Mary Ellen (Dee) Clauss
Mary Ellen Deloach Clauss, 63, passed away Monday, November 24, 2003 in Nottingham, England. She is the daughter of Yvonne James Deloach and the late W.T. Deloach of Blackshear. Arrangements were incomplete at press time.

George Charles McClaskey
George Charles McClaskey, 25, of Blackshear, died suddenly Tuesday morning, Nov. 18, 2003 as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. A native of Mt. Holly, NJ, he had lived most of his life in Blackshear. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Michele Rice McClaskey, Patterson; his mother and step-father, Cynthia and Paul Farmer; a sister, Larissa McClaskey, Blackshear; one half-brother, Jason Underwood, Tabernacle, NJ; grandparents, Bruce Chidsey (wife Cindy), Dundee, NY and Ed and Willia Farmer, Blackshear; his mother-in-law, Gail Rice, Patterson; his father-in-law, Richard Herrin, Patterson; two nieces, Vera Lynn Strickland and Mallory McClaskey, both of Blackshear; one nephew, Sebastain Strickland, Blackshear and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, from Faith Baptist Church. Interment followed in the Blackshear City Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge.

Ray Benitez
Ray Benitez, 40, died suddenly Thursday night, Nov. 20, 2003, at his residence in Pierce County. A native of Mexico City, Mexico, he had lived in Blackshear since 1985. Mr. Benitez was a longtime employee as a concrete finisher with Council Construction Co. of Blackshear. Survivors include many close friends, Wayne, Michelle, Marlee and Tyler Council and Chad, Melissa, Dalton and Logan Robson, all of Blackshear; Robert Hoff, Tom Grams, Jason Dixon, Kevin Stephens, and Matt Walsh, all of Blackshear. A memorial service was held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the home of Wayne and Michelle Council, 6257 Bailey Rd., Blackshear. Memorialization was by cremation. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge.

Nina Christine Fletcher Bowen
Nina Christine Fletcher Bowen, 64, passed away early Monday morning, November 24, 2003, at her residence following a long illness. A native of Pavo, GA, she had lived in Savannah for twenty-seven years before moving to Pierce County over two years ago. She was a housewife, enjoyed fishing and was of the Church of God faith. She was a daughter of the late Clayton and Jessie Swain Fletcher and was also preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Schuyler. Survivors are her husband, Gene Bowen of Blackshear; a daughter, Charlene Carter of Waycross; a son-n-law, Charles Schuyler of Waycross; two sisters, Verna Mae (Preacher) Thrift and Clara (Bud) Hendrix all of Waycross; two brothers, Wilburn (Mable) Fletcher of Waycross and L. C. (Shirley) Fletcher of Savannah; seven grandchildren, Jessica Schuyler, Alex Schuyler, John Brian Schuyler, Samantha Schuyler, Shane Carter and Ramey Carter all of Waycross and Chris Carter of Jacksonville; 10 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Graveside services for Mrs. Bowen will be held Wednesday, November 26, 2003, at 11 a.m. from the Blackshear Cemetery. Officiating will be the Rev. Larry Hughes. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Henry Steven White
Henry Steven White, 46, of Pearson, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2003, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center. A native of Miami, FL, he had lived in Orlando, FL for several years before moving to Pearson six years ago. He was a machinist with Cady Industries and was of the Catholic faith. He was a son of the late Jane P. Harkins. Survivors are his wife, Paula Williams White, Pearson; his father, Henry White, Pearson; five sisters, Barbara White and Sandy White, both of Point Pleasant, NJ, Darlene Parsons, Winter Springs, FL, Janet Chance, San Diego, CA and Virginia Carpenter, Kentucky and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. There will be no visitation and the family will have a private memorial service at a later date. Memorialization was by cremation. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge.

