Verdell A. Carnegie Collins
ALBANY - Verdell A. Carnegie Collins, 83, of 519 W. Lincoln Avenue died Sunday, June 2, 2002, at her residence. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church where the Rev. Robert Beckum is the pastor. The Rev. Emery Ramsey will officiate. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Verdell A. Collins began her love of teaching music in the counties surrounding Dougherty County when a teaching degree was not required. After five years of teaching music to elementary and middle school age students, she joined the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II. Mrs. Collins is the oldest living female World War II veteran in Dougherty County. She served her country from 1942 to 1945 as a motor pool specialist obtaining the rank of PFC. She received Basic training at Des Moines, Iowa. She served two years of duty at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, and one year of duty at Ft. Lewis, Washington. As a motor pool specialist her duties varied from chauffeuring dignitaries to and from major post events and activities to dump truck driver for the Army's rock quarries. Her awards and honors include: the Military Service Award; the Liberation Medal; the Good Conduct Medal and the Overseas Medal. After leaving the Army, Mrs. Collins moved to Houston, Texas. She attended Texas Southern University, earning a bachelor's and master's (1953) degree in music. While awaiting a teaching position to open in the Houston School System, she worked as a financial officer for "Coats of Calantha," a national black women's organization. After nearly three years of waiting, a teaching position in music finally opened at Booker T. Washington Jr. High School. Mrs. Collins retired from teaching in 1982 from Attucks Jr. High School. The composing of the school song for this newly built school is her most cherished accomplishment. She was a teacher of the month in 1970. She also provided musical education to the youth and adults of the community as well as musical entertainment for social events without charge. After her retirement, Mrs. Collins returned home to Albany, Ga., becoming active in her community and church. She was a charter member of West Town United Methodist Church. She served as the Chairperson of Worship; Chairperson of the Finance Committee; Advanced Lay Speaker of South Georgia United Methodist Church and the Minister of Music without charge to the church. She was past president of the United Methodist Women's Organization of West Town. She was also a charter member of the Ritz Culture Center. She served as a board member and chairperson of entertainment. She also served as instructor of music and chaperone for youth activities. Mrs. Collins was a life member of the American Legion (Joseph Odom Post 512). She held the position of post adjutant, finance officer, and historian. She was voted post legionnaire in 1988. At the state level, Mrs. Collins held positions on the Finance Committee and Personnel Committee. She had been program chairperson for Boy's and Girl's state; the Legion's Birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Veteran's Day events and Oratorical contest. Survivors include her sister, Willie B. Fox of Hampton, Va.; three brothers, William D. Carnegie, Thurman Carnegie and Henry L. Carnegie, all of Albany; eight nephews, David Maultsby of Decatur, Charles Maultsby of Albany, Andrew Carnegie Jr. of Douglasville, Thurman Carnegie Jr. of Albany, Steven Carnegie of Providence, R.I., Edward Carnegie of Cranston, R.I., David "Robert" Carnegie of Newport News, Va., and Lincoln Carnegie of Atlanta; five nieces, Shirley C. Benson of Fayetteville, Carolyn C. Madison and Janice M. Carnegie, both of Albany, Deborah Carnegie of Atlanta, Cynthia C. Roots of East Point and a host of relatives and friends.
Meadows Funeral Home
Albany 229/439-2262

John Mark Gilliam
ALBANY - John Mark Gilliam, 47, of 709 N. Jackson Street died Saturday, June 1, 2002, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Crown Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Allen Bingham officiating. Mr. Gilliam was a lifetime resident of Albany and was a supervisor with Modern Gas Company. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Survivors include his son, David Luke Gilliam and his wife, Amy of Gastonia, N.C.; daughter, Laura Gilliam of Albany, GA; two brothers, Tommy Gilliam of Tampa, Fla., and Michael Earl Gilliam of Atlanta, GA; aunt, Gladys Pearson of Gastonia, N.C., uncle, Bill Henson of Valldese, N.C.
Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors
Albany 229/883-4152

