Rose Mary "Peaches" Smith, daughter of the late Walter and Ola Mae Smith, born on June 2, 1960 in Baxley, died Thursday, March 22, 2012. She grew up in Appling County. Her fellowship with Christ began at First African Missionary Baptist Church, Baxley, where she was a member of the Singles Ministry and a very proud member of the Total Adoration Praisers (TAP). Rose Mary "Peaches" also had the same love and commitment for the Family and Friends Day Rally as her father. She was educated in the Appling County public schools where she graduated in 1978. Peaches continued her education at South Georgia College in Douglas. The two loves of her life were her children, Brian and Amy. Ms. Smith was employed by Alco in Hazlehurst for many years and later she became a dedicated employer of Fred's Dollar Store where she worked until her health failed. The joys and pleasures of her life were her children, sisters, brothers, relatives and friends of whom God had given her. In addition to her parents, a sister, Barbara A. Johnson and a brother, Elder Norman J. Smith, also preceded her in death. Survivors include one daughter, Amy M. McDew; one son, Brian M. Smith; three sisters, Elaine (Kelly) Moody of Baxley, Mary A. (Edward) Watson of Clinton, S.C. and Carolyn Jones of Baxley; three brothers, Charles E. (Chae) Smith and Adrian (Rosario) Smith of Hinesville; Walter L. Smith of Claxton; one sister-in-law, Katrina Smith of Windsor Hill, MD; three aunts, Louella McTier and Helen Davis of Baxley, and Gloristeen Shaw of Ft. Myers, FL; two uncles, Ben (Hester) Smith of Baxley, and Maxwell Williams of Ft. Myers, FL; one great-uncle, Nathaniel Richardson of Detroit, MI; a devoted neighbor and friend, Sarah A. Ryals; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. Funeral services were held at 12 o'clock noon Wednesday, March 28 at First African Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor J. M. Blair officiating. Interment followed in Old Field Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Baxley. Active pallbearers were Gary Smith, Janos Nails, Gene Smith, Lorenzo Brookins, Lionel Gibbs and Jamie Nails. Honorary pallbearers were Total Adoration Praisers (TAP), and the ACCHS Class of 1978. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.
Henry Damon Tillman
Henry Damon Tillman, 72, of Surrency, died April 14, 2012 at Appling Healthcare System. Tillman was born March 9, 1940 to the Rev. Henry Curtis and Runell Kimbrel Tillman. He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church. Tillman proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and the United States Marines from 1957 to 1986. He was a Sergeant Major E9 82nd Air Borne, SERE, Delta Force and two tours in Vietnam. Tillman was a member of the National Rifle Association and an avid outdoorsman. Survivors include three daughters, Damona QuyNhon Horner (David Allen) of Summerville, S.C., Shanta Runell Salzer (Christopher Nicholas) Summerville, S.C. and Curtiss Jade Tillman of Macon; three sisters, Joyce Glenn of Johns Island, S.C., Rhonda Hadley of LaGrange and Diane Bennett of Surrency; one brother, Wayne Tillman of Smyrna and one granddaughter, Gabriella Elisabeth Salzer of Summerville, S.C. also survives. Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 16 at Bethel United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Whitman officiating. Memorials may be made to Green Beret Foundation, 18756 Stone Oak Pkwy Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78258 or greenberetfoundation.org/donations.html. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Mrs. Velma Smith
Mrs. Velma Smith, 86, of Hazlehurst, died Monday, April 16, 2012. Mrs. Smith was born in Folkston, but had lived most of her life in Hazlehurst. She was the daughter of the late William Mancil and Vermell Bowen Mancil and the wife of the late Wayne Detroit Smith. Mrs. Smith was a school teacher retiring after 35 years with the Jeff Davis County School System. She also taught Adult Literacy for approximately 15 years in Vidalia. Velma was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and was a Sunday School Teacher for many years at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Stan and Mary Ann Smith of Hazlehurst; grandchildren, Shemane and Andy Ramay and Travis and Anna Smith, all of Hazlehurst, and James Drawdy of Statesboro; one sister, Wilma Hursey of Hazlehurst; one brother, Willis Mancil of Waycross; one great-grandson, Trey Ramay of Hazlehurst; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday in Mt. Zion Baptist Church with the Revs. Bill Stone, Dewitt Corbin and Bill Gardner officiating. Interment followed in church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jimmy Watkins, Robert Roddenberry, Kevin Waters, Peanut Waters, Lee Bass and Eddie Clements. Honorary pallbearers were employees of Stan's Pharmacy and nurses at the Pavilion of "C" Hall. Musical selections were rendered by Susan Walker, Sandra Sasser and Pete Johnson. Arrangements were under the direction of Miles Funeral Home in Hazlehurst.
