Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Mary R. Lawton
Mrs. Mary R. Lawton died Friday, November 11, 2005. She was 90.
Mrs. Lawton was born December 12, 1914 in Sparta, daughter of the late Walter and Francis Wiggins. She was the oldest of 10 children.
Mary attended school in Sparta. She was a woman of wisdom who not only encouraged her children but made sure they got an education.
Mary met and married Isaac Lawton Sr. in Ocilla November 21, 1932. Ten children were born to this union. Her husband preceded her in death.
Survivors include four daughters, Alice Hardy (Arthur) of Ocilla, Mary L. Dunn (Clarence) of Miami, FL, Carolyn Roberts (James) of Miami, FL and Clinie Lilly (James) of Miami, FL; two sons, Franklin Lawton (Rosa) of Miami, FL and Isaac Lawton, Jr. of Tifton. She raised a grandson, Wulbert Lawton.
Four children preceded her in death, James Lawton, Sarah Francis Lawton, Isabella Wilcox and Walter Lawton.
She had 59 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Surviving also, one brother, Theodore Wiggins (Ruby) of Clarksville, TN; two sisters, Ivery Sneed of Ocilla and Annie Russell of Sandersville; seven step-brothers and three step-sisters; four sisters-in-law, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services were held at Midway Baptist Church Thursday, November 17 at 11 a.m., with Rev. W. C. Mobley officiating.
Music was provided by the choir and soloists, Derrick and Tony Lawton.
Pallbearers were grandsons and great-grandsons. Honorary pallbearers were Clarence Dunn, Sr., James Roberts, Sr., James Lilly, Arthur Hardy.
Interment was held in Graham Cemetery in Holt.
Henderson Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Norma Gladys McCutchen
Mrs. Norma Gladys McCutchen died Thursday, November 10, 2005 at her home where she lived since 1951.
Mrs. McCutchen was born February 7, 1916 in Fitzgerald, daughter of the late Wyatt and Nancy Tolbert Brooks. She received her education in the Ben Hill County school system.
At age 21 she married Jankin McCutchen February 27, 1936. They were married 55 years. Her husband and their three children preceded her in death. The children were Howard Lee McCutchen, Willie Jankin McCutchen and Alice Inez McCutchen Morris.
At an early age she joined the Springfield Baptist Church in Irwin County and remained a member all her life. She loved her church and was faithful until her health began to fail.
Mrs. McCutchen worked at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso Owens in the 1960s and also at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Hudson. She loved them dearly. She was a homemaker who loved cooking. She was loved by many and was called “Granny” by all.
Survivors include a grandson, Melvin D. McCutchen of Ocilla whom she raised as her son; two granddaughters, Tanja Morris of Ocilla and Valentina Lampkin (John) of Fitzgerald; one grandson, Willie L. McCutchen of Tallahassee FL; one great-granddaughter, Tandrekia Roberts of Ocilla; two great-grandsons, Desmond Morris of Fitzgerald and Mario Morris of Albany; one great-great-granddaughter, A’Keia Morris of Fitzgerald; two sisters, Alma Fowler of Fitzgerald and Fannie Kate McCutchen of Mystic; one sister-in-law, Abbie Lou Prater of Miami, FL; brother-in-law, William McCutchen of Miami, FL; one god-daughter, Shirley M. Bryant of Ocilla; three godsons, Charles Marshall,, Jr. (Alfrida) of Rochester, NY, Rev. Alfonso Marshall (Carolyn) of Ocilla and Rev. Daniel Marshall of Raleigh, NC; a special friend, Catheline Williams of Ocilla; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and devoted friends.
Services were held at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Ocilla on Thursday, November 17 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Willie C. Mobley and Rev. Edsel Pettiford officiating.
Music was provided by Anointed Voices and soloists, Novella Miller and Melvin McCutchen (grandson).
Active pallbearers were Robert Moore, Corey Holland, Min. Erskin Slacks, John Hudson, Dorminick Lampkin, Mario Lampkin and Desmond Morris.
Honorary pallbearers were George Holland, Gregory Prater, Norris McCutchen, Willie B. Mack, James Lee Brooks, Vinson Berry and William Cockfield.
Interment was held in Oak Grove Cemetery, Irwinville.
Henderson Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Eula Mae Sanders
Mrs. Eula Mae Sanders died Thursday, November 10, 2005 at Osceola Nursing Home, Ocilla. She was 81.