Davis Vining Hendricks
ALBANY - Davis Vining Hendricks, 72, of Albany died Tuesday, June 4, 2002, at his home following an illness. His memorial service will be today at 2 p.m. at Kimbrell-Stern. Mr. Leland Burkart will officiate. His remains were cremated. A native of Thomaston, GA, he had lived in Albany for over 30 years. He was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Thomaston, and a graduate of Georgia State University. He served in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. He was the owner of Hendricks Oil Co. in Albany, and was a former Kiwanian. Mr. Hendricks was an Eagle Scout, and served as a scout leader in Albany and Atlanta. He was a member of Northwoods Presbyterian Church in Doraville, GA, where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday School. Mr. Hendricks was preceded in death by his daughter, Carole Vining Hendricks. Survivors include his wife, Mary Seagraves Hendricks of Albany; a son, Mark Davis Hendricks and his wife, Hilda of Buford, GA; two daughters, Beth Hendricks Owens and her husband, Chuck of Albany, Holly Lyn Hendricks of Duluth, GA; a brother, Charles Hendricks and his wife, Edie of South Carolina; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Those desiring may send memorials to the Albany Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1828, Albany, GA 31702.
Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors
Albany 229/883-4152

Oddis Hilson
ALBANY - Oddis Hilson, 79, of Albany died Tuesday, June 4, 2002, at Palmyra Nursing Home. His remains will be cremated and a memorial service will be held Friday, 1 p.m. at Kimbrell-Stern. The Rev. James R. Edwards will officiate. A native of Glasscock County, Georgia, Mr. Hilson was a member of AME Methodist Faith. He retired from Wheeling-Pittsburg Steel Co. in Steuberville, Ohio, where he lived for thirty-five years. After retirement he moved to Elizabeth City, N.C., where he lived for sixteen years before moving to Albany. Survivors include wife, Selecia E. Hilson; three daughters, Loraine Hilson Weatherby of Kingsland, GA, Armenthia Hilson Cunnings and Janette Hilson Dudley, both of Albany; two brothers, Willie Hilson and Leroy Hilson, both of Steubenville, Ohio; two sisters, Helen Hilson Andrews of North Chicago, Illinois, and Louise Hilson Smith of Lake Wells, FL; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors

Corean Jones
SYLVESTER - Corean Jones, 77, of 601 Sunset Drive, Tifton, died Sunday, June 2, 2002, at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Resurrectional Temple of Tifton with interment in Greenwood Cemetery in Tifton. Bishop Alton Litman will officiate. A native of Terrell County, Ms. Jones was a cook. She was educated in the Terrell County Public School System. She was also a member of Resurrectional Temple of Tifton where she served as mother of the church. Survivors include her daughter, Mary Lee Walker; four sisters, Willie Mae Scott, Van V. Jones, Jessie Mae Jones, all of Palm Bay, Fla., and Beatrice Pettiford of Tifton; a brother, James Jones of Cleveland, Ohio.
Shipp's Funeral Home
Sylvester 229/776-1355

Mary Lou LaClair
JACKSONVILLE, NC - Mary Lou LaClair, 69, of Jacksonville, NC, died at her home Tuesday, June 4, 2002. She was the only child of the late Elmer and Stella Fry of Three Mile Bay, NY. Mrs. LaClair was a volunteer with the Onslow Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in Jacksonville, NC, and was a member of the New River Sail and Power Squadron. Mass of Christian Burial will be said 11 a.m. Friday at the Infant of Prague Catholic Church in Jacksonville, NC, with the Rev. Tom Davis officiating. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Three Mile Bay Cemetery in Three Mile Bay, NY. Survivors include her husband, Bernard LaClair of the home; a daughter, Denise LaClair LaFave of Jacksonville, NC; four sons, Michael LaClair of Cambridge, MD, Alan LaClair of Moline, GA, Gary LaClair of Jacksonville, NC, and Brian LaClair of Denton, MD; 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus 3574 or to the American Cancer Society.
Jones Funeral Home
Jacksonville, NC 910/455-1281

Jack Wendell Moore
ALBANY - Jack Wendell Moore, 63, 2307 E. Alberson Drive, Albany, died Tuesday, June 4, 2002. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Kimbrell-Stern with interment in Brushy Creek Cemetery in Ocilla. A native of Berrien County, Mr. Moore started Transmission Crafters. He graduated from Americus Technical School and was a Shriner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dianne Whitley Moore. Survivors include three daughters, Joy Moore Sivils and Jill Moore Warren, both of Savannah, Julie Moore Mitchell of Albany; son, Jay Wendell Moore of Albany; two brothers, Wilburn Moore of Michigan and Orburn Moore of Alapaha; two sisters, Jean Akridge of Alapaha and Sherry Chambers of Leesburg; grandchildren, Lacy, Wesley, Ryan, Kelsey, Perri, Blake, Lucy, Lily and Bradley. Those desiring please make memorials to the Shriners' Children's Hospital. The family will receive friends at the residence.
Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors
Albany 229/883-4152

