Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Madie M. Bivens
Mrs. Madie M. Bivens, 79, of Douglas, Ga., passed away Sunday, December 12, 2004.
Mrs. Bivens, a native of Douglas, Ga., was born November 14, 1925, the daughter of Hallie and Bessie Bonner. She graduated from Coffee County Public Schools and Albany State College and was an educator in the Coffee County School System for 38 years. Mrs. Bivens was an active member of Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church where she served on the Stewardess Board, Pastor’s Aide, Missionary Society, Sunday School teacher, and sang in the senior choir. She was also a member of Queenell Chapter #243 order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include: her husband, James E. Bivens; two daughters, Dianne (Dell) Robertson of Douglas, Ga., and Donna (Floyd) George of Middletown, R.I.; five grandchildren, Carol (Shawn) Henry and Dell (Natalie) Robertson, all of Tallahassee, Fla., DeAndrea Roberts of Germantown, Md., and Shayla George and Brandon George, both of Middletown, R.I.; three great-grandchildren, Jailon Henry, Trevin Robertson and Joshua Robertson; one sister, Elizabeth Williams; one brother, Joe Bonner; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral services were held Thursday, December 16, 2004, at Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church in Douglas, Ga., with Rev. Sherman O. Childers officiating. Special music was provided by the Gaines Chapel Church choir. Interment followed in the Douglas City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Eugene Ates, Tommy Hudson, Fred Jones, Frank Jackson, Sam Hobbs, Jr., and Edward Fleweller.
Honorary pallbearers were J.D. Murray, Elijah Rush, Sam Taylor, Roosevelt Graves, Johnny Roper and Henderson Speights.
Harrell’s Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Nancy Jane Graham Riggins
Mrs. Nancy Jane Graham Riggins, 94, of Douglas, Ga., passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2004, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga.
Mrs. Riggins, a native of Crisp County, Ga., was born August 4, 1910, the daughter of the late William Ishmell and Donni John Morris Graham. She was a homemaker and a motel housekeeper. She was the widow of the late James Jackson Riggins and her church membership was at Southview Church of God.
Survivors include: her daughter, Inez J. Lewis of Douglas, Ga., three sons, Billy Riggins of Douglas, Ga., Larry Riggins of Garden City Ga., and Raymond Riggins, Milan Ga., one sister, Frances Parker of Douglas, Ga., sixteen grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Riggins had two sons, Robert J. Riggins and Johnny David Riggins who preceded her in death.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, December 10, 2004, at the Sims Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Hilton Martin officiating. Soloist, Dr. Diskin Morgan sang, “Go Rest High On that Mountain” and Scott and Joyce Roberts sang, “Where Could I Go But To The Lord” with Scott Roberts accompanying at the piano. Interment followed in the Salem Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Alvin Spivey, Danny Chaney, Kirby Vickers, Jimmy Revel, Shawn Rebrosky and Jerry Riggins.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Cubie Y. Matthews
Mrs. Cubie Young Matthews, 85, of Douglas, Ga., passed away Monday morning, December 6, 2004, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga., following an extended illness.
Mrs. Matthews, a native of Douglas and Coffee County, was the daughter of the late Julius Liston Young and the late Cubie Exum Young. Mrs. Matthews was a member of First Baptist Church.
Survivors include: two daughters, Beverly Arnold and husband Dr. W.H. Arnold of Albany, Ga., and Jo Gomez and husband Dr. Robert Gomez of Athens, Ga.; one son, Liston Matthews and wife Jenny of Knoxville, Tenn., two brothers, Raymond Cook and wife, Betty Sue of Blackshear, Ga., and Joe Cook and wife Phyllis of Bainbridge, Ga.; two sisters, Mildred Marchman of Monroe, La., and Helen Rozmuski of Fernandina, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Scott and Linda Vogt of Murfreesboro, Tenn,, David Vogt of California; Richard Matthews of New Paltz, N.Y., Jon and Ona Matthews Amy and Chad Kincead all of Knoxville, Tenn., Sara Guerin of San Francisco, Calif.,; Matthew Gomez of Parksley, Va; and Alec Gomez of Lithonia, Ga.; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Elisa Adam.
Graveside services and interment were held on Saturday, December 11, 2004, at 3 p.m. at the Douglas City Cemetery with Rev. Shep Johnson officiating.
