Ethel Louise Watson Harris
Ethel Louise Watson Harris, age 82, of Alma died Saturday morning, December 29, 2003 at the Bacon County Hospital after a short illness. A native of Irwinville, she had lived in Bacon County since 1954. She was the daughter of the late William Jesse Watson and Aileen Padgett Watson and was preceded in death by her husband Charles Polk Harris. Mrs. Harris was also a member of the First Baptist Church. Survivors include a son, Charles Allen Harris of Macon; one daughter, Elizabeth Ann Wilder of Macon; one sister, Dorothy W. Hubbard of Manchester; four grandchildren, Norwood E. Wilder, Jr. of Acworth, Patricia Wilder Johnson of Macon, Charles Allen Harris, Jr. of Burbank, CA. and John Wesley Harris of Foster City, CA; four great-grandchildren, Megan Erin Wilder, Brandon Norwood Wilder, both of Acworth, Natalie Renee Johnson of Macon, and Morgan Tara Harris of Foster City, CA. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, December 1 from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Wilson officiating. Interment followed in the Ocilla City Cemetery. Active pallbearers included Norwood Wilder, Jr., Windel Johnson, Jr., Herbert Stokes, Jr., Charles Brassel, Michael Stokes and Karl Watkins. All those in attendance were considered honorary escorts. Crosby Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

Evelyn Trice Deen
Mrs. Evelyn Trice Deen, age 93, of Alma, died at Riverside Nursing Home in Thomaston, on Saturday, November 29, 2003. A native of Bleckley County, she was the wife of the late Floyd Deen Sr. Mrs. Deen was a member of the Methodist Church for 83 years, having joined the Cochran Methodist Church at age 10. In years past, Mrs. Deen was a homemaker and faithful community servant, holding offices in various church and civic organizations. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, Philathea of Men s S.S. Class, Fellowship #1, Homemaker s Club, and the Alma Exchange Bank s Senior Partners. Mrs. Deen was a charter lifetime member of Alma Garden Club and Alma Women s Club. She served on the first advisory committee for Sun City Retirement Village for several years. She also served on Bacon County Library Board for 13 years, several of those years she represented Alma as a member of the Regional Library Board in Waycross. Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Floyd Deen Jr., M.D. and Judy Deen of Wadesboro, NC, Johnny T. Deen, M.D. and Betty Deen of Thomaston, and Thomas C. Deen of Alma, and Claudia Deen of St. Simons Island, Georgia; grandchildren, K. Murray Deen, M.D. and Byron F. Deen, M.D. of Thomaston, Jason B. Deen, M.D. of Augusta, Candace L. Deen, J.D. and Julie Deen Schneider, J.D. of Atlanta, Adam B. Deen of Waycross, and Kelli R. Deen of Alma; great-grandchild, Kenneth Murray Deen Jr. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 3 in Alma. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Deen requested memorial contributions be made to the Alma Methodist Church, 603 N. Dixon Street, Alma, Georgia 31510, designated for missions.

Thomas D. Deen
Thomas D. Deen, age 49, of Yulee, passed away suddenly Monday, December 1, 2003 at Baptist Medical Center. A native of Alma, he was the son of the late Felder Eugene Deen and Georgia Lee Smart Deen, and had resided in Nassau County since 1972. Mr. Deen was a 1972 graduate of Bacon County High School, and was employed as a finishing room operator for L.T.T. Rayonier at the Fernandina Beach Mill for the last 31 years. He served in the United States Army, and was a member of the Blackrock Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Amy Deen and Tara and Winton Norris, all of Fernandina Beach, FL; two brothers, Billy Deen of Fernandina Beach and Jimmy and Sandra Deen of Alma; two sisters, Ann Norris and Judy Ivy, both of Alma. Two grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 3 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley Heard Funeral Home with Rev. Frank Camarotti officiating. Interment followed in Besque Bello Cemetery. Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors of Fernandina Beach, FL were in charge of all arrangements.

