Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Mrs. Erlene C. Taylor, 63, of Millen dies on Sept. 16
Mrs. Erlene Chance Taylor, 63, of Perkins answered God’s call Friday, Sept. 16, 2005 at Jenkins County Hospital.
Graveside services were held 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Green Fork Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Jon Sullivan officiating.
Mrs. Taylor, a resident of Jenkins County, was a faithful member of Green Fork Baptist Church.
Survivors include her three sons: Tony, his wife, Cindy, and their two children, Lauren and Tyler, of Millen; Keith, his wife, Judith, and their four children, Chelsea, Garrett, Hayley and Dalton, also of Millen; and Kelly, and his wife, Jinjer, of Suches; and her brothers: Gerald, his wife, Joanne, and family; Fred, his wife, Marsha, and family; and Rodney, his wife, DeJuna, and family.
Active pallbearers were Tony Taylor, Keith Taylor, Kelly Taylor, Fred Chance, Rodney Chance and Bee Jay Rollins Sr.
Honorary pallbearers were members of her Sunday School class.
Norma Ruth Frawley Barrs, 52, of Rocky Ford dies
Mrs. Norma Ruth Frawley Barrs, 52, of Rocky Ford entered into eternal rest Thursday evening, Sept. 22, 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family and friends.
Her funeral was held 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Little Ogeechee Baptist Church in Oliver with the Revs. Vernon Edenfield and George Pevey officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
The Jenkins County native was a frequency checker with Sylvania Yarn System for 20 years. She was a member of Little Ogeechee Baptist Church where she served as treasurer for 10 years. She had worked with Flash Foods in Rocky Ford for several years and enjoyed being with her friends. She was preceded in death by her father, M. Batson Frawley, and an infant son, Eric Barrs.
Survivors include her husband of 33 years, Charles Edmund Barrs of Rocky Ford; a son, Charles Jason Barrs of Statesboro; a stepdaughter and son-in-law, Jeannie B. and John Walls; a stepson, Brian Edmund Barrs of Newington; mother, Linnie Johnson Frawley of Rocky Ford; a grandson, Casey Sutton of Newington; a granddaughter soonto-be born, Joanie Walls; aunts, Ruth Cochran and Edell Bassett of Sylvania; several cousins; and a special pet, Bobbie.
Remembrances are to be made to Little Ogeechee Baptist Church, P.O. Box 412, Oliver, GA 30449.
Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.
Frances R. Chance, 77, of Millen dies on Sept. 20
Mrs. Frances Roberts Chance, 77, of Millen died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2005.
Her funeral was 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Millen Baptist Church with the Revs. Charles Strickland, Jerry Hood and Race Lariscy officiating. Burial was in the Magnolia Cemetery at Perkins.
Mrs. Chance will be remembered as a special mother, grandmother, sister and gracious friend to the whole community.
The widow of the late Joseph A. Chance, she was born in Screven County. She was educated at Mercer University and Georgia Southern University. She taught four years in the Jenkins County public schools and 10 years at Buckhead Academy. She retired from the Jenkins County Department of Family and Children Services.
She was a member of the Millen Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher and social chairman, and was active in the Women’s Missionary Union. She was also a member of the Millen Woman’s Club and the Jenkins County Child and Youth Council.
In 2002, she was named by the Millen Woman’s Club as “Citizen of the Year.” She was also named the 1999 “Adult Senior of the Year” for the Millen Baptist Church and as Beta Sigma Phi’s “First Lady of Millen.”
Survivors include a daughter, Nancy C. Blanchard of Augusta; a son and daughter-in-law, Chris (Julie) Chance of Millen; three sisters, Hazel Hinely and Vaughna Roberts, both of Millen, and Deanie Springmire of Rochelle, Ill.; two brothers, Wayburn Roberts of Millen and Alex Roberts of North Augusta, S.C.; seven grandchildren, Bill Blanchard of Statesboro, Frances (Matt) Blanchard McMahon of Augusta, Joseph Blanchard, also of Statesboro, C.J. (Evan) Chance, also of Statesboro, and Caleb Chance, Christian Chance and Colin Chance, all of Millen; and a special friend, Rosa Hill of Waynesboro.
Active pallbearers were grandsons. Memoriams may be made to the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) or to the Social Committee at the Millen Baptist Church.
Jonathan Allen Laine Little, 13, dies on Nov. 9
Jonathan Little, 13, of Rocky Ford died Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Screven County Hospital from injuries received in an automobile accident.
His funeral was held 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, in the chapel of Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home with the Rev. Jerry Owens officiating. Burial was in the Newton Cemetery.
