Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978
Ruth L. Cooley
Mrs. Ruth L. Cooley, 73, of Fitzgerald, Ga., passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2003, at Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald, Ga.
Mrs. Cooley, a native of Willacoochee, Ga., was born March 12, 1930, the daughter of the late Martha Susan (Sewell) Bishop and the late John Crum Bishop. She lived in the community since 1962. Mrs. Cooley was a seamstress at Irwin Mfg. for 27 years and a former employee of H.R. Kaminsky and Sons. She was an avid fisherman, loved crocheting, and was a member of the Fitzgerald Eternal Security Church. Mrs. Cooley was the widow of the late Lester King and the late D.J. Cooley.
Survivors include: one son, Larry King of Chatworh, Ga.; three daughters, Jo Ann Cranford of Sylvester, Ga.; Mary L. Oden of Wray, Ga., and Martha Kirkpatrick of Cochran, Ga.; one sister, Elizabeth Merritt of Ambrose, Ga.; three sister-in-laws, Bessie Mae Young and Tessie Sapp both of Fitzgerald, Ga., and Lessie Byrd of Crossland, Ga.; eight grandchildren, 19 great-granchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, August 9, 2003, at 11 a.m., at Assembly of God in Fitzgerald, Ga., with Rev. Lester Anthony, Rev. Robert "Cricket" Watson, and Rev. Emory Champion officiating. Interment followed at Salem Cemetery Ben Hill in County, Ga.
Paulk Funeral Home of Fitzgerald, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Jackie Peterson
Mrs. Reba Jacqueline "Jackie" Peterson, 66, of Morrow, Ga., passed away Friday, August 1, 2003, at Haven House in Atlanta, Ga.
Mrs. Peterson, a native of Walton County, Ga., was born March 30, 1937, the daughter of Bell Long Malcom and the late Carl Malcom. She was the widow of the late John Alton Peterson.
Survivors include: one daughter, Connie Peterson Newby and husband, Terry, of Kennesaw, Ga.; one grandson, Nick Newby of Kennesaw, Ga.; her mother, Bell Malcom of Walnut Grove, Ga.; one brother, Luke Malcom of Walnut, Ga.; one sister, Francis Walker of Medford Lakes, N.J.
Funeral services were held Monday, August 4, 2003, at 2 p.m., in the Chapel of Pope Dickson and Son Funeral Home in Morrow, Ga., with Rev. Will Thomas officiating. Soft music, which included "Amazing Grace," was provided for the service. Interment followed in the Lone Hill Church Cemetery.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, August 5, 2003, at 2 p.m., at Lone Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, on with Rev. Lynn Polk officiating.
Active pallbearers were Luke Peterson, Benny Crosby, Kevin Peterson, Charles Salazar, Donnie Peterson, and Neil Sims.
Pope Dickson and Son Funeral Home of Morrow, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Audrey Zuel Minor Shelby
Mrs. Audrey Zuel Minor Shelby, 87, of Rose Lane, Douglas, Ga., passed away at home following an extended illness.
Mrs. Shelby, a native of Benton County, Miss., was born October 28, 1915, the daughter of the late William Robert Hamilton and Cynthia Susie Anderson Minor. She was a homemaker, the widow of the late Hubert Clinton Shelby, and a member of Morningside Baptist Church, Douglas, Ga.
Survivors include: one daughter, Jan Arnett of Douglas, Ga.; two sisters, Syble Gray of Memphis, Tenn., and Vadeen Whithead of Faulkner, Ms.; five grandchildren, Wanda Kelly of Memphis, Tenn., Wendy Knight of Orlando, Fla., Danny Arnett of Cumming, Ga., Dr. David Arnett and Denise Dees, both of Douglas, Ga.; 9 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Shelby was preceded in death by two sons and one daughter.
Graveside services and burial were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 11, 2003, at the Douglas City Cemeter, with Rev. Ken Trapnell officiating.
Sims Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.
James 'Chip' Fryer
Mr. James 'Chip' Fryer, 73, of Douglas, Ga., passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2003.
Mr. Fryer, a native of Macon, Ga., was born June 6, 1930, the son of the late John Fryer and Minnie Robinson Fryer. He attended public school in Bibb County and later joined the Army, receiving a rank of corporal. He moved to Douglas, Ga., and worked as a chef and was a member of Sears Street Church of God by Faith.
