J.T. Thornton
J.T. Thornton, 81, of Offerman, passed away early Tuesday morning, July 22, 2003, at the St. Vincents Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. A native of Pierce County, he had lived here all of his life. He was retired from Rayonier as a welder. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge # 270 of Blackshear and also a member of the Offerman Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Men’s Bible class teacher. He was a World War II Veteran serving with the 4th Motorized Infantry Division. His parents were the late Richard Shellie and Pearl Milligan Thornton. Survivors include his wife, Pauline H. Thornton, Offerman; one daughter, Deborah Thornton, Detroit, MI; two sons and their wives, J.T. and Heidi Thornton Jr., Houston,TX and Richard and Linda Thornton, Swainsboro, GA; six sisters, Elouise Fleming, Jacksonville, FL, Sarah Golden, Houston, TX, Lois Tumlin, Long Beach, MS, Jewel Dunnigan, Jacksonville, FL, Loretta Blocker, Mooresville, NC, and Bonnie Dubberly, Douglasville; three brothers, Harold Thornton, Jesup, Richard S. Thornton Jr., Offerman and Wayne Thornton, Bryceville, FL; four grandchildren, Kevin, Karen, Mandy, and Ashley; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 24, from the Offerman Baptist Church. Interment followed in the Offerman Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Thrift Clark
Mary Thrift Clark, 98, died Monday morning, July 21, 2003, at Pierce County Nursing Home in Blackshear after an extended illness. She had resided in Blackshear for over 40 years. She was a seamstress and was affiliated with the Primitive Baptist faith. She was the daughter of the late John Thrift and Martha Batten Thrift. She was the wife of the late James Clark. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Bill Thrift; two sisters, Omie Thrift and Daisy Grantham; and three nephews, Leroy Thrift, J. R. Grantham and Albert Grantham. Survivors include two nephews, Earl Thrift (wife Beatrice), Blackshear and Gerald Thrift, Blackshear; four nieces, Bonnie Thrift Hickox (husband Glenn), Waycross, Mizell Grantham Robertson, Jesup, Geneva Grantham Tyre (husband Julian), Jesup, and Beatrice Grantham Bishop, Odum and several cousins and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, from the Music Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Edmund Thrift officiating. Interment followed in Enon Cemetery. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com Music Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of arrangements.

W. Eldon Taylor
W. Eldon Taylor, 64, died early Monday morning, July 21, 2003, at his residence in Pierce County following a long illness. A native of Pierce County he had lived most of his life in Waycross and Pierce County. He was the son of the late Jake Taylor. He was retired from Crosby Pontiac-Cadillac, and was a former employee of Walker-Jones and Downtown Auto. He was retired from the Waycross Police Reserve. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, the Dennie Hill Sunday School Class, and the Saints of Joy of Emmanuel Baptist Church. The survivors include his wife, Maxine Smith Taylor, Blackshear; two sons, Kenny Taylor (wife Karen), Marion, NC, David Taylor (Angie), Blackshear; his mother, Minnie Lee Taylor, Waycross; two brothers, Dennie Taylor (wife Anne), Macon, Donnie Taylor (wife Ardie), Meigs; his grandchildren, Summer (Fiancee Casey Johnson) and Leigha Taylor both of Blackshear, Keleah and Kateah Taylor both of Marion, NC, and C.J. Bland, Blackshear; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Emmanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Stone officiating. Burial was in the Waters Cemetery. The family request memorials be given to Greater Vision at Emmanuel Baptist Church P.O. Drawer 407 Blackshear, Georgia 31516. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com. Music Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of arrangements.

