Furman T. Ellis
Furman T. Ellis, 84, of Beaufort, SC, passed away Thursday, March 25, 2004 in the Beaufort Memorial Hospital. He was born January 19, 1920 in Hazlehurst. Ellis was the son of the late Clarence G. Ellis and Belle Dixon Ellis. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired from civil service at Beaufort Naval Hospital. Ellis helped form American Federation of Government Employees Union in the 1960's for employees of the Naval Hospital and served as AFGE's president for 14 years. He was a mason and was an avid hunter. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mattie B. Ellis of Beaufort, SC; one daughter, Carolyn J. Young of Baltimore, MD; five sons, Clinton M. Ellis of Bluffton, SC, Clayton R. Ellis of St. Helena Island, Robert F. Ellis of Hampton, SC; James E. Ellis of Lake City, SC and Kenneth W. Ellis of Burton, SC; one sister, Malzie Cleland of Baxley; one brother, Raymond Ellis of Jacksonville, Fla.; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren also survive. Grave Side services were held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27 in Satilla Cemetery in Jeff Davis County with the Rev. Chip Woodruff officiating. Miles Funeral Home in Hazlehurst was in charge of the arrangements.

Anthany Lowell Lightsey
Anthany Lowell Lightsey, 44, of Lawrenceville, passed away on March 24, 2004 at his residence. He was born May 5, 1959 to Lowell France Lightsey and Sue Nell Justus Lightsey. Anthany was the grandson of the late Noel Justus and Louellen Justus Prince and Hiram Lightsey and Rena Bowles Lightsey. He was a member of Collins Hills Baptist Church and was a Missionary traveling the world spreading the Gospel. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m. in the Beck Funeral Home Chapel in Clayton with the Rev. Billy Driskell officiating. Burial followed in Mountain Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Beck Funeral Home of Clayton was in charge of the arrangements.

Robert L. Overstreet
Robert L. Overstreet, 61, of Baxley, died Thursday, March 25, 2004 at his residence after an extended illness. A native of Moultrie, he had lived in Appling County most of his life. Robert was a member of Altamaha Baptist Church and a retired mechanic. He is survived by two daughters, Brenda Lee Rencarge of Rogersville, AL, and Janet Lee Spires of Chauncey; two sons, Edward Overstreet of Baxley and Robert Lee Overstreet of Winder; one sister, Norma Jean Green of Baxley;12 grandchildren , one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held Saturday , March 27 at 3:00 p.m. from the chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul Dubberly and the Rev. Lonnie Weaver officiating. Interment followed in the Baxley Graveyard Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Kelly Wendell Bryant, Malcolm Hall, Johnny Nettles, David Rencarge, Tommy Rencarge and Shane Rencarge. Musical selections were rendered by Sandra Nettles. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Jordan Winn
Jordan Winn,19, of Decatur, died Tuesday, March 23, 2004. He was a student at the Open Campus High School and attended church at Central Presbyterian. He loved to fish and snow ski and wanted to race go carts after high school. He is survived by his father, William "Bill" Jordan; mother, Janice "Jan" Jordan; sister, Allison Jordan; aunt, Lyn Weldon and her husband, Jim; and two cousins. Funeral services were held in the Chapel of A.S. Turner and Sons at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 26 with Dr. Frank Crumpler officiating. Interment followed in Kennesaw Memorial Park. Arrangements were under the directions of A.S. Turner & Sons.

