Maria Cannon Hodges
Maria Cannon Hodges, age 50, passed away early Thursday, May 16 at her residence under the care of Ogeechee Area Hospice. She was born in Claxton and was a longtime resident of Statesboro. Maria taught at Lanier Primary School for 25 years and attended Pittman Park United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, going to the beach and spending time with her family.
Survivors include her devoted husband, Les Hodges; two daughters, McKenzie Lee Hodges and Leslee Maria Hodges, all of Statesboro; her parents, Doris and Harry Cannon of Claxton; her sister, Jenny (Trey) Price of Claxton; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronnie and Connie Hodges; her sister-in-law, Patrice (Chris) Wickham; one special aunt, Mary Ann “Aunt Mae” Lee of Claxton; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday,?May 18 at 11 a.m. at Pittman Park United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tim Steffen officiating.
Interment was in Bulloch Memorial Gardens.
Honorary pall bearers were the faculty and staff of Lanier Primary School and the Statesboro First United Methodist Church United Methodist Men.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, Ga. 30459; or the American Cancer Society, 515 Denmark Street, Suite 500, Statesboro, Ga. 30458.
Hodges-Moore Funeral Home of Statesboro was in charge of arrangements.
Laura Branch Tippins
Laura Branch Tippins, 83, died Saturday, May 11 at Camellia Health and Rehabilitation in Claxton. She was the daughter of the late Dr. A.C. and Jeslyn Branch, of Glennville. She became a resident of Claxton upon her marriage to Eldred Tippins Jr., in 1952. She was a graduate of Glennville High School, The Brenau School in Gainesville, Ga., and Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. Laura was a member of Claxton First Baptist Church for over 60 years and a past member of Claxton Mother’s Club. She proudly served the Evans Memorial Hospital Auxillary for 36 years. LaLa, as she was affectionately known, was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan and golfer.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eldred Tippins Jr., and son, Ricky.
Surviving are two sons, Cliff (Nancy) Tippins of Ponte Vedra, Fla., and Stevie (Jane) Tippins of Colbert, Ga.; grandchildren, Stephen Tippins of Atlanta, Clifton (Becky) Tippins of Augusta, Sarah Tippins of St. Simons, Lynn Tippins of Ponte Vedra, Fla.; sisters-in-law, Marie Tippins of Claxton and Betsy (Dan) Eden of Augusta; several close nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 14, 6-8 p.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 15, 11 a.m., at Claxton First Baptist Church.
Burial will be in L.A.H. Tippins Family Cemetery.
Remembrances may be sent to Claxton First Baptist Church, 313 W. Main St., Claxton, Ga. 30417.
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Margret Adams
Mrs. Margret Adams, age 65, passed away Tuesday, May 7 at Lower Oconee Hospital after a brief illness. She lived in Florida before moving to Evans County some 30 years ago. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. Margret loved to crochet and sew, she also was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed taking care of beloved family.
Mrs. Adams was preceeded in death by her parents, Charlie Joe and Marie Lee and a grandson, Clarence Witchell.
Mrs. Adams is survived by her husband, Patrick Adams of Hagan; children, Tammy Del-Valle of Hazelhurst, Weldon Dellinger Jr. of Collins, John Dillinger of Wardensville, West Virginia, and Joy Witchell of Hagan; brother, Charles Lee of Pembroke, Betty Yvonne Ragland of Perry, Fla.; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews
Funeral services were held May 11, 1 p.m. from the Reidsville Chapel of Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home with Speaker Terry Ball officiating. Interment followed in the Bull Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Ricky Lee, Maurice Dellinger, Melvin Dellinger, Thomas Witchell, Jose Garcia and Teddy Gunn.
Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home, Reidsville Chapel served the Adams family.
Ms. Tommie Nell Lewis Todd Sikes
Ms. Tommie Nell Lewis Todd Sikes, age 84, passed away Sunday, May 5 at Ogeechee Area Hospice Inpatient Center in Statesboro surrounded by her family. She devoted her life to being a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was a homemaker who loved to fish and garden. She was a member of the Reidsville United Methodist Church, Lillian Eason Sunday School Class, The Rascalettes, and the Red Hat Foxy Ladies.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Willard Todd and S.T Sikes and her son, Melton Todd.
She is survived by her children, Lillian (Randy) Nelson, JoAnne (Danny) Todd, Carrie (Dusty) James, Melissa (Bryan) Murray and Susan (Johnny) Quinlan, 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. from the Reidsville Chapel.
Funeral Services will be conducted 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, from the Reidsville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Marc Foster officiating. Interment will follow at Reidsville City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Todd Nelson, Heath James, Stephen Quinlan, Jay Owens, Chris Flor and Mike Rogers.
