Obituaries for Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Published 4:31 am Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Linda
Newkam Ballentine
Linda Newkam Ballentine, 57, Valdosta, died on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2005, at her home after a lengthy illness. She was born on May 11, 1947, in Harrisburg, Pa., and had lived in Valdosta most of her life. Mrs. Ballentine was a member of the New Covenant Church and was a teacher/media specialist at Southeast Elementary School.
Survivors include her three children, Jeffrey Ballentine of Atlanta, Jesse Ballentine of Valdosta and Mindy Ballentine of Atlanta; her mother, Arminda Johnson Morrison of Valdosta; her sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Chuck Ohrenschall of Stone Mountain; her brother and sister in law, Larry and Sharon Newkam of Suwannee; her niece, Melissa Newkam; and her nephews, Erick Ohrenschall, Chris Ohrenschall and Kevin Newkam. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl A. Newkam.
Funeral services will be held at 11am Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at New Covenant Church with Pastor Randy Stephens and Pastor L. A. Joiner officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. this evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, P. O. Box 1727, Valdosta, Ga., 31603-5203. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.– Carson McLane Funeral Home.
Margaret E. Hall
Margaret E. Hall, 81, Lakeland, passed away early Monday morning March 28, 2005, at Lakeland Villa Convalescent Center after a lengthy illness.
She was born in Ware County and had lived in Lakeland most of her life. She worked at Hall’s Department store in Lakeland with her mother and father-in-law; she also worked in civil service at Moody Air Force Base. Her last employment was sewing in Dupont. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Hall, and a daughter, Beth Hall Kirkland. She was a member of the Lakeland United Methodist Church.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Phyllis Hall, Douglas; a brother, Roy Sunday, Orlando, Fla.; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2005, in the Lakeland United Methodist Church with Rev. Ron Smith officiating. Burial will be at Empire Cemetery in Lanier County. Mrs. Hall will lie in state one hour prior to services. Visitation will be between 6-9 p.m. this evening at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com. — Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.
Robert F. Jackson
Dr. Robert F. Jackson, DDS, 87, Lake Park, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2005, at South Georgia Medical Center after a short illness. He was born Sept. 26, 1917, in Warwick, to the late William Marion and Annie Fanning Jackson.
He was a member of the Lake Park United Methodist Church, Shrine Club, Elks Club, Lions Club, Southwestern Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association and American Dental Association. He graduated from Emory University in Atlanta and began his dental practice in Adel, later moving to Valdosta where he worked until he retired after 53 years. During his 53 years of dentistry, he served for many years as secretary of the Georgia Dental Association, receiving numerous awards; in 1991 the Association honored him for 50 years of devoted service to the profession. He will also be remembered for his love of fishing and building of numerous fishing boats.
Survivors include his wife, Miriam Felts Jackson; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert William and Pat Jackson of Marietta; a daughter and son-inlaw, JoAnna and Gary Cooksey of Adel; four grandchildren, Michael Felts, Michelle Daughtrey, Renee Davis, Heather Cashwell; nine great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Cashwell, Trent Davis, Brandon Davis, Jessica Cashwell, Will Felts, Kaylyn Felts, Aaron Felts, Anna Daughtrey, Tom Daughtrey.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at the Lake Park United Methodist Church with the Rev. Michael P. Lyons officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in the Woodlawn City Cemetery in Adel with Rev. Ben Smith officiating. The family will receive friends this evening from 6-8 p.m. at the McLane Lakewood Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Lake Park United Methodist Church Building Fund. Condolences to the family may be conveyed on the Obituary page online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. — McLane Lakewood Funeral Home.
Hazel
Louise Murphy
Hazel Louise Murphy, 84, Valdosta, died Sunday, March 27, 2005, at South Georgia Medical Center.
Born on Aug. 15, 1920, in Colquitt County, she was the daughter of the late Patrick Eugene and Dora Lee Bruce Murphy.
She is survived by a sister, Pauline Murphy Rainwater of Atlanta; a niece, Gloria Savage Newton of Atlanta; a nephew, Robert F. Savage Jr. of Atlanta; two great-nieces, Kim Biggers and Elizabeth Savage; and a great-great nephew, Blake Biggers.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today at Sunset Hill Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be conveyed at www.mclanefuneralservices.com on the obituary page. — Carson McLane Funeral Home
James E. Pitts
James E. Pitts, Knoxville, Tenn., died Saturday, March 26, 2005, in Knoxville. He was born on Nov. 6, 1930. He was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Valdosta for 23 years.
He was a former president of the Georgia Baptist Convention.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Pitts; his son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Pat Pitts of Valdosta; daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Michael Riggins of Albany; grandchildren, Anna, Jacob, Sarah and Janie Riggins, Kim Thomas, Laura Duffy and Bradi Scarbrough.
A family burial was held in Knoxville on Easter Sunday. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Valdosta on Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Mac Weaver and Dr. Phillip West officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Valdosta for the Venezuala Children’s Home Fund.
