Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Rex Allen Downen
AMERICUS — Mr. Rex Downen, 42, died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2006, at Sumter Regional Hospital. Mr. Downen was a native of Butler County Kansas, born Sept. 20, 1953, the son of Roy Lee and Shirley Jean Downen. Mr. Downen was a meat cutter and a Baptist.
Graveside services will be held Monday, Aug. 14, 2006, at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Downen is survived by his mother, Shirley Jean Downen, of Orlando, Fla.; one sister, Teresa Lynn Downen Myer, of Paragold, Ark.; and two brothers, David Oval Downen, of White Plains, Colo., and Rickie Charles Downen, of Augusta, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris White Downen, on July 11, 2006.
Leon Preston Gilmore
IDEAL — Mr. Leon Preston Gilmore, 65, of Montezuma, passed away Tuesday morning, August 8, 2006, at Ideal Nursing Home, Ideal. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, in the chapel of Watson-Mathews Funeral Home, Montezuma. The Rev. Carolyn Hale Cubbage will officiate. iIntermentwill follow in Bertha Dozier Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be no formal visitation. The family will be at the residence, 314 N. Dooly St., Montezuma.
Mr. Gilmore was born Aug. 31, 1940 in Durham, N.C. to the late Leon B. Gilmore and Edith Savage Gilmore. He had lived in Montezuma for the last four years, moving from Savannah. He was a member of Memorial Baptist Church in Savannah. He was a graduate of Mercer University.
He was a licensed real estate broker in the State of Georgia, certified instructor of real estate sales and brokerage, home builder from 1972-2001. Served as President of Home Builders Association of Savannah in 1979. He was State Home Builders President in 1981, graduate of Leadership Savannah, served two years as chairman of the graduate program.
He was appointed by Gov. Joe Frank Harris to Georgia Semi Quincential Commission from 1981-1984. Served on Board of Directors of Savannah Science Museum from 1981-1984. He was past chairman of deacon at Memorial Baptist Church. He served on local, state and national Home Builders Association executive committee.
He was director of Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Memorial Day School board of directors. He was voted into Savannah Builders Hall of Fame 2001.
Survivors include: his wife, Juliath Mims Gilmore of Montezuma; daughter and son-in-law, April (Derrick) Lynn Morris of Greenville, S.C.; son and daughter-in-law, Preston (Marie) Keith Gilmore of Chicago; brothers, Walton Gilmore of Ellaville, Timmy Gilmore and Danny Gilmore of Cordele; four grandchildren, Ethan Morris, Jatie Morris, Abigail Morris and Gretchen Gilmore.
Watson-Mathews Funeral Home, Montezuma, is in charge of arrangements.
Bobby Price
AUGUSTA — Bobby Price died on August 7, 2006 at the Downtown Division of the VA Hospital, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.
Bobby Gene Price was born in Moultrie, Georgia on March 15, 1932 to Floyd Price and Armie Ola Young Price. As an Americus High School graduate, Bobby enlisted in the US Navy in 1951, served his country during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1955. His primary service was aboard the USS Bronson, and he received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal during his service. He married
Charlotte 'Mickey' Vaughn of Americus in 1956, and remained married
to her until his death. After getting married, Bobby then enrolled in college, graduating in June 1961 with a Bachelors of Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Upon graduation, Bobby and his wife moved to Augusta, with three children by that time.
He worked in the Engineering Department of the City of Augusta for five years. He then spent one year with the Turner Murphey Construction Company before starting his own business in 1968. He remained self employed as a land surveyor and civil engineer until his retirement in September 2003. As a Registered Land Surveyor and Licensed Professional Engineer in both Georgia and South Carolina, Bobby’s career was spent serving the general public with land surveys and serving the real estate community preparing subdivision designs/layout and closing plats for home purchases.
Bobby was a member of and participated in several professional organizations, including the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (serving as State Vice- President from 1977-1979), Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia, Consulting Engineers Council of Georgia, and National Association of Home Builders.
Bobby was a member of and participated in several civic and service organizations over the years, including the Augusta Jaycees, John S. Davidson Masonic Lodge, and Shriners.
Through his years in Augusta, Bobby was a faithful attendee of First Baptist Church of Augusta and its Cason Bruker Bible Class, as well as Hill Baptist Church in his early years in Augusta.
George Hardy
AMERICUS — Funeral arrangements for the late Mr. George Hardy of Plaquemine, La., formerly of Americus, who passed in the Plaquemine Caring Center are incomplete and will be announced at a later date by Barnum Funeral Home.
Annie Lou Wilkerson
AMERICUS — Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Lou Wilkerson of 152 Starlight Place, Americus, who passed on Monday, Aug. 7, 2006 at her home, will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 11, 2006, from the Friendship Baptist Church. The Rev. W.R. Campbell 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. The family will be receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today in the chapel of Barnum Funeral Home.