Gloria Jean Bowman
Gloria Jean Bowman, 55, of Baxley, died Monday, Jan. 19 in the Appling HealthCare System after an extended illness. A native of Massachusetts she had lived in Appling County since 1995. She was a member of First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Bowman was born Feb. 14, 1948 to the late Theodore Henry Thrasher and the late Matilda Bradford Kinney Thrasher. She is survived by her husband, Ben Bowman of Baxley; three daughters, Diane Bowman, Wanda Bowman and Sherry Bowman; one son, Teddy Bowman; one brother, Donald Trasher of Taunton, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 22 at 3:00 p.m. from the chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Rev. Randy Mosley officiating. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Derek Park, Michael Mayers, Gary Hanson, Greg Hanson, Wally Marr and Kelly Bird. Musical selections were rendered by Cherry Platt. Swain Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Herbert L. "Tip Top" Courson
Herbert L. "Tip Top" Courson, 89, of Jesup, died Monday, Jan. 19, 2004 peacefully at his home after an extended illness. The Appling County native had lived in Wayne County most of his life and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He was a retired bread salesman with Tip Top Bread Company of Jacksonville, Fla., and was a former Landscaper, and a U.S. army Veteran of World War II with Military police. Courson was preceded in death by a daughter, Annette Courson. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Estelle S. Courson of Jesup; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanette and John Colson of Jacksonville, Fla., Donna and Ruben Martinez of Jesup; three sons and daughters-in-law, Butch and Kay Courson, Robert and Elaine Courson and Johnny and Sheri Courson, all of Jesup; one sister, Clara Wages of Atlanta; two half-sisters, Mary Lee Taylor of Savannah and Odell Dyal of Baxley; one half-brother, Jimmie Courson of Baxley; one sister-in-law, Willie Ruth Courson; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 from Rinehart & Sons Chapel with the Rev. Vann Dempsey and the Rev. Larry Harris officiating. Interment followed in Jesup City Cemetery with military honors. Active pallbearers were Joey Venturelli, Justin Courson, Jonathan Courson, Joe Venturelli, John Colson and Weldon Nash. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Stone, Lowell Stone, Kendall Stone, H.L. Spell, Harry Spell, Jerome Wilson, Donald Holland, and the S.L. Mills Adult Mens II Sunday School Class of Calvary Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of South Georgia, 1247 S. First St., Jesup, Ga., 31545. The Rinehardt & Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of the arrangements.

Ellen Douglas
Ellen Douglas, 90, of Royal Palm Beach, Fla., formerly of Baxley, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004 in John F. Kennedy Hospital in Lake Worth, Fla. after an extended illness. A native of Tattnall County, she lived in Appling County most of her life, before moving to Royal Palm Beach in 2000. She was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church and was the owner of Ellen's Upholstery. Mrs. Douglas was born March 21, 1913 to the late Martin Clepphus Moore and the late Debby Herrington Moore. She was the widow of Charles Douglas. She is survived by one son, Foster Sellers, two stepsons, Gerald Sellers and Roe Sellers, both of Savannah; one brother, Herman Moore of Jacksonville, Fla.; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 23 at 11:00 a.m. from Woodlawn Baptist Church with the Rev. Al Butler and the Rev. Rick Brown officiating. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery. Musical selections were rendered by Dale Spell, Debbie Griffis and April Hesters. Swain Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Wilfordine Royal Godbee
Wilfordine Royal Godbee, 68, of Port Wentworth, died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004 in the St. Joseph Hospital in Savannah after a short illness. A native of Appling County she had lived in Port Wentworth for the past 42 years. She was a member of Port Wentworth Methodist Church. Mrs. Godbee was born Oct. 28, 1935 to the late Wilford Royal and the late Lorene Peacock Royal. She was the widow of Carl Benjamin Godbee. She is survived by two sons, Ned Steve Godbee of Port Wentworth and James Keith Godbee of Garden City; two brothers, William Royal of St. Simons Island and Kenneth Royal of Jesup. Funeral services were held Sunday, Jan. 25 at 3:00 p.m. from the chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Rev. Barry Teutsch officiating. Interment followed in Baxley Graveyard Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Johnny Peacock, Windell Nail, Charles Nail, Chuck Nail, Mike Cleland and Eddie Cleland. Swain Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Richard Theodore Lapham
Richard Theodore Lapham, 96, died at Baptist Village, Waycross on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004. Richard was born Jan. 27, 1907 in Chicago, IL to Theodore and Harriet Lapham. He spent most of his youth in Chicago where he attended the American Conservatory and took piano lessons from Lee Sims. After the death of his father, the family moved to Bee Ridge, Fla. where he built a home. During WWII he worked for Dooley's in Ft. Lauderdale as a 1st Class Boat Builder. Music was always part of his life and he was a piano player for several dance band and even got to sit in once with The Lawrence Welk Band. He worked as a cabinet maker after the war meeting Lou Jacobs, the clown with Ringling Brothers Circus. They became friends and attended the Lion Club together. He became a Christian later in life and enjoyed playing the organ at several churches. Surviving are his wife, Ruth Lapham; one daughter, Barbara Zumwalt of Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.; one son, John Lapham of Yakima, WA; two step-sons, Fred Purcell of Baxley and Roger Purcell of Canberra, Australia; two grandchildren, Mary and Bear; one nephew, Art Lapham of Green Valley, AZ. He donated his body to science.