Charles R. Powers
Charles R. Powers, 75, Valdosta, died Saturday, March 26, 2005, at his residence after a lengthy illness. Born on February 23, 1930 in Madison, Wis., he was the son of the late George W. and Bernice Zittlemann Powers. He was a retired automotive parts and service director. Mr. Powers was a United States Navy veteran and of the Baptist faith.
Survivors are his wife, Shirley A. Powers of Valdosta; a daughter and son-in-law, LeeAnn and Don Foster of Lithia, Fla.; a son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Michelle Kelleher of Alexandria, Va.; two grandsons, Donald and Dylan Foster of Lithia, Fla.; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Katherine and James Wolfe of Woodlawn, Colo., Audrey Matteson of Janesville, Wis., and Geri and Hobie Tholo of New Berlin, Wis. He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Gonstead, and a brother, George W. Powers.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. today in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Willis officiating. Condolences to the family may be conveyed at www.mclanefuneralservices.com on the Obituary page. — Carson McLane Funeral Home.
Billy Stevenson
Billy Stevenson, 52, Valdosta, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at his place of residence. He was born Oct. 18, 1952, in Lowndes County to Robert Stevenson and Gladys Hill. He was preceded in death by one brother, Hawii Mitchell.
He leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Gladys Mitchell of Brunswick; one sister, Barbara Flanders of Valdosta; three aunts, Cleo Manning, Daisy Stokes and Minnie Berry, all of Valdosta; one uncle, Erlis Hill (Mary Ann) of Valdosta; a devoted friend, Danny Ray Flawbers; also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today at Scott and Roberts Chapel with the Rev. Edgar Roberts officiating. Burial will following in the Pallbearer Cemetery.– Scott and Roberts Mortuary, Inc.
Robert E. (Bill) ‘Red Rock’
Summerford
LANIER — Mr. Robert E. (Bill) “Red Rock” Summerford, 64, died Saturday, March 26, 2005, after a sudden illness.
Mr. Summerford was a graduate of Bryan County High School and was recognized as one of the Coastal Empire’s most outstanding two sports athletes. Bill had a spectacular high basketball career starring for legendary coach “Red” Bowers. After 47 years, Bill still holds the single game points record at 49 and the tournament points record at 103 at the News Press Christmas Tournament.
Mr. Summerford was also a graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, where he served as class president. After garnering All State honors at ABAC, Bill finished his basketball career as an integral part of two Gary Colson-coached Conference basketball chamionships at Valdosta State University, where he remains one of their all-time favorite players.
Bill was a pure shooter and a talented basketball player, but his real passion was track and field. You’ll find his name under State Champion 1958 and 1959 in the 800 meter race. That love for the half-mile run was passed on to his son, Michael, who was was back-to-back state champion in the 800 meter at Pinewood Christian Academy.
During his career, Mr. Summerford was in the Merchant Marine and was also a teacher and coach in Richmond Hill, Hinesville, Terrell County, Ludowici and Chatham County. He also retired after 30 years orf service as a social worker for the Department of Family and Children Services as a probation officer with the State of Georgia and was a member of Olive Branch Baptist Church.
Mr. Summerford’s survivors include his wife of 40 years, Gail Smith Summerford; one son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Angela Summerford of Brunswick; two daughters and son-in-law, Lisa and Mike Bazemore of Lanier and Deedra and Andy Long of Ellabell; mother-in-law, Mary Smith of Ellabell and one sister, Toledo Hatcher of Faulkville.
Visitation will be held at 6-9 p.m. Wednesday evening at Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday at Bryan County High School Gymnasium with Elder Spencer Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Black Creek Cemetery. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.
Active pallbearers include Joey Burnsed, Warren Miller Jr., Bobby Ritch, Mike Perry, Jimmy Hires and Jim Bowen.
Honorary pallbearers include Coach Robert Bowers, Lyndell Hires, Rick McCall, Billy Downs, Van Downs, members of the Georgia State Circuit Probation Department and former teammates and coaches from Valdosta State College. — Morrison Funeral Home.
Elsie Russ Arnold
Elsie Russ Arnold, 88, Sparks, died Monday, March 28, 2005, at Archbold Medical Center after a short illness. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at Boone-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jonathan Rakestraw and the Rev. Al Lewis officiating. Interment will be at Sparks Cemetery. The family and friends will receive friends tonight from 7-9 p.m. at Boone-Lipsey Funeral Home on Hwy. 41 S.– Boone Lipsey Funeral Home Inc.
Katie Mae Johnson
Mrs. Katie Mae Johnson, 65, of 140 Bixby Terrace S.E., Atlanta, formerly of Valdosta, died Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at the Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at 2 p.m. at Summer Hills Missionary Baptist Church located in Quitman. The Rev. White, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Summer Hills Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. — Stevens Funeral Home.
Fannie Mason
Fannie Mason, 80, Delray Beach, Fla. Interment will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, at New Macedonia Church Cemetery in Brooks County.– Scott and Roberts Mortuary, Inc.
Willice Searcy
Willice Searcy, Valdosta, died March 25, 2005, at Kennestone Hospital. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Scott and Roberts Mortuary, Inc.– Scott and Roberts Mortuary, Inc.