Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Christopher Harris
Mr. Christopher Harris, age 21 of Douglas, passed into our Lord’s embrace on Thursday, Nov. 17, after a brief illness.
Christopher, a native of Douglas, was born on Dec. 8, 1983, much beloved son of Kelly Harris and the late Phillip Harris, Sr. He was a 2002 honor graduate of Coffee High School and an honor student at Valdosta State University where he was studying for a career in education as he worked his way through college.
Christopher loved learning and reading, and had great dreams of making a difference in the lives of children. Living passionately and deeply, he was always available to listen or to give a helping hand. He will be lovingly remembered for his tremendous vitality, sincerity and insight, and his unwavering loyalty to family and friends. His beautiful smile will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include: his mother, Kelly Harris of Douglas; three brothers, Aubrey Harris and Benjamin Harris, both of Atlanta; and Michael Harris of Douglas.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20, in Sims Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Herbert Box officiating. Eulogies were given by Christopher’s brother, Benjamin, and respected teacher, David Van Wyk, were gratefully received by family and friends. Soloist Dr. Diskin Morgan sang “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “You Raise Me Up.” Interment followed in the Douglas City Cemetery, alongside Christopher’s greatly missed father.
Active pallbearers included Bill Kibbey, David Van Wyk, Dennis Williams, Travis Perkins, Pat Nipper, and Mike Parsons.
The family requests that memorials be made to the American Heart Association or to the Georgia Sheriff’s Boys Ranch.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas was in charge of the arrangements.
Doris T. Jackson
Mrs. Doris Thomas Jackson, age 64 of Douglas, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 29.
Jackson was born on Oct. 11, 1941 in Irwin County to Boysie John Thomas and Fannie Mae Thomas. She was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Mr. Roosevelt Jackson of Douglas; three daughters, Mrs. Joyce Robinson and husband Bernard of Valdosta, Mrs. Vivian Loving and husband Jerome and Mrs. Sharon Colson and husband Angelo of Douglas; one son, Mr. Walter James Jackson and wife Beverly of Suffolk, Va.; one step-daughter, Mrs. Linda Hope of St. Augustine, Fla.; one God daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Allen and husband Roscoe of Douglas; grandmother, Mrs. Molly Smith of Leesburg, Fla.; two sisters, Mrs. Erma Jackson and husband Ezekiel of Douglas, and Mrs. Doris Barthell of Tifton; five brothers, Mr. Elijah Thomas of Douglas, Mr. George King and wife Ann, Mr. James King and wife Patricia, Mr. Nathaniel King and wife Ann and Mr. Jerry King, all of Miami, Fla.; four sister-in-laws, Mrs. Viola McDuffie and husband Charles of Miami, Fla., Mrs. Everlena Jackson, Ms. Ida Jackson, and Mrs. Rosa Lee Wilcox and husband Charlie all of Douglas; nine brother-in-laws, Mr. Archie Thomas of Miami, Fla., Mr. George Jackson and wife Genalder, Mr. Horace Jackson and wife Dot, Rev. William Jackson and wife Betty, Mr. Frank Jackson and wife Vivian, Mr. Charlie James Jackson and wife Margaret, Mr. Johnny Jackson and wife Glenda, Mr. Lee Martin Jackson and wife Darlene, and Mr. Arthur Jackson and wife Annette, all of Douglas; six grandchildren, Wesley, Salah, Chelsea, Chante, Javious, and Jamaal; two great-grandchildren, Monae and Teshon. Four step-grandchildren, Latina, Latravia, Porsha, and Moses; six step-great-grandchildren, Shanquia, Chardavia, Tyronton, Briana, Timothy, and Benjamin; one devoted friend, Ms. Iris Mizell, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. in St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Wray with Rev. Herbert Coney officiating. Mr. Jessie Williams and the church choir performed several musical selections. Yolonda Loving-Aberdeen and Darlene Jackson each rendered a solo and Rev. William Jackson and Family presented a special song. Interment followed in the Douglas City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were George Clark, Willie Curry, Derrick Colson, Trampas Wright, Gary Smith, and Max Vickers.