Memorials may be given to Reidsville United Methodist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 218, Reidsville, Ga. 30453 or Ogeechee Area Hospice Inpatient Center, P. O. Box 531, Statesboro, Ga. 30458.
Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home, Reidsville Chapel is serving the Todd-Sikes family.
Gary Sapp Sr.
Gary Sapp Sr. 64, passed away May 4 at Ogeechee area Hospice. The Tattnall County native lived most of his life in Claxton. Gary was a member of Union Methodist Church and a Vietnam Veteran. He served three tours in Vietnam, two in Germany. Gary was a 20 year retired veteran.
Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Sapp of Claxton; one son, Gary Sapp Jr. of Claxton; two daughters, Parice Lands, and Garrien Lanier, both of Claxton; two sisters, Sandra (Bobby) Windham of Manassas, Nell Jernigan of Dublin; one brother, Neal Sapp of Claxton.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 7, 6-8 p.m.., at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 8, 11 a.m., at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will be in Antioch Church Cemetery.
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
John Edgar (Jack) Martin Jr.
Mr. Jack Martin, age 85, died Monday, April 22 at Camellia Health and Rehabilitation Center in Claxton after a brief illness. Mr. Martin was a native of Tattnall?County but lived in Candler for the past years. He was a Baptist by faith. Mr. Martin worked in insurance for many years and then dabbled with real estate over the past years.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Edgar Martin Sr.; his mother, Ina Mae Griffin Martin; brothers, Shelton James Martin, Milton Lee Martin; one sister, Rebecca Lee Martin Lynn.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Ina LaVon Hutcheson Martin; daughter, Gail Martin Green of Marietta; son, Mike Martin of Gainesville; sister, Ina Pearl Shuman of Claxton; six grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services and burial were conducted at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville on?Thursday, April 25 at 10 a.m.
Richard Arthur (Ricky) Tippins
Richard Arthur (Ricky) Tippins, 50, of Claxton, died April 30 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah. The Evans County native was a 1980 graduate of Pinewood Christian Academy and attended the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Ricky also attended Georgia Southern University. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Claxton.
Ricky was preceded in death by his father, Eldred L. Tippins, Jr.
Surviving are his mother, Laura Branch Tippins of Claxton; two brothers, Cliff (Nancy) Tippins of Ponte Vedra, Fla., and Stevie (Jane) Tippins of Colbert, Ga.; nephews and nieces, Stephen Tippins of Atlanta, Clifton (Becky) Tippins of Augusta, Sarah Tippins of St. Simons and Lynn Tippins of Ponte Vedra, Fla.; two aunts, Marie Tippins of Claxton and Betsy (Dan) Eden of Augusta; a number of close cousins.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 2, 6-8 p.m., at NeSmith Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 3, 11 a.m., at NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will be in L.A.H. Tippins Family Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the L.A.H. Tippins Family Cemetery Fund, c/o Dave Tippins, 4833 Campground Rd., Claxton, Ga. 30417; or Evans County C.A.R.E.S., P. O. Box 186, Claxton, Ga. 30417.
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Letha Mae Lewis
Letha Mae Lewis, 87, passed away Tuesday, April 30 at her home. She was a native of Bulloch County but lived most of life in Evans. She worked at J.P. Stevens in Statesboro and C & C Farms in Claxton for a number of years.
Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Lola Lewis of Hagan; two daughters and one son-in-law, Ann Jenkins of Hagan, Jenean and Tom Hutto of Claxton; two sisters, Nokoleta Newmans of Bloomingdale, Wilma Brannen of Albany; two brothers-in-law, Tom Lewis and Herman Fields; several nieces and nephews, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 1, 6-8 p.m.., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 2, 2 p.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel
Burial will be in Lower Lotts Creek.
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Johnny L. Benjamin
Evans County native, Johnny L. Benjamin entered into eternal rest Tuesday, April 23. He was the son of the late James and Juanita Benjamin. He was predeceased by one brother, Stevie Benjamin.
Johnny graduated from Evans County High School. After graduating, he worked with Tos Walk-in/Drive-in and Claxton Manufacturing. He served in the United States Air Force for six years as a fuel specialist. Upon retiring from the Air Force he gained employment with Head Start Food Service, Reidsville and later at Georgia State Prison from where he retired after 24 ½ years.