Daphne Priscilla Howard
Daphne Priscilla Howard, 22, passed away suddenly Thursday evening, July 24, 2003, at her residence. A native of Savannah, she had lived in Jesup before moving to Blackshear in 2002. She was a member of the White Bluff Baptist Church in Savannah. Survivors include her mother, Ms. Ann Garret Howard, Blackshear; her father, Kenneth Howard of Florida; a brother, Adam Howard, Blackshear and several other relatives. A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Monday, July 28, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Memorialization was by cremation. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie A. Elrod
Bonnie A. Elrod, 50, of Ware County died early Friday morning, July 25, 2003, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. A native of Brantley County, she had lived most of her life in Waycross. She was preceded in death by her father Virgil Accord and a brother, William Kenneth McClellan. She was a homemaker and attended Astoria Baptist Church in Ware County. Survivors include two daughters, Donna Pearson, (husband D.J.), Homerville, and Wanda Elrod, Waycross; three sons, David Elrod, Daniel Elrod and Jammie Elrod, all of Waycross; three grandchildren, Caleb and Garret Pearson, Homerville and James Elrod, Waycross; her parents William G. and Colleen McClellan; sister Linda Crews, (husband Framen), Hoboken; a brother, Bobby Accord (wife Linda), Blackshear and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 27, from the Astoria Baptist Church in Ware County. Burial followed in the New Hope Cemetery in Brantley County. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Arthenia McDonald Frazier
Arthenia McDonald Frazier, 90, passed away Thursday morning, July 24, 2003, at the Waycross Health & Rehabilitation Center. A native of Double Springs, AL, she had lived there all of her life until moving to Blackshear six years ago. She was a housewife and had been a very active member of the Double Springs Church of Christ. She had also been inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. She was a daughter of the late Arthur and Emma Dollar McDonald and was also preceded in death by her husband, Earl Hammond Frazier, her infant daughter, Brenda Frazier and by her brother, Emerson McDonald. Survivors include a son, Don Frazier, Blackshear; a granddaughter, Donna Gower, Douglas; a great grandson, Jake Gower, Douglas; two sisters, Capitola Overton, Double Springs and Artrue Bull, Houston, TX and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 27, from the chapel of the Nichols Funeral Home in Double Springs. Interment followed in the Double Springs Memorial Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home was in charge of local arrangements.

Madge Amelia Raulerson Waters
Madge Amelia Raulerson Waters, 91, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2003, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, she was a retired school teacher having worked in the Pierce County School System for over thirty years. She was a member of the Blackshear First United Methodist Church and was also a member of the Susannah Wesley Sunday School Class. She had worked as a pink lady with the former Pierce County Hospital and will be remembered for her love of growing roses. She was a daughter of the late O. W. and Della Middleton Raulerson and was also preceded in death by her husband, James Woodrow Waters, who passed away in 1965. Survivors are three daughters and sons-in-law, Laura and Mike Anderson, Blackshear, Matilda and William Dukes, Quitman and Nell and Billie Clanton, Jesup; a son and daughter-in-law, Wendell and Norma Waters, Blackshear; three sisters, Merle Anderson and Iris (Danny) Brooks, all of Patterson and Irma and Eldred Edgy, Blythe Island; two sisters-in-law, Jewell Futch, Alma and Geneva Lamb, Rincon; 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 28, from the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Freddie Wheeler and the Rev. Dr. Terry Deloach officiating Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 127, Blackshear, GA 31516. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Angus Cameron
Angus Cameron, 89, of Ladson, SC, died Sunday, July 27, 2003 at the Trident Medical Center in Charleston, SC after an extended illness. A native of Bacon County, he had lived in Waycross for many years before moving to S.C. in 1996. He was a retired machinist with King Edward Cigar and was a member of Revival Center Church in Ladson, SC. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene T. Cameron and his parents, David and Zillie Harrelson Cameron. Survivors include three daughters, Marilyn Williams, Blackshear, Glenda Waldron (husband, the Rev. Donnie), Ladson, SC, and Vickie Mitchell (husband Gary), Waycross; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday, July 30) from the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Bacon County. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Darcile Johnson Dixon
Darcile Johnson Dixon, 70, of Blackshear, passed away Sunday evening, July 27, 2003, at her residence following a short illness. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, she was retired from Roberson’s Abbattoir and had also been a housewife. She attended the Youmans Chapel Baptist Church and was a daughter of the late Tommy and Myrtice Hutchinson Johnson. Survivors are her husband, Frank C. Dixon, Blackshear; two sons, Randy Dixon, Orlando, FL and David Dixon, Blackshear; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jimmie Rae (Harry) Padgett, Savannah and Bobbie Ann (Russell) O’Quinn, Blackshear; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Tommy Johnson, Salt Lake City, UT and Jerry (Wanda) Strickland, Blackshear; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today (Wednesday, July 30) from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with the Rev. Lowell Lee officiating. Interment will follow in the Enon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Hospice Satilla, 1921 Alice Street, Suite A-1, Waycross, GA 31501. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Johnny Wooten
Johnny Wooten, 56, of Patterson, passed away suddenly Sunday, July 27, 2003, at the Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah following a brief illness. A native of Douglas, he had lived in Pierce County for most of his life. He was a mechanic supervisor with CSX and was a U.S. Army veteran having served during Vietnam. He was a member of the Patterson Baptist Church, was a former mayor of Patterson from 1985-2001, owned the Patterson Café, was a Mason, little league coach and was also a GMA Board member. He was a son of the late John Erie and Mary Emma Highsmith Wooten. Survivors include his wife, Virginia Wasden Wooten, Patterson; his step-father, Clyde Hickson, Patterson; a daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Ray Stanfield, Patterson; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Johnny Scott and Nicole Wooten and Kelly Lee Wooten, all of Patterson; a brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Diane Wooten, Douglas; three grandchildren, Emily Stanfield, Ellen Stanfield and Bryce Jarrard and several other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 31, from the Patterson Baptist Church with the Rev. Randy Deloach officiating. Interment will follow in the Offerman Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 7-9 p.m. this evening (Wednesday, July 30) at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to a charity of ones choice. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Abigail Lynn Cason
Abigail Lynn Cason, newborn daughter of John and Tina Reaker Cason of Offerman, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2003, at the Wayne Memorial Hospital in Jesup. Survivors other than her parents are her two big sisters, Amber Marie Cason and Megan Brianne Cason, both of Offerman; her maternal grandparents Jay and Sheila Reaker, Blackshear; her paternal grandparents, Truman and Gail Cason, Offerman; her maternal great-grandparents, Ben and Rosemary Scurry, Waycross; her paternal great-grandparents, James D. and Thelma Thornton, Offerman and several aunts, uncles and other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 31, from the Offerman Baptist Church with the Rev. Ronnie Foster officiating. Interment will follow in the Offerman Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. this evening (Wednesday, July 30) at the funeral home. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Lessie “Faye” Williams
Lessie “Faye” Williams, 67, of Dublin, died Sunday evening, July 13, 2003, at the Shamrock Nursing Home, following an extended illness. A native of Coffee County, she had lived in Dublin for three months, coming from Waycross. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Williams; a son, Ray Stanley Hit; her father and mother, Fisher and Anna Todd Anderson; a sister, Marinell Anderson Carver and her twin brother, Jessie Anderson. Survivors include a daughter, Lisa Ray Kendall, East McAlister, OK; three sisters, Johnnie Karleen Carver Reed, Helen Pauline Veal Geiger and Elizabeth Anderson Porter. Services will be planned at a later date. Stanley Funeral Home of Dublin is in charge of arrangements.