Survivors include: one daughter, Mary Helen Fryer; two sisters, Flora Mae Moore and Minnie Lee Jacobs; four brothers, Johnnie Fryer and wife, Joyce, Orilee Fryer, David Fryer and wife, Annie Bell, and Willie Lee Fryer; four god-children, Roosevelt, Ernest, Christopher, and Antoinette Lewis; special friends, papa Turner, Tamika Day, James Littleton, Creasie Hodge, and Ernestine Hill; several nieces and nephews. Mr. Fryer was preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 10, 2003, at Sears Street Church of God by Faith in Douglas, Ga., with Rev. Nelson H, Turner officiating. Special music was provided by the choir, the Williams children, soloist E.J. Gordon, and soloist Vanelsa Turner. Interment followed in the Douglas City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were David Ellerton, Fred Jones, Tony Register, Lorenzo Bailey, Thomas Williams, and Roger Wilcox.
Honorary pallbearers were Steve Bennett, Albert Ross, Ollie Turner, Jr., Willie C. Haynes, Johnny Wilcox, and Early McRae.
Harrell's Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Kathy Lynn Harrell
Ms. Kathy Lynn Harrell, 31, of Warm Springs, Ga., passed away Sunday, August 10, 2003, at Manchester.
Ms. Harrell, a native of Scottsboro, Ala., was born August 2, 1972, the daughter of Faye Watson Harrell and Donnie L. Harrell. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Manchester.
Survivors include: parents, Faye and Donnie Harrell of Warm Springs, Ga.; one brother Jeffery Harrell and wife, Leslie, of Acworth, Ga.; one niece and nephew, Brisbane Rain Harrell and Noah Bryce Harrell, both of Acworth, Ga.; paternal grandmother, Johnnie Adams of Douglas, Ga.; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 13, 2003, with Rev. Jimmie Chapman and Rev. W.H. Fancher officiating. Interment followed in Meriwether Memory Gardens.
Active pallbearers were Lee Lassiter, Chris Norris, Billy Garrett, Kevin Waddell, Jessie Smith, and Wesley Smith.
Cox Funeral Homed of Manchester, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Rosa Lee Thames
Miss Rosa Lee Thames, 48, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2003.
Miss Thames, born February 7, 1955, the daughter of the late Albert Lee Thames and Beatrice Hayes, was a member of St. James A.M.E. Church, Nicholls, Ga.
Survivors include: six children, Ronnie Tims of Miami, Fla., Talesha Tims of Ackerman, Ms., Kevin Tims and Krystal Johnson, both of Nicholls, Ga., Wilbur Johnson, Jr., of Douglas, Ga., and Yakeatha Johnson of Alma, Ga.; three sisters, Betty Jean Nunn of Nicholls, Ga., Katherine Burch of Douglas, Ga., and Margie Whitfield and husband, Spencer, of Newton, Ms.; three brothers, Robert Earl Nunn and wife, Rennis, of Tifton, Ga., Emmanuel Nunn and Kenneth Ray Thomas, both of Nicholls, Ga.; two special friends, Wilbur Johnson of Nicholls, Ga., and Clyde of Douglas, Ga.; 15 grandchildren, 17 nieces and nephews, and several other relatives.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 9, 2003, at St. James A.M.E. Church in Nicholls, Ga., with Rev. James Riles officiating. Special music was provided by Hazel Paulk.
Active pallbearers were Rodney Suggs, Peter Smith, Lloyd Jackson, Anderson Hodge, LeRoy Douglas, and Tony Daniels.
Honorary pallbearers were nephews and great-nephews.
Harrell's Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Mattie Lee Conley Hairtone
Mrs. Mattie Lee Conley Hairtone, 91, of Nicholls, Ga., passed away July 11, 2003, following an extended illness.
Mrs. Hairtone, a native of Webster County, Ga., was born June 5, 1912, the daughter of the late Sherman and Martha Conley. She was a member of Macedonia Holiness Church in Nicholls, Ga.
Survivors include: her husband, Roosevelt Hairtone of Nicholls, Ga.; two sons, Robert T. Parker and Robert Lee Johnson, bosth of Nicholls, Ga.; one daughter-in-law, Narion, all of Nicholls, Ga.; 15 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren; 27 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mrs. Hairtone was preceded in death by two sons, Carl Alvin Suggs and John Wesley Suggs; 11 sisters, Adell, Minnie, Clytee, Lutee, Hattie, Rosie, Lee, Alice, Carrie, Estee, Ruby, and Susie; and seven brothers, Alvin, Calvin, Sherman, Bill, Will, Charlie, and Garfield.
