Lee Henry McGauley
Lee Henry McGauley, of Blackshear died Thursday, January 29, 2004. Lee was born on January 9, 1931 in Blackshear to the late Major and Mary Helen McGauley. Lee attended Lee Street School and after graduating in 1951, he went into the military where he served for 21 years, including three tours in Vietnam, three tours in Germany, and a tour in Alaska. He served as a Squad Leader, Platoon Sectional leader, and First Sergeant. He was awarded citations for National Defense Service Medal (First Clover leaf Clustor), good Conduct Medal first, second, and third awards, Vietnam Champion Medal with 1960 Device, Bronze Star Service Medal, Motor Vehicle Driver’s Badge, Safe Driver’s Badge, first award and six overseas bars. He also has an educational background in Law Enforcement, Stocks and Accounting, and Weapon Sharp Shooter. After retirement from the military, Mr McGauley became a Security Guard at Kings Bay. Lee was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church. He later joined New Brunswick Church of God where he served as an Ordained Deacon, Sunday school Superintendent, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Lee was a member of the Lakeview Golf Association of Blackshear, Military Classic Golf Association, the CSX Bowling League, and the Pierce County Library Association. He had many hobbies including fishing, baseball, ping-pong, softball, and wood craft, but one of his favorite pastimes was playing golf with his friends at the Lakeview Golf Course. In 1951, he married Warnell Blakley and to this union was born five sons, Terry, Hank, Michael, Victor, and Robert Bonnineal McGauley. In 1981, he married Theresia Harold and to this union was born four daughters, Christine Weidermann, Cassandra Porshen, Maria Schneider, and Carry Chapman, and one son, Steven McGauley. In 1992, he met and later married Evelynn Simmons of Rochester, N.Y. To this union came an additional four sons, Hayward (Annette) Simmons of Newark, NY, Rickey VanDyke of PA, Joseph (Shirley) Simmons of Wilmington, NC, Ovit (Yulanda) Simmons of San Diego, CA; and a special son/grandson, Joesph Thayer of Blackshear; four daughters, Patricia (Jimmy) Lucas, Denise Knight, Richea (Freddie) Jackson, Pamela Porter, and Yolanda Newsome, all of Rochester, NY. Lee was preceded in his death by his father, Major McGauley, Sr.; two sisters, Ann Whitehead and Susie Jackson; a brother, Harold McGauley; one son, Robert Bonnineal McGauley. He is survived by his wife, Evelynn McGauley of Blackshear; his mother, Mary Helen McGauley, Waycross; a mother-in-law, Laura Merday, Blackshear; five sons, Terry McGauley, Orlando, FL; Hank McGauley, Miami, FL; Michael McGauley, Jacksonville,FL; Victor McGauley, Woodland, CA; Steven McGauley, Augsburg, Germany; four daughters, Christine Weidermann, Cassandra Porshen, Maria Schneider, all of Augsburg, Germany, and Carry Chapman, Mt.Pulaski, IL; five brothers, Major (Leathia) McGauley, Dallas, TX; Johnell (Marva) McGauley, Mercad, CA; Nathaniel (Alden) McGauley, Blackshear, Dewey McGauley, Miami, FL, and Simon (Elizabeth) McGauley, Huntsville, AL; five sisters, Carnell McGauley, Miami, FL; MaePearl Bircham and Martha Stewart, Atlanta; Eloise (Willie Lee) Jefferson and Gloria Wesley, Waycross; six brothers-in-law, Robert (Elsie) Blakley, South Ozone Park, NY, Julius (Martha) Blakley, Miami, FL, Carlin (Bessie) Pursley, Ocala and Paul (Linda) Pursley, Syracuse, NY; nine sisters-in-law, Betty (James) Dean, Alma; Bernise (Wayne) Bowles of Covington; Elvea (Christopher) Shaw and Marie Green, Eustis, FL, Mary Copeland and Tina (Ray) Follins, Ocala, Elizabeth (Winston) Ivery, Leesburg, FL, and Linda Pursley, Miami; sixteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Blackshear.Memorialization will be by cremation after the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lee McGauley Memorial Golf Tournament Fund at Peoples Bank in Blackshear. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Kiman R. Brannen
Kiman Ray Brannen, 62, of Bristol, died Friday evening, January 30, 2004, at Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross after an extended illness. A native of Appling County, he was a son of the late Ray and Ruth Carter Brannen. He was retired from the Georgia Department of Transportation and was a member of the Screven Masonic Lodge #368 F&AM. Survivors include two brothers and a sister-in-law, Rodney and Denise Brannen and Jarvis Brannen, all of Bristol; two nephews, Eric Brannen and Nick Brannen, both of Bristol and several other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, from the Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church in Appling County with the Rev. Dr. James Ursrey officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Masonic rites were conducted by members of the Screven Masonic Lodge. Active pallbearers were Eric Brannen, Nicholas Brannen, Brandon Lightsey, Buddy Carter, Jimmie Deal and Scott Yeomans. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Screven Masonic Lodge. Rinehart & Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangements.