Verna Carter Waters
Verna Carter Waters, died suddenly early Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at Memorial Hospital in Savannah. A native of Bacon County, she was the daughter of the late James E. Carter and Ettie Bennett Carter. Mrs. Waters was a member of the Alma United Methodist Church and a member of the Pathfinders Sunday School Class. Verna was retired from the R. E. M. C. after many years of employment. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Colleen Yarbrough and Juanita Thomas; three brothers; J. Laverne Carter, Dewitt Carter and Denvis Carter. Survivors include a son,Eddie Waters and wife Diane of Alma; one brother, Jimmy S. Carter of Alma; one sister, Cleone C. Elrod of Ashville, NC; two grandchildren, Terri Lynne Taylor of Alma and Jason Thomas Waters of Blackshear; two great-grandchildren, Caroline and Emma Taylor, both of Alma. Funeral services were held Friday, November 21 with Rev. Ronnie Howell officiating. Interment followed in Friendship Methodist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers included Lee Taylor, Jason Waters, Joe Sears, Jeffrey Anderson, Bruce Carter and Jerald Holland. The Class of 1943 and the Pathfinders Sunday School Class served as honorary escort. Crosby Funeral Home was in charge of all the arrangements.

William (Bill) Harold Taylor
William (Bill) Harold Taylor, Sr., age 62, of Nicholls died suddenly Thursday afternoon, November 13, 2003 at the Bacon County Hospital. A native of Ohio, he had lived in Bacon County the past two years and was son of the late Robert Taylor. Survivors include his mother, Maude Bissantz Taylor of Ohio; one son, William Harold (Billy) Taylor, Jr. and wife Tammy of Nicholls; one daughter, Wendy Peacock and husband Timmy of Mershon; four brothers, John Taylor of Alabama, Ed Taylor and Bob Taylor, both of Ohio and Stan Taylor of Lexington, KY. Four grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Sunday, November 16 from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. Pet Hayes officiating. Interment followed in Wolf Pit Cemetery. Active pallbearers included Jamie Rigby, Dusty Andrews, Donnie Jack Taylor, John Medders, Pat Cothern and Jason Medders. All those in attendance will be considered honorary escorts. Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Leona C. Diprima
Leona C. Diprima, age 70, of Alma died suddenly Friday, November 14, 2003 of a heart attack at St.Vincents Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. A native of Coffee County, she had lived in Bacon County most of her life. Leona was daughter of the late Willie Preston Cribb and Loney Taylor Cribb. Mrs. Diprima was a member of South Side Church of God. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Charlie Joseph Diprima, Sr.; one son, Charlie Diprima, Jr.; and a granddaughter, Melissa Tyler. Survivors include a son, Adam Mark Diprima of Alma; two daughters, Patricia Ann Cain and Husband Troy R. of Georgetown, and Linda Jane Trammell and husband Pete of Rome; one brother; Dennis Cribb of Rome; two sisters, Jeanette Meeks of Jacksonville, FL and Eloise Allen of Baxley. Six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Monday morning, November 17 from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Carver officiating. A eulogy was given by her granddaughter, April Cummings. Interment followed in Roberts Cemetery in Coffee County. Active pallbearers included Peter Trammell, Ronnie Cain, Joseph Allen and Steve Allen. Honorary pallbearers included Merle Martin, Linton & Harriett Carter, Eddie, Cliff and Mark Andrews. Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of all the arrangements.

