Zelma Olive Eberhardt
ALBANY - Zelma Olive Eberhardt, 86, of Vestavia Hills, Ala., died Friday, December 7, 2001. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Covenant Presbyterian Church with entombment to follow at Crown Hill Mausoleum. The Rev. Paul E. Luthman will officiate. A native of Cloverdale, Ala., Mrs. Eberhardt was a longtime resident of Albany and was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where she was a deacon and elder. She was owner and operator of Eberhardt News Agency. She was president of Southwest Georgia Easter Seals Society where she served in many capacities and was instrumental in putting together the Easter Seals cookbook. Mrs. Eberhardt was the 1962 Easter Seals woman of the year and business woman of the year. She was a member of the Business and Professional Womens Club and was auxiliary and secretary with women's voters. She was governor and representative of the Quota Club. Mrs. Eberhardt was president of the Dogwood Garden Club and enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and gardening and was Albany's 1978 Woman of the Year. Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Robert E. (Lorraine) Whitton of Birmington, Ala., and Mrs. M.F. (Juanita) Boatwright of Florence, Ala. and several nieces and nephews. Those desiring please make memorials to Alzheimer's Association, Southwest Georgia Chapter, P.O. Box 71341, Albany, Ga. 31708, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2126 W. Edgewater Drive, Albany, Ga. 31707, or the Southwest Georgia Easter Seals, 1905 Palmyra Road, Albany, Ga. 31701. Visitation will be 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Thursday at Kimbrell-Stern.
Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors
Albany 229/883-4152

Donald William Hatmaker
ALBANY - Donald William Hatmaker, 53, of 607 Henson Dr., died Monday, December 10, 2001, at his residence. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Oak Ridge Memorial Park Cemetery in Oak Ridge, Tenn. A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Mr. Hatmaker has lived in Albany for 21 years, where he was employed with Miller Brewing Co. Survivors include two daughters, Donna Hatmaker Pratt of Oak Ridge, Tenn. and Casey D. Hatmaker of Albany, Ga.; one granddaughter, Rebecka Lynn of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; brother, Jimmy Hatmaker of Knoxville, Tenn.; sister, Susie Willis of Knoxville, Tenn. Mr. Hatmaker was preceded in death by a daughter, Gina Lynn Hatmaker who died in 1984. The family will receive friends from 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. today at Kimbrell-Stern, and 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Friday at Weatherford Mortuary in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors
Albany 229/883-4152

Melahine Josephine McCard
ALBANY - The graveside funeral service of Melahine Josephine (Mattie) McCard of 1904 Palmyra Road, formerly of 614 Haley St., Albany, who died Monday, December 10, 2001, will be conducted Thursday at 11 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Turner County. The Rev. Bobby Moye will officiate. A native of Sycamore, Miss McCard was the daughter of James Samuel and Martha Land McCard and had resided in Albany since 1960. She was a retired secretary with the Marine Base and was a member of the First Assembly of God. Survivors include several nieces and nephews.
Mathews Funeral Home
Albany 229/435-5657

Kitty Simmons
ALBANY - Kitty Simmons, 59, of Albany died Tuesday, December 11, 2001, at her home following an illness. Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church with interment at Crown Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Tim Bagwell and the Rev. Nancy Scarbrough will officiate. A native of Albany, she graduated from Albany High School and Valdosta State College. She was a school teacher in the Lee County and Dougherty County School Systems for over 25 years. She was a member of Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church. She was predeceased by her husband, Gilbert G. Simmons and her parents, Toby and Catherine Royal. Survivors include two sons, Gilbert "Gil" Simmons and his wife, Kelly of Jacksonville, FL, Roland Adam Simmons of Albany; a daughter, Rolanda Miller and her husband, Dennis of Vero Beach, FL; grandson, Dalton Miller of Vero Beach, FL; five sisters, Toby Royal Harris, Jean Carter and her husband, Pete, Penny Woodall and her husband, Brooks, Sandy Sledge and her husband, Phil, Angel Kinney and her husband, Davis, all of Albany; aunt, Esther A. Dobson of Albany. The family will receive friends today at the home of Toby Royal Harris, 1021 Summit Drive from 6-8 p.m. Those desiring may send memorials to the Porterfield Children's Fund, 2200 Dawson Road, Albany, GA 31707.
Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors
Albany 229/883-4152