Michael Edward Sharman
ALBANY - Michael Edward Sharman, 25, of Hammond, La., died Monday, June 3, 2002, in New Orleans, La., as the result of a motorcycle accident. The graveside funeral service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Floral Memory Gardens with the Rev. Bill Mayhew officiating. Mr. Sharman, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, had lived in Albany since 1995 before moving to Hammond, La., one year ago. He was an industrial carpenter with Cajun Contractors of Baton Rouge, La. Michael was a devoted husband, gracious son and grandson, compassionate brother and friend to all. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and especially his time watching Stormy grow up. Survivors include his wife, Melissa Sharman of Hammond, La.; parents, Robert and Esther Sharman of Albany; two stepdaughters, Julie Autin and Jennifer Autin of LaPlace, La.; brothers, Donald Ray Freise of Enigma, Ronald Dale Freise of Baton Rouge, La., and Lonnie Leon Freise of Albany; sister, Stormy Marie Sharman of Albany; paternal grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. J.H. Sharman of Albany. He was the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wilson who were his maternal grandparents. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Hall & Hall Funeral Home
Albany 229/883-3864

Ruthie Mae Brinson
CAMILLA - Funeral services for Ruthie Mae Brinson of 185 E. Stevens Street, Camilla, who died Saturday, June 1, 2002, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Beulah Baptist Church in Camilla. Burial will follow in Oakview Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Kelson and Jones Funeral Home
Camilla 229/336-0349

Mary Summerlin Clark
DONALSONVILLE - Mary Summerlin Clark, 87, of Old Bainbridge Road, Brinson, died Tuesday, June 4, 2002, at Autumn Breeze Hospital in Mobile, Ala. The graveside funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at New Enterprise Cemetery in Iron City. Visitation will be 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Evans-Skipper Funeral Home
Donalsonville 229/524-2789

Robert Gilbert
CAMILLA - Robert Gilbert, 60, of Camilla died Tuesday, June 4, 2002, at Mitchell County Hospital. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
Robert Jester Mortuary
Camilla 229/336-8453

Catherine Reese Hicks
DAWSON - Catherine Reese Hicks, 44, of 688 Billy Lark Road, Dawson, died Tuesday, June 4, 2002, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
Albritten's Funeral Service
Dawson 229/995-5895

G. Rene Bassett Simon
MOULTRIE - G. Rene Bassett Simon, 76, of 3000 East Bypass, Park Regency, died Wednesday, June 5, 2002, at Colquitt Regional Medical Center. Graveside services will be held Saturday morning in Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, Ind. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. today at the funeral home. The family may be contacted at the residence of Patsy and Don Bentz, 2200 Fifth Street, S.E., Moultrie.
Cobb Funeral Chapel
Moultrie 229/985-3704

Doretha Mills Thomas
CAMILLA - Doretha Mills Thomas of 192 Walker Street, Camilla, passed peacefully Monday, June 3, 2002, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. She was born November 1, 1925, to the late Willie Mills and Willie Mae Mills of Camilla, Ga. Mrs. Thomas was educated in the Mitchell County Schools, and graduated from Albany State College in 1955. She did further studies at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Fla. She was a retired 35 year teacher in the Mitchell County School System. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Open Door Church of Praise in Camilla. Burial will follow in Oakview Cemetery in Camilla. Mrs. Thomas was married to the late James Clarence Thomas in 1946. To this union one daughter was born. She leaves to carry on her memory her daughter, Joan Yvette Thomas of Camilla; one grandson, Alex James Branch of Atlanta; one great-granddaughter, Jacquelyn Mona; three brothers, Eltis and Oberia Mills of Camilla and Willie James Mills Jr. of New Jersey; two sisters, Sara L. Mills of New Jersey and Mary Joyner of Camilla; one sister-in-law, Christine C. Mills of Camilla; one uncle, Aaron Caldwell of Miami, Fla.; several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Kelson and Jones Funeral Home
Camilla 229/336-0349