Maebell C. Cardin
Maebell C. Cardin, 97, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2003 in the Jeff Davis Hospital after an extended illness. She was a native of Moultrie, but had lived in Hazlehurst most of her life. Mrs. Cardin was a homemaker and a member of Bell Street Church of God. She was the daughter of the late Jack E. Cardin and the late Fannie Pollack Cardin. She was the widow of James W. Cardin. She is survived by one granddaughter, Janice Smith of Baxley; three great grandchildren, Christy Riner of Hazlehurst, Clarissa Smith and Ben Smith of Baxley; and one great great grandson, Dylan Riner of Hazlehurst. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 in the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with the Rev. James Wilcox officiating. Interment followed in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Jeff Davis County. Active pallbearers were Ernest Kersey, Jr., Charles Colson, J.E. Riner, William B. Handcock, Sr. and Steve Creech. Musical selections were rendered by Donna Whitaker. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.

Nell Carolyn Vaughan
Nell Carolyn Vaughan, 86, of Lake Park, died Thursday, Nov. 20 in Valdosta after an extended illness. She was born March 30, 1917 in Powder Springs to the late Boyd Vaughan and the late Willie Graham Vaughan. Ms. Vaughan had lived in Appling County most of her life before moving to Lake Park two years ago. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and was retired from Filtered Rosin Products. She was preceded in death by her brother, J.W. (Bill) Vaughan, Sr., and a nephew, J.W. (Jimmy) Vaughan. She is survived by her niece, Carole (John) Wild, of Lake Park; three great nephews, G.W. Tibbetts III (Jessica) of Gainesville, Fla., Christopher Tibbetts of Calhoun, James Andrew Vaughan of Carrollton; one great niece, Julie Tibbetts Rowland (Daniel) of Valdosta; first cousins, Hoke Floyd of Baxley and Frances Stillwell of Tyler, TX; and several second cousins also survive. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 11:00 a.m. from the chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Rev. Randy Mosley officiating and Eulogy given by Christine Tibbetts. Active pallbearers were Grover Walter Tibbetts III, Christopher William Tibbetts, Daniel M. Rowland, Mark Barnes, Payne Eason, Jimmy Harden and Bill Bowers. Those desiring to make donations, may make it to Hospice. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Lorraine Murray Rainwater
Lorraine Murray Rainwater, 85, died Saturday, Nov. 29 in Augusta after an extended illness. She was a life long resident of Appling County and a member of Zion Church of God. Mrs. Rainwater was born Oct. 21, 1918 to the late Lonnie Lightsey and the late Nolie Altman Lightsey. She was the widow of Bryce Rainwater. She is survived by three daughters, Geraldine Nail and Annette McTier, both of Augusta and Gracie Van Veldhuizen of Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.; two sons, Herman Murray and Wilbur Murray, both of Odum; two sisters, Faye Reynolds of Pratt, AL and Aldeen Driggers of Screven; 10 grandchildren and several great grandchildren also survive. Graveside services were held Sunday, Nov. 30 at 4:00 p.m. from Big Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Wayne County with Elder Jerry Lightsey and the Rev. Jerry Newell officiating. Musical selections were rendered by Veda Nell Fowler. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Zion Church of God. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Dollie B. Aldridge
Dollie B. Aldridge, 87, died Monday, September 22, 2003 in the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Jesup after a long illness. She was born November 7, 1915 in Bacon County and had resided in Surrency most of her life. Dollie was retired from Miller Western Wear and she was a member of Surrency Community Bible Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Aldridge and was the daughter of the late Ruben Boatright and the late Evoline Eason Boatright. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Betty and J.E. Spell of Brunswick; one son, Wilton M. Aldridge of Baxley; one brother, Lamar Boatright of Mershon; one brother-in-law, Marvin Aldridge of Vidalia; one sis, Allie Mae Padgett of Alma; three grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 26 from Surrency Community Bible Church with the Rev. Carlton Rowell officiating and eulogy by Cathy Rowell. Interment followed in Surrency Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jamie Spell, J.R. Spell, Jeramie Spell, Jonathan Durrence, Michael Durrence and Jessica Spell. Honorary pallbearers were Mr. and Mrs. John E. Tillman, Francis Daniels, Dana Edenfield, Mr. and Mrs. Bud Cason, Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Cason, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Spell, Mildred Martin Williams, Patricia Wiggins, Patsy Westberry, Betty Jean Herrin and the Employees of Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center. Musical selections were rendered by Betty Spell, Martha Beecher, Cathy Rowell and the Rev. Carlton Rowell. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.