Enoch David “E.D.” Thornton
Enoch David “E. D.” Thornton, 87, of Blackshear, passed away early Tuesday morning, November 11, 2003, at his residence following a short illness. A native of Appling County, he had lived in Okechobee, FL for several years before moving to Pierce County in 1953. He was a retired mechanic with Waters Ford Company where he had worked for thirty years and 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 Satilla Hunting Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was lovingly called “the chewing gum man” and “Uncle D.” He had also loved working with children. He was a son of the late Elbert and Louisa Haire Thornton. Survivors include his wife, Clara Mae Strickland Thornton, Blackshear; a daughter, Genevieve Thornton Duncan, Fountain, FL; two sons, Wallace Enoch Thornton, Blackshear and Warren David (Nancy) Thornton, Montgomery, NY; a sister, Louise Westberry, Blackshear; seven grandchildren, James Edward (Tina) Taylor III, Kristan (Vince) Gilmer, Emily (Willie) Milnor, Jason Wallace Thornton, Marla Thornton, David Thornton and Matthew Thornton; three great-grandchildren, Makayla Taylor, Kayla Gilmer and Kaitlyn Gilmer and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 13, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery. Members of the Men’s Sunday School (Bill Tippins, teacher) and members of the Saints of Joy group served as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Drawer 407, Blackshear, GA 31516. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

John F. “Johnny” Sweat
John F. “Johnny” Sweat, 62, died suddenly Friday morning, November 14, 2003, at his residence following a brief illness. A native of Blackshear, he had lived in Ware and Pierce Counties and was a retired road grader with the Ware County Road Department. He was a member of the University Boulevard Church of God in Waycross and was preceded in death by a daughter, Marlene Sweat, two sisters, Marion Whitley and Mildred Ryals, two brothers, James R. Sweat and Virgil Sweat, and was the son of the late Melvin and Maggie Sweat. Survivors are his wife, Betty Jean Lee Sweat, Blackshear; four daughters, Becky (Bill) McNeil, Waycross, Darlene (Jason) Dennison, St. Marys, Ranee (Jay) Smith and Morgan Sweat, all of Blackshear; a son, John Robin (Connie) Sweat, St. Marys; a brother, Orville Sweat, Blackshear; 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a special cousin, Lillian Taylor, Blackshear and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 17, 2003 from the Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Margaret Hendrix Proctor
Mary Margaret Hendrix Proctor, 82, died Saturday, morning, November 15, 2003, at her residence in Blackshear after an extended illness. A native of Ware County, she had lived in Pierce County most of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Vasco Proctor Sr.; her parents, David Taylor Hendrix and Sylvia Viola Green Hendrix; a granddaughter, Cindy Bowen Atwell and by two brothers, Edgar and Leroy Hendrix. She was a homemaker and a longtime member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Elks Club of Waycross, the Ladies Lakeview Golf Club Association and the American Legion Ladies Auxillary. Survivors include her two daughters, Pam Walker (husband Alvin), Blackshear and Sandra May (husband Bill), Woodbine; a son, Jimmy Proctor, Blackshear; six grandchildren, Marlee Walker, Atlanta, Trey Walker, Valdosta, Ashlee Proctor, Bigfork, Montana, Josh Proctor, Valdosta, Tommy Bowen (wife Suzette), Blackshear and Chris Bowen, Statesboro; three great-grandchildren, J.T. Atwell, Orlando, FL, Andrew Bowen, Statesboro and Levi Bowen, Blackshear; a sister, Dot Seasholtz, Jacksonville, FL; a brother, Frank Hendrix, Jacksonville, FL and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, from the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Interment followed in the Blackshear City Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Anna Watz Booth Stephenson