Mrs. Sanders was born October 2, 1924 in Wilcox County, daughter of Ethel Canady-Johnson and Ed Johnson.
Mrs. Sanders was married to Gilbert Daniel and to this union five children were born. Her husband and children, Gilbert Daniel, Jr. and Yvonne Anderson, preceded her in death. Later in life she met and married William Henry Sanders.
Survivors include Ethel (Irvin) Byrd of Atlanta, Bennie (Faye) Daniel of Tifton and Annie B. Daniels of Ocilla; 14 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; a special niece, Wyllene J. Banks of Atlanta; a special daughter-of-love, Emily B. Bryant and a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Mrs. Sanders served for over 40 years as usher/pastor’s aide at Cedar Grove Baptist Church.
Services were held at Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Ocilla on Saturday, November 12 with Rev. Marvin Smith officiating.
Music was provided by the grandchildren and congregational singing.
Pallbearers were church ushers, nephews and grandsons.
Interment was held in Ocilla Cemetery.
Henderson Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Albert P. Ross
Dr. Albert P. Ross, 84, of Loganville died Thursday, November 17, 2005 at Carriage House in Loganville.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 21 at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel, Ocilla, with Dr. Larry Paulk officiating. Eulogies were given by Ginny Garvin, Herschel Paulk, Allen Burger and Charles Waymon Ross. Music was provided by soloist Ann Paulk and organist Jean Dent.
Serving as pallbearers were Harold Langdale, Warren Paulk, Jr., Harry Herrington, Jimmy Ross, Jim Edgar and Charles Waymon Ross.
Interment was in Brushy Creek Cemetery.
Dr. Ross was born March 25, 1921 in Alma to the late James Daniel and Nettie Pearl Ranew Ross. The 13th of 14 children, he was reared in Ocilla. While he lived most of his adult life in other cities, Dr. Ross always longed to return to Ocilla.
Dr. Ross attended West Georgia College, Georgia Teacher’s College and Mercer University, and received his doctorate from Auburn University. He taught at Lanier Senior High School for Boys in Macon, was principal of Blackshear High School, Blackshear, taught at Leslie J. Steele Elementary School, Decatur, was principal of Tilson Elementary School, Decatur, and completed his career as Elementary Instructional Coordinator for DeKalb County.
Dr. Ross was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and was the 4th District Rep. of the DEA Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. An active and loyal member of Belvedere United Methodist Church in Decatur, he was a faithful and committed Christian, serving on many boards and committees as called on by his church peers, in addition to teaching Sunday School for over 40 years.
He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps, serving as a Staff Sergeant during World War II.
Dr. Ross is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law: Lynne and Gregg McRae, Snellville, and Debora and Allen Burger, Lithonia; three grandchildren: Jennifer Lyn McRae, Max and Ben Burger, and one sister: Pearl Padgett of Irwin County. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Janet Cureton Ross.
Paulk Funeral Home, Ocilla was in charge of arrangements.
Susie Jones Ricks
Susie Jones Ricks, 89, of Hawkinsville died Sunday, November 20, 2005 in Hawkinsville.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 22 in the Bowers Cemetery with Rev. Gerald Thomas and Dr. Kelly Pritchett officiating.
Mrs. Ricks was a native of Bleckley County and a member of the Broad Street Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Ricks, and a son, Tommy Ricks.
Survivors include her daughter and two sons, Connie R. Grinstead (Billy) of Helena, AL, formerly of Ocilla, Jerry Ricks of Rhine and Ronnie Ricks of Cochran, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Clark Funeral Home, Hawkinsville, was in charge of arrangements.
Mary Alice Harris
Mrs. Mary Alice Harris of Ocilla died Tuesday, November 8, 2005. She was 51.
Mrs. Harris was born October 19, 1954, daughter of the late Eddie James White and Addie White. She was a member of the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and attended the Irwin County schools. Mary Alice worked as a certified nursing assistant until her health failed.
Survivors include her husband, Willie Flem Harris of Ocilla; one daughter, Tosha S. Harris of Ocilla; four sons, Eric Harris (Marecia) of Douglas, Derrick L. (Lathisa) of Ocilla, Carlos A. Harris (Kimberlee) of Valdosta and Willie Flem Harris, Jr. of Ocilla; three grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, Shiqawn, Jordan, Tevin, Mariah and Brycen; a host of other aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.
