Obituaries for Friday, Dec. 16, 2005

Published 9:04 pm Thursday, December 15, 2005

JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

Gail Marshall Hornsby

Gail Marshall Hornsby, 48, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005, at her home.

A Valdosta native, she was the daughter of the late Abb Marshall and Betty Marshall. Ms. Hornsby had lived in Jacksonville for several years before moving to Fleming Island a few years ago. She had worked for Southern Railroad for many years and had been with CSX since 1999. She was a member of Murray Hill Baptist Church. Gail loved life and was very outgoing; she loