Harry Allen Smith
4-02-2001
Harry Allen Smith, 82, of Bristol, died Monday night at the Appling County Hospital after an extended illness. He was a native of Pierce County. Son of the late Allen Smith and Aurelia Burkhalter Smith. He was married to the late Jewell Loper Smith. He was a member of Martha Memorial Unit ed Methodist Church and a farmer. He was preceded in death by five brothers; Wallace, A.P., Edgar, Henry and Lonnie Smith. Survivors include two sons; James Harold Smith and John Smith both of Bristol. One daughter; Edna Boatright of Bristol. One brother Seab Smith of Bristol. Three sisters Bertha Boyett of Bristol, Vera Mae Deen and Lois Smith both of Mershon. Also ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren survive. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Martha Memorial Methodist Church with Rev. L.H. Wester, Rev. Joe Thigpen, Rev. Robert Hendrix, Rev. Bill Smith and Rev. Irvin Rozier officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Grandsons will be serving as pallbearers. The body was carried to the residence at 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon and will remain there until one hour before the funeral at which time it will be placed in the church to lie in state one hour. Crosby Funeral Home was in charge of all the arrangements.

Louise Todd Hall
4-04-2001
Mrs. Louise Todd Hall, 69, passed away early Wednesday morning at her residence following a long illness. A native of Pierce County, she had lived in Gardi before moving to Waynesville seven years ago. A housewife, she was also a member of the Palmetto Pentecostal Church and enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman Todd and I. A. Brown, a sister, Ora Lee Lowman and by a brother, Alfred Todd. Survivors are her husband of 47 years, James Hall of Waynesville; her mother, Mrs. Mary Louise “Momma Todd” Todd of Blackshear; four daughters and sons-in-law, Laverne and John Wesley Corbitt and Dale and Stanley Prescott all of Waycross, Lydia and Nick Daniels of Waynesville and Karen and John Gingras of Newark, OH; three sisters, Catherine Thomas of Dublin, Hendra Tuberville of Blackshear and Mildred Brune of Atlanta; three brothers, Roy Todd, Billy Todd and Johny Todd, all of Blackshear; 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services for Mrs. Hall were held Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. from Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home. Officiating was Rev. Raymond Drury and Rev. William Johns. Interment will be in the Greenlawn Cemetery. Mrs. Hall was carried to the home of her daughter, Laverne Corbitt, Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. and will remain there until 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Isabelle Roberson Smith
4-05-2001
Mrs. Isabelle Roberson Smith, 87, passed away Thursday afternoon, April 5, 2001 in Baptist Village following a long illness. The Brantley County native had lived most of her life in Pierce County. A member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, she was a housewife and was the widow of John Ervin Smith who preceeded her in death in 1983. She was a daughter of the late John and Jamie Stuckey Roberson. Survivors are two daughters and sons-in-law, Rose Anne and Roy Todd, Sylvia and Lamar Turner, all of Blackshear; three sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald and Linda Smith of Waycross, Roger and Loretta Smith of Douglasville, GA and Hal and Donna Smith of Patterson; a sister, Mrs. Lottie Turner of Nahunta; a brother, Jesse Roberson of Ellenwood, GA; 14 grandchildren, Jamie (Linda) Turner, Anthony Turner, Alison (Troy) Long, Greg Smith, Angie Smith, Tim Smith, Suzanne Smith, Stephanie (Jerry) Evans, Holly (Gerry) Willits, Joey (Melissa) Todd, Jonathan (Brandy) Todd, Mysti (Archie) Clough, Ian Smith and Katie Smith; 13 great-grandchildren, Justin Evans, Jacob Evans, Gerald Willits, Madison Willits, Terrance Smith, Ryan Smith, Jackson Clough, Allie Caroline Long, Anna Claire Long, Blair Turner, Payton Turner, Macie Britt and Amanda Sellers. There are several other relatives. Services for Mrs. Smith wereheld at 10 a.m. Saturday morning from the Laura Chapel Baptist Church. Officiating was Dr. Don Hattaway and Rev. Tim Rowell. Interment was in the Laura Chapel Cemetery. Mrs. Smith remained at the funeral home and lied in state at the church one hour prior to the service. The family received friends at the funeral home from 7-9 p.m. Friday evening. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home was in charge.

