Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Nellie Jo Blackwell Harper
Mrs. Nellie Jo Blackwell Harper, 74, of Douglas, Ga., passed away on Saturday, October 30, 2004, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga., after an extended illness.
Mrs. Harper, a native of Coffee County, Ga. was born December 15, 1929, the daughter of the late Joseph Terrell and Agnes Tanner Blackwell. She was a homemaker and the widow of the late Edward Daniel Harper.
Survivors include: one son, Dr. Conrad Harper and one daughter, Scarlett Andrews both of Douglas, Ga.; grandchildren, Jason Andrews of Athens, Ga., Tiffany Andrews of Douglas Ga., and Dustin Harper of Dayton, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Joseph Andrews and Christian Corbitt, both of Douglas, Ga.; one sister, Nora Mae Darley of Jacksonville, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, November 1, 2004, at Ambrose Congregational Christian Church with Rev. Sam DeCasper officiating. Dr. Conrad Harper gave the eulogy. Soloist, Ethan Fellows sang, “Everlasting Life” and soloist Tiffany Andrews sang “Amazing Grace” with Lois Mills, accompanying at the piano. Interment followed in the Griffin Cemetery near Ambrose Ga.
Active pallbearers were Dr. David Arnett, Brian McNeil, Don Taylor, Joseph White, Bruce White, and Dr. Kenneth Harper.
Honorary pallbearers were Jason Andrews, Dustan Harper, Dr. B. Patel, Dr. A.K. Sarma, Dr. H. P. Nair, Dr. Jim Barber and Dr. Jeffrey Silveira.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.
Catherine Exum
Mrs. Catherine Olivia Thornton Exum, 66, of Marion, Ill., passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2004, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Ill., following an extended illness.
Mrs. Exum, a native of Cook County, Ga., was born January 24, 1938, the daughter of Gaston W. Thornton, Sr. and the late Gladys Graham Thornton. She was a homemaker and a retired secretary.
Survivors include: one daughter, Belinda J. Exum of Carbondale, Ill.; one son, Joseph Exum and wife, Julie Bartholic Exum, of Santa Monica, Calif.; her father, Gaston W. Thornton, Sr. of Douglas Ga.; two sisters, Carol Pierce of Hendersonville, N.C., and Gail Scott and husband, Perry, of Arden, N.C.; four brothers, Rev. Bill Thornton and wife, Cecilia, of Miami, Fla., Bob Thornton and wife, Lani, of Tallahassee, Fla., Terry Thornton and wife, Connie, of Moultrie, Ga., and Dan Thornton and wife, Vicky, of Douglas Ga., two grandchildren, Carmel Exum and Melissa Horn; one sister-in-law, Nancy Thornton of California; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Exum was preceded in death by one brother, Wayne Thornton.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 31, 2004, at Sims Funeral Home Chapel in Douglas, Ga., with Rev. A.D. Connell and Rev. Bill Thornton officiating. Interment followed in the New River Free Holiness Church Cemetery in Lenox, Ga.
Active pallbearers were Jack Thornton, Jason Thornton, Joshua Nelson, Terry Thornton, Jr., Tommy Thornton, and Michael Thornton.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.
Robert Warren Waldron
Mr. Robert Warren Waldron, 55, of Willacoochee, Ga., passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2004, at Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross, Ga., following an extended illness.
Mr. Waldron, a native of Penney Farms, Fla., moved to Bradford County at an early age and attended the Bradford County School System. He served two enlistments in the U.S. Army, serving one tour in Vietnam. He had resided in Jacksonville, Fla., and Tennessee before moving to Willacoochee, Ga., where he had resided since. He worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator and also was a truck driver until his health forced his retirement. Mr. Waldron attended Fales Church of Prophecy in Douglas, Ga.