Services were held at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Ocilla on Saturday, November 12 at 3 p.m., with Rev. Willie C. Mobley, pastor, officiating.
Music was provided by Anointed Voices.
Pallbearers were Donnie Johnson, Freddie Wynn, Arthur Battle, Jr., Sidney Young, William Middlebrooks and Johnny Wynn.
Interment was held in Ocilla Cemetery.
Davis Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Ruthie Mae Stepherson Moss
Mrs. Ruthie Mae Stepherson Moss of Osierfield died Tuesday, November 8, 2005. She was 75.
Mrs. Moss was born September 19, 1930, in Irwin County, daughter of William John “Bud” and Lila Clements Stepherson.
Being raised in a Christian home, she confessed Christ very early in life and accepted discipleship at Midway Missionary Baptist Church. There she served faithfully for over 50 years. She was active in the choir, missions and other aspects of the church. On January 19, 1997 she joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Osierfield where she was active in the choir, a member of the Usher’s Board, Senior Mission President, Mother of the Church and Director of the church kitchen.
Mrs. Moss attended school in Irwin and Telfair Counties. She graduated from Ocilla High and Industrial School in 1949.
In August 1951 she married Jimmie Lee Moss and to this union five children were born. Jimmie Earl preceded her in death.Mrs. Moss was employed for many years with the Irwin County lunchroom.
Survivors include her husband, Jimmie Lee Moss; her daughters, Mavis Miller of Ocilla and Wanda Sams of St. Augustine, FL; her sons, Marvin Moss of Fitzgerald, Morris Moss of Albany and Aldene Tyson of Ocilla; three sisters, Mary Moss of Detroit, MI; Carrie Mofett of Fitzgerald and Myrtle Cottman of Chester, PA; two brothers, Willie E. Stepherson of Fitzgerald and William John Stepherson of Columbus, OH; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grands; two daughters-in-law, Deborah Moss and Nella Tyson; two sons-in-law, Rev. James Sams and Lamar Miller; 10 sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, two aunts; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and a special cousin, William Stepherson.
Services were held at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Fitzgerald on Saturday, November 12 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Douglas Taylor and Rev. Edfored Talton, Jr., pastor, officiating.
Music was provided by the choir and a duet by Bro. William and Sis. Pearl Stepherson.
Pallbearers were Friendship Baptist Church deacons, Albert Webb, Henry Deese, Frank White, Matthew Moss, David Deese, Junior Slacks, Emmanuel Ellison and Willie B. Porter.
Grandsons were honorary pallbearers.
Interment was held at Osierfield Cemetery.
Davis Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Frances Mock
Mrs. Frances Mock, 80, of Fitzgerald died Monday, November 14, 2005 at Lake City Medical Center, Lake City, FL.
Services will be held at Paulk Funeral Home Chapel, Fitzgerald on Wednesday, November 16 at 11 a.m., with Elder Jerry Barrs, Rev. Joel Tucker and Rev. Larry Sweat officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
Mrs. Mock was born August 12, 1925 in Wheeler County, daughter of the late Albert and Irene Brown Underwood. She lived in the community most of her life and was a former resident of Irwin County. Mrs. Mock was a former employee of The Monarch Company, Julian Yarborough, Y & W Sportswear and H. R. Kaminsky and Sons. She was a member of Fitzgerald Primitive Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, William E. Mock of Fitzgerald; daughter, Mary Tucker of Lake City, FL; son, Thomas Mock of Nashville; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Herbert Underwood of Fernandina Beach, FL; sisters, Eloise Thompson of Gainesville, FL and Annie Bell Bissett of Jacksonville, FL.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Nellie Laminack
Mrs. Nellie Laminack, 93, of Pineview died Thursday, November 10, 2005 at her daughter’s home in Irwin County.
Services were held at Paulk Funeral Home Chapel, Fitzgerald on Saturday, November 12 at 11 a.m., with Rev. David Biggers officiating. Interment followed in Pope City Baptist Church Cemetery, Wilcox County.
Music was provided by pianist, Donna Biggers and soloist, Becky Ruis.
Pallbearers were Jeremy Cox, Jeremy Biggers, James Biggers, Wayne Hudson, Dan Hudson and Dow McClelland.