J.L. Turner
J. L. Turner, age 79, of Alma died Wednesday afternoon, November 12, 2003 at the Sunbridge Nursing Home in Hazlehurst after an extended illness. A native of Ware County, he had lived most of his life in Bacon County and was preceded in death by his mother; Olie Turner. Mr. Turner previously worked for Bishop Funeral Home, Crosby Funeral Home, Deen Funeral Home, Bacon County Fire Department and was owner & operator of the City Cab County. Survivors include his wife; Evelyn Black Turner of Alma. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, November 14 from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Ross and Rev. Roger Taylor officiating. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers included Roy (Bo) Newberry, Roger & Wade Orvin, Eddie Andrews, Marvin Deen and Steve Lee. Honorary pallbearers included Brad Mobley, Frank Johnson, Jones Johnson, Cecil Lee, Lowell Lee, James Henry Carter, Bacon Co. E. M. S and Fire Department, Laura Toler and Diane King. Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Bertie Adrian Overstreet Moon
Ms. Bertie Adrain Overstreet Moon, age 88, of Hazlehurst, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2003 in her residence in Hazlehurst. A native of Toombs County, she had lived most of her life in Jeff Davis County. She was the daughter of the late Benjamin Hubert Overstreet and Makie Donna Nesmith Overstreet and the wife of the late Samuel T. Moon. She was a homemaker and a members of the Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn Moon, Betty and Ken Hartless of Jacksonville, FL, Mary Ford and Linda Pritchett, both of Hazlehurst; sons and daughter-in-laws, Ben Moon and James Moon, Sam and Rosa Moon of Alma, Bobby and Marie Moon of Atlanta; sister, Nina O Quinn of Baxley; brother and sister-in-law, Ben and Greanel Overstreet of Brunswick. Fourteen grandchildren, eighteen grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren also survive. Active pallbearers included Ray Partin, Doug Anderson, Ben Moon, Tim Moon, Steve Moon, and Randy Mobley. All those who attended were considered honorary escorts. Mile Funeral Home of Hazlehurst was in charge of all arrangements.

Zella Mae Johnson Tanner
Zella Mae Johnson Tanner, age 86, of Jacksonville, FL, died Sunday morning, November 2, 2003 at her granddaughter s home in Callahan, FL after an extended illness. A native of Bacon County, she was the daughter of the late Harvey Johnson and Minnie Buckins Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Tanner; a daughter, Patricia Carter; four brothers, Hansel, Hubert, Henry and Wesley Johnson; three sisters, Irene Taylor, Maggie Davis and Dealie Thomas; and a grandson Michael Cate. Survivors include a daughter, Margaret Cecile Cate of Raleigh, NC; two brothers, Roy Pete Johnson and Troy Lee Johnson, both of Alma; one sister; Mary Lee Prestwood of Haines City, FL. Six grandchildren, six great- grandchildren and two great- great-grandchildren survive. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning, November 5 at the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. T.F. Yawn and Rev. Brian Tyre officiating. Interment followed at Wolf Pit Cemetery. Active pallbearers included Verlon Thomas, Brian Tyre, Lee Taylor, Denny Carroll Taylor, Johnny Johnson and Danny Turner. All those in attendance were considered honorary escorts. Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Vera E. McCall
Vera E. McCall, age 90, of Alma died early Sunday morning, November 2, 2003 in Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross after a short illness. A native of Telfair County, she had lived most of her life in Bacon County. Mrs. McCall was the daughter of the late George Watson and Elmyra Wood Watson and was preceded in death by her husband Harold Lee McCall; four sisters, Mildred Pruitt, Dollie Rawlins, Willie Dubberly and Lennie Dubberly. She was also a member of Douglas Chapel Baptist Church. Survivors include two sons, Dr. John W. McCall and wife Gail of Athens, and Jimmy Lee McCall and wife Derinda of Alma; three daughters, Annette Lee and husband Fitzhugh of Tampa, FL, Shirley Sellers and husband Maxwell of Rincon, and Nelma Hollingsworth and husband Charles of Savannah. Eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren survive. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, November 4 at Douglas Chapel Baptist Church with Dr. John Clough and Dr. Mark Sellers officiating. Interment followed in Pinelawn Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the Twin Oaks Family Council. Active pallbearers included Kenny Sellers, Bryon, Nathan and Steven Lee, Jeff and Scott McCall and Charlie Hollingsworth. Honorary escort included The Joy Sunday School Class and Staff of Twin Oaks. Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of all the arrangements.