Raymond Monroe Allen
Raymond Monroe Allen, 67, died Saturday, January 24, 2004, in his home on Fripp Island, South Carolina. He was born Jan. 11, 1937, in Valdosta to William Riley and Carrie Strickland Allen, he was raised in Patterson and Blackshear. He was the grandson of Monroe and Rilla Allen Carter, John M. Allen, and Johnnie and Missouri Woodard Strickland. A member of the Blackshear Presbyterian Church, he attended school in Blackshear and graduated from Waycross High School in 1954. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1960 with a degree in Industrial Engineering and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He was employed for many years by Milliken Mills in Abbeville, McCormick, and Spartanburg, SC. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Hydroscience of St. Helena, SC. Survivors include his wife, Anne Nickles Allen, Fripp Island; two sons, Raymond Monroe Allen II and Michael Nickles Allen; two grandchildren, Raymond Monroe Allen III and Cindy Allen; siblings Patricia Allen Aunan, Priscilla (Brownie) Smyre, and William Riley Allen II ( Bill). A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 31, at the Fripp Island Chapel. Memorials may be made to Fripp Island Community Center, 205 Tarpon Boulevard, Fripp Island, SC 29920. Copeland Funeral Home of Beaufort, SC was in charge of arrangements.

Overseer Ruth McCree
Overseer Ruth McCree, 85, of Blackshear, passed away early Saturday morning, Jan. 24, 2004, at Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross after an extended illness. She was a native of Blackshear and was preceded in death by her parents, Gertie Taylor and the Rev. A.J. Brake. Survivors include two sons, Joe Curtis Dickens, Camden, NJ and Henry McCree, Philadelphia, PA; four daughters, Myra Johnson, Waycross, Hazel Mincer and Mary Washington, both of Daytona Beach, FL and Lynda McCree, Blackshear; one daughter-in-law, Karen McCree; one son-in-law, Joe Johnson Jr.; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; two special friends, Bessie Carter and Barbara Moore and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and sorrowing friends. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, from the Faith Temple Holiness Church in Blackshear. Perry Brothers Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of arrangements.

Louise Harrell
Louise Harrell, 83, of Waycross died Saturday night, January 31, 2004, at her residence after an extended illness. A native of Coffee County, her parents were the late Jerry and Victoria Googe. She had made her home in Waycross for the past 55 years. She was a retired hairdresser and a member of the City Boulevard Church of Christ. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters. Survivors include her husband Carl “Bud” Harrell Jr., Waycross; four children, Waunett Tyre (husband Lyrece), Satsuma, FL, Trudie Clark (husband Edgar), Blackshear, Victoria Hightower (husband Tim), St. Simons Island and Carl Randall Harrell (wife Marissa), Palm Harbor, FL; her grandchildren, Lee Clark, Blackshear, Chanteil Clark, St. Marys, Craig Clark, Statesboro, Carlette Clark, Naples, Italy, Jeffrey Tyre, Rock Hill, SC, Tambray Moxley, Hernando, MS, Corina Karlon of California, Jade Kittles, St. Simons, Craig and Casey Hull, and Saphara Harrell, all of Tarpon Springs, FL; sixteen great-grandchildren; a care giver, Cheryl Monroe, Waycross and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, from the chapel of Miles-Odum Funeral Home in Waycross. Interment followed in Greenlawn Cemetery. Miles-Odum Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of arrangements.

Lottie Allen Strickland
Lottie Allen Strickland, 82, of Hortense, died Monday, February 2, 2004, at her residence following an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe D. “Ted” Strickland; a daughter-in-law, Gwen Strickland, her parents, Arthur Ammons and Jessie Sikes Allen, and her grandparents, Jim and Vannie Sikes. She lived most of her life in Brantley County where she was a charter member of Twin Rivers Baptist Church in Hortense and taught the adult ladies Sunday School class for many years. She will be remembered with a special fondness for her many hours of volunteer service at Bayview Nursing Home in Nahunta, Georgia. Survivors include her children, Sybil (Elkin) Strickland and Joey (Selena) Strickland, Hortense, Al (Jan) Strickland, Royston, Gary (Joyce) Strickland, Atkinson and Jill (David) Dyer, Gainesville, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. (today) Wednesday, Feb. 4 from the Twin Rivers Baptist Church in Hortense with the Rev. Tim Rowell, the Rev. Ashley Corbett and the Rev. Joey Taylor officiating. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons: Dennis Strickland, Darryl Strickland, Bence Strickland, J.B. Strickland, Colby Strickland, Wayne Nuenke, Jason Branch, Dusty Dyer and D.J. Strickland. Honorary pallbearers will be Members of the Senior Ladies Sunday School Class and the Deacons of Twin Rivers Baptist Church. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Larry W. Cherry
Larry W. Cherry, 60, of Palatka, FL died Sunday, February 1, 2004 at the North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, FL following a brief Illness. A native of Jacksonville, he had lived in Palatka for the past two and a half years moving there from Homestead, FL. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and had worked as an administrator with the State of Florida Prison System for the past 23 years. He was preceded in death by his step-father; former Fire- Police Chief Jay Crawford. Survivors include his mother, Joanna Crawford, Palatka; a half-brother; Glen Crawford, Interlachen and a half-sister and her spouse; Julie and Buster Riggs, Palatka. Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. (today) Wednesday, Feb. 4, from the Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka with Pastor Bob Mobley officiating. A burial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 5, from the Laura Chapel Cemetery near Patterson. Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home of Palatka, FL is in charge of arrangements. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of local arrangements.

