Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Arthur Volley
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Funeral arrangements for Mr. Arthur Volley of Chattanooga, Tenn., formerly of Americus, who died Tuesday, July 18, 2006, are incomplete and will be announced at a later date by Barnum Funeral Home.
John William Bentley
AMERICUS — John William “Billy” Bentley, 71, of Shellman, died July 18, 2006 at Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday at Rehoboth Baptist Church in Shellman. The Rev. Joe Pontivent and the Rev. Jim Emory will officiate, with interment in the church cemetery.
Mr. Bentley was born Feb. 9, 1935 in Terrell County, son of Margaret Howard Bentley of Marianna, Fla. and the late Thomas Cecil Bentley Sr. He was a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church and was a retired superintendent for Cargill Industries of Dawson.
Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Diane Coffey Bentley of Shellman, a daughter, Teresa (John) Owens of Andersonville, a sister, Catherine B. Lash of Marianna, Fla. and four grandchildren, Jessica Owens, Jamie Owens, Joni Owens and John Thomas Owens.
The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight at Curry Funeral Home.
Curry Funeral Home of Shellman is in charge of arrangements.
Hugh Walker Bowen, Jr.
MT. PROSPECT, Ill. — Hugh Walker Bowen Jr., of Elk Grove Village, Ill., passed from this life into eternity Sunday morning, July 9, 2006, at Holy Family Medical Center in Mount Prospect, Ill., after battling to recover from recent lung cancer surgery.
Mr. Bowen was the only child born to the late Sara Oliver (Bowen) DuPre, of Americus, and the late Hugh Walker Bowen, of Olympia, on Aug. 18, 1926. He was the stepson of the late Charles Augustus DuPre, of Americus. He was the grandson of the late George and Callie Coney Oliver, of Americus, and the late Solon Walter and Martha H. Morehouse Bowen, of Olympia. He was a graduate of the Americus High School Class of 1943, and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Russian history from the University of Georgia. Before completing his degree from the University of Georgia, Mr. Bowen honorably served a tour of duty in the Navy, in the Pacific during World War II.
He began a career, in 1953, with Washington National Insurance Company, based in Evanston, Ill., and retired in 1985 as manager of agent licensing.
He was a founding and active member, up until his recent illness, of the Elk Grove Village Rotary Club, and a founding member of Prince of Peace United Methodist Church of Elk Grove Village. Mr. Bowen was also an active member of the Americus Rotary Club before moving to Illinois. He was christened in the First United Methodist Church in Americus. He was also a Kentucky Colonel and was raised as a Mason at Glenview Lodge, and became a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner at Medinah (Illinois) Temple.
Mr. Bowen is survived by his former wife, and the mother of his three children, Jacquie Gerondale Bowen, of Livonia, Mich.; his daughters, Belinda Bowen Bracewell of Dothan, Ala., and Sara K. “Sissy” Bowen of Americus; son and daughter-in-law, Hugh and Anne-Marie Bowen of Orlando, Fla.; and grandsons, Christopher Michael Bracewell of Atlanta and Alexander Hugh Bowen of Orlando, Fla.; as well as cousins and many cherished friends.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 15, 2006, at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 Arlington Heights Road, in Elk Grove Village, Ill.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2006, at the George and Callie Oliver lot at Oak Grove cemetery in Americus. The Rev. Billy Key will officiate, and J.W.C. “Billy” Horne Jr., a member of the Americus High School Class of 1943, will offer remembrances of his classmate. Members of the Americus High School Class of 1943 are asked to serve as honorary pallbearers.
A reception/luncheon celebrating Mr. Bowen’s memory will immediately follow at the Parish Hall at Calvary Episcopal Church, 408 S. Lee St., in Americus. All friends of Mr. Bowen and his family are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village, Ill., 60007. A special church project is being established in Mr. Bowen’s memory.
Aldridge Funeral Services, 612 Reese Park, is kindly assisting with arrangements in Americus.
Shirley Mae Brown
AMERICUS — Funeral services for Ms. Shirley Mae Brown of Americus, Georgia will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2006, at 1 p.m. at the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Americus with Rev. H.C. Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.