Donald W. Boatright
3-29-2001
Donald W. Boatright, 58, passed away early Thursday afternoon, March 29, 2001, at his residence from an apparent heart attack. A native of Bacon County, he had lived all his life in Pierce County. A 1960 graduate of the Patterson High School, he was a member of Mershon United Methodist Church and the Pierce County Farm Bureau. He was recognized as the 1976 Young Man of America. A Carman with the CSX Railroad with over 34 years of service, he was also engaged in farming. He was member of the Railroad Carmen Brotherhood, Local #6508. He was a son of Mrs. Ora Belle Lott Boatright and the late Winnie Bennett Boatright. Other survivors are his wife, Claudia Hyers Boatright of Mershon, four children, Tommy Boatright of Goldsboro, NC; Jana Boatright of Raleigh, NC; Lanna (Joey) Denison of Patterson and Ro Aldridge of Statesboro; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce (Lawrence) Bennett of Alma; Jan (Doug) Ware of Mershon and Ann (Andy) Ezell of Martinez, GA. There are three grandchildren, Chapman Boatright, Maggie Anne Denison and Jad Denison. There are a number of other relatives. Services for Mr. Boatright were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, April 1, 2001, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Rev. Robert Hendrix and Rev. L.H. Wester officiated. Interment was in the Martha Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Boatright remained in state at the funeral home and the family received friends there from 6-8 p.m. Saturday evening, March 31, 2001, and also at the residence of his mother. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge.

LeonoraMcKenzie Patterson
3-30-2001
Leonora McKenzie Patterson, 77, passed away suddenly Friday afternoon, March 30, 2001, at her residence in Blackshear. She was a native of Bryan County but had lived the last many years in Pierce County. She was preceded in death by her mother, Julia Shuman Anderson and her step-father, Troy Shuman; a son and daughter-in-law, Wendall and Elaine Dixon; and a brother, Archie Shuman. Mrs. Patterson was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. She is survived by two grandsons, Steven and Michael Dixon of Columbia, SC; a sister-in-law, Bertie Shuman of Blackshear; three nephews, Zach Shuman of Pembroke, GA; Joey Shuman of Hoboken and Billy Shuman of Blackshear, and a special cousin Peggy Marshall of Pembroke, and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. A graveside service was held Monday, April 2, 2001, at 4 p.m. at Blackshear City Cemetery. Visitation was held Monday afternoon, April 2, 2001, until the time of service at Smith Funeral Home in Blackshear. Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ruth Allbritton
3-28-2001
Mary Ruth Todd Swain Allbritton, 55, passed away Wednesday morning, March 28, 2001, at Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. She was a native of Brantley County but had lived most of her life in Waycross. She was preceded in death by her parents, P.Q. Todd and Venie Shope Todd, a grandson, Justin James, and a brother, Whit Dyal. Mrs. Allbritton was a homemaker and of the Baptist Faith. She is survived by a special friend, John Perry of Waycross; four daughters, Laila James (Kevin) and Anita Johns (James), all of Waycross; Pat Ehrhart of Columbia, PA and Dee Dee Allbritton of Yulee, FL; four sisters, Jeanette Barrow (Bill) of Waycross; Winkie Dowling (Tom) of Woodbine; Annette Crosby of Fernandina Beach and Ophelia Morgan (Pete) of Cincinnatti; five brothers, Homer Dyal (Joyce), Melvin Dyal (Hazel), Walker Dyal (Marie), Quitman Todd (Gail), all of Waycross; Curtis Davis (Wy) of Seneca, SC; seven grandchildren, Ashley and Johnny Ehrhart of Columbia, PA, Michael Stewart of Yulee, FL; Casey, Kayla and Cassie Johns of Waycross and Cody James of Waycross; two special companions Reno and Sue and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. A funeral service was held Saturday, March 31, 2001, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation was held Friday evening, March 30, 2001, from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Evelyn Smith Allen
3-25-2001
Evelyn Smith Allen, 73, passed away Sunday evening, March 25, 2001, at Baptist Village Nursing Home following a short illness. A native of Pierce County, she attended the Baptist church and was a housewife. A daughter of the late David and Gertrude Dixon, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Hawkins Allen, who passed away in 1992, and by her brothers and sisters. Survivors are two daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn (Bobby) Courson of Blackshear and Anita Marie (Ronnie) Musgrove of Waycross; five sons and daughters-in-law, Russell (Shelia) Allen, Bobby Ray (Lynn) Allen, Donald Warren (Renee’) Allen and Tommy Lee (Donna ) Allen, all of Waycross, and Richard Lewis (Linda) Allen of Virginia Beach, VA; 17 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services for Mrs. Allen will be held Wednesday afternoon, March 28, 2001, at 1 p.m. from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Rev. Jim, Jensen, Mr. Ronnie Musgrove and Mr. Roy Musgrove will be officiating. Interment will be in Enon Cemetery. Visitation for Mrs. Allen was held Tuesday evening, March 27, 2001, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Richard Harold Todd
6-17-01
Mr. Richard Harold Todd, 54, died suddenly Sunday afternoon, June 17, 2001, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center from an apparent heart attack. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, he was employed by True Value Hardware in Blackshear and had previously worked in farming and with his father and brother in the Todd and Sons Logging business. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church where he was in the men’s Sunday School class. He was also a member of the Little Satilla Bow Hunters Club and the Pierce County Hunting Club. He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Morgan Todd, who passed away in 1997. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Cynthia Ann Bargeron Todd of Blackshear; a daughter, Crystal Todd of Blackshear; a son, Christopher Todd of Blackshear; his father, Loyce Todd of Blackshear; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Sheral and James Crump of Hazlehurst and Mary Ann Kicklighter of Kingsland; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Raymond and Cassie Todd and his twin brother, Robert Todd, all of Blackshear; his brother-in-law, Roy Bargeron of Blackshear; his mother-in-law Navonia Bargeron of Blackshear; his father and step-mother-in-law, Clint and Margaret Bargeron of Blackshear; several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services for Mr. Todd were held Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. from the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Officiating was Dr. Don Hattaway. Interment was in the Shady Grove cemetery. Visitation for Mr. Todd was held Monday evening from 7-9 at the funeral home. Mr. Todd lied in state at the church one hour prior to the service. The family received friends at the home of Raymond and Cassie Todd, 4454 Molly Branch Road, Blackshear, GA 31516. Memorials may be made to “A Greater Vision” building fund at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 217 W. Carter Ave., Blackshear, GA 31516. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements..

