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Lena Mae DeBerry Green
Mrs. Lena Mae DeBerry Green of Ocilla died Thursday, August 28, 2003 at Palemon Gaskin Nursing Home. She was 91.
Mrs. Green was born August 10, 1912 in Irwin County, daughter of the late Leatha (Tucker) DeBerry and Charlie W. DeBerry.
Mrs. Green lived in the community most of her life. She was a homemaker and a member of Riverbend Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond F. Green, four brothers and five sisters.
Survivors include her son, Lamar Green of Ocilla; her daughters, Shirley G. Mixon and Norma G. Handley, both of Ocilla; sisters, Betty D. Mixon of Ocilla and Thelma D. Connely of Fitzgerald; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.
Services were held at Paulk Funeral Home Chapel, Ocilla on Saturday, August 30 at 11 a.m., with Rev. George Paulk and Rev. Jim Osborne officiating. Eulogy was given by Emerson King.
Music was provided by organist, Jean Dent; soloist, Irma Young and the congregation.
Pallbearers were Merice Roberts, Carroll Green, Emerson King, Charles Green, Charles Purvis, Johnny Purvis, Hughlon Purvis, Kenneth DeBerry and Herman Green.
The grandchildren served as honorary pallbearers.
Interment was held at Spring Hill Cemetery in Irwin County.
Arnold Wayne Southard, Sr.
Mr. Arnold Wayne Southard, Sr. of Ocilla died Monday, August 25, 2003 at Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, SC. He was 64.
Mr. Southard was born May 4, 1939 in Mt. Vernon, KY, son of the late Martha (Belcher) Southard and Charles Edward Southard.
Mr. Southard lived in Irwin County for the past two months from Ohio. He was a truck driver with South Georgia Freight Express. Mr. Southard was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Hamilton, OH and attended Bethel Baptist Church in Ocilla. He served in the United States Navy.
Survivors include his wife, Pat Southard of Ocilla; son, Wayne Southard of Live Oak, AL; daughter, Barbara S. Brown of Eielson, AK; grandchildren, Michael Scott Findley, Samantha and Cheyanne Southard, Cody and Morningstar Southard; Jacob, Colin and Christopher Brown; sisters, Nancy Lynn Parkerson of Broadhead, KY and Mary Kay Insko of Lexington, KY.
Services were held at Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Ocilla on Sunday, August 31 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Tracy Clements officiating.
Music was provided by keyboardist Lynn Clements and singers Pat Stringer, Sheran Thompson and Rev. Tracy Clements. Serving as pallbearers were Josh Drawdy, Andrew Harper, Otis Hester, Andrew T. Harper, Ronald Coleman, Jason Fletcher, Donald Paulk, Vernon Stringer, Harold Walker and Dale Drawdy.
Interment was held in Ocilla Cemetery.
Christine Beck Bedingfield
Ms. Christine Beck Bedingfield of Hudson, FL died Sunday, August 24, 2003 at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs, FL. She was 60.
Ms. Bedingfield was born January 14, 1943 in Ocilla, daughter of the late Clifford T. Beck, Sr. and Tiny Spinks Beck.
Ms. Bedingfield lived in Hudson, FL since 1955. She was a member of New Port Richey Baptist Church in New Port Richey, FL and attended Grace Baptist in Hudson, FL.
Survivors include two brothers, Clifford Beck, Jr. of Hudson, FL, Gene Beck of Stockbridge and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Graveside services were held at Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald on Thursday, August 28 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Robert McDearmid officiating.
Pallbearers were Ronald Beck, Scott Beck, Johnny Beck, Roy Cain, Wayne Spinks and Billy Beck.
Lavada Minshew Branam
Mrs. Lavada Minshew Branam of Palatka, FL died Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at Putnam Community Medical Center in Palatka, FL. She was 73.
Mrs. Branam was born May 27, 1930 in Irwin County, daughter of the late Lessie Lee (Swain) Minshew and Jim Minshew.
A native of Irwin County, Mrs. Branam had lived in Palatka for the past 51 years from Fitzgerald. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Palatka and served as church secretary. She had worked as Service Officer for the Putnam County Veterans Office for several years. Mrs. Branam was a member of the Woodmen of the World and enjoyed bowling.