Billy Thigpen
Billy Thigpen, 68, of Waycross died early Tuesday morning, January 20, 2004 at the Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross after an extended illness. A native and lifelong resident of Ware County, he had been a resident of Baptist Village for the past six years. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Carter Thigpen and his grandparents, Will Carter and Arizonia Minchew Carter and Joseph Lester Thigpen and Annie James Thigpen. He was retired as co-owner of Billy’s Handy Stop, General Store and Filling Station which was located on Albany Ave. He was a member of Sweat Memorial Baptist Church. He was a former member and an officer in both the Woodmen of the World, Wakefield Lodge Knights of Pythias and the Okefonokee CB Club. He received many awards from the CB Club. He was given an honorary hunting and fishing license from the State of Georgia Hunting and Fishing Game and Fish Commission. Survivors include his father, James Roy Thigpen, Waycross; a special cousin John Carter, Waycross and many other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, from the chapel at Baptist Village. Entombment followed in Oakland Cemetery. The family requests memorials be made to the Sweat Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Charles William Googe
Charles William Googe, 55, died suddenly Friday morning, January 23, 2004 in Blackshear. He was a native of Metter, but had lived most of his life in Brunswick before moving to Blackshear a few years ago. He was preceded in death by his parents, Middleton and Nancy Viola Brown Googe and two brothers, Quinton Googe and E.A. Allen. Mr. Googe worked as a carpenter and roofer. He was of the Baptist faith and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during Vietnam. Survivors include his two sisters, Nathenia Beckham, Metter and Agnes Googe, Reidsville; four brothers, Herman Day (wife Lillie), Brunswick, Earnest Allen, Wesley Googe (wife Margie) and Lester Googe (wife Florence), all of Blackshear; a special friend Grady Kersey (wife Ella Mae), Blackshear and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sun., Jan. 25, from the Lake Chapel Primitive Baptist Church with the Rev. Bobbie Dismuke and the Rev. David Owens officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of the arrangements.

Lillian Anderson Dowling
Lillian Anderson Dowling, 81, of Waycross died Friday evening, January, 23, 2004 at the Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross after an extended illness. A native of Ware County she had lived there for most of her life. She was retired from Waycross Molded Products, a member of VFW Auxiliary #4382 and of the Baptist faith. Her parents were the late Joe Anderson and Matilda Douglas Anderson. She was also preceded in death by her husband Albert Dowling; a daughter, Kay Hiott; great-grandson, Hunter Lamb; sisters, Frances Mizell, Vernon Jenkins, Nina Mae Wainwright; her brothers, C.C. Anderson and Edward Anderson. Survivors include three sons, Monroe Bennett (wife Jeannette), Blackshear, James W. (Billy) Bennett (wife Janice), Jacksonville, FL, Ricky Crowle (wife Robin) Waycross, one daughter, Annette Jones, Waycross, eight grandchildren, Melissa Womack, Hawaii, Jay Jones, Hoboken, Robin Jones Sweat, Augusta, Mark Bennett, Atlanta, Tammy Bennett, Blackshear, Brandi Parks, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, Rick Crowle, Waycross, Wes Hiott, Savannah; one sister, Mattie Lou Aldridge, Waycross; four brothers, B.J. Anderson and Carl Anderson, Roy Anderson and Marvin Anderson, all of Waycross and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, from the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel. Entombment followed in the Greenlawn Mausoleum. Miles-Odum Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of the arrangements.

Elizabeth “Libby” Odum
Elizabeth “Libby” Odum, 89, of Alma died Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2004, in Twin Oaks Nursing Home after a lengthy illness. She was a native of White Oak, NC but, had moved to Appling County in 1919 where she lived until she moved to Bacon County in 1989. She was the daughter of the late Neal A. Odum and Sudie Mae Cain Odum and was preceded in death by a brother, Archiebald Odum. She also attended Big Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include a brother, Amos Odum (and wife Frankie), Blackshear; one sister, Anna Ruth Murphy (husband Norman), Alma and one sister-in-law, Jewell Odum, Monticello. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, from the Big Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. David Miller, the Rev. James Wilcox and the Rev. Bill Stone officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Crosby Funeral Home of Alma was in charge of arrangements.