Johnny married the former Barbara Ann Cobb. The couple was blessed with two children.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara A. Benjamin; a son, Jonathan P. (Tanisha) Benjamin; a daughter, Olympia F. Benjamin; six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, five brothers, four sisters; two aunts, Luretha Tillman and Nita B. Baker; his mother-in-law, Bertha M. Cobb; four brothers-in-law, seven sisters-in-law, many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Family visitation will be Thursday, May 2 from 6-7 p.m. in W.H. Whitaker Memorial Chapel, Whitaker Funeral Home, Metter.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 3,11 a.m. in the W.H. Whitaker Memorial Chapel, Whitaker Funeral Home, 25 North Kennedy Street, Metter.
Interment will be in Mt. Olive M.B. Church, Claxton.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Metter is in charge of professional services
Nancy Lee Shiloski
Nancy Lee Shiloski was born in 1936 in the Shenandoah Valley or Virginia to the late Charles and Catherine Montgomery. She entered Heaven’s gate on April 22, where she entered eternal rest peacefully from her home on Wilmington Island, Ga.
Nancy was a member of Kenwood High School’s class of 1956, where she was a member of the glee club and marching band. A consummate mother and homemaker, Nancy enjoyed arts and crafts such as building dollhouses and sewing dresses. She was adored by her friends and family.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years, Ralph Norman Shiloski.
Surviving are her four children, Terrence N. Shiloski of Stanwood, WA; Teena Shiloski Burns of Claxton; Derek R. Shiloski and Mary Weathers of Savannah; Lisa L. Shiloski of Wilmington Island, Ga.; three siblings, Dolores Quinn, Robert “Bob” and Anna Rose Montgomery, and Roxanne and Michael Bailey, all of Baltimore, MD; four grandchildren, Jennifer R. Burns and Michael Young, Daniel T. Burns, Traci E. Burns, all of Claxton, and Bridget L. Shiloski of Rincon, Ga.; two great-grandchildren, Britney H. DeLoach and Alayna R. Young of Claxton; several nieces and nephews.
Robert Wilson McCallar
Robert Wilson McCallar, 75, of Evans County, died Wednesday April 24 at Memorial Hospital. He had lived in Evans County for the past seven years and previously in Savannah for the majority of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia Pelham McCallar of Evans County; sister, Marsha M. (James) Ridgdill of Savannah; nephew. Che' A.S. Harris and Niece Piper N. Harris, both of Atlanta.
Services will be private.
Contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House.
Fairhaven Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Loraine ‘Sandy’ Farris
Loraine ‘Sandy’ Farris, 88, of Fitzgerald, died April 23 at her residence.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, April 27 at First Baptist Church of Fitzgerald with the Rev. Dr. Mike Ruffin and the Rev. Steve Hand officiating. Her grandson, Daniel Jones, will give the eulogy.
Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Mrs. Farris was born September 25, 1924, in Ware County, Ga., to the late Mack C. and Ava Lou Carter Fender. Formerly from Claxton, she had lived in the community since 1963. She graduated from High School in Hardeeville, S.C. and received her nursing training at Ben Hill County Hospital. She worked at the Medical Arts Building for Dr. Morgan Smith for over 30 years. After she retired, she kept children in her home. Being a minister’s wife, she was involved in all church activities including teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Fitzgerald, formerly a member of Eastside Baptist Church in Claxton and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Fitzgerald.
She is survived by seven daughters, Ann (Billy) Parker of Snellville, Linda Averett of Pooler, Lana (Leroy) Harvey of Savannah, Julie (Willie) Mobley of Fitzgerald, Janie (Jimmy) Grubbs of Fitzgerald, Robin (Ethan) Corliss of Fitzgerald and Cindy Tyson of Tifton; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; siblings, Chuck Fender of Huntsville, Ala., Donald Fender of Killeen, Tex., Jerry Wheeler, Lois Becker, Doris Riley and Sandra Harrelson, all of Savannah, Wilma Bryan of Levy, S.C. and Ceila Hunt of Charleston, S.C.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. William (Bill) Farris; a great granddaughter, Arlie Blake Jones; two brothers and one sister.
The family suggest memorials be sent to Southern Care Hospice, 412 First Street South East, Moultrie, Ga., 31768 or to The Mt. Olive Baptist Church Renovation Fund, c/o Milton Huggins, 709 Ocilla Hwy., Fitzgerald, Ga. 31750.
To sign the online registry, go to www.paulkfuneralhome.com.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.
Herman Lee Moore
Mr. Herman Lee Moore, 68, passed away April 14 at MCG Hospital in Augusta. The Savannah native resided in Twin City, Ga., and was a loving father and grandfather.
Surviving are his wife, Betty Moore of Twin City, Ga.; two sons, Herman Allen Moore and Bobby Lee Moore, both of Twin City; one daughter, Betty Michelle Willis of Twin City; two brothers, Harry Moore of Bloomingdale and Leroy Moore of Portal; one sister, Doris Bowen of Eden; 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 17, 11 a.m., grave side at Evergreen Church Cemetery.