William Wayne Ellis
6-12-01
Mr. William Wayne Ellis, age 97, of Blackshear died Tuesday, June 12, 2001, after an extended illness at Baptist Village. Mr. Ellis was born in Lyons, but had lived most of his life in Pierce County. He was employed by King Edward Cigar for several years and was a retired farmer. He was a member of Youmans Chapel Baptist Church for the past 57 years. He was preceded in death by his parents: the late William Hanes and Molly Merritt Ellis, his wife the late Ada Lougene Mixon Ellis, three daughters: Latrelle Ellis, Doris Bethea, and Annie L. Campbell, one son: William Hanes Ellis, one sister Nettie Ellis, and three brothers Alfus Ellis, Jessie Ellis, and Robert Ellis. He is survived by one daughter Mary Lou Bowen (husband John Quincey) of Waycross, three sons: John Frank Ellis (wife Wilma) of Goodlettesville, TN; David Edward Ellis (wife Sue) of Blackshear; and Robert Ellis (wife Latrelle) of Blackshear; 21 Grandchildren, 37 Great-Grandchildren, and 7 Great-great-grandchildren, one son-in-law Earl E. Campbell of Waycross, and one daughter-in-law Margaret J. Ellis of Houston, TX and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service was held Thursday at 2pm at Youmans Chapel Baptist Church. Burial was in the Waters Cemetery. The Deacons of the church and the Sr. Adult Sunday school class served as honorary pallbearers.

Thomas “Tommy” Willis Thornton
6-11-01
Mr. Thomas “Tommy” Willis Thornton, 72, passed away early Monday morning, June 11, 2001 at the VA Hospital in Lake City, FL following a lengthy illness. Born in Wayne County, he had lived in Pierce County for most of his life. He was a retired iron welder worker and was a US Army veteran having served during WWII. He attended the Offerman Baptist Church and was an avid fisherman and Atlanta Braves fan. He was a son of the late Elbert and Ethel Bullard Thornton. Survivors are three sisters, Mrs. Bertie Dickerson of Blackshear, Mrs. Nina Griffin of Umatilla, FL and Mrs. Alveda Pierce of Gardner, MA; many nieces and nephews, who were his grandchildren at heart, and several other relatives. Funeral services for Mr. Thornton were held Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. from the Offerman Baptist Church. Officiating was Rev. Ronnie Foster. Interment was in the Kettle Creek Cemetery in Waycross. Visitation for Mr. Thornton was held Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Thornton lied in state at the church one hour prior to the service. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Clifford Lee Luke, Jr.
6-14-01
Mr. Clifford Lee Luke, Jr., 61, passed away Thursday morning, June 14, 2001, at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, FL following a brief illness. A native and life long resident of Pierce County, he was a plumber with Dixon & McIntosh Plumbing & Electrical for many years and was of the Baptist faith. He was a US Navy veteran and was the son of the late Clifford Lee and Lizzie Sweat Luke, Sr. Survivors are his wife, Mary Lounell Rowland Luke of Blackshear; a daughter, Susan Passmore of Blackshear; a son Stanley Luke of Blackshear; a sister, Mrs. Evelyn Thomas of Blackshear; three grandchildren, David Luke, Tyler Passmore and Abby Passmore; and several other relatives. Funeral services for Mr. Luke were held Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Officiating was Rev. Jerry Dixon, Rev. Randall Gunter and Rev. Fred Morgan. Interment was in the Blackshear Cemetery. Visitation for Mr. Luke was held Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Richard Harold Todd
6-17-01
Mr. Richard Harold Todd, 54, died suddenly Sunday afternoon, June 17, 2001, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center from an apparent heart attack. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, he was employed by True Value Hardware in Blackshear and had previously worked in farming and with his father and brother in the Todd and Sons Logging business. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church where he was in the men’s Sunday School class. He was also a member of the Little Satilla Bow Hunters Club and the Pierce County Hunting Club. He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Morgan Todd, who passed away in 1997. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Cynthia Ann Bargeron Todd of Blackshear; his father, Loyce Todd of Blackshear; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Sheral and James Crump of Hazlehurst and Mary Ann Kicklighter of Kingsland; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Raymond and Cassie Todd and his twin brother, Robert Todd, all of Blackshear; his brother-in-law, Roy Bargeron of Blackshear; his mother-in-law Navonia Bargeron of Blackshear; his father and step-mother-in-law, Clint and Margaret Bargeron of Blackshear; several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services for Mr. Todd were held Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. from the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Officiating was Dr. Don Hattaway. Interment was in the Shady Grove cemetery. Visitation for Mr. Todd was held Monday evening from 7-9 at the funeral home. Mr. Todd lied in state at the church one hour prior to the service. The family received friends at the home of Raymond and Cassie Todd, 4454 Molly Branch Road, Blackshear, GA 31516. Memorials may be made to “A Greater Vision” building fund at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 217 W. Carter Ave., Blackshear, GA 31516. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Frances Morgan
6-16-01
Mary Frances Morgan, 48, of Blackshear, died early Saturday morning June 16, 2001 at Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross after a long illness. She was born in Ware County, and worked at a sewing factory. She attended Youman’s Chapel Baptist Church. She was the daughter of Mrs. Irene Moody Drury of Hortense, and the late Herman Bill Crews. Also preceded in death by a son, Jamie Morgan and a sister Peggy Sue Drury. Survived by one son, Jeremy Morgan of Blackshear; one sister, Kara Lynn Lewis (C.L.), of Folkston; six brothers, Jerry Crews (Gail), Larry Crews (Karen), and John Drury, Jr., all of Folkston. Lester Crews (Ann) and Tony Drury (Theresa) both of Hoboken, and Bobby Crews (Trish) of Nahunta. A very good friend Marie Crawford, of Blackshear. Also several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Ms. Morgan was taken to her mother’s home in Hortense Sunday morning for visitation. Funeral services were held Monday, June 18, at 11 a.m. from the Youman’s Chapel Baptist Church in Pierce County with the Rev. Randell Gunter, Rev. Wayne Manning and Rev. Ronald Sharpe officiating. Interment followed in the Ramah Cemetery, also in Pierce County. Pallbearers were Jasper Crawford, Chris Brown, Scott Crews, Andy and Brad Jacobs and Randy Batten. Honoraries will be Timmy Davis, Tony Griffin, Joey and Kenny Crawford. Chambless Funeral Home of Nahunta was in charge of the arrangements.