Ethel Colley Saunders
Ethel Colley Saunders, 67, passed away Friday morning, January 23, 2004 at her daughter’s home in Hartsfield, GA, following an extended battle with cancer. A native of Dougherty County, she had lived most of her life in Clinch County, spending the last two years in Blackshear. She was a member of Camp Creek Missionary Baptist Church and the daughter of the late Willie N. Colley Sr and Victoria Melton Colley. Two brothers, Willie N. Colley Jr. and Jack Colley, three sisters, Juanita Bateman, Mavis Waldron and Johnnie Jennings preceded her in death. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Ernest and Virginia Johnson, Blackshear and Emory and Theresa Johnson of Temple, TX; one sister, Bessie Harrell of Pearson; one brother, Wallace Colley of Lakeland, GA; eight grandchildren, Brian, Emily and Teddy Daniels of Harstfield, GA, Steven and Austin Johnson and Rebecca Cason, Blackshear; Elizabeth and Andy Johnson of Temple, TX and several other relatives. Services were held on Sunday, January 25, 2004 at 2 p.m. from the Camp Creek Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. George O’Berry and the Rev. Keith Chauncey officiated. Interment was in the Wayfare Cemetery near Statenville, GA. Roundtree Funeral Home of Homerville was in charge of arrangements.

Myrtice Yeomans Brown
Myrtice Yeomans Brown, 91, of St. Simons died Wednesday, January 21, 2004, at Baptist Village in Waycross. The Wayne County native and former resident of St. Simons was a member of the First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island, and was the widow of Frank Brown. Survivors are a daughter, Ann Hampton, Blackshear; a brother W.O. (Dub) Yeomans, Jesup; a granddaughter, Debbie Hampton, Blackshear; a grandson, Phil and Carol Hampton of Edgewater, Fl; two great-grandchildren, Chris and Angel Hampton; two great-great-grandchildren, Catherine Hampton and Connor Hampton; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2004 from Rinehart & Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Bill Young officiating. Interment followed in the Jesup City Cemetery. Rinehart & Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge.

Erma Jean Beverly Kirkland
Erma Jean Beverly Kirkland, 68, of Waycross, passed away late Monday evening, January 12, 2004, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, she had worked as a hotel manager with the Pine Crest Hotel and with the Oak Plaza Hotel. She was a member of the Blackshear Church of God where she was in the Sanctuary Sunday School Class. She also enjoyed crocheting. She was a daughter of the late Ira and Irene Hagen Beverly and was also preceded in death by five sisters, Edith Hicks, Nancy Strickland, Iva Lee Hannah, Aline Butters and Mary Lou Beverly and by a brother, Kenny Beverly. Survivors include her husband, James Albert Kirkland, Waycross; two daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela K. and Don Harris, Sharpsburg and Tonya Love and Talmadge Norman, Blackshear; a son and daughter-in-law, James Michael “Mike” & Linda (Cheryl) Kirkland, Waynesville; three sisters, Shirley Davis, Callahan, Sue Powell, Vidalia and Vernell Lee, Waycross; three brothers, Travis Beverly, Blackshear, Frank Beverly, Waycross and Leon Beverly, Texas; eight grandchildren, Steve Bragg, Shelia Cheshire, Chris Kirkland, Brandon Kirkland, Katelyn Raulerson, Aleya Raulerson, Aldree Norman and Alston Norman; six great-grandchildren, Haley Kirkland, Kelsey Bragg, Danyel Bragg, Phillips Cheshire, Brittney Carroll and Caleb McCollum; a cousin, Jack O’Quinn, and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services for Mrs. Kirkland were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, January 15, from the Blackshear Church of God with the Rev. Clinton Kearney and the Rev. Hilton Martin officiating. Interment followed in the Enon Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Sanctuary Sunday School Class of Blackshear Church of God. Memorials may be made to a church fund of the giver’s choosing. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Earl Lewis Westberry Jr.
Earl Lewis Westberry Jr. 61, Blackshear, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 13, 2004, at the Pierce County Nursing Home following a long illness. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, he had worked as a butcher for several years and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a son of the late Earl Lewis Sr. and Ethel Mozell O’Quinn Westberry and was also preceded in death by a son, Earl Lewis Westberry III and by three sisters, Betty Howard, Louise Johnson and Clara Mae Westberry. Survivors include his wife, Melody Jones Westberry, Blackshear; three daughters and sons-in-law, Mysti and Mack Carnes, Bristol, Janet and Ricky Bell and Cindy and Keith Shivers, all of Waycross; a son and daughter-in-law, Lewis Gregory and Shekiva Westberry, Blackshear; seven grandchildren, Kimberly Simmons, Warren Turner, Matthew Turner, Chris Carnes, Summer Carnes, Lane Carnes and Uriah Coffie Westberry; one great-grandchild, Kobie Turner; special cousins, Linda Kennedy, Wayne O’Quinn, Russell O’Quinn, Elaine Moody, and Donna Gail Tanner; a very special niece and nephew, Diana Howard and Joel Sambo and several other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 16, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Interment followed in the Waters Cemetery. Memorials may be made to NAGNA, Attention: NAGNA Leadership Team, C/O The Pierce County Nursing Home, 221 Carter Ave., Blackshear, GA 31516. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Hoke James Corbett
Hoke James Corbett, 83, passed away early Thursday morning, January 15, 2004, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center. A native of Ware County, he had lived in Fernandina Beach until 1984 and then returned to Waycross. He retired from the Container Corporation. He was of the Baptist faith. He was a veteran of World War II where he served in the Pacific theater. He was awarded a Bronze Star. He was the son of the late John M. and Sarah Jane Wildes Corbett. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laverne Tillman Corbett. Survivors are a son, Steve (wife Tina) Corbett, Missouri; two sisters, Myrtle Brantley,Waycross and Sara Rowell, Manor; three grandchildren, Stephanie, Shawna, and Steven Corbett; two great-grandchildren, and a special friend, Blanche King, Waycross, and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 17, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel with the Rev. Dewayne Tanner officiating. Interment followed in the Beulah Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 329, Palmetto, Georgia 30268. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