Honorary pallbearers were Mr. H.M. Speights, Deacon Prezell Goodman, Lorenzo Goodman, Nathaniel Smith, Deacon Henry Tucker, Alfred Harrison, and Deacon Anthony Baskin.
Harrell’s Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Coretha R. Bennett
Mrs. Coretha Roland Bennett, age 71 of Douglas, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 13, at Shady Acres Convalescent Center after an extended illness.
Mrs. Bennett, a native of Berrien County, was born on January 6, 1934, the daughter of the late William Henry, Sr., and Zora Bell Hesters Roland. She was a homemaker and a member of Pine Ridge Baptist Church in Berrien County.
Survivors include: her husband, Gary L. Bennett; two daughters, Vivian L. Bennett of Douglas, and Rose B. Suttles and husband Vic of Broxton; two sons, Tommy Bennett and wife Cristal, and Jerry L. Bennett and wife Kim, all of Broxton; a special friend, Lisa Rowell of Douglas; one sister, Louise Royal and husband Lamar of Tifton; brothers, William Henry Roland, Jr., and wife Dottie of Augusta, and Georgia Roland and wife Gail of Nashville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Dana Bennett, Melissa Bennett, Suzette Bennett, Mandy Bennett, Victoria Suttles, Zac Suttles, Garrett Griffis and Gatlin Griffis.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m., at Sims Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jackie Connell and Rev. Tony Roberts officiating. Waunell Nichols, soloist and pianist, sang “When I Look On His Kind, Smiling Face,” and If I Get There, Before You Do.”
Interment followed in the Harrell Grove Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were: Zac Suttles, Rev. Garvie Nichols, Jr., Carl Nichols, Michael Bennett, Rev. Bradley Royal, John Moore, Rudolph Dobbs and Drew Moore.
Honorary pallbearers were: Ginny Law, Scott Merritt, Tammy Merritt, Margaret Whitehead, Shirley Doyle, Carol Merritt, Shirley Wright, Gary Moore, Beth Moore, Olan Daniels, Ruby Daniels, Kathleen Cowart, Mary Clyde Scott, Lynn Schofield, Donna Christopher, Beth Harper, Marie Ragsdale, Frances Trowell, Mary Charles McLean, Sandy Mingledorff, Louis Sinclair, Melinda Kirkland, James Morgan, J.B. Oliff, Oscar Merritt, Iris Merritt, Lisa Burkett, Mary Mitchell, Emma Gordon, Roxanne Moss, Christy Spivey, LPN, Casey Edenfield, LPN, and Lisa Suttles, LPN.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas was in charge of the arrangements.
Cora Floyd
Mrs. Cora Jowers Floyd, age 82 of Willacoochee, passed away Thursday evening, Dec. 1 at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton following an extended illness.
A native of Atkinson County, Mrs. Floyd was born July 4, 1923, daughter of Elisha and Maude Penn Jowers. She was a retired seamstress and a volunteer for the Willacoochee Senior Citizen Center for many years. Mrs. Floyd was a member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Jeff Floyd.
Survivors include: sons, Julian Floyd and wife Evon of Pearson, Russell Floyd and wife Judy of Sycamore, Glenn Floyd and wife Connie of Sylvester, Ronnie Floyd and wife Donna of Willacoochee; daughters, Elaine Akins and husband David of Nashville, Debbie Harrell and husband Lewis of Axson; brother, Ralph Jowers of Lake Placid, Fla.; sister, Grace Fussell of Waycross; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services for Mrs. Floyd were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Jackie Connell, Rev. Bobby Fussell and Rev. Kevin Stone officiating.