Survivors include her husband of 57 years, D. C. Branam of Palatka, FL; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Kathy Branam of Gainesville, FL; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Ralph Wallace of Talladega, AL; grandchildren, Andrea Hollingsworth and Ralph Edward Wallace, Jr., both of Talladega, AL; Michael Cousins and Jeremy Cousins, both of Gainesville, FL; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Maureen Minshew of Fitzgerald; great-grandchild, Emily Ann Wallace of Talladega, AL; sister and brother-in-law, Bobbie and Ben Kennedy of Brooksville, FL; aunt, Carrie Lou Branam of Fitzgerald and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held at Evergreen Cemetery on Friday, August 29 at 10 a.m., with Rev. Bobby Richey officiating.
Music was provided by soloist, Wanda Ash.
Pallbearers were Michael Cousins, Jeremy Cousins, Brian Thompson, Tommy Branam, Rick Hollingsworth and Edward Wallace.
Edna Gibbs Davis
Mrs. Edna Gibbs Davis of Fitzgerald died Sunday morning, August 31, 2003 at Dorminy Medical Center. She was 95.
Mrs. Davis was born January 1, 1908 in Irwin County to the late Young Samuel Gibbs and Pollie Bussell Gibbs. She was a homemaker.
During World War II, Mrs. Davis worked at the post office in Washington, D.C. and was a former sales lady at Julius Garfinkle & Company Department Store in Washington.
After returning home to the Abba Community 55 years ago, she was a member of the Abba Baptist Church and New Prospect Baptist Church. Over the years she served as church organist, Sunday School teacher, WMU member and arranged flowers for church services. She was a member and Past Worthy Matron of the Adah Chapter #15 of the Order of Eastern Star.
Mrs. Davis is survived by two daughters: Ann Geiger, Tucson, AZ and Linda Hall, Fitzgerald; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Davis, two brothers and one sister.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, September 2, 2003 at 11 a.m. at the Gibbs Cemetery in Abba with Rev. Steve Waldorf officiating. The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to the charity of their choice.
James L. Walker
Mr. James L. Walker, 80, of Fitzgerald died Saturday, August 30, 2003 at his home.
Born May 21, 1923 in Coffee County to the late James Randolph Walker and Emma Jane Grantham, Mr. Walker was a retired painter and member of the Lax Holiness Baptist Church.
Mr. Walker is survived by his wife, Kathleen Walker of Fitzgerald; nine children: Dorothy Jean Maring, Karleen Murphey and Katherine Walker, all of Gainesville; James Edward Walker of Winter Park, FL; Betty Jean Strickland of Orlando, FL; Shirley Ann Highsmith of Franklin, OH; James Carrol Walker and Teresa Brown, both of Fitzgerald and Tommy Pitts of Coffee County; two sisters: Lucille Crumpton and Inez Roberts, both of Ocilla; 23 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 2, 2003 at 2 p.m. at the Lax Holiness Baptist Church in Irwin County with Rev. Robert Highsmith officiating. Interment was in Lax Cemetery. Grandsons and granddaughters served as pallbearers.
Calvin Johnny Ross, Sr.
Mr. Calvin Johnny (C.J.) Ross, Sr., 69, of Ocilla died Sunday morning, August 24, 2003 at his home.
Mr. Ross was born October 3, 1933 in Dodge County to the late William and Viola Ross. He was a loving husband, caring father and grandfather.
Mr. Ross was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Mrs. Aretha Elaine Towns Ross.
Survivors include seven daughters: Clara, Lenise, Latosha and Dorothy Nell Ross, all of Ocilla; Samantha (Franklin) McNeair and Ola Mae (Willie) McClain of Fitzgerald; Sawaner Gail Tucker of Fort Bragg, NC; eight sons: Minister Calvin (Queenie) Ross, Jr., and Dea. Albert (Bernice) Ross of Douglas; Johnnie Lee (Evelyn) Ross of Valdosta; Ronnie Wayne (Dorothy) Ross, Lee Marvin (Angie) Ross and Patrick Dewayne Tucker, all of Knoxville, TN; Derrick Jerome (Martha) Ross and Michael Leon (Sylena) Ross, both of Ocilla; two sisters: Ruby J. Arnold and Blondell Ross; four brothers: William (Mary) Ross of Fitzgerald; David (Sadie) Ross, Clarence (Innette) Ross and Roosevelt (Izonna) Ross, all of Ocilla; 39 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, August 31, 2003 at 3 p.m. at Eva Chapel Holiness Church in Wray with Elder Andrew Mizell (pastor) and Elder Nelson Turner officiating. Interment was in Ocilla Cemetery.