Alexander Oden Crawford
Alexander Oden Crawford, 88, of Folkston, passed away Monday, July 14, 2003. A native of Pierce County, he was a son of the late Alex Braxton Crawford and Safrona Strickland Crawford. He was predeceased by his wife Flora Elizabeth Aldridge Crawford. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Folkston where he served as deacon emeritus. Survivors include five daughters, Colleen Birkhalter, Blackshear, Shirley Williams, Jacksonville, FL, Geraldine Young, Middleburg, FL, Maxine Drury, Jacksonville, FL and Pauline Rix, Yulee, FL; one son, Alvin Crawford, Yulee, FL; 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 17, from the First Baptist Church in Folkston with the Rev. Gene McCullough and the Rev. Randy Jacoby officiating. Interment followed in the Pineview Cemetery. Shepard Funeral Home of Folkston was in charge of arrangements.

Lorrie Thornton
Lorrie Thornton, 41, of Screven, died Tuesday, July 15, 2003, as the result of an automobile accident. A lifelong resident of Wayne County, she attended the Screven Church of God. She was an x-ray technician at Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross. She was preceded in death by her mother, Glenda Faye Horton Thornton. Survivors include two daughters, Elisha Davis and Traci Grantham, both of Screven; a granddaughter; her father, Mr. Tracey Thornton and wife Marie, Bristol; three brothers, Matt Thornton, Johnson City, TN, Robin Thornton and Travis Thornton, both of Screven and her maternal grandmother, Ruby Horton, Jesup. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 17, from the Screven Church of God with the Rev. Carlton Ring officiating. Interment followed in the Screven City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Matt Thornton, Robin Thornton, Travis Thornton, Michael Thornton, Adam Thornton and Jeremy Metts. Gordon-Harrison Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangements.