Candy Lynn Blake
Candy Lynn Blake, 28, died Friday, September 19, 2003 in the Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin after a short illness. She was born July 19, 1975 in Botavia, New York and had resided in Hazlehurst but had lived in Baxley until moving to Dublin two months ago. Candy was a waitress and had been employed by the Waffle King in Baxley. She is survived by one daughter, Kayla Linebargar of Hazlehurst; one son, Jimmy Allen Linebargar of Hazlehurst; father, Matthew Blake, Sr. and wife, Betty of Baxley; mother, Ida Stubblefield of Arlington, TX; two sisters, Cindy Lou Hardy of Grand Prairie, TX and Laura Davis of Mineral Wells, TX; one brother, Matthew S. Blake, Jr. and wife, Brenda Gail of Baxley; paternal grandfather, Carloss C. Blake of Mt. Vernon. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, from Oak Grove Church of God with the Rev. Dennis Bryant and the Rev. Rilene Folsom officiating. Interment followed in Mt. Vernon City Cemetery in Mt. Vernon. Active pallbearers were Danny Giddens, Danny Lewis, Bo Branch, Leslie Stanfield, Ray Criswell, Doyle Edwards and John Thomas. Musical selections were rendered by Rhonda Rowland, the Rev. Rilene Folsom and Brenda Gail Blake and pianist, Christy Smith. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.

Duchess M. Eason
Duchess M. Eason, 94, of Surrency, died Saturday, September 20, 2003 in the Appling Convalescent Center after an extended illness. She was a life long resident of Appling County and a member of Bethel United Methodist Church. Mrs. Eason was a retired school teacher and taught for 45 years and was a substitute teacher for ten years. She was born September 21, 1908 to the late John Franklin McLain and the late Ruby Stanfield McLain. Mrs. Eason was the widow of Henry Roger Eason. She is survived by one son, Roger (Velma) Eason of Surrency; two sisters, Della Mae Knight of Surrency and Dorothy Carter of Darien; one brother, Hubert McLain of Brunswick; three grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild also survive. Funeral services were held a 2:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 from Bethel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Julian Tucker and the Rev. Ronnie Litton and eulogy given by Gayle Crosby. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers were David Eason, Richard Eason, Larry Clinton, Johnny McLain, Victor McLain and Lance McLain. Honorary pallbearers were Senior Adult Ladies Sunday School Class of Bethel United Methodist Church. Musical selections were rendered by Doyle and Annie Ruth Tillman. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Nora Ella Reynolds
Nora Ella Reynolds, 69, died Wednesday, September 17, 2003 in St. Joseph Hospital in Savannah after a short illness. She was born January 30, 1934 in Baxley and had resided here all of her life. Nora was the daughter of the late Tommie Reynolds and the late Beatrice Long Reynolds. She is survived by five sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean and Jack Horne of Orange Park, Fla., Elizabeth and Walt Kanjorski of Mims, Fla, Jeanette and Carroll Rowell of Callahan, Fla., Barbara Ann and Steve Powell of Clarkshill, S.C. and Patricia and Joe Gulnac of Atwater, CA; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Roy and Carolyn Reynolds of Baxley, Dupree and Betty Reynolds of Hazlehurst, Truman and Darline Reynolds of St. George and Donnie and Linda Reynolds of Soperton and William and Liz Reynolds of Folkston; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 20 from the chapel of David E. Miles Funeral Home with pastor, the Rev. Agnes Sellers officiating. Interment followed in Crosby Chapel Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Johnny Reynolds, Billy Reynolds, Richard Reynolds, Dewayne Carter, Tommy Carroll Rowell and George Reynolds. Musical selections were rendered by Opal Aycock and pastor Agnes Sellers. Arrangements were under the direction of David E. Miles Funeral Home.

Earl E. "Bucky" Mullis
Earl E. "Bucky" Mullis, 63, of Jesup, died Sunday, September 14, 2003 at his residence. He was an Appling County native and former resident of Charleston, South Carolina and had lived in Jesup for the past two and half years. Bucky was a member of First Baptist Church of Jesup. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, a 1967 graduate of Georgia Southern University and retired in 1994 as management analyst with civil service of Charleston, SC Naval Supply Center. Bucky received outstanding accomplishments including, three sustained Superior Performance Awards, a Superior Accomplishment Award and Three On-the-Spot Awards. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Ellen Roberson Mullis of Jesup; two daughters and a son-in-law, Suzanne and Martin Lowry of Lauren, SC, Shannon Elizabeth Mullis of Charleston, SC; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Sara and Ron Garner, Sandra and Donald Westberry, both of Jesup; and one grandson, Thomas Edward Lowry of Lauren, SC. Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 16 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Felix Haynes officiating. The Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of the arrangements.

