Obituaries for May 31, 2007

Al W. Anderson, 42

Al W. Anderson, 42, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center, after a long illness.

He was a native of Chatham County but resided in Collins for many years. He was a member of West Rome Baptist Church and graduated from Georgia School for the Deaf.

Al was preceded in death by his father, Charles B. Anderson and grandfather, Clyo Sapp, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Hope Anderson of Conyers; his mother, Lois Anderson of Collins; one son, Travis Anderson of Statesboro; one daughter, Tara Anderson of Conyers; one brother, Ricky Anderson of Collins; one sister, Sherri Hendrix of Claxton; maternal grandmother, Doris Sapp of Hagan; paternal grandparents, Jeff and Lorie Anderson of Manassas; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Sunday, May 27, 2007, at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. David Hagan officiating. Burial was at Old Anderson Cemetery.

A college fund will be established at the Claxton Bank for his son and daughter.

J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Stephen R. Blackburn, 73

Mr. Stephen R. Blackburn, 73, passed away early Monday morning, May 28, 2007, at Tattnall Health Care Center in Reidsville, under the care of Georgia Home Healthcare Hospice. The Screven County native had lived in Tybee Island many years, before moving to Reidsville 35 years ago. The US Navy veteran served in the Korean Conflict. He was retired from Tattnall County Board of Commission as a shop foreman and attended Friendship Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Blackburn and Gussie Lee Massey Blackburn.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Gladys J. Blackburn of Reidsville; a daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Roy Keen of Richmond Hill; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Leslie Saggus of South Port, NC and Scott and Angie Saggus of Reidsville; a sister, Laverne B. Martin of Savannah; six grandchildren, Catherine Lauren Kirk, Charles Thomas Kirk IV, Melissa Saggus, Hannah King, Hailey King, and Emiley Hayden Saggus; one great-grandchild, Mikey Phillips; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Cheyene Rewis, Jeffery Brian Terry, Lee Davis, Austin Debevec, Samuel Lewis Featherston, and Brian Hill. Honorary pallbearers were Billy Hayslip and David Smith.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at the Chapel of Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home with Rev. Alan Rea officiating. Interment followed in the Reidsville City Cemetery.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Elizabeth Jones Brannen, 71

Elizabeth Jones Brannen, 71, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2007, at Glenvue Nursing Home after an extended illness. The Tattnall County native had lived in this area all of her life. She and her husband owned and operated Brannen’s Gulf and Exxon Service Stations in Glennville for many years. She was a member of First Christian Church in Glennville. She was preceded in death by her husband, H.C. Brannen; a son, Ricky Brannen and a brother, Talmadge Jones.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Vicki Kyle and Pandy Wheeler both of Bluffton, SC, Gilda and Michael Rogers of Claxton, Edna and Alan Long of Opelika, AL, and Debbie and Dale Tatum of Glennville; son and daughter-in-law, Wally and Johnna Brannen of Glennville; daughter-in-law, Leila Brannen of Ludowici; brother, Glenn Jones of Reidsville; nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday, May 28 at the First Christian Church in Glennville, with Reverend James Crockett officiating. Burial followed in the Glennville City Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Brandon Jones, Ricky Jones, John Wingate, Ronnie Jones, Randy Canady and Jordy Brannen.

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home in Glennville was in charge of the arrangements.

Thelma Simmons Foy, 72

Thelma Simmons Foy, 72 , passed away early Saturday morning, May 26, 2007, at the Accord Nursing Center in Glenwood under the care of Community Hospice. The Tattnall County native had lived in Claxton all of her life. She was a homemaker and a member of the Antioch Baptist Church. Mrs. Foy was preceded in death by her parents, I.J. and Ruth Simmons; a son, Randall Foy; a brother, Howell Simmons and two sisters, Vadnea Kicklighter and JoAnne Hatfield.

She is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Pat and Julian Cannon of Collins, Kathy and Donnie Kuhns and Marie Foy, all of Claxton, and Nancy and Joe Cartwright of Glenwood; three sons and daughter-in-law, Roger and Sally Foy of Claxton, Alex Foy of Florida, and Ricky Foy of Sparks; two sisters and brother-in-law, Barbara and Bill Mathews of Gonzalez, LA, and Fosteen Cordon of Roy, UT; a special niece and nephew, Pam Hendrix of Claxton and Roy Register of Jesup.

Pallbearers were Adam Foy, Josh Foy, Andy Lewis, Richard Foy, Cody Dotson and Donald Lewis.

Funeral services were held Monday, May 28, 2007, at Antioch Baptist Church in Claxton, with Rev. Edward Brannen officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge.

Jaden Elizabeth Grooms, infant

Jaden Elizabeth Grooms, infant daughter of Adam and Candice Grooms of Glennville, died Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at Meadows Regional Medical Center.

She is survived by her parents, Adam and Candice Grooms of Glennville; maternal grandparents, Jeff and Sandra Henry of Reidsville and Donald Strickland of Metter; paternal grandparents, Kenny Grooms of Glennville and Brenda and Raymond Smith of Claxton; maternal great-grandmothers, Jackie Curl of Reidsville and Doris Strickland of Metter; paternal great-grandparents, Naomi Waters and Jackie and Roscoe Odom, all of Glennville.