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Carolyn T. Bond
Carolyn T. Bond, 78, of Claxton went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, April 9 at her home in Evans County. She was born in Evans County on August 1, 1934, to the late William “Keller” and Billie O. Todd. Carolyn was a lifelong member of Daisy United Methodist Church in Daisy, Ga. During her adult life, she served as the Claxton Elementary School Secretary. She retired after 23 years of service and went on to work with Evans County DFCS for several years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. Bond; sister, Quida Gray; and a niece, Janice (Wayne) Massey of Claxton.
Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Donna (Kerry) Blocker and Kim (Scooter) Hall, all of Daisy; three granddaughters, Sloane (Michael) Clark, Karlee Blocker and Chelsea Hall, all of Claxton; one great-granddaughter, Brystol Brown; one niece, Joyce (Tommy) Rhodes of Richmond Hill.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 11 from 9-11 a.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Jesse W. France officiating.
Burial will be at Bull Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Wayne “Bubba” Massey Jr., Phillip Richey, Danny Todd, Mike Todd, Matt Todd and Brian Todd.
Memorial contributions may be made to Daisy United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 106, Daisy, Ga. 30423; or Ogeechee Area Hospice, P. O. Box 531, Statesboro, Ga. 30459.
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Eric Franklin Hemphill
Mr. Eric Franklin Hemphill, 59, of Metter died Thursday, April 4 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah. The Candler County native had lived in the area most of his life, and was retired from the Georgia Department of Corrections. He was a member of Metter First Baptist Church. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed football, softball, and fishing and had even coached baseball teams in the area.
Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Elton and Loretta Hemphill.
He is survived by his wife, Shelly Drew Hemphill of Metter; son, Whitny (Christy) Hemphill of Cobbtown,; daughters, Brittany Hemphill Wright (Wesley) of Lyons, and Iler Drew of Claxton; brothers, Everette (Donna) Hemphill of Byron, Ga. and Brett Hemphill of Smyrna, Ga.; three grandchildren, Karlie Wright, Payton Wright and Alyssa Jackson.
A celebration of Eric’s life was held at 4 p.m. at the Metter Chapel of Kennedy-Brannen Funeral Homes with Danny Kennedy, Steve Dupree, and Victor Fordham speaking. Burial was private.
Kennedy-Brannen Funeral Homes Metter Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Azeph D. Rogers
Azeph D. Rogers, 89, died Wednesday, April 3 at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro. The Glennville native was a World War II Veteran and retired from Georgia Department of Transportation maintenance division in Glennville. He was a former member of Ella Grove Baptist Church in Glennville and a current member of Trinity Baptist Church of Statesboro.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Corrine McCall and Celena Sharpe; brother, Gene A. Rogers; and his wife, Louise Creech Rogers.
Survivors include: son, Azeph “Danny” Rogers Jr. (Betty) of Statesboro; daughters, Jeanette Warren (Ed) of Stillmore, Teresa Kennedy (Larry) of Bellville; sisters, Carolyn Sands and Christine Durrence, both of Glennville; brother: G.W. Thompson of Glennville; seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held 3 p.m., Friday, April 5 at the chapel of Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home with Elder Tom Sollosi and the Rev. Joe Eason officiating. Burial will follow in Glennville City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Greg Durrence, Mark Thompson, Ronnie McCall, Paul Thompson, Wayne Sands, John Thompson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Roscoe Roberts Sunday School Class of Trinity Baptist Church and Jackie Dasher, Ferrell Dixon, Dennis Stanfield, Fred Gardner and Ronnie Daniels.
Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home, Glennville Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.
Clara Mae Walker
Clara Mae Walker, 81, formerly of Cedar Crossing, died April 2 at her home in Claxton. She was the daughter of the late Jake and Myrtle Willis of Cedar Crossing. She lived in Savannah before moving to Houston, Tex; where she lived for 11 years before moving to Claxton in 1989 after her husbands retirement. She was a wife, mother and homemaker. She was of Pentacostal faith and a member of Oasis Church of God in Lyons.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Vernon Walker; her son Norman Walker; eight brothers; I.J., Bennie, A.J., J.F. (Bobie), J. Lee, Paul, Doug, and baby boy Willis; six sisters, Julia Register, Laura Pittman, Cassie Smith, Vernie Willis, Betty Franklin, and baby girl Willis.