James “Jim” Frederick Bryan
James “Jim” Frederick Bryan, 62, died Friday night, January 16, 2004, at his residence in Pierce County. A native of Toledo, Ohio, he had lived most of his life in Atlanta before moving to Pierce County several years ago. He was preceded in death by his father James J. Bryan. He was employed as a salesman with Win Electric of Waycross and was formerly employed with Farmers and Builders in Blackshear. He was of the Lutheran faith and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Bryan, Blackshear; two sons, James Bryan, (wife Judy), Atlanta and John Bryan (wife Dawn), Waycross; his mother, Elsie Bryan, Lexington, KY; a brother Terry Bryan (wife Peggy), Lexington; two sisters Kathy Withrow (husband Cal), San Diego, CA and Kim Robinson, Pikeville, Ky; five grandchildren, Courtney, Taylor, and Riley Bryan, all of Atlanta and Brooks and Baylen Bryan, both of Waycross; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. There will be no public funeral service. Memorialization will be by cremation. The family request memorials be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Walter Foster
Walter Colquitt Foster, 76, of Blackshear died Monday afternoon at Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. He was a native of New York, New York but had lived most of his life in Jacksonville, Fl. before moving to Blackshear in 1981. He was preceded in death by his parents Stephen Foster and Kathryn Fitzsimmons Foster. Mr. Foster was a retired Seaman with the Merchant Marines with 20 years of service. He also retired from the U.S. Navy Defense Dept. in Jacksonville, Fl. as a Power Plant Operator with 22 years of service. He was of the Catholic Faith. He was a member of the American Legion in Blackshear and the American Merchant Marines Veterans of Jacksonville. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving during WW2. He is survived by his wife Ann Foster of Blackshear, a son Mike Foster, wife Gina of Jacksonville, Fl.; two granddaughters Michelle Foster of Jacksonville, Fl. and Melissa Hudson of Melbourne, Fl.; a great-granddaughter Alexis Hudson of Melbourne, Fl.; a step-son Charles J. Floyd of Blackshear and a step-daughter Donna K. Smith, husband Steven of Jacksonville, Fl.; an aunt, Teresa Courtney of Jacksonville, Fl. and many other relatives. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2004, in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will be held at a later date at Kettle Creek Cemetery. Memorialization will be by cremation. Smith Funeral Home in Blackshear is in charge of the arrangements.

Billy Thigpen
Billy Thigpen, 68, of Waycross died early Tuesday morning at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Smith Funeral Home in Blackshear.