Active pallbearers were Thurston Harper, T.C. Griffin, Terry Crosby, Keven Gillespie, Eli Grantham, and Alvin L. Ricketson, Jr.
Ricketson Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Walter Tucker Matthews
Mr. Walter Tucker Matthews, 86, of Douglas, Ga., passed away Wednesday, December 8, 2004, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga., following an extended illness.
Mr. Matthews, a native of Chambers County, Ala., had lived in the Douglas and Coffee County area for many years. He was a retired farmer, U.S. Navy, and Civil Service. He was the son of the late Render Wadell Matthews and the late Bertha Coke Tucker Matthews. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World World II, a member of First Baptist Church, and he was a Revolutionary hero, a descendent of the theme “Old Dan Tucker.”
Survivors include: two daughters, Beverly Arnold and husband Dr. W.H. Arnold of Albany, Ga., and Jo Gomez and husband Dr. Robert Gomez of Athens, Ga.; one son, Liston Matthews and wife Jenny of Knoxville, Tenn.; one brother, Milton T. Matthews; eight grandchildren, Scott and Linda Vogt of Murfreesboro, Tenn., David Vogt of California; Richard Matthews of New Paltz, N.Y., Jon and Ona Matthews and Amy and Chad Kincead, all of Knoxville, Tenn., Sara Guerin of San Francisco, Calif.; Matthew Gomez of Parksley, Virg.; and Alec Gomez of Lithonia, Ga.; 12 great-grandchildren; a special friend, Gean Smith of Douglas, Ga.; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Mr. Matthews was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Elisa Adam; two brothers, Render W. Matthews and John D. Matthews; and three sisters, Ann Tucker, Carrie Taylor, and Hazel Smith.
Graveside services and interment were held Saturday, December 11, 2004, at 3 p.m., at the Douglas City Cemetery with Rev. Shep Johnson officiating.
Active pallbearers were Thurston Harper, T.C. Griffin, Terry Crosby, Keven Gillespie, Eli Grantham, and Alvin L. Ricketson, Jr.
Ricketson Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Jessie Carswell Davis
Mr. Jessie Carswell Davis, 74, of Nicholls Ga., passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga.
Mr. Davis, a native of Ware County, Georgia was born November 25, 1930, the son of the late Fleming and Bessie Lee Teston Davis. He was a retired veteran of the United States Air Force having served during the Korean Conflict.
Survivors include: one sister, Peggy Hall of Middleburg, Fla.; one special niece, Marie Thomas of Nicholls, Ga.; one great niece Maranda Thomas of Nicholls, Ga.; three nieces, Lorain Snipes of Millwood, Ga., Joyce Burch of Douglas, Ga., and Lou Chauncey of West Green, Ga.; nephews, Arley Waters and Gordon Waters both of Nicholls, Ga.; one sister, Thelma Waters; Mr. Davis was preceded in death by four brothers, James Davis, Dewitt Davis, Claude Davis and Thomas Davis.
Funeral services were held 4 p.m., Monday, December 13, 2004 at the Telmore Pentecostal Church in Ware County, Ga., with Rev. Howard Holt and Rev. Paul Womack officiating. Soloist, John Kent sang “Peace In The Valley” and “In The Garden” with Karen Brown accompanying at the piano.
Internment services by military personnel from Moody Air Force Base and followed in the Telmore Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers were: Chad Thomas, Perry Porter, Joey Thomas, Mutt Waters, John Kent & Rickey Evers.
Sims Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jay Clennis Kirby
Mr. Jay Clennis Kirby, 71, of Douglas, Ga., passed away on Friday, December 3, 2004, at home following a brief illness.
Mr. Kirby, a native of Randolph County, Ala., was born August 2, 1933and was the widower of the late Macel Ayers Kirby and a retired bookkeeper. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict and a member of the Elks Lodge.
Survivors include two sons, Allen Kirby of Suwanee Ga., and Mike Atkins of Brunswick, Ga., one daughter, Debbie Huckaby, of Athens Ga., parents, Ishmael and Lurainor Shaw Kirby of Woodland AL; two sisters, Jan Bowen of Wedowee, Ala., and June Kirby of Opelika, Ala.; six grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, December 5, 2004, at Sims Funeral Home Chapel. Debbie Huckaby gave the Eulogy. Soloist, Vicky Jackson sang, “Amazing Grace” with Lois Mills, pianist providing soft music for the prelude and postlude; also a taped selection of “Go Rest High On that Mountain” was provided. Graveside Services by the Elks Membership and interment followed in the Satilla Gardens Cemetery near Douglas, Ga.