Mrs. Annie Lou Wilkerson was born in Americus, Sumter County on April 24, 1928 to the parentage of the late Mr. Obie Wilkerson and the late Mrs. Mittie Lee Dowdell Wilkerson.
She leaves to mourn her passing four sons, Mr. Willie Laster, Mr. Kenny (Louise) Wilkerson, Mr. Ralph Wilkerson and Mr. David Laster and friend, Joann; two daughters, Ms. Ella Mae Wilkerson and Mrs. Betty (Thomas) Bell; four sisters, Ms. Clara Crumbley, Ms. Elizabeth “Boo” Wilkerson, Mrs. Mary (Hollis) Douglas and Mrs. Ora Lee (Walter) Burks; 15 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends also survive.
Barnum Funeral Home will be in charge of these arrangements.
Debra Sharon Jones Larkin
ATHENS — Debra Sharon Jones Larkin, 49, wife of Butch Larkin, died Aug. 3, 2006, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Born in Americus, she was the daughter of David Thomas and Evelyn Lane Jones. She was a member of The Rock Christian Fellowship and had attended New Covenant Church. She was also preceded in death by her sister Patricia Jones. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is also survived by her children; Tara Abercrombie of Gainesville, Chad Larkin of Comer, Clint Larkin of Hull, Brooks Larkin of Hull, Tracy Larkin of Hull; sister, Marsha Register of Dublin, Donna Wilson of Murryville, brother, David Jones of Jefferson, Dan Jones of Americus and 13 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today at Lord & Stephens East Chapel with the Rev. David Crow and Ken Joslin officiating. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Athens Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Eric Register, Matt Jones, Travis Johnson, Jimmy Johnson, Jean Hobbs and Brandon Register.
Memorials may be made to Guardian Home Care, Attn: Linda Laprade, 435 Hawthorne Ave., Suite 500, Athens, GA. 30606. Lord & Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements.
Sherwood David Brown Jr.
AMERICUS — Sherwood David Brown Jr. died Friday, Aug. 25, 2006. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28, 2006, at Macon Memorial Park. The family may be contacted at 4100 Upper River Road, the residence of Sylvia Williams.
Mr. Brown was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherwood David Brown Sr. and Elizabeth Edge Brown; brother, James Lyfell Brown; and three children, David Brown, Kevin Brown and Cassandra Brown.
Mr. Brown is survived by his wife, Eleanor Mae Brown of Americus; five children, Robin Christian of Macon, Daphne Mitchell of Flowery Branch, Christina Elizabeth Brown of Horn Lake, Miss., Timothy Allen Brown of Americus and Samantha Harvey of Americus; 11 grandchildren; and a sister, Shirley Childs of Gray.
Hart’s Mortuary has charge of arrangements.
Pacie Lee Pickett
AMERICUS — Funeral services for Veteran Pacie Lee Pickett of 202 Graham St., Plains, who passed on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006, in the Sumter Regional Hospital, will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 28, 2006, from the Christian Outreach Church. Bishop Harvey Claiborne will officiate and burial will follow in the Andersonville National Cemetery. The remains will in repose at the church one hour prior to the services.
Veteran Pacie Lee Pickett was born to the parentage of the late Mr. Buster Pickett and the late Mrs. Ela Williams Pickett on March 10, 1922 in Sumter County.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 61 years, Mrs. Lillian Pickett; two daughters, Ms. Alice Muff and Mrs. Wilma (Billy) McCrary; five sons, Mr. Pacie Pickett Jr., Mr. Willie Pickett, Mr. Raymond Pickett, Mr. Chester (Beverly) Pickett and Elder Norman (Gail) Pickett; 28 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends also survive.