Ms. Shirley Mae Brown was born on August 13, 1956, in Americus, Sumter County, to the late Rev. Ulysses Brown Sr. Willie Mae Josey Brown. She was the fifth of six children, three of which preceded her in death, Ulysses Brown Jr, John Brown Sr. and Ronald Lynn Brown. At an early age she joined the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. J.L. Wilson.
During her early childhood she was very active, singing in the Youth Choir, attending Sunday School and many other church activities. She was educated in the Public School System of Sumter County.
Ms. Shirley Mae Brown answered the call from labor to reward on July 17, 2006, at the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany.
She leaves to cherish her memories, three sisters, Mrs. Carolyn E. Cannon, Mrs. Martha (Charlie) Durham, all of Americus and Ms. Courtney A. Brown of Albany; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Dorothy Brown and Mrs. Jacqueline Brown both of Atlanta; four aunts, Mrs. Vera Mae Brown of Americus, Mrs. Callie Mae Rivers of Charlotte, N.C., Mrs. Ora Mae Colbert of Atlanta and Mrs. Wilhelmina Brown of Opelika, Fla.; two uncles, Mr. Woodrow Brown of Opelika and Mr. Isaiah James Rivers of Charlotte; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends, including her god-mother, Mrs. Martha T. Gordon, also survive.
West's Mortuary of Americus is in charge of arrangements.
Irene Small
AMERICUS — Funeral arrangements for Irene Small of 107 Glenn St., Americus who died on Wednesday, July 19, 2006, will be announced by Barnum Funeral Home.
Fred Barner
AMERICUS — Funeral services for Fred Barner, affectionately called Tony, of 514 Lindsey Ln., Americus, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2006, from the House of God-Winn Street. Minister Linda Mathis will officiate and burial will follow in the New Corinth Baptist Church cemetery. The remains will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the services.
Mr. Fred Barner was born in Sumter County on May 9, 1959, to the parentage of the late Mr. J.W. Barner and the late Mrs. Louvenia Waters White.
He leaves to mourn his passing, a sister, Ms. Diane Waters; a brother, Mr. Edward Charles White; an aunt, Ms. Annie M. Mercer; a niece, Ms. Patricia Sampson; two nephews, Mr. Milton Sampson and Mr. Marvin Sampson and a host of other relatives and friends also survive.
Barnum Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Eddie Lewis Minter
AMERICUS — Mr. Eddie Lewis Minter, age 68, Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd., Americus, Georgia passed Tuesday, July 18, 2006.
Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, July 24, 2006, at Quebec Baptist Church, Ga. Hwy 26 West, Ellaville. iIntermentwill follow at Hopewell Cemetery.
He was born Feb. 11, 1938, to the late Mercer and Andella Perry Minter in Schley County. He was educated in the public school system of Schley County and a member of Quebec Baptist Church. After many dedicated years of service, he retired from Cooper Lightning Company as a Receiving and Distribution Clerk.
Survivors are his wife, Zola Burton Minter; children, Patricia Minter, Priscilla Minter, Marilyn Hollis (Johnny), Carol Williams (Willie), Kenneth Minter and Eddie Minter, Jr.; grandchildren, Brittney, Christopher (Tomeisha), Calvin, Mackenzie, Kenyatta, Willie, III, Steven, Eddie, Jr., Marquavious, Taleak, Shanelle, Tyrelle, TyHeim and Tyress; siblings, Dollie Cauley, Catherine, Annie, Myrtice, Albert and Michael and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
There will be a wake service from 5-6 p.m. Sunday, July 23, 2006, at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., 607 Kaigler St. in Oglethorpe.
Funeral service entrusted to Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., Oglethorpe.
Janet Vaughn Searcy
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Janet Vaughn Searcy, 70, of 325 Knottywood Ln., Wellington, Fla. died Saturday, July 8, 2006, at Hospice of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Fla. after an extended battle with cancer. A celebration of life service was held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at St. David’s in the Pines Episcopal Church at the corner of Wellington Trace and Forest Hills Blvd. in Wellington, Fla. A reception followed the service at the church.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 22, at Rehoboth Baptist Church in Americus with the Rev. Tommy McConnell and the Rev. Ken Irvin officiating with a private family burial to follow in the church cemetery, afterwards the family will receive friends at the church.