Frank Maynard Thames Sr.
MACON - Frank Maynard Thames Sr., 84, of Macon died Sunday, December 9, 2001, at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. The funeral was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Avondale Baptist Church with interment in Avondale Church Cemetery. The Rev. Jeffery Cummings officiated. A native of Crawford County, Mr. Thames was a retired trainman with the M.D. & S. Railroad, after 30 years of service. He was a member of Avondale Baptist Church for 65 years where he also was a Sunday school teacher. He was a member of A.A.R.P., Brotherhood of Railroad and Parking Co. of America in Macon after 17 years. Survivors include his wife, Juanita L. Thames of Macon married 63 years; daughter and son-in-law, Gail and George Calhoun of Ringgold; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Maynard and Phyllis Thames of Albany; grandchildren, Renee' C. Sloan and Rege Calhoun, both of Ringgold, Amy T. Broadway, Jonathan Thames and Anna Thames, all of Albany, Abby T. Hayes of Camilla; great-grandchildren, Hayden Sloan and Haley Broadway; brothers, Bill Thames and George Thames, both of Macon; sisters, Elizabeth "Beck" Hudson, Lucille Clarke and Nell Matthews, all of Macon.
Crest Lawn Funeral Home
Macon 478/788-1234

Alberta Williams
ALBANY - Alberta Williams, 56, of Newton died Monday, December 10, 2001, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
Martin Luther King Funeral Directors
Albany 229/435-4813

Mary Faye Baker
CORDELE - Mary Faye Baker, 78, of 1110 Blackshear Road, Cordele, died Monday, December 10, 2001, in Cordele. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Dekle Funeral Home with interment in Peachtree Memorial Park in Norcross. A rosary will be held from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Dekle Funeral Home
Cordele 229/273-2231

John Andrew Butler
AMERICUS - John Andrew Butler, 42, of 109 Mayfire Drive, Americus, died Sunday, December 9, 2001, at his home. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Union Tabernacle Baptist Church with interment in Staley Memorial Garden.
Barnum Funeral Home
Americus 229/924-2958

Lawrence Lavon Chason Sr.
PELHAM - Lawrence Lavon Chason Sr., 77, of 6257 Chason Road, Pelham, died Tuesday, December 11, 2001, at Archbold Hospital in Thomasville. The graveside funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Pelham Cemetery. The Rev. Clint Kimbrough will officiate. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Ott, Joe Caldwell, Crawford Darley, Walt Bernier, and Earl West. A native of Mitchell County, Mr. Chason was born August 29, 1924. He was a retired farmer and a member of First Baptist Church of Pelham. He was the widower of Lenora Meloy, and was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby Ott and Emory Lee Chason, and a sister, Hazel Simpson. Survivors include a son, Lawrence Lavon "Skipper" Chason Jr. of Pelham; daughter, Cheryl Chason of Pelham; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Glenn of Hinsonton. Visitation will be 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. today at Braswell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pelham First Baptist Church.
Braswell Funeral Home
Pelham 229/294-2661

Louise K. Miller
CAIRO - Louise K. Miller, 86, of Cairo died Monday, December 10, 2001, in Thomasville. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Midway Baptist Church in Cairo with interment in Greenwood Cemetery.
Clark Funeral Home
Cairo 229/377-1414

Margie Mills
TIFTON - Margie Mills died Tuesday, December 11, 2001, at Tift Health Care Nursing Home. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
Melton Funeral Home
Tifton 229/387-0017

Clarice Hay Minter
DONALSONVILLE - Clarice Hay Minter, 79, of Seminole Manor Nursing Home died Tuesday, December 11, 2001, at Donalsonville Hospital. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Donalsonville with interment in Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 p.m.-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 81, Donalsonville, GA 31745.
Evans-Skipper Funeral Home
Donalsonville 229/524-2789

Bill J. Strickland
ARLINGTON - Bill J. Strickland, 79, of 206 Highland Ave., Arlington, died Monday, December 10, 2001, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Arlington Baptist Church with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery with military honors. The Rev. Dr. Gary Hadden will officiate. Active pallbearers will be U.S. Marines and honorary pallbearers will be deacons of Arlington Baptist Church, Adult Men's Sunday School Class, Mitchel Conner, Leron Clower, Chauncey Taylor and Bud Brownlee. A native of Lurverne, Ala., Mr. Strickland had lived in Arlington for 51 years. He served in the South Pacific with the U.S. Marines during World War II and was a retired rural mail carrier. He was a member of Arlington Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Adult Men's Sunday School teacher. He also taught a Special Youth Group during the 1980's. He organized Calhoun Nursing Home Sunday School Class having taught for 13 years. He also organized Barton Village Sunday School Class having taught for a number of years. Survivors include his wife, Eugenia Nance Strickland of Arlington; son, Bill Strickland of Albany; daughter, Jane Blair and husband, John T. Blair Jr. of Beaufort, S.C. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Lee and Maggie Hicks Strickland. Visitation will be 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a favorite charity.
Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home
Blakely 229/723-3421