John Perry “J.P.” Lee
John Perry “J.P.” Lee, 79, of Blackshear, passed away Wednesday afternoon, July 16, 2003, at his residence. A native of Brantley County, he had moved back to this area in 1973 after living in California for several years. He had worked as a security guard with Sizemore Security and was a U.S. Army Veteran. He was of the Baptist faith. A son of the late James Earic and Ether O’Quinn Lee, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Wade Lee and by two brothers, W. Emory Lee and Leaster Lee. Survivors include five sisters, Lottie Lee Howell, Inez L. Riggins, Marlene Depratter Harris (husband Sammy), all of Blackshear, Eugenia “Jeanie” Lee Haynes (husband Delmar), Waycross and Amy Holland (husband Marcus), Richmond Hill; a brother, Everette Lee (wife Debbie), Blackshear; a special aunt, Mrs. Rachel Allbritton Cason, Nahunta and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday morning, July 19, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with the Rev. Billy Davis officiating. Interment followed in the High Bluff Cemetery in Brantley County. Memorials may be made to the Southeast Cancer Unit, PO Box 2764, Waycross, GA 31502 or to the Hospice Satilla, 1921 Alice Street, Suite A-1, Waycross, GA 31501. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Eunice Johnson Lowder
Eunice Johnson Lowder, 95, of Thomasville, passed away Thursday evening, July 17, 2003, at the Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville. A native of Brantley County, she had lived in Homerville since 1942. She was a homemaker and attended the Homerville United Methodist Church for many years where she was very active in all phases of church activities until ill health forced her to quit. She was also a member of the John Floyd Chapter of the DAR, the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Homerville Woman’s Club. She was a daughter of the late Allen Marshall and Hettie Elizabeth Davis Johnson and was also preceded in death by her husband, Rufus Lowder Jr., who passed away in 1977. Survivors include three nieces, Elaine Thacker, Watkinsville, Bernice Parris of San Antonio, TX and Betty (Bernard) Pearson, Blackshear and several other relatives. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with the Rev. Freddie Wheeler officiating. Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Home, Quitman. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

James Newell Bennett
James Newell Bennett, 89, of Mershon died Friday afternoon, July 18, 2003, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. A native and lifelong resident of Pierce County, he was preceded in death by his parents, J.L. Bennett and Mamie James Bennett; his brother Dorsey Bennett and two sisters-in-law, Georgie Bennett and Ruth Bennett. He was a retired farmer in Mershon and was a longtime active member of Antioch Baptist Church where he served as a deacon since 1952, was a member of the Adult Sunday School Class and served as the church treasurer for many years. He also served on the Blackshear Hospital Authority and the A.S.C.S. Committee. He was also a veteran where he served in the U.S. Army. Survivors include his wife, Oletha Raulerson Bennett, Mershon; a daughter Linda Bennett Spence (husband Don), Mershon; three sons, Nelson Bennett (wife Virgil Lee), Alma, Dan Bennett Sr. (wife Jeanette), Blackshear and Eddie Bennett (wife Diane), Mershon; ten grandchildren Robin Spence, Mershon, Gail Stafford (husband Josh), Mershon, Mandi S. Jacobs (husband Jonathan), Norcross, Debbie Morris (husband Randall), Uvalda, Robert Bennett (wife Cathy), Alma, Janet Clements (husband Ronnie), Alma, Dan Bennett Jr. (wife Kristi), Blackshear, Darby Benefield (husband Greg), Blackshear, Leslie Dowling (husband David), Mershon and Jim Bennett, Mershon; twelve great-grandchildren; four sisters, DeAlva Roberts, Blackshear, Adeline Meeker (husband Everett), Covington, IN, Mamie Severin (husband Reed),Waycross and Melda Van Iderstyne (husband Dick), Columbus, OH; two brothers J.L. Bennett, Mershon and Harold Bennett (wife Mary), Mershon and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 20, from the Antioch Baptist Church. Interment followed in the Ramah Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of the arrangements.

Mack P. Herrin
Mack P. Herrin, 87, of Eureka, FL, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2003, at his residence following a long illness. A native of Pierce County, he had lived in Jacksonville, FL for several years before moving to Eureka in 1975. He was retired from the Naval Air Base in Jacksonville where he had worked in maintenance civil service. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Fort McCoy, was also a member of the Lions Club and served in the Navy during World War II. He was a son of the late Mose and Elizabeth Cason Herrin. Survivors are a daughter, Vivian Katz, Jacksonville; a son, Charles Rodney Herrin, Jacksonville; a sister, Ida Strickland, Patterson; two grandchildren, Tracie and Graham and several other relatives. Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday, July 23) from the Raulerson Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of local arrangements.

Annie W. Ogden
Annie W. Odgen, 84 of Odum, died Friday, July 18, 2003 after an extended illness. The Pierce County Native was a member of the Piney Grove Church of God. She was a former telephone operator, homemaker and was the widow of Jesse Ander Ogden. She is survived by eight sons, Gene Odgen, Walker Odgen, Ted Odgen, all of Odum; Chris Odgen, Woodbine, Jesse Odgen, Jr., Douglas, Donald Odgen, Hamden, CT, Jerome Odgen, Garden City and Lee Mitchell, Waycross; six daughters, Jewel Yandele, Alberta Harvey, Tamra Hunt, all of Odum; Iamma Smith, Baxley, Dianne Roach, Surrency, Marilyn Wallace, Sparr, FL; three sisters, Virginia Wells, Iamma Waters, Screven, Mary Jones, Brunswick; 46 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Monday, July 21, 2003 at Piney Grove Church of God. The Rev. Jimmy Lord and Elder Roland Waters officiated. Interment followed in the Moody-Tillman Cemetery in Appling County. Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangements.