Surviving are three sons, Vern L. (Marcia) Walker, and Dudley (Debra) Walker, both of Houston, Tex., Wayne Walker of Claxton; two daughters, Bernice Hatfield of Claxton, Wanda and (Buddy) Dees of Cedar Crossing; two sisters and brothers-in- law, Patsy and (Jerry) Newham, of Uvalda, Alice and ( Mickey) Ryals of Townsend; two brothers-in-law, Hubert Franklin, and Aaron Walker; four sisters-in-law, Doris Willis, Mary Lou Willis, Cathy Willis and Shirley Strickland; 22 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 4, 6-8 p.m. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 5, 1 p.m. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bishop Gilbert Womack, her nephew Jason Ryals, and her grandson Dean Walker officiating.
Pallbearers will be Clifford Brantley, David Neesmith, Jason Ryals, Travis Willis, Aaron Walker Jr., and Wilton Strickland.
Honorary pallbearers are Brian Burgamy and Deon Brantley.
Burial will be in Cedar Crossing Cemetery.
J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Edna Ford Blankenship
Edna Ford Blankenship, 91, of Milan, passed away Monday, April 1, at McRae Manor Nursing Home, McRae. She was born in Milan, Ga. in Telfair County and lived there all of her life. She loved fishing, cooking for her family and talking with her friends. She was of Baptist faith.
Ms. Blankenship was preceded in death by her parents, Scott and Martha Jane Selph Ford; her husband, Charlie Blankenship; and son, Charles Blankenship.
Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Gene and Lois Blankenship, Eddie and Brenda Blankenship, all of McRae, and Clyde and Nellie Blankenship of Milan; daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Ronnie Todd of Hagan; eight grandchildren; numerous great-
grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, immediately followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m., in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home. Rev. Randy Conley and the Rev. Kenneth White will officiate.
Active pallbearers include grandsons and great-grandsons, Scotty Blankenship, Christopher Todd, Eddie Blankenship Jr., Jason Dulin, Cole Jones and Michael Stinson. Blake Jones and Keith Holt will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Please express condolences at www.vaughnfh.com.
Vaughn Funeral Home of McRae has charge of arrangements.
Hugh Dorsey Thompson Jr.
Hugh Dorsey Thompson Jr., 63, of Glennville, Ga., passed away peacefully on March 30, 2013.
He was preceded in death by his father, Hugh Dorsey “H.D.” Thompson and his sister Elizabeth “Libby” T. Durrence.
He is survived by his wife, Ginger Thompson of Glennville; sons, David and Trey Thompson of Statesboro; his mother, Jane Thompson of Glennville; two siblings, Bran Thompson of Glennville and Vicky Webb of Springfield’ several nieces and nephews.
In his professional life, Dorsey was a certified public accountant. He began his career as an accountant for several timber companies. In 1986, following in his father’s footsteps he became co-owner and manager of Lipsitz’s Department Store. In 1998 he accepted a position with the Glennville Bank where he later became a vice-president.
Dorsey served his community by being a faithful steward of the Glennville United Methodist Church where he served on several boards and committees. He is also a former member of the Glennville Downtown Development Authority, and a charter member of the Glennville Rotary Club. He was an active member and Past Master of Philadelphia Lodge #73 F.& A.M. and a Past Master of the First Masonic District F.& A.M.
The family will receive friends Monday, April 1 beginning at 5 p.m., at Brannen Kennedy Funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday April 2 at Glennville United Methodist Church with Dr. Richard Cabbage and Rev. Sam Wilder officiating. Burial will be in the Glennville City Cemetery with Masonic Rites.
Remembrances may be given to Glennville United Methodist Church, 116 S. Caswell St., Glennville, Ga. 30427; Tattnall C.A.R.E.S., P.O. Box 2356, Reidsville, Ga. 30453 or the Masonic Children’s Home of Georgia, 1417 Nottingham Dr., Macon, Ga. 31211.
Pallbearers will be Bob Whitlow, Bill Whitlow, Jason Whitlow, Harry Sikes, Branford Thompson, Charles Bellina, Wendy Durrence, and RayDar Webb.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Officers and Directors of Glennville Bank
Please sign our online Guest Book at brannenkennedy.com
Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home of Glennville is in charge of the arrangements.
Susan A. Stanfield
Susan A. Stanfield, 47, passed away Friday, March 29 at Ogeechee Area Hospice Inpatient Center in Statesboro. She was born in Metter, Ga., Nov. 17, 1965 to Benjamin and Shelia Weathers and lived in this area most of her life. She was a homemaker, devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and loved to go to the beach. She was a member of Watermelon Creek Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Dale L. Stanfield of Glennville; children, David and Rebecca Anderson, Bryan and Ashley Anderson, Nick Stanfield, all of Glennville; brother, Charles and Sissie Weathers of Claxton; sisters, Nancy Lewis, Holly Sapp, Kim and Chris Sapp, all of Claxton; grandsons, Colby Anderson, Ben Anderson, Tullie Anderson; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m., Monday, April 1 at Watermelon Creek Baptist Church with Glenn Stanfield and the Rev. Steve Miller officiating. Burial will be Stanfield Family Cemetery.
