Mary Brantley Sims
Mary Brantley Sims, 87, of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday morning, Jan. 28, 2003, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Susie Dixon. A native of Washington, DC, she had lived there for many years before moving to Blackshear in 1950. She attended the Barnard College, Smith College, received her teaching certificate from Valdosta State and was a retired school teacher having taught for the Pierce County School System for many years. She was a member of the Blackshear Presbyterian Church where she was the president of the Women of Blackshear Presbyterian. She had also served as president for the PTA at the Main Street School and as president of the Lakeview Ladies Golf Association. She enjoyed teaching knitting and crochet classes and was affectionately known as “Gaga” by all of her grandchildren and others. She was a daughter of the late William Gordon and Mary George Linn Brantley and was also preceded in death by her husband, Claude Eugene Sims, and by a granddaughter, Robbin Anne Dixon Combs. Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Susie and Riley Dixon, Blackshear; a son and daughter-in-law, Brantley and Carol Sims, Harrisburg, KY; four grandchildren, Gregory Sims, Melissa Sue Sims Ramey, Rebecca Linn Wood and John Riley Dixon III; eight greatgrandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Friday afternoon, Jan. 31, from the graveside at the Blackshear Cemetery with the Rev. Joe Brice officiating. Memorials may be made to the Hospice Satilla, 1921 Alice Street, Suite A-1, Waycross, 31501 or to the Blackshear Presbyterian Church. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Kathryn Dixon Christmas
Kathryn Dixon Christmas, 73, passed away early Thursday morning, Jan. 30, 2003, at the Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah following a brief illness. A native of Blackshear, she had lived in Jacksonville, FL for twenty-two years before moving back to Blackshear in 1976. She had worked in the cafeteria of the Pierce County Schools for several years and was a member of the Youmans Chapel Baptist Church where she was active in the Tuesday 11 o’clock Prayer Meeting. Mrs. Christmas was a former member of the West Park Baptist Church in Jacksonville and was a devoted wife and mother. She was a daughter of the late John Riley, Sr. and Myrtle Sikes Dixon and was also preceded in death by her husband, G. I. “Shorty” Christmas, who passed away in 1998 and by a brother, Max B. Dixon. Survivors are two daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Gary Smith, Savannah and Lynn and Randy Woodson, Jesup; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Darcile Dixon and Riley and Susie Dixon, all of Blackshear; six grandchildren,Kandi Greathouse, Kristina (James) Stewart, Debby (Bobby) Johnsen, Dana Seymour, Jeremy Woodson and Will Woodson; five great-grandchildren with two more on the way; a special friend, George Music and several other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Interment followed in the Enon Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were members of the 11 o’clock Prayer Meeting. Memorials may be made to Hospice Satilla, 1921 Alice Street, Suite A-1, Waycross, GA 31501 or to the Youmans Chapel Baptist Church Building Fund, 3497 Dean Still Road, Blackshear, GA 31516. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Esteen Fussell
Esteen Fussell, 83, of Ocilla Highway, Douglas, passed away, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003 at Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross, following an extended illness. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Mrs. Fussell was preceded in death by three brothers, Hoyte Wright, Wendell Wright and Roy Wright and two sisters, Geneva Newgent and Ineta Clark. Survivors are a son, Danny Fussell, Douglas; a daughter, Janice Soles, Augusta; sisters, Nellie Deal, Screven, Novis Roberson,Hortense,Ina Thomas and Allie Waters, both of Jesup; brothers, Frank Wright, Elliot Wright, Lonell Wright and Waddolin Wright, all of Screven; Hobert Wright, Alexandria, VA; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, from the Sims Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Marshall Adcock officiating. Soloist Lena McQuaig sang “Amazing Grace” and “Beulah Land” with Becky Taylor at the piano. Interment followed in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Ware County. Active pallbearers were: George Roberson, Charles Wright, Chuck Wright, Edwin Wright, Eddie Ellis and Rodd Soles. Honorary pallbearers were the Pierce County Nursing Home Employees. Sims Funeral Home of Douglas was in charge of arrangements.