Jane Evener
Jane Evener, 61, of Patterson, died early Tuesday morning, January 6, 2004, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross after an extended illness. She was born in Albany, NY where she lived many years before moving to this area in 1974 and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Charles and Dora Evener Kent; a daughter, Tami Lee; a grandson, Buddy Rice and a granddaughter, Sherry Rice. Survivors include four daughters, Tina Woodard (husband Edward),Waycross, Gail Rice, Patterson, Myra Fortune, Charleston, TN and Jodi McKenzie (husband Riley), Atkinson; two sons, Ronnie Evener (fiance Teresa Towe), Blackshear and Jamie Evener (fiance Pamela Little), Poppellville; 16 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Charlotte Wright, Jacksonville, FL, Doris Eaton (husband Jack), Canada, and Jenny Cornish (husband Rick), Arizona; one brother, Charles Kent Jr. (wife Jenny), New York and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Memorialization was by cremation. There were no public services. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Benjamin William “B.W.” Crump
Benjamin William “B.W.” Crump, 81, of Mershon, passed away early Friday morning, January 9, 2004, at the Pierce County Nursing Home following a short illness. Born in Gilmer Co., he had lived in Pierce County all of his life. He was a farmer and was a U.S. Army Veteran having served during World War II. He was a member of Bristol Baptist Church and was a son of the late Charlie Marion and Ada Jane Young Crump. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Elizabeth Anne Strickland, who passed away in 2001. Survivors include his wife, L. Dora Boatright Crump, Mershon; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Shelley Strickland and Lonnie and Jennifer Strickland, all of Mershon; two sisters, Linda Jones and Beatrice (Vernon) Crosby, all of Mershon; a brother, Quinton (Ruby) Crump, Blackshear; two sisters-in-law, Diane Boatright and Carolyn Crump, both of Mershon; three grandchildren, Shelton Strickland, Alexis Strickland and Benjamin Logan Strickland; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, from the Bristol Baptist Church with the Rev. R. C. James and the Rev. Jack Sinclair officiating. Interment followed in the Blackshear Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Southeast Cancer Unit, PO Box 2764, Waycross, GA 31502. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Joyce Martin Bowen
Joyce Martin Bowen, 75, of White Oak, died Friday, January 9, 2004, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross. A native of Camden County, she had resided in Pierce County for most of her life and was a retired seamstress. She was a member of the Burnt Fort Baptist Church. Survivors include a son, Charles Howell, Browntown; three daughters, Betty Chehab, Tampa, FL, Barbara Howell, Corta Madera, CA and Marian Sikes, White Oak; seven grandchildren, Timmy Howell, John Howell, Judy Carter, Penny Youmans, Ali Chehab, Ibrahim Chehab and Elijah Snethlage and one great-grandchild, Tommy Youmans. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, from the Burnt Fort Baptist Church with Pastor Tommy Sikes and Pastor Marshall Dixon officiating. Interment followed in the Burnt Fort Cemetery. Pallbearers were J.L. Dixon, R.L. Dixon, Harvey Dixon, William Dixon, Jerry Howard and Calvin Cox. Allison Memorial Chapel of St. Marys was in charge of arrangements.

Ann Laurah Corbitt Morris
Ann Laurah Corbitt Morris, 65, of Blackshear, passed away early Monday morning, January 12, 2004, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center following a long illness. A native and life-long resident of Pierce County, she had been a resident of Baptist Village Nursing Home at the time of her death. She was a housewife and was a member of the Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Church. She was a daughter of the late Bruce and Lois Crawford Morris. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Phyllis Denise and Bobby Cook, Greenville, TN and Sallie Lois and Glenn Durden, Milledgeville; a son, Richard Phillip Corbitt, Greenville, TN; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Maxine and Wayne Mincy, Killeen, TX and Yvonne and Ivan Farley, Blackshear; a brother, Jack Strickland, Atlanta; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 15, from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Interment will follow in the Mill Creek Cemetery. Visitation for Ms. Morris will be held from 7-9 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, Jan. 14) at the funeral home. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

Cleophus Julius Jacobs
Cleophus Julius Jacobs, 84, of 415 Tuck Street, Blackshear, passed away Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, following a short illness. He was born Jan. 21, 1919 in Blackshear, the fifth child of the late William and Connie Jacobs. He received his formal education in the public schools of Pierce County was was drafted shortly thereafter into the Armed Services. He served in the Army in the South Pacific during World War II. Upon his return home, he worked with the United States Postal Service in Blackshear. He worked there until taking employment with the Atlantic Coastline Railroad until his retirement. He was fondly known to family and friends as “Teady.” In 1943, he married Frances Y. Harris. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He was well-known for his accomplishments while a member of the Minor Negro Baseball League in the Pierce County area and was a faithful member of the Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Blackshear. He instilled the value of religion and attendance of church in his children, grandchildren, family members and friends. He served as ward leader and was a member of the Usher Board until his health began to fail. Survivors include his wife, Frances Harris Jacobs, Blackshear; two sons, Cleophus (CJ) Jacobs, Blackshear and Terrell (Angela) Jacobs, Athens; five daughters, Carrie Hawkins and Connie (Allen) Jenkins, Harrisburg, PA, Minnie (William) Reid, Jacksonville, FL, Deborah (Bobby) Taylor, Waycross, Beulah (Earl) Evans, Blackshear; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Emma Hudson, West Palm Beach, FL; one brother, Curtis (Gussie) Jacobs, West Palm Beach; one sister-in-law, Dora K. Jacobs, Blackshear and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, from the Zion Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmie R. Green officiating. Interment followed in the Shiloh Cemetery. Jacobs Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Edward “Bob” Harding Dixon
Edward “Bob” Harding Dixon, 77, of Patterson died Tuesday night, Dec. 30, 2003, at the Pierce County Nursing Home following an extended illness. A native of Valdosta, he had lived all of his life in Patterson. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Eben Dixon and Ethel Williams Dixon and a sister, Madelyn Weathersbee. He was retired from Coffee County Construction as a heavy equipment operator with 30 years of service. He was of the Baptist Faith and a member of the American Legion. Mr. Dixon also farmed and was known for giving away the fruits of his labor to anyone willing to come and gather a bushel or two. Survivors include his daughter, Charlotte Hines (husband Mike), Waycross; former wife Betty Salazar, Waycross; a brother, James Eben Dixon, Savannah; a brother-in-law Ledger Weathersbee, Orange Park, FL; three grandchildren, Veronica Hines (fiance, Roger Corvasce), Sinking Springs, PA, Rey Gonzalez, Dallas, TX, and Amanda Vasquez (husband Juan), Dallas, TX; five great- grandchildren, Joshua Johnson Houston, Amber Rose Corvasce, Sinking Springs, Charlie Morgan, Dallas and Brittany Briana Hendryx, Duncanville, TX. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004 from the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Interment followed in the Patterson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of the arrangements.