Active pallbearers were Leon Roberts, Thurston Harper, Rick Riccadelli, Joe Taylor, Thurman Gillis and Al Spivey.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Commander Charles Lamar Neugent
Commander Charles Lamar Neugent, U.S. Navy Retired, 74, of Douglasville, Ga., passed away suddenly Tuesday, December 7, 2004, at his residence.
Commander Neugent was born May 11, 1930, in Douglas, Ga., the son of the late Owen James Neugent and the late Wilma Daniels Neugent. In 1947 he joined the United States Navy and rose from the rank of Seaman to Commander during his distinguished career. He retired after 31 years of service. During his career in the Navy he served in the Vietnam War. He was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Douglasville, Ga.
Survivors include: his wife, Annette Rossignol Neugent; two daughters, Grace Roig and husband, Bruce, and Louise Neugent-Thijssen; one son, James Charles Neugent; two sisters, Louise and Judy; three brothers, Herman, Kenneth, and David Neugent; two grandchildren, Olivia and Nicholas; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Friday, December 10, 2004, at 11 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Douglasville, Ga. Interment was held on Saturday, December 11, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Holy Family Cemetery in Willacoochee, Ga.
Jones-Wynn Funeral Home, Douglas Chapel of Douglasville was in charge of the arrangements.
Jimmy L. Williams
Jimmy L. Williams, 77, of Palatka, Fla., died suddenly, Friday, December 10, 2004 at his residence.
Mr. Williams was a native of Douglas and had been a resident of Palatka for the past 46 years coming from Douglas and the son of the late Frank and Janie (Minnix) Williams; and was a U.S. Army veteran having served in the Korean Conflict. He retired as a supervisor with Central States Diversified following thirty five years of service. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Pineland Lodge #86, F& AM and the Paper Makers Union in Palatka. He enjoyed fishing with Ugly Dog and attending his granddaughter’s softball games.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Alma Williams of Palatka, FL; one son, Jimmy Williams and his companion, Connie Chapman, of Green Cove Springs, Fla., and one granddaughter, Jana Danielle Williams of Palatka, FL. He was preceded in death by one sister, Florine Harper and one brother, Paul Williams, Sr.
Masonic Rites were bestowed by Pineland Lodge # 86 at 9:45 a.m., Monday, December 13, 2004, at Masters Funeral Home. Memorial services were held at 11 a.m., Monday at Faith Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Somers officiating Interment followed in the Broxton Cemetery at 2 p.m., Tuesday, December 14, 2004 in Broxton, Ga., with Rev. Mark Somers and Rev. Dewey Sykes officiating.
Memorial gifts may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1101 North Lake Destiny Road, Suite 415, Maitland, Fla., 32751 or to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Attn; Memorial Department, Memphis, TN 38105
Masters Funeral Home of Palatka, Fla., were in charge of the arrangements.
Jessie Mae Merritt
Mrs. Jessie Mae Merritt, 85, of Broxton, Ga., passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2004, at the home of her daughter in Kingstree, S. C.
Mrs. Merritt, a native of Coffee County, Ga., was born January 28, 1919, the daughter of the late Elisha and Linnie Carver Merritt. She was a homemaker and the widow of the late William Cecil Merritt.
Survivors include two daughters, Martha Nell Spires and husband Wade of Wray, Ga., and Christine Taylor and husband Mike of Kingstree, S.C.; one sister, Helen Wills of Bristol, Ga.; four grandchildren, Terry Taylor, Connie Spires Wilson, Jamie Taylor Baxley, and Bobby Spires and ten great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, December 4, 2004, at the Chapel of Sims Funeral Home in Douglas Georgia with Rev. Vernon Hughes and Rev. Ferrell Harper officiating. Fred and Janice Smith sang, “Heaven On The Horizon” and “Jesus Will Out Shine Them All” with Sandra Sellers, accompanying at the piano. Interment followed in the Bethany Church Cemetery near Ambrose, Ga.