Alice Ellen “Sally” Henderson
Alice Ellen “Sally” Henderson, 71, of Alma, died early Saturday, July 12, 2003 at Satilla Regional Medical Center after a short illness. She was a native of New Mexico, but had lived in the Hurricane community of Pierce County most of her life. She was the daughter of the late John Bauler and Iris Logmouth. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Gordon Norman Henderson, Sr.; two brothers, Jack and Gene Bauler; and a sister, Ruth Porter. She was a member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include one son, Gordon Norman Henderson, Jr. (Debbie), Blackshear; one daughter, Lynette (Joey) Altman, Blackshear; five sisters, Irene Bauler, Barbara Martin, Mary Lou Williams, Hereford,TX; Nancy Fluman, Mills, NM and Helen Sanders, Aztec, NM; six brothers, Nathan Bauler, Springee, NM, Johnny Bauler, Thatcher, AZ, Danny Bauler, Hereford, TX; four grandchildren, Chip Altman, Atlanta; Chad Henderson, Waycross; Allison Henderson Hendrix and Christie Altman, both of Blackshear; one great-grandchild, Kyla Henderson, Waycross; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Monday, July 21, 2003, 11 a.m., from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home in Alma. The Rev. Clay Thomas and the Rev. Fred Morgan officiated. Interment followed in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery.

James C. Fraley
James C. Fraley, 63, of Waycross died Monday evening at St. Luke’s Hospital in Jacksonville, FL after an extended illness. He was a native of Ware County and had lived here for most of his life. He retired from CSX as a train master after 32 years of service. He was a member of Anderson Drive Baptist Church in Jesup. His parents, Sam and Bedella Johnson Fraley preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were three brothers, Roger Fraley, Edward Fraley and Harry Fraley, four sisters, Mary Craigie, H.T. Fraley, Dallas Fraley, and Sammie Martin. Survivors include his wife, Betty Manning Fraley, Waycross; three daughters, Karen Peace (husband Bobby), Waycross, Cheryl Johnson (husband David), Jesup, Jamie Segear (husband Jovel), Woodbine; one brother, Robert Fraley (wife Jan), Live Oak, FL; five grandchildren, Heather Peace, Waycross, Genese Taylor (husband Paul), Hazelhurst, Brandice and Ethan Johnson, Jesup, John and James Segear, Woodbine; four great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 10, from the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed in the Oakland Cemetery. Retired and Active employees of CSX served as honorary pallbearers. Miles-Odum Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of arrangements.