Gladys Annie Hall Rooks
Gladys Annie Hall Rooks, 88, of Patterson, passed away early Saturday morning, Feb. 1, 2003, at the Pierce County Nursing Home following a long illness. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, she was a housewife and was a member of the Laura Chapel Baptist Church where she had served as the pianist and organist for over sixty years. She was a daughter of the late John Leslie and Ida Anderson Hall and was also preceded in death by her husband, James Dalton Rooks, who passed away in 1983 and by a grandson, Jason Lawrence Howard. Survivors are two daughters and sons-in-law, Adair and David Fryer, Nashville, TN and Wanda Fay and Lawrence Howard, Patterson; three sons and daughters-in-law, Wilson and Lucile Rooks, Screven, Randall Eugene and Reba Rooks, Snellville, GA and Dalton Lester and Tiny Rooks, Fort Pierce; a sister, Mrs. Louise Johnson, Jesup; 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, two great-great- grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, from the Laura Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Tim Rowell and the Rev. Tim Hall officiating. Interment followed in the Patterson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Laura Chapel Baptist Church, 4814 Laura Chapel Road, Patterson, GA 31557. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Donald Moore Dixon
Donald Moore Dixon, 65, of Blackshear, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross. A native of Pierce County, he had lived in Atlanta for several years before moving back to Pierce County ten years ago. He was retired from F. W. Woolworths where he had worked in retail management and was a U.S. Air Force veteran having served during the Korean conflict. He was of the Baptist faith and was preceded in death by his father, Lenard Dixon, and by a brother, Revis Dixon. Survivors are his caregiver and mother of his children, Betty A. Dixon, Blackshear; his mother, Ethel Crawford Dixon, Blackshear; four daughters, Donna Durkot, Buford, Debora Tiller, Sugar Hill, Diana (H. Andrew) Martenn, Monroe and Kim Handley, Blackshear; a son, Stephen (Karen) Dixon, Blackshear; a former son-in-law, Steve Tiller, Buford; three sisters, Linda Carstetter, Jacksonville, FL, Diane (Danny) Boyett, Blackshear and Sue (Clif) Baksh, Middletown, DE; three brothers, Avery (Gayle) Dixon, Douglas, Gerald (Kay) Dixon, Cumming and Wendell (Sharon) Dixon, Jacksonville; 11 grandchildren, Joey, John, Ashley, Chelsea, Aaron, Alex, Blake, Jordan, Stevie, Kaitlyn and Cody and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, from the Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home with the Rev. Jerry Dixon and the Rev. Travis Dixon officiating. Interment followed in the Enon Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

James Russell Aspinwall
James Russell Aspinwall, 71, of Patterson, passed away Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003 at Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tolli Allen Aspinwall and Annie Louise Aspinwall, and a sister Mamie Leggett. He was a native and lifelong resident of Pierce County and was retired owner and operator of Russell’s garage in Patterson. He was a founding and still very active member of the Truth Tabernacle U.P. Church in Blackshear. Mr. Aspinwall was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean conflict. Survivors are his wife of 47 years, Janette Aspinwall, Patterson; two daughters, Evelyn Morgan, Waycross and Joan Hendrix, Patterson; two granddaughters, Elesha Hill and Tanya Hill, Patterson; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, from the chapel of Smith Funeral Home in Blackshear. Interment followed in the Shiloh Cemetery. Smith Funeral Homes of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

John Francis Michaels, Sr.