The body will lie in state at the church from 1-2 p.m. before the service.
Pallbearers will be William Weathers, Jim Stanfield, Gregory Stanfield, Eugene Austin, Timmy Stanfield, and Richard Burkhalter
Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home of Glennville is in charge of the arrangements.
Carolyn D. Mosley
Carolyn D. Mosley, 75, passed away in Vidalia, Ga., after a long illness. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Vidalia. She was a five year winner of the Million Dollar Club of the Atlanta Realtor Association and winner of the club’s Phoenix Award.
Mrs. Mosley was the daughter of the late George T. and Mary Lee Durrence and the sister of the late Mary Ann Durrence.
Surviving are two sons, John E. (Jody) Mosley III of Dunwoody, Ga., and George T. Mosley of Vidalia, Ga.; one sister Jane D. Vaughn of Decatur, Ala; three grandchildren, John, Jake and Anna Mosley, all of Dunwoody; several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 30, 9-11 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church, Claxton.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 30, 11 a.m. t the First United Methodist Church, Claxton.
Burial will be in Brewton Cemetery, Hagan.
Honorary pallbearers will be Claxton High School Class of 1955.
J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jessie Collins Altman
Jessie Collins Altman, 86, died March 27 at her home. The Tattnall County native was residing in Guyton, but formerly resided in Claxton. She was a member of the Claxton Primitive Baptist Church and a homemaker all of her life.
Mrs. Altman was preceded in death by her husband, David E. Altman Jr.
Surviving are three daughters, Dian (Stan) Vincent of Guyton, Joyce (Allen) Morgan of Guyton and Denise (Mark) Marvin of Richmond Hill; one brother, Randy L. Collins of Jefferson, Ga.; two sisters, Evelyn Durrance of St. Mary’s, Ga., and Marie Arnsdorff of Sandy Springs, Ga.; seven grandchildren, Billy (CiCi) Sellers, Scott (Becky) Sellers, Stephanie (Bobby) Harvey, Kerri (Kevin) Moore, Miranda (Jonathan) Gerson, Christopher, Alexander and Sarah Marvin; five great-grandchildren, Garrett, Lane, David and Collin Harvey and Brigman Moore; several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 28, 6-8 p.m., at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 29, 2 p.m., at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will be in Cedar Creek Church Cemetery.
J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Emory Powers Smith Jr.
Dr. Emory Powers Smith Jr., died Tuesday, March 19 at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro. He was born in Fort Valley, Gs., and grew up in Pembroke, Ga. where he graduated from Bryan County High School. He attended Northern Illinois College of Optometry and in January 1950 he opened his optometric practice in Evans County. He practiced 46 years in Claxton until his retirement in June of 1996. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.
Surviving are his wife, Lothair E. Smith of Claxton; one son, Dr. Emory Powers (Lynn) Smith III of Statesboro; one daughter, Michelle Smith (Mike) Tootle of Claxton; one brother, Dr. Herbert Dean (Sandy) Smith of Evans, Ga.,; two sisters, Barbara Smith (Bill) Tippins of Dunwoody, Ga., and Carolyn Smith Schefflin of Pensauken, N.J.; four grandchildren, Leslie Tootle (Matt) Tucker, Pharm D and Lauren Tootle (Eric) Bluestein, all of Claxton, Nathan Emory Smith of Statesboro and Rachel Marie Smith of Macon; two great-grandchildren, Maclain Tucker and Maggy Bluestein; several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 21, 9-11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church of Claxton.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 21, 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Claxton.
Burial will be private at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Service Sunday school class.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to First United Methodist Church, 401 W. Main St., Claxton, Ga. 30417; or Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo St., Statesboro, Ga. 30458.
J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Robert Wayne ‘Bob’ Lackman
Robert Wayne “Bob” Lackman, 54, passed away March 17 at Ogeechee Area Hospice. He was a native of Joliet, Illinois, but resided in Bulloch County since 1999. He was of Baptist faith and worked as a computer engineer.
Surviving are two sons, Adam and Cody Lackman of Portal, Ga.; his best friend and life partner, Sharon Wilson of Portal; two sisters, Dena Wrona and Judy Martinson, both of southern Illinois; several nieces and nephews and a large family in southern Illinois.
A memorial service will be at a later date.
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Loyd Gulledge Jr.
