Obituaries for Tuesday, August 2, 2005

Howard

Franklin Baker

MCDONOUGH– Dr. Howard Franklin Baker, Ed.D.,was born Oct. 13, 1923, in Savannah, lived in Waynesboro and graduated from Valdosta High School.

He attended Emory Junior College in Valdosta and worked for the U.S. Engineer Department at Moody Air Force Base. He married Mary Newton and they have been together for 63 years. They have a son, Dr. Gordon N. Baker, retired from the Henry County School System and is now head of Public Services at the Clayton State University Library.

Dr. Baker spent 34 months in the U.S. Army Air Corps, of which 13 months was spent with the Eighth Air Force in England. He flew 28 missions as a ball turret gunner on B-24 and B-17 aircraft.

He graduated from Emory University, Georgia State University, and received his doctor of education from Nova Southeastern University.

He served as principal of Locust Grove Junior High School, Stockbridge Junior High School and Henry County High School. He worked for the Georgia Department of Education in Vocational Rehabilitation. In 1968, he was elected to the first of three four-year terms as superintendent of the Henry County School System. He retired in 1980. In 1981 he was appointed headmaster of Meadow Creek Academy in McDonough and served in that capacity for three years. Since then he has been most happily retired.

Dr. Baker was a United Methodist, a Mason, a Shriner, a Georgia Salzburger, a member of the American Legion, VFW and an active member of the Henry County Retired Educators Association. He was a member of the Henry County Public Library Board for 12 years.

Dr. Baker was a resident of Tybee Island from 1992-2000, where he was a member of Trinity Chapel United Methodist Church and served on the administrative council and various committees. He was vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tybee Island Historical Society, secretary and vice-president of the Tybee Island Optimist Club, member of the Tybee Lite Shrine Club, and a volunteer and supporter of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum at Pooler.

Dr. Baker, after returning to McDonough due to declining health, was only able to participate in limited activities at McDonough First United Methodist Church and the Henry County Retired Educators Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Carrye Baker; son, Howard F. Baker, Jr.; brother Clarence E. Baker, Jr.; and sister, Margaret Virginia Baker.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, son, Gordon, sister, Rosemary Strother of Macon; sister-in-law, Ann Baker of Columbus; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Theron and Jane Smith of Gainesville, Fla., and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 3 p.m.. Wednesday Aug. 3, 2005, from the McDonough First United Methodist Church with remains placed in state at 2 p.m., the Rev. Mack Riley, the Rev. Lee Bennett, and the Rev. James Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. this evening at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, Ga., 31322; The United Methodist Children’s Home, 500 South Columbia Drive, Decatur, Ga., 30030; Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers, 740 Fletcher Street, Cedartown, Ga., 30125; or the McDonough First United Methodist Church, New Building Fund, 151 Macon Street, McDonough, Ga., 30253. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www. cannon-cleveland.com. — Cannon-Cleveland Funeral Directors.



Ronnie E. Coker

VALDOSTA — Ronnie E. Coker, 50, of Valdosta, died on Saturday, July 30, 2005, at South Georgia Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Born in Lowndes County, Mr. Coker had been a lifelong resident of this area. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, had been a car salesman and had attended Seasons Church.

Survivors include his wife, Jacquie Coker of Valdosta; a daughter and son-in-law, Marti and Evan Godwin of Sheridan, Ariz.; a grandson, Ian Godwin of Sheridan, Ariz.; and his father and stepmother, Calvin and Marcia Coker of Farmerville, La. Also surviving are two brothers and sisters-in-law, Johnny and Shelby Coker of W. Monroe, La., and Kenny and Julie Coker of Paris, Texas; his grandmother, Sena Coker of Valdosta; a nephew, John Daniel Coker of West Monroe, La.; a step daughter, Courtney Barrett of New York, N.Y.; two stepsons, Daniel Akins of Valdosta and Joshua Barrett of Abilene, Texas; step grandchildren, Shannon and Timmy Akins, of Valdosta; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Nancy S. Coker, grandparents, John Amos and Odell Sealy and an uncle, Freddie Sealey.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005, in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home. The Rev. Lee Barnes will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1-(800) 227-2345. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanefuneralservices.com — Carson McLane Funeral Home.