Marie Murray Watson
Marie Murray Watson, 92, of Brunswick, passed away April 21, 2012 at her residence. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 o'clock on April 24th at the Edo Miller Funeral Home with the Elder Ron Scarboro officiating. Burial will follow at the Brunswick Memorial Park and Cemetery with Glenn Leccese, Terry Leccese, Dave Brown, Dwight Brown, Van Watson, and Eric Sizemore serving as pallbearers. Marie was born on August 3, 1919, in Wayne County, and lived in Charleston, and Miami, prior to moving to Brunswick in 1945. Marie was a member of the Grace Place Baptist Church. She was a member of the Golden Harvest Club and previously worked at the Brunswick Manufacturing Company. She attended the Brunswick Multi-Purpose Center regularly, and enjoyed the fellowship with both staff and other seniors. Marie loved gardening, sewing, reading, and could be seen for many years walking at the Glynn Place Mall. At the age of 82, Marie entered the Atlanta Women's 5K Roadrace/Walk where she won first place in her age division, and later completed the Peachtree City Classic Roadrace/Walk at age 84. She loved her church, her children, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her devotion to family and friends will always be remembered as well as her willingness to help others. Mrs. Watson was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Frank Vance Watson, parents NiCannor C. and Lula Griffis Murray, four sisters, Thelma Murray, Bonnie Griffis, Tempie Lightsey, and Rachael Ann Griffis; five brothers, John Jim, George, Russell, and Grady Murray, and one great, great-grandson, Spencer Noah Watson Marie is survived by a son, Vance Watson (Sharon) of Brunswick, daughters Nadine Watson of Rockmart and Linda Watson of Brunswick; seven grandchildren, Glenn Leccese of Brunswick, Terry Leccese of Marietta, Dave Brown (Beth) of Brunswick, Kimberly Stafford of Brunswick, Dwight Brown (Michelle) of Brunswick, Vanessa Sizemore (Eric) of Brunswick, Vance (Van) Watson, Jr. of Brunswick; nine great-grandchildren and three great, great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, Georgia 31525. The family received friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on April 23rd at the Edo Miller Funeral Home, 3321 Glynn Avenue, Brunswick.
Lola O'Quinn Taylor
Lola O'Quinn Taylor, 85, passed away Monday, April 16, 2012. Mrs. Taylor was a native of Surrency, Georgia, and had lived most of her life in Jacksonville (Florida). She was blessed to have had two loving husbands, Vernon O Quinn and Johnny Taylor. She was also preceded in death by four sisters and five brothers. She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Rountree (Kenny); three grandchildren, Joey, Melissa and Ashlei; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 pm Thursday, April 19, in the chapel of Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 1426 Rowe Avenue, with Pastor Joey K. Rountree officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Wednesday (Today) at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Lighthouse Baptist Church, 9777 Ford Road, Bryceville, FL 32009.
Tiesha Kenyetta Davis
Tiesha Kenyetta Davis, 26, made the transition from earth to "Glory" at 181 Bay Street in Baxley. Tiesha was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 25, 1986 to Arthur George Davis of Chicago, IL and Karen Richburg Moore of Baxley. Tiesha completed post-secondary studies at Altamaha Technical School, and was employed as a house parent with Pineland CSB in Baxley. She was a proud and faithful member of the St. Joseph Church of God in Christ Church, where she served as an administrative assistant. Tiesha was truly a blessing to all she came into contact with during her journey. She was always a joy to be around and would always come to the aid of those in need. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, grandchild, niece, cousin and most of all a wonderful friend. Ms. Davis was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lucille Richburg, cousin, Elijah Richburg and her grandfather, Henry Richburg. Survivors include her beautiful children, Jacques Vann, Jalen Chambers and James Vann, Jr., all of Baxley; one sister, Artasha Davis of Chicago; three brothers, Termaine Richburg and Thomas Davis, both of Baxley, and Corey Smith of Chicago; favorite aunt, Missionary Carolyn Holmes of Baxley; aunts, Linda Spencer (Gino) of Chicago, Jessie Fedrick (Horace) of Atlanta and Carrie Phillips (Roger) of Waukegan, Illinois; uncles, Kenneth Richburg and Keith Teague (Ida Sanders), all of Columbus; favorite cousin, Kenneth Terrell Richburg; special friends, Sherri James, Trell Dickers, Tiffany Johnson, Marquetta White, Shanequa Hayes, Dela Williams, Princess Wright and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends. Funeral services for Tiesha Davis were held at 12:00 noon Friday, August 31 from Saint Paul C.O.G.I.C., 639, Highway 121 in Surrency, with Dr. Bryan L. Holmes, Sr. giving the eulogy and Elder Henry Knox, presiding. Interment followed in Old Field Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Michael Jordan, Chris Clements, Sheldon Knight, Dwayne Jones, Michael Davis, Kevin Mitchell, Matt Bentley and Demetrius Carter. Honorary pallbearers were Pineland CSB-Baxley staff, Sherri James, Latrell Dickers, Tiffany Johnson, Dela Williams, Princess Wright, Marquetta White and Shanequa Hayes. Musical selections were rendered by Tremaine Richburg, Peggy Fletcher and the choir. Arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
Virginia Beckworth Beasley Ford
Virginia Beckworth Beasley Ford, 85, passed away Sunday, September 2, 2012 at Memorial Health Center. She was a member of the Eastern Star of Jacksonville. She was preceded in death by her son, Hershel Vennon Beasley; a brother, Harley Daniel Beckworth; a sister, Dora Beckworth Dukes. Survivors are a sister, Olivia Beckworth Ortz of Knoxville, TN, two brothers, James Maxwell Beckworth of Columbia, SC and Robert Holt Beckworth Sr. of Macon, GA; several nieces, nephews and other family also survive. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 5, at 12:00 p.m. at the David E. Miles Funeral Home chapel. Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral on Wednesday. Interment will follow in the Asbury United Methodist Church Cemetery. David E. Miles Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements.
Dorothy Eugenia Phillips James
Dorothy Eugenia Phillips James, 80, passed away Sunday, September 2, 2012 under the care of Hospice of South Georgia. She was a native and lifelong resident of Wayne County; worked at Manhattan Shirt Factory and was a homemaker. She was a wonderful wife, mother and loving grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dallas Leroy James; three brothers, John W. Phillips, Robert Phillips and Paul Phillips and a sister Ruth Waddell. Survivors are one son, Reverend Johnny Fulghun, Sr. and wife Sandy; three daughters, Marie Bowen and husband John, Brenda Dudley and husband Frank and Carolyn McRae and husband David; sixteen grandchildren, Sylvia Powers, Peggy Yarbrough, Holy Madray, Johnny Fulghum, Jr., Christopher Fulghum, Amy Sloan, Sean Bowen, Summer Banks, Brenda Jackson, Laurie Thibodeaux, Katrina Williams, Adam Barnes, Tori Barnes, Melissa Ratliff, Sabrina Smith and Joshua McRae, two sisters, Betty C. Roberson and husband Frank and Joanne Simmons and husband Charlie; several nieces, nephews and other family also survive. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 5, at 3:00 p.m. at Crossroads Church of God with the Reverend Hulett Smith and Reverend Charles Mullis officiating. Visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service on Wednesday. Interment will follow in the Manningtown Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Kevin Thibodeaux, Sean Bowen, Johnny "Bubba" Fulghum, Adam Barnes, James Sloan, Arlin "Lee" Jackson, Cody Jackson, Christopher Fulghum and Dustyn Sloan. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Hospice of South Georgia. David E. Miles Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements.