Mabel Imogene Fish Boatright
Mabel Imogene Fish Boatright, 65, of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday evening, July 8, 2003, at her residence following a courageous battle with cancer. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, she was a housewife and was a member of the Little River Church of God. She was a daughter of the late Everett and Avie Kate Davis Fish. Survivors are her husband, Robert “Junior” Boatright Jr., Blackshear; three daughters, Cheri (Dennis) Strickland, Buford, Lori Robins, Auburn, and Misty (Chris) Carter, Blackshear; five sons, Ricky (Jeanette) Boatright, Gene Boatright, Tommy (Jody) Boatright, Robert (Peggy) Boatright and Stacy William Boatright, all of Blackshear; two sisters, Vickie (Arlin) Cason, Albany and Kathy (Dale) Peller, Lake City, FL; four brothers, Larry (Jackie) Fish, Phoenix, AZ, Robert (Pam) Fish, California, Billy Fish, Albany and David Fish, Jacksonville, FL; 16 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 10, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with Pastor R. B. Gaskins and Dr. Earl Martin officiating. Interment followed in the Waters Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Helen Crosby Henderson
Helen Crosby Henderson, 74, passed away Wednesday morning, July 9, 2003, at the Bacon County Hospital. Born in Glynn County, she had lived in Pierce County all of her life. She was a housewife and attended the Blackshear First United Methodist Church. She was a 1946 graduate of Patterson High School where she was voted Most Athletic and was also very talented in arts and crafts. She was a daughter of the late Charles and Mabel McBee Crosby and was also preceded in death by her husband, Oran “Pete” Henderson, who passed away in 1996; by a sister, Margaret Wilson and by a brother, Howard Crosby. Survivors are two daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa and Wayne Hall, Alma and Paula and Roger Nixon, Bellevue, WA; a son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Janet Henderson, Blackshear; four sisters, Juanita Day, Marietta, Betty Damain, Jacksonville, FL, Faye Hardin, Tyrone, PA and Jackie Riggins, Blackshear; a brother, Charles Crosby, Twin City; three sisters-in-law, Stella Maude Owens, Yvonne Deloach and Darcile Davis, all of Blackshear; 11 grandchildren, Teke Dixon, Lindee Dixon, Dede Byrd, Nikki Martin, Christie Bullard, Kay Henderson, Mick Henderson, Les Fullard, Jake Fullard, Jason Nixon and Ryan Nixon; 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 11, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with her grandson, the Rev. Teke Dixon officiating Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Bernice Faye Carter Thigpen
Bernice Faye Carter Thigpen, 86, of Waycross, died Friday morning, July 11, 2003, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross after an extended illness. She was a native and lifelong resident of Ware County. She was preceded in death by her parents William “Will” L. Carter and the late Arizona Minchew Carter. She was a homemaker and a member of Sweat Memorial Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Eastern Star Auxillary, and the Woodmen of the World Auxillary. She is survived by her husband of 70 years James “Roy” Thigpen, Waycross; a son William “Billy” Thigpen, Waycross and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 13, from the chapel of Smith Funeral Home in Blackshear. Entombment followed in the Oakland Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Willie E. Kicklighter
Willie E. Kicklighter, 75, of Screven, died Tuesday, July 8, 2003 at his residence after an extended illness. He was a member of Blanton Grove Church of God and was a retired farmer. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. Survivors are his wife of 58 years, Ruby Thornton Kicklighter, Screven; a son and daughter-in-law, Darrell and Angie Kicklighter, Jesup; three grandchildren, Priscilla Young, Amy Chadwick and Bobby Whitten; one step-grandchild, Melonie Thornton; nine great-grandchildren, three sisters and brothers-in-law, Violet and Vernon Westberry, Blackshear, Maxine Rozier, Blackshear, Josephine Brown, Bluffton, S.C. and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 10, from the Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Dowdy officiating. Interment was in Big Creek Cemetery. Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of the arrangements.

Jewell Evelyn Crawford King
Jewell Evelyn Crawford King, 80, of Patterson, died late Saturday night, July 12, 2003 at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, FL after an extended illness. A lifelong resident of Pierce County, she was a homemaker and was formerly employed as a seamstress. She was the oldest member of the Offerman Church of God and the Adult Sunday School Class. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Grady King; a son, David Grady King; her parents, Wade S. and Frances Johnson Crawford; a daughter-in-law, Edith Mae Thornton; a son-in-law, Gilbert H. Smith and her brothers and sisters, Alwood Crawford, Flossie Crawford, Florine Crawford, Georgia E. Watts, Thelma Strickland, Hugh Dorsey Crawford, Reuben Monroe Crawford, James Randall Crawford, Ellie Nelson, Henry Grady Crawford and Mertie Lon Wyatt. Survivors include three daughters, Frances Simmons (husband John W.), Blackshear, Kathryn Barber (husband Harold), Patterson and Christine Smith Scott (husband Charles), Clanton, AL; two sons, Sheriff Richard King (wife Pat), Patterson and James Edward King (wife Theresa), Waycross; 22 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, from the Offerman Church of God. Interment followed in Mill Creek Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Offerman Church of God Adult Sunday School class and all area law enforcement officers. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Willie E. Thornton
Mr. Willie E. Thornton, 88, of Waycross died Friday morning at Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. Born in Adel, to Willie Lester Thornton and Lena Smith Thornton, he was raised by his father and second wife, Flora Childress Thornton in Clinch and Lanier County, but spent most of his life in Ware County. Mr. Thornton worked in drywall construction for 47 years. He was a member of the Baptist faith. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife Odell Steedly Thornton, five brothers, Luther Albert Thornton, Robert Thornton, Vernie Buck Thornton, Lester Thornton, and Richard Thornton and a step-daughter, Barbara Diane Williamson. Mr. Thornton is survived by his wife Barbara Jacobs Thornton of Waycross; a daughter, Elma Jean Powell Wingo and her husband James of Waycross; granddaughters, Shari Lynn Hooks and her husband Ricky of Richmond Hill; Tonya Renea Powell of Waycross, great granddaughter, Stephanie J. Hooks of Richmond Hill; sisters, Ruby Thornton Hoffman of Clearwater, FL., Louise Thornton Parkinson of Fayetteville, NC., Lea Thornton Hardigree of Winder, Ann Thornton Jones of Griffin, Lynda Thornton Grier, of Atlanta; step-sons, Terry Harris and Rex Harris of Waycross and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held Sunday July 13, 2003 at 2 pm at the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed in Pine Forest Cemetery in Homerville. Miles-Odum Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of arrangements.