Active pallbearers were H. E. Nelson, C. A. Lewis, Ken Corbitt, Emory Corbitt, Ricky Corbitt and Rudolph Merritt.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Norman Elzie McSwain, Sr.
Mr. Norman Elzie McSwain, Sr. 60, of Broxton, Ga., passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2004, at home following an extended illness.
Mr. McSwain, a native of Coffee County, Ga., was born March 12, 1944, the son of Daniel Ambrose and Lavada Irene Tucker McSwain. He was employed in the poultry feed mill industry and was a member of Covenant Christian Church in Douglas, Ga.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Randolph McSwain, sons, Norman McSwain, Jr. and wife Janice; Daniel McSwain and wife Melinda, all of Broxton, Ga., and Levi McSwain and wife Amber of Douglas, Ga., two daughters, Margaret Whittaker and husband Gerry; and Linda Walls and husband Johnny all of Douglas, Ga., parents, D. A. and Lavada McSwain of Lakeland, Fla., one brother, George McSwain of Lakeland, Fla., one sister, Joyce Ayers of Plant City, Fla., and 13 grandchildren. A granddaughter, Angel Noel Walls preceded him in death.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 8, 2004, at the Covenant Christian Church in Douglas with Rev. Gregory Pope officiating. Granddaughter read a poem. Soloist, Gloria Caves sang, “Daddy’s Hands” and soloist, Judy Foskey sang, “Borrowed Tomb” and accompanied herself at the piano. Also a taped selection of “Wish You Were Here” was provided. Interment followed in the Rocky Creek Church Cemetery near Broxton, Ga.
Active pallbearers were John Barrett, Jason Lott, Wiley Caves, David Varnedore, Jr., Steven Johns and Ricky Barrett.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Sheila Marie Poole
Mrs. Sheila Marie Poole, 57, of Pearson Ga., passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2004, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga.
Mrs. Poole, a native of Winston-Salem, N.C. was born on October 21, 1947, the daughter of Alma Lee Spivey Gallagher and the late James Michael Gallagher. She was a homemaker and a nurse with the Coffee County Health Department until her retirement.
Survivors include her husband, Lamar Poole, of Pearson, Ga., one daughter, Deidre Taft, of Pearson, Ga., one sister, Carol Giddens, of Douglas, Ga., two granddaughters Kendra Tanner and Alyssa Taft all of Pearson, Ga., mother, Alma Lee Gallagher, of Douglas, Ga., nephew, Chris Giddens of Atlanta GA.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 11, 2004, at the Chapel of Sims Funeral Home in Douglas, Ga. with Rev. Shep Johnson officiating.
Soloist/pianist, Bobby Steverson sang, “In The Garden” and soloist, Gayland Collins sang, “You Raise Me Up”. Interment followed in the Sunnyside Church Cemetery in Atkinson County, Ga.
Active pallbearers were Eddie McDonald, Jr., Eddie McDonald, III, Randy Tucker, Herman Tucker, Barney Spivey and Brian Schotsch.
Honorary pallbearers were Coffee County Health Department Personnel.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.
Jay Clennis Kirby
Mr. Jay Clennis Kirby, 71, of Douglas Ga., passed away on Friday, December 3, 2004, at his home following a brief illness.
Mr. Kirby, a native of Randolph County, Al.,a was born on August 2, 1933. He is the widower of the late Macel Ayers Kirby and a retired bookkeeper. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict and a member of the Elks Lodge.
Survivors include: two sons, Allen Kirby of Suwanee, Ga., and Mike Atkins of Brunswick, Ga., one daughter, Debbie Huckaby of Athens, Ga., parents, Ishmael and Lurainor Shaw Kirby of Woodland, Ala., two sisters, Jan Bowen of Wedowee Ala., and June Kirby of Opelika Ala; six grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., on Sunday, December 5, 2004, at Sims Funeral Home Chapel. Debbie Huckaby gave the eulogy. Vicky Jackson, soloist, sang “Amazing Grace” with Lois Mills, accompaying at the piano with soft music for the prelude and postlude; also a taped selection of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” was provided. Graveside Services by the Elks Membership and interment followed in the Satilla Gardens Cemetery near Douglas, Ga.
Active pallbearers were Leon Roberts, Thurston Harper, Rick Riccadelli, Joe Taylor, Thurman Gillis, and Al Spivey.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