Loyd Gulledge Jr., 82, passed away March 18 at Hospice Savannah. The Evans County native moved to Guyton in 1977, where with the help of family and friends, he built his family home. He was of Baptist faith and served in the U.S. Navy for seven years. He worked and retired from Union Camp where he was supervisor of Bag Storage and Shipping.
Loyd was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Kate Gulledge Sr.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Allie Griffin Gulledge of Guyton; two sons, Dennis Gulledge of Ellabell; Daryl (Pam) Gulledge of Guyton; one daughter, Diana (Earl) Hodges of Ellabell; one sister, Nell Lewis of Savannah; six grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 20, 6-8: p.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 21, 2 p.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will be in Brewton Cemetery, Hagan, Ga.
Remembrances may be sent to Hospice Savannah, P. O. Box 13190, Savannah, Ga. 31416.
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Tommy Augustus Todd
Tommy Augustus Todd, 87, passed away March 17. The Evans County native resided most of his life in Tattnall County. He was a member of Antioch Baptist Church and also served in WWII. He was a farmer and worked at Ft. Stewart until retiring.
Mr. Todd was preceded in death by his wife, Clyde B. Todd.
Surviving are one daughter, Suzanne Faust of Savannah; two granddaughters, Tammy (Troy) Pittman of Glennville, and Nikki (Derek) Demeter of Titusville, Fla.; four brothers, Harold and Aaron Todd of Claxton, Jack Todd of Statesboro and Bobby Todd of Fayetteville, Ga.; six great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 19, 6-8 p.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 20, 11 a.m., at Antioch Baptist Church.
Burial will be in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Cordie Lee Swafford
Mr. Cordie Lee Swafford, age 101, passed away Friday, March 15 at his residence. The Swainsboro native had lived in Millen before moving to Hagan. He was a retired trucker that loved to fish, hunt and garden. Mr. Swafford is a member of Bible Holiness Church in Hagan.
He was preceded in death by his children, Barbara ManHeim, Loretta Faye Swafford, and Kermit Swafford.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Swafford of Hagan; grandchildren, Kenneth Manheim of Atlanta, Clifford Allen Manheim of Black Creek; stepchildren, Sammy D. Brown of Jesup, Robert K. Brown of St. Augustine, Fla., Tommy Ellis Brown of Statesboro, Barbara Jackson and Shirley Bramblet, both of Millen.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday from the Bible Holiness Church. Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m., Sunday, March 17 from the Bible Holiness Church with the Reverends Dewayne Morgan, Jeff Hensley and Jeff Butler officiating. Interment will follow in the Reidsville City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be grandsons.
Honorary pallbearers will be brothers, Melvin Sapp, Bobby Sapp, Vincent Conley, Johnny Sikes, Armando Hinojosa and Harry Cannon.
Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home, Reidsville Chapel is serving the Swafford family.
Cartha D. ‘Deke’ DeLoach
Cartha D. ‘Deke’ DeLoach, a civic leader former deputy director of the FBI, and corporate vice president with PepsiCo Inc and local banker, died March 13 at 9 p.m.from natural causes. He was 92 years of age.
A native of Claxton, he graduated from Stetson University in 1942. He also attended Stetson Law School. While in college he played varsity football and was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, and the Stetson Debating Team.
After graduation, he entered the FBI at 21, the youngest applicant to be accepted in the agent ranks. After a brief service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he reentered the FBI and rapidly rose through the ranks to Agent-Supervisor, Inspector, Special Agent in Charge, Assistant Director, and Deputy Director to J. Edgar Hoover. He is credited with supervising many of the FBI's toughest cases.
After 28 years in FBI service, he retired and immediately became vice president of PepsiCo Inc. He remained in that capacity for 15 years. He then retired and moved to Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Mr. DeLoach served on many corporate boards. He was Chairman of yhe J. Edgar Hoover Foundation, 1973-2007, and was instrumental in awarding many college scholarships to deserving men and women. He was awarded four Gold Medals from the Freedoms Foundation for outstanding civic work. He was recipient of a Distinguished Alumni Award from Stetson University and elected to that institution's Hall of Fame; the American Legion's "Man of the Year" award; as well as the "Man of the Year" for the Hilton Head Hospitality Association. He received the "Humanitarian Award" from the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI in 2005. He was given the "Alice Glenn Doughtie Award" by Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce for outstanding civic service, as well as the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civic award by former Governor Beasley.
He served as founding chairman of the Hilton Head Council for the Arts for 10 years and after devoting much time, his efforts largely resulted in the building of what is now known as The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. He remained Chairman Emeritus of the Center until his death. He was vice chairman and chairman of the marketing committee of the Heritage Classic Foundation for over 10 years. He was founding chairman of two highly successful banking operations on Hilton Head Island and involved in activities at Holy Family Catholic Church for many years.