Graveside funeral services were held Saturday, May 26, 2007, at Collins Baptist Church Cemetery.

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home, Reidsville Chapel, was in charge of the arrangements.

Randy Johns, 59

Randy Johns, 59, died Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at his residence. The Volusia County, Florida native had lived in Florida before moving to this area ten years ago.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Valerie and Calvin Johns and brothers, Dickie and Timothy Johns.

He is survived by brothers and sisters, Ronald Johns of Gainsville, FL, Harry Johns of Orangeburg, SC, Melody Whiteside of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Lani Hodges of Gainesville, FL, Danny Johns of Glennville, and Sherry Howard of Atlanta; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be private at a later date.

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home, Glennville Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Gene Franklin Kennedy, 74

Gene Franklin Kennedy, 74, of McDonough, GA, passed away May 23, 2007, after a long illness. He was born November 8, 1932, in Glennville, GA, to the late Eula Mae and Robert Carl Kennedy. He served his country in the US Army (1949-1953) and graduated from Florida Tech (Tampa). He was a member of the YARRAB Shrine Temple of Atlanta, a Past Commandeer of the Legion of Honor, as a personal aide to the Potentate for several years, and a member of the American Legion Post 77 in Conyers. He was a brother of the Master’s Lodge 295, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was also member of the Tucker Shrine Club.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lee F. Kennedy, of Conyers; two daughters, Cindi A. Dunbar of Winder, and Kelly J. Gibbs of Conyers; a son, Barry L. Kennedy, of Lawrenceville; five grandchildren, Georgia Lee Ramsey, Alex Gibbs, Cory Cothran, Kimberly and Kristin Kennedy and two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Ansley Ramsey; twelve brothers and sisters, Bert Jones, Jim Bo’ Kennedy, Carolyn Taylor, Wayne Kennedy, Lula Kenney, Winton Kennedy, Brenda Parker, Dale Kennedy, Charlie Kennedy, Lavene Bell, Donna Wood, and Royce Kennedy; he was preceded in death by his brothers, Clifton Kennedy and Roger Kennedy; and a sister, Martha Purvis.

The memorial service to honor his life will be announced at a later date.

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers donations be made to the YARRAB Shrine Hospital Fund or the Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, Conyers, GA in memory of Mr. Kennedy.

Express condolences at www.ajc.com/obits.

Louis Morgan, 93

Mr. Louis Morgan, 93, of Cobbtown, passed away Sunday evening, May 27, 2007, at his home. He was born in Tattnall County and lived in Toombs County a few years before returning to Tattnall. Mr. Louis was a farmer, an avid fisherman, a devoted husband and daddy. His greatest desire was peace and unity within his family. He loved the Lord and was of the Pentecostal faith. He was well known for making and distributing Louis Morgan Syrup. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Maudeena Mack Morgan; son, David Morgan; grandson, Marty Morgan; and son-in-law, Billy Driggers.

He is survived by five sons, James and John Morgan both of Metter, Jimmy, Ronny and Donny Morgan all of Cobbtown; five daughters, Thelma Mack of Pooler, Lois Monroe of Bloomingdale, Joyce Driggers, Marti Palmer and Patsy Martin all of Statesboro; sister, Louise Mack of Bloomingdale; 29 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, with burial in the Sunlight Cemetery. Ministers were Rev. Ronald Warren, Rev. Michael Mack and Rev. Lois Monroe. Grandsons served as pallbearers and granddaughters were honoraries.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, was in charge of the arrangements.

Terry E. Moseley, 52

Terry E. Moseley, 52, of Oakwood died Wednesday, May 23, 2007, of an automobile accident.

He was self employed and co-owner of and CEO-M&H Contracting, Inc and President of Real Team Investors, Inc. and vice President of Proactive Alert Systems, all of Oakwood, GA. Terry moved to Atlanta area when he was 20 years of age. He began his career painting houses and the business grew substantially under the name A-Olympic Painting. He partnered with his current wife of 19 years and the business grew into a custom homebuilder, home remodels, painting and repairs, with thousands of clients spread across North Georgia. He loved camping and fishing. He and his wife, Pamela, were avid fishermen who spent every spare moment fishing. They had been members of several local fishing tournaments.

He was survived by his wife, Pamela Harrell Moseley; sons and daughters-in-law, Nick and Chastity Harrell, Terry Lee Moseley, Dennis and Becky Moseley; daughters and son-in-law, Jeff and Michelle Hanna, Amanda Moseley; grandchildren, Luke Moseley, Connor Hanna, Morgan Hanna, Jordan Hanna, Jackson Moseley; mother, Betty Riggs and partner Ed Mosley, father and step-mother, Harold and Pat Moseley; grandmother, Miss Ruby Lynn; sisters and brother-in-law, Joy Mariani and Judy and Gene Sheaffer; brother and sister-in-law, Glynn and Priscilla Moseley; special children, April, Leland and Alison Amerson, Terry was also an uncle and great uncle to Laura, Ryan, Jamie, Dustin, Kristin, Rene, Jennifer, Alex, Aaron, Ashton, Abby, Evan, Cameron and Jessie and his favorite dog Jack Moseley.

Funeral Services were held on Sunday, May 27 at Memorial Park South Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Robbie Foster officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Upper Chattahoochee River Keepers, 916 Lowery Blvd, Suite 3, Atlanta, GA 30318, 404-352-9828.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home and Cemetery was in charge of all the arrangements.

Paul M. Purcell, 63

Paul M. Purcell died May 28 at Satilla Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Paul was born June 4, 1943, in Long County, Georgia to the late Lonnie Lawton Purcell and Edith Davis Purcell of Glennville, Georgia. He graduated from Glenville High School in 1961 where he was valedictorian, class president, star student and a talented basketball player. Paul attended the University of Miami on a basketball scholarship. In his sophomore college year, he suffered a severe knee injury and transferred to the University of Georgia where he graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry in June 1966.

In January 1966, Paul married his high school sweetheart, Eve Purcell. In 1967, Paul took a job with the Farmers Home Administration (USDA Rural Development) in Waycross. Paul’s dedication and hard work was rewarded as he was promoted to Supervisor, Area Loan Specialist and Area Director. He retired in July 2005 after nearly 40 years of service. Paul always took pride in his job and treasured the friendship he had with his Rural Development family.

Paul loved people, especially children, and coached girls’ softball and basketball in the Ware County Recreation Department for many years. He was an avid sportsman and loved hunting and fishing and was a member of Ten Mile and Jamestown Hunting Clubs. The first Saturday in December you could find Paul and his family preparing for the annual pig pickin’. Family and friends would travel near and far to take part in this annual event. The pig was cooked to perfection and everyone left the Purcell home looking forward to next year.

Paul considered being a husband and father the greatest blessing of his life. He would often say the most important things on earth were faith in God and your family. Paul believed if you did not have this, you had nothing. His wife Eve was his best friend and they enjoyed the time they spent together working on the farm, fishing or simply sitting together in the swing under his favorite oak. God truly blessed the lives of Paul and Eve with the births of their treasured and much loved children Pam and Brad. Together they enjoyed making wonderful memories with their family: Pam and Toby Crews of Blackshear, Georgia, and Brad and Jennifer Purcell of Douglas, Georgia. Their four “grand” boys Brady, Jayden, Coleman and Kirkland brought joy to everyday of Paul’s life. He loved spending time with them, watching their Christian growth, taking them to the hunting club to hunt and fish, attending their school and sporting events and never missed an opportunity to tell a proud “Papa” story. Paulis also survived by his dear sister and brother-in-law Pauline and Lucius

Worthy of Leesburg, GA, sister-in-law, Sandra Chapman of Montgomery, AL, brother-in-law, Billy Strickland of Savannah, and special family friend Carolyn Kirkland of Waycross, Georgia.

Everyone who knew Paul marveled at his talents. He was like an artist who could see the finished portrait before he ever started it. He could perform many tasks with his hands. Electrical, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, gardening, but more than anything, his hands were comforting.

Paul was a member of First Christian Church where he served as Deacon. He felt honored to be a member of such a loving and caring church family. The only people that did not love Paul were the ones that he had not met.

A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday, under Paul’s favorite oak tree at his residence, 2626 Pebble Hill Road. It was his special place and perfect for us to share our memories of Paul. Come if you can, if you cannot please pause for a moment of prayer for Mrs. Purcell, the children and family. Everyone in attendance who would like to will be given the opportunity to share a special memory of Paul. Dress for the service will be casual, as you may imagine, for Paul was greatly opposed to wearing a tie.

Burial will follow in Ebenezer Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Glennville at 5:30 p.m.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Sweat Memorial Baptist Church Youth Department, 510 Blackshear Ave., Waycross, GA 31501 or Christian Church Camp Kicklighter, in care of Greg Durrence, 1661 Winchester Road, Sylvania, GA 30467. Please identify on the check in “Memory of Paul Purcell.”

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Glenville High School Class of 1961, Rural Development Employees, Mr. Racille Dreggers, Mr. Mike Zachry and the Ten Mile and Jamestown Hunting Clubs. All honorary pallbearers who will attend the service at Paul’s home should gather there by 1:00 p.m.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com.

Charity F. Smith

Charity F. Smith entered into eternal rest on Friday, May 26, 2007, at the Tattnall Community Hospital as the result of an auto accident.

She lived in Collins, GA and was a member of the graduating class of 2003 at Tattnall County High School.

She is survived by a son, Chad R. Perkins of Collins; her parents, Melvin and Sandra Smith of Collins; paternal grandparents, Allen and Lillian Griffin of Collins; and maternal grandmother, Eula Dugger of Collins, GA.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 1, 2007, at the Bethel Baptist Church, Collins, GA with Rev. J.K. Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Brewton Cemetery in Collins, GA.

Vidalia Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries for May 24, 2007

Joe E. Brown, 78

Joe E. Brown, 78, passed away Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at Glenvue Nursing Home after an extended illness. The Tattnall County native had lived in Glennville most of his life. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and a civil service employee at Ft. Stewart. He sold produce and seafood in this area for many years. He was an avid outdoorsman and a member of the Glennville Church of God.

He is survived by his wife, Hilda Brown of Glennville; a daughter, Patricia Brown; stepdaughter, Bonnie Weeks of Glennville; brother, Stanley Brown of Glennville; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, four nephews, several cousins and other relatives.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 19, 2007, from the chapel of Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home with Pastor Dwight Brooks officiating. Burial followed in the Glennville City Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Max Brown, Ricky Burkhalter, Travis Brown, Keith Love, Joseph Brown and Charlie Brown.

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home, Glennville Chapel, was in charge of the arrangements.

Joseph C. Brown Jr., 82

Mr. Joseph C. Brown Jr., 82, passed away early Sunday morning, May 20, 2007, at the Tattnall Community Hospital. The Tattnall county native had lived in Savannah most of his life until recently moving to his granddaughters in Collins, due to his brief illness. The US Marine veteran served in World War II and retired from Con-Agra in Savannah as a plant operator. He was an avid pool player and a fisherman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Cowart Brown and a daughter, Madeline Lynne Brown.

He is survived by his granddaughter, Karla Brown of Collins; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Terry Moser, Jimmy Moser, DeWayne Moser, Louie Jarriel, George Scott, and Johnny Rewis. Honorary pallbearers were Collins World War II Veterans.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 22, 2007, in the Chapel of Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home with Mr. Johnny Shuman officiating. Interment followed in the Collins Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Virginia Tootle Carr, 82

Virginia Tootle Carr, 82, of Statesboro died peacefully at home on May 16, 2007. Born in Tattnall County, she graduated from Reidsville High School in 1939 at age 15. She wanted to become a nurse, but was not yet old enough to enter training, so she stayed home for the next three years in anticipation of nursing school. As the second among two girls and three boys, she had much to do helping to care for family. Her life took a big turn when the US entered World War II. She went to work as a lab technician at Warner Robbins Army Air Base in Georgia, and then transferred to the chemistry labs of the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. There she met and married Herbert Carswell Carr of MacIntyre, GA, who was working on the uranium production lines.

After the war, they moved to Ohio when Herbert accepted a job as a production manager in a chemical plant. She and Herbert raised a son Thomas, made many friends, participated actively in school and church, and lived happily until Herbert’s death in 1973.

The next year she returned to Georgia. After earning a degree in accounting at Swainsboro Technical College, she spent 20 years managing offices and keeping books for Statesboro businesses ranging from a clothier to a commercial landscaper to a law firm. She was very active in Business and Professional Women and a member of the Bulloch County Historical Society. An avid birdwatcher, she traipsed the woods, riverbanks, and marshes with the Briar Creek Birders. She went with her friends to cultural events at Georgia Southern University and to the symphony in Savannah. She traveled often to East Lansing, MI, to visit her son, his wife Denise, and her grandchildren Michael and Elizabeth. Her warmth and vitality attracted everyone she met- it would be impossible to count the times that Tom and Denise have been asked, “How’s your Mom? When’s she coming to visit?” Church life was important to her. In Ohio she and Herbert attended Perry United Methodist Church and she remained a member her whole life. In Statesboro she joined Langston United Methodist Church, where she served as President of the United Methodist Women for many years. She enjoyed the fellowship of the Carol Carter Circle of another Statesboro church, First United Methodist. She was known for her leadership, her knack of crafting devotionals that cut to the heart of life and faith, and her lemon bars- she thought that good fellowship and good food go hand in hand. As a member of the Friends of Old Shiloh Cemetery, she helped restore to its former beauty a cemetery in Tattnall County where many Tootles are buried.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents Robert Hartridge Tootle, Sr. and Veta Ross Tootle; her husband, Herbert, and three brothers, Robert Hartridge Tootle, Jr, Jerry Paul Tootle, and Charles Henry Tootle.

She is survived by her son Tom and his wife Denise, her grandson Michael and his wife Ruth of Montague, MA, her granddaughter Elizabeth of Ithaca, NY, her sister Martha T. Cain of Statesboro with whom she lived for the last 18 months of her life, a sister-in-law, Hilda Baxter Tootle of Reidsville, GA, a brother-in-law Iverson Carr of Rome, GA, and a number of treasured nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends in Georgia, Ohio and Michigan, all of whom she loved dearly.

A memorial service will be held at Langston United Methodist Church on May 24, conducted by the Reverends Fred Maddox and Stephanie Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be the women of the Carol Carter Circle. Virginia will be buried beside Herbert in Perry Township Cemetery, in Perry, OH, on May 25, 2007.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459. Langston United Methodist Church, 104 Langston Chapel Road, Statesboro, GA 30458; or Perry United Methodist Church, 3875 Main Street, Perry, OH 44081.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson. com.

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mattie Lou Crawford, 55

Sister Mattie Lou Crawford was born on October 24, 1951, in Tattnall County, Georgia, to the late Edward and Lucille Hall Kennedy. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Charlie Way and Levi Crawford, who preceded her in death. God saw the necessity to call her home to reward on Tuesday, May 15, 2007.