Joseph Clyde Harrison
Joseph Clyde Harrison, 89 of Alma died early Sunday morning at his residence after an extended illness. He was a native of Bacon County, son of the late Joe Harrison and Lanie Pittman Harrison. He was preceded in death by a sister, Edrie Jordan. Mr. Harrison was a member of Coffee Wesleyan Church, a retired farmer and was a veteran of WW II, serving as a Tec SGT in Rhineland Central Europe. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Boatright Harrison, Alma; three daughters, Sherry Rainey, (husband, the Rev. Glenn Rainey), Alma; Brenda Barber, (husband Ed Barber), Mershon; Sandra Sasser, (husband Kimmie Sasser), Alma; seven grandchildren, Ashley Rainey and wife Libby, Alma; Erica Rainey, Alma; Jason Barber and wife Miranda, Mershon; Shea Sasser and Keaton Sasser of Alma. Funeral services were held Tuesday at 3 p.m. from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with the Rev. R.C. Mathis, the Rev. Sheldon Rowell, the Rev. Therman (Pet) Hayes, the Rev. Glenn Rainey, and the Rev. Michael Batten officiated. Interment followed in Friendship Methodist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: Ashley, Rainey, Jason, Joe and Justin Barber, Keaton Sasser and Stephen Greenway. Honorary escort was: Burt Peacock, Eddie Waters, Jimmy Carter, Glenn Lassiter, Billy Chancey, Sammy Carter, Larry Jordan, Nelson Bennett, Rever Morris, Glynn Parker, Liston Carter, Hinson Jordan, Corman Jordan, Seward Turner, Don Wade, Leon Rowland, Harvey Johnson, Kinnon Tyre, Winston Miles, Dr. Donald Waters, and Home Health Department Visiting Nurses.

Cecil W. “C.W.” Sawyer
Cecil W. “C.W.” Sawyer, 82, died Saturday, July 12, 2003. Mr. Sawyer was born in Dublin, GA and had lived in the Callahan area since 1950. He was a Car Inspector for Seaboard Coastline Railroad for 32 years, before retiring in 1985. Mr. Sawyer was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII, serving with Company D - 83rd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, was a member of Callahan Church of God and the Brotherhood of Railroad Carmen. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Yvonne Sawyer of Callahan, Florida; six children, Kelly (Juanita “Mo”) Sawyer, Kolen (Marilyn) Sawyer, Danny (Darlene) Hand, Fay (Jack Michael) O’Brien of Blackshear, Georgi, Linda (Matthew) Stewart and Dell (Elaina) Hand; 13 grandchildren; one great grandchild; three sisters, Mrs. Louise O’Neal, Mrs. Geraldine “Jeri” Lewis, Mrs. Kathleen Bullington and one brother, Gene (Kathleen) Sawyer. Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at Lane Avenue Church of God, Jacksonville, FL with the Rev. Hollis Gause, the Rev. Virgil Nettles and the Rev. Garland Stout, officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Memorial Park in Jacksonville, FL. Peeples Family Funeral Home of Jacksonville was in charge of arrangements.

Asbury Edison Pearson
Asbury Edison Pearson, 86, passed away early Saturday morning, July 5, 2003, at the Pierce County Nursing Home following a brief illness. A native and life long resident of Pierce County, he was a retired farmer and was a protestant. He had served in the Army during World War II with Patton’s 4th Armor Division and also during the Battle of the Bulge. He was a son of the late Samuel M. and Isabelle Anderson Pearson and was also the last of ten siblings. His sister and caregiver, Alda L. Pearson, passed away in September of 2002. Survivors are several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 7, at from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with the Rev. Tim Rowell officiating. Interment followed in the Raulerson Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Christy Collins Carter
Christy Collins Carter, 21, of Odum, died Saturday, July 5, 2003, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Highway 84 near Blackshear. A native of Wayne County, she was a member of the Unity Church of God and was a lab technician with CVS Pharmacy in Jesup. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Linda Brown. Survivors are her son, “Wesley” Chase Carter, Odum; parents, Charles and Lori Collins, Odum; a brother, Joseph Charles Collins, Odum; her fiance, Jeromy Sweat, Odum; paternal grandparents, Mack and Nettie Collins, Odum, maternal grandparents, Joseph Lloyd and Betty Brown, Jesup; great paternal grandmother, Clyde Hobbs, Columbus; uncles and aunts: Tom Collins, Odum, Walter and Sherry Collins, Blackshear, Johnny Brown, Oregon, Bobby and Tina Brown, Hamilton, OH; an aunt, Robin and Mark Crisp, Cleveland, TN and a cousin, Phillip Collins. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, from the Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Frank Sikes, Rev. George Moxley, and the Rev. Phillip Osteen officiating. Interment followed in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jordan Batton, Glenn Chadwick, Brad Sweat, Troy Anderson, Chamous Campbell and Jamie Summerlin. Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of the arrangements.

