Ware County GA Obits Jan 2002 File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Teresa Griffis http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/ware.htm Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm Georgia Table of Contents: Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002: Judge Joseph B. Newton, 61, incomplete Police Chief Truman Lee, incomplete Mr. J. D. Davis, 68, incomplete Mrs. Cindy Truluck, incomplete Mr. Forrest Walker Sweat Sr., 84 (12-31-2001) Pierce Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Forrest W. Sweat Sr. Blackshear - Mr. Forrest W. Sweat, Sr., died Monday, Dec. 31 at the Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville, FL following a short illness. Visitation: 6:00-8:00 p. m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. Funeral: 2:00 p. m. Thursday, Jan. 3, from the First Baptist Church. Burial: Blackshear Cemetery Remembrances: First Baptist Church Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home (http://www.savannahnow.com/stories/010202/OBITSindex.shtml#Sweat) Mr. Mel Thompson, 62 (12-31-2001) Brooks Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Mel Thompson February 07, 1939 - December 31, 2001 Mr. Mel Thompson, 62, died Monday night (Dec. 31, 2001) at his residence after an extended illness. He is a native of Brooks County but has lived most of his life in Waycross. He was the manager at Engineering and Equipment Company. He served in the National Guard, for over 30 years, and during Desert Storm. He was the president of the Shrine Club and past master of the Masonic Lodge #305. He was also a member of the Waycross Exchange Club and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans. He served as a Civil War Reinactor with Company K 26 Georgia and the 4th Georgia Unit in Albany. He is the son of the late Wesley Thompson and Hilda Moore Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Kaye Thompson of Waycross; three sons, Keith Thompson of Waycross, Kenneth Thompson (wife Robin) of Chesapeake, VA, and Kirk Thompson (wife Nancy) of Waycross; daughter, Kristi Rines (husband Kenny) of Virginia Beach, VA; eight grandchildren, Candice, Cameron, Kyle, Kristen, Jeff, Kevin, and Cody Thompson, and Kaitlyn Rines; one great grandchild, Keegan; three brothers, James Thompson (wife Frances) of Piedmont, AL, Raymond Thompson (wife Dot) of Quitman, and Wayne Thompson (wife Barbara) of Dixie; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 5, 2001) at Jamestown Baptist Church. The family will receive friends 7 until 9 o'clock Friday night at Music Funeral Home. Memorialization will be by cremation. http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Mr. Erin Waldo Pafford Sr., 85 (1-1-2002) Waycross native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Erin Waldo Pafford, Sr. August 24, 1916 - January 01, 2002 Mr. Erin Waldo Pafford, Sr., 85, died suddenly Tuesday (January 1, 2002) at his home in Waycross. A Waycross native and the son of a former City Manager of Waycross, he was born on August 24, 1916 to Henry Morrison Pafford, Sr. and Stella Clark. He was married on March 29, 1940 to Eleanor Lorean Mullis. They were married for 54 years until her death in 1995. Mr. Pafford was educated in the Ware County school system. He established a lifetime career when he developed a system for pumping sand from the Satilla River. He owned and operated Pafford Sand and Hauling Co. For 42 years until his retirement in 1985. Mr. Pafford was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and attended Central Baptist Church with his late wife. He was former member of the Dover Bluff Club. He is survived by a daughter, Harriett Pafford Dixon (husband Virgil) of Waycross; a son, Erin Waldo Pafford, Jr. of Atlanta; a sister Marian Pafford Ludlam of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; three grandchildren, Virgil Grady Dixon, Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., Harriett Lorean Dixon Walker (husband Jamie) of Atlanta, Leigh Pafford Dixon Gill of Offerman (husband Billy) of Offerman; three great grandchildren, Micah Walker of Atlanta, Trey and Tori Gill of Offerman; numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday (January 4, 2002) at Central Baptist Church. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 7 until 9 o'clock. http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Mr. William E. "Billy" Tinsley, 55 (12-30-2001) Dougherty Co. native (Roundtree Funeral Home, Homerville) Mr. Wilton Eldridge Tuten Sr. 76 (12-31-2001) Pierce Co. native (Smith Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mr. Jim Bryant "Big Jim" Griffin, 64 (12-30-2001) Brantley Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Jim B. (Big Jim) Griffin October 30, 1937 - December 30, 2001 Mr. Jim Bryant Griffin, 64, died Sunday (Dec. 30, 2001) at his residence after a short illness. He is a native of Brantley County and has lived all his life in Brantley and Ware Counties. He was formerly employed by Allied Timber as a maintenance worker. He is the son of the late Darling Little Griffin and Kate Jacobs Griffin. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Yvonne Griffin of Waycross; two sons, Jim D. Griffin of Waycross and William Keith Griffin of Pierce County; four step-children, Janice Faye Couson of Blackshear, Steve Steedley of Pierce County, Evon Barber Pittman of Blackshear, and Angier W. Steedley of Blackshear; 16 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; three sisters, Georgia Griffin of Jacksonville, GA, Effie Taylor of Waycross, and Lilly B. Crews of Waycross; one brother, Charles E. Griffin of Waycross; and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 3, 2002) at High Bluff Cemetery. Memorialization will be by cremation. http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Mr. Norman Allen Brauda, 70 (1-1-2002) Brantley Co. native (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Norman Allen Brauda Hortense - Mr. Norman Allen Brauda, 70, died Tuesday, Jan. 1 at his residence after a long illness. Visitation: 6:00p. m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. Funeral Services: 11:00 a. m. Thursday, Jan. 3, from the Chapel of the Chambless Funeral Home in Nahunta, with Charles Brauda officiating. Burial: Satilla Cemetery in Hortense. Chambless Funeral Home, Inc. (http://www.savannahnow.com/stories/010202/OBITSindex.shtml#Brauda) Ms. Christer Lee Eaddy, 90 (12-30-2001) Pierce Co. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Ethel Hickox Johns Thornton, 92 (1-1-2002) Pierce Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Ethel Johns Thornton Nahunta - Ethel Hickox Johns Thornton, 92, died Tuesday, Jan. 1. Visitation: 2:00 p. m. Thursday, Jan. 3 at her residence. Funeral Services: 11:00 a. m. Friday, Jan. 4, from the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church. Burial: New Hope Cemetery Remembrances: New Hope Primitive Baptist Church. Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home (http://www.savannahnow.com/stories/010302/OBITSindex.shtml#Thornton) Mrs. Nettie M. Ellis, 62, Thelma, GA native (Fluker Funeral Home, Homerville) Mr. Richard Lee Brown, 70 (12-31-2001) Cogdell, GA native (Fluker Funeral Home, Homerville) Mr. Johnnie Milton Hall, 87 (12-28-2001) Hazlehurst native (Funeral in Hazlehurst, GA) Mr. Thomas J. Moseley Sr., pallbearers Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002: Judge Joe B. Newton, 61, (1-1-2002) Macon native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Funeral services for Joseph B. Newton, Sr. will be held Friday, January 4, 2002 at 11:00 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church in Waycross. Internment will follow at Pine Forest Cemetery in Homerville. Dr. David Comperry, Rev. Mac Goddard, and Rev. Steve Patton will officiate. Newton died January 1, 2002 at his residence in Waycross. He was 61. Judge Newton was born December 5, 1940 in Macon, Georgia to the late Clarence S. and Minerva G. Newton. Two brothers, Rev. Clarence S. Newton, Jr. and David C. Newton, predeceased him. He lived most of his life in Waycross. He attended Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and received his J.D. degree from Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in Macon. Judge Newton began his law career as a legal aide in the Georgia State Senate in 1969, where he was Director of Legal Research and Drafting of the Georgia Constitution Revision Commission. In 1970, he joined Memory & Thomas law firm in Waycross. He opened his own law firm in 1974 and practiced until 1982. He served for 18 years as Superior Court Judge of the Waycross Judicial Circuit until his retirement last year, at which time Governor Barnes appointed him Senior Judge. Judge Newton was a member of the State Bar of Georgia and served for many years on its Board of Governors. He served on the Council of Superior Court Judges and was past Chairman of the Superior Courts Sentence Review Panel. Judge Newton served on the faculties of the Institute for Continuing Judicial Education in Georgia and the National Judicial College. He was a member of the Superior Court Clerks' Training Council and was a State Board Member of the Court Appointed Special Advocates program. He served on the Judicial Council of Georgia and was a member of the American Judicature Society and the American Judges Association. Judge Newton was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served in numerous capacities. He was a former District President and Conference President of the United Methodist Men and was an Alternate Delegate to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church. He