Willard Herman Vickers
CAIRO - Willard Herman Vickers, 78, of Whigham died Tuesday, June 4, 2002, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Magnolia Baptist Church in Whigham. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the building fund of Magnolia Baptist Church in Whigham.
Clark Funeral Home
Cairo 229/377-1414

Esther June Brown-Oliver
ALBANY - Esther June Brown-Oliver, 60, of 710 South Magnolia Street died Sunday, June 17, 2001, at Hospice Atlanta Hospital. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
Meadows Funeral Home
Albany 229/439-2262

Marcus C. Foster
TIFTON - Marcus C. Foster, 62, of Tifton died Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at Beverly Health Care Nursing Home in Tifton. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
Southview Mortuary
Tifton 229/387-7046

Ardelia Lovett
FITZGERALD - Ardelia Lovett, 82, of Fitzgerald died Monday, June 18, 2001, at Fitzgerald Nursing Home. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Paulk Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Evergreen Cemetery.
Paulk Funeral Home
Fitzgerald 229/423-2033

Peggy P. McMath
DAWSON - Peggy Peterman McMath, 79, of Dawson, died Tuesday, June 19, 2001, in Albany. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Harvey Funeral Chapel with interment in Cedar Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Charles Jones and Ike Chambless will officiate. Mrs. McMath was a native of Shorterville, Alabama, born December 4, 1921, daughter of the late Walter Lee Peterman and the late Mary Tye Peterman. She had lived in Dawson most of her life. She was a homemaker, a member of the Eastern Star, the First Baptist Church of Dawson, and the Minnie Clark Sunday School Class. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Hammond "Bill" McMath of Dawson. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Bob Hall of Dawson; son, Bill McMath Jr. of Dawson; son and daughter-in-law, Andy and Janie McMath of Dawson; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and John Nelson of St. Louis, MO; and daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Rainey Owen of Albany; two sisters, Trudie Fendley and Martha Miller, both of Dawson; eight grandchildren, Robert Hall Jr. and Jimmy Hall, both of Dawson, Melissa Nohr of Marietta, Angela Myers of Kennesaw, A.J. McMath of Dawson, Babs Hall of Dawson, David Nelson of St. Louis, MO, Allie Owen of Albany, and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Albany Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1828, Albany, GA 31702. Visitation will be 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Harvey Funeral Home
Dawson 229/995-2104

Rosetta Middlebrook
CORDELE - Rosetta Middlebrook of Cordele died Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at Worth County Hospital. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
J.W. Williams Funeral Home
Cordele 229/273-2683

Rosie B. Powell
CORDELE - Rosie B. Powell of Cordele died Monday, June 18, 2001, in Cleveland, Ohio. Funeral arrangements to be announced.
J.W. Williams Funeral Home
Cordele 229/273-2683

Clara Grace Jordan Rabon
ARLINGTON - Clara Grace Jordan Rabon, 90, of Route 2, Arlington, died Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at Lee County Health Care in Leesburg. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Arlington Baptist Church with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Gary Hadden will officiate. The pallbearers will be the grandsons and grandsons-in-law. The deacons of Arlington Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers. A native of Early County, Ms. Rabon was retired from Arlington Oil Mill having worked there for 45 years. She was a member of Arlington Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Rachel Lisenby of Leesburg and Ann Swords of Albany; two sisters, Ida Carden of Cuthbert and Betty Phillips of Macon; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Rabon and parents, Rachel Culberth and Clifford Gersham Jordan. Visitation will be 7 p.m.-9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home
Blakely 229/723-3421

Annie Edwards McCook Stewart
CUTHBERT - Annie Edwards McCook Stewart, 96, of Cuthbert died Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at Joe-Anne Burgin Nursing Home in Cuthbert. The graveside funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. today at New Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Randolph County. The Rev. Dan Gillum will officiate. Mrs. Stewart was born Sept. 16, 1904 in Clay County, daughter of the late Jim Edwards and Millie Fulton Edwards. She had lived in Randolph County most of her life, where she was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. Survivors include her son, Daniel A. "Rooster" McCook and his wife, Nick, of Cuthbert; two grandchildren, Terrie M. Varnum of Cottondale, FL, and Danny A. McCook of Florence, Miss.; six great-grandchildren, Rick Hunter and Ashley Varnum of Cottondale, FL, Susan M. Mitchell and Nickey McCook of Sylvester and Daniel A. McCook IV and Danna McCook of Florence, Miss.
Lunsford Funeral Home
Cuthbert 229/732-2148