Jhue Boatright
Jhue Boatright, age 82, of Alma passed away Monday afternoon, February 2, 2004, in the Bacon County Hospital after a short illness. He was a native of Bacon County. He was the son of the late Lee Boatright and Rosa Lightsey Boatright. Jhue was preceded in death by the following: his wife; Lorease McDonald Boatright, one brother; Bryant Boatright, four sisters; Maudina Gable, Laura Allen, CereaseMorgan and Evelyn Carter and one grandson; Kiley Neal Boatright. He was also a member of New Vision Church and a retired welder. Survivors include: three sons; Ronald Boatright and wife Sarah, Jerry Boatright and wife Diane, all of Baxley and Rev. Jimmy Boatright and wife Sherrie of Alma, and one daughter; Judy Kay Martin and husband Terry of Alma. Also twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren survive. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. Brian Tyre, Rev. Jimmy Boatright and Rev. Sam Southerland officiating. Interment followed in New Hope Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: Joseph Martin, William Martin, Stacy Boatright, Jason Boatright Stephen Tyre and Brian Tyre. Honorary pallbearers were: staff and employees of Twin Oaks Nursing Home and Health Department Home Care. Crosby Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Inez Courson Dykes
Inez Courson Dykes, age 87, formerly of Alma, passed away, Thursday afternoon, January 29, 2004, in the Gainesville Health Care Center after a short illness. She was a native of Bacon County. She was the daughter of Billy Courson and Francis Courson and was preceded in death by her husband Oscar Carl Dykes and several brothers and sisters. She was a member of Pine Level Free Will Baptist Church. Survivors include: a daughter, Shelia Hatch and husband Charles of Hawthorne, FL., five grandchildren; Angel Stroud, Lisa Schlitzkus, Charlie Hatch, Tiffany Hatch and Christa Holloway, all of Hawthorne, and two great-grandchildren; Kailee Stroud and T. J. Stroud, both of Hawthorne. Funeral services was held Saturday morning at Pine Level Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Eric Brown officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers were: G. W. Courson, Jerry Anderson, Billy Aycock, Billy Newberry, Jeffrey Anderson and Jerald Anderson. All those in attendance were considered honorary escorts. Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Jane Hand Johnson
Jane Hand Johnson, age 55, of Alma; passed away, Saturday evening, January 31, 2004, at the Pierce Co. Nursing Home after an extended illness. She was a native of Bacon County, daughter of the late Gilbert and Carrie Mercer Hand and a member of Pine Level Freewill Baptist Church. Survivors include: a son; Larry Gilbert (Burt) Johnson and wife Coley of Alma, two daughters; Debbie Gunter and husband Larry of Waycross and Jennie Carver and husband Joey of Alma, two brothers; Lorenzo and Fred Hand both of Alma, a sister; Judy Merritt of Wray, Georgia. Also, eight grandchildren survive. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Dr. William Berryhill and Rev. Andrew Peacock officiating. Interment followed in Stewart Cemetery. Active pallbearers was: Mark, David, Gregg and Tony Hand, Trampa Merritt and Jameson Carver. All those in attendance were considered as honorary escort. Crosby Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Ira Varnadore, Jr.
Ira Varnadore, Jr., age 52, of Stuart, Florida died suddenly Thursday, January 22, 2004, at Martin Memorial Hospital in Stuart Florida. He was a native of Bacon County but had lived most of his life in Florida. He was the son of the late Clifton Varnadore, Sr. and Willie Turner and was preceded in death by a sister, Wannell Holton. Survivors include a daughter, Crystal Evans of Stuart, three sisters, Linda Dell of Waycross, Mary Couch and Ann Coates. Two grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 27, 2004, at the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. Troy Turner officiating. Interment was followed in Rose Hill Cemetery. Crosby Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Anthony Eugene Staten, Sr.