Mattie Lou was a happy person who loved her family. She loved to cook and fish. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and Carter McDonald of Glennville; sons and daughter-in-law, Anthony Wilkenson and Randy and Donna Kennedy of Hinesville; two sisters, Betty McMillian of Glennville and Lillian Talley of Fayetteville, NC; three brothers, Mr. John (Karen) Kennedy and Mr. Eddie Kennedy of Glennville and Mr. Samuel Kennedy of NJ; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; special friends, Richard Lane and Beautine Mincey and Becky Ann Jones and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrow friends.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, May 19, 2007, at the Greater Zachariah Missionary Baptist Church in Glennville, with the Reverend Dr. C.L. Anderson officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers were nephews, Norman Kennedy, Terreal Slaughter, Dawayne Kennedy, Derreick Smith, Marshall Broadhurst, Timothy Slaughter and Quan Bradley. Honorary pallbearers were Tellas Kennedy and Perez Kennedy.

King and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements, www.kingbrothersfh.com.

Paul A. Davis, 66

Paul A. Davis, 66, passed away Saturday, May 19, 2007, at Community Hospice in Vidalia. The Toombs County native had lived in the Collins and Reidsville area most of his life.

He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Wear of Reidsville; son, Greg Davis of Collins; stepson, Cecil Cary Reynolds of Jesup; sisters, Mary Boyette of Alabama and Edna Sharpe of Uvalda; seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside Funeral Services were held on Monday, May 21, 2007, at Reidsville City Cemetery with Reverend Danny Autry officiating.

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home of Reidsville was in charge of the arrangements.

Janice Iddins Grimes, 58

Janice Iddins Grimes, 58, died Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah. The Toombs County native had lived in this area all of her life and was a retired agricultural representative with the U.S. Department of Labor. She attended Northside Baptist Church and was a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Ollie Kate Iddins.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Grimes of Glennville; daughters and sons-in-law, Sonia and Tony Kooser of Virginia Beach, VA and Jessica and Adam Foy of Claxton; son, Jerry Grimes, Jr. of Glennville; sister, Vivian Howard of Glennville; three grandchildren, Jayden Grimes and Michelle and Megan Foy; nephew, Stacy Howard of Glennville; and several cousins and other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 18, 2007, at the chapel of Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home with Reverend Oscar Rowe, Jr. officiating. Burial followed in the Glennville City Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jimmy Howard, Retus Iddins, Mike Howard, Adam Foy, Bernice Iddins and Tony Kooser.

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home, Glennville Chapel, was in charge of the arrangements.

Guy Mitchell Mercer, 52

Guy Mitchell Mercer, 52, died Monday at the Candler County Hospital. The Tattnall County native and lifelong resident was owner and operator of Mercer Farms Trucking, Inc. for 35 years. Guy loved fishing and staying at the coast, and his latest passion was his racecar, “Lick ET Split.” He never met a stranger and after meeting him once, you would remember him forever. Guy was a member of the Cobbtown Baptist Church and was preceded in death by his father, Louie Mitchell Mercer.

He is survived by his wife, Tina Wright Mercer of Cobbtown; his mother, Gloria C. Mercer of Cobbtown; a son, Trey Scars of Gainsville; a daughter, Marna Brooks of North Augusta, SC; two sisters, Kim Vacula of Milledgeville and Louisa Hensley of Metter; two grandchildren, Jadie Mercer Brooks and Easton Brooks; two nephews, J.B. Hensley and John Mitchell Hensley.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, with Reverend Gary Page officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunlight Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Randy Brown, Tim Edgar, Jim Avery, Mike Monroe, David Thompson and Danny Humphrey.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Tattnall County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, c/o Jeanette DeLoach, P.O. Box 188, Reidsville, GA 30453.

Kennedy Funeral Home, Cobbtown Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.

Vera Dell Sikes, 88

Mrs. Vera Dell Sikes, 88, died Saturday at Candler County Hospital. The Tattnall County native and lifelong resident was a homemaker and an avid gardener who enjoyed her roses. She was the widow of Barney Sikes.

She is survived by her son, Vernon Sikes of Cobbtown; a daughter, Christine S. Nace of Cobbtown; three brothers, Carl Sikes of Cobbtown, James Sikes of Lyons and Penuel Sikes of Normantown; two sisters, Carolyn Collins of Metter and Janie Sizemore of Burnett Town, SC; a granddaughter, Beth Sikes and great-granddaughter, Skyler B. Sikes,both of Cobbtown.

Funeral services were conducted Monday at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, with Reverend Ronald Warren presiding. Burial followed in the Sunlight Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Sean Collins, Earl Sikes, Dwayne Sikes, Raymond Brown, Jackey Brown and Greg Sikes.

Kennedy Funeral Home, Cobbtown Chapel, was in charge of the arrangements.