John Francis Michaels, Sr., 94, passed away Monday afternoon, Jan. 27, 2003, at his son’s residence in Blackshear, after an extended illness. Mr. Michaels is the father of Dr. John F. Michaels, Jr. of Blackshear. He was a native of Middletown, Conn. but moved to Boston, Mass. in 1928 to attend Bentley College. He made his home there for 71 years before moving to Blackshear in 1999. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 41 years Mary Muriel Smullen Michaels and his second wife of 25 years Louise Jones Michaels. Mr. Michaels was an avid reader, a lifelong Democrat, a faithful son of the Church, and a patient Red Sox fan. He was also a retired meticulous accountant in the Boston area. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waycross. He is survived by his son Dr. John F. Michaels, and wife Anita of Blackshear, a daughter Judith Ann Morrow of San Francisco, CA; four grandchildren Peter Morrow of An Arbor, Mich., Colin Morrow of Sussex, England, Stephen Michaels of Athens,, and Jean Rose Morrow of San Francisco, CA; twobrothers Walter and Stanley Michalski both of Connecticut, and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, from the St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Westborough, Mass. Burial followed in St. Luke’s Cemetery. The family wishes memorials to be made to the Satilla Health Foundation or to a charity of one’s choice. Local arrangements were with Smith Funeral Home in Blackshear.

Charles Bernard Willingham
Charles Bernard Willingham, 84, of Blackshear, passed away Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003, at the Pierce Co. Nursing Home. A native of Coffee County, he had lived in Wilson, NC and in West Palm Beach, FL before moving to Pierce County in December 2002. He was retired from the US Navy after 22 years and was also the hospital administrator for the A. G. Holley Hospital in Lantana, FL. He was a member of the 33rd Degree Mason Scottish Rite, was a Worthy Patron Eastern Star and was a member of the Kiawanis Club in Lantana, FL. He was a member of the Grace United Presbyterian Church in Lantana where he was a deacon and a member of the board of trustees. He was a son of the late Charles Henry and Ada Estelle Thompson Willingham and was also preceded in death by his wife, Doris Meeks Willingham, who passed away in 1985 and by a brother, Ray Willingham, who passed away in 1999. Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Charles Russell “Rusty” and Rachel Willingham, Beaufort, SC; two grandchildren, Savannah Joe Willingham and Lauren Avelina Willingham; a sister, Emma Lou Bennett, Blackshear; a sister-in-law, Maudine Willingham, Waycross; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Interment will be held on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, from the Lake Worth Memory Gardens. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour Wednesday at the funeral home. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Hester Irene Chancey Dixon
Hester Irene Chancey Dixon, 92, of Patterson, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, at the Pierce County Nursing Home. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, she was a housewife and was a member of the Offerman Baptist Church, the Ladies Faith Sunday School Class, the Offerman Baptist Dependables and was in the Women’s Missionary Society. She was also an Emeritus Member of the Ben Gibbs Chapter (# 299) of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a daughter of the late John Lester and Sarah Jane Walker Chancey and was also preceded in death by a son, Raymond Cannady, a granddaughter, Janath Ann Parker Gaskins, a sister, Lucille Crumm and by a brother, Lander Chancey. Survivors are her husband, R. L. Dixon, Patterson; two daughters and a son-in-law, Eloise and David Aspinwall, Richmond Hill and Shirley Cannady Pless, Patterson; a daughter-in-law, Mitzy Cannady, Palm City, FL; six grandchildren, Randy Cannady, Lee Cannady, Frankie McFarland, Keith Parker, Eddie Parker and Wes Aspinwall; seven great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren and several other relatives. Funeral services for Mrs. Dixon will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, from the Offerman Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Enon Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday evening, Jan. 29 at the funeral home. Members of the Ladies Faith Sunday School Class are asked to serve as honorary pallbearers and should meet at the church by 10:30 a.m. Thursday. The body will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Amanda Virginia Horton Thomas