Anthony Eugene Staten, was born the 12 of 15 children in Bacon County, Georgia to the late Isaiah Staten and Sirlina Holloway Staten. He departed this life on Monday, January 19, 2004, at Bacon County Hospital. He was a 1973 graduate of Bacon County High School. Amp, as he was affectionately known, was a devoted member of the First African Baptist Church. There he served faithfully and spent many hours working with the youth department of the church. He was admired and loved by all who knew him for being soft spoken, as well as kind, warm and a humorous spirit. Anthony was married to Linda Moody and to this union three children were born. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving wife of sixteen years, Linda; nine children, Brian, Brandon, Jasmine Staten, Tashara Folsom, Shakeeyia Fedrick all of Alma, Byron Staten of Alvin, TX, Anthony, Daryl Reynolds, both of Douglas, and Sharonsky Hornsby of Hazelhurst; fourteen grandchildren; five sisters, Edith Glover, Juanita (Larry) Allen, Cynthia (Jerome) Linder all of Statesboro, Judy (Sylvester) Moring of Alma and Dorothy (Rochelle) Franklin of Fort Lauderdale, two special sisters, Virginia Cook and Desiree (Rufus) Rooks, both of Alma; six brothers, Thomas (Laura Bell) Faulk, Roger (Tangela) Staten, all of Alma, Albert (Laverne) Faulk of Valdosta, Billy (Ann) Staten of Augusta, John (Dorothy) Staten of Statesboro and Gerald Kinchen of Baltimore; a mother and father-in-law, Ms. Lillie Mae Mims and Mr. Willie Moody both of Alma; six sister in-laws, Yvonne Staten, Evelyn Staten, both of Alma, Violet Moody of Brooklyn, Jackie Anderson, New Jersey, Mary Moody of Conyers and Gussie Staten Moody of Statesboro, two brother-in-laws, Eugene Moody of Lexington, SC and James Anderson of New Jersey; six aunts, four uncles and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and enduring friends. Pastor Frankie L. Owens, Sr., Rev. Skylin Hagans, Elder Jackie Welch and Rev. Stephon Deen officiated, Alfonza Hall, Yvonne Staten, and James E. Deen spoke of reflections of the departed. Active pallbearers were Nathanial Carter, Thomas Davis, Jerome Linder, Frank Smith, Tim Sykes, and Gary Tyre. Honorary pallbearers were Deacons of First African Baptist Church, Alfonzo Hall, Leroy Robinson and the Class of 1973. Floral attendants were the Class of 1973 and friends. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery. McLean-Litman Funeral Service, of Douglas, was in charge of the arrangements.

Elizabeth (Libby) Odum
Elizabeth (Libby) Odum, age 89, of Alma, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2004 in Twin Oaks Nursing Home, after a lengthy illness. She was a native of White Oak North Carolina, but had moved to Appling County in 1919. She moved to Bacon County in 1989. Libby was the daughter of the late Neal A. Odum and Sudie Mae Cain Odum. She was preceded in death by a brother, Archiebald Odum. She attended Big Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include one brother; Amos Odum and wife Frankie of Blackshear, one sister; Anna Ruth Murphy and husband Norman of Alma and one sister-in-Law; Jewell Odum of Monticello. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at the Big Creek Baptist Church with Rev. David Miller, Rev. James Wilcox and Rev. Bill Stone officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jerome Murphy, Neal Henry Murphy, Larry Odum, Randall Odum, Robert Thomas and Billy Reeves. Honorary pallbearers were Adult One Sunday School Class, staff and employees of Twin Oaks Nursing Home. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Crosby Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Opal Drummond
Opal Drummond, age 86, of Alma passed away Monday, January 26, 2004, at Twin Oaks Nursing Home, after a lengthy illness. She was a native of Bacon County. She was the daughter of the late Thomas A. Pearson and Ethel Wilcox Pearson and was preceded in death by her husband C. A. Drummond, a son; Mike Drummond, one sister; Selma Carter and a brother; Quinton Pearson. Opal was also a member of First Baptist Church. Survivors include: a son, Daniel Drummond of Brunswick; one sister, Lorraine Grooms; three grandchildren, Larry Drummond of Brunswick, David Drummond, and Sara Ortiz of Brunswick. Also six great-grandchildren survive. Funeral services were held Wednesday from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Johnson and Rev. Tommy Davis officiated. Interment followed in Pinelawn Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: Larry Drummond, John Lee, David Lee, Ervin Johnson, Delney Wilcox and Kelnee Wilcox. All those in attendance were honorary escorts. Crosby Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Ann Carter Watson