Obituaries for May 17, 2007

Ronald Ernest James Beck, 70

Ronald Ernest James Beck, 70, passed away Friday, May 11, 2007, at his residence under the care of Hospice of South Georgia. The Michigan native had lived in Tattnall and Long County for many years. He was retired from the U.S. Army after 19 years of service and was a Vietnam Veteran. He was a member of Poplar Head Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Carol B. Beck of Ludowici; children, Emmalynn Beck and Robert E. Beck both of Puerto Rico; step-children, Eric Bacon of Ludowici, Marie Todd of Statesboro, Sara Bragg, Jeff Stanfield, Martha Cranford and Laurie Barnard, all of Glennville; sisters, Beatrice Akins and Geri Mackin both of Sterling Heights, MI; brother, Clayton Beck of Hazel Park, MI; 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 14, 2007, at Poplar Head Baptist Church with Reverend Tommy Ray and Reverend Neil Stich officiating. Burial followed in the Church Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home of Glennville was in charge of the arrangements.

George “Bet” Brown, 88

George “Bet” Brown, 88, died Saturday at Azalea Health and Rehab in Metter. The Tattnall County native and lifelong resident was a retired farmer, carpenter and an avid gardener. He was an Army veteran serving in the Korean Conflict. Mr. “Bet” was a member of Hillside Church of God and was preceded in death by his wife, Rosie Lee Monroe Brown.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Patricia Brown of Cobbtown; daughter, Betty B. Lucas of Winterpark, FL; brother, Tommy Brown of Cobbtown; two grandchildren and spouses, Lisa and Matthew Rigdon of Metter and Heath and Laura Brown of Cobbtown and four great-grandchildren, Rylan, Randan and Rustan Rigdon and Miles Brown.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 14, 2007, at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, with Reverend Ronald Warren officiating. Burial followed in the Sunlight Cemetery.

Pallbearers were heath Brown, Matthew Rigdon, Raymond Brown, Ray Brown, Charles “Bonnie” Monroe, Al Sikes and Jacky Brown.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, was in charge of the arrangements.

Terrell Elders, 94

Terrell Elders, 94, Maywood, New Jersey, died on Wednesday, November 15, 2006. He had been a resident of Maywood for 56 years. He was the son of the late honorable Hershel Hopkins Elders and the late Viola Sikes Elders of Reidsville, GA.

Prior to retirement, he had been an engineer for the Torsion Balance Manufacturing Company in Clifton. In November, a private funeral service was held in Maywood.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Anne Lloyd Elders; two sisters, Grace Elders Bootle-Long and Gladys Elders Thomas, and three brothers, Ted Elders, Telford Elders and Tennyson Elders.

He is survived by two daughters, Grace (Gae) Elders Gregor of Massachusetts and Kathy (Kate) Elders Wiesner of Maine, and one son, Terrell D. Elders of New York and seven cherished grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and one special sister-in-law, Betty B. Elders of Reidsville, Georgia.

A family memorial and burial service is planned for May 19, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Reidsville Cemetery. Arrangements are to be provided by the Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home in Reidsville, GA. Donations in Terrell’s Memory may be made to the Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601.

Martha T. Kersey, 60

Mrs. Martha T. Kersey, 60, of Coleman Drive, Lyons, GA, passed away early Friday morning, May 11, 2007, at her residence under the care of Georgia Home Health Care Hospice. The Montgomery County native had lived in Lyons most of her life. She was a retired supervisor from Toombs Manufacturing Company and was a member of Rocky Creek Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jessie Thigpen; son, Richard Kersey; sister, Rosalyn Purcell; and a brother, Billy Thigpen.

She is survived by her husband, Cecil Kersey of Lyons; two sons, Anthony W. Kersey of Atlanta and Frank A. Kersey of Reidsville; a sister, Carolyn Lentile of Pomona Park, FL; five grandchildren, Casey, Jessica, Shane and Dakota Kersey and Dee Stephens.

Pallbearers were G.W. Williford, Robert Robertson, Robert Williamson, Timothy Adams, Casey Kersey, and Rocky Hutcheson.

Funeral services were held Monday, May 14, 2007, at Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Lyons, GA. with Rev. Kelvin Moore officiating. Interment followed in the church’s cemetery.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries for May 10, 2007

Mertie Lee Boyett Roberts, 93

Mrs. Mertie Lee Boyett Roberts, 93, of the Hillview Community died Saturday at Ogeechee Area Hospice. The Tattnall County native and lifelong resident was a wonderful mother and homemaker. In 1958, she began working at Union Camp Nursery in Bellville and later worked as a seamstress at the local clothing factories. Mertie Lee was an avid gardener, loved making and selling crafts, and enjoyed the Braves and watching bull riding. She attended Anderson Primitive Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, S.J. “Bo” Roberts; daughter, Merle Gilder and granddaughter, Lawan B. Faircloth.

She is survived by three sons, Deron Roberts, Jurrel Roberts and Wendell Roberts, all of Brunswick; two daughters, Joyce R. Brown and Alice Faye R. Deriso, both of Hillview Community; sister, Ruby Lee Conner of Lake Park; seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services were held on Monday at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, with Rev. Edward Hurst officiating. Burial followed in the Anderson Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Al Gilder, Lamar Brown, Brice Deriso, Kevin Roberts, Scott Gainous and Donnie Sloan.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, was in charge of the arrangements.

Elwood H. Straley, 73, long time resident of Toombs and Tattnall County died after a long illness at the home of his daughter in Massachusetts on Tuesday, May 1.