Anna Watz Booth Stephenson, 70, of Blackshear, passed away Saturday morning, November 15, 2003, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross. A native of Fayetteville, WV, she had lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan until her retirement. She then moved to Charleston, West Virginia where she lived until moving to Blackshear five years ago. She was a 1953 graduate of the Charleston High School, Charleston, WV and was also a graduate of the Central Art Academy in Cincinnati, OH. She was listed in the Who’s Who of American Women. She was the author of a book on fashion illustration and participated in art shows in Grand Rapids and at the Heritage Center in Waycross. She was of the Baptist faith and was a daughter of the late George William and Eva Jane Weatherford Booth.She was also preceded in death by her only son, David Allen Stephenson, and by her former husband, Roger Stephenson. Survivors are a niece, Jackie Titcher of Blackshear and several other relatives. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, Nov. 20 from 7 til 8 at the funeral home. Memorialization is by cremation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Southeast Cancer Unit, PO Box 2764, Waycross, GA 31502. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Lottie Mae Carter
Lottie Mae Carter, 93, of Brantley County, died Monday morning, November 3, 2003, at her residence, following an extended illness. A native and lifelong resident of Brantley County, she was a homemaker and a member of the High Bluff Primitive Baptist Church. She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Mary Hickox Lee and was the widow of Mannen M. Carter. She was also preceded in death by two daughters, Elna Whitfield and Cynthia Gail, and by two grandsons, David Carter and Mark Carter. Survivors include six daughters, Runell Adams (Mason), Covington, Francine Bennett (Gene), Millwood, Myra Tucker, Savannah, Wanda Davis (Ken), Hoboken, Lawanna Cook (Eddie) and DeLoyce Underwood (Rus), both of Brunswick; two sons, Norris Carter, Covington and Roger Carter (Nola), Blackshear; 20 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; six sisters, Mary Wainright, Nahunta, Lucy McIntosh, Hilliard, FL, Vannie Crews, Jacksonville, FL, Zoie Meadows, Hoboken, Hazel Justice, Waycross and Susie Sims, Marietta; a brother, Jerome Lee, Birmingham, AL and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, from the High Bluff Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Daniel Drawdy, Elder Herman Lee and Elder Freddie Thomas officiating. Interment followed in the Mars Hill Church Cemetery in Brantley County. Music Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of arrangements.

Idell Allen Cheshire
Idell Allen Cheshire, 66, of Vidalia, passed away early Tuesday morning, November 4, 2003, at the Bethany Home Nursing Center in Vidalia. A native of Bacon County, she had lived in Pierce County most of her life before moving to the Bethany Home in Vidalia. She was a housewife and was a member of the Alabaha Freewill Baptist Church. She was a daughter of the late Reppard and Miley Courson Allen and was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph William Cheshire, who passed away in 1989. Survivors are a daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Wayne Hartley, Lyons; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ray and Susan Cheshire, Lyons and David and Joy Cheshire, Prattville, AL; five sisters, Estell Watts, Attmore, AL, Allie Crews, Jacksonville, FL, Shirley Robbins, Waycross and Sue Brock and Ruth Aspinwall, both of Blackshear; two brothers, Alfred Allen, Alma and Elmo Allen, Arlington, TX; six grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday morning, Nov. 6, from the Shady Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Edmund Thrift officiating. Interment followed in the Alabaha Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Linda Lea Mantwill Howman
Linda Lea Mantwill Howman, 60, died Wednesday afternoon, November 5, 2003, at her residence in Pierce County after an extended illness. She was a native of Cleveland, OH, was reared in Alliance, OH, and lived in several different states before moving to Pierce County in 1997. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Mantwill and Orleata Ribblet Mantwill. Mrs. Howman was formerly employed as a seafood associate with Winn Dixie of Waycross. She and her husband also owned and operated L&D Boarding Stables. She was a member of the Ware County Saddle Club. Survivors include her husband Dean Howman, Blackshear; daughter, Denean DeRusso, Blackshear; a son, Randy Howman, (wife Candi), of Roundup, Montana; seven grandchildren, Amanda, Todd and Symone DeRusso, all of Blackshear, and Jonathan, Jeremy, Triston and Falon Howman, all of Roundup, Montana, and many other relatives. Memorialization will be by cremation. There will be no public services. The family asks that memorials be made to the S.E. Cancer Unit. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Ella Lee Thomas
Ella Lee Thomas, 97, of Blackshear, passed away early Wednesday morning, November 5, 2003, at the Satilla Care Center. Born in Hoboken, she had lived in Pierce County all of her life. She was a housewife and was a member of the Enon Primitive Baptist Church. She was a daughter of the late George Walter and Ava Annie Crews Lee and was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Allen Thomas, who passed away in 1978 and by all of her brothers and sisters which included Fred, Norman, Henry, Adam, Joe T., Ira and Walter Lee and Martha Bell Johns Crawford and Mary Jane Bell. Survivors include a special niece, Zoie Thornton, Blackshear; two special nephews, Larry Lee, Blackshear and Billy Lee, Hoboken and several other nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, from the Enon Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Reavis Hickox officiating. Interment followed in the Shiloh Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Ernest Donald Tippins
Ernest Donald Tippins, Sr., 72, passed away Monday morning, November 10, 2003, at his residence. A native and life long resident of Pierce County, he had worked as an auto mechanic with Waters Ford Company and had also had his own auto repair business. He was a member of the Enon Primitive Baptist Church, was a member of the Pierce County Fox Hunters Association and was a founding member of the Pierce County Hunting Club. He was a son of the late Philip Asberry and Anna Retta Leggett Tippins and was also preceded in death by three brothers, Joe, W. C. and Morris "Bo" Tippins. His sister, Martha Mattair, also passed away early Monday morning, November 10, 2003, in Fort McCoy, Florida. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Jean McHan Tippins of Blackshear; three daughters, Margie (J. H.) Cason and Marie Whitley all of Blackshear and Ann (Randy) Clark of Waycross; two sons, Donnie (Peggy) Tippins Jr. of Blackshear and Lamar (Shirley) Tippins of Waycross; five sisters, Lillian Harrison and Lena Youmans both of Blackshear, Ruth Wilson of Waycross, Molly Strickland of Bristol and Clara Mae Milton of Augusta; a brother, Robert "Bob" Tippins of Blackshear; 14 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services for Mr. Tippins will be held today, Wednesday, November 12, 2003, at 11 a.m. from the Enon Primitive Baptist Church. Officiating will be Elder Reavis Hickox. Interment will be in the Shiloh Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southeast Cancer Unit, PO Box 2764, Waycross, GA 31502. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Odis Oden Youmans
Odis Oden Youmans, Jr., 60, died suddenly Friday, October 31, 2003, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center. A native of Pierce County, he had lived in Douglas for many years where he ran his own television repair business. He moved to Waycross 11 years ago after ill health forced his retirement. He was of the Christian faith and he was a good and loving father. He was preceded in death by his parents, Odis Oden and Alease Brooker Youmans. Survivors are three daughters, Jennifer ( Gary) Phillips, Douglas, Malinda McMillian, Waycross and Sabrina (Andy) Dean, Curlew, Iowa; two sisters, Carolyn Walker, Blackshear, Mary Macias, Brunswick; four brothers, David Youmans, Blackshear, Billy Youmans, Augusta, Richard Youmans, Blackshear, and Jon Youmans, Colorado Springs; six grandchildren, Joshua Dean, Robbie McMillan, Jessica Phillips, Heather Dean, A.J. Dean, and Leela McMillian; a special friend, Mary Lovell, Waycross and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, from the Youmans Chapel Baptist Church. Interment followed in the Waters Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of the arrangements.