Jesus Ledezma Jr.
Jesus Ledezma Jr., 22, of Patterson, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2003 as a result of an apparent homicide. A native of Mexico, he had lived in North Carolina for several years before moving to Pierce County four years ago. He was a laborer with Varn Wood Products, and was of the Catholic faith. He was a son of the late Jesus Ledezma Sr. Survivors are a son, Jesus Isel Ledezma, Patterson; his fiancé, Maria Magdalena Ramirez, Patterson; three brothers, Edril Merida, Gerardo Lopez and Ausel Merida, all of Patterson; his mother, Alicia Garcia, Chiapas, Mexico and several other nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with the Rev. Kirk Mansell officiating. Interment followed in the Laura Chapel Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Alton Joseph Manning
Alton Joseph Manning, 79, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2003 in Tulsa, OK. A native of Pierce County, he retired from the U.S. Navy and served in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was preceded in death by his parents George Washington Manning and Lula Gill Manning. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Manning; one son, Michael Lynn Manning (wife Maria); step children and several grandchildren; sisters, Bertha Johnson, Blackshear, Lucille Rigdon, Altoona, FL, Hazel Wilson, Seattle, WA; one brother, Robert Manning (wife Kathy), Yulee, FL and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, at the cemetery of New Home Primitive Baptist Church near Offerman.

Gordon Norman Henderson, Sr.
Gordon Norman Henderson Sr., 72, of Alma died late Friday afternoon, June 20, 2003 in the Bacon County Hospital in Alma after an extended illness. A native of Pierce County, he was the son of the late Gordon Emerson Henderson and Wilda Lynn Henderson. He was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond A. Henderson and a sister, Mary Jean Williams. He was a veteran of the Korean war while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He was also a member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Alice Sally Henderson, Alma; one son, Gordon N. Henderson, Jr. (wife Debbie), Blackshear; one daughter, Lynnette Altman (husband Joey), Blackshear; one brother, Gary Henderson, Blackshear; two sisters, Patsy Carter, Hoboken and Gwen Johnson, Alma; four grandchildren, Chip Altman, Atlanta, Chad Henderson, Waycross and Allison Altman and Christie Altman, both of Blackshear and one great-granddaughter, Kyla E. Henderson. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, June 22 from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. O.J. Graham and Rev. Fred Morgan officiating. Interment followed in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers included Chip Altman, Chad Henderson, David Carter, Berry Henderson, Junior Boatright, Christie Altman and Allison Hendrix. All those in attendance were considered honorary escorts. Crosby Funeral Home of Alma was in charge of all arrangements.

Oletha Thornton Foster
Oletha Thornton Foster, 83, passed away Friday morning, June 27, 2003, at the Baptist Village Nursing Home. A native of Appling County, she had lived most of her life in Pierce County where she farmed with her husband. She had resided in Brantley County for thirty-six years and in Ware County at Baptist Village for the past four years. She had worked as a housewife, had helped with farming and had also worked with the Pierce Shoe Manufacturing Co. for several years. She was a member of the Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Brantley County where she was in the Adult Sunday School class and was also a former member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Patterson. She was a daughter of the late Mack and Cora Rigdon Thornton and was also preceded in death by her husband, James Foster, who passed away in 1977, a son, Edward Foster, two sisters, Isabell Johnson and Alene Thornton and four brothers, John Thornton, Clarence Thornton, J. D. Thornton and Talmadge Thornton. Survivors include five daughters and sons-in-law, Ruby and Russell Dowling, Ruth and Buddy Smith and Marie and Larry Cox, all of Waycross, Katherine and Jack Wilson, Blackshear and Barbara and Gill Rowell, White Oak; two sons and daughters-in-law, Russell and Colleen Foster, Edgewater, FL and Monroe and Nadine Foster, Nichols; 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, from the Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Interment followed in the Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, Route 2 Box 268 A, Waycross, Georgia 31503. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.