view Baptist Church. Musical selections were rendered by the choir and soloist, Peggy Fletcher. Arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
Jewel Dean (Mama Jewel) Lewis
Jewel Dean (Mama Jewel) Lewis died March 2, 2012 at Satilla Regional Hospital in Waycross. She was born Dec. 15, 1950 in Baxley, to the late Herman and Dorothy Mobley. Jewel was educated in the Appling County School System. She was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers. Survivors include one loving son, Stacy (Melissa) Lewis; one granddaughter, Ashlyn Lewis of Augusta; brothers, Ageless (Pauline) Mobley, William James, Eddie (Sarah) Mobley and Rodney Mobley, all of Baxley; one sister, Latrelle (Freddie) Ogden of Baxley; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews; special friends, Warren Lewis, Jill Roberson, Larry Quarterman, Glenda Howard; special cousin, Teresa Rogers; devoted nieces, Stephanie Williams and Minnie Mobley and a host of sorrowing friends also survive. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 6 at Greater Faith Temple COGIC located at 129 Nails Ferry Road in Baxley, with Supt. James Frank Carter officiating and eulogy given by Elder Norris Williams. Interment followed in Rachel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Baxley. Active pallbearers were Myran Mobley, William Mobley, Jr., Horace Sellers, Shane Mobley, Shawn Mobley and Marlon Fletcher. Honorary pallbearers were Kenny Jones, Reginald Jones and Jimmey Jones.
Musical selections were rendered by the choir and soloist, Tammy Richburg.
Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Wallace "Ball" Thomas, Sr.
Wallace "Ball" Thomas, Sr., 69, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Thomas was born in Baxley, to the late William Frank Thomas and Ruby Pearl Thomas. He retired from Carpenters and Millwright Local 256. He was a member of Faulkville Baptist Church and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Eldora Thomas; children, Melanie Thomas (David Perdue) and Wallace Thomas, Jr. (Christy); grandchildren, Brittany Thomas and Jason McCullough; great-grandson, Nicholas Thomas; three brothers; three sisters and several nieces and nephews. Visitation was held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16, in the chapel of the funeral home. The funeral was held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday in the chapel of the funeral home with burial following at 2:00 p.m. at Ten Mile Baptist Church Cemetery in Appling County. Remembrances may be given to the American Lung Association of Georgia, 6606 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31405.
Thomas C. Strickland and Sons Funeral Homes were in charge of arrangements.
Jimmy Lee Woods
Jimmy Lee Woods, 68, (b. 16 Jun 1942) of Baxley. Date of death March 21, 2012.
Visitation will be held at David E. Miles Funeral Home on Friday, March 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services are schedule for Saturday, March 24 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at the Woods Family Cemetery.
Brandi Dixon Deal
Brandi Dixon Deal, 34, of Screven, died Monday, March 19, 2012 at her residence. The Chatham County native was a homemaker and a member of the Screven Church of God, where she was active with the youth and delivering meals to the shut-ins of Wayne and Appling Counties. She loved her Lord and was a great cook. She was predeceased by maternal grandparents, Hubert and Edith Tyre, and paternal grandparents, Wid and Tyrus Dixon. Survivors are her husband: John Deal of Screven, her mother: Marsha Tyre Dixon of Screven, her father and step-mother: Randy and Lesa Dixon of K-ville; two sisters and brother-in-law, Jade and Adam Lastinger of Screven and Haley Dixon of Whigham; one brother, Taylor Dixon of Whigham, one step-sister, Maci Gilleon of Savannah; two step-brothers, Chael Gilleon of Odum and Daniel Gilleon of Biloxi, MS; sisters-in-law, Becky (Berry) Henderson of Screven and Holly (Shaun) O'Quinn of Jesup; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Randy and Janette Deal of Screven; nieces and nephews, Gage Lastinger of Screven, Heath and Abby Henderson of Screven, J. C. and Brylie O'Quinn of Jesup, Malachi Lightsey of Screven, Chaelen Gilleon of Odum and Sammy Tyre of Screven; including several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services were at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 22, at Screven Church of God with the Rev. Mylan Brookins, the Rev. Terry Jones, and Lowell Hagen officiating. Interment was in Piney Grove Cemetery in Appling County. Active pallbearers were Ethan Hayes, Eli Hayes, Chandler Dixon, Adam Lastinger, Colby Wright, Heath Chestnut and Will Tyre. Honorary pallbearers were No Regrets Drama Team, Team 33 Youth group and the Feeding Ladies of the Screven Church of God. Visitation was held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. The Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of the arrangements.
Myrtice (Polly) Morris DeSmidt
Myrtice (Polly) Morris DeSmidt, 75 (b. Sep. 11, 1936), died Thursday, March 15, 2012 in the Specialty Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. Polly was born in Appling County, and had resided in Jacksonville, FL for the last 35 years. She was retired and before her retirement she was employed with Moose Lodge #42 in Jacksonville, FL. She was the daughter of the late Charles Edward "Charlie" Morris and the late Ellie Holland Morris. In addition to her parents, a son, Chuck Edenfield, also preceded her in death. Survivors include two sons, Karl (wife, Francis) Leister of Jacksonville, FL and Kenneth Carrol Edenfield of Jacksonville, FL; one grandson, Kenneth Carrol Edenfield of Butler, FL; one granddaughter, Casie Karsandra Leister of Brandon, FL; one step-granddaughter, Amanda Sacco of Jesup; one daughter-in-law, Linda Edenfield; one sister, Susan Paul of Florida; one brother, Cecil Morris of Baxley, and one brother-in-law, Roger the Jokster. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at Memorial Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Amos McMillan officiating. Interment followed in church cemetery. Pallbearers were Johnny Morris, Tom Morris, Brandon Morris, Robbie Morris, James Carter and Marlow Waters. Musical selections were rendered by Freda Jones. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.