Janet Vaughn Searcy was born in Armuchee on Feb. 8, 1936, the daughter of Roy Vaughn of Americus who survives her and her mother, the late Ira May Potts Vaughn. Mrs. Searcy attained a bachelor of science degree at Valdosta State College in Valdosta and while working as a full-time elementary school teacher, achieved a master of education degree at Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.
She was the loving, caring and forgiving wife of James W. Searcy and mother of Eva Ware Searcy of Wellington, Fla. She had many talents and hobbies. Mrs. Searcy loved painting and repairing antiques and wall clocks. Her passion was golf and the association that she had with her fellow golfers. She had a rare talent for growing plants where others had failed.
Mrs. Searcy’s most enduring trait was her warmth for her fellow human beings and devotion to her family members. She worked in her early years as a Girl Scout counselor. For many years, she and her husband owned and operated a full-service interior design store with furniture, fabric, accessories and drapery services.
Janet Vaughn Searcy is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Searcy and daughter, Eva Ware Searcy both of Wellington, Fla.; sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte “Mickey” Price and Bobby of Augusta; brother and sister-in-law, Randolph Vaughn and Myrtle of Americus and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charles W. Gerstenberg Hospice, 5300 E. Avenue, West Palm Beach, Fla. 33407-2387 or to the National Cancer Center.
Aldridge Funeral Services, 612 Reese Park, is in charge of the local arrangements.
Arthur Volley
AMERICUS — Funeral services for Mr. Arthur Volley, affectionately called “Shorty, ” of 203 Paynes Lane, Rising Fawn, Ga., formerly of Ellaville, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 2006, from the Quebec Baptist Church. The Rev. John H. Hollis will officiate and burial will follow in the Hopewell Cemetery. A wake service will be held from 6-7 p.m. today in the Chapel of Barnum Funeral Home. The remains will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the services.
Mr. Arthur Volley was born in Ellaville, Schley County on Oct. 13, 1939, to the parentage of the late Mr. Moses Volley and Mrs. Effie Mae Warren Volley, who survives.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mrs. Beulah Wade Volley; three daughters, Ms. Torie Volley, Ms. Tamara Volley and Ms. Shawna Volley; four brothers, Mr. James (Bernice) Volley, Mr. Ernest (Johnnie Mae) Volley, Mr. Willie C. Volley and Mr. Roy Lee Volley; five sisters, Ms. Mae Byrd-Green, Ms. Mary Ann Edge, Ms. Violet R. Williams, Mrs. Doris (McNeil) Murray and Mrs. Bettie (Calvin) Wright and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends also survive.
Barnum Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Thelma Clemons
AMERICUS — Funeral services for Ms. Thelma Clemons of 103 Belinda Circle, Americus, who passed Thursday, July 20, 2006, in the Sumter Regional Hospital will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness. Arthur Berkeley will officiate and burial will follow in the Eastview cemetery. The remains will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the services.
Ms. Thelma Clemons was born Sumter County on Nov. 19, 1953, to the parentage of the late Mr. Willie C. Clemons and Mrs. Mary Turner Clemons, who survives.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by three brothers, Mr. Lee (Mary) Marshall, Mr. Raymond Clemons and Mr. Jimmy Lee (Faustine) Clemons; three sisters, Ms. Sara Clemons, Ms. Mary Tatum and Mrs. Shirley (George) Combs; an aunt, Ms. Hattie Bee Freeman and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends also survive.
Irene Bivins Small
AMERICUS — Funeral services for Irene Bivins Small of 107 Glenn St., Americus, who passed on Wednesday, July, 20, 2006 at her home will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July, 24, 2006, from the Zion Hope Baptist Church. The Rev. George F. Monts Jr. will officiate and burial will follow in the Israel cemetery. The remains will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the services.
Mrs. Irene Bivins Small was born in Ellaville, Schley County on June 30, 1919, to the parentage of the late Mr. George Bivins and the late Mrs. Annie Minter Bivins.
She leaves to mourn her passing, two daughters, Ms. Lorene Twenty and friend Freddie Knight and Ms. Thelma Merritt; four sons, Mr. William (Gloria) Small, Mr. George Small, Mr. John “Fat” Small and Mr. Henry (Deloris) Small; a sister, Ms. Ossie Holmes; two grandchildren and a great-grandchildren she raised as her own, Ms. Sharon Small, Mr. Johnny Merritt and Anthony Sanders Jr.; 27 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 17 great, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including her neighborhood grandchildren also survive.