Mrs. Laminack was born May 18, 1912 in Cleburne County, AL, daughter of the late John H. and Mary Godwin Hart. A loving mother and grandmother, she was a homemaker and lived in Wilcox County most of her life. Mrs. Laminack graduated from Ben Hill-Irwin Technical School with a certified nursing assistant license. She was a former CNA at Pineview Nursing Home in Pineview. Mrs. Laminack was a member of Pope City Baptist Church in Wilcox County.
Survivors include two daughters, Betty R. Biggers of Ocilla and Jeanette Thompson of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; two sons, Hoyt Laminack of Bremen and Sherman C. Laminack of Irwinville; 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ermon Jackson Laminack; son, Herbert D. Laminack; two daughters, Grace Griffin Bates and Jean Griffin and grandson, Rick Lacey.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
James Winfred Evans
Mr. James Winfred Evans, 84, of Perry, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, November 9, 2005, at home. Winfred was born September 2, 1921 in Rebecca, son of the late James Harvey and Eva Culpepper Evans. He grew up in Irwin County where he attended school and farmed. On July 20, 1943 Winfred married LaVerne A. Cole of Dooly County. Winfred entered the U.S. Navy at the outbreak of WW II. During the war, he served four years at sea on the Destroyer USS Biddle, either supporting or participating in the Pacific Campaign against the Japanese.
Following the war Winfred moved his family to Warner Robins where both he and his wife LaVerne pursued and eventually retired from Civil Service careers at Robins Air Force Base. He was both a Woodman of the World and a Mason. In 1958 Winfred and LaVerne renewed their passion for the farm life and they purchased the Lindsey Farm. In 1992 LaVerne passed away after 49 years of wonderful marriage.
On June 7, 1997 Winfred married Pauline Green of Warner Robins. Her love and devotion for him during the past eight years and the last few months of his declining health have been unwavering. She survives him at the home.
Other survivors include his daughters, Sylvia E. Gibbs (Charles) of Kathleen and Adelia (Dee) E. Richardson (Bobby) of Leavenworth, KS; one son, Joel W. Evans of Perry; three sisters, Marjorie E. Henry of Macon, Rhee E. Nelson of Concord, NC and Carolyn E. Hodges of Savannah; three brothers, Harvey Wendell Evans of Waterford, MI; David L. Evans of Toomsboro and Samuel L. Evans of Landrum, SC; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and first wife, three sisters, Velma E. Adams of Rebecca; Oveta E. Hunt of Rochester, MI; Betty E. Blackwell of Decatur and one brother, William Donald Evans of Rebecca also preceded him in death.
Services were held at Second Baptist Church, Warner Robins on Saturday, November 12 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Condred Pirkle officiating. Interment was held in Perry Memorial Gardens. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Hospice of Houston County, 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088.
Watson-Hunt Funeral Home, Perry was in charge of arrangements.
Mary Lawton
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Lawton will be held Thursday, November 17 at 11 a.m. at the Midway Baptist Church with Rev. W. C. Mobley officiating. Interment will follow in the Graham Cemetery in the Holt Community. Henderson Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Norma Gladys McCutchen
Funeral services for Mrs. Norma Gladys McCutchen will be held Thursday, November 17 at 2 p.m. at the Bethlehem Baptist Church with Rev. Edsel Pettiford officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Irwinville. Henderson Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
James ‘Jimmy’ Kitchens
Mr. James “Jimmy” Kitchens, 84, of Ocilla died Monday, October 31, 2005 at the Irwin County Hospital.
Graveside services were held at Frank Cemetery, Irwin County, Thursday, November 3 at 2 p.m. with Elder Otis McGee officiating.
Pallbearers were Jason Paul, Mark Lott, Ricky Handley, Jr., R. B. Tucker, Jr., Roger Wallace and Ricky Evans.
Mr. Kitchens was born May 8, 1921 in Nicholls, son of the late Elmo J. and Elizabeth Fincher Kitchens. He lived in the community most of his life. Mr. Kitchens attended Harden School in Tift County. He was a veteran of the United States Army, during World War II, serving in five major battles in the European Theatre. Mr. Kitchens was a farmer and an avid fisherman.
Survivors include his wife, Ruby Stubbs Kitchens of Ocilla; three daughters, Elaine Paul of Ocilla, Lee Handley of Fitzgerald and Karen Wilson of Winter Garden, FL; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Nellie Broome and Peggy McGee, both of Ocilla.
Mr. Kitchens was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters.
Paulk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