Katie Smith Miles
Katie Smith Miles, 80, of Blackshear, passed away Friday morning, October 17, 2003, at the Baptist Village Nursing Home in Waycross. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, she was a graduate of the Patterson High School and also attended the Wesleyan College in Macon. She was a retired private sitter and was a member of the Blackshear First Baptist Church. She was a daughter of the late John and Mary Moody Smith and was also preceded in death by her husband, John Millender “Johnny” Miles, who passed away August 15, 2003 and by a sister, Betty Jean Dixon. Survivors are two daughters and sons-in-law, Kay Lane and Joe Perritt, Waycross and Lisa and Scott Register, Adel; three sons, John Dale and Nell Miles, Blythe Island and Sam Miles and Monroe and Dinah Miles, all of Blackshear; a sister, Faye (Bill) South, Paducah, KY; six grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services for Mrs. Miles were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 19, from the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Bill Young officiating. Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Playground Fund or to the Youth Bible Fund, 670 East Main Street, Blackshear, GA 31516. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Gus Lawton Spradley
Gus Lawton Spradley, 59, of Patterson died Tuesday morning, October 21, 2003 at his residence after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his father, Gus S. Spradley; a sister, Earnistine Cunningham Smith and by his step-father, Jesse C. Davis. Mr. Spradley was the former owner of Gus’s Machine Shop in Patterson. Before owning his own shop he was employed with Waycross Battery and Electric for many years as a machinist and a mechanic. He was of the Baptist faith and was formerly in the U.S. Army National Guard. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Linda Sue Spradley, Patterson; a daughter Carole Johnson (husband Keith), Folkston; a son, Chris Spradley (wife Rhonda),Folkston; his mother, Laura Aspinwall Davis,Waycross; six grandchildren, Kyler and Kameron Johnson and Dillon, Kelly, Matthew and Andrew Spradley, all of Folkston; a brother Wayne Spradley (wife Merlene), Blackshear and a sister Norma Jean Sapp (husband Billy), Screven and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 23, from the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Burial followed in the Laura Chapel Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of the arrangements.

Mariam Alma Dixon Barnard
Mariam Alma Dixon Barnard, 94, of Patterson, passed away late Tuesday evening, October 21, 2003, at the Pierce County Nursing Home. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, she was a homemaker and was a member of the Patterson Baptist Church. Mrs. Barnard had also been a member of the Faith Sunday School class, the Happy Agers Group and had been involved with the Women’s Missions. She was a daughter of the late Jasper Bud and Avie Griner Dixon and was also preceded in death by her husband, James Pratt Barnard Sr., who passed away in 1972. The family would like to gratefully recognize the special care, love and devotion shown to their mother by Lenny Daniels. Also, special thanks to Jena Courson of the Pierce County Nursing Home for her compassionate care. Survivors are two daughters, Thedius Deloach Clough, Blackshear and Latrelle (Lewis) Stanfield, Patterson; two sons, J. P. (Martha) Barnard Jr., Patterson and Bernard (Shelia) Barnard, Brunswick; three sisters, Nell Gates, Carrie Denison and Laverne Parker, all of Patterson; 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services for Mrs. Barnard were held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 24, from the Patterson Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerry Price and the Rev. Randy Deloach officiating. Interment will be in the Patterson Cemetery. Members of the Faith Sunday School class and employees of the Pierce County Nursing Home served as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Patterson Baptist Church, PO Box 385, Patterson, GA 31577. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Sarah Belle Morgan
Sarah Belle Morgan, 54, of Waycross died Thursday, October 16, 2003 at Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross following a 10-year battle with cancer. She was a native of Atkinson County, but lived most of her life in the Waycross area. She graduated from Atkinson County High School in 1967. She was employed by Baptist Village Retirement Home for more than 20 years. She was a member of World Harvest Church of God. She is the daughter of the late Clayton Royals. She is survived by her husband, Marvin Carey “Buddy” Morgan of Blackshear; two daughters, Tracy Morgan Patten (husband Nick) of Waycross and Sherry Morgan Rice (husband John) of Kingsland; a grandchild, Brittany Rice; her mother, Ethel Davis Royals of Waycross; a brother, Layton Royals (wife Ava) of Waycross; a sister, Betty Jo Summerlin (husband Mackie) of Nashville; her beloved dog, Drake and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral was held Sunday, October 19, 2003 at the Music Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Shelton Smith officiating. Burial was in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Waycross. Pallbearers were Bobby Taylor, Seab Lastinger, Van Vickers, Larry Morgan, Johnny Turner and Ricky Bailey. Music Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of arrangements.

Samuel “Sam” Bennett Owens Jr.