Barnum Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Joseph Bryan Law
Mr. Joseph “Joe” Bryan Law, 24, of Easley S.C., died on Friday, July 21, 2006, in South Carolina. Mr. Law was born in Columbus, GA., the son of Cathy Shadrick Butts and David Warren Law who survive him. Mr. Law was a meat cutter and a member of Leslie Baptist Church.
Funeral Service were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2006, at Leslie Baptist Church, with the Rev. Chuck Poplin officiating. Burial followed in Mount Zion Cemetery. Pallbearers included Mathew Daniel, Bobby Williams, Joe Murray, Chris Law, Kalan Law and Pearce Shadrick. The family receive dfriends between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m. Monday at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel, 142 Southland Road, Americus, GA 31709
Mr. Law is survived by his wife, Charlotte Law, of Leesburg; two sons, Joseph Law Jr. and Logan Law, both of Leesburg; one brother, Shad Law of Lumpkin; two sisters and one step-sister, Keely Metheny, of Parrott, Ga., Danielle Daniell of Douglasville, Ga., and Mandy Young, of Smiths Station, Ala. Also surviving are his mother and step-father, Cathy and Keith Butts, of Lumpkin, and his father and step-mother David and Donna Law, of Leslie. Mr. Law is also survived by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Dee Law, of Leslie and step-grandparents, Leon and Judy Butts, of Columbus.
Memorial contributions may be made to the following charities, Turning Point Hospital Inpatient, P.O. Box 1177, Moultrie GA 31776; Anchor Hospital, 5454 Yorktowne Drive Atlanta, GA 30349; Teen Challenge, 3706 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL 32773, or the Leslie Baptist Church, P.O. Box 266, Leslie GA 31764.
Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Marietta Mathis
AMERICUS — Mrs. Marietta Mathis, 92, of 136 Towncreek Circle, Americus, died on Sunday, July 23, 2006, at Sumter Regional Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by West's Mortuary.
Mr. Thomas W. Davis Sr.
Mr. Thomas W. Davis Sr., age 90, of 2001 S. Lee St., died on Tuesday morning, July 25, in Sumter Regional Hospital. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 28, in the Martha McDonald Moore Memorial Chapel at Magnolia Manor, with the Rev. John Brodess and the Rev. Dennis Stalvey officiating. iIntermentservices will follow at 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Riverview Cemetery, Valdosta, with the Rev. Craig Rikard and the Rev. Brooks Partain officiating. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Born June 28, 1916 in Floyd County, Mr. Davis was a son of the late Judson Clement Davis and Mattie Maude King Davis. He served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was a participant in the China-Burma-India campaign. He was a member of the Air Force Reserves for more than 20 years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He worked at Moody Air Force Base from 1951 to 1976, serving as a jet mechanic and section foreman for the shop. He was a member of the National Association of Retired Employees.
Mr. Davis, a loving, caring, and wonderful husband, family member, and friend, was a devout Christian. He had been active in Methodist churches in every location where he lived, probably serving in every capacity of church work, including choir membership, Sunday School participation, and other leadership roles. At the time of his death, he was a member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Valdosta, and attended church and Sunday School at Magnolia Manor, serving as president of the Sunday School class.
The family will receive friends at Hancock Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday. The casket will be open for viewing from 10:15 a.m. until funeral time in the chapel at Magnolia Manor prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the League of the Good Samaritan, Magnolia Manor, 2001 S. Lee St., Americus, GA 31709, or to the building fund of Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 100 E. Park Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602, are suggested.
Survivors include his wife of more than 63 years, Julia Talley Davis; two daughters and son-in-law, Donna Davis Whiddon of White House, Tenn. and Jana Ruth Davis Douglass and her husband James of Boulder City, Nev.; two sons and daughters-in-law, the Rev. Thomas W. Davis Jr. and his wife Pamela of Albany and Timothy L. Davis and his wife Theresa of Carrollton; a sister and brother-in-law, Betty Davis Wilson and her husband Clem of Bedford, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Martha M. Davis of Asheville, N.C. and Ethel Talley of Tifton; eight grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Hancock Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