Barnum Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Steele McKee Shelton
MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — Mrs. Mary Steele McKee Shelton, 88, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 24, 2006. Mrs. Shelton was born Nov. 28, 1917, in Decatur, to the late Arthur Lovic McKee and the late Mattie Lucinda Tilly McKee. She graduated from Southwest Dekalb High School in Decatur, Georgia. After her family moved from Decatur to the town of Smarrs, she attended and graduated from Bessie Tift College in Forsyth County. Later while a public educator, she obtained a master’s degree in arts from Scarritt College for Christian Workers in Nashville, Tenn. Mrs. Shelton married
the late Hosea McCall Fleming in Woodbine June 9, 1939. He served in the United States Navy as Seaman, Second Class and was aboard the eight-crew freighter “The Millinocket” when it was torpedoed by a German U-Boat on June 17, 1942. The entire crew was lost at sea, and Seaman Hosea Fleming was awarded a Purple Heart. Even though she had a two-year old daughter, Ouida Rose Fleming, Mrs. Shelton pursued a career in teaching and taught for several years. She married
the late Rev. Ray Ellis Shelton on May 7, 1948. He graduated from Berry College and then continued his studies, graduating from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, thanks to the G.I. Bill. During that time he also served as pastor of Tracy City Baptist Church, Tracy City, Tenn. In 1949, the Rev. and Mrs. Ray Shelton were appointed missionaries to Uruguay by the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board) of the Southern Baptist Convention. For 37 years, they served as missionaries to Uruguay until their retirement in 1986. As well as planting and serving churches throughout the interior of Uruguay, they led the Escuela Evangelica Bautista, an influential Christian elementary school in the town of Conchillas. Mrs. Shelton was homemaker, Bible teacher, Women’s Missionary Union leader, Sunday School teacher and youth leader. Upon retirement, Mrs. Shelton moved with her husband to Americus to work with the growing number of Spanish-speaking migrants. At the many migrant camps, they would distribute Christian literature, clothes, personal care packages and food, as well as provide transportation for personal or medical reasons. While in Americus, Mrs. Shelton was active in community organizations including her work with international students at Georgia Southwestern State University and participated in the Garden Clubs of Georgia, serving as president for several years. She continued to speak in churches and children’s camps throughout South Georgia. In 2000, she moved to Cordele to live near family, and then again in July 2006 to Mount Airy, N.C. Throughout the moves, she remained active, teaching Sunday School and as a popular speaker, She was an avid story-teller, and had an incredible memory. She enjoyed working with flowers, especially cacti and succulents, as well as native varieties and their cultivation.
Mrs. Shelton is survived by five children, Ouida Rose Fleming English of El Paso, Texas; Chrispian Ellis Shelton and his wife, Ellen Herman, of Minneapolis; Paul Leslie Shelton and his wife, Laura Jo Owens Shelton, missionaries of Mendoza, Argentina; Lucinda Ann Shelton Lyons and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Victor Sam Lyons, of Mount Airy, N.C.; and the Rev. Miriam Ray Shelton of New York City. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Corbitt Ellis Shelton of New York City; Timothy Hughes Shelton, a student at Union College; Stephany Imogene Shelton of Minneapolis; Joshua Thomas Shelton and his wife, Sarah Ortiz Shelton, of Seguin, Texas; Andrew Jonathan Shelton, and Rebekah Jolie Shelton, both of Waco, Texas; Victor Ray Lyons and his wife, Courtney Ann Lyons, of Waco, Texas; and Mary Pauline Abigail Lyons Gottwals and her husband, Shane Charles Gottwals, of Warner Robins. She is also survived by one brother, Arthur Lovic McKee and his wife, Estelle Stoff McKee, of Littleton, Colo., and sister-in-law Sara Goen McKee of Decantur; 12 nieces, three nephews, 29 grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and a large number of cousins. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Shelton was preceded in death by her first husband, Hosea McCall Fleming, in 1942, her second husband, Ray Ellis Shelton, in 1993, and her sister, Elizabeth McKee Hinshaw, on May 22, and her brother, Robert Aticus McKee, on July 29, both in the current year of 2006.
Martha Walker Poole
QUITMAN — Mrs. Martha Walker Poole, age 84, formerly of 301 Pinecrest Drive, Americus, died late Saturday evening, Aug. 19, 2006 at Presbyterian Home Quitman in Quitman. Funeral services will be held from the graveside at 11 a.m., today, at Oak Grove Cemetery, with Minister Trey Poole and the Rev. Keith Parks officiating. The family will receive friends before and after the services at the cemetery.
Mrs. Poole, a native of Randolph County, was born the daughter of the late Charlie Walker and Mary Edwards Walker on June 11, 1922. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Americus and was retired from Gertrude Davenport, formerly of Americus, after 20 years service.
Mrs. Poole is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald T. “Ronnie” Poole and Cynthia of Tallahassee, Fla.; two sisters, Frances Crook of Americus and Myrtis Morgan of Jacksonville, Fla.; two grandchidren, Trey Poole and his wife Vicki of Albany and Jennifer Schmidt and her husband Mike of Tampa, Fla.; two great-grandchildren, Ashlynn and Taylor Poole of Albany, and a number of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Poole was preceded in death by her late husband Theo Poole.
Aldridge Funeral Services is in charge of these arrangements.
Genieve Fuller Beckwith
AMERICUS — Mrs. Genieve Fuller Beckwith, age 90, of 2001 S. Lee St., died late Monday, Aug. 21, 2006, at Magnolia Manor Nursing Center. Mrs. Beckwith was a native of Leslie, born Dec. 31, 1915, a daughter of the late Frank and Jennifer Fuller. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, First Baptist Church of Americus, a Sunday school teacher, and also a member of the DAR.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Americus at 11 a.m Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006, with the Rev. Gene Simmons and the Rev. Rusty Mauldin officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2006, at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Ellaville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 325, Ellaville, GA 31806 or First Baptist Church of Americus, 221 S. Lee St., Americus, GA.