Music was provided by the church choir and soloist, Mrs. Tonia DeShazor. Serving as active pallbearers were Eric Moore, Larry Goolsby, Tracey Freeman, Columbus Mizell, Michael Mizell, Jimmie Wilcox and Steve Thomas.
Ottis W. “Hump” Lewis, Jr.
Mr. Ottis W. “Hump” Lewis, Jr., 71, of Ocilla died Sunday, November 30, 2003 at Tift Regional Medical Center.
Services were held Wednesday, December 3 at 2 p.m. at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, with Rev. Kelly Brown and Rev. James Hubbard officiating. Interment was held in Evergreen Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Lamar Bailey, Al Kelly, Troy Fletcher, Larry Walker, Danny Howell and Jamie Young.
Music was provided by pianist, Freida Richardson and soloist, Becky Richardson.
Mr. Lewis was born June 1, 1932 in Irwin County, son of the late Ottis Willis, Sr. and Mary Kelly Lewis. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Tucci Lewis.
Mr. Lewis was a retired farmer and former owner/operator of Lewis Oil Company and Texaco Service Station. He was a member of the Fitzgerald 1948 State Championship football team and played football for two years at the University of Georgia. He was a loving father and husband and a member of the First Baptist Church in Fitzgerald.
Survivors include his daughter, Michele Walker of Ocilla; son, O. W. “Chad” Lewis, III of Ocilla; sister, Madie Denton of Osierfield and aunt, Nell Grace Burden of Fitzgerald.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jeanette Harper
Jeanette Harper, 54, of Douglas died Wednesday, December 3, 2003 at Coffee Regional Medical Center.
Services were held Friday, December 5 at 2 p.m. at Lax Holiness Baptist Church, with Rev. Larry Stone officiating. Eulogy was given by Jack Harper. Interment was held in Lax Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Rex Harper, Scott Harper, Larry Moore, Brian Hill, Steve L. Harper, Rick Williams and David Miles.
Music was provided by pianist, Don Harrell and soloist, Jimmy Carl Davis.
Mrs. Harper was born January 16, 1949 in Early County, daughter of the late Benjamin C. and Lula Mae Engram Saxon. She lived in Douglas for the past three years from Ocilla. Mrs. Harper was a former employee of the Ocilla Cafe’, Chicken Delight and she sat with the elderly. She was a member of Lax Holiness Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Troy Harper of Douglas; two daughters, Deana Daniel and Jennifer Williams, both of Albany; four grandchildren and three brothers, William Saxon of Dawson, Curtis Saxon of Moultrie and Ray Saxon of Albany.
Sara T. Dowdy
Mrs. Sara T. Dowdy, 89, of Fitzgerald died Wednesday, December 3, 2003 at Palemon Gaskins Nursing Home.
Services were private.
Mrs. Dowdy was born October 12, 1914 in Hall County to the late James Henry and Odessa Brown Taylor. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Jackson Dowdy and three brothers. She was a former employee of Fitzgerald Mills and was a member of Northside Baptist Church, now Crossview Baptist in Fitzgerald.
Survivors include one daughter, Dorothy Young of Fitzgerald and seven grandchildren.
Horace D. Moore
Mr. Horace D. Moore, 90, of Fitzgerald died Saturday December 6, 2003 at Fitzgerald Nursing Home.
Services were held Monday, December 8 at 4 p.m. at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Chaudoin officiating. Interment was held in Evergreen Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jim Young, Jerry Young, Kenny Young, Johnny Young, Johnny Stokes and Bo Davis.
Music was provided by soloist, Jan Stokes.
Mr. Moore was born August 9, 1913 in Irwin County, son of the late David Edward Moore and Susie Barton Moore. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Young Moore, in 1995.