Special musical selections included "Just A Little Talk With Jesus" and "Lord, Listen To Your Children Praying," rendered by the Willacoochee Senior Citizens Group with Bonnie Kumberger accompanying at the piano and "Beulah Land" rendered by soloist Derrick Soles with taped accompaniment. Soft music for the prelude and postlude was provided by Bonnie Kumberger, pianist. The interment followed in Willacoochee City Cemetery.
Serving as active pallbearers were grandchildren: Tom McDonald, Kevin McDonald, Jeffery Harrell, Jeremey Harrell, Daniel McMillan and John Szymanski. Serving as honorary pallbearers were: The Willacoochee Senior Citizens Group.
Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson was in charge of the arrangements.
Nikki Y. Brantley Middlebrooks
Mrs. Nikki Y. Brantley Middlebrooks, age 32 of Douglas, passed away recently.
Mrs. Middlebrooks was born on June 6, 1973 to Mr. Clinton Brantley and Mrs. Martha Brantley of Douglas. She was a graduate of Coffee High School and went on to attend the National Association of Minority Contractor and the Concord Technical School in Jacksonville, Fla., where she received her Dental Assistance Certificate.
In 2005, Nikki met and married Dewayne Middlebrooks. She was a member of New Salem Baptist Church.
Nikki leaves to cherish her memories: a loving and devoted husband, Dewayne Anthony Middlebrooks; two sons, Camry Johnard Brantley and James Middlebrooks; one daughter, Daundria Middlebrooks; her parents, Martha Brantley, and Mr. Clinton (Willafred) Brantley; mother and father-in-law, Darletha and the late Milton Merritt.; grandparents, Mrs. Mattie Solomon, and the late Mrs. Oretha Homes; one brother, Darnell Brantley; sisters, Sonya L. Oscar, Katonya M. Powell, Portia D. Powell, Crystal (Casaun) Gaskin, and Christy Brantley, all of Douglas; seven sisters-in-law, Vivian Riley, Tawanna Merritt and husband Trey, Bobbie Anderson and husband Calvin, Annie Cooper and husband Marion, Beverly Parker and husband P.T., Angela Wilcox and husband Fred, and LaTosha DeBerry; three brothers-in-law, Kevin Merritt, Cleo DeBerry and wife Ann, Jeffrey DeBerry and wife LaShone; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. at Young’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Douglas with Rev. Daryl Lott officiating and Rev. Garrison Stanley, Jr., presiding. The church choir rendered several musical selections. The B.F.W.C. Praise Team also rendered a medley of songs and Bro. Willie Carter rendered a solo. Sonya Oscar read a special poem and Mrs. Middlebrooks’ son, Camry Johnard Brantley, gave a speech in her honor. Interment followed in the Douglas City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were: Don Hill, Marty Swain, Darnell Brantley, Michael Royal, Mike Shaw, and Greg Williams.
Honorary pallbearers were: Cleo DeBerry, Eric Solomon, Mike Tucker, Mark Moore, Derek Powell, Quinton Williams, Jeffrey DeBerry, Sam Hill, Scott Johnson, Dinetra Fussell, Curtis Carter, Jr., and Ricky Brooks.
Harrell’s Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Bobby Louis Sinclair
Mr. Bobby Louis Sinclair, age 78 of Douglas, passed away on Friday, Nov. 25, at Shady Acres Convalescent Center.
Mr. Sinclair, a native of Jeff Davis County, was born Oct. 14, 1927, son of the late Arlie Isom and Anna Lou White Sinclair. He is the widower of the late Noirena Girtman Sinclair.
He was former owner/operator of Sinclair Brothers Foodland Grocery Store and a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and Air Force. A former director of the SunTrust Bank, Douglas Division, he was a charter member of the Douglas Rotary Club and former chairman of the Coffee Regional Medical Center Authority. His church membership was at First Baptist Church.