Survivors include a daughter, Susan Floyd of Reynolds; four sisters, Eula Burgamy of Americus, Evelyn Large of Americus, Vergie Preston of Americus, and Virginia Slack of Toccoa; two grandchildren, Sharon Floyd of Atlanta and Eric Floyd of Columbus. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Beckwith, and one son, Ray Beckwith.
Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Pacie L. Pickett
AMERICUS — Funeral arrangements for Pacie L. Pickett of 202 Graham St., Plains, who died Tuesday at Sumter Regional Hospital, will be announced by Barnum Funeral Home.
Chrislee Faith Gay
MACON — Chrislee Faith Gay, born May 1, 2006, entered into rest Monday, Aug. 21, 2006. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006, at Real Life Church of God with Bishop Wes Hardin, Pastor Chris Dorrity and Pastor Johnny McGowan officiating. iIntermentwill follow at Stone Creek Baptist Church cemetery in Twiggs County. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug.25, 2006, at Hart’s Mortuary.
Survivors include parents, Bobby and Danielle Gay of Jones County; sister, Elaina Grace Gay of Jones County; grandparents, Beverly and James Bowden of Twiggs County; grandparents, Tracy and Darrell Brantley of Gray; grandparents, Alton Gay and Peggy Bledsoe of Woodland, Calif.; great-grandmother, Margaret Bowden of Twiggs County; great-grandparents, Bobbie and Lloyd Gay of Leslie; great-grandmother, Shirley Hopkins of Americus; great-grandparents, Russell and Shirley Brantley of Twiggs County.
Hart’s Mortuary has charge of arrangements.
Curtis Ray Morris
CENTERVILLE — Ray Morris, 71, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006. Visitation will be from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., today, at McCullough Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 25, in the Chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with interment following in Centerville Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Magnolia Manor c/o The League of the Good Samaritan, 2001 S. Lee St., Americus, GA 31709.
Mr. Morris was born on Nov. 2, 1934 in Americus. Ray was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era. He retired from civil service at Robins Air Force Base where he worked in computer operations. Mr. Morris was also a painting contractor and property manager for Lenora Realty. He was a long-time member of Grace Baptist Church where he was a deacon and taught adult Sunday school. His greatest joys came from serving his church family and his own family as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. His parents, Curtis Elmo Morris and Mildred Dew Morris, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Dorothy “Dot” Morris, Centerville; children, Michael Ray Morris (Tonia), Mary Kaye Boyd (Ken), all of Warner Robins; brother, Kenneth Morris (Bobbie), Americus; sisters, Carol Thomas (Bickle), Rocky Ford, Katherine McCleaskey, Rhine; grandchildren, Kristina Williams, Kyle Morris, Kayla Boyd, Kelly Boyd and great-grandson, Tristan.
Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Tommy Johnson
AMERICUS — Funeral arrangements for Tommy Johnson, of 528 W. College St., who died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2006, at Sumter Regional Hospital, will be announced by Straghn & Sons Funeral Home, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Lewis Carey Ragans
AMERICUS — Lewis Carey Ragans, age 54, Mayfire Drive, passed Monday, Aug. 21, 2006.
Funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m.. Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006, at Lebanon Baptist Church, 203 South Hudson St., Plains. The Rev, Hosie Waters, pastor, will officiate. iIntermentwill follow in Staley Memorial Cemetery, corner of Mayo Street and Southern Field Road, Americus.
Lewis was born Nov. 4, 1951, to the late Lewis C. Walker and Winnie Ragans in Americus. He was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church where he served as vice president of the Usher Board Ministry. He enjoyed fishing and was a King of Grilling. After over 30 years of service, he retired from Metalux/Cooper Lighting Company of Americus.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Bonnie Kate Johnson-Ragans; mother-in-law, Johnnie Mae Johnson; children, Quaslind Nicole Ragans (Cpl. Bryant Thomas), Lewis C. Ragans II, Ke'aria Covington and Seaman Jack Jermaine Feilds Jr.; siblings, Sammy Ragans Walker, Laura Virginia Davis-Fench, Annie Laster (Willie Skeeter), Sandra Rudolph and Cynthia Paschall (Brathan); brothers-in-law/sisters-in-law, Joe Johnson Jr. (Bessie), Larry Johnson, Timothy Johnson, Gloria Moore (James), Diane Parks (Michael), Stephanie Johnson, Sabrina Sahi (Iftikhar), Mattie Russell (Bunny), Joyce Holsey and Lizzie Carter (Edward); 42 nieces and nephews; 54 great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