Mr. Moore was a retired landscaper and school bus driver for the Ben Hill County School System. He was also a former employee of Fitzgerald Mills. Mr. Moore was a member of Arbor Baptist Church in Fitzgerald.
Survivors include one son, Wayne Moore of Fitzgerald; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Mary Henderson Cotten
Mrs. Mary Henderson Cotten of Albany died Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Bennett D. Cotten Sr.
Services were held Friday, November 28 at First United Methodist Church. Interment followed in Crown Hill Cemetery, with Rev. Robert Beckum officiating.
A native of Ocilla, Mrs. Cotten had lived in Albany since 1950 where she was a member of the First United Methodist Church, life member of the Charity League and taught for over 30 years in Dougherty County. Mrs. Cotten was a graduate of Valdosta State College.
Survivors include her sons, Dr. Bennett D. Cotten Jr. and wife, Mary Linda, and David B. Cotten of Albany; two grandchildren, Dixon and Bradford Cotten of Albany; three brothers, Kermit Henderson and his wife, DeLaine, of Albany, Maurice Henderson and his wife, Zelda and W. J. Henderson and his wife, Mary Emma of Ocilla.
Those desiring may make memorials to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 448, Albany, GA 31702.
Jonnie Willis McCranie
Mrs. Jonnie Willis McCranie, 80, of Ocilla, died Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at her residence.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, November 26 at 4 p.m. at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Ocilla with Dr. Hugh Ward officiating.
Music was provided by organist, Jean Dent; soloist, Irma Young; soloist, Joy Webb and one congregational song.
Mrs. McCranie was born March 11, 1923 in Irwin County, daughter of the late John Marshall and Annie Sutton Willis and was also preceded in death by her husband, James William McCranie. She lived in Irwin County most of her life and lived in Cobb County for three years during World War II, while her husband worked at the bomber plant in Marietta. She was a 1941 graduate and Valedictorian of Mystic High School. Mrs. McCranie was a former employee of the Bank of Ocilla. She was a member of the Ocilla United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Marshall and Susan McCranie of Moultrie; grandchildren and spouses, John Marshall and Dorothy McCranie of Moultrie, Eric Lee and Rochelle McCranie of Athens, Christopher James McCranie of Atlanta and Matthew Avery West of Moultrie; sister and brother-in-law, Liz and Bob McCall of Ocilla.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials in lieu of flowers, may send them to Hospice of Tift Area, 802 East 20th Street, Tifton, Georgia 31794 or the Georgia Diabetes Research Foundation, Inc., 1211 Whispering Pines Road, Albany, Georgia 31707.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Margery Melissa Clements Griffin
Margery Melissa Clements Griffin, 80, of Ocilla died Friday, November 28, 2003 at Tift Regional Medical Center.
Services were held Saturday, November 29 at 3 p.m. at Ocilla Baptist Church, with Rev. Gerald Thomas officiating. Interment was held in Henderson Chapel Cemetery. Eulogy was given by Candace Carol Griffin.
Music was provided by organist, Marty Smith.
Pallbearers were Cecil “Pete” Clements, Benjie Clements, Eric Griffin, Sandy Griffin, Wesley Griffin and Kurt Wilmot.
Honorary pallbearers were The Sewing Club, Martha Sunday School class and Shiloh Personal Care Home staff.
Mrs. Griffin was born November 14, 1923 in Irwin County, daughter of the late Jacob Alvin and Martha Ranew Clements and was also preceded in death by her husband, Raymond W. Griffin. She was a homemaker and former Assistant Clerk for the Irwin County Tax Collector and Clerk of Court. Mrs. Griffin was a member of the Ocilla Baptist Church and the Martha Sunday School class. She was a member of The Sewing Club and the Gideons Auxiliary.
Survivors include two sons, Raymond Clements Griffin of Palm Harbor, FL and Dennis C. Griffin of Gainesville; five grandchildren, Melissa Griffin Perez of Atlanta, Amanda Griffin Green of Chatsworth, Candace Carol Griffin of Chickamauga, Christopher Griffin of Gainesville and Abby Elizabeth Griffin of Gainesville; five great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Cromer, Griffin Green, Cofield Perez, Dylan Roark and Carson Raymond Perez; two brothers, Rev. J. A. Clements, Jr. of Ocilla and Cecil Clements of Sylvania.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