Survivors include: saughters, Polly Ann (Jerry) Sinclair Baker of Valdosta, Sue Sinclair (Steve) Miller of Douglas; son, David Louis Sinclair of Douglas; brothers, Stewart Sinclair of Duluth, James Sinclair of Douglas; sister Eloise Sinclair Ulsh of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren, Cadie (Hal) Mills, Ray (Shana) Grantham, Don (Erin) Baker, and Cliff Baker; great-grandchild, Tyler Grantham; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 27, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Shep Johnson officiating. Marsha Gilliard, pianist, and David Van Wyk, cellist, provided soft music for the prelude and postlude.
The congregation sang “Holy, Holy, Holy” and soloist Gayland Collins sang “Fairest Lord Jesus," and “Amazing Grace” by Louis Sinclair, chimes.
Burial followed in the Douglas City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were: Ray Grantham, Don Baker, Cliff Baker, Scott Sinclair, Ricky Sinclair, Ronnie Sinclair and Hal Mills.
Honorary pallbearers were: Members of Senior Adult Men Sunday School class of First Baptist Church, members of the Douglas Rotary Club, members of the SunTrust Bank Board of Directors, members of the Coffee Regional Medical Center Authority, David Arnett, Bill Bacon, Ed Lee, James Taylor, Earl Watkins, Reggie Roberts, George “Bouncer” Smith, Jack Roberts, J. B. Olliff, Curtis Harper, Guy Moorman, Gene Wade, Billy Girtman, Bob Williams and Don Brooks.
Sims Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Elbert Walker
Mr. Elbert "Bubba" Walker, age 78 of Douglas, passed away Friday, Nov. 25.
Mr. Walker was born on June 27, 1927 to the late Earnest and Cleo Brown Walker in Douglas. He was retired from the city of Douglas Water Department.
He met and married Mrs. Evelyn Baker Walker. He recently received Jesus Christ in his life in August 2005 through Pastor Sid Whitfield.
Survivors include: a loving wife, Mrs. Evelyn Baker Walker; one son, Larry Walker of Douglas; two daughters, Lynda Walker Roach and husband Ricky of Waycross, and Margaret "Sally Gal" Paulk of Douglas; two granddaughters, Evelina Walker and husband Danny of Savannah and Carolyn Curtis of Jacksonville, Fla.; six great-grandchildren, Adarryl Walker, DeShazor Walker, Fredrick Sutton, Jr., Jasmine Hicks, Cherokee Walker and Cornelius Curtis; one great-grandson, Tywon Walker; five nieces, Cressie Hodge, Earnestine Walker, Sonny Jaye Johnson, Clara Robinson and Charlene Walker; two nephews, Earnest "Shorty" Walker and Samuel "Sam" Walker; one cousin, James Buddy Anderson; two very special friends and neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. James Bryant of Douglas; and a host of other relatives and friends. Also a very special dog, Lillie Kay, and his two cockatiel birds. Mr. Walker was preceded in death by one brother, E.F. Walker.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m., at Harrell’s Chapel in Douglas with Rev. Sid Whitfield officiating.
Bro. Wallace Paulk and Sis. Barbara Anderson rendered solos. Interment followed in the Douglas City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: Leefaith Walker, Arthur L. Wilson, Anthony Gaskin, and Chris Wimberly.
Harrell’s Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Myrtle McGuire
Mrs. Myrtle Hurt McGuire, age 87 of Douglas, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005 at Coffee Regional Medical Center after an extended illness.
Mrs. McGuire, a native of Madison County, Ken., was born Sept. 17, 1918, daughter of the late Charlie and Rilda Ward Hurt. She was a homemaker and the widow of the late Morton Edwin McGuire.
Survivors include: daughters, Barbara (Homer) Burns of Hamilton Ohio, Linda (Frankie) Harrell of Douglas, Diana (Bradley) Phillips of Eatonton, Mary E. Stevens of Ambrose; sons, Kenneth (Yolanda) Stanifer and Howard (Fredetta) Stanifer, both of Hamilton, Ohio, Joseph (Dodie) Stanifer of Orting, Wash., Billy Ray (Nancy) Stanifer of Fayetteville, N.C.; 22 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and a special caregiver, Judy Adams.
