Hart Funeral Home 210 Johnson Street Blackshear, Pierce County, Georgia USA 31516 Website: http://www.hartfh.com/ Telephone: 912-449-3113 Obituaries for 2017 ============== John William Simmons Born: Fri., Sep. 20, 1946 Died: Fri., Jan. 6, 2017 Mr. John William Simmons, age 70, of Blackshear, died early Friday morning (1/6/2017) at his residence following an extended illness. Born September 20, 1946 in Zanesville, Ohio, he grew up and lived in Barnesville, Ohio for many years before moving to Wayne County in 1995. He and his wife then moved to Blackshear in 2003. He was retired as a general manager at Broadhurst Environmental Landfill, and had worked many years in the coal mines and landfills of Ohio as well. After retirement, he also served as a consultant for the Decatur County Landfills. He was a member of the Friendship Lodge #89 F&AM Masonic Lodge in Barnesville, Ohio and the Jesup Kiwanis Club. He was a member of the Blackshear Church of God but had also been attending Shady Grove Baptist Church in Pierce County. He was preceded in death by his father, John Allen Simmons and his mother and step-father, Roy Eugene and Janet Eileen McCoy Dosson. Survivors include his wife, Frances King Simmons of Blackshear; 2 daughters, Rya Janet Simmons of Palm Bay, FL and Keela Ann Fruehling of Fayetteville, NC; 6 grandchildren, Jake Henthorn and Jaden Leader, both of Palm Bay, FL, Jordan and Jaxson Leader, both of New Jersey, and Kylie and Bryson Fruehling, both of Fayetteville, NC; 2 sisters, Mary Margaret Corbin (husband Richard) of Cincinnati, Ohio and Shirley Ann Simmons of Cleveland, Ohio; a brother, Larry Lee Simmons (wife Barbara) of Sarasota, FL; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place on Monday (1/9/17) at 2 PM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Blackshear City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. The family requests the men of Shady Grove Baptist Church and employees of Republic Services to serve as honorary pallbearers. Please be at the funeral home by 1:40 PM on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501; Blackshear Church of God, 411 W. Carter Avenue, Blackshear, GA 31516; or Shady Grove Baptist Church, 2909 GA Highway 203, Blackshear, GA 31516. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Bradley Thomas Stewart Born: Wed., Jan. 24, 2007 Died: Sat., Jan. 7, 2017 Bradley Thomas Stewart, age 9, of Blackshear, died suddenly Saturday afternoon (1/7/17) at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Waycross. Born January 24, 2007 in Savannah, GA, he was a son of Matthew Wade Stewart and Sarah Ann Stevens Mitchell. He had lived several years in Waycross before moving to Blackshear in 2015. He was a 4th grade student at Blackshear Elementary School and enjoyed playing video games and sports, particularly playing basketball with the Pierce County Recreation Department. He will be remembered for having a big heart and desired to be friends with everyone around him. He also loved his siblings and enjoyed time spent with his family. Preceding him in death were his grandmothers, Cindy Stewart and Lisa Grooms. Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Sarah and Paul Mitchell of Blackshear; his father and stepmother, Matthew and Raime Stewart of Pembroke, GA; his brothers and sisters, Anna and Landon Mitchell of Blackshear, Tyler and Aubrianna Stewart of Pembroke, and Brianna Kinsey of Indiana; his grandparents, Johnny Grooms of Blackshear, Keith Stewart of Broxton, Michael and Sheryl Mitchell of Mississippi, and Karl and Lynn Keen of Pembroke; and many other relatives and friends. A funeral service will take place Wednesday (1/11/17) at 4 PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear. Burial will follow in the Kettle Creek Cemetery in Waycross. A visitation will be held on Tuesday evening (1/10/17) from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. The family requests that his Blackshear Elementary classmates in Mrs. Jennifer Mattox’s 4th grade class and his Pierce County Recreation Department teammates and coach to serve as honorary pallbearers. Please be at the church by 3:40 PM on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to sit with their children. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Hart Funeral Home/Bradley Stewart Family, 210 Johnson Street, Blackshear, GA 31516 or to the Pierce County Recreation Department, I/C Bradley Stewart Family at PrimeSouth Bank, 3473 US Highway 84, Blackshear, GA 31516. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- William "Bill" Elbert Fletcher Born: Fri., Aug. 22, 1930 Died: Sun., Jan. 8, 2017 Mr. William Elbert Fletcher, age 86, of Blackshear, died Sunday evening (1/8/2017) at his residence after an extended illness. Born August 22, 1930 in Irwin County, Georgia, he was raised in Frostproof, Florida but spent most of his life in Pierce County. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War. During his time in the USMC he was awarded the National Service Defense Medal and Sharpshooter Award. He was a retired farmer and manufacturing manager at Waycross Molded Products. He was a member of Alabaha Freewill Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Alton and Leola Ward Fletcher; his sister, Helen Grossman; and 2 brothers, Alton Fletcher and R.L. Fletcher. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Wanda Thornton Fletcher of Blackshear; his son, John William “Billy” Fletcher of Blackshear; his daughter, Kristina Bruneau (husband Michael) of Blackshear; 4 grandsons, Ethan Alton William Fletcher of Blackshear, Johnnie Mark Williams, III (wife Corrie) of Offerman, Tyler Shane Bruneau of Blackshear, and Josh Kostelecky of Tifton; 2 great-grandsons, Wesley Carter and Raiden Williams, both of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. A funeral service will take place Thursday (1/12/17) at 11 AM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Alabaha Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday morning one hour prior to the service. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Jacquelyn (Jackie) Renee (Turndrup) Newman Born: Sun., Jan. 21, 1951 Died: Sun., Jan. 8, 2017 Jacquelyn (Jackie) Renee’ Newman, age 65, died peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2017 at her residence in Blackshear, GA. Jackie was born on January 21, 1951 in Miami, FL. On September 1, 1982, Jackie married the love of her live, Robert Darrell Newman Jr. They were happily married for 34 years. Together they raised 8 beautiful children. Preceding her in death was a son, James (Jimmy) Andrew Smith, a daughter-in-law, Chrissy Lynn Smith and sister, Sandy Riddle. In addition to her husband, Jackie is survived by 7 children: Dawn Kimbrell (husband Jason), Heath Smith (wife Karen), Tawnya Osborn (husband Clark), Kelly Newman (wife Nicki), Kimberly Newman (fiance’ Anthony Sirmans), Shawntay Newman, Tiffany Hewatt (husband Dustin); 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren who loved their grandmother (Yaya, Bat) dearly. The family would like to thank all of those who cared for her during her illness, especially the staff at Hospice Satilla. A memorial service will take place on Wednesday (1/11/17) at 1 PM at Bridge Community Church in Blackshear, GA. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Maxine Bryant Raulerson Born: Thu., Mar. 5, 1942 Died: Fri., Jan. 13, 2017 Mrs. Maxine Bryant Raulerson, age 74, of Patterson, died Friday morning (1/13/17) at her residence following an extended illness. Born March 5, 1942 to the late Diaz and Mary Eunice Brown Bryant, she was a lifelong resident of Pierce County. She was the former owner of Maxine’s Dress Shop in Patterson and had owned Shamrock Flower Shop in Blackshear for 25 years. She was a real estate agent with Heritage Residential Realty, Inc., a career she dearly loved and started later in her life. She was the 2015 Realtor of the Year with the Southeast Council of Realtors, recipient of the Century 21 Quality Service Award from 2010 to 2014, and awarded the Southeast Georgia Board of Realtor Circle of Excellence Award multiple times. She was a former member and had served as president of the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and a former member and officer of the Elks Lodge. She was a longtime active member of First Baptist Church in Blackshear where she attended the Workers for Christ Sunday School Class. She was also very active with the Flower Committee and served on various other committees over the years. She was a former member of Laura Chapel Baptist Church where she had served as church treasurer, taught Sunday school, and also worked with the children and youth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Julian Shelton Raulerson; a brother, Laverne "Buddy" Bryant; her aunt, Annie Pearl Callahan; and uncles, Jeff Bryant, Jasper Ernest Bryant, and Ancil Bryant. Survivors include her daughter, Julie Raulerson of Patterson; two sisters, Grace Winn of Blackshear and Lawanna Davis (husband Parnell) of Callahan, FL; a brother, Bobby Bryant (wife Linda) of Waycross; five sisters-in-law, Carol Bryant of Bristol, Dianne Denton (husband William) of Blackshear, and Sybil Lee (husband Tommy), Diane P. Raulerson, and Rhonda Cooper (husband Charlie), all of Patterson; a brother-in-law, Linton Raulerson of Patterson; an aunt, Eva Tyre of Blackshear; and an uncle, Robert Bryant of Blackshear; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. A funeral service will take place on Sunday (1/15/17) at 3 PM at First Baptist Church in Blackshear. Burial will follow in the Laura Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. The family requests members of the First Baptist Church Workers for Christ Sunday School Class and the agents of Heritage Residential Realty, Inc. to serve as honorary pallbearers. Please be at the church by 2:40 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 670 Main Street, Blackshear, GA 31516; the Sycamore Tree, 204 Central Avenue, Blackshear, Ga 31516; or the Southeast Cancer Unit, 401 Pendleton Street, Waycross, GA 31501. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Gordon Douglas Spencer Born: Sun., Aug. 21, 1938 Died: Fri., Jan. 13, 2017 Mr. Gordon Douglas Spencer, age 78, of Patterson, died late Friday night (1/13/17) at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House following a short illness. Born August 21, 1938 in Union, NY, he was a son of the late Gordon Fowler and Ethel Amy Wilce Spencer. He grew up in New York but had lived in California and Florida for many years before moving to Patterson in 2002. He was a veteran, having served in the US Army and was a firefighter with 46 years of dedicated service. He had been a fireman in New York, California, and Florida, and was the assistant fire chief for the City Of Patterson Volunteer Fire Department, where he was instrumental in bringing the Jaws of Life and Engine 92 to Patterson. He was also a councilman with the Patterson City Council and a former Patterson Recreation Department Director. He was also a member of the Patterson Methodist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Snyder Spencer; a son, Joseph Michael "Mike" Spencer; and a grandson, Drew Spencer. Survivors include four daughters, Jennifer Phillips (husband John) of Patterson, Lori Matutat (husband Tim) of Patterson, Vikki Trivison (husband Dan) of Maitland, FL, and Wendy Schaffner (husband Bill) of Harrisburg, NC; a son, Steve Spencer (wife Teri) of Casselberry, FL; 18 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; his sister, Darla Alfredson (husband Roy) of Canton, GA; and many other relatives and friends. A memorial service will take place Saturday (1/21/17) at 11 AM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. A celebration of life will take place immediately following the service at Eagle Station, 5535 Gardner Street, Patterson, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Patterson Fire Department, 5535 Gardner Street, Patterson, GA 31557. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- James Henry Andrews Born: Wed., Sep. 3, 1930 Died: Fri., Jan. 20, 2017 Mr. James Henry Andrews, age 86, of Patterson, died Friday night (1/20/17) at his residence following an extended illness. Born September 3, 1930 in Lake Butler, FL, he was a son of the late James Jefferson and Donnie Tyre Andrews. He was a veteran, having served in the US Army during the Korean War and he lived many years in Jacksonville, FL where he had owned and operated Andrews Body and Paint Shop. He moved to Pierce County, GA in the mid 1990’s. He was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Wilma Jean Avery Andrews; his step mother, Ina Andrews; sisters, Mildred King, Amelia Morgan, and Neva Grimes; and brothers, Kenny Andrews, Perry Andrews, Bobby Andrews, and R.L. Moore. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Bobbie Crum Andrews of Patterson; 2 daughters, Ginger Newsom (husband John) of Brooker, FL and Gail Bullock (husband Tom) of Jacksonville, FL; 3 sons, James Daniel Andrews (wife Cindy) of Anniston, AL, Timothy Andrews of Heflin, AL, and Jarrad Andrews (wife Abbie) of Baldwin, FL; 11 grandchildren, James Popwell (wife Bethany) of Millbrook, AL, Tennille Batten of Green Cove Springs, FL, Heather Crumley (husband Caleb) of Newell, AL, Ashley Shelton (husband Thomas) of Northport, AL, Emily Jones of Anniston, AL, Thomas Bullock of Jacksonville, FL, Wyatt and Morgan Andrews, both of Baldwin, FL; and Maggie, Justin, and Peyton Herrin, all of Patterson; 7 great grandchildren; sister, Betty Zimmerman (husband Zip) of Marissa, Illinois; brothers, Frank Andrews (wife Joan) and Buddy Andrews (wife Betty), both of Jacksonville, FL and Albert Andrews and Alvin Andrews (wife Lorine), both of Lake Butler, FL; sisters-in-law, Ann Avery, Mary Padgett, Dorothy Crum, and Mary Thompson, all of Jacksonville, FL, and Shirley Dodson (husband Charles) of Crawfordville, FL; brother-in-law, Henry Crum of Patterson; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. A graveside funeral service will take place Tuesday at 11 AM at Evergreen Cemetery, 535 Main Street N, Jacksonville, FL 32206. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service at the cemetery. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Earl Edward Campbell Born: Wed., Dec. 19, 1923 Died: Sat., Jan. 21, 2017 Mr. Earl Edward Campbell, age 93, of Waycross, died Saturday afternoon (1/21/17) at the Baptist Village Retirement Communities following an extended illness. Born December 19, 1923 in Waycross, GA, he was a son of the late Curtis Alec and Bernice McKinzie Campbell. He lived several years in Pierce County but lived most of his life in Waycross. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army during World War II and retired from Winge’s in Waycross as a service station attendant. He was a member of Gilchrist Park United Methodist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Holton Campbell; his sisters, Verdie Weber, Faye Campbell, Virginia Hill, Ruby McQuaig, Katie Petres, Ethel Smallwood, Lottie Lanier, and Frances Reeder; and his brothers, Kenneth Campbell and Cecil Campbell. Survivors include 2 sons, Ernest “Ernie” Roy Campbell of Murfreesboro, TN and Edwin Campbell of Georgia; 3 grandchildren; his nephews that were his caretakers, Curtis Campbell (wife Jill) of Jamestown, GA and Phil Campbell (wife Latrelle) of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place Wednesday afternoon (1/25/17) at 2 PM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Waters Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be sent to Gilchrist Park United Methodist Church, 601 Washington Avenue, Waycross, GA 31501 Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Raymond Harry Johnson Born: Fri., Apr. 28, 1944 Died: Mon., Jan. 23, 2017 Mr. Raymond Harry Johnson, age 72, of Patterson, died Monday evening (1/23/17) at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House following an extended illness. Born April 28, 1944 in Patterson, GA, he was a son of the late William Hansford and Irma Viola Winn Johnson. As an over the road truck driver, he had lived in many places before retiring to Patterson in the mid 2000’s. He had worked for multiple companies including Thom’s Transport, Wooten Trucking, Mayflower, and several others and had also worked at Herrin Brothers Furniture in Waycross. He was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Davis Barnard and Julie Irene Mobley; and two brothers, Earl Johnson and Ray Johnson. Survivors include his children, David Johnson (wife Sandra) of Dunoon, Scotland Debbie Altman of Hilton Head, SC, Wayne Williams (wife Renee) of Estill, SC, James Williams of Hampton, SC, and Ben Williams of Hampton, SC; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; special friend, Pam Matthews of Patterson and her granddaughter, Donielle Corbishley of Patterson and her great granddaughter, Nevaeh Norton of Blackshear; his brothers and sisters, Alvin Johnson (wife Betty) of Patterson, Ephraim Johnson (wife Marie) of Patterson, Carl Johnson of Kingsland, Linnie Arpen (husband Ron) of Jacksonville, FL, Louise Register (husband Gene) of Homerville, GA, Lee Johnson (wife MaryAnn) of San Antonio, TX, Clyde Johnson (wife Brenda) of Blackshear, Kate Johnson of Jacksonville, FL, and Annie Belle Griffis (husband Sid) of Blackshear; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 10 AM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the New Home Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501 or to the New Home Cemetery Fund, Attn Ray Gill, PO Box 283, Blackshear, GA 31516. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Terry Lamar Curl Born: Wed., Jun. 25, 1975 Died: Tue., Jan. 24, 2017 Mr. Terry Lamar Curl, age 41, of Blackshear, died Tuesday morning (1/24/17) at his residence. Born June 25, 1975 in Blackshear, GA, he was a lifelong resident of Pierce County where he was a 1995 graduate of Pierce County High School. He attended Altamaha Technical School where he graduated from the Electrician’s program. He was a well-known and well liked electrician, working many years for J.L. Electric and was a member of St. John’s Methodist Church. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and lover of the outdoors. He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Beatrice Lewis; his 2 brothers, Michael Anthony Curl and Bobby Joe Curl; and his grandparents, James Anthony “Bud” and Lillie Belle Bullard Curl. Survivors include his wife, Tonya Dixon Curl of Blackshear; his twin daughters, Emma and Mallory Curl, both of Blackshear; his father, Lamar Curl of Waycross; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Janice Dixon of Blackshear; his uncle and aunts, James A. and Juanita Curl of Warner Robins, GA and Barbara Jean Taylor of Jacksonville; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Curtis and Dana Dixon and Tyler and Becky Dixon, all of Blackshear; his nieces and nephew, Chloe Dixon, Ella Dixon, and Curt Dixon, all of Blackshear; and several other relatives and many friends. A memorial service will take place Saturday (1/28/17) at 3 PM at St. John’s Methodist Church, 4363 St. John’s Church Road, Blackshear, GA 31516. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1-3 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Southern Bank, Emma & Mallory Curl Fund. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Domenic Paul DiDomizio Born: Sat., Sep. 13, 1975 Died: Tue., Jan. 31, 2017 Mr. Domenic Paul DiDomizio, age 54, of Blackshear, died Tuesday (1/31/17) at his residence. Born September 12, 1975 in Waterbury, Connecticut, he had served in the United States Navy before retiring and moving to Blackshear. He was preceded in death by his parents, John P. and Ruth Rivet DiDomizio. Surviors include his sister, Diane Cooper of Middlebury, CT; and his brothers, Peter DiDomizio of Newtown, CT and Paul DiDomizio of Bantam, CT; and several other relatives. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Brenda Marie Johnson Born: Fri., Dec. 15, 1972 Died: Fri., Feb. 10, 2017 Ms. Brenda Marie Johnson, age 44, of Waycross, died Friday evening (2/10/17) at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Waycross following a short illness. Born December 15, 1972 in Blackshear, Georgia, she had lived in Augusta, GA for several years before moving to Waycross in the 1990’s. She had worked at Satilla Care Center for several years and attended Calvary Baptist Church in Waycross. She was preceded in death by her mother, Era Rebecca “Becky” Fulgham Johnson. Survivors include her father, Arnold Johnson of Waycross; her brother, Arnold Johnson, Jr. of Waycross; 2 nieces, Elaina Delgato of Virginia Beach, VA and Katelyn Johnson of Savannah; a great niece, Abbey Delgato of Virginia Beach, VA; a special friend, Libby Ruger of Waycross; her aunts, Barbara Johnson of Waycross and Jacqueline Johnson of Hahira; her uncles, Sam Johnson of Waycross, Charles Fulgham (wife Debbie) of Waycross, and Hillary Fulgham of Hawaii; and several other relatives and friends. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday (2/14/17) at 11 AM at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Carson officiating. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Melvin Wilson Born: Tue., Nov. 30, 1954 Died: Sun., Feb. 19, 2017 Mr. Melvin Wilson, age 62, of Blackshear died Sunday night (2/19/17) at his residence following his second courageous battle with cancer. Born November 30, 1954 in Waycross, he was a son of the late Frank and Clio Bennett Wilson. He lived all of his life in Ware and Pierce Counties and was retired from Gilman Building Products as a machine operator. He enjoyed fishing and watching drag racing and NASCAR. He also enjoyed raising chickens. He loved spending time with his family and friends and especially enjoyed his grandchildren. He had attended Indian Mound Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Eric Moore; two sisters, Lillie Conners and Laura Ann Yeomans; and two brothers, Dennis Wilson and Leeo Wilson. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Connie Sue Calhoun Wilson; his children, Jeremy Kinney (wife Patricia) of Waycross, Melinda Wilson (David Springsteen) of Waycross, and Margie Harper (Quentin Buchanan) of Blackshear; grandchildren, Holly Sweat, Brianna Lowe, Bethany Lowe, and Melvin Buchanan, all of Blackshear, and Kaitlynn Hodges, Jessica Hodges, and Nathan Leatherman, all of Waycross; two sisters, Linda Sue Sweat (husband Randy) of Nicholls and Linnie May Taylor (husband Joe) of Blackshear; two brothers, Wayne Wilson (wife Faye) of Blackshear and Raymond Wilson (wife Janice) of Waycross; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. A funeral service will take place Thursday (2/23/17) at 11 AM at Indian Mound Baptist Church in Millwood, GA. Burial will follow in the Indian Mound Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Southeast Cancer Unit, 401 Pendleton Street, Waycross, GA 31501. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Cecelia Grace (Penry) Broida Born: Mon., Nov. 21, 1955 Died: Mon., Feb. 20, 2017 Mrs. Cecelia Grace Penry Broida, age 61, of Blackshear, died Monday, February 20, 2017 in Pierce County. Born November 21, 1955 in Anderson, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Hershel and Josephine Barbara Sokol Penry. She lived many years in Indiana before moving to Largo, FL for several years. She moved to Pierce County in the mid 2000’s. She was a member of True Life Church in Patterson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Joseph Broida (1935-2015). Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Diana and Jack Pierce of Lorida, FL; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. Memorialization will be by cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to True Life Church, 3437 Drawdy Street, Patterson, GA 31557. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home in Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Irma (Howell) Groover Born: Sat., Jul. 9, 1938 Died: Tue., Mar. 7, 2017 Irma Loueen Howell Groover, 78, of James Loop, Blackshear, died suddenly Tuesday evening, (3/7/17) at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Waycross. She was born July 9, 1938 in Pierce County, the oldest of eleven children born to the late Lottie Lee Howell and Harvey Howell. She was also preceded in death by her husband, David “Rothell” Groover Sr., and her first child, an infant son born August, 1958, and five brothers-in-law, Thurmond Groover, Terry Best, Burt Peacock, Eugene Crawford, and John White. At 16 years of age, she joined the St. John’s Methodist Church in 1954, and it was here she married the love of her life, Rothell Groover Sr. on September 7, 1957, and was a faithful and devoted wife for 35 years until God called him home on March 16, 1992. She was a very loving mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. A lifelong resident of Pierce County, she graduated from Blackshear High School in 1957. She was a faithful and dedicated member at St. John’s Church for 55 years and was active in the St. John’s United Methodist Women for a number of years. She was currently a member at Shady Grove Baptist Church. Irma was a good neighbor and loved people. She loved to cook and would prepare meals to carry to the sick and shut-ins. Besides being a housewife and mother, Irma held a variety of jobs including Pierce County Farm Bureau during her early working years. Along with her husband, she worked at the Jot-Em-Down Store and later owned and operated this business for many years. After the store closed, she worked at Rockingham and Ithaca sewing factories in Alma. In 1998 she received her CNA certification and was a private care-giver for over 15 years in Pierce, Bacon and Ware counties. She enjoyed attending the Pierce County Senior Center and participating in all their activities. Survivors include her 3 children, David Groover (wife Tammy) of Ty Ty, GA, Brian Groover of Blackshear, and Anna Rhodes (husband Hubert) of Brunswick; grandchildren, Brook Perez (husband Diego) of Brunswick, Emily Pritchett (husband Jesse) of Atlanta, and James Krieg of Salt Lake City, Utah; two great grandchildren, MaryJane and Catherine Elizabeth Perez, both of Brunswick; her siblings, Carole Groover of Ellabell, Leola Crawford (husband Donald) of Savannah, Linda Sapp (husband Allen) of Blackshear, Margie Hutchinson (husband Wayne) of Blackshear, Charlene Best of Savannah, Verdia White of Blackshear, Sandra Peacock of Alma, Harvey Howell (wife Dorothea) of Warrensburg, Missouri, Danny Howell (wife Judy) of Blackshear, and Tommy Howell of Blackshear; a sister-in-law, Norene Bennett (husband Jerry) of Valdosta; special friends, Norma Waters Walker and family, and Melvene Britton, all of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place Saturday (3/11/17) at 10 AM at Shady Grove Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Ramah Cemetery in Pierce County. The family will receive friends on Friday evening (3/10/17) from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ramah Cemetery Fund, 3434 W. Horseshoe Road, Blackshear, GA 31516. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Anita Courson Born: Sat., Nov. 26, 1955 Died: Sun., Mar. 12, 2017 Ms. Anita Courson, age 61, of Blackshear, died late Sunday night (3/12/17) at the Pierce County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Born November 26, 1955 in Screven, GA, she was a daughter of Una Vee Thornton Courson and the late John Edward Courson. She lived most of her life in Pierce County where she was a homemaker. She was a member of Offerman Baptist Church. In addition to her mother, survivors include her 2 sisters, Sylvia Spivey (husband Dannie) of Waycross and Barbara Bullard (husband Garry) of Patterson; her aunts and uncles, Winton and Wilma Thornton of Blackshear, Vera Johnson of Patterson, and Janie and Travis Johnson of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place Wednesday (3/15/17) at 11 AM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Southeast Cancer Unit, 401 Pendleton Street, Waycross, GA 31501. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Wallace Wendell Bennett Born: Fri., Jan. 10, 1941 Died: Fri., Mar. 17, 2017 Mr. Wallace Wendell Bennett, “Fiddler/Wally”, age 76, of Mershon, Georgia, died Friday morning (March 17, 2017) at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Waycross, Georgia. Born January 10, 1941 in Pierce County, he was a son of the late James Ehrlich Bennett, Sr. and late Nettie Pearl Bennett. He married Linda Taylor Bennett of Waycross, Georgia in 1970 and for the past 47 years, they have lived, worked and raised their family in the Ramah community. Wallace was a 1959 graduate of Blackshear High School where he ran track, was a standout basketball player and captain of the school team. After high school, Wallace attended Middle Georgia College and later took numerous business and electronic courses. He joined the United States Air Force in 1963 during the Vietnam Era and helped maintain aircraft. His love for the soil, however always led him to farming. The rich soil of his land slightly north of Ramah Church allowed him to experience his love for the soil and to provide well for his family. He demonstrated his love for Christ with his servanthood of Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School Teacher at Shady Grove Baptist Church. The strength, courage and positive attitude he demonstrated was a model for all who knew him. He battled many health obstacles through the years with courage but most of all peace. He fought meningitis, colon cancer, heart attack and finally renal failure. Even the demands of continual dialysis could not break his uncomplaining