The Rev. Jack Perry Buice
The Rev. Jack Perry Buice, 76, died Friday morning, Jan. 2, 2004, at Baptist Village in Waycross after an extended illness. He was a native of Atlanta but had lived in many different states during his ministry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ephraim Perry Buice and Viola Bagley Buice, and by his brother, Col. W.E. Buice. The Rev. Buice served as Minister of Music at Bull Street Baptist Church in Savannah, First Baptist Church in Oxford, MS, Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX, and First Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA. The Rev. Buice then went into Music Evangelism which he based out of Atlanta for many years. The Rev. Buice was a member of many musical fraternities. He founded The Cup which was a ministry at Underground Atlanta. He was a member of Sweat Memorial Baptist Church in Waycross. He was also a veteran serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Survivors include his wife, Ann Hobbs Buice, Waycross; two daughters Barbara Bustle (husband Eric) and Jacque Kemp (husband Mike), all of Grayson; a son Jay Buice (wife Genny), Buford, six grandchildren Kelda, Kevin, and Katie Kemp, David and Anna Rose Bustle, all of Grayson, and Jackson Perry Buice, Buford; a sister-in-law, Joanne Buice, Alpharetta and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Graveside funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, from the Marie Baptist Church Cemetery in Dublin. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Baptist Village. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of the arrangements.