Survivors include: his wife, Paula Waldron of Willacoochee, Ga.; six sons, Wayne Dykes of San Antonio, Tex., Robert Warren Waldron Jr., of Middleburg, Fla., Nick Mattox of Jacksonville, Fla., Ryan S. Waldron of Fort Huachua, Ariz., Sidney Booth of Oakridge, Tenn., and Robert Caraven of Starke, Fla.; three daughters, Terri Taylor and Roberta Waldron both of Douglas, Ga., Alycia Waldron Burch of Willacoochee, Ga., and ; his mother, Lois Waldron of Willacoochee, Ga.; two brothers, Eugene Waldron of Pearson, Ga., and John Wayne Waldron of Jacksonville, Fla.; one sister, Nancy Raulerson of Jacksonville, Fla.; and 13 grandchildren. Mr. Waldron was preceded in death by his father, Hilmon Waldron.
Funeral services were held Saturday, October 30, 2004, at 10 a.m. at the Chapel of Archie Tanner Funeral Home with Rev. Gene Bass officiating. Interment followed in the Santa Fe Cemetery.
Archie Tanner Funeral Home of Starke, Fla., was in charge of the arrangements.
Thomas Harper
Mr. Thomas Harper, 51, of Douglas, Ga., passed away on Friday, October 29, 2004, at home after an extended illness.
Mr. Harper, a native of Santa Rosa County, Fla., was born November 29, 1952, the son of the late Johnnie and Beatrice Stevens Harper. He was a carpenter and the widower of the late Johnnie Florence Jones Harper.
Survivors include: one son, Jonathan Edward Harper of Douglas, Ga.; two daughters, Angie Hamblin and Jennifer Lynn Wilson both of Douglas Ga.; three brothers, Jimmy Harper and Billy Harper, both of Douglas, Ga.; and Glenn Harper of Homerville, Ga., six sisters, Barbara Harper of Douglas, Ga., Geneva Hardy and Margaret Moody, both of Homerville, Ga., Evelyn Taylor of Nashville, Ga., Elizabeth Bernie of Cullman, Ala., and Dorothy Alfred of Faulkville, Ala.; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, November 1, 2004, at the Chapel of Sims Funeral Home with Rev. Jesse Odgen officiating. Interment followed in the Franklin Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Johnny Harper, Bobby Harper, Cheyne Simone, David Stalvey, Frank Massey, and Dustin Burch.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Sam ‘Kaiser’ Johnson
Mr. Sam “Kaiser” Johnson, 86, of Douglas, Ga., passed away Friday, October 29, 2004.
Mr. Johnson, better known as Uncle Kaiser was born March, 1, 1918 in Jackson County, Ga., the son of the late Jack and Mattie Brown Johnson.
Survivors include: one daughter, Bobbie Jean Johnson; one brother, Harvey Manuel Johnson of Jacksonville, Fla.; nieces, Doris Gaskin, Louise Lee Gaskin, Hazel Brock, and Gloria Edward, and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral services were held Sunday, October 31, 2004, at 3 p.m. at the chapel of Harrell’s Funeral Home in Douglas, Ga. with Rev. James Anthony officiating. Interment followed in the City of Douglas Cemetery, in Douglas, Ga.
Active pallbearers were his grand-nephews.
Harrell’s Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Lonnie Gerald Gaskin
Mr. Lonnie Gerald Gaskin, 85, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Saturday, October 23, 2004.
Mr. Gaskin was known for his exemplary character and selfless attitude, expecting nothing in return for his kindness and willingness to serve others.
Mr. Gaskin was born in Douglas, Ga., where he met Edith Carelock, his cherished wife of 65 years. He lived a Christ centered life, being ordained a deacon at a community church in 1940. He continued his dedication to his Lord throughout his life, including serving as a deacon during his 17 year membership at First Baptist Church. In 1960 he was instrumental in the construction of Hyde Park Baptist Church on Lane Avenue, where he also served as an active deacon for many years.
Mr. Gaskin served in the Navy in World War II and retired from Seaboard Railroad after 43 years of service. He was a charter member of the Hyde Park Masonic Lodge and was given the honor of lifetime state representative to Greece by the Grand Lodge of Florida.
Survivors include: his wife, Edith Gaskin; one son, Wayne Gaskin and wife Shan; one daughter, Debbie Tobin and husband, Albert; one brother; four sisters; and six grandchildren, Michael Gaskin and wife Christa, Shelly Gaskin, David Gaskin, Deanna Tobin, Steven Tobin, Daniel Tobin, and one great-grandchild, Harmony Gaskin.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 26, 2004, at 7 p.m. at Hyde Park Baptist Church. Interment was held on Wednesday, October 27, 2004, at Riverside Memorial Park at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc., Hadlow Center, 4266 Sunbeam Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32257
Oxley-Heard Funeral Home of Fernandina Beach, Fla., was in charge of the arrangements.
Reba H. Merritt
Mrs. Reba Hutcheson Merritt, 87, of Douglas, Ga., passed away Thursday evening, October 21, 2004, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga., following an extended illness.
Mrs. Merritt, a native and life long resident of Coffee County, was the daughter of the late John Hutcheson and the late Maude Hutto Hutcheson, and the widow of the late Henry Brooks Merritt, Sr. She was a member of St. Illa Baptist Church.
Survivors include: one daughter, Sue M. Deems of Nicholls, Ga.; three sons, Henry Brooks "H.B." Merritt, Jr., of Plant City, Fla., Aubrey Joe Merritt of Douglas, Ga., and James H. Merritt of Nicholls, Ga.; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral services were held at 4 p.m., Saturday, October 23, 2004, at St. Illa Baptist Church, with Rev. Jimmy McMillan officiating. Special musical selections included "In The Garden," presented by Heather Wilkes with taped music, and "Glad Reunion Day," presented by the St. Illa Baptist Church choir, with Dominique Carver accompanying at the piano, and Clare McMillan accompanying at the organ. Interment followed in the St. Illa Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Kenneth Merritt, W.B. Merritt, Jimmy Merritt, Shawn Merritt, Kenneth Neil Merritt, and Andy Merritt.
Honorary pallbearers were members of the Adult Ladies Sunday School Class of St. Illa Baptist Church.
Ricketson Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Hattie Mae Everette
Sister Hattie Mae Everette, 88, of Nicholls, Ga., passed away at 2 p.m., Thursday, October 14, 2004.
Mrs. Everette was born May 22, 1916, the daughter of late Elder Herman Henderson, Sr., and the late Lillie Thomas Henderson. She was the widow of the late Roosevelt "Red" Everette and was employed for many years at Douglas Foods, where she met and encouraged many to trust God. Mrs. Everette also did domestic work in the area. She joined the Hightower Memorial Temple Church under the pastorage of the late Bishop J.L. Litman, where she served faithfully whenever needed.
Survivors included: her twin sister, Rosa Mae Brooks of Nicholls, Ga., other siblings are: Leola Gamble of Douglas, Ga., Elder Herman Henderson, Jr. and wife, Vivian, of Boca Raton, Fla., Carrie Jones, Ruby Johnson and husband, Brawns, and Edwin Henderson and wife, Mary, all of Miami, Fla.; two sisters-in-law, Pastor Queen E. Henderson and Ella Mae Henderson, both of Douglas, Ga.; two God-daughters, Lucille Adams and Faye White, both of Nicholls, Ga.; one God-son, Sterling J. Wilson and wife, Glinda, of Nicholls, Ga.; a special niece, Marilyn Jones of Nicholls, Ga.; a special nephew, David Jones of Nicholls, Ga.; and several other nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Mrs. Everette was preceded in death by her husband, Roosevelt "Red" Everette, two brothers, Homer and John Henderson, and one sister, Marion Henderson.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, October 19, 2004, at Hightower Memorial Temple Church, with Elder Randolph D. Scott officiating. Interment followed at the Nicholls City Cemetery in Nicholls, Ga.
Active pallbearers were the men of Hightower Memorial Temple Church.
Harrell's Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Pleasant L. Jowers
Mr. Pleasant L. Jowers, Jr., 82, of Wray, Ga., passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2004, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga., following an extended illness.