was founding President of Creative Word Ministries. Judge Newton was also active in the United States Golf Association as well as the Georgia State Golf Association. He served on the Sectional Affairs Committee of the United States Golf Association and was Chairman of the USGA TV Rules Committee. Judge Newton was a former Chairman of the Okefenokee Development Authority and a past president of the Waycross Jaycees. The Georgia Jaycees named him one of Five Outstanding Young Men of Georgia in 1975. He also formerly served on the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Georgia. Survivors include his wife, Kikky Goddard Newton of Waycross; three children, Lucy Newton of New York, New York, Ben Newton of Atlanta, and Lindy Newton of Waycross; and a sister, Nancy Newton Comperry of Bartlett, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Southeast Cancer Unit, 401 Pendleton Street, Waycross, GA 31501, or to Hospice Satilla, 1911 Alice Street, Suite A-1, Waycross, GA 31501. Visitation will be Thursday, January 3, 2002 from 6-8 PM at Miles-Odum Funeral Home in Waycross. The family has requested that Law Enforcement Personnel; Georgia Bar Association; Associates of the United States Golf Association & Georgia State Golf Association serve as Honorary Pallbearers. They are to meet at the church at 10:30 AM Friday. (http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com) Mrs. Carra O. Persall, 84 (1-2-2002) incomplete Mr. J. D. Davis, 68 (1-1-2002) Ware Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) The funeral for J.D. Davis, 68, of Waycross will be held at 2:00 PM Friday January 4, 2002 in the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel, burial will be in Thomas Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends Thursday night from 7-9 PM at the Funeral Home. Mr. Davis was a native of Ware Co. but resided in Brantley Co. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His parents were Elisha Davis and Sally Mae Dale Davis. Also preceding him in death was a brother, Reason Davis, a sister Cora Bell Sweat, a son Thomas F. Davis and a special Aunt Cora J. Smith. He is survived by his wife Anna J. Davis of Waycross, two daughters, JoAnne Brigman and her husband Tony of Waycross, Kathy Davis and her special friend Lany of Waycross, A very special grand-daughter Danielle Brigman, a grandson Thomas A. Davis both of Waycross, another grand-daughter Sherry Strickland of Offerman, and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com William Cecil Stewart Sr., 80 (1-2-2002) incomplete Chief Johnny Truman Lee, 55 (1-1-2002) Clinch Co. native (Roundtree Funeral Home, Homerville) Ethel Hickox Johns Thornton, 92 (1-1-2002) Pierce Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mr. Richard Lee Brown, 70 (12-31-2001) Cogdell native (Fluker Funeral Home, Homerville) Ms. Cindy Trueluck (Marshall Funeral Home, Blackshear) Wilton Eldridge Tuten Sr, pallbearers Friday, Jan. 4, 2002: James "Jim" Neal Jr., 54 (1-3-2002) incomplete John Patrick "Pat" Byrne, 53 (1-3-2002) incomplete Earnest E. Murray, 69 (1-3-2002) incomplete Mr. Mel Thompson, 62 (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Chief J. Truman Lee, 55 (1-1-2002) Clinch Co. native (Roundtree Funeral Home, Homerville) Cindy Trueluck, (Marshall Funeral Home, Blackshear) William Cecil Stewart Sr., 80 (1-2-2002) Axson native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) William Cecil Stewart,Sr. February 13, 1921 - January 02, 2002 Mr. William Cecil Stewart,Sr.,80,died Wednesday afternoon (January 2,2002) at Satilla Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He was a native of Axson but a life long resident of Ware County. He was the son of the late Christopher C. Stewart and Nancy Leona Lewis Stewart,also preceeded death by his first wife Violet Davis Stewart. He was retired with Bethlehem Steel Ship Building Company in Maryland. He was a Veteran of WWII serving in the US Army. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The survivors included his wife, Bobbie Ragan Stewart; a son, William Cecil ''Billy'' Stewart both of Waycross; a daughter, Betty Jean Whittmore of Marino Valley, CA; a sister, Martha Kathleen Ray of Maryland; seven grandchildren; several great grandchildren. A service is planned for 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints . Burial will be held in Kettle Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 o'clock Friday evening at Music Funeral Home. Mrs. Carra Owens Persall, 84 (1-2-2002) Wheeler Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Carra Owens Persall March 07, 1917 - January 02, 2002 Mrs. Carra Owens Persall,84 ,died Wednesday (1-2-2002) at her daughters residence at West Green. She was a native of Wheeler County but had resided in Waycross Emerson Park area most of her life. She was the daughter of the late Andrew Jackson Owens and Emma Harrelson, and the widow of the late Carlton B. Persall,Sr. also preceeding her in death was a son Robert J. Moon. She was a member of Emerson Park Baptist Church. She was a retired paper route carrier with the Waycross Journal Herald. She is survived by four daughters; Emma Mae Rice husband Byron of Albany, Shirley Herren -Crosby, Alice Musgrove husband Paul both of West Green, Harriet Sands husband Richard of Seffner, FL., two sons; Carl B. Persall,Jr. of Brunswick, Billy Persall of Waynesville, two sisters ;Tinnie Varnadore of Union City, Clara Batchlor of Jersey,GA., 11 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren. A service is planned for 4:30 pm Saturday at Emerson Park Baptist Church . Burial will take place in Kettle Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 o'clock Friday evening at Music Funeral Home. Mrs. Olney Barnhill Parker, 97 (1-2-2002) Clinch Co. native (Roundtree Funeral Home, Homerville) Minster Christer Lee Eaddy, 90, Pierce Co. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Owen Spatcher, 82 Charlton Co. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Jim B. "Big Jim" Griffin Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002: Mrs. Nettie M. Ellis, 62, Thelma, Ga. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Homerville) Mrs. Evelyn Catherine Howard, 91 (1-4-2002) incomplete Mr. Ernest E. Murray Jr., 69 (1-3-2002) Wayne Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Ernest E. Murray, Jr., 69, died at his residence Thursday night (01-03-02) after a short illness. He was a native of Wayne County Georgia, son of the late Ernest E. Murray, Sr. and Virginia Manning Murray. He had been making his home in Waycross since 1950 where he retired from the CSX Railroad as a carman in 1989 and attended the Hebardville United Methodist Church. He was a veteran of the Korean War where he served in the U. S. Navy. He is survived by his wife Judy Elaine Crews Murray of Waycross; two daughters Gail Fullard and her husband Wayne and Sheryl Lynn Griffin and her husband Derrick all of Waycross; six grandchildren Cristy Steedley and her husband Darrell of Waycross, Buster Jeffers, Amber Jeffers, Heather Griffin, Shyenne Griffin and Damon Griffin all of Waycross; one great grandson Dalton Steedley of Waycross; a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon (01-06-02) at two o'clock at the Hebardville United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Miles-Odum Funeral Home from six until eight o'clock Saturday night. (http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/) Mr. Aaron Dendy Boiter Jr., 69 (1-4-2002) Bellton, SC native (Roundtree Funeral Home, Homerville) Mr. John Patrick "Pat" Byrne, 53, (1-3-2002) Waycross native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) John Patrick "Pat" Byrne, 53, died Thursday (01-03-02) at his residence in Waycross after a short illness. He was a life long resident of Waycross son of Eugene John Byrne and Billie Mae Bowen Byrne. He had served as a life insurance agent and was formerly employed by the B E & K Construction Co. as a pipe fitter. He is survived by one daughter Kelly Skumanick and her husband Tony of Navarre, Fla.; his father and mother Mr. & Mrs. E. J. Byrne of Waycross; three brothers Perry T. Byrne and his wife Diane of Salisbury, N. C., William M. Byrne and his wife Shirley, David G. Byrne and his wife Darlene all of Blackshear, Ga.; five sisters Sherilyn Rigdon and her husband Amon of Hampton, S. C., Larraine Peterson and her husband John, Joyce Troisi and her husband Vincent all of Waycross, Kathy Dixon of Blackshear, Ga., Carol Adams and her husband Jim of Barnesville, Ga.; Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Monday morning (01-07-02) at eleven o'clock in the chapel of the Miles-Odum Funeral Home. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from six until eight o'clock Sunday night. (http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com) Mrs. Ethel Hickox Johns Thornton, pallbearers Mr. James "Jim" Neal Jr., 53 (1-3-2002) (Smith Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mr. Erin W. Pafford Sr., pallbearers Judge Joseph B. Newton, pallbearers Mr. J.D. Davis, pallbearers Monday, January 7, 2002: J. C. "Sonny" Cameron, 74 incomplete Mr. Sam Pope, 85, incomplete Marion Hannah Fesperman, 63, (1-5-2002) Waycross native, (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Marion Hannah Fesperman, 63, died Saturday afternoon (01-05-02) at her residence after an extended illness. She was a native of Waycross, daughter of the late George Thomas Fesperman and Marion Hannah Cooper Fesperman. She retired in 1999 from the Ware County School System where she had taught for more than twenty years and received the Teacher of the Year award in 1986. She graduated in 1956 from the Waycross High School, Majored in Early Childhood Education at the University of Georgia graduating in 1960, received her Masters Degree in Education at Valdosta State University in 1982. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, the Sid Ruff Sunday School Class, Phi Mu Sorority, Flag Girl for the Redcoat Band of the University of Georgia, Air Force Angel Flight Drill Team for the University of Georgia, President's Club at University of Georgia, Vince Dooley Library Endowment Fund Committee, Trustee of Board of Georgia Student Education Fund. Board of Directors of Magnolia House, Garden Club of Waycross and Daughters of the American Revolution. She is survived by four sons Mark Cooper Saussy and his wife Lee of Thomasville, Ga., Phillip Fesperman Saussy and his wife Tracy, Jack Peeples Saussy, Jr. and his wife Stephanie all of Waycross, and Stuart Hunter Saussy and his wife Anja of Statesboro, Ga. three grandchildren George Thomas Saussy, Henry Lee Saussy, Cooper Allison Saussy all of Waycross; a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held at four o'clock Monday afternoon (01-07-02) First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. The Sid Ruff unday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family has requested that memorial be sent to Hospice Satilla. Miles-Odum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/ Mrs. Evelyn Catherine Howard, 91 (1-4-2002) Waycross native, (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Evelyn Catherine Howard, 91, died Friday afternoon (01-04-02) at the Baptist Village after an extended illness. She was a native of Waycross. Daughter of the late William Charles Jones and Donie Idelene Fulgham Jones. She had lived most of her life in Ware where she and her late husband B. D. Howard operated the Howard's Dairy farm for many years and was a member of the Gilchrist Park United Methodist Church. She is survived by three sons Rev. William Carl Howard and his wife Geneva of Valdosta, Ga., Paul Eston Howard and his wife Sandra of Culpepper, Va., and James Franklin Howard and his wife Elaine of Kenansville, Fla.; three daughters Ruby Alene Knox and her husband William Warren of Colerain, N. C., Bettie Ruth Keen and Sara Catherine Smith and her husband Joel all of Waycross, Ga.; fifteen grandchildren, thirty-three great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon (01-07-02) at two o'clock in the chapel of the Miles-Odum Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/ Mrs. Leaon Colley Guy, 91 (1-5-2002) Echols Co. native (Roundtree Funeral Home, Homerville) Miss Rhoda Irene Carter, 65 (1-6-2002) Ware Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Rhoda Irene Carter September 25, 1936 - January 06, 2002 Mrs. Rhoda Irene Carter, 65, died early Sunday (January 6, 2002) morning in Satilla Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. She was a native and lifelong resident of Ware County. She was daughter of the late Addison Way Carter and Rhoda Mae Frier Carter. She was a graduate of Berry College and was former office manager of John King Ford, George Dempsey Ford and other dealerships. Miss Carter was a member of Bickley United Methodist Church and attended services at Ward Memorial Methodist Church in Blackshear. The survivors include two brothers, Way Carter (wife Mary) of Waycross, Nat Carter (wife Jo Ann) of Bickley; four nephews, Woody Carter, Thad Carter, Tommy Carter and Waylon Carter; two nieces, Karen Carter Morgan and Penny Carter Rivera; 11 great nieces and nephews; a dear friend, Miss Peggy Harris of Blackshear. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday in the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Monday night from 7 until 9 o'clock. Mrs. Juanita Catherine Sweat Gorday, 79 (1-5-2002) Pierce Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Juanita Catherine Gorday September 03, 1922 - January 05, 2002 Mrs. Juanita Catherine Sweat Gorday,79,died Saturday afternoon ( Jan 5,2002) at Shands Health Care in Gainesville,FL after a short illness. She was a native of Pierce County and had resided in Pierce and Ware County most of her life before moving to Alachua,FL seven years ago. She was the daughter of the late Omer Sweat and Versa Butler Sweat, and the widow of late Aubrey Jackson Gorday. She was retired book keeper with J.C. Penney.She was a member of First Baptist Church of Alachua, FL. The survivors include three sons; Bill Shuman wife Judy of Gainesville,FL., Charles Tanner wife Joyce, Jesse Tanner wife Sharon both of Middleburg,FL, one brother; Mack Sweat wife Addie Mae of Hazlehurst, two step brothers; Paul Peavey, Mack Peavey both of Waycross, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, one great great grandchild. A service is planned for 2:00 pm Tuesday in the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 o'clock Monday evening at the funeral home. Mr. Ernest E. Murray Jr., 69 (1-3-2002) Wayne Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Ernest E. Murray, Jr., 69, died at his residence Thursday night (01-03-02) after a short illness. He was a native of Wayne County Georgia, son of the late Ernest E. Murray, Sr. and Virginia Manning Murray. He had been making his home in Waycross since 1950 where he retired from the CSX Railroad as a carman in 1989 and attended the Hebardville United Methodist Church. He was a veteran of the Korean War where he served in the U. S. Navy. He is survived by his wife Judy Elaine Crews Murray of Waycross; two daughters Gail Fullard and her husband Wayne and Sheryl Lynn Griffin and her husband Derrick all of Waycross; six grandchildren Cristy Steedley and her husband Darrell of Waycross, Buster Jeffers, Amber Jeffers, Heather Griffin, Shyenne Griffin and Damon Griffin all of Waycross; one great grandson Dalton Steedley of Waycross; a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon (01-06-02) at two o'clock at the Hebardville United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Miles-Odum Funeral Home from six until eight o'clock Saturday night. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/ Mrs. Irene Mayfield, 84, (1-4-2002) Lamison, Ala. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. James "Jim" Neal Jr., pallbearers Mr. Mel Thompson, 62 pallbearers (Civil War Reenactment ceremony) William Cecil Stewart Sr., 80, pallbearers Mrs. Carra Owens Persall, pallbearers Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002: Mrs. Beatrice Guy, 80, incomplete Mr. Ferrell Mills, 59, incomplete Mrs. Elsie Lee, 84, incomplete Mr. Cecil Robert Carter Sr., 72, (1-2-2002) Charlton Co. native (Shepard Funeral Home, Folkston) Mr. J.C. "Sonny" Cameron, 74 (1-6-2002) Clinch Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html James C. Cameron December 12, 1927 - January 06, 2002 Mr. J. C. (Sonny) Cameron, 74, died suddenly Sunday (January 6, 2002) night at Satilla Regional Medical Center. He was a native of Clinch County but had resided most of his life in Ware County. He was son of the late James Madison Cameron and Minnie Westbury Cameron. He was retired from Liberty National Life Insurance Co. and served in the Navy during World War II. Mr. Cameron was a member of the Waycross Exchange Club, a former board member and was club photographer, past president of the local chapter of Life Underwriters, an active member and board member of habitat for Humanity, and a member of the Lakeview Golf Club. He was a member of First Christian Church, an elder of the Church, past chairman of the Board, and chairperson of several committees of the church. The survivors include his wife, Anne Avriett Cameron of Waycross; two daughters, Emily Yarosz (husband Gary) of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Mary McClain (husband Scott) of Jacksonville, Fla.; two grandchildren, Cameron and Sarah McClain of Jacksonville, Fla.; numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday in First Christian Church. Burial will be in Pine Forest Cemetery in Homerville. The family will be receiving friends at Music Funeral Home Tuesday night from 6 until 8 o'clock. The Waycross Exchange Club and the board members of First Christian Church are asked to gather at the church at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday to serve as honorary pallbearers. Mr. Sam H. Pope, 85 (1-6-2002) Wilcox Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Sam H. Pope February 29, 1916 - January 06, 2002 Mr. Sam H. Pope, 85, died Sunday (January 6, 2002) night at Satilla Regional Medical Center following a short illness. He was a native of Wilcox County but had resided in Ware County most of his life. He was son of the late Murdock Pope and Mellie English Pope. He was retired from the CSX Railroad Car Department. Mr. Pope was a deacon and member of Calvary Baptist Church. The survivors include his wife, Ella Mae Douglas Pope of Waycross; two daughters, Sandra Jacobs (husband Jack) of Waycross, Malinta Peek (husband Junior) of Moultrie; two sons, James C. Pope (wife Geri) of Ray City, Edwin Pope of Blackshear; two brothers, D. W. Pope and Junior Pope both of Douglas; six grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 9, 2002) in Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will be receiving at Music Funeral Home Tuesday night from 6 until 8 o'clock. Mrs. Alpha S. Cochran, 61 (1-6-2002) Patterson, Ga. native (Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors, Fernandina, FL) Joelyn Kyser, 7-months-old (1-6-2002) Glynn Co. native (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Sgt. First Class , Retired, Albert