Dr. Ralph Lightsey
Dr. Ralph Lightsey, a minster of 72 years, age 93, died on Sunday, September 2, 2012 at the Ogeechee Area Hospice Inpatient Facility. Born in Appling County, in 1918, he moved to Statesboro, in 1965, where he lived until his death. Dr. Lightsey received his A.B. Degree from Mercer University in 1945; a B.D. Degree in Theology from Emory University in 1951; a Masters in Theology from Columbia University in 1955 and a Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Georgia in 1965. He was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1940; he served churches in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and Mississippi. After serving as an active pastor for more than 52 years, he served as a supply speaker at more than 50 churches in Bulloch and surrounding counties. In addition, he was an educator. He served 16 years as Professor of Educational Research at Georgia Southern University and as an assistant to the Vice-President. Upon his retirement, the Board of Regents conferred on him the title of Professor Emeritus of Educational Research. In keeping with his concern for his fellow human being, he received the Dean Day Smith Service to Mankind Award. He was also the original owner of Lightsey Construction Company, Inc. The family would like to express their appreciation to his special caregivers, Gloria Dekle and Chyrl Johnson. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Wavine Reeves Lightsey, of Statesboro; a daughter and son-in-law, June and Van Pool of Statesboro; a son and daughter-in-law, Nelson and Diane Lightsey of Statesboro; two grandsons, Scot (Tifani) Pool of Tybee Island, and Jameson (Diana) Lightsey of Statesboro; a granddaughter, Shera (Chris) Harper of Nashville, GA; and a sister, Ruth Johnson of Waycross. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 until 11:00 at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home with the Rev. Julian Ward, the Rev. William "Buddy" Morris and Dr. John Waters officiating. Interment will be in Eastside Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dr. Billy Nessmith, Perry Yawn, Coley Cassedy, Jerry Parker, John Flake and Howard Nessmith. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Harmony-Fellowship Sunday School Class. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459. Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Buster Joe Price
Rainge Memorial Chapel of Blackshear announces the passing of Buster Joe Price, age 70, of 288 Donnie Lewis Lane, Baxley, who passed Thursday, August 30, 2012 at his residence with loved ones at his bedside. Funeral service for Mr. Price will be held Saturday, September 8, at 2:00 p.m., at Surrency Grove Baptist church in Surrency. The Rev. Daniel Smith and Bishop Leonard Gibbs will bring words of comfort. The cortege will assemble at the residence at 1:00 p.m. A visitation and receiving of friends for Buster will be held Friday, Sept 7, from 6:00 7:00 p.m., at C. M. Brown Funeral Home Chapel in Baxley. Buster Joe Price was born in Summerville, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Buster and Chasia Moore Price. He was educated in Wayne County. He was a successful businessman, owning his own logging company for years. He enjoyed fishing, building bird houses and tables and attending his flower garden. Preceding him in death other than his parents were: two brothers, three sisters, one daughter and one grandchild. He leaves to cherish his memories; a loving and devoted wife, Dorceil Price of Baxley, three sons: Roger Price of Ozark, Al.; Marcus Price and Affrain Baker both of Folkston; Four daughters: Lorie Price of Lacey, Washington; Cheryl Dingle of Jesup, Ga.; Glenda Faye McNeely of Hinesville; and Denese McNeely (A. C. Smith) of Lumber City, three sisters: Ruth (Rayfield) Harkness of Norwalk, Ohio; Nancey (Arthur) White of Summerville; and Sarah Ruth Thompson of Summerville and one brother: Ray Thompson of Summerville. A special granddaughter Kiana McNeely. A very close friend, Erica Cromatie of Waynesville. A very special niece and nephew, Emma Chaney of Washington, D.C., and Jerome Thompson of Folkston. A special friend, Nell Byrd of Brunswick, and a host of other relatives, and sorrowing friends. The family asks that flowers be sent to 288 Donnie Lewis Lane, Baxley, GA. Rainge Memorial Chapel, Inc., of Blackshear, is in charge of arrangements.