Funeral services were held at 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, in the Broxton Church of God with Rev. Jeff Morrow and Rev. Byron Griffis officiating. Carolyn Wright, Chris Purvis and Faye Adams sang “Come Morning” and “On the Wings Of A Dove” with Bonnie Musgrove, pianist. Burial followed in the Reedy Branch Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were: Charlie T. Smith, Jr., Brett Phillips, Brian Johnson, Ryan Floyd, Shane Cumbass and Bill Young.
Sims Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jimmy Ray Pinegar
Mr. Jimmy Ray Pinegar, age 48 of Willacoochee, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 26, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas.
Mr. Pinegar, a native of Palm Beach County, Fla., was born March 21, 1957, son of Lucille Brannen Tindell and the late James Paul Pinegar. He was a retired dairy farmer.
Survivors include: Mother, Lucille Brannen Tindell of Douglas; sisters, Linda Sue Stone of Douglas and Lanette (James) Royals of Willacoochee.
A memorial service and burial will be held at a later date.
Sims Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Gretchen Halford
Mrs. Gretchen Leonard Dyess Halford, age 96 of Douglas, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at Southern Senor Living Retirement Home.
Mrs. Halford, a native of Coffee County, Alabama, was born Sept. 12, 1909, daughter of the late William Leonard and Callie Fowler Dyess. She was a homemaker and a sales clerk. She is the widow of the late Julian Lagar Halford. Her church membership was at Douglas Eastside Baptist Church. S step-daughter, Claudia Robinson, preceded her in death.
Survivors include: daughter, Derenne McKinnon and husband Woody of Douglas step-daughters, Virginia Matrangos of Atlanta, Marjorie Cochran of Jupiter, Fla., and Verda Fleming of Jacksonville, Fla.; step-son, Vernon Thompson of Palatka, Fla.; grandchildren, Wayne and Lynn McKinnon, Steve McKinnon, and Cheryl and Paul Darwin, all of Douglas; great-grandchildren, Amanda Beasley, Courtney Darwin, Brittany Darwin, Ty Darwin, Monica McKinnon and Clay McKinnon.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 25, in Sims Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. John Dobbins officiating. Soloist John Glosson sang “He Touched Me.” Soloist Courtney Darwin sang “The Prayer” accapella, and Courtney Darwin and John Glosson sang “Amazing Grace.” John Glosson, pianist, provided soft music for the prelude and postlude. Burial followed in the Satilla Gardens Cemetery near Douglas.
Active pallbearers were: Don Harper, George Spell, Cleve Ragsdale, Joey Webster, Danny Ware and Edward Streat and Derrel Carter.
Honorary pallbearers were: Members of the Senior Adult Ladies Sunday School class of Eastside Baptist Church.
Sims Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Agnes Harrell
Ms. Agnes Minix Harrell, age 90 of Douglas, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Coffee Regional Medical Center after an extended illness.
Mrs. Harrell, a native of Coffee County, was born July 24, 1915, daughter of the late James Monroe and Nancy Grantham Minix. She was a homemaker and she is the widow of the late Virgil Harrell. She attended the Calvary Mission Church.
Survivors include: brother, James Minix and wife Merlene of Douglas; sister-in-law, Maxine Minix of Warner Robins; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m, Friday, Nov. 25, in the Sims Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Floyd Musgrove officiating. Soloist Dewayne Holt sang “Sweet Beulah Land” and “First Day In Heaven.” Burial followed in the Douglas City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were: Homer Minix, Tim Vaughn, David Spivey, Ronnie Purvis, Jamie Vaughn and David Minix.
Honorary pallbearers were: T. C. Harper, Jimmy Weeks, Dan Minix, Emory Smith, Donnie Anderson and Ronnie Anderson.
Sims Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