Ann Carter Watson, age 57, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away January 8, 2004, at the University of Kansas Medical Center after a short battle with cancer. Ann was born August 18, 1946 in Jacksonville, Florida. She spent most her childhood in Atlanta, where she attended Sylvan High School. Her family subsequently moved to Alma, where Ann graduated from Bacon County High School. Ann moved to Albany, Georgia in 1966 after graduating from Brewton Parker College. She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Glenn Watson. Ann and Glenn met while living in Albany. They spent most of their married life in Atlanta and relocated to Overland Park in 1995 as the result of Glenn s job transfer at Bayer Animal Health. Ann s primary interest in life was her two sons, Bill and Jason. She was a caring and loving mother who spoke proudly of her two sons. To know Ann was to know her children. Ann loved her daughters-in-law, Melissa and Jeanne, as much as she loved her two sons. Ann was a legal secretary for over 35 years. Early in her career, she worked for attorneys George Busbee and Peter Zack Greer. Ann also worked for many years at the Atlanta law firm of Troutman Sanders. When she moved to Kansas, and up until her death, Ann worked as a legal secretary for the Kansas City, Missouri law firm of Polsinelli, Shalton & Welte. Ann had a passion work and she spoke fondly of the attorneys with whom she worked during her career. Ann s other passions included raising her dogs, playing tennis, reading and watching the Atlanta Braves and the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Despite her move to Kansas, Ann remained a loyal fan of the Braves and Bulldogs, and enjoyed watching their games on television. While in Kansas, Ann spoke often of her Georgia roots, including her love of Varsity chili dogs. Above all, Ann was caring, giving and touched the lives of everyone she knew. She will be remembered for her caring heart, her sharp wit and for her ability to enjoy life to its fullest. Ann will be sorely missed, but her life celebrated every day. Ann is survived by her husband Glenn, of Overland Park, son and daughter-in-law Bill and Melissa Watson, of Canton, son and daughter-in law Jason and Jeanne Watson, of Mableton, as well as her mother, Wilma Carter, of Leesburg, sister Gwen Griffin, of Stockbridge, brothers Dan Carter of Fredicksburg, Virginia and Tim Carter of Fayetteville. She is also survived by her loving dogs, Biscuit and Hannah. Memorial services were held Friday, January 16, in the Chapel of Mayes Ward Funeral Home, in Marietta, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family as asked that contributions be made in Ann s honor to the American Cancer Society, 2200 Lake Blvd., Atlanta, Georgia 30319.

Arlie B. Emsley
Arlie B. Emsley, age 95, of Alma died Monday, January 5, 2004 at Twin Oaks Nursing Home after an extended illness. She was a native of Bacon County, daughter of the late Green Cothern and Laura Powell Cothern. She moved to West Palm Beach, Florida when she was 16. Later in life, she moved to Miami where she lived until she moved to Alma nine years ago. Mrs. Emsley retired from Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance Company after many years of employment. She was wife of the late Marvin Emsley. Survivors include: two nephews, Henry Cothern, of Blackshear and John Cothern, Alma; two nieces, Ruby Brown, of Middleburg, Florida and Thelma Jackson, of Alma. Also, several great nieces and nephews survive. Funeral services were held Thursday January 8 at the Tenth Street Church of God with the Reverend Steve Pittman officiating. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: Danny Bazemore, Gary, John and Michael Cothern and Don and Donnie Williams. Honorary escort were: Olivia Bennett, Dr. Frank Johnson, Dr. Charles Bagley, Ernest McCarty and Russell Tanner. Crosby Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Winifred Taylor Tanner