Amanda Virginia Horton Thomas, 90, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2003, at Walker’s Home Care. A native of Douglas, she grew up and spent most of her life in Pierce County. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelors degree but also received her masters degree and six year degree in Education. She taught school for thirty-six years in many of the surrounding counties but retired from the Pierce County Board of Education. She also taught music for many years after her retirement and played for the Senior Citizens Center. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Blackshear, where she served as the pianist for many years and also served as the choir director. She was a daughter of the late Daniel and Amanda Hutto Horton and was also preceded in death by her husband, Aaron Thomas, and by a grandson, Kelvin A. Thomas. Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Mae and Guinn Steedley, Kingsland; two sons and daughters-in-law, Rudolph and Norma Jean Thomas, Patterson and Midville, Douglas and Judy Thomas, Oklahoma City, Ok; a brother, J. L. Horton, Fort Pierce, FL; 6 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 4 step-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. She is also survived by two special friends, Billy and Gail Cochran. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, from the First Baptist Church, Blackshear. Interment followed in the Greenlawn Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Curtis Thomas, Foye Peacock, Kyle Thomas, Mike Millan, Maxwell Beckworth, Robert Beckworth, Ronald Thomas and Wesley “Hoochie” Thomas. Honorary pallbearers were Clara and R. O. Kimbrell, Col. and Mrs. Eldridge Thomas, Donna C. DeLoach, Freida Johns, Dr. and Mrs. Sylvia Stadnick, Walker Personal Care Home Staff and Residents, Retired Teachers and members of her Sunday School Class. Memorials may be made to the Southeast Cancer Unit, PO Box 2764, Waycross, GA 31502, the Satilla Hospice, 1921 Alice Street, Suite A-1, Waycross, GA 31501 or to the American Heart Association. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Doris Altman Dixon
Dora Altman Dixon, 88, of Hollywood, FL, formerly of Blackshear, died Friday, Jan. 24, 2003, at the Hollywood Medical Center in Hollywood, FL, after an extended illness. A native of Blackshear, she had lived in Hollywood since 1950. She was preceded in death by her parents, Darling and Cora Dixon Altman; recently by a daughter, Shelbia Wolfe, a granddaughter, Sherry Norman and a son-in-law, Billy Norman; three sisters and two brothers. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ in Hollywood. Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Jeff Dixon, Hollywood; two daughters, Jeffena Johnson (husband J.D.), Waycross and Glenda Norman, Hollywood; a son-in-law, Tom Wolfe, Hollywood, FL, seven grandchildren, Melanie Simpkins (husband David), Jacksonville, FL, Drew Johnson, St. Augustine, FL, Lisa Drury (husband John), Loganville, Julie Lee and Dale Rideout, both of Hollywood, Billy Norman, Jacksonville and Dede Fowler, Miami FL; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Hue Dawson, Miami, FL and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. (today) Wednesday, Jan. 27, from the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Enon Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from noon until the funeral hour Wednesday. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Jewell B. Gibson
Jewell B. Gibson, 95, of Folkston, died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003 at her home. She was the daughter of James Alston Barker and Clara Peavy Barker and was the widow of Charles H. Gibson. She was also predeceased by a great-granddaughter, Leah Still. Survivors include two daughters, Marjorie G. Johnson, Waycross and Ruby G. Still, Patterson; one son and daughter-in-law, Lamar and Betty Gibson, Waycross; five grandsons and three granddaughters-in-law, Guy and Kathy Still, Brunswick, Doug and Delores Gibson, Dr. Rusty Gibson, Greg and Terri Still, all of Waycross and Joseph H. Gibson , Washington, DC; thirteen great-grandchildren, Nicole Weaver, Patterson, Benjamin Still, Erin Still, Sarah Still, Hannah Still, Caleb Still and Micah Still, all of Brunswick, Taylor Gibson, Addie Gibson, Julie Gibson, Russ Gibson, Alison Still and Erica Still, all of Waycross; two great-great-grandchildren, Ashli Shannon and Amber Shannon, both of Patterson and one sister, Louise Hunter, Jacksonville, FL. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, from the First Baptist Church of Folkston with the Rev. Randy Jacoby officiating. Interment followed in the Sardis Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Greg Still, Guy Still, Benjamin Still, Rusty Gibson, Russ Gibson, Doug Gibson, Taylor Gibson and Joseph Gibson. Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Jewell Gibson Sunday School class. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Folkston, 401 South Third Street, Folkston 31537 or to Hospice Satilla, 1921 Alice Street, Suite A-1, Waycross, 31501. Shepard Funeral Home of Folkston was in charge of arrangements.

Shelbia Dixon Wolfe
Shelbia Dixon Wolfe, 63, of Hollywood, FL, passed away Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, at the Hollywood Medical Center. A native of Pierce County, she had lived in Hollywood since 1950. She attended school in Pierce County until moving to Hollywood. She was a member of the Church of the Annunciation and had worked with the Broward County Board of Education. Mrs. Wolfe was also a real estate agent and enjoyed baking. Survivors are her husband, Tom Wolfe, Hollywood; a daughter, Julie Lee, Hollywood; a son, Dale Rideout, FL; her parents, Jeff and Doris Altman Dixon, Hollywood; two sisters, Jeffena Johnson, Waycross and Glenda Norman, Hollywood; four grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, from the graveside at the Enon Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Florrie Virginia Hawkins
Florrie Virginia Hawkins, 89, passed away Thursday afternoon, Jan. 23, 2003, at the Baptist Village Nursing Home. A native of Leslie, she had lived in Vidalia, for many years before moving to Blackshear in the early 50s. Mrs. Hawkins retired as a school teacher with the Pierce County Board of Education and had been an educator for forty-two years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she had also been a Sunday School teacher. She was a daughter of the late Dr. Lowis, Sr. and Sarah Daniels Hawkins and was also preceded in death by a brother, Lewis M. Hawkins, Jr. and also be a nephew, Lewis M. Hawkins, III. Survivors are two nieces, Sarah (Harold) Hawkins Paul, Jesup and Cindy (John) Hawkins Hulett, Hazlehurst. There are several great-nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with the Rev. O. J. Graham officiating. Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, Bus Fund or the Playground Fund, 670 Main Street, Blackshear, GA 31516. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Lillie Ruth McMillion James
Lillie Ruth McMillion James, 88, of Blackshear, passed away Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003, at the Pierce County Nursing Home. A native of Tattnall County, she had lived in Pierce County most of her life. She was a homemaker and was a member of the First Baptist Church where she was very active in church work. Mrs. James will long be remembered for her beautiful voice as a soloist but she was also a member of the Sanctuary Choir and the Joy Choir. She was a past president of the Newbern Creek Home Demonstration Club and was also a volunteer with the American Heart Association and the Cancer Society. Mrs. James was a daughter of the late John Henry and Nettie Jane Mobley McMillion and was also preceded in death by her husband, Alton Walstein James, who passed away in 1982 and by her son, Al James, who passed away in 2002. Survivors are five daughters, Norma (Wendell) Waters and Dale (Paul) Davis, all of Blackshear, Louise (Johnny) Hyers, Athens, Emily Saussy, Savannah and Sandra (Steve) Wheless, Powder Springs, GA; one sister, Gertie Creed, Warrenville, SC; a brother, Oscar McMillion, Columbia, SC; nine grandchildren, John Hyers, Jr., Tammy Lewis, Tina Beckworth, Jim Waters, Pam McDonald, Denny Smith, Jr., Dana Herrington, Summer Stokes and Bert Branch; 4 great grandchildren, Leah Lewis, Thomas Beckworth, Amelia Beckworth and Katie Waters and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25, from the First Baptist Church. Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Allie Fay Roberson
Allie Fay Roberson, 90, passed away Friday, Jan. 24, 2003, at Doctors Lake of Orange Park. A native of Waycross, she had lived most of her life in Wayne County before moving to Doctors Lake nine years ago. She was a housewife and attended the Wesleyan Methodist Church. She was a daughter of the late Ivey and Missouri Sloan Strickland and was also preceded in death by her husband, Albert Roberson, who passed away in 1980. Survivors are two daughters, Hazel Jacobs and Loretta Moody, both of Jacksonville, FL; a son, Alvin Roberson of Hortense; 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, from the graveside at the Hortense Cemetery with the Rev. R. C. Mathis officiating. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Vergie Elizabeth Boyette Cason