Jackson Tatum, 76 (1-7-2002) Waycross native (Poteet Funeral Homes, Augusta, GA) Mr. Ira Emile Pogue Jr., 71 (1-4-2002) Macon, Ga. native (Tim Stewart Funeral Home, Lawrenceville, GA) Mr. John "Pat" Byrne, pallbearers Marion Hannah Fesperman, pallbearers Mrs. Evelyn C. Howard, pallbearers Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002: Mr. Harvey Spikes, 69, incomplete Alicson Algerine Coffie, 5-months, (1-7-2002) (Perry Brothers Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Elsie Mae Lee, 84, (1-8-2002) (Shepard Funeral Home, Folkston) Mrs. Beatrice Guy, 80 (1-8-2002) Cherokee Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Bernice Guy, 80, widow of the late Rev. Marvin M. Guy, died Tuesday morning (01-08-02) at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. She was a native of Cherokee County Georgia daughter of the late William E. Duncan and Annie Turner Duncan. She was raised in Kennesaw, Georgia and been making her home in the Brantley County area since 1948. She was a member of the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church and the Mary Dorsey Sunday School Class and the Joy Group. She sang in the church choir for many years and was a former Sunday School Teacher and a member of the W. M. U. She was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister. She is survived by two daughters Mary Ann Crowder Anderson and her husband Wayne of Blackshear, Georgia, Beatrice Davis and her husband Glenn of Waycross; five sons Billy Guy and his wife Brenda of Adairsville, Ga., Dr. James Guy and his wife Sandra of Cedartown, Ga., Rev. Johnny Guy and his wife Brenda of Homerville, Ga., Travis Guy of Hoboken, Ga., and Tony Guy and his wife Brenda of Rome, Ga.; one sister Nellie England of Kennesaw, Ga.; one brother Charlie Duncan of Marietta, Ga. 17 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren, One Great Great Grandchild, numerous Nieces, Nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon (01-10-02) at two o'clock at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Mars Hill Cemetery. The Mary Dorsey Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers and they are requested to gather at the church at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon. The family will receive friends at the Miles-Odum Funeral Home from seven until nine o'clock Wednesday night. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com Mr. Ferrell Mills, 59 (1-7-2002) (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Ferrell Mills, 59, died Monday night (01-07002) at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. He was a life long resident of Manor, Georgia son of the late Grover Lee Mills and was a retired roofer. He is survived by his mother Marguerite Pittman of Manor, Ga.; two brothers Leonard Mills and his wife Anne of Pierson, Fla., Charles C. Mills and his wife Mary of Manor, Ga.; two sisters Virginia Thomas of Cresent City, Fla. and Wanda Tull and her husband Irvin of Clewiston, Fla.; a special friend Kim Griffin of Manor, Ga.; two sons Lee Mills of Nahunta, Ga. and Jack Mills of Little Rock, Ark.; one daughter Amanda Mills of Atlanta, Ga.; six grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon (01-11-02) at two o'clock at the New Prospect United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. He will be taken to his residence 4673 Mills Street Manor, Ga. at five o'clock Thursday afternoon. Miles-Odum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com Mrs. Thelma T. Childs, 83 (1-8-2002) Thomasville native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Miss Rhoda Irene Carter, pallbearers Juanita Catherine Sweat Gorday, pallbearers Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002: Mr. George Leon Cox, 92, (1-9-2002) native of Waycross (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html George Leon Cox February 16, 1909 - January 09, 2002 Mr. George Leon Cox, 92, died Wednesday (Jan. 9, 2002) at Baptist Village, Inc after an extended illness. He is a native and lifelong resident of Waycross. He was employed by the ACL Railroad for 18 years, worked at the Rubin Bros. Shoe Factory, and retired from King Edwards Cigar Factory. He attended Piney Grove and Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church. He is the son of the late James Leon Cox and Sallie Howell Cox. His wife was the late Blanche Crawford Cox. He is also preceded in death by a brother and three sisters. He is survived by a son, Gene L. Cox (wife Barbara) of Waycross; two grandchildren, Tina Cox and Gary Cox (wife Donna) both of Waycross; three great grandchildren, Jacob Johnson, Randall Music, and Ashley Cox; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 12, 2002) at Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Kettle Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends 7 until 8 o'clock Friday night at the funeral home. Mr. Cecil C. Austin, Jr., 43, (1-8-2002) Fort Hood, TX native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Harvey Spikes, 69 (1-8-2002) Ware Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Harvey Spikes May 23, 1932 - January 08, 2002 Mr. Havey Spikes,69,died Tuesday afternoon at Waycross Health & Rehab after a extended illness. He was a native and a life long of resident of Ware County. He was the son of the late Dave Spikes and Nellie Wilson Spikes. He had worked as a welder with Waycross Molded Products, and was of the Baptist Faith. The survivors include a son; Harry Spikes wife Brenda of Waycross, two sisters Shirley Sears, Clara Moore both of Waycross, two brothers; Bobby Spikes Jimmy Spikes both of Brantley County, two granddaughters; Selena Mae Spikes,Teala Marie Spikes, brother in law; W.C.Downing wife Liz of Waycross, several nieces and nephews. A service is planned for 11:00 am Friday in the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be held in Indian Mound Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 o'clock Thursday evening at the funeral home. Mr. Sam H. Pope, pallbearers Mr. Otis Lucas, 72, incomplete Otis ''Bo'' Lucas February 26, 1929 - January 09, 2002 Birthplace: Brantley County Resided In: Waycross Georgia U.S.A. Visitation: None Service: Pending Mr. Otis ''Bo'' Lucas, 72, died Wednesday (January 9, 2002) at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after a lenghty illness. He was a native and lifelong resident of Brantley County. He was married to the late Violet Lucas and was the son of the late Fredrick William Lucas and Rachel O'Berry Lucas and was preceded in death by a grandson Paul ''Scoot'' Aldridge. He was a barber for many years and had worked as a Purolator Career Driver for several years. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII. The survivors include one son, Eddie Aldridge of Brunswick; three daughters, Tanya Cason, Cherry Shulman and Tammy Thigpen (husband Melvin) all of Waycross; six grandchildren, Jeff Shulman of Waycross, Rodney Aldridge (wife Bonnie) of Jesup, Tammy Young (husband Richard) of Waycross, Christy Young (husband Don) of Waycross, Becky Cason of Hoboken and Rachel Bailey (husband Daron) of Waycross; Numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be announced at a later date by Music Funeral Home. http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html J. C. "Sonny" Cameron, pallbearers Friday, Jan. 11, 2002: Mrs. Gladys Mae Godwin Strickland, (1-10-2002) Pierce Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Gladys Mae Strickland Blackshear - Mrs. Gladys Mae Godwin Strickland, 82, died on her birthday, Jan. 10, at the Satilla Regional Medical Center following a long illness. Visitation: 6:00-9:00 p. m. Friday, at the funeral home. Funeral Services: 2:00 p. m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Rehobeth Baptist Church. Burial: Rehobeth Cemetery Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home . http://www.savannahnow.com/stories/011102/OBITSindex.shtml#Strickland Mr. Curtis Crews, 49, (1-10-2002) (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Mrs. Iris Simmons Hutto, 81 (1-10-2002) Bacon Co. native, (Crosby Funeral Home, Alma) Mr. Otis "Bo" Lucas, 72 (1-9-2002) Brantley Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Otis ''Bo'' Lucas February 26, 1929 - January 09, 2002 Mr. Otis ''Bo'' Lucas, 72, died Wednesday (January 9, 2002) at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after a lenghty illness. He was a native and lifelong resident of Brantley County. He was married to the late Violet Lucas and was the son of the late Fredrick William Lucas and Rachel O'Berry Lucas and was preceded in death by a grandson Paul ''Scoot'' Aldridge. He was a barber for many years and had worked as a Purolator Career Driver for several years. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII. The survivors include one son, Eddie Aldridge of Brunswick; three daughters, Tanya Cason, Cherry Shulman and Tammy Thigpen (husband Melvin) all of Waycross; six grandchildren, Jeff Shulman of Waycross, Rodney Aldridge (wife Bonnie) of Jesup, Tammy Young (husband Richard) of Waycross, ChristyYoung (husband Don) of Waycross, Becky Cason of Hoboken and Rachel Bailey (husband Daron) of Waycross; Numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be announced at a later date by Music Funeral Home. Mr. Thomas Moore (1-9-2002) Claxton, GA native (Perry Brothers Funeral Home, Waycross) Alicson Algerine Coffie, 5-months, (1-7-2002) Waycross native (Perry Brothers Funeral Home, Waycross) Ms. Marilyn J. Seadrow, 48 (12-20-2001) Waycross native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Irene Mayfield, 84, Lamison, Ala. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Thelma T. Childs, 83, Thomasville native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Beatrice Bernice Guy, pallbearers Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002 Mr. Alphonso Harper, 72 (1-5-2002) Folkston native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Cecil C. Austin Jr., 43, Fort Hood, TX native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. Harvey Spikes, pallbearers Mr. Ferrell Mills, pallbearers Monday, Jan. 14, 2002: Mrs. Donna Mae Hardee Peacock, 90 (1-12-2002) Conway, SC native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Donna Hardee Peacock Blackshear - Donna Mae Hardee Peacock, 90, died Saturday, Jan. 12 at Satilla Regional. Survivors: two daughters; two sons; 11 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and several other relatives. Visitation: 6:00-8:00 p. m. at Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home in Blackshear. Graveside Service: 2:00 p. m. Monday, Jan. 14, Rose Hill Cemetery in Alma. http://www.savannahnow.com/stories/011302/OBITSindex.shtml#Peacock Mrs. Jessie Juanita (Boyett) Lee, (1-13-2002) Pierce Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Jessie Juanita Lee September 13, 1929 - January 13, 2002 Mrs. Jessie Juanita Lee, wife of J. Walter Lee, died at her home early Sunday morning (January 13, 2002) surrounded by her family and close friends. She was a Christian and an active member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church. Known as Juannita to her family and friends, she was born on September 13, 1929, and reared in the Forks of the Hurricane Community in Pierce County. She graduated from Blackshear High School in 1947 and moved to Jacksonville, Florida where she began a career with Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company. In 1954, she transferred to the Waycross Office of Southern Bell and retired in 1983 with 31 years of service. In addition to her husband of 47 years, J. Walter Lee of Waycross, she is survived by her children, Ms. Sandra Lee and Mrs. Matt (Ronda) Gaskins of Brunwick, Mrs. Danny (Sonya) Mixon, and Mr. John (Pam Parr) Lee of Waycross. She was the proud ''MeMa'' of Emalee Crews, Baylee and Taylor Gaskins of Brunswick, Shannon and Erik Lee, and Natalee and Ty Mixon of Waycross. She is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Pete (Geneva) Bacon of Jesup, Mrs. Linwood (Jennie) Lee of Alma, and Mrs. Robert (Moreta) Lee of Fernandina Beach, Florida; seven brothers and sisters-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Earl (Josie) Boyett, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. (Vera) Boyett, Mr. and Mrs. Sam (Caroline) Boyett all of Blackshear, Mr. and Mrs. Willis (Betty) Boyett, Mr. and Mrs. Milford ( Nellie Faye) Boyett, Mrs. & Mrs. Winston (Iris) Boyett all of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Mr. James ''Charlie'' Boyett of Bolougne, Florida; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. F. M. (Nina) and Mrs. Larry (Inez) Harris of Alma, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzhugh (Annette) Lee of Sefner, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elder and Mrs. James Lester (Carrie) Boyett of Blackshear, and five brothers-in-law, Mr. Linwood Lee and Mr. F. M. ''Sonny'' Holton both of Alma both of Alma, Mr. Pete Bacon of Jesup, Mr. Larry Harris of Blackshear, and Mr. Robert Lee of Fernandina Beach, Florida. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Blackshear with Elder Tollie Lee and Elder Yancy McCormick conducting the service. The casket will be open at the church from 1 until 2 o'clock for viewing. A graveside service will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Lee's Chapel Cemetery in Bacon County. The family will be receiving friends at Music Funeral Home Monday night from 6 until 9 o'clock. Members of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers. Casket bearers will be the children of her sister, Mrs. Robert (Moreta) Lee, Harry Lee, Bud Lee, Terry Lee, Rev. Ricky Lee, Steven Lee, J.L. Lee, and Mr. and Mrs. Mack (Jennie Lee ) Corbitt all of Fernandina Beach, Florida and daughter of her brother, Milford Boyett, Mrs. Richard (Dee) Stoudemire. The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the cemetery fund at Lee' Chapel or Ramah Primitive Baptist Church. Mrs. Betty Jo Wright Crews, 65 (1-12-2002) Wayne Co. native (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Mrs. Cammie Louise McKown Williams, 90 (1-12-2002) Grady Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Mr. Flash G. Butler, 61(1-11-2002), Ware Co. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mr. George Leon Cox, pallbearers Mrs. Gladys Mae Godwin Strickland, pallbearers Mrs. Elsie G. Lee, pallbearers Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002: Barbara Jean Stribling Sibus, 59 (1-10-2002) Waycross native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Virginia Mae Beers Smith, 75 (1-14-2002) Miami, FL native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Sara Middleton, 22 (1-13-2002 incomplete Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002: William A. Gwillim, 80 (1-15-2002) Jefferson Co., AL native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Samuel Vaughn, 76 (1-15-2002) Nashville, TN native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Annie B. Tolar, 86 (1-15-2002) incomplete Mr. Jay Highsmith, 85 (1-16-2002) incomplete Miss Sara Jane Middleton, 22 (1-13-2002) Glynn Co. native, (Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Flash G. Butler, 61 Ware Co. native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Cammie Louise Williams, pallbearers Mrs. Jessie Juanita Lee, pallbearers Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002: R. W. Wolfe, 95, incomplete Sally Lucille Chaney Boswell, 82 (1-16-2002) Causeyville, Miss. native (Smith Funeral Home, Blackshear) Annie B. Tolar, 86 (1-15-2002) Berrien Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Annie B. Tolar, 86, died Tuesday afternoon at Memorial Hospital of Adel after an extended illness. Born in Berrien County, Mrs. Tolar was the daughter of the late Miles Jackson Cowart, and Rosetta Sellars Cowart. She had resided most of her life in Orange Park, FL., where she was a member of the Baptist Faith and was married to the late Eldon Tolar. She is survived by one son James Cercy, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL., a brother Grover Lee Cowart of Jacksonville, FL., three sisters Vera Gurley of Adel, GA., Myrtle Bays of Waycross, and Flora Kuleski of Adel, GA., and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will take place at 11 AM Friday at the graveside in Kettle Creek Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends Thursday evening from 6-8 PM at the Miles-Odum Funeral Home. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ Jay Highsmith, 85 (1-16-2002) Pierce Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Jay W. Highsmith, 85, died Wednesday morning (01-16-02) at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. He was a native of Pierce County, son of the late William Lafayette Highsmith and Maude Agnes Hayes Highsmith and the widower of the late Luella Thompson Highsmith. He had lived most of his life in Ware County and was a retired shipping clerk with Pet Dairy. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and attended the Waycross Primitive Baptist Church. He served with the U. S. Navy during world war two and was preceded in death by a grandson Jay William Highsmith. He is survived by a daughter Patricia H. Cox and her husband Bill of Waycross; a son Jim Highsmith and his wife Joy of Griffin, Ga.; one sister Thalia Beall of Jacksonville, Fla.; one brother Ray D. Highsmith of Augusta, Ga.; six grandchildren Will Highsmith, Elizabeth Highsmith, Heather Highsmith, Georgia Highsmith Courtney Highsmith all of Griffin, Ga, and Chris Cox of Atlanta, Ga.; a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held at two o'clock Thursday (01-17-02) in the chapel of the Miles-Odum Funeral Home. Burial was in the Blackshear Cemetery. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ Virginia Mae Beers Smith, 73 (1-14-2002 Miami, FL native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Friday, Jan. 18, 2002: Robert Lyn McClellan, 57 incomplete Ray E. Sweat, 44, incomplete William Shelton "Shell" Booth, 54 (1-17-2002) Thomasville native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) William Shelton "Shell" Booth, 54, died Thursday morning (01-17-02) at his residence after a short illness. He was a native of Thomasville, Georgia son of the late John Franklin Booth and had been making his home in Waycross for several months. He was a retired food service manager with the state of Georgia and of the Methodist Faith. He is survived by one son Jonathan Scot Booth of Cleveland, Ga.; two daughters Jessica Shea Wainwright of Nahunta, Ga. and Jennifer Bagwell of Stockbridge, Ga.; his mother Ruby Myrtle Roberts of Waycross and other relatives. Memorialization will be by cremation. Miles-Odum Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ Miss Odena Taylor (1-15-2002) (Perry Brothers Funeral Home, Waycross) R. W. Wolfe, 85 (1-16-2002) Ware Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Alphonso Harper, 72 (1-5-2002) Folkston native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Samuel "Gable" Vaughn, 76, Nashville, Tenn native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Troy Allen Jones, 67 (12-24-2001) Waycross native (Smith Funeral Home, Winder, GA) Jay W. Highsmith, pallbearers Saturday, Jan. 19, 2002: Ray E. Sweat, 