Emma Lyn Prestridge Mann
Emma Lyn Prestridge Mann, 72, of Orlando, Florida, died Sunday, September 21, 2003 at her home under the care of Hospice of the Comforter. She was born in Carrollton and graduated from Carrollton High School in 1949. Emma married Herman S. Mann of Surrency on Dec. 25, 1958 and later moved to Orlando, Fla. She is survived by her husband, Herman Mann, one daughter, Lauri Mann Johnson; two granddaughters, Amber and Alison McDow of Orlando, Fla.; three sisters, Catherine Norton and Ann Queen, both of Carrollton and Sara Ramey of Dewy Rose; one brother, Wayne Prestridge of Bowdon; one sister-in-law, Shirley Mann Priester of Jesup; three brothers-in-law, Elmer "Babe" Mann and Robert Mann, both of Surrency and Earl Dennis Mann of Greensboro, N.C. Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Ura Prestridge, her brothers, Roy Prestridge, Herbert Prestridge and Billy Gene Prestridge, and mother and father-in-law, David and Dovie Mann. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 4 from Memorial Freewill Baptist Church in Surrency.

John H. Thomas, Jr.
John H. Thomas, Jr., 86, died Tuesday, September 23, 2003, after an extended illness. He was born June 9, 1917 to the late John H. Thomas, Sr. and Peggy Sellers Thomas. John was a member of Harper Chapel United Methodist Church. He served as a sergeant in the United States Army in World War II. He is survived by one brother, Walter Thomas of Fort Myers, Fla.; one God-daughter, Mae Frances Joyner of Baxley; one God-son, Eric Vance of Baxley; and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Saturday, September 27 at 1:00 p.m. from Harper Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. David L. Rooks officiating. Interment followed in Baxley Cemetery. Active pallbearers were nephews. Honorary pallbearers were Deacons and Stewards and United States Army. Arrangements were under the direction of Baxley Funeral Home.