Born March 15, 1934, in Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Arthur and Barbara Ann Bennett Straley.

Mr. Straley had served in the Air Force the early part of his adult life. He was employed and worked in Massey Ferguson companies in the surrounding area for many years before moving to Florida.

Surviving are sons Howard and Robert Straley of Lyons, Georgia; daughter, Vicky Straley and son-in-law, Victor Cruz of Natick, MA. Also surviving is a brother, Carl Straley of Fayetteville, PA. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ivy D. Spoonhour and Estalene Bumbaugh of PA; mother and father-in-law, Mattie and Bob Powell of Cobbtown, Georgia.

There will be a Memorial Service held at the First Baptist Church of Lyons at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, with Pastor Danny Williams officiating. All friends and relatives are invited to attend.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

Wilma Frances Lee Thomson, 89

Wilma Frances Lee Thomsom, 89, passed away Thursday, May 3, 2007, at her daughter’s residence in Reidsville under the care of Pearls of Life Hospice.

The Screven County native had lived in Savannah most of her life moving to Reidsville a year and a half ago. She graduated from Candler Nursing School in 1939, and was a registered nurse working most of her career at the Georgia Infirmary. She also worked Private Duty, as well as for several doctor’s offices and St. Joseph Hospital in Savannah. She deeply loved her family and was a member of the Whitefield United Methodist Church in Savannah. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dixie and Cassie Scott Lee; husband, A. Lee Thomson; and a brother, William Henry Lee.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Frances and Bobby Kennedy of Reidsville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Andy and Janet Thomson and Ric and Robin Thomson, all of Savannah; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Clifford Elton and Scarlett Lee of Camilla, Charles David and Linda Lee of Sylvania, and Miriam Boykin Lee of Savannah; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services were held Monday, May 7, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at Hillcrest Abbey Cemetery on Wheaton Street in Savannah with Rev. Grover Bell officiating.

Memorials may be made to Pearls of Life Hospice, 13 South Newton Street, Claxton, GA 30417. The family wishes to say a thank you to the nursing staff and the Rev. Jerald Dorr of Pearls of Life Hospice of Claxton and to Pat Bacon for the devotion and care she gave. A special thank you to Lynn and Aimee Kennedy for their dedication, love and support.

Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Leotheo Williams, 69

Leotheo Williams, 69, of Glennville died Sunday in Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, GA, after a short illness. The Long County native had lived in Tattnall County most of his life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Johnny Frasier of Ludowici; one granddaughter, Celeste Frasier of Ludowici; three grandsons, Roger Futch, Derrick Frasier, and Johnny Frasier, all of Hinesville; one sister, Everlena Goodwin of Hatton, ND; three brothers, James Williams, Lonnie Williams and Jerome Williams, all of Stuart, FL; and a host of other relatives.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope A.M.E. Church in Ludowici. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery, with Military Rites.

Royal Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries for May 3, 2007

Mary B. Guess, 102

Mary B. Guess, 102, passed away on April 25, 2007.

She was born Mary B. Sharp Collins on April 30, 1905, to the late Christiana Sharp Collins and Jim Collins, Her mother went home to be with the Lord when Mary was a young child. She was raised by her aunt and uncle (Dora and Ira Griffin). She later met Justin (JP) Smith, whom she wed. Their two children, Robert and Johnnie Will, were born from this union. She loved children and raised her granddaughter, Jeannie, whom she fondly called Sugar Bowl, and her great-grandson, Gillis. She often kept her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her twilight years, Mary moved to Mount Holly, to reside with her daughter, Johnnie Will and son-in-law, Pearlie Holmes.

She lived a blessed life and is pre-deceased by her husband, JP and her grandson, Terry.

She leaves to mourn her loss, her son Robert; daughter Johnnie Will; grandchildren, Teresa, Jeannie, Sandra, and Doris; great grandchildren, Tanya, Gillis, Alton, Amanda, Angela, Demiti, Demitrius, Michelle, Justin, Ashley, and Janna and a host of great-great-grandchildren and many other relatives.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, April 29, 2007, at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Artis Carswell officiating. Burial followed in Ogdenmills Cemetery in Reidsville.

King and Sons Funeral Home, Glennville, was in charge of the arrangements.

Winifred Edwards Hardee, 71

Mrs. Winifred Edwards Hardee “Oma,” 71, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2007.

She was born in Glenville on March 2, 1936, to the late Idonia Edwards Baker and the late David Hall. She was educated in the Tattnall County School System. She later married the late Willie Lewis Hardee and from this union three children were born.

At an early age, Winifred dedicated her life to God and joined the Greater Zachariah Missionary Baptist Church (formerly known as Halltown) where she served faithfully as a lead singer in the church choir until her health prohibited her from attending.