Funeral services were held July 19, 2003, at 2 p.m., at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, with Rev. Spencer Gunn officiating. Special musical arrangements were two solos by Cecil Campbell and Mary Shaw. Interment followed at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Larry McMillan, Aron McMillian, Travis Morton, Jesse McMilliam, Bernard Hankins, and James Williams.
Harrell's Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Leacie Mary Ellis Kirkland
On July 21, 2003, Leacie Mary Ellis Kirkland departed her life at the Clinch Memorial Hospital in Homerville, Ga.
Funeral services will be held at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Broxton, Ga., on Saturday, July 26, 2003, at 2 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of McIver Funeral Home, Inc., of Douglas, Ga.
Cecil L. Davis
Mrs. Cecil L. Davis, 94, of Willacoochee, Ga., passed away Friday, July 18, 2003, at the home of her daughter in Athens, Ga., following an extended illness.
Mrs. Davis, a native of Horry County, S.C., was born October 16, 1908, the daughter of Julius Nelson and Julia Mae Jenrette. She was a homemaker and had lived in Willacoochee, Ga., for most of her life. Mrs. Davis was a member of the Willacoochee First Baptist Church and the widow of the late Samuel L. Davis.
Survivors include: three daughters, Cora Susan Sisler and husband, Paul, of Arnoldsville, Ga., Sammie L. Thomas and husband, Buck, of Winterville, Ga., and Mary Julia Rhodes and husband, Don, of Athens, Ga.; two grandchildren, two great-granchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 21, 2003, at 2 p.m., at First Baptist Church in Willacoochee, Ga., with Rev. John C. McMillan and Rev. Gene Hughes officiating. Soloist Derrick Soles presented special musical selections "Go Rest High On That Mountain" and "Beulah Land with taped accompaniment." Derrick Soles also sang "Amazing Grace," with Bonnie Kunberger accompanying at the piano. Bonnie Kunberger, pianist, provided soft music for the prelude and postlude. Interment followed in the Willacoochee City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Lace Futch, Charlie Bray, Herman Tucker, Bud O'Neal, Jerry Long, and Armando Rodriguez.
Honorary pallbearers were all who attended the funeral service and members of Willacoochee First Baptist Church.
Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Marianne J. Vining
Mrs. Marianne J. Vining, 55, of Willacoochee, Ga., passed away Monday, July 14, 2003, at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Ga., following an extended illness.
Mrs. Vining, a native of Frankfurt, Germany, was born October 16, 1947, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Walter Jagemann. She had made her home in Willacoochee since 1977 and had worked at the Peoples Bank for many years before retiring due to health problems. Mrs. Vining attended the First Baptist Church in Willacoochee, Ga.
Survivors include: her husband, Levonne (Buddy) Vining of Willacoochee, Ga.; one daughter, Tanja White and husband Edward of Honolulu, Hi.; one son, Robert Vining of Palms, Ca.; one granddaughter, Jacqueline Majanna White; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services for Mrs. Vining were held Friday, July 18, 2003, at 11 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in Willacoochee, Ga., with Rev. John C. McMillan officiating.
Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.
Evelyn C. Smith Baker
Ms. Evelyn C. Smith Baker, 73, of Douglas, Ga., passed away July 11, 2003.
Evelyn C. Smith, a native of Berrien County, Ga., was born August 1, 1930, the daughter of Willie Mae McRae and Obie Calloway.
Survivors include: two sons, Eddie A. Smith of Douglas, Ga., and Reggie Smith of Cleveland, Oh.; two daughters, Edwyln Denise Smith Bohanon, and Erika Smith, both of Cleveland, Oh.; two brothers, Hiram Calloway of Toleda, Oh., and Larry McElhaney of Douglas, Ga.; five sisters, Naomi Scretchen, Gloria Wilcox, and Maxine Wilkerson, all of Douglas, Ga., Irma Wilson of Landover, Md., and Betty McElhaney Childress of Jackson, Tn.; 15 grandchildren, four great-granchildren, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 16, 2003, at 11 a.m., at the Move of God Deliverance Center in Douglas, Ga., with Rev. Jimmy McRae officiating. Special musical selections included a solo by Gayle Wilkerson and selections by Willie and Anastasia Carter and also by Rev. Bobby Harris. Interment followed at the Douglas City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Don Harris, Elisha Williams, Arlando Wilcox, Michael McClelland, Adrain Wilkerson, and Jerome Loving.
Honorary pallbearers were Richard Jackson, Adam Bohannon, Nathan Taylor, James Wilson, George Wilkerson, and James Wilkerson.