Jonathan was born in Abilene, Texas. He was an eighth grade student at Screven County Middle School. He loved fishing and playing golf, and he was a member of Magnolia Country Club.
Survivors include his father and mother, Freddie J. and Michelle H. Little of Rocky Ford; a sister, Michelle Owens; two brothers, Chase Little and Noah Little of Rocky Ford; his grandparents, Larry and Elaine Newton of Rocky Ford, Richard and Tammy Timms of Abilene and Gene and Cathy Hemingway of Dublin; his great-grandparents, Ralph and Dottie Hemingway of Sun City, Fla.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pallbearers were Paul Smith, Trever Hunter, Dave Hunter, Rick Cadle, Josh Cadle and Eddie Williams. Honorary pallbearers were eighth grade classmates at Screven County Middle School.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Screven County Middle School, 126 Friendship Road, Sylvania, GA 30467.
Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home was in charge of all the arrangements.
Daniel Joseph Ginn Moretz, 14, dies Nov. 16 at MCG
Daniel Joseph Ginn Moretz, 14, of Augusta, beloved son of David L. and Julie Ginn Moretz, died on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005 at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) Children’s Medical Center.
The celebration of his life was held 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 825 Greene St., with Pastor David B. Hunter Sr. officiating. Interment was in Westover Memorial Park.
He was the grandson of the late Dr. and Mrs. William H. Moretz Sr. and the late Congressman and Mrs. Ronald ‘Bo’ Ginn. Daniel was receiving care for congestive heart failure. Even after numerous heart surgeries throughout his life and a heart transplant, Daniel led a full and active life.
Daniel attended Langford Middle School where he received the Captain Brent Brown Outstanding Character Award, several academic awards and Outstanding Conduct. School was a major part of Daniel’s life and he wanted to attend every single day. This past nine weeks, Daniel was especially proud to have received recognition for Perfect Attendance, despite his numerous doctors’ appointments. At Lake Forest Hills Elementary School, he enjoyed serving as a Hall Monitor and received top honors in the PTA Reflections Program in Literature and Writing. A confirmed member of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Daniel enjoyed participating in the Luther Choir and Resurrection Youth Ringers for seven years.
At an early age, Daniel understood the importance of sharing his health care experiences so others could learn from him. He was a featured Miracle Child on the Children’s Miracle Network for many years and charmed donors to support his hospital. He was proud to participate in the groundbreaking of the MCG Children’s Medical Center in 1995. He was a charter member of the Children’s Advisory Council at the MCG Children’s Medical Center and served faithfully for nine years, having missed only one meeting. He worked with other children to help make hospitalization a better experience. Daniel was the inspiration behind the MCG Children’s Heart Program, which was initiated nearly 12 years ago and continues to support families of sick children. He was a Heart-to-Heart Kid with the American Heart Association and volunteered with the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society Walk as recently as two weeks ago. Daniel was frequently requested to promote special causes or speak across the country for organizations such as the Georgia Transplant Foundation, National MakeA-Wish Foundation, Children’s Organ Transplant Association, Martin Luther King Holiday Celebrations and National Family Reunion on Health Care hosted by then-Vice-President Al Gore. Daniel aspired to be President of the United States, and with the assistance of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, fulfilled his dream as the nation’s 44th President. Survivors include his parents; his brother, Lee, and sister, Morgan; his aunts and uncles: Ricky and Kacy Ginn Jones of Warner Robins.; R. Bryan and Caroline Ginn of Augusta; Drs. Richard and Melinda Moretz of Spartanburg, SC; Dr. Robert Moretz of Montezuma; Dr. William and Mary Moretz of Augusta; John and Susan Moretz of Augusta; and Elizabeth Moretz-Britt of North Augusta, S.C.; and numerous other loving relatives including 16 special cousins and many friends.
Active pallbearers were Steven J. Robertson, Albert Metzel, Walter D. Lampp, Ashley S. Wilds, David G. Pulling, Warren Umansky, Mark V. Capers and Matthew R. Plocha. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Children’s Heart Program at the MCG Children’s Medical Center.
The family wishes to thank the physicians, nurses, technicians, support staff and all those who cared so lovingly for Daniel throughout his life.
Because Daniel loved to help others, his family would consider it an honor for donations to be made in Daniel’s memory. Among his favorite organizations are: MCG Children’s Heart Program, MCG Foundation, 919 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912; MakeA-Wish Foundation of Georgia, 1230 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite E-40, Marietta, GA 30068; Georgia Transplant Foundation, 3125 Presidential Parkway, Suite 230, Atlanta, GA 30340; and the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 825 Greene Street, Augusta, GA 30901.