Landyn

Cade Fowler

CHATSWORTH — Landyn Cade Fowler, infant of Chatsworth, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2005 in the Hamilton Medical Center in Chatsworth.

Survivors include his mother and father, Jessica Daniel and Joseph Fowler of Chatsworth; sister, Devin Browning, Chatsworth; two brothers, Andrew and Michael Daniel, Valdosta; grandparents, Judy and Pope Howell, Richard Browning, all of Lakeland, Pamela Fowler, Valdosta, Trammell Fowler, Chatsworth; great-grandparents, Charles and Zellna Shaw, Lakeland; great-grandmother, Lucille Browning, Lakeland; one aunt Sandra Roe, Lakeland; one uncle, Daniel Fowler, Valdosta.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. today, Aug. 2, 2005, in the Fender Cemetery with the Rev. Austin DeLoach, Jr. officiating. Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com — Music Funeral Services, Lakeland.



Mary Jim Herring

LIVE OAK, Fla. — Mary Jim Herring, 77, of Live Oak, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2005 in her home. The Crosby, Ala., native moved from Alachua County to Live Oak in 1952, then in 1983 moved from Live Oak to Lake Butler, and moved back to Live Oak in 1996. She was a member of Suwannee Station Baptist Church, Live Oak, Fla. Mrs. Herring was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Herring.

Survivors include three sons, Grady Herring, Lacoochee, Fla., James “Jimmy” (Dottie) Herring, Live Oak, Fla., and Ronnie (Ann) Herring, Jasper, Fla.; two sisters, Myra Lee Platel, Sanford, Fla. and Joan Ruth Filar, Tallahassee, Fla.; one brother, Dorman Marvin Hicks, Dade City, Fla.; two grandchildren, Shelly Day, Tallahassee, Fla., and Sheri Hicks, Live Oak, Fla.; six great-grandchildren, Tiffany Day, Tyler Day, Abi Day, Dylan Day Michael Hicks and Rebekah Hicks.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2005, at Suwannee Station Baptist Church with the Rev. Wilbur Wood, the Rev. Shannon Day and the Rev. Mike Hicks officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Hospice of North Central Florida, 4200 N.W. 90th Blvd. Gainesville, Fla., 32606. — Daniels Funeral Home, Live Oak, Fla.



Dessa King

NASHVILLE — Dessa King, 89, of Nashville died Monday, Aug. 1, 2005, at Berrien County Hospital.

She was born Sept. 30, 1915, to Gordon and Ethel Pearl Bradford Griner. She was a homemaker and for many years owned and operated the women’s apparel shop that still bears her name today, Dessa’s. She was a member of Nashville United Methodist Church. She is preceded in death by her husbands, J.U. “Jim” King and Ruben Griner.

She is survived by extended family members and many special friends.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005, in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the Rev. Dwight Bishop officiating. Burial will be held in Westview Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. this evening. — Lovein Funeral Home, Nashville.



Barbara D.

McFarland

TIFTON — Barbara D. McFarland, 71, of Tifton, died on Saturday, July 30, 2005, at her home after a lengthy illness. Born in Penington Gap, Va., on March 14, 1934, she was the daughter of the late George W. and Stella Robbins Stapleton. A homemaker, Mrs. McFarland attended Four Square Pentacostal Holiness Church.

Survivors are her daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce and Troy McConnell of Enigma, Donna Jones of Ray City, Brenda and Kenneth Fletcher of Valdosta; son and daughter-in-law, Ricky and Lynette McFarland of Tifton; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Nevada Cole of Kingsport, Tenn.; and a brother, Hubert Coolidge Stapleton of Tifton.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the graveside in Riverview Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Richard Stapleton and the Rev. Billy Hall will officiate. The family will receive friends at the Carson McLane Funeral Home on Wednesday before the services from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Condolences may be conveyed online at mclanefuneralservices.com at obituaries.– Carson McLane Funeral Home.