Elna Walden Thomas
BAINBRIDGE - Elna Walden Thomas, 91, of Bainbridge died Friday, December 7, 2001, at her residence. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Nelson Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church with interment in Pine View Cemetery.
Bruton Mortuary
Bainbridge 229/246-6042

Maria Esmeralda Valdez
BLAKELY - Maria Esmeralda Valdez, 2, the daughter of Gusberto and Juana Ramirez Valdez of Route 2 Box 232, Blakely, died Monday, December 10, 2001, at Calhoun Memorial Hospital in Arlington. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at the chapel of Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home in Blakely with interment in Blakely Cemetery.
Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home
Blakely 229/723-3421

Mary Elizabeth Wills
MOULTRIE - Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Wills, 65, of 222 Gardenia Drive, Moultrie, died Monday, December 10, 2001, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Cobb Funeral Chapel with interment in Cobb Suncrest Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Hospice of Colquitt County or The American Cancer Society.
Cobb Funeral Chapel
Moultrie 912/985-3704

Jackson Infant
ALBANY - Vincent Darrell Jackson III (Baby Boy Burns) died Saturday, January 26, 2002, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Union Memorial Cemetery. Elder Kevin Williams will officiate. Vincent was born in Dougherty County. Survivors include his mother, Cecile Burns; father, Vincent D. Jackson Sr.; grandmothers, Jennifer Brown and Cynthia Robinson; grandfathers, Vincent D. Jackson Sr. and Johnny Burns.
Austin & Taylor Mortuary
Albany 229/439-2273

Nathaniel Kelly
ALBANY - The Rev. Nathaniel Kelly, 34, of 610 Johnson Road Lot 14 died Wednesday, January 23, 2002, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Austin & Taylor Chapel with interment in Union Memorial Cemetery. The Rev. Richard Jordan will officiate. A native of Hoboken, the Rev. Kelly was a graduate of Albany High School. He was born to the late James Kelly and Jenette Finch. He was a member of the Lord Helper and Faith Deliverance. Survivors include his wife, Felicia Jordan; children, Joseph Bryant, Alonzo Price Jr., Alicia Jordan, Biancie Jordan, Major Jordan, Jessica Jordan and Ronald Jordan; one sister, Carrie Taylor. Viewing will be 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Austin & Taylor Mortuary
Albany 229/439-2273

William Courtenay Oakes Jr.
ALBANY - William Courtenay Oakes Jr., 54, of 2105 Nottingham Way, Albany, died Tuesday, January 29, 2002, following a two-year battle with cancer. Born in Atlanta, Ga., he lived in Columbus and Valdosta before moving to Arizona with his mother, father, and sister in 1957. He graduated from Coolidge High School, Coolidge, Ariz. in 1965. He also served in the Arizona National Guard. After his father's death, the family moved to Albany in 1966. Mr. Oakes received a B.S. degree from Georgia Southwestern State University and for several years was engaged in commercial banking. He later attended the Claude Petit School of Law at Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio, where he earned the Juris Doctor degree. He returned to Albany in 1984 and practiced law in Leesburg and Albany until his death. He was a member of the Georgia Bar, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, American Bar Association and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Mr. Oakes was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy Ward Oakes, and his father, The Rev. Dr. William Courtenay Oakes Sr. Survivors include two sons, William Courtenay Oakes III and Emory Chandler Oakes; his mother, Janie Crowe Oakes; sister, Pamela Oakes Saville and her husband, Dr. James R. Saville Jr. Mr. Oakes had deep roots in Southwest Georgia. His mother, Janie Crowe Oakes, is Assistant Professor Emerita of English at Darton College, formerly Albany Junior College, and was a member of the original faculty. His late grandfather, Dr. William Henry Crowe practiced medicine for many years in the Thomas County area. His late uncle, Judge W.J. Crowe, practiced law in Worth County and served in both the House and Senate of the Georgia General Assembly. Another uncle, the late Dr. H.D. (Buddy) Crowe, was a prominent Albany pharmacist. Mr. Oakes dedicated his professional life to helping the less fortunate. The son of a Baptist minister, Mr. Oakes was of the Baptist faith. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today at Kimbrell-Stern Chapel. The Rev. Dr. James M. Ramsey will officiate and burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Home
Albany 229/883-4152

Ruth Margaret Ruffin
ALBANY - Ruth Margaret Ruffin of Americus died Wednesday, January 30, 2002, at Sumter Regional Hospital. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors
Albany 229/883-4152

Sara Nell Womack Barber
DONALSONVILLE - Sara Nell Womack Barber, 87, of 201 Church Street, Ashford, Ala., died Tuesday, January 29, 2002, at Seminole Manor Nursing Home. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. EST and 2 p.m. CST at Howard Grove Free Will Baptist Church of Ashford with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 7 p.m.-9 p.m. EST today at the funeral home.
Evans-Skipper Funeral Home
Donalsonville 229/524-2789

Mildred Carlton
BAINBRIDGE - Mildred Carlton, 74, of Bainbridge died Wednesday, January 30, 2002. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
Bruton Mortuary
Bainbridge 229/246-6042

Harvey Lane Gregory
CORDELE - Harvey Lane Gregory, 39, of Dalton died Tuesday, January 29, 2002, in Dalton. The funeral will be at 4 p.m. today at the chapel of Hughes & Wright Funeral Home with interment in Sunnyside Cemetery.
Hughes & Wright Funeral Home
Cordele 229/273-0012

Johnnie B. Horsley
RICHLAND - Johnnie B. Horsley, 81, of Hartford, Conn. died Tuesday, January 29, 2002. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
T.V. Williams Funeral Home
Richland 229/887-3369

Johnny G. Hutchins
BLAKELY - Johnny G. Hutchins, 57, of Blakely died Sunday, January 27, 2002, at Early Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Pleasant Grove A.M.E. Church with interment in the church cemetery.
Community Funeral Home
Blakely 229/723-5570

Sara Bailey Johnson
WARWICK - Sara Bailey Johnson, 63, of 120 School House Street died Tuesday, January 29, 2002. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in New Elim Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. today at Snow's Memorial Chapel, 3077 Pio Nono Avenue, and may be contacted at the residence of Jennie and Alford Bean, 896 Billy White Road, Robert.
Snow's Memorial Chapel
Macon 478/788-3778

Susie M. Langes
EDISON - Susie M. Langes of Morgan died Friday, January 25, 2002, at Calhoun Nursing Home in Edison. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Mount Nebo Baptist Church in Morgan with interment in Mount Nebo Cemetery. The body will be placed in the church Friday from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. for viewing. Visitation will be 6 p.m.-7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Collins Funeral Home
Edison 229/835-2422

Rosie Lee McCluster
PRESTON - Rosie Lee McCluster, 80, of Preston died Tuesday, January 29, 2002. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
T.V. Williams Funeral Home
Richland 229/887-3369

Fhalis E. Moore
BAINBRIDGE - Fhalis E. Moore, 69, of Donalsonville died Tuesday, January 29, 2002, at Donalsonville Hospital. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. today at Ivey Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Bellview Baptist Church Cemetery in Colquitt.
Ivey Funeral Home
Bainbridge 229/246-3232

Gordon B. Ragan
MILLEDGEVILLE - Gordon B. Ragan, 71, died Monday, January 28, 2002, in an Atlanta hospital. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at First Baptist Church of Milledgeville with burial at Memory Hill Cemetery. He was Professor of English at GMC, Gatewood and John Milledge Academy and author of The Georgia Cookbook, a member of Sons of the American Revolution, and an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Ann Bell Ragan of Milledgeville; son, Gordon B. Ragan Jr. of Atlanta; daughter, Evelyn Melissa Ragan of Atlanta; brother, Curtis Ragan of Dawsonville; sisters, Barbara Rasmussen of Bainbridge and Elaine Knight of Jackson; and two grandsons. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, GMC, or John Milledge Academy.
Moores Funeral Home
Milledgeville 478/452-3024

James Strickland
RICHLAND - James Strickland, 48, of Preston died Tuesday, January 29, 2002. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
T.V. Williams Funeral Home
Richland 229/887-3369

James Aaron Woods
CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. - James Aaron Woods of Homosassa, Fla., died peacefully Tuesday, January 29, 2002, at home with his family following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margaret; son, James Jr. (Skip) of Tallahassee, Fla., son, Stephen of Atlanta, and son, Michael of Orlando, Fla. Additional survivors include his sister, Henrietta (Billie) Freels of Knoxville, Tenn.; and brother Lamar of Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Project Open Hand, Atlanta (176 Ottly Dr., Atlanta, Ga. 30324 404/872-8089) would be greatly appreciated. A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church of Homosassa.
Strickland Funeral Home
Crystal River, Fla.
352/795-2678