Winifred Taylor Tanner, age 82, of Alma, died Monday morning, January 12, 2004, at Twin Oaks Nursing Home after an extended illness. She was a native of Coffee County, daughter of the late Albert Zeke Taylor and Susie Tanner Taylor. Mrs. Tanner was preceded in death by her husband, Kermit Tanner, one brother, Milford (Bay) Taylor and a sister, Mildred Meeks Powell. She was also a member of New Lacy Church of God. Survivors include: two sons, Donnie Tanner and wife Kay, Ronald Tanner and wife Patricia, all of Alma; one daughter, Sandra Sweat and husband Larry, of Callahan, FL; one brother, Wilford (Bud) Taylor, of Alma; one sister, Bonnis T. Sweat, of Alma; three grandchildren, Kimberly Tanner Fennell, of Alma, Tim Sweat, of McClenny, Florida, and Jason Sweat, of Callahan, Florida; also three great- grandchildren, J.T., Melanie and Madison Sweat. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning, January 14, from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with the Reverend Calvin Lewis and a special friend, Pat Sellers, officiating. Interment followed in Wolf Pit Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: Tim Sweat, Johnny Rewis, Danny Good, Tony Taylor, Ricky Taylor and Jerry Ray Meeks. Honorary pallbearers were: the residents and staff of Twin Oaks and New Lacy Adults Sunday School Class. Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Michael Sean Arthur
Michael Sean Arthur, age 41, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2004, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was a native of Los Angeles County, California, and was employed by Greaff Electric in Shreveport. Survivors include his wife, Beverly Susan Arthur, of Shreveport; son, Jacob Michael Arthur and daughter, Emily Zane Arthur, Shreveport; mother and step-father, Grace and Bob Stribling, Yulee Florida; father, George Arthur, Huntington, West Virginia; sister, Crystal Smith, Yulee; maternal grandmother, Ruby Cole, Nicholls. Also surviving are several aunts, nieces, nephews and a special friend, Sue Marks, of Shreveport. Graveside services and burial were held on Monday, January 11, at the Roberts Cemetery near Nicholls with the Reverend Donnie Kirkland officiating. Soloist Liz Kirkland sang, Amazing Grace . Pallbearers were: Wilbur Streat, DeWayne Streat, Dailey Wilson, Don Burnam, Herman Hill and Mickey Burnam. Sims Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Joann Johnson Surrency
Mrs. Joann Johnson Surrency, age 69, of Jim Meeks Road, Nicholls, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2003, at the South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta. Mrs. Surrency, a native of Coffee County, was born on September 6, 1934, the daughter of the late Charles Clarence & Oveda Davis Johnson. She was a retired payroll clerk & her church membership was at the Nicholls Baptist Church. Survivors include: husband, Samuel D. Surrency, Nicholls; son, Gary (Renee) Surrency, Douglas; daughter, Donna Surrency, Nicholls; sisters, Sandra Gilliard, Nicholls, Wanda Moore, Douglas; brother, Dennis Johnson, Nicholls; grandchildren, Larree Vickers, Lydia Surrency and Gary Surrency, Jr. Funeral services were held on Friday, January 2, at Nicholls Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Campbell officiating. Renee Surrency, soloist sang, Now I Belong To Jesus & Janelle Anderson, soloist sang, Beulah Land with Wilbert Anderson, organist & Shirley Thomas, pianist. Burial followed at the Meeks Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: Chris Elrod, Josh Ellis, Jamie Johnson, Jay Vickers, Allie Ellis and Chris Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were: David Alderman, Sybil Lee, Quillion Taylor, Clara Taylor, Jenny Waters, Yvonne Newberry, Duane Page, Larry Page and P. A. Lee. Sims Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Mason P. Dixon
Mason P. Dixon, age 83, of Alma; died, Thursday, January 1, 2003, at the V. A. Hospital in Augusta after a brief illness. He was a native of Pierce County, but had lived most of his life in Bacon County. He was son of the late George McKinley Dixon and Viola Amanda Tuten Dixon, and was preceded in death by a sister, Alice Dixon Rushing. Mr. Dixon was a 100% disabled veteran of WW II serving in the U. S. Army, a retired watch maker and jeweler, a member of the First Baptist Church and a member of Masonic Lodge #56. He also served as a city councilman for many years and as hospital administrator for two years. Survivors include: his wife, Eris Peacock Dixon, Alma; one son, Mickey Dixon and wife, Alice Crosby Dixon, Alma; two grandchildren, Amy Gilliard and Angie Cox, both of Alma; four great-grandchildren, Hannah and Grant Gilliard and Mattie and Hunter Cox, all of Alma. Funeral services were held at New Vision Church on Saturday, January 3, with Reverend Pet Hayes officiating. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors. Active pallbearers were: Jeff Bayard, Jeff Cox, Jason Gilliard, Eddie Crapps, T-Boy Carter and Kim Peacock. Honorary pallbearers were: Speed Paulk, Wesley Carter, Donald Deen, Eddie Andrews Wayne Williams and Ray Boatright. Crosby Funeral Home was charge of the arrangements.