44 (1-17-2002) Waycross native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Ray E. Sweat, 44, of Waycross died Thursday evening at Memorial Medical Center after an extended illness. Residing in Waycross all of his life he was the son of the late Isaiah Sweat and AnnaTurner Sweat. He worked as a brickmason. Mr. Sweat is survived by a brother Raymond Sweat and his wife Carolyn of Waycross, a sister Rachel Gore and her husband Johnny of Madisonville, Tenn. and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. A graveside service will take place Tuesday January 22, 2002 at 2 PM in Lott Cemetery. Miles-Odum Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ Robert Lyn McClellan, 57 (1-17-2002) (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Deacon Lucius Johnson (1-18-2002) Glenmoore native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Sally Lucille Chaney Boswell (Smith Funeral Home, Blackshear) Ms. Annie B. Tolar, pallbearers Monday, Jan. 21, 2002: Lucille Lowman Goble, incomplete Mrs. Ann Lee, 88, incomplete Gerald Raymond Foster, Sr., 60 (1-20-2002) Ware Co. native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Gerald Raymond Foster, Sr. December 19, 1941 - January 20, 2002 Mr. Gerald Raymond Foster, Sr., 60, died early Sunday (January 20, 2002) morning at Satilla Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. He was a native of Ware County and had resided most of his life in Ware County. He was son of the late Jonas D. Foster and Lennie Sears Foster and was preceded in death by three brothers, Fred Junior Foster, J. B. Foster and Robert Wayne Foster; a sister, Gearlean Foster. He attended the Telmore Pentecostal Holiness Church and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Foster was a former employee of Wal-Mart. The survivors include a son, Gerald R. (Jerry) Foster, Jr. of Orange Park, Fla.; three sisters, Christine Foster Courson (husband Lavell), Dorothy Foster Whitley (husband Frankie) and Leaffie Foster Thomas all of Millwood; numeorus nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in the Music Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Monday night from 7 until 9 o'clock. http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Margaret Mitchell Loska, 80 (1-19-2002) Cairo, GA native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Margaret Mitchell Loska, 80, died Saturday morning (01-18-02) at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after a short illness. She was a native of Cairo, Georgia, daughter of the late Willaim Jessie Mitchell and Josephine Strickland Mitchell and widow of the late Henry Milton Loska. She had lived most of her life in Waycross where she was a 1940 graduate of Waycross High School and a graduate of the first class of LPN nurses offered in Waycross. She was a retired nurse and was the charge nurse in the Pediatric Dept. at Memorial Hospital for several years. She also served as a school nurse and was an industrial nurse for the cigar factory for ten years. She was a member of the Winona Park United Methodist Church and the Sojourners. She is survived by one daughter Sue Loska of Waycross; two sons Paul M. Loska and his wife Sally of Parrott, Ga., Charles H. Loska and his wife Doreen of Fuquay Varina, N. C.; two sisters Ruth Lance of Folkston, Ga. and Ann Mayne of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; three brothers Charles S. Mitchell, Gene Mitchell both of Waycross and Malcolm Mitchell of Blackshear, Ga.; five grandchildren Joe Loska of Ramona, Calif., Scott Loska of Atlanta, Ga., Laura Parker of Albany, Ga., Ivy Woodard Kratzer of Waycross and Becky Loska of Fuquay Varina, N. C.; eleven great grandchildren, a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held Monday morning (01-21-02) at eleven o'clock at the Winona Park United Methodist Church. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery. Miles-Odum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ Charles O. Bowen Sr., 87 (1-19-2002) Pierce Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Charles O. Bowen, Sr. 87, died Saturday morning (01-19-02) at the Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick, Georgia after a short illness. He was born in Pierce County, son of the late Leonard Bowen. He had lived most of his life in Ware County before moving to Brantley County nineteen years ago. He was a retired service station operator and a member of the Hoboken Baptist Church, the Waycross Masonic Lodge # 305 F & AM, Waycross Shrine Club, Hasan Temple, Post # 10 American Legion and the Waycross Exchange Club. He was a veteran of World Ware Two where he served with the U. S. Army. He is survived by his wife Nell Douglas Bowen of Waycross; one son Charles O. Bowen, Jr. and his wife Frances of Waycross; one daughter Donna Herrin and her husband Ray of Blackshear, Ga.; his mother Angie Bowen Ridley of Offerman, Ga.; two brothers Vernon Bowen and his wife Ethel Maude of Waycross; Lamar Bowen and his wife Catherine of Folkston, Ga.; one sister Colleen Williamson and her husband Robeert of Offerman, Ga.; A Special Relative May Bowen Hoover of Fernandina, Beach. Fla.; five grandchildren, a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon (01-22-02) at two o'clock in the chapel of the Miles-Odum Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. The Waycross Masonic Lodge # 305 F & AM and the Waycross Exchange Club will serve as honorary pallbearers and they are request to gather at the funeral home chapel at 1:30 Tuesday afternoon. The family will receive friends at the Miles-Odum Funeral Home from seven until nine o'clock Monday night and have requested that memorials be given to the Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway Brunswick, Georgia 31525. Miles-Odum Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ Mrs. Jerlean E. Rider, 76 (1-19-2002) Screven native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) William L. "Bill" Martin, 65 (1-20-2002) Brooklyn, Miss. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) William L. "Bill" Martin, 65, died Sunday morning (01-20-02) at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lake City, Florida after an extended illness. He was born in Brooklyn, Miss., son of the late Kenneth Z. Martin and Elnora Bond Martin. He had made his home in Tifton, Georgia for many years where he was supervisor for the Jones Construction Co for thirty-four years. He supervised the building of several building in Ware County including the Ware County Middle School. He had been making his home in Waycross since 1995 and was preceded in death by one brother George Z. Martin and one sister Grace Herrin. He is survived by his wife Rachel Barnes Martin of Waycross; two daughters Norma Jean Partin of Savannah, Ga. and Rita Jones and her husband Mark of Leonardtown, Maryland; one son Kenneth Martin of Savannah, Ga.; one step-son Marlon Kelly and his wife Connie of Blackshear, Ga.; three step-daughters Sue Barnes, Belinda Cox, Denise Herrin and her husband Richie all of Waycross, Ga.; five brothers Elijah R. Martin of Brooklyn, Miss., Mahlon I. Martin of Geneva, Fla., James K. Martin of Orlando, Fla., Irvin E. Martin and Willis Martin both of Purvis, Miss.; four sisters Jane King of Gulfport, Miss., Lucille Thompson of Ocean Springs, Miss., Doris Dubose and Katherine Stover both of Purvis, Miss.; twelve grandchildren, three great grandchildren. A number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Wednesday (01-23-02) at three o'clock in the chapel of the Miles-Odum Funeral Home. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from six until eight o'clock Tuesday night. Miles-Odum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ James Harold Allday, 61 (1-19-2002) Pierce Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) James Harold Allday Blackshear - James Harold Allday, 61, died Saturday. Survivors: wife; one son; one daughter; two step-children; four sisters; four brothers and several other relatives. Visitation: 6:00-9:00 p. m. Sunday at Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home. Funeral: 3:00 p. m. Monday, Jan. 21, in the Chapel of Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home. Burial: Waters Cemetery. http://www.savannahnow.com/stories/012002/OBITSindex.shtml#Allday Martha Elaine Davis Cowart, 77 (1-19-2002) (Crowe-Fields Funeral Home, Millen) Charles M. "Charlie" Johnson, 81, (1-16-2002) R. W. Wolfe, pallbearers Barbara Jean Stribling Sibus. Barbara Jean Stribling Sibus June 01, 1942 - January 10, 2002 Mrs. Barbara Jean Stribling Sibus, 59, died suddenly Thursday (Jan. 10, 2002) at her residence in San Antonio, TX. She is a native of Waycross, but she has lived in Texas since 1978. She was formerly employed by Judge Tom Parker as a secretary. She is the daughter of the late Lewis Arnold Stribling and Gertrude Bridges Stribling. She is the wife of the late Barry Sibus. She is survived by her three sons, Craig M. Bennett of Rincon, M. S. Bennett of Florida, and Russell Bennett of Waycross; seven grandchildren; a sister, Martha Alverson of Manor; a brother, Donald Stribling of Niceville, FL; a niece, Terry Anderson of Waycross; and a nephew, Billy Alverson of Manor. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 19, 2002) at Music Funeral Home Chapel. Memorialization is by cremation. Memorials can be made to Satilla Advocacy Services, 410 Darling Ave, Waycross, GA 31501. Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002: Lorrine Lyndale Thrift, infant (1-20-2002) (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Lorrine Lyndale Thrift January 20, 2002 - January 20, 2002 Birthplace: Waycross, GA Infant Lorrine Lyndale Thrift died Sunday (January 20, 2002) at Satilla Regional Medical Center. She was preceded in death by great grandparents, William Dudley Justice and Doris Thompson. The survivors include her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Brantley Thrift of Waycross; the grandparents, Julia Osburn, Mark and Beverly Osburn, Brantley L. and Lynn Thrift, Betty and Buddy McMichael all of Waycross; the great grandparents, Edna Justice, Wayne and Jeanette Osburn and Leoma Thompson all of Waycross; numerous aunts and uncles. A graveside service was held Monday afternoon in Greenlawn Cemetery with Rev. Steve Scruggs officiating. http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Lucille Lowman Goble, 80, (1-20-2002) Dekalb Co., AL native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Annie Lou Hazel Lee, 88, (1-20-2002) Pierce Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Posted on Jan 20, 2002 Ann Lee, 88 of Waycross died Sunday afternoon at Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ Robert Lyn McClellan, 57, pallbearers Mrs. Margaret Loska, pallbearers Mr.J. Harold Allday, pallbearers Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2002: Mr. Isaac Groover, 82 (1-22-2002) Blackshear, native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Isaac Groover April 11, 1919 - January 22, 2002 Birthplace: Blackshear, GA Mr. Isaac Groover, 82, died Tuesday (Jan. 22, 2002) at Waycross Health and Rehabilitation Center after a lengthy illness. He was a native of Blackshear but lived most of his life in Jesup. He has lived in Waycross since the 1970s. He was retired from the City of Waycross Water Department as a Water Plant Operator. He was also retired from Harvey's Supermarkets. He was an active member of the University Blvd. Church of God and was a nursing home minister for the Church of God. He is the son of the late George Groover and Janie DeLoach Groover. He is survived by his wife, Susie Summerall Groover of Waycross; three sons, Isaac Groover of Screven, Eddie Groover (wife Kelly) of Guyton, and Dwight Groover (wife Virginia) of Brooklet; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; a brother, Alfred Groover (wife Gladys) of Jesup; three sisters, Faye Nettles of Jesup, Illean Griffis of Jesup, Rosa Henderson of Pensacola, FL; four step-sons, Leo Nipper (wife Carroll) of Jacksonville, FL, Eugene Nipper (wife Paula) of Waycross, Jim Nipper and Jesse Nipper both of Waycross; ten step-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Music Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service will be held 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Jesup City Cemetery in Jesup, GA. The family will receive friends 7 until 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Charles O. Bowen, Sr., pallbearers Gerald Raymond Foster, pallbearers Mr. Ray Sweat Thursday, Jan. 24, 2002: Ralph Nathan Wilson, 25, (1-23-2002) Clinch Co. native (Roundtree Funeral Home, Homerville) Mrs. Courtney Luke, incomplete Ronald Barry Davis, 49 (1-22-2002) Atlanta native (Joel Chambless Funeral Home, Nahunta) Janet Vinice Wildes Bellisle, 71 (1-23-2002) Pierce Co. native (Smith Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mrs. Susan Register, 48 (1-22-2002) (Smith Funeral Home, Blackshear) Ms. Mazel Cooper, 76 incomplete Melvin S. Cohens, 47 (1-20-2002) Washington, DC native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Penny Mae Hobbs, 75 Waycross native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Luna Alma White, 85 (1-23-2002) Bacon Co. native (Crosby Funeral Home, Alma) Mrs. Cora Burton (1-22-2002) (Duncan Funeral Home, Houston, TX) Lucille Lowman Goble, pallbearers William L. "Bill" Martin, pallbearers Friday, Jan. 25, 2002: Courtney Crawford Luke, 76 (1-24-2002) Pierce Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mrs. Teressa W. Thomas, 80 (1-24-2002) (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Posted on Jan 27, 2002 Teressa W. Thomas, 80, widow of the late Banner M. Thomas, died Thursday afternoon (01-24-02) at the Life Care Center in Orange Park, Florida after an extended illness. She had lived most of her life in Brantley County where she was a member of the Oak Hill Baptist Church. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse, having graduate from the Okefenokee Technical College. She is survived by two daughters Judy Oates and her husband Sonny of Albany, Ga. and Ginger Trisch of Jacksonville, Fla.; Three sons Lamar Thomas and his wife Nina of Callahan, Fla., Rev. Johnny Thomas and his wife Donna of Orange Park, Fla. and Byron Thomas and his wife Connie of Middleburg, Fla.; two sisters Rutha Griffis of Blackshear, Ga. and Leigh Murphy of Waldo, Fla.; nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Saturday morning (01-26-02) at eleven o'clock in the chapel of the Miles-Odum Funeral Home. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from six until eight o'clock Friday night. Miles-Odum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ Mrs. Mary Suzann North Register, 48 (1-22-2002) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba native, (Smith Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mrs. Jerlean E. Rider, 76 Screven native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Deacn Lucius P. Johnson Jr., 92, Glenmore antive (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Isaac Groover, pallbearers Annie Lou Hazel Lee, pallbearers Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002: Alvis Edison "Dude" Swain, 84 (1-25-2002) Jeff Davis Co., native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Harold Carte, 62 (1-26-2002) Folkston native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Mrs. Penny Mae Hobbs, 75 (1-28-2002) Waycross native (Fluker Funeral Home, Waycross) Monday, Jan. 28, 2002: Mrs. Lois Carolyn Campbell Jacobs, 85 (1-26-2002) Hortense native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Lois Carolyn Campbell Jacobs October 26, 1916 - January 26, 2002 Mrs. Lois Carolyn Campbell Jacobs, 85, died Saturday morning (Jan. 26, 2002) at her residence in Hoboken after an extended illness. She was a native of Hortense and a prominent member of Brantley County. Mrs. Jacobs was born Oct. 26, 1916, the youngest child of the late Alton and Lillie Davis Campbell of Brantley County. She attended elementary school in Hortense and graduated from Brantley County High School in 1936 and played on the basketball team during her high school years. She began teaching in 1936 after attending six weeks of summer school at Georgia Southern College. Her first job was at the Wainright School in its last years of existence. In addition to the Wainright school, she taught at Calvary, Woodard-Godwin, Grady Street in Pierce County, Manor in Ware County, and Hoboken in Brantley County. Her speciality was in elementary education. She married Olen Lee Jacobs on August 6, 1938. She continued her education at Georgia Southern College attending during the summers while raising a family of four children and continuing her teaching profession. She received her Bachelor's of Education degree in Early Childhood Education in 1966. The Depression, as for everyone else, brought hard times to Mrs. Jacobs. She provided her own transportation to school her senior year since there were no funds to run the buses. She received tickets and had to tell how many miles she was to travel each day in order to determine how much gas she could receive. Her pencils had to be scraped to the very bottom since another couldn't be purchased. Her first teaching salary was only $52.00 per month. Lois and Olen faired well through the years. They owned a service station in Hoboken for many years. The store was the last service station in Hoboken to have an ice house where ice was sold in blocks for ice boxes. They attended Hoboken Baptist Church and were members there as well as their children. Lois spent the last years of Olen's life taking care of him due to his extended illness. After his death, she continued to live in their home in Hoboken and attended church each week. She would spend the day visiting with neighbors and family and talking with them on the phone. Many hours were spent each night talking to her sister Daisy before Daisy passed on. Besides being a member of Hoboken Baptist Church, she was also a member of the T.E.L. Sunday School Class, National Retired Teachers, State Retired Teachers, Brantley County Retired Teachers, and the Brantley County Retired Persons. Mrs. Jacobs was prized for the attention she gave her students. She couldn't go anywhere without seeing a former student who would stop her to talk for a few minutes. Attending the Woodard-Godwin Reunion was one of the most treasured moments in her last year. Obtaining an education was always important to her and something she stressed constantly to her family. She cherished every moment she spent in the classroom knowing that she was making a difference in a child's life. Mrs. Jacobs was a well-beloved lady, full of dignity and grace, and never lacking love for anyone she met. In addition to her parents Alton and Lillie Campbell, and her stepmother, Lura Strickland Campbell, she is preceded in death by her husband, Olen Jacobs, son, Keny Jacobs, two sisters, Verdie Lank and Daisy Davison, two brothers, Raymond and Rayford Campbell, two step-brothers, Elton and Ellis Strickland, two step-sisters, Lois Drury and Mauise Carver, and her son-in-law, Ronald Baker. Survivors include two sons, Gary Wendall Jacobs (wife Freida) of Waycross and Rony Lee Jacobs (wife Lisa) of Alma; two daughters, Rita Elaine