Vergie Elizabeth Boyette Cason, 91, of Offerman, passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, surrounded by her family at the home of her daughter, Audrey Rogers, in Jesup. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, she was a housewife and was a member of the Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Church. She was a daughter of the late James and Florence Elizabeth Roberson Boyette and was also preceded in death by her husband, Simon Cason, by a daughter, Nadine Cason Denison and four grandsons, Neal Cason, Ricky Landon, Mitchell Woodcock and Kerry Cason. Survivors are seven daughters, Lavinia (James Robert) Thornton and Delane Gordon ,all of Screven, Wylene (James) Woodcock and Sue Ann (Rudolph) Dennison, all of Patterson, Clara (Wilkes) Latham, Thalman, Audrey (Doug) Rogers and Gail Cason, all of Jesup; seven sons, Lavon “Peanut” Cason, Wendell (Glenda) Cason, Kenneth (Velma) Cason, Truman (Gail) Cason and Donald (Virginia) Cason, all of Patterson, Deryl Cason, Screven and Arlen (Vickey) Cason of Leary; 47 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren, two step-great-great -grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Interment followed in the Mill Creek Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Rodney Allen Branch
Rodney Allen Branch, 20, of Hortense, died early Sunday morning, Jan. 19, 2003, at his residence. A native of Pierce County, he was a pipe fitter, an avid hunter and a member of the Twin Rivers Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Roy Rowell and Allen Branch. Survivors include three children, Austin Cole Cooper, Patterson; Cody Lee Boyett and Lexi Leigha Branch, Hortense; mother and step-father, Tina R. and Larry M. Pafford, Hortense; father, Al Branch, Albany; a brother, Ryan M. Pafford; two sisters, Kristen Pafford and Kaitlyn Pafford, all of Hortense; maternal grandmother, Verdie Mae Rowell, Hortense; paternal grandmother, Joyce Branch, Albany; step-paternal grandparents, Larry Pafford Sr. and Diane Pafford, Pinebluff, AR; great-grandmother, Aleph Pafford, Brunswick; several aunts, uncles and other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. (today) Wednesday, Jan. 22, from the Twin Rivers Baptist Church with the Rev. Tim Rowell, the Rev. R.C. Mathis and the Rev. Joey Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Satilla Cemetery near Hortense. Pallbearers will be Josh Herrin, Jason Rozier, Eric Causey, Shannon Davis, Scott Crews and Tony Boatright. Honorary pallbearers will be Loren Altman and Jimmy Moody. Chambless-Frye Funeral Home of Nahunta was in charge of arrangements.

William Cselle
William Cselle, 88, died early Tuesday morning, Jan. 14, 2003, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross following an extended illness. He lived most of his life in Akron, OH, before moving to Blackshear in 1977. He retired from Firestone Tire and Rubber Company as a mechanic and was a former bus driver for the Springfield Township School System. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Blackshear and a former member of the Lakeview Golf Club and the Blackshear Lions Club. He had also served in the Army National Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kalman and Suzanne Molnar Cselle. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Erma Cselle, Blackshear; two sons, Bill Cselle (wife Margaret) and Ed Cselle, both of Blackshear; two grandchildren, Shawn Cselle (wife Stephanie), Ellijay and Tracy Thornton (husband Kerry), Blackshear; three great-grandchildren and several other relatives. A memorial service took place at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, from the First United Methodist Church in Blacakshear. Memorialization was by cremation. Interment will be in the Waters Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Alvera “Snookie” Youmans Wheless
Alvera “Snookie” Youmans Wheless, 76, of Hudson, FL, formerly of Blackshear, died early Tuesday morning, Jan. 14, 2003, at the Regional Medical Center of Bayonet Point in Hudson, following an extended illness. She had lived most of her life in Pierce County before moving to Florida in 1970. She was retired from Bonanza Mobile Home Co. in Hudson. She was a charter member of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Blackshear and was also a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Hudson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Durwood Odum Wheless and her parents, Alvin and Vera Clark Youmans. Survivors include her daughter, Janet Martin (husband John), New Port Richey, FL; two sons, Tim Wheless (wife Janice), Heflin, AL and Stevie Wheless (wife Sandra), Atlanta; nine grandchildren; seven great-granchildren and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, from the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Interment followed in the Enon Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Anthony Clark Manning