Albert (Al) Zelder
Albert (Al) Zelder, 77, of Baxley, died Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at the Appling Convalescent Center after an extended illness. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and had lived in Baxley for 21 years. He was a Navy Veteran of World War II. Al was a member of First United Methodist Church and American Legion Post No. 26 of Baxley and retired from civil service. He was born Jan. 30, 1926 to the late Michael Zelder and the late Mollie Miller Zelder. He is survived by his wife, Norma Zelder of Baxley; three daughters, LaRocka Zelder and Linda Zelder, both of Phoenix, AZ and Tammy Sadwell of Farmington, MI; two step-sons and daughter-in-law, James Allen Harden of Norcross and Robbie and Tammy Harden of Baxley; one step-daughter, Helen Harden of Baxley; nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 19 from First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Randy Mosley and the Rev. Creig Smith officiating. Interment followed in Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were David Yawn, Sammy Yawn, Wayne Crosby, Lonnie Weaver, Rock Courson and Richard Crosby. Honorary pallbearers were Billy Butler, Dwain Hutto, Ray Sapp, Ed Deen, Harry Sims, Claude Bird, Kelly Bird, Dr. Fernando Orlando and Staff, Dr. Errol Graham and the Appling Convalescent Center Staff. Musical selections were rendered by James Allen Harden, Trey Clegg and the congregation. Arrangement were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Lawrence Allen Harden
Lawrence Allen Harden, 75, died Wednesday, July 23, 2003 in the Meadows Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. Harden was born in Appling County and had lived in Vidalia for 22 years. He was a retired businessman having owned an Auto Parts Store. Harden was an Army veteran a member of the American Legion VFW Post #97 and a member of Smith Street Baptist Church of Vidalia. He is survived by his wife, Betty Beecher Harden of Vidalia; two sons, James Allen Harden of Norcross and Robbie C. Harden of Baxley; one daughter Helen Harden of Baxley; three step daughters, Janice Wilson of Hazlehurst, Diana Lane of Vidalia and Vickie Ricketson of Baxley; four brothers, the Rev. Wilford Harden of Glennville, Willie "Bill" Harden, Johnny L. Harden, both of Baxley and W.H. Harden of Fort Pierce, Fla.; one sister, Evelyn Carter of Baxley; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m.. Friday, July 25 from the chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Rev. Jimmy Smith, the Rev. Donnie Sutton, and the Rev. Cecil Clegg officiating. Interment followed in Bethel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jeremy Bates, Steve Lane, J.L. Ricketson, Scotty Harden, Jonathan Evers and Byron Barnwell. Honorary pallbearers were H.A. Burns, the Alby Gay Sunday School Class, Members of Smith Street Baptist Church, Wiley and Anita Bush, Inez and Charlie Leach, Billy and Tommy Nell Williamson, David and Jennifer Blount, Bea Crosby, Denise Miller and the Maranatha Sunday School Class. Musical selections were rendered by James Allen Harden, Trey Clegg and Eleanor Smith. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Mattie Ella Roland
Mattie Ella Roland, 73, of Cochran, died Thursday, July 24, 2003 in Baxley. She was born in Dodge County and was the daughter of the late Lyn and Lula NeSmith. Mrs. Roland was preceded in death by her husband, James Q. Roland. She was a graduate of Chester High School Class of 1947 and was a member of Empire Baptist Church. Mrs. Roland was the former owner of Roland's Grocery in Empire. She is survived by one daughter, Sandra R. Bryant of Baxley; two grandsons, Jamie Bryant and Chris Bryant, both of Baxley; granddaughter-in-law, Amanda Bryant of Baxley; one great granddaughter, Cara Bryant of Baxley; four sisters, Syble (Robert) Rogers of Macon, Helen (Rudolph) Law of Eastman, Dell (Virgil) Holt and Shirley Reeves, both of Cochran. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., July 26 from the chapel of Fisher Funeral Home with the Rev. Ronnie Powell and the Rev. Randy Jeffers officiating. Interment followed in Bowers Cemetery in Dodge County. Active pallbearers were Bobby Rogers, Rudy Law, Bruce Law, Mike Law, Randall Thursby, Bob Little, Stevie Little and Ed Nicholas. Honorary pallbearers were the Lady's Group of Empire Baptist Church. Fisher Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Erma Louise Crosby Rowell
Erma Louise Crosby Rowell. 79, of Graham, died Monday, July 21, 2003 in the Appling HealthCare System. She was a native and life long resident of Appling County. Mrs. Rowell was the widow of the late Clayton Rowell and was preceded in death by a son, H.C. Rowell of Graham. She was the daughter of the late Hawley and Irene Johnson Crosby. Mrs. Rowell was retired from Hazlehurst Mills Manufacturing and was a member of Graham Methodist Church in Appling County. She is survived by one daughter and son-in law, Connie and Charles Nail of Graham; one son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Nina Rowell; one daughter-in-law, Aldine Rowell, all of Graham; one granddaughter, Christie Tillman of Graham; four grandsons, Tony Rowell of Hazlehurst, Chris Rowell and Chuck Rowell, both of Baxley and Tim Rowell of Graham; and eight great grandchildren also survive. Active pallbearers were Tony Rowell, Chris Rowell, Tim Rowell, Chuck Nail, Derrick Tillman and Cole Rowell. Honorary pallbearers were all who attended the service. Musical selections were rendered by Jimmie Ryals, Jeffery Spell and Judy Rhodes. Miles Funeral Home of Hazlehurst was in charge of the arrangements.

Ronald Issac Wiggins
Ronald Issac Wiggins, 63, of Charleston, SC died Wednesday, July 23, 2003. Wiggins was a native of Wayne County and was retired from the Navy. He served on the R.S.E.S./ Board of Curriculum at Trident Technical College in Charleston. Wiggins was born November 10, 1939 to the late Lannie Wiggins and Clara Cross Wiggins. He is survived by his wife, Myrtle Wiggins of Charleston, SC; two sons, Ronald I. Wiggins, Jr. and Kenneth C. Wiggins, both of James Island, SC; mother, Clara Cross Wiggins of Baxley; two brothers, Doyle Wiggins of Dublin and Nathan Wiggins of Colquitt; two sisters, Nadra Thompkins and Delorise Dean, both of Baxley; five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, July 27 from Big Oaks Church of God with the Rev. Virginia Herrington and the Rev. Doyle Wiggins officiating. Interment followed in Appling Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers were Bradley Wiggins, Darien Creamer, Gene Thompkins, Scott Burgees, Stanley Miller and Jason Thompkins. Honorary pallbearers were the Adult Sanctuary Sunday School Class of Big Oaks Church of God. Musical selections were rendered by Bonnie Thompkins, Terry Gordon and Bill Pennington. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.