Mr. DeLoach is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Owens DeLoach; three daughters, Barbie, Theresa, and Sharon; four sons, Deke Jr., Tom, Greg, and Mark.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. A private burial will follow at Six Oaks Cemetery, Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island, S.C.
The Island Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Lena Pace Hagan
Lena Pace Hagan, 85, passed away March 13. She was a native of Effingham County, Springfield, Ga. and lived most of her adult life in Claxton. She was a member of Turkey Branch United Methodist Church, but attended First Baptist in Claxton. She was employed for 15 years by Southern Bell, and 35 years at Evans Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Hagan was preceded in death by her husband, R. G. (Doug) Hagan.
Surviving are one son, Allen (Sheree) Hagan of Vidalia, Ga.; one daughter, Leigh Chambers of Claxton; three grandchildren, Lance Hagan and Candice Hagan and Ladson Mosley; eight great-grandchildren, Andrew, Ava, Cason and Bryson, Tyler, Taylor, Gabe Mosley and Lily Bland; several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Friday, March 15, 5-7 p.m., at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 16, 10:30 a.m., at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. at Turkey Branch United Methodist Church Cemetery, Springfield, Ga.
Remembrances may be sent to Evans County Cares, P.O. Box 186, Claxton, Ga. 30417.
J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Sue Seltzer Mitchell
Mrs. Sue Seltzer Mitchell, 78, passed away Saturday, March 9, at Memorial Health University Medical Center.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Garden City where she attended the Libby Tyner Sunday School Class. She graduated from Georgia Southern University (formerly Georgia Teachers College) and taught in Chatham County Elementary Schools for 19 years.
Mrs. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Selma Seltzer; brothers, John Robert Seltzer and William L. Seltzer; a brother-in-law, Cleon Mitchell.
Survivors include her husband, Billy A. Mitchell; daughter and son-in-law, Robbie Kaye Egan and Mark A. Egan; granddaughter, Kaia Camille Egan; a number of nephews and nieces, including Robert N. Seltzer, Billy L. Seltzer, Rhana Lee Hackett, Michelle Mobley, Barry Mitchell, Robin Ingraham, Renee Sweatman, Teresa Lanier and Brian Mitchell; several great-nieces and great-nephews; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Freddie L. and Annette Mitchell and Leon and Faye Mitchell and former sister-in-law, Linda Mitchell.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday in the chapel of the funeral home with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens located at 315 Bonaventure Road in Thunderbolt.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com
Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – West Chatham Chapel – 901 W. Hwy. 80 – Pooler, Ga. 31322 is in charge of arrangements.
Ruby Lynn
Ruby
Lynn, 96, passed away March 7 at Northspring Assisted Living. She was a
native of Tattnall County, raised mostly in Collins, Ga. She was member
of Bellville United Methodist Church. In early years she was the
oldest member of Manassas United Methodist Church prior to its closing.
Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and Ed Mosley of
Bellville and Grace and Howard Scarbrough of Claxton; five
grandchildren, nine step grandchildren and numerous great and great
great grands, nieces and nephews.
Vistiation will be Saturday, March 9, 5-7 p.m., at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 10, 2 p.m., at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will be in Anderson Church Cemetery.
NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Eloise Davis Burnham
Mrs.
Eloise Davis Burnham died March 1 at Camellia Health and Rehabilitation
Center in Claxton at the age of 92. She was born in Statesboro, Ga.,
on October 28, 1920. She graduated from Nevils High School and later
moved to Savannah, Ga., where she and her husband lived for many years.
Mrs. Burnham retired from Sears Roebuck & Company after 22 years of
service. She was the department manager over each, the children’s and
the preteen’s department. She loved children and enjoyed her work with
Sears while making many lasting friendships during her tenure. After
retirement, Mrs. Burnham and her husband moved back to the community of
Nevils. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed gardening
and fishing in her free time. She was of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad P. Davis;
her husband, Lewis A. Burnham; a brother, A. L. Davis (Doris); two
sisters, Jean D. Iler (John) and Sara D. Sharpe (J. D.).
Survivors include one daughter, Gail B. Stanek (Clyde) of Claxton; three
grandchildren, Kim Lee of Meldrim, Carla Lee of St. Simons Island, and
Lewie Lee of Bluffton, S.C.; one great grandson, Avery Lee Yarbrough of
St. Simons Island; a sister and brother-in-law, Sue D. Wilson (Robbie)
of Phoenix, Az; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday at 2 p.m. at Deloach’s Primitive Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Eller officiating.
Interment followed in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, Ga. 30459.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.