Anthony Clark Manning, 46, of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, at the Kindred Hospital in Green Cove Springs, FL due to injuries he received in a car accident a few months ago. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, he was a 1976 graduate of the Patterson High School and was a security guard with the Pinkerton Co. He was a member of the Walkerville Baptist Church and was a son of the late Dofus Clark Manning and was also preceded in death by three sisters, Polly Ledford, Arlene Manning and an infant sister. Survivors are his mother, Rosalie Rowell Manning of Blackshear; a sister and brother-in-law, Glenda (Jimmy) Jones, Waycross; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Leon (Nancy) Manning, Manor and Joey (Mary) Manning, Mershon and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Hutcheson and Rev. Herman Moore officiating. Interment followed in the Raulerson Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Franklin Cortazzo Evans
Franklin Cortazzo Evans, 50, of College Park, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 14, 2003, while an in-patient at Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta. He was born Dec. 1, 1952 in Pierce County as the son of Madge I. McClendon Evans and the late James B. Evans. He was educated in the Pirce County School System graduating from Blackshear High Schol in 1970. He was a member of the marching band at the school. After graduation from high school, he continued his education, graduating from Fort Valley State College in Fort Valley in 1974 with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. During his attendance at Fort Valley, he was inducted into the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Gamma Zeta Chapter in 1971. He graduate magna cum laude from Fort Valley State and moved to Atlanta to assume a position with the United States Government in the Defense Department and attained the position of chief over the Marietta team; DCMA-Atlanta and served with them for over 28 years. He joined the St. James A.M.E. Church in Blackshear at an early age. He served on the usher board and as secretary of the Sunday school. In Atlanta, he was a member of the Cascade United Methodist Church and served on the usher board and also worked as a math tutor with the youth of Cascade Methodist. His favorite hobbies were photography and being a fan of the Atlanta Braves. Survivors include his mother, Madge Evans, Blackshear; one brother, James Benjamin Evans III, Rahway, NJ; three sisters, Claudette L. Evans, Blackshear, Whymener E. (Jackie) Robinson, Riverdale and Debra E. (David) Roberts, Blackshear and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and friends and one special friend, Mary Huff, Atlanta. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, from the St. James A.M.E. Church in Blackshear. Jacobs Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Marion Wilton Mobley
Marion Wilton Mobley, 75, of Pearson, passed away late Tuesday evening, Jan. 14, 2003, at the Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas. A native of Bacon County, he had lived in Apopka, FL for several years before moving to Pearson one year ago. He had worked in the greenhouse and nursery business and was a protestant. He was a son of the late Marion Albert and Rachael Lee Mobley. Survivors are his wife, Dollie Strickland Mobley, Pearson; two daughters and son-in-law, Dianne and Donnie Lewis, Pearson and Charlotte and Glynn Wise, New Jersey; a son and daughter-in-law, James Wilton and Leanna Mobley, Ocoee, FL; two sisters, Lila Mae Strickland, Ocala, FL and Josephine Walters, Atlanta; a brother, Troy Mobley, Rome; nine grandchildren, nine-great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with the Rev. Julian Walker officiating. Interment followed in the Mershon Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Lorenzo Carroll Russell
Lorenzo Carroll Russell, 81, of Blackshear, passed away suddenly Tuesday evening, Jan. 14, 2003, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center. A native of Laurens County, he had lived in Pierce County for several years. He was a graduate of Savannah High School, Armstrong Junior College and Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta. He practiced law for many years in Southeast Georgia and served as the leading attorney for the Federal Land Bank of Columbia, SC and as Solicitor of State Court of Pierce County. Mr. Russell was a Scottish Rite Mason and served his country in the US Navy during World War II. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Fellowship Sunday School Class. He was a son of the late James A. and Laura Hayslip Russell and was also preceded in death by a brother, James A. Russell. Survivors are his wife, Doris Dowling Russell, Blackshear; a daughter, Dr. Nancy Thornton, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; three grandchildren, Nechelle (John) Stamm, Atlanta, Ashlee Thornton, New Orleans and Russell Thornton, Athens; a great- granddaughter, Olivia Stamm, Atlanta and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Bill Young officiating. Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pierce County Nursing Home. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Etta Faye Henderson Davis