Elliott Sons Funeral Home of Augusta was in charge of arrangements.
Kate Gay Lanier, 89, of Millen dies on Nov. 16
Mrs. Kate Gay Lanier, 89, of Millen died Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005.
Her funeral was held 11 a.m. Friday, Nov.18, at the Elam Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Brown officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
She was a lifelong resident of Jenkins County, a homemaker and member of the Elam Baptist Church.
Survivors include her sister, Leah Gay Brock, of Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews.
Active pallbearers were David Rountree, Will Gay Jr., Walter Grimes, Daniel Smith, Bill Gainey, Danny Bennett and Wesley Hendley.
Frances Harwell Rackley dies Nov. 19 in Millen
Frances Harwell Rackley, 78, of Millen, entered heaven on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005. She was a patient at Jenkins County Hospital under hospice care at the time of her death.
Following a private family burial in Millen Cemetery, a memorial service celebrating Mrs. Rackley’s life was held at Millen Baptist Church at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22. A reception followed in the church fellowship hall.
Born Oct. 16, 1927 in McRae, she was the daughter of the late James Francis Harwell and Alpha Chapman Harwell. After graduating as valedictorian of McRae-Helena High School in 1944, she attended Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville where she graduated in 1948. She moved to Millen to teach English and Spanish at Millen High School. Years later, she returned to the classroom to teach English and Family Living at Buckhead Academy in Millen.
An active member of Millen Baptist Church, she was a charter member and leader of the Round Table, teacher of the Homemakers Sunday School Class, member of the Joy Sunday School Class, member of the WMU, teacher of the Vera Thorne Circle, and a Girls in Action (G.A.) leader.
In her community, she was president of Millen Woman’s Club, president of Azalea Garden Club, a Pink Lady volunteer at Jenkins County Hospital, a Cub Scout leader and an involved parent in all her children’s activities. She was named First District Homemaker by the Women’s Clubs of Georgia and was an active member of the Auxiliary of the Georgia Dental Association.
In 1982, Mrs. Rackley was chosen Georgia Mother of the Year by Georgia Mothers Association of American Mothers, Inc. While serving as vice president of the state organization, she promoted and organized Young Mothers Study Groups throughout Georgia. For many years, she led a study group in her home, teaching Christian child-rearing principles to many local mothers of young children.
Mrs. Rackley was best known in recent years for her letterwriting ministry. Despite serious illness, she devoted the last five years of her life to hand writing several thousand messages of hope and encouragement to individuals, always sharing the love of Christ in each letter. She wrote to friends, elected officials, prisoners and other strangers whose needs came to her attention. She never missed an opportunity to share the message of salvation with anyone who would listen.
She is survived by her husband of almost 55 years, Dr. R. Hunter Rackley of Millen; four sons and daughters-in-law, R. Hunter Jr. and Pattie Rackley of Indianapolis, Ind., J. Lawson and Kathy Rackley of Athens, Stewart C. and Gilda Rackley of Millen and Scott H. and Karen Rackley of Macon; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jan R. and Dr. Joseph F. Griffin of Millen and Allison R. and Dr. Charles F. Cowart of Douglas; 15 grandchildren, R. Hunter III, Clay and Spencer Rackley of Indianapolis, Lauren R. and Bill McGouirk of Atlanta, Katie, J. Lawson Jr., Kason and Lea Rackley of Athens, Anna and Sarah Griffin of Millen, Jacquelyn, Jonathan and Jackson Cowart of Douglas and Kyle and Emily Rackley of Macon; and a sister, Jane H. Salter of Thomaston.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guido Evangelistic Association, P. O. Box 508, Metter, GA 30439 or to Millen Baptist Church, P. O. Box 827, Millen, GA 30442.
Homer E. Burke, 84, of Millen dies on Nov. 17
Mr. Homer E. Burke, 84, of Millen died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005.
His funeral was held 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at Deep Creek Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Butch Taylor officiating. Burial was in the Millen Cemetery.
Mr. Burke was a native of Jenkins County. He was a retired electrical worker and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Deep Creek Freewill Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Mildred R. Burke of Millen; a son, Carl E. Burke of Grovetown; a stepdaughter, Linda Beck; a brother, Rollie Calvin Burke Jr. of Chicago, Ill.; two grandchildren; five stepchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren.
Active pallbearers were Chuck Ray, Robert Dempsey, T.J. Ours, Bruce Eaton, Woodrow Wilson and T.J. Greenway.