She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, Jennifer (Wayne) Banks, Lavonia Hardee and Salena “Lynn” (Nathaniel) Rentz, Sr. all of Glennville, GA; two brothers, David Hall, Jr. and Thomas Hall; three sisters, Betty Hall, Maxine Caswell, Laverne Gooden and Patricia Shider; one loving and devoted aunt, Eldrie Ruth Futch; one loving sister-in-law, Elethia McCladdie; six devoted grandchildren, Kristy Hardee of Atlanta, Christopher (Rochelle) Hardee of Warner Robins, Melody Banks of Atlanta, Elaine (Harry) Smith of Colorado Springs, CO, Xavier Banks and Nathaniel Rentz, Jr., of Glennville; four great-grandchildren, Tamarick, Jayda, Eboni and Tamahni; two God-daughters, Ava (Willie) Cox and Carolyn Guyton both of Hinesville; one God-son, John (Julia) Murphy. She will also be sadly missed by a host of relatives, neighbors and friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 28, 2007, at Greater Zachariah Missionary Baptist Church in Glennville, with Dr. Rev. C.L. Anderson, officiating.

Pallbearers were Craig Phillips, Oscar Brown, Christopher Phillips, Anthony Caswell, Robert Lawson and Roderick “Chuck” Caswell. Honorary pallbearers were Deacons of Greater Zachariah Missionary Baptist Church.

King Brothers Funeral Home, Glennville, was in charge of the arrangements.

Vernice Harvey, 79

Vernice Harvey, 79, was born on October 12, 1927, in Bryan County, GA, to the late James Harris and the late Della Lee Brown-Harris. She departed this life on April 26, 2007. She gave her life to Christ at an early age under the leadership of Rev. T.J. Lynch. She was preceded in death by four children, Danny Harvey, Elizabeth Harvey, Harry Lee Harvey, and Herman Harvey; three brothers, Jerome, Hoderick and Moses Harris; and one sister, Dollie Mae Murphy.

She was a beloved mother, grandmother and wife. She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 64 years, Eugene Harvey, Sr.; one daughter, Shirlene (Clinton) Fair; two sons, Eugene (Dorcene) Harvey, Jr., of Glennville, GA; and Wallace (Lavonda) Harvey, all of Glennville, GA; five sisters, Eunice Scott of Ludowici, GA, Ms. Viola Kent and Mrs. Nettie Mae (Henry) Robertson of Atlanta, Mrs. Mary Ann Singleton of Hinesville and Minister Betty Lee (Perry) Edgerton of Vidalia; two brothers, Sylvester (Grace) Harris of Miami, FL, and James Harris, Jr., of Glennville; two sisters-in-law, Lillie Bell Golden of Brooklyn, NY, and Leary Mae (Edward) Singleton of Midway; two brothers-in-law, John (Helen) Harvey and Earl (Annie) Harvey both of Glennville; three special daughters-in-law, Marie, Bessie and Janie Mae; 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The funeral will be held on May 3, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. at Greater Zachariah Missionary Baptist Church, with Dr. Reverend C.L. Anderson officiating.

Pallbearers are Michael Murphy, Andry James Harris, Alvin Scott, Hubert Fair, Ronald Harvey and Irvin Harvey. Flower attendants are family, friends and ushers.

King and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Betty Ann Wallace Hebert, 69

Betty Ann Wallace Hebert, 69, of Snellville, GA, formerly of Westwego, LA, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2007. Funeral services were held on Monday, April 30 in the Stateroom of Tim Stewart funeral Home in Snellville. Pastor Shell Osbon and Reverend Sandra Fendley officiated over the ceremony. Burial followed in Abshire Cemetery in Crowley, LA, with Reverend Chip Radke officiating.

A homemaker and incredible cook, Mrs. Hebert was very active in American Legion Auxiliary Post 206, Ladies Auxiliary Fleet Reserve Association Branch 162, Orleans Salon 114 of 8/40, Westwego Civic Association and Oakdale Golden Agers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, W.T. and Sue Wallace; and husband, Dudley Paul Hebert.

Mrs. Hebert is survived by her children, Denise and John Desselle of Snellville, Dale and Cheryl Hebert of Woodstock, formerly of Marrero, LA, and Patti G. Baker of Jesup; brother, William T. Wallace, Reidsville; grandchildren, J. B. Desselle, Ian, Cathryn and Grace Hebert, and Michael R. Baker, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, send memorials to: Hospice Atlanta, 1244 Park Vista Drive, Atlanta, GA 30319. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com.

Evelyn Rushing Rogers, 92

Evelyn Rushing Rogers, 92, passed away April 24, 2007, at the Claxton Nursing Home.

She was born in Evans County but resided in Tattnall County for most of her life. She was a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church for over 50 years and played the piano for several years. She also was a member of the Senior Citizens Group.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Garlon C. Rogers and two sisters, Vera Rogers and Reba Gordon.

She is survived by five sons and daughters-in-law, Jimmy and Henri Etta Rogers of Bellville, Gene and Wanda Rogers of Chauncey, GA, Neil and Libby Rogers of Reidsville, Lawrence and Paula Rogers of Eastman, GA and Wayne and Kim Rogers of Watkinsville, GA; one daughter and son-in-law, Faye and Harold Kemp of Claxton; 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral was held on Friday, April 27, 2007, at Rehoboth Baptist Church, with Reverend David Hagan officiating. Burial followed in Bay Branch Cemetery.

Pallbearers were her grandsons, Steve, James, Ronald and Ken Rogers and Jay Eckles and Hal Kemp.

J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.