Etta Faye Henderson Davis, 73, of Blackshear, passed away early Wednesday morning, Jan. 15, 2002, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, she was a homemaker and had also worked as a nurse’s aide with the Baptist Village Nursing Home for 15 years. While at Baptist Village she was active in the Ceramic Club and the Bible Trivia Club. She was a member of the Blackshear Church of God and was a daughter of the late Randall and Alice Sweat Henderson and was also preceded in death by her husband, Hobert Davis, who passed away in 1984 and by two sisters, Cleo Mattox and Myrtle Davis and by three brothers, Troy Henderson, Ira Henderson and Marcie Henderson. Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Dudley Hendry, Blackshear; two sons and daughters-in-law, Olis and Karen Davis and Daniel and Lana Davis, all of Blackshear; ten grandchildren, Nicolis Davis, Haley Davis, Wesley Davis, Gloria Davis, Ted Foster, Chris Foster, Andy Foster, Keith Hendry, Tracy Hendry and Brian Hendry; two great-grandchildren, Tennille Foster and Mason Foster and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, from the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Bill Young, the Rev. Sam Wilder, the Rev. Joe Thigpen and Elder Winston Boyette officiating. Interment was in the Ramah Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Wayne Ben Owen
Wayne Ben Owen, 86, died Thursday morning, Jan. 16, 2003, at the Baptist Village in Waycross, after an extended illness. He was a native of Sallis, MS, but had lived for many years in Memphis, TN, before moving to Blackshear in 1957. He was preceded in death by his parents, William B. Owen and Essie Kerra Yates. He was a retired salesman from the Conwod Corp. out of Memphis, TN. He was also a former bus driver for Greyhound Bus Lines. He was a longtime and active member of First Baptist Church of Blackshear and was a former member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He also taught Sunday school at the local jail for many years. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in Germany. Survivors include his wife, Frances Owen, Blackshear (now a resident of Baptist Village); three daughters, Sue Dagasteino, Memphis, TN, Carolyne Driggers, Jacksonville, FL and Kerra Davis (husband Charlie), Blackshear; eight grandchildren, Lisa Bunkley, Laura Robinson and Leslie Dagasteino, all of Memphis, TN, Kay Bennett and Kenneth Bennett, both of Jacksonville, FL; Kris Key, Dallas, TX, Burley Davis (wife Michelle) and Benji Davis, all of Blackshear; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Una “Bay” Beaty and a sister-in-law, Nelle Owen, both of Memphis; a special niece, Nancy Burroff, Louisiana and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, from the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Interment followed in the Blackshear City Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the building fund at Frist Baptist Church in Blackshear, the building fund of Emmanuel Baptist Church or to the charity of one’s choice. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Barbara Diane Harris Williamson
Barbara Diane Harris Williamson, 50, of Blackshear, passed away early Friday morning, Jan. 17, 2003, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Ware County, she had lived in Pierce County all of her life. She was a bus driver with the Pierce County Board of Education and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Waycross First Ward. She was a daughter of the late Joseph Reppard Harris and was also preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Dorothy Tyson Williamson. Survivors are her husband, Tommie E. Williamson, Blackshear; her mother and step-father, Bobbie J. Harris and Willie E. Thornton, Waycross; two daughters, Nikki Williamson, Gibson and Morgan Williamson, Blackshear; a son, Philip E. Williamson, Blackshear; two brothers, Rex Harris and Terry (Debra) Harris, all of Waycross; two half-sisters, Rosemary Davis, Bogart and Marlene Jordan, Waycross; three half-brothers, Ray (Christy) Harris and Donnie Harris, all of Waycross and Roy (Patsy) Harris, Hoboken; her father-in-law, Tommie Williamson, Waynesville; her sister-in-law, Donna (Ronnie) Baity of Jacksonville, FL and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with Elder W. O. Wildes and Elder Lester Williamson officiating. Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.