spirit. Wallace’s life was expressed by one of his nephews, Justin Bridges. “I think maybe the greatest thing a man can do is to put a crop into the ground. To put faith in his own intuition and in nature. To devote his entire existence to the notion that God will provide.” Justin continues, “If I could live a life half as honorable as my Uncle Wallace Bennett, I, too, would be proud to die today.” His children and grandchildren describe him as friend to all, loving, stubborn, iron-willed, genuine, humble, generous, sincere, authentic, patient, kind, and “Our Gramps”. This tremendous love for family was his trademark. He leaves behind his wife Linda, and his four children: Wendy Bennett Courson (Bailey) of Summerville, SC, Brandon Bennett (Amy) of Tifton, GA, Julie Bennett Godfrey (Kenneth) of Houston, TX and Andrew Bennett (Ashley) of Mershon, GA.; his nine grandchildren, Chandler Courson and Connor Courson of Summerville, SC, Bekah Bennett and Brittany Bennett of Jesup, GA, Alexander Godfrey and Christian Godfrey of Houston, TX and Chase Bennett, Jacob Bennett and Maybri Bennett of Mershon, GA.; three siblings: Kenneth Bennett (Faye) of Blackshear, GA; JoAnna Bennett Bridges (James) of Valdosta, GA: and Stanley Bennett (Ann) of Blackshear, GA. ; his mother-in-law, Susie Hall Taylor of Blackshear, GA,; his sister-in-law, Mary Taylor Carnahan (Elden) of Laurel, MD; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his siblings, James Ehrlich (J.E.) Bennett, Jr., Calvin Delano Bennett, and Mary Quindolyn “Quinnie” Flannery. A funeral service will be held Monday, March 20, 2017, at 1:00 pm at Shady Grove Baptist Church 2909 Highway 203 Alma, GA. Burial will be in the Ramah Cemetery on land given to the church by his grandfather, J R Bennett. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening, March 19, 2017, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the funeral home. Active pallbearers will be James Bennett, Rodney Bennett, Neal Bennett, Greg Bennett, Ashley Bennett, Ramsey Bennett, Jason Bridges, Justin Bridges, Cary Bennett, Clark Bennett, Grant Bennett, and Glenn Strickland. Honorary Pallbearers will be Earl and Roselyn Lovell, Larry and Jean Jordan, Darrell and Jan Dixon, Gary and Bobbi DePratter, and Neil and Arlene Jones. Please be at the church by 12:40 PM on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, NY, NY 10016 or visit www. kidney.org. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home in Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Barbara Sharon (Luke) Thornton Batten Born: Fri., Mar. 5, 1948 Died: Tue., Apr. 4, 2017 Mrs. Barbara Sharon Luke Thornton Batten, age 69, of Blackshear, died Tuesday evening (4/4/17) at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Waycross following a short illness. Born March 5, 1948 in Blackshear, she was a daughter of the late Arnold and Blanche Pierce Luke. She was a lifelong resident of Pierce County where she had worked for the Blackshear Shoe Factory, Blackshear Jacket Factory, and as a clerk for Dollar General. She was a member of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church in Patterson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Carolyn Courson and Latrelle Baggs. Survivors include her 2 sons, Jason Thornton and Ryan Thornton, both of Blackshear; 4 grandchildren, Brittany Thornton, Heather Thornton, and Jasmine Thornton, all of Blackshear, and Lexi Thornton of Baxley; 3 step children, Rhonda Gardner (husband Tony) and Tina Batten, both of Woodbine, and Steven Batten (wife Lavern) of Kingsland; her special nieces and nephews, Melanie Pittman, Angela Manders, Bobby Courson, and James Courson, all of Blackshear; special friends, Susan King, Earnestine Scurry, and Mary Beverly, all of Blackshear, and Cordia Gibbens of Tampa, FL; and several other relatives. A funeral service will take place Friday (4/7/17) at 11 AM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Ramah Cemetery in Mershon. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, Attn. Elder Alvin/Betty Johnson, 2185 Richard King Road, Patterson, GA 31557. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Kathy Angela (Thornton) Callahan Born: Tue., Mar. 6, 1951 Died: Wed., Apr. 5, 2017 Mrs. Kathy Angela Thornton Callahan, age 66, of Blackshear, died early Wednesday morning (4/5/17) at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross following an extended illness. Born March 6, 1951 in Waycross, she was the daughter of Conrad Thornton and the late Betty Carolyn Byrd Thornton. She lived most of her life in Ware and Pierce Counties where she had worked as a telephone operator with Bellsouth, para professional with the school system, and was a realtor with Monroe Realty. She attended First Baptist Church in Blackshear. Survivors include her husband, Larry Callahan of Blackshear; her son, Daniel Alvarez (wife Dana) of Canton, GA; her daughter, Angela Alvarez Parker (husband Thomas) of Canton, GA; her step children, Craig Callahan of Coral Springs, Fl, and Christa Callahan and Karen Johns (husband Robert), both of Waycross; her grandchildren, Ivy Parker, Hadley Parker, Payton Parker, Joshua Parker, and Silas Alvarez, all of Canton; her father and step-mother, Conrad and Diane Thornton of Patterson; her brother, K.C. Thornton (wife Dana) of Waycross; nieces and nephews, Jet Thornton of Blackshear and Easton and Hanna Rowell, both of Waycross and; her special canine companion, Gidget; and several other relatives. A graveside funeral service will take place Sunday afternoon (4/9/17) at 2:30 PM at Oakland Cemetery in Waycross. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Joseph Edward Crawford, Sr. Born: Fri., Jun. 11, 1948 Died: Mon., Apr. 10, 2017 Mr. Joseph Edward Crawford, Sr., age 68, of Bristol, died Monday afternoon (4/10/17) at the Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Waycross following a short illness. Born June 11, 1948 in Surrency, GA, he was a son of the late Lester Lloyd and Betsy Alice Turner Crawford. He lived most of his life in Pierce County where he was a farmer for the Jack Strickland Family. He was a member of Bristol Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Barbara Stone Crawford of Bristol; 2 sons, Jody and James Crawford, both of Blackshear; 3 sisters, Winifred Sweat of Blackshear, Arlene Manning of McKinnon, GA, and Mary Mattox of Callahan, FL; 5 brothers, Clarence Crawford of Blackshear, Danny Crawford of Jacksonville, FL, Buddy Crawford of Hortense, Don Wayne Crawford of Jacksonville, FL, and Carroll Crawford of North Carolina; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday (4/12/17) at 3 PM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Bristol Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home in Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Clara Joyce (Crews) Dean Born: Fri., Mar. 4, 1932 Died: Tue., Apr. 11, 2017 Mrs. Clara Joyce Crews Dean, age 85, of Waverly, GA died Tuesday afternoon (4/11/17) at the Senior Care Center in Brunswick, GA following an extended illness. Born March 4, 1932 in Patterson, she was a daughter of the late Ronie Barton and Frances M. Crawford Crews. She lived most of her life in Pierce County before moving to Camden County in 2005. She had worked many years at the Reuben Brother’s Shoe Factory and at Julie Hat Company as a seamstress. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Blackshear. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Dean; her daughter, Brenda Gail Davis Passmore; her sisters, Doris Crews Anderson, Lucille Crews Barnard, and Shirley Crews Deal; and her brothers, J.W. Crews and Rural Crews. Survivors include her son, Keith Dean (wife Debbie) of Waverly; 4 grandchildren, Brandon Keith Dean (wife Ashley) of Waverly, Shannon Dean Aguilar (husband Frank) of Kingsland, Ryon Blake Dean of Waverly, and Phillip Davis (wife Kim) of Waycross; 8 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place Friday morning (4/14/17) at 11 AM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Blackshear City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Ruth (Murray) Inman Amonds Born: Wed., Mar. 16, 1927 Died: Wed., Apr. 12, 2017 Mrs. Ruth Murray Inman Amonds, age 90, of Blackshear, died Wednesday afternoon (4/12/17) at the Pierce County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Born March 16, 1927 in Pearson, GA, she was a daughter of the late Joseph O. and Narcissus Sizemore Murray. She lived many years in Atkinson County where she served as a stenographer for the Atkinson County Court System. She moved to Jonesboro, GA in the 1980s before moving to be near her family in Blackshear in 2009. She was a member of the Eastern Star and was a former Queen of the Amaranth. She was also a member of Jonesboro First Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Lorenzo Kenneth Inman; her second husband, Charles Amonds; her two sons, Joseph Kenneth Inman and Thomas Edward Inman; and her sister, Vernell Wall. Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Patricia Inman of Blackshear; 7 grandchildren, Amy Vollmer of Port Allegheny, PA, Sheila Inman and Rebecca Inman, both of Blackshear, Lisa Taylor and Gina Inman Selph, both of Douglas, Shonaree Inman-Music (husband Kevin) of Dallas, GA, and Marcus Tyre of Canyon Lake, TX; 11 great grandchildren, Dalton Crosby, Gracie and Van Palmer, Cheyan and Austin Breeden, all of Blackshear, Casey and Reese Vollmer of Port Alleghery, PA, Landon and Braxton Corey, both of Dallas, GA, and Andrew Selph and Addison Pridgen, both of Douglas; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday (4/15/17) at 11:00 am at Sweetwater United Methodist Church Cemetery, 2434 US 441, Pearson, GA 31642. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. --- Ray Gene Rogers Born: Thu., Aug. 26, 1954 Died: Tue., May 2, 2017 Mr. Ray Gene Rogers, age 62, of Patterson, died Tuesday morning (5/2/17) at his residence following a short illness. Born August 26, 1954 in Dania, FL, he was a son of the late James L. and Carolyn Chancey Rogers. He had lived most of his life in Florida before moving to Pierce County in 1982. He was a self-employed mechanic. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Ann "Judy" Thomas Rogers (d. Oct. 29, 2008). Survivors include his 4 sisters, Carolette Schuman of Patterson, Judy Knox (husband Terry) of Satsuma, FL, Rita Moore (husband Lewis) of Patterson, and Evelyn Rogers of Waycross; his brother, James E. Rogers (wife Dawn) of Patterson; 11 nieces and nephews; 10 great nieces and nephews; 3 great great nieces; a step-daughter; and 3 step grandchildren. A memorial service will take place on Saturday (5/6/17) at 12 PM at his residence: 6110 Leslie Drive, Patterson, GA 31557. Memorialization will be by cremation. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Gwendolyn Marie (Griffin) Tucker Born: Thu., Jul. 31, 1919 Died: Sat., May 6, 2017 Mrs. Gwendolyn Marie Griffin Tucker, 97, of Waycross, passed away Saturday (May 6, 2017) at her residence following an extended illness. She was born July 31, 1919 in Waycross to the late Phillip Eugene Griffin and Addie Ruth Deen Griffin. At her birth, her family resided on William Street, and she lived in Waycross almost her entire life. She graduated from Wacona High School in 1935. As a young person, she sang on the radio, as many local folks did when WAYX had its upstairs studio on Plant Avenue. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Carl Eugene Griffin, and her sister, Valoryn Ruth Griffin Middleton. Survivors include her two daughters, Sondra Marie Tucker Chapman and Gwendoly “Lyn” Vernonne Tucker Judah, both of Waycross; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren (she had five sets of five generations); and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She hugged and kissed her many loved ones at Heaven’s gate, Then shares with them the joy of her new-found fate. She goes on and on about the ones she left behind; It’s going to take a while, because she was Grandma to all mankind. Now God bestows the heavenly rewards upon her head, As always, shares them others instead. She now receives the deed to her new Heavenly mansion; To make room for all of us, she’s already planning the expansion. She started working on it as soon as she left the room. So Grandma wished for all to understand That God is the Key to the Eternal Land. If you choose Him before it’s too late, Grandma will meet you at Heaven’s gate. On Saturday, May 27, the family will gather at Union Hill Church in remembrance of “Granny T”. Memorialization is by cremation. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home in Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Christine (Reeves) Murray Born: Thu., Apr. 4, 1929 Died: Wed., May 10, 2017 Mrs. Christine Reeves Murray, age 88, of Blackshear, died early Wednesday morning (5/10/17) at the Pierce County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Born April 4, 1929 in Appling County, she was a daughter of the late James Edward and Eunice Stone Reeves. She lived most of her life in Blackshear where she was a longtime store clerk at Red & White Grocery. She was a longtime volunteer with the Pierce County Nursing Home Auxiliary, the Pierce County 4-H Program, and always enjoyed her time as a Pierce County Board of Elections Poll Worker. She was also the last remaining charter member of Ward Memorial United Methodist Church. Her family will remember her as a loving mother and grandmother, putting their needs ahead of her own many times. Always laughing and enjoying life, she was a friend to many, and a stranger to no one who crossed her path. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Jackson Murray; a great grandson, Isaac Lightsey; two sisters, Eveline Reeves Peacock and Ethel Reeves Hipps; and her two brothers, W.M. Reeves and J.C. Reeves. Survivors include her two sons, Gary Murray (wife Carol) and Terry Murray (wife Stephanie), all of Blackshear; 4 grandchildren, Tony Murray (wife Kelly) of Offerman, Tiffany Murray Ross (husband Morgan) of Blackshear, Ursula Murray Lightsey (husband Brian) of Screven, and Tyler Murray (wife Caroline) of Mershon; 6 great grandchildren, Caitlyn Kenney of Blackshear, Mason and Madison Ross, both of Blackshear, Malachi and Blakelee Lightsey , both of Screven, and Russ and Callie Murray, both of Mershon; a sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Alvin Sellers of Baxley; a special friend, Kristen Sloan of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place Friday (5/12/17) at 11 AM at Ward Memorial United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Walkerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Ward Memorial United Methodist Church, 939 Hendry Street, Blackshear, GA 31516 or to the Pierce County Nursing Home, Attn: Auxiliary Beauty Shop Supplies, 221 Carter Avenue, Blackshear, GA 31516. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Darrell Irving Lee Born: Thu., Mar. 4, 1954 Died: Sat., May 20, 2017 Mr. Darrell Irving Lee, age 63, of Blackshear, died early Saturday morning (5/20/17) at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House following an extended illness. Born March 4, 1954 in Waycross, he was a son of the late Noah Albert and Lizzie Inez Dowling Lee. He lived most of his life in Pierce County where he has worked with his family in construction for many years. He was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Louise James and Wynelle Groover; and 3 brothers, Gary Lee, Tommy Lee, and Arland Lee. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Vivian Batten Lee of Blackshear; his son, Stanley Lee (wife Stacy) of Blackshear; 2 daughters, Charlene Dillinger (husband Donald) of Jesup and Christina Odle (husband Doug) of Blackshear; 10 grandchildren, Jeffrey Lee, Kimberly Reynolds, and Haley Scott, all of Waycross, Brittany Higgs-Lee, Brigitte Lee, Gracie Odle, and JD Odle, all of Blackshear, Christian Dillinger of Molino, FL, Donald Dillinger, Jr. (wife Krista) of Jesup, and Geromy Dillinger of Yokosuka, Japan; 3 sisters, Glenda Inman (husband W.D.) of Valdosta, Helen Burney (husband James) of Blackshear, and Patricia Mejia (husband Louis) of Blackshear; 2 brothers, Raynell Lee (wife Bernice) of Waycross and Hayden Lee of Hortense; his father-in-law, Waldo Batten of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place Tuesday morning (5/23/17) at 11 AM at Youmans Chapel Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the High Bluff Cemetery in Brantley County. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. The family will be gathering at the home of Mr. Waldo Batten, 6496 Youmans Chapel Road, Blackshear. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Annie Jeanette (Douberly) Lowman Born: Wed., Jun. 15, 1932 Died: Thu., May 25, 2017 Mrs. Annie Jeanette Douberly Lowman, age 84, of Patterson, died Thursday morning (5/25/2017) at the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside in Jacksonville, FL following a short illness. A lifelong resident of Pierce County, she was born June 15, 1932 to the late Henry Willy Douberly and Macie Yawn Douberly Crowder. She was a housewife and a longtime member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Patterson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Lloyd Lowman; her son, Danny Lowman; a grandson, Timmy Lowman; her sisters, Maude Strickland, Martha Taylor, Mary Traugott, Sally Little, and Inez Colley; and her brothers, Richard Douberly, Romie Douberly, Arnold Douberly, Robert Douberly, Wiley Douberly, Purdie Douberly, and Jimmy Douberly. Survivors include her two daughters, Linda Herrin of Hoboken, GA and Casey Smith (husband John) of Waycross; 6 grandchildren, Adam Herrin (wife Miranda) and Abigail Taylor (husband Josh), both of Patterson, Sabrina Stevens (husband David) of Blackshear, Michael Smith (wife Anna), Gil Smith (wife Christie Anna), and Jacob Smith, all of Waycross; 11 great grandchildren, Will Lowman of Atlanta, Neile Lowman, Allie Reese Herrin, and Josh Taylor, Jr., all of Patterson, Nathan Smith of Darien, Cameron Hambrick, Summer Hambrick, and Matthew Davis, all of Waycross, and Levin Guinn, Ayden Stevens, and Macy Stevens, all of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place on Saturday (5/27/17) at 4 PM at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Mill Creek Cemetery in Patterson. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Travis "Goober" Batten Born: Thu., Dec. 28, 1950 Died: Sat., May 27, 2017 Mr. Travis D. “Goober” Batten, age 66, of Waycross, died early Saturday morning at the Hospice of the Golden Isles following a short illness. Born December 28, 1950 in Blackshear, GA, he was a son of the late Edward Daniel “E.D.” and Kathleen Eason Batten. He lived most of his life in Ware County and was retired from the Swisher International Cigar Factory in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a veteran, having served in the US Marines, and was a member of Freedom Southern Congregational Methodist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Rickey Batten. Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Geneva Batten of Waycross; 3 daughters, Katie Batten of California, Roxanne McQuaig (husband Chris) of Alma, and Lori Rouse (husband Wayne) of Waycross; his son, Travis “T.J” Batten of California; grandchildren, Harlie Hall of Alma, and Shelby and Randi Rouse, both of Waycross; his brother and sister-in-law, Danny Ray and Helen Batten of Patterson; 2 special nieces, Hannah Duncan (husband Eric) of Brunswick and Rachel Batten of Waycross; and several other relatives. A funeral service will take place Wednesday (5/31/17) at 11 AM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Hephzibah Cemetery in Ware County. The family will receive friends on Wednesday at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Bennie James Crews Born: Tue., Nov. 19, 1940 Died: Tue., May 30, 2017 Mr. Bennie James Crews, age 76, of Blackshear, died Tuesday morning (5/30/17) at his residence following an extended illness. Born November 19, 1940 in Blackshear, he was a son of the late Ira B. and Nola Dowling Crews. He was a veteran, having served in the US Army. He was stationed in Germany and was an auto repairman. He returned to Blackshear where he was a contractor and started Crews Construction in 1976, and continues in operation today through his son, Bryan. He was known as an excellent craftsman, doing many years of work in commercial and residential construction, as well as many remodeling jobs. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, was a well-known dog handler and trainer, and enjoyed the many times of fellowship with his hunting buddies. He was a longtime member of the Pierce County Hunting Club, the Pierce County Fox Hunters Association, and several other hunting clubs in southeast Georgia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elenita Moody; and 2 brothers, Thomas Crews and Willie Crews. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Virginia McCall Crews of Blackshear; his son, Bryan Crews (wife Lynn) of Blackshear; 2 daughters, Tammy Miller and Cindy Dennison, both of Blackshear; 3 grandchildren, B.J. Crews of Blackshear, Chris Crews of Brunswick, and Megan Dennison of Blackshear; 5 great grandchildren, Blaine and Julian Crews, both of Arkansas, Nate and Trinity Duval, both of Texas, and Braylee Dennison of Blackshear; 1 sister, Mary Frances Strickland of Hortense; 1 brother, Donahue Crews (wife Clarice) of Woodbine; his best friends from Blackshear, Theron Strickland, Woodson Dixon, Jimmy Byrd, B.H. Tanner, and Roy Gilleon and Billy Cochran (who along with Bennie called themselves “The Three Musketeers”); and many other friends and relatives. A memorial service will take place on Friday (6/2/17) at 3 PM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Terry Lee Kladis Born: Mon., Dec. 28, 1953 Died: Fri., Jun. 2, 2017 Mr. Terry Lee Kladis, age 63, of Blackshear, died late Friday night (6/2/2017) at his residence following an extended illness. Born December 26, 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri, he was a son of the late William H. and Emma E. Kladis. He lived many years in Missouri where he was a brick layer. He moved to Pierce County in 2000 and was employed as a forklift operator at Americana Tire. He was of the Catholic faith. Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Melody Kim Kladis of Blackshear; his mother-in-law, Phyllis Buck of Blackshear; and several other relatives. Memorialization will be by cremation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kladis Family, C/O Hart Funeral Home, PO Box 283, Blackshear, GA 31516. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.hartfh.com Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Colin Lee Williamson Born: Sun., Aug. 17, 1952 Died: Mon., Jun. 12, 2017 Mr. Colin Lee Williamson, age 64, of Blackshear, died early Monday morning (6/12/17) at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross following an extended illness. Born August 17, 1952, he was the youngest son of Alvin and Hilda Bowen Williamson, who were his caregivers until they were called “Home”. He came into this world with a handicap that he carried his entire life, but never a burden. Early in his childhood, there were recommendations that he be placed in a home for mentally handicapped individuals, but his Mom and Dad would never consider such a thought. They were proud of their sons, and Colin was the one that was very special. His mama always called him here “Special Angel”. They took him everywhere they went: football games, basketball games, church, or anywhere they would take their other sons. He was never left out and they were never ashamed of his inability to be like the other children. Most of the students that attended Blackshear High School during the 1960’s knew Colin as the brother of Victor, Mike, and Randy, and Colin was loved and protected by them as he was their friend also. Colin was a member of the Blackshear Presbyterian Church, where he loved to hear and sing along to the music. He could memorize the words to the songs that most would have problems even reading out of a hymnal. Music was very important to Colin as it gave him a method of communication with others. He had a record and tape collection that filled his entire bedroom. He was also blessed with a memory that no one could match. If he ever met someone and they told him who they were, he would always remember them. He was a resident of the Pierce County Nursing Home for the past several years and loved all his friends and caregivers there. He knew that he was loved in return. He was the unofficial elevator monitor and greeter at the elevator door. All who passed was greeted by Colin with a smile and “Do You Love Me?” His handicap did not hinder him from loving everyone that he came into contact with. Colin never met a stranger, never used profanity, never said anything bad about anyone, and never broke any of the Ten Commandments. Can you say that about yourself? For the past several weeks, Colin struggled due to a unfortunate fall. During this period of time, he’s had a community praying from him. They’ve prayed for God’s will to be done. God’s will was done and his struggle is now over. His mama’s “Special Angel” is there with her now, and a happy reunion took place as he entered the gates of Heaven. He is listening to music, singing, worshipping our Savior, and most likely asking “Do you Love Me?” Of course, all those left here on earth and those in Heaven love him, now and forever. But thankfully, he’s healed, and whole! Along with his parents, he joins his maternal grandparents, Robert L. and Ida Bowen; his paternal grandparents, Colin and Minnie Williamson; and all of his aunts and uncles. Survivors include his three brothers, Victor Williamson of Greenville, S.C., Mike Williamson (wife Ina) of Fleming Island, FL, and Randy Williamson (wife Brenda) of Blackshear; an aunt, Rena Bowen of Blackshear; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place on Thursday (6/15/17) at 11 AM at the Blackshear Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in the Blackshear City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Blackshear Presbyterian Church, In Memory of Colin Williamson, 432 Main Street, Blackshear, GA 31516. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Joshua Steven Howell Born: Sat., Apr. 25, 1987 Died: Wed., Jun. 21, 2017 Mr. Joshua Steven Howell, age 30, of Blackshear, died Wednesday (6/21/17) in Pierce County following a short illness. Born April 25, 1987 in Waycross, he had lived most of his life in Pierce County. He enjoyed doing a lot of odd-and-end jobs through the years. Preceding him in death was his paternal grandfather, Toomer Howell and an aunt, Sue Howell Hendrix. Survivors include his mother and step-father, Lisa and Ralph Hilliard of Hilliard, FL; father, Steven Howell of Blackshear; brother, Brandon Smith of Hilliard, FL; sister, Amanda Lynn Thornton (husband Joseph) of Reidsville; his paternal grandmother, Elwanda Howell of Blackshear; his maternal grandmother, Linda Thornton of Patterson; his maternal grandfather, David Earl Chancey of Spring Hill, FL; an aunt, Shirley Phillips of Blackshear; and several other relatives. A memorial service will take place on Saturday (6/24/17) at 6 PM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- James "Jimmy" Reavis Jeffers Born: Fri., Aug. 24, 1951 Died: Sat., Jul. 1, 2017 Mr. James Reavis “Jimmy” Jeffers, age 65, of Patterson, died early Saturday morning (7/1/17) at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside (Jacksonville, Florida) following a short illness. A Waycross native, he was born August 24, 1951 to the late William Henry “Rock” Jeffers and Dorothy Deen Jeffers Harris. He lived many years in Ware County before moving to Pierce County in 2006. He was retired as the superintendent for the Ware County Public Works Department following 22 years of service. He enjoyed music and singing, having been the lead singer and guitarist for his former band, Kountry Knights. He was of the Pentecostal faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Jeffers. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Liz Simpson Jeffers of Patterson; 2 daughters, Jennifer Gordon (Randy Clotfelter) of Baxley and Jessyka Scurry (husband Bo) of Waycross; 6 grandchildren, Brittny Gordon of Waycross, Brooke Gordon of Valdosta, and Skyler, Gracie, Jenna, and Rock Scurry, all of Waycross; his sister, Becky Hayes (husband Paul) of Blackshear; his brother, Billy Jeffers (wife Debra) of Blackshear; extended family, Sam Gordon and his children, Kaitlyn Griffin, Sarah Gordon, Molly Gordon, and Luke Waters; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A funeral service will take place Tuesday evening (7/4/2017) at 7 PM in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5 PM until time of the service. A private burial will take place at a later date. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- Margaret Reed Born: Wed., Apr. 26, 1933 Died: Fri., Jul. 28, 2017 Mrs. Margaret Reed, age 84, of Baxley, GA, died Friday evening (7/28/2017) at Waycross Health and Rehabilitation in Waycross following an extended illness. Born April 26, 1933 in Rochester, New York, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Margaret Warner Reed. She had worked for many years as a bookkeeper in accounting. Survivors include two sons, Paul Miller (Donna Graziosi) and Reaven Waters (Janese Ray), both of Baxley; two daughters, Moren Miller of Rochester, NY and Cheryl Miller of Bradenton, FL; a brother, James Reed of Rochester, NY; and several other relatives. Memorialization is by cremation. Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. --- ~ ~ ~ END ~ ~ ~