Macie B. Crawford “Mema” Head
6-3-01
Mrs. macie B. Crawford “Mema” Head, 93, died Sunday, June 3, 2001 in a local hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born in Baker County and has lived in Jacksonville, FL since 1939, moving from Blackshear and was employed with King Edward Cigar Factory. She was a charter member of The Church of Religious Science of North Florida. Mrs. Head was preceded in death by her husband, Walton H. Head (1988); son, Benny R. Head (1990); great-grandson, Todd Hunter (2000). She is survived by her son, Earl W. (Dorothy) Head; two daughters, Nelda F. McMannus and Shirley “Jeanne” Stephens; eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 5 at 11 a.m. from the North Jacksonville Chapel of Peeples Family Funeral Homes, with Rev. Jewell Kutzer officiating. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor to Bridge of NE Florida, Inc. Attn: Susan Evans, 1824 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32206.

Walter C. Stephens
5-13-01
Walter C. Stephens, 51, of Holiday, FL, passed away Sunday, May 13, 2001 at his home following an extended illness. Born in Blackshear, Ga., on October 24, 1949, he attended Patterson Schools and was a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam era. He was an employee for the City of Tarpon Springs, FL. He was preceded in death by his father, H.L. Stephens; brothers, Buddy and William; sisters, Jeanette and Christine. He is survived by his wife, Wilma, Holiday, FL; four daughters, Sandra Clark and Patricia Halle of Maryville, TN, Lisa Borchert, New Port Richey, and Charlotte Clarkson, New Vernon, IN; his mother, Pircillar Stephens of Offerman; four brothers, John, Daytona, FL, Eugene, Offerman, Bryant, Copperscove, TX, and Jesse, Blackshear; three sisters, Jackie Crews, Patterson, JoAnn Brooker, Blackshear and Mae Smith, Moultrie; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Services were held on Tuesday, May 15, at the Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home Chapel, Holiday, FL. The Rev. Joe Q. Smith officiated.

Eloise Kirkland Gill
6-11-01
Mrs. Eloise Kirkland Gill, 75, passed away early Monday morning, June 11, 2001, at her residence following a lengthy illness. A native of Savannah, she had lived in Yulee, FL for several years before moving to Blackshear 21 years ago. She was a lifelong homemaker and mother who loved and cared for her children and grandchildren. She will be missed but not forgotten. She was a member of the Five Points Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach, FL. She was a daughter of the late Gertrude Kirkland Hart and was also preceded in death by her husband, Elbert Leroy Gill, who passed away March 12, 2000, and by a son, Larry Gill. Survivors are three daughters and a son-in-law, Janice D. Spivey, Linda S. and J.L. Spivey and Shirley L. Catron all of Blackshear; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jerry L. and Pam Gill and Carroll E. “Curly” Gill all of Fernandina Beach; a sister, Ruth Frenzell of Lake City, FL; 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and several other nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services for Mrs. Gill will be held Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. R.B. Gaskins. Interment will be in the Enon Cemetery. Visitation for Mrs. Gill was held Tuesday evening from 7-9 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice Satilla, 1921 Alice Street, Waycross, GA 31501. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Elbert Frank Harper
6-4-01
Mr. Elbert Frank Harper, age 94, died Monday morning, June 4, 2001 at Baptist Village following an extended illness. He was a native of Suwannee, Florida but had lived in Pierce and Ware Counties most of his life. Mr. Harper was a retired delivery man from Crawley Gas and Oil Company in Waycross and was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and was involved in the Men’s Sunday School Class. He was preceded in death by two wives: the late Katie Conner Harper and Pauline Rowell Harper, and his parents the late Benjamin F. and Mary Hester Harper. He is survived by two daughters: Jacqueline Peacock (husband Felton) of Ormond Beach, Florida, and Marcelia Lambert (husband V.J.) of Andrews, S.C.; two sons: Milton Harper (wife Dottie) of Blackshear, and Phillip T. Harper of Waycross; a sister Mary Cole of Lake City, Florida; a brother Leon Harper of Jacksonville; 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11 AM in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with interment in the Blackshear City Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday night from 7-9 PM at the funeral home and will also be receiving friends at the home of Milton Harper, 6684 Hacklebarney Road, Blackshear. Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Naomi Anna Flora Fulton
5-31-01
Mrs. Naomi Anna Flora Fulton, age 84, died Thursday afternoon, May 31, 2001 at her residence in Patterson after an extended illness. She was a native of Dayton, OH but had lived in Pierce County since 1972. She was preceded in death by her parents Dennis Flora and Anna Knight Flora. Mrs. Fulton was a homemaker and a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 62 years Robert Lee Fulton of Patterson; four sons, Ronald (Fern) Fulton of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, John (Barbara) Fulton of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Richard (Jackie) Fulton of Lake City, FL, Mike Fulton of Clarksville, TN; 12 grandchildren, 2 of which she raised, Teresa (Steve) Tippins of Patterson and Pete (Karen) Fulton of Blackshear; a sister, Treva Campbell of Dayton, OH and a brother Buster (Mary) Flora of Dayton, OH, and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. The family received friends Saturday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Blackshear. A private service will be held for family at a later date.

Ola N. Bryant Taylor
6-2-01
Mrs. Ola N. Bryant Taylor, 94, of Blackshear, died Saturday afternoon June 2, 2001 following an extended illness. She was born in Coffee County but lived most of her life in Pierce County. Taylor was preceded in death by her parents, the late Alec and Sarah Jane Williams Nettles and by her husbands Willie Bryant and John B. Taylor. Mrs. Taylor was a homemaker, and a longtime member of Walkerville Baptist Church. She is survived by three daughters, Doris J. (Farley) Strickland of St. Mary’s, Sarah (Rev. Herman) Moore of Blackshear and Joyce Brooks of Kingsland; two sons, David F. Bryant of St. Augustine, FL and Jones (Gail) Bryant of St. Augustine, FL; one step-daughter, Dean Cribbs of Richmond Hill; two step-sons Joe (Mert) Taylor of Jasper, GA; and Bill (Earline) Taylor of DeLeon Springs, FL; 12 grandchildren, many step-grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-great-grandchildren, 2 sisters Hazel (Bill) McDonald and Lucille (Bob) Cooney, all of Jacksonville, and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. The funeral service took place Tuesday June ,5 in the Smith Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was in Blackshear City Cemetery.

April Marie Aldridge
6-1-01
April Marie Aldridge, 20, of Blackshear, died Friday afternoon, June 1, 2001, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Pierce County. Miss Aldridge was a lifelong resident of Pierce County but had lived the last three years in Waycross. She attended Pierce County Schools and was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by her daughter Chelsey Marie Aldridge of Waycross, her mother Kathy Aldridge of Waycross, her father James Allen Aldridge, Sr. of Waycross, a step-father Danny Chancey, Sr. of Waycross, her grandmothers Ostine Varnadore of Blackshear, and Jane Vanzant of Fernandina Beach, FL; 2 brothers, James Allen Aldridge, Jr. of Bristol, and Kenneth Berry Aldridge, fiance Stacey Steedley of Waycross, and a nephew Dalton Kenneth Aldridge of Waycross and many other relatives. A funeral service was held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Visitation was held Monday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial was in Waters Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangement.

Paul Michael “Mickey” Jackson
5-31-01
Mr. Paul Michael “Mickey” Jackson, age 56, died Thursday, May 31, 2001, at his residence.in Statesboro. The Pierce County native was a 1962 graduate of Statesboro High School. He was a retired meat cutter from his family business, Jackson’s Grocery and from the Grinnell Corporation as a security officer. He also spent twelve years as a school bus driver in the Bulloch County School System. Mr. Jackson was a member of the Eastern Heights Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Carey Jackson, his parents, John and Lillian Jackson, and two brothers, John Jackson and Wayne Jackson. Survivors include his wife, Melanie Humphrey Jackson, a son, Stephen Brian Jackson, both of Statesboro; a sister and brother-in-law, Robyn and Glenn DeVecchis of Statesboro; two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Phyllis Hamrick, of Savannah and Twyla and Dean Preising, Phoenix, AR; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Brown officiating. Burial was in the Bulloch Memorial Gardens. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, 5105 Paulson St., Savannah, GA 31405.