Donna Lee Morris
Donna Lee Morris, age 77, of Alma died Monday night at the Bacon County Hospital after an extended illness. She was a native of Ware County, daughter of the late John Hogans and Eliza Herrins Hogans and was preceded in death by her husband, Flem Morris, a son, Jimmy Ray Dyal, and four sisters, Avalee Travis, Mae Corbitt, Ruby Lee Adams and Elva Jean Meeks. Survivors include: four sons, John Dyal and wife, Linda Lou, Nicholls, Warnie Dyal, Jr. and wife, Cathy, Alma, Billy Mac Dyal and wife, Amelia, Alma and Freddie Paul Dyal and wife, Linda Sue, Nicholls; one daughter, Mary Lee Greer and husband, William, Nicholls; two brothers, Freddy Hogans and Robert Booth, both of Winder. Also eleven grandchildren,fourteen great-grandchildren and five step- grandchildren survive. Funeral services were held on Friday, January 2, from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Tanner and Rev. Billy Mac Dyal officiating. Interment followed in Moore Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: John Dyal, Sr., Warnie Dyal, Jr., Billy Mac Dyal, Scotty Ivey, Jeffery Greer and Pete Brown. Honorary pallbearers were the staff and residents of Twin Oaks nursing home. Crosby Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Frankie Amy Walker
Frankie Amy Walker, 88, of Ray City, died late Monday afternoon, December 29, in Dorminy Hospital in Fitzgerald after a lengthy illness. She was a native of Ware County but, had lived in Ray City for the past forty years. Frankie was the daughter of the late Silas Jordan and Thursey Campbell Jordan and was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Q. Walker, five brothers, Lincoln, Olen, Troy, J.P. and Truman Jordan, two sisters, Flora Sharpe and Lucille Tanner. Survivors include: three sisters, Ola Mae Luffman and Molley Lewis, both of Alma and Agnes Berkombas of Upland, California. Also many nieces, nephews and cousins survive. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, December 31, from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Reverends Jerry Martin and John Thomas officiating. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: David Holton, Henry W. Smith, Sr., Henry W. Smith, Jr., Eddie Holton, Bill Campbell, John A. Studstill and Ronnie Wright. All those in attendance were considered honorary escorts. Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mattie L. Allen Wilkes
Mattie L. Allen Wilkes, 91, of Baxley, died Tuesday, December 20, at Southeast Georgia Regional Medical Center in Brunswick after an extended illness. A native of Johnson County, Mrs. Wilkes had lived in Appling County most of her life. She was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Survivors include: four daughters and sons-in-law, Wilda and Houston Jarrard, Alma, Elvyn and Donald Vickers, Jakin, Jean W. Spell, Baxley, and Ann and Ed Ford, Dexter; two sons and daughters-in-law, Charles Wilkes, Baxley, and Collie and Janice Wilkes, Hinesville; one sister, Daisy Morris, Port Wentworth, Twenty grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren also survive. The funeral was held Thursday, January 1, from the chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Reverends Al Butler and David Miller officiating. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery. Pallbearers were: grandsons, Ricky Jarrard, Doug Jarrard, Danny Vickers, Mike Vickers, Dale Spell, Allen Woods, Robbie Wilkes, Trey Wilkes and Chad Wilkes. Honorary pallbearers were: the staff of the convalescent center, Olivia Bennett, Lawrence Bennett and Keith Bennett. Swain Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.