Cleveland “Cleve” T. Herrin
Cleveland “Cleve” T. Herrin, 48, passed away suddenly Thursday, January 1, 2004, at the St. Vincent’s Medical Center. A native of Sylvania, he had lived in Pierce County for most of his life. He had worked as a truck driver with Thom’s Transport and was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a member of the Waresboro Church of God and was a son of the late Owen and Lois Benton Herrin. Survivors are his wife, Dianne Joyner Herrin, Blackshear; three daughters and sons-in-law, Lori and Sammy Herrin, Blackshear, Lisa and Brad Proulx, Lakeland and Amanda and David Cason, Offerman; a son, Michael Waldron, Alamo; a sister, Mary Ann Futch, Titusville, FL; four brothers, Bill Herrin, Americus, Ronald Herrin, Jacksonville, FL, Tennessee Herrin, Waycross and K. D. Herrin, Woodbine; five grandchildren, James Lee Keene, Dustan Dickson, Jesika Proulx, Ronnie Cleveland Herrin and Madison Cason and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 4, from the Shady Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Glenn Lindsey officiating. Interment followed in the Shady Grove Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Patsy Ruth Washington
Patsy Ruth Washington, 67, of 3272 Lucas Street, Patterson, passed away early Friday morning, Jan. 2, 2004. She was born March 23, 1936 as the daughter of the late William “Son” Harris and Bessie Mae Nelson in Pierce County, Georgia. She was a life-long resident of Pierce County and was retired from the housekeeping department of the Pierce County Nursing Home, formerly the Blackshear Hospital, after 30 years of service. Survivors include three daughters, Karen Eady, Chattanooga, TN, Cynthia (Tim) Harris, Blackshear and Sherl Dent, LaGrange;one son, Paul Washington, Perry; two sisters: Irene (Robert) Dobson, Zephyrhills, FL and Bessie L. Booth, Patterson; two brothers, the Rev. Arnold Davis, Washington, D.C. and Perry (Cleo) Williams, Gainesville; six grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, from the St. James Baptist Church on the Ridge near Patterson with the Rev. J.W. Dixon officiating. Interment will follow in The Ridge Cemetery. Friends and well wishers may call on the family at the residence of Cynthia and Tim Harris, 5119 Tammee Lane in Blackshear and/or share repast, after the funeral services, at St. James Baptist Church in Patterson. Jacobs Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Kate Manning Anderson
Kate Manning Anderson, 93, passed away Friday night, January 2, 2004, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center. A native of Wayne County, she had lived in Pierce County for most of her life. She was a housewife. She was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church for 64 years, making her the oldest member by age and membership. She also served as Sunday school secretary for 30 years. She was a member of Pierce County Farm Bureau. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester “Buck” Anderson, who passed away May 15, 1993; her parents, Alex and Macy Raulerson Manning and seven sisters and four brothers. Survivors include two daughters, Kathryn Anderson Cowart and Beatrice (husband Earl) Thrift, both of Blackshear; five grandchildren, Edmund Thrift, Alma, Gary Thrift, Waycross, Gwen Dale Newton, Buford, Rhonda Chancey, Patterson and Terry Thrift of Blackshear; ten great- grandchildren, Cody Thrift, Matthew Thrift, Josh Thrift, Dustin Thrift, Zachary Thrift, Mason Thrift, Tyler Newton, Tiffany Newton, Tinsley Newton and Randa Chancey; and nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 5, from the Pine Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Edmund Thrift and the Rev. Monroe Barnard officiating. Interment followed in the Laura Chapel Cemetery. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Ruth Brown Gill
Ruth Brown Gill, 77, died Sunday morning, Jan. 5, 2004, at the Morris Center in Jacksonville, FL after an extended illness. She was a native of Patterson, but had lived most of her life in Fernandina Beach, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents Peter Festus Brown and Alma Silas Oquinn Brown. She was retired from the State of Florida as an Agriculture Inspector and also retired from the school system as a bus driver. She was a member of Blackrock Baptist Church in Fernandina. Survivors include her daughter, Brenda Rowe, Yulee, FL; four sons Nolan A. Gill Jr., Hilliard, FL, Robert Gill, Cecil Gill and Michael Gill, all of Fernandina Beach, FL; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; her step-mother, Maude Brown, Fitzgerald; a brother, Colan S. Brown (wife Evelyn), DeLand, FL; four half-sisters Dean Brown, Baxley, Elsie Parrish, Faye Brown and Shelia Brown, all of Fitzgerald; three half-brothers, H.G. Brown, Henry Brown, and Festus Brown, all of Fitzgerald, and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, from the Blackrock Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach. Graveside services followed at 3 p.m. from the New Home Cemetery near Offerman. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Archie “Frank” Wolfe Jr.
Archie Franklin “Frank” Wolfe Jr., 55, died Monday morning, Jan. 5, 2004, at his residence in Blackshear after an extended illness. A native of Columbia, SC, he had lived most of his life in Waycross before moving to Pierce County in 1976. He was preceded in death by his father, Archie F. Wolfe Sr. He was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, a former Sunday school teacher, driver for the Bus Ministry, a greeter, and served on the Baptismal committee. At church he was known to the children as the “Candy Man”. He was a retired clerk from CSX Railroad and was a veteran serving in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Esther Wolfe, Blackshear; three sons, Frankie Wolfe (wife Tammy), Casey Wolfe and Luke Wolfe, all of Blackshear; two grandchildren, Kody and Macy Wolfe, both of Blackshear; his mother, Gladys Howell Matthews, Blackshear; two sisters, Faye Clark (husband Jimmy), Blackshear and Mary Dowling (husband Tommy), Tampa, FL and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, from the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Waters Cemetery. The deacons of the church will serve as honorary pallbearers and are asked to be at the church by 10:30 a.m. Memorials may be given to the Emmanuel Baptist Church Building Fund. Smith Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of the arrangements.

Anthony Scott Turner
Anthony Scott Turner, 36, died suddenly early Tuesday morning, January 6, 2004, from injuries sustained in an accident. A native and life long resident of Pierce County, he worked for Turner Appliance and attended Emmanuel Baptist Church. He was a member of the 1985 class of Pierce County High School and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Survivors are his parents, Lamar and Sylvia Smith Turner of Blackshear; his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Blanche Turner of Blackshear; a sister and brother-in-law, Alison and Troy Long of Blackshear; a brother and sister-in-law, James Lamar “Jamie” Turner, Jr. and Linda of Blackshear; five nieces and nephews, Blair Turner, Payton Turner, Allie Caroline Long, Anna Claire Long and Macie Britt. There are several other relatives. Funeral services for Mr. Turner will be held (today), Wednesday, January 7, 2004, at 3:00 p.m. from the Pearson-Treadwell Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Mike Stone and the Rev. Richard Golden. Interment will follow in the Blackshear Cemetery. Visitation for Mr. Turner will be held one hour prior to the service. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.