Dewey Allen Dunaway
6-3-01
Mr. Dewey Allen Dunaway, age 82, of Waycross, died Sunday night, June 3, 2001 at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. He was a native of Florence S.C. but had lived most of his life in Waycross. He was preceded in death by his wife Frances Thipgen Dunaway, his parents Henry Adam Dunaway and Gladys Mable Brown Dunaway. Mr. Dunaway was a retired delivery man from Booker Oil Co. in Waycross. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he also was a veteran serving in the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by a special friend and her children, Sue Holder of Waycross, and Susan Hagin, husband Paul, of Waycross, and Sharon Hendley, husband Jacky, of Franklin, N.C.; two nieces, Janice White of Birmingham and Karen White of Mobile AL; a nephew, Philip W. Dunaway of Ft. Pierce, FL and many other relatives. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home in Blackshear. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Leonard D. Thompson
6-4-01
Mr. Leonard D. Thompson, age 64, of Fitzgerald, died Monday, June 4, 2001 at his residence. He had lived in the community all of his life. He was currently working as Maintenance Mechanic with Pace American of Georgia, Fitzgerald.He was a former Mechanic for Brown Transport and Ben Hill County Board of Education Bus Shop. He was also the co-owner and operator of L&E Auto Repair in Fitzgerald. Mr. Thompson was a member of Christian Tabernacle Church and the National Guard. He is survived by his wife Rudine Nipper Thompson of Fitzgerald; one daughter, Elizabeth T. Roberts, New Smyrna Beach, FL; three sons, Edward L., Dwight L. and George L. Thompson, all of Fitzgerald; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mildred Cleghorn, Albany, Carrie Griffin, Fitzgerald and Florence Rodgers, Blackshear. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 7, at 2 p.m. at Paulk Funeral Home. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald. Visitation is from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.

Steve Thomas Weaver
5-23-01
Steve Thomas Weaver, age 32, of Monticello, died Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at the Atlanta Medical Center in Atlanta after an accident. Mr. Weaver was a native of Cobb County. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Shady Dale Volunteer Fire Dept. He worked as shipping supervisor for Cal-Maine Foods in Shady Dale. He is survived by his wife, Nicole Still Weaver of Monticello; children, Amber Shannon and Ashli Shannon, both of Monticello; parents, Bill Weaver and Sandra G. Weaver of Shady Dale; sister, Lisa Weaver of Shady Dale; niece, Madison Weaver of Shady Dale; and grandparents, Ellanae Gosnell of Temple and Louise Allwood of Villa Rica. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 26, 2001, at 2 p.m. at the Providence Baptist Church in Shady Dale. Burial in Providence Baptist Church cemetery. Rev. H.G. Drummond officiated. The family suggests memorials to the Shady Dale Volunteer Fire Dept., 21472 Hwy 83 N, Monticello, GA 31064. Jordan Funeral Home of Monticello was in charge.

Nellie Kelly Smith
5-28-01
Mrs. Nellie Kelly Smith, 83, of Hollywood, FL passed away early Monday morning, May 28, 2001, in the Wayne Memorial Hospital from an apparent heart attack sustained while visiting friends in Jesup. The Wayne County native had lived in Hollywood and the Miami area since 1945. A Registered Nurse, she had performed Private Duty services for many years. A member of the First Baptist Church of Hollywood, she was a daughter of the late William P. Kelly and Savilla Chancey Kelly and was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest W. Smith, in 1983. Survivors are two daughters and sons-in-law, James and Ernell Glisson of Lorida, FL and Darryl and Brenda Smith of Leesburg, GA; there are six grandchildren, Jim, Brian and Sheri Glisson, Tim, Ashley and Lindsey Elliott; five great-grandchildren, Travis, Symberly and Hannah Glisson, Devin and Hayley Robbins; there are several other relatives. Services for Mrs. Smith will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday morning from the graveside in the Popwell Cemetery near Screven. Officiating will be Rev. Julian Walker. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home was in charge.