Mr. Jowers, a native of Irwin County, Ga., was born July 14, 1922, the son of Pleasant L., Sr., and Amanda Lane Jowers. Mr. Jowers graduated from the University of Georgia in 1946 with a B.S. Degree in Agriculture. He was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and was a flight instructor. He was active in many facets of agriculture during his life: farm owner, agricultural teacher and county agent. He served the Farmers Home Administration as Emergency Loan Supervisor, Georgia State Director and County Supervisor for Ocilla, Hazelhurst and Douglas, Ga. He was very active in many civic organizations, such as East Central Tech Foundation Board, ABAC Alumni President and Rotary Club. Mr. Jowers joined The Bank of Ocilla staff in August of 1982 where he served as Assistant Vice President of Farm Lending. New Hope Baptist Church of Ambrose, Ga., was a huge part of his life and love. He served for many years as music director and deacon, as well as many other areas of service.
Survivors include: his wife, Mary Edith Lawson Jowers; one son, Pleasant L. Jowers, III of Moultrie, Ga.; two daughters, Joyce Ashley and husband, Pat, and Beth Ross and husband, Anthony, all of Wray, Ga.; grandchildren, Todd, Eric and Alison Ashley and Andrew, Adam and Amanda Ross; one sister, Evelyn Chauncey of Baxley, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Jowers was preceded in death by one brother, Marcus Jowers, and one sister, Marie Jowers Holland.
Funeral services were held at New Hope Baptist Church on Friday, October 22, 2004, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ernest Harper officiating. Soloist Susan Harper and pianist Dot McDermitt provided the music.
Active pallbearers were Dean Merritt, Keith Jowers, Ray Chauncey, and grandsons, Todd and Eric Ashley and Andrew and Adam Ross.
Honorary pallbearers were the deacons and Men's Sunday School Class of New Hope Baptist Church, Larry Young, Don Ross Vickers, and Alphonso Owens.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.
Connie Sue Toler Powell
Mrs. Connie Sue Toler Powell, 60, of Douglas, Ga., passed away Tuesday, October 5, 2004, at Satilla Regional Medical Center in Waycross, Ga.
Mrs. Powell, a native of Glynn County, Ga., was born September 19, 1944, the daughter of the late Dennis and Henrietta Steptoe Toler. She was a homemaker and a member of Faith Mission Assembly of God Church.
Survivors include: her husband, Dennis Powell of Douglas, Ga.; one daughter, Vickie Powell of Douglas, Ga.; seven sisters, Belle Craig of Douglas, Ga., Adele Cantrell of Alabama, Sybil Kirkland of Bradenton, Fla., Nell Spell, Sharon Summer, Clara Powell, and Kay Sellers; one brother, Larry Toler of Guyton, Ga., two sisters-in-law, Louise Burkett and Sharon McKinnon, both of Douglas, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, October 8, 2004, at Faith Mission Assembly of God Church, with Sis. Elaine Keene and Bro. Steven Keene officiating. The Faith Mission Choir sang "It's Not Goodbye," "Precious Memories," and "Cast All Your Cares," with Steven Keene accompanying at the piano. Interment followed in the New Hope Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Royce Burkett, Loy Burkett, J.R. Powell, Rusty McKinnon, Richard Craig, Jerome Burkett, and Tim Moss.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.
Jack Edgar Teston
Mr. Jack Edgar Teston, 55, of Douglas, Ga., passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2004, at his home following a brief illness.
Mr. Teston, a native of Wayne County, Ga., was born March 4, 1947, the son of the late Jack Edgar, Sr. and Eunice Eugenia Savage Teston.
Survivors include: one son, Anthony Teston of Macon, Ga.; one daughter, Anna Teston of Perry, Ga.; five sisters, Betty Jean Long and Sue Thornton, both of Douglas Ga., Sally Gallaher and Faye White, both of Cummings Ga., and Gail Corpus of Bend, Oreg. and five grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2004, at the Sims Funeral Home Chapel in Douglas, Ga., with Rev. Theron Long officiating. Steve Long, pianist, and Susan Long, organist, provided soft music for the prelude and postlude.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.