Harrell's Funeral Home of Douglas, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
Catherine Upton James
Mrs. Catherine Upton James, 83, of Pearson, Ga., passed away early Thursday, July 17, 2003, at her residence following a brief illness.
Mrs. James, a native of Coffee County, Ga., was born April 13, 1920, the daughter of Jesse L. and Gertrude Jardine Upton. She was retired from Civil Service after working for 30 years as head of the accounting department at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga. Mrs. James had also worked at the ASCS, the Clerk of Court, and as secretary for the Atkinson County Commissioners Office. After retirement, she worked as secretary for Morris Drugs and James and James Inc. Mrs. James was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pearson, Ga., and the widow of the late Grover Quillian James, Sr.
Survivors include: two sons, Quill James and wife, Hilda and L. H. James and wife, Judy, all of Pearson, Ga.; one sister, Elizabeth Bennett of Atlanta, Ga.; two granddaughters, Andrea Cudd and husband, Randy, of Dublin, Ga., and April Mobley and husband, Cliff, Jr., of Broxton, Ga.; one great-grandchild, Austin Cudd; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. James was proceeded in death by one son, Thomas Winlock (Locky) James.
Funeral services were held Saturday, July 19, 2003, at 11 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in Pearson, Ga., with Rev. Chris Carpenter officiating. Special music, "Roses Will Bloom Again," was presented by soloist Lori Rewis with taped accompaniment. Mary Ann Williams, pianist, and Candace Brown, organist, played soft music for the prelude and the postlude. Interment followed in the Douglas City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Randy Cudd, Cliff Mobley, Jr., Bill Biddy, Stanley Mizell, Lee Bennett, and Terry Palmer.
Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Claytt James, Jr., Walter Bazemore, William White, Wade Brown, Alec Cierny, and Bennett Cierny.
Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.
Helen Rowland Burch
Mrs. Helen Rowland Burch, 70, Bryan Street, Douglas, Ga., passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2003, at Coffee Regional Medical Center, Douglas, Ga., following an extended illness.
Mrs. Burch, a native of Coffee County, Ga., was born October 2, 1932, to the late George and Della Mae Whitley Rowland. She was a homemaker and widow of the late Dorsey Burch. Mrs. Burch was a retired poultry plant inspector and of the Baptist Faith.
Survivors include: son, Danny Burch; daughter, Dorothy Mae Register of Douglas, Ga.; two sisters, Dorothy McMullen and Jean Thompson of Douglas, Ga.; brother, Alton Rowland of Alma, Ga.; four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2003 at the Sims Funeral Home Chapel in Douglas, Ga., with Rev. Hilton Martin officiating. Soloist, Shanda Jowers sang, "Go Rest High On That Mountain" and Soloist, Rev. Robert Tanner sang, "Look Up" accompanying himself with his guitar.
Interment followed at the Royals Cemetery in Atkinson County, Ga.
Active pallbearers were: Shane Carelock, James Adkins, Ray Young, Johnny Wayne Jowers, Lonnie Whitley and Charlie Smith, Jr.
Sims Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Emma Elizabeth Cooper Benefield
Mrs. Emma Elizabeth Cooper Benefield, 74, Cross Road, Douglas, Ga., passed away Sunday, July 13, 2003, at home following an extended illness.
Mrs. Benefield, a native of Floyd County, Ga., was born April 5, 1929, to the late Grady Henry and Maudie Irene McBurnam Cooper. She was a homemaker and the widow of the late Thomas Theron Benefield.
Survivors include: two daughters, Patricia and husband, Ronnie Hester of Douglas Ga., Linda and husband, Glen Smith of West Green, Ga.; two sons, Tommy Benefield and Billy Benefield both of Douglas, Ga.; three brothers, W. L. and wife, Virginia Cooper, and Rufus Cooper of Broxton, Ga., Howard and wife, Betty Cooper of Nicholls, Ga.; sister, Bonnie and husband James Merritt of Broxton Ga., nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Benefield was preceded in death by a daughter, Paula Kay Benefield and sister, Mollie Cooper Carter.
Funeral services were held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at the Broxton Church of God with Rev. Dwayne Atkinson and Rev. Joey Copeland officiating. Soloist, Sharon Harper sang, "Amazing Grace", "Meet You By The River" and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" with Michael Harper accompanying at the piano.
Internment followed at the Royals Cemetery in Atkinson County, Ga.
Pallbearers were: Carl Singletary, Wayne Floyd, David Worth, James H. Merritt, Buddy Carver, Clay Spivey, Greg Hutto and Jimmy Rae Music.
Sims Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