Baker (husband Ronald Baker, deceased) of Warner Robins and Gwen Carolyn Bohanon of Hoboken. She also has eight grandchildren, Jacob and Charity Baker, Daryl and Derek Jacobs, Laura Johns, Wendy and Cindy Jacobs, and Bridget Bohanon; two step-grandchildren, Doug and Lane Daily; a great grandchild, Dalton Johns; a special niece, Ruby Harris of Nahunta; and numerous other nieces and nephews. She also has one surviving stepbrother, Elmer Strickland (wife Florence) of Hortense. A funeral service will conducted 2 p.m Tuesday (Jan. 29, 2002) at Hoboken Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 until 9 p.m. Monday at Music Funeral Home. The T.E.L. Sunday School Class, Retired Teachers of Brantley County, and Brantley County AARP are asked to meet 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church to serve as honorary pallbearers. Mr. Ellis May, 85 (1-27-2002) Axson native (Music Funeral Home, Waycross) Ellis May October 12, 1916 - January 27, 2002 Mr. Ellis May, 85, died Sunday morning (Jan. 27, 2002) at Pierce County Nursing Home after an extended illness. He is a native of Axson but he has lived most of his life in Waycross. He was self-employed as a pulpwooder. He also served in the United States Army during World War II. He is the son of the late Bud and Ola May. He is also preceded in death by his two brothers, Bill and J. D. May. He is survived by his wife, Estelle Mercer May of Waycross; step-daughter, Linda Hinkle of Warner Robins; step-son, Herbert Carter of Waycross; sister, Vada White of Alma; two step-grandchildren, Renee Hinkle of Warner Robins and Chad Radford of Waycross; special friend, Tommy Johnston of Waycross; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Pierce County Nursing Home especially Billy Joe Gill and Wes McQuaig for the special care and attention they gave Mr. May. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 29, 2002) at Kettle Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends 9 until 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Music Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. http://www.musicfuneralhome.com/obits.html Thomas Moore "Tom" Howard, Jr., 82 (1-26-2002) Pierce Co. native (Pearson-Treadwell Funeral Home, Blackshear) Robert S. Bates, 94, (1-26-2002) Cobb Co., GA native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Posted on Jan 27, 2002 Robert S. Bates, 94, died Saturday morning (01-26-02) at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He was born in Cobb County Georgia, son of the late James Henry Bates and Martha Lou Hill Bates and the widower of the late Clara Jordan Bates. He had made his home in Waycross since his retirement as owner and operator of the Bates Trucking Co. in Sanford, Fla. He was preceded in death by two sisters Odella Bates and Frances Bates, one brother William E. Bates. He is survived by a son William C. Bates of Port Orange, Fla.; onebrother Joseph E. Bates of Weymouth, Mass.; three grandchildren, five great grand children and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon (01-29-02) at two o'clock at the graveside in Oakland Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Miles-Odum Funeral Home from one until two o'clock Tuesday afternoon. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ James Curtis Harper, 84 (1-26-2002) Waycross native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Posted on Jan 27, 2002 James Curtis Harper, 84, died Saturday morning (01-26-02) at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. He was born in Waycross, son of the late Raymond R. Harper and Ella Belle Harper and the widower of the late Helen Woods Harper. He had lived most of his life in Tampa, Florida where he retired in 1983 from the American Shipbuilding Co. after twenty-seven years of service. He served with the U. S. Navy as a Seabees during World War Two. He was a Baptist and a member of the International Association of Boilermakers. He was preceded in death by a brother Julian Harper and a sister Jewell Register. He is survived by a daughter Linda Sue Harper of Stone Mountain, Ga.; One sister Jessie Crawford of Waycross; a sister-in-law Frances T. Harper of Waycross; a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning (01-29-02) at eleven o'clock at the graveside in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Miles-Odum Funeral Home from six until eight o'clock Monday night. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ Mrs. Mazel Phillips Cooper, 76 (funeral in Brunswick) Robert Henry "Jimmy" Jackson, 63 (1-25-2002) Homerville native (Fluker Funeral Home, Homerville) William A. Gwillim, 80 (1-15-2002) Jefferson Co., AL native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Posted on Jan 16, 2002 William A. Gwillim, 80, died Tuesday night (01-15-02) at the Satilla Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He was a native of Jefferson County Ala., son of the late William Roger Gwillim and Eddeth Abel Gwillim. He had been making his home in Waycross for the past twenty years. He received his BS Degree from the University of Ky., and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon and a retired teacher. He is survived by his wife Dr. Peggy Howard Gwillim of Waycross; one sister Mary G. Kohr, a niece Amy Kohr and a nephew William W. Kohr and other relatives. The family has requested that memorial be made to the Waycross College President's Trust Fund at Waycross College. A time and place for a memorial service will be announced later by the Miles-Odum Funeral Home. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ Mrs. Janet Bellisle, pallbearers Courtney Crawford Luke, 76 pallbearers Alvis Edison Swain, pallbearers Mary Suzann Register, pallbearers Teressa W. Thomas, pallbearers Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002: Mr. Huddie Nails, (1-24-2002) (Funeral in Patterson) Thelma Pauline Bagley Solomon Spurlock, 82 (1-27-2002)Coffie Co. native, (Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, Brunswick) Mary McKinney, 73, incomplete Mrs. Elna Faye Eiserman, 75 (1-13-2002) (Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Jacksonville, FL) Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002: Mrs. Mary Bonnie Crews, 61, (1-29-2002) Ware Co. native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Posted on Jan 30, 2002 Mary Vonice Crews, 61, died Tuesday morning (01-29-02) at her residence after an extended illness. She was born in Pierce County, daughter of the late Tracy Eli Smith and Mary Lucille Beverly Smith Crawford. She had lived most of her life in Ware County and retired from the R & B Manufacturing and was a member of the Ruskin Church. She was preceded in death by her Step-Father Charlie Robert "Tobe" Crawford and a sister Nettie Virue Rewis. She is survived by her husband Roger D. Crews of Waycross; three daughters Nancy Herndon and her husband James, Becky Barber and her husband Donnie and Patty Johnson and her husband Randy all of Waycross; one step-daughters Rhonda Martin of Danielsville, Ga.; one brother Tracy "Buddy" Eli Smith, Jr. of Waycross; two sisters Charlene Griffin and her husband Johnny of Hoboken, Ga. and Jessolene Morgan and her husband Johnny of Waycross; Eighteen Grandchildren, Thirteen Great Grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon (01-31-02) at two o'clock in the chapel of the Miles-Odum Funeral Home. Burial will be in High Bluff Cemetery. She will be taken to her residence 885 Rabon Street at four o'clock Wednesday afternoon for visitation. Miles-Odum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ Robert Henry "Jimmy Thomas" Jackson, 66, Homerville native (Fluker Funeral Home, Homerville) Mr. Huddie Nails, Marshall Funeral Home, Blackshear) Mr. James Curtis Harper, 84 (1-26-2002) Waycross native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Robert Stephens Bates Ellis May Lois Carolyn Campbell Jacobs, pallbearers Thursday, January 31, 2002: Mr. Joseph C. Hobbs, 74 incomplete Mrs. Mary L. McKinney, 73 (1-28-2002) Folkston native (Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Waycross) Posted on Feb 5, 2002 Mary L. McKinney, 73, died Monday (01-28-02) at the Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio after a short illness. She was born in Folkston, Georgia daughter of the late Lloyd Crews and Eula Brooks Crews. She had lived most of her life in Tampa, Fla. where she was a factory worker and had been making her home in Dayton, Ohio for the past twenty years. She is survived by two daughters Mary Hancock and her husband Jim of Dayton, Ohio, Shirley Golden and her husband Joey of Waycross; one son Billy McKinney and his wife Glenda of Waycross; four sisters Liz Howard and her husband Jack, Helen Raulerson and her husband Bobby all of Waycross, Fannie Sapp and her husband Revis of Hoboken, Ga. and Reba Rush of Jacksonville, Fla.; a sister-in-law Gladys Crews of Hoboken, Ga.; three grandchildren Sheryl Betsinger and Susan Bernhard both of Dayton, Ohio and Abby McKinney of Merritt Island, Fla.; Three step-grandchildren Sandra, Tony and Curtis Montgomery all of Tampa, Fla.; a number of great grandchildren, Nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Friday night (02-01-02) at seven o'clock in the chapel of the Miles-Odum Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Tampa, Fla. at two o'clock Saturday afternoon. The family will receive friends beginning at five o'clock Friday afternoon at Miles-Odum Funeral Home. http://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/nm/publish/ ======================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for FREE access. ==============