Samuel “Sam” Bennett Owens Jr., 88, passed away early Friday morning, October 24, 2003, at his residence following a short illness. A native of Ridgeland, SC, he had lived in Pierce County most of his life. A son of the late Samuel B. Owens Sr. and Lillian Cannon Owens, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Davis Owens. A member of the First Baptist Church, he had been a deacon since 1941. A former owner and operator of the Western Auto Store for a number of years, he had also engaged in farming and was a real estate agent. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and had served as mayor of Blackshear from 1970 to 1974. A member and past master of the Blackshear Masonic Lodge # 270, he was a former past master of the 11th Masonic District. A shriner, he was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite KCCH and the York Rite KYCH. He was also a member of the Red Cross of Constanstine. He had served many positions in the Masonic fraternity on state level basis. He was a charter member of the Blackshear Lions Club. Survivors are his wife, Stella Maude Davis Owens, Blackshear; a sister, Maree Arnette, Winnsboro, SC and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services for Mr. Owens were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 26, from the Blackshear First Baptist Church with the Rev. Verlon Griner and the Rev. Dr. Bill Young officiating. Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery with Masonic rites at the graveside conducted by the Blackshear Masonic Lodge # 270. All Masons, deacons and Sunday school class members and members of the Lions Club are asked to served as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Thetis Metts Bryson
Thetis Metts Bryson,75, of Bristol, passed away Thursday afternoon, October 23, 2003, at the Brian Center Inn on St. Simons Island after an extended illness. She was a lifelong resident of Pierce County and a member of Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church. She was retired from the Ware County Board of Education as a bus driver. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edd Bryson; her parents, Homer and Lessie Boatright Bryson and by two brothers, Eugene Metts and Jerry Metts. Survivors by two sons, Homer Bryson (wife Ginny), Brunswick and Bobby Bryson, Bristol; four grandchildren, Lucy and A.J. Bryson, Brunswick and Jessica and Laura Bryson, Bristol; two step-grandchildren Gina Jacobs and Kate Jacobs, Brunswick; three brothers: Thomas Metts (wife Ruth), Mershon, Burnie D. Metts (wife Lucille), Hazelhurst, and Ronnie Metts (wife Becky), Hazelhurst; five sisters: Eteen O’Quinn (husband B.J.), Waycross, M.Faye Howell (husband Tommy), Blackshear, Jean Clark (husband Dale), Bristol, Sue Smith (husband John), Bristol and L. Faye Tucker (husband Royce), Jacksonville, FL; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, from the Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church in Appling County. Interment followed in the Piney Grove Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Waunella Riggins Tuten
Waunella Riggins Tuten, 87, passed away early Saturday Morning, October 25, 2003, at the Pierce County Nursing Home following a short illness. A native of Pierce County, she had lived in this area all of her life. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Waycross. She was a member of the Mary Martha Sunday School Class and a member of Circle Number Two. She worked for many years as a lunch room attendant with the Ware County School System. She is preceded in death by her husband, William Abram “Bill” Tuten Sr.; seven brothers, Riley Paige Riggins, B. Fay Riggins, R.C. Riggins, Edgar Riggins, Harold Riggins, Alvin Riggins, and Virgil Riggins; her parents, Nichols Lawton and Ocie Dixon Riggins. Survivors are three daughters, Sue (Darrell) Thomas of Blackshear, Cheryl (Wayne) Roberson of Blackshear, and Sandra (Thomas) Pearce of North Augusta, S.C.; one son, William Abram "Abe" (Darlene) Tuten Jr. of Blackshear; two Sisters, Dottie (Milton) Harper of Blackshear, Ferrell (Charles) Bryant of Blackshear; three Brothers, Rastus Riggins of Blackshear, Edwin (Jean) Riggins of Blackshear, and Nichols “Ray” (Roxie) Riggins of Blackshear; six sisters-in-law, Betty Riggins of Blackshear, Peggy Riggins of Blackshear, Mary Griner of Blackshear, Pearl Bass of Jacksonville, Fl, Ruby Tuten of Blackshear and Eloise Johnson of Blackshear; one brother-in-law, James Tuten of Blackshear. She is survived by nine grandchildren, eight great -grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 27, from the Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed in the Oakland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.