Bernice

Roena Shopin

VALDOSTA — Bernice Roena Shopin, 86, of Valdosta and formerly of Chicago and Orlando, died on Sunday, July 31, 2005, at Brooks County Hospital. Born on Aug. 20, 1918, in Chicago, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Aloysius A. and Roena Artz Szopinski. Miss Shopin was an executive secretary and office manager for the Wyatt Company. While living in Valdosta for the past five years she was a member of St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church. Her lifelong interests were in travel and fine arts and loved engaging in spirited discussion with family and friends.

Survivors are a sister-in-law, Mrs. Ann Szopinski of Ryson, Wis.; nieces and nephews, John and Joan Szopinski of Green Bay, Wis., Joan and Pete Amend of Ryson, Wis., Judy and George Heise of Roanoke, Va., Jim and Barbara Szopinski of Beaver Dam, Wis., Jacque and Randy Wheeler of Valdosta; and devoted caregivers, Tanya Stewart and Carol Hill.

A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday at 12:10 p.m. in the chapel of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. The Rev. John O’Brien will officiate. A committal service will be held at a later time at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. until service time on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church Building Fund or to the Alzheimers Association, 2728 Colonial Avenue, Suite 2, Roanoke, Va., 24015. Condolences may be conveyed on the obituary page at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home.



Ann

Booth Simmons

QUITMAN — Ann Booth Simmons, 82, of Quitman died Monday, Aug. 1, 2005, at the Presbyterian Home after a lengthy illness.

She was born Nov. 30, 1922, to the late W.J. and Frances Bozeman Booth of Quitman and married Ned A. Simmons in 1944. She received her undergraduate degree from Valdosta State and her M.S. from Florida Atlantic University, before beginning a career as a librarian, English and Math educator in Georgia and Florida. Upon retirement, she and her husband opened Simmons Gift Store in Quitman. She was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church.

She is survived by her husband, Ned A. Simmons of Quitman; son Ned A. Simmons, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Nancy Simmons of Barwick; daughter, Fran Simmons Miller; and son-in-law, Jack Miller of Barwick; and two granddaughters; Heather and Lexi Simmons.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7-8:30 p.m. this evening.

Funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 3, 2005, Wednesday, at St. James Episcopal Church with the Rev. Canon Neal Phelps officiating. Burial will follow in Rosewood Cemetery in Barwick.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church or to the Presbyterian Home. — Maxwell-Miller Funeral Home, Quitman.



– Mr. David Wayne Flanders, 40 of Loganville, died July 30, 2005, at his residence. Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Boone-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Elbert Cox officiating. Burial will be held in Sparks Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, one hour prior to the service. — Boone-Lipsey Funeral Home, Adel

– Funeral services for Mr. Randolph Russell Harper will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005, at 11 a.m. at the Beulah Land Baptist Church in Cordele. — J.W. Williams Funeral Home of Cordele.

– Abbie Jean McLeod, age 67, of Jennings, Fla., passed away Monday, Aug. 1, in Greenville, Fla. Arrangements will be announced by Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, Fla.

– Ronald K. Morgan, of Jasper, Fla., passed away Monday, Aug. 1, in Gainesville, Fla. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005, at Corinth Baptist Church with interment to follow at Corinth Church Cemetery in Jasper. The family will receive friends Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the funeral home between the hours of 5-7 p.m. — Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, Fla.

– Louelle Ray, 80, of Sparks passed away Sunday, July 31, 2005, at Memorial Hospital of Adel after a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 2, 2005, at Community Calvary Holiness Church with the Rev. Virgil Gandy, the Rev. Daniel Dean, and the Rev. Kenneth Matthews officiating. Burial will follow in Wilkes Cemetery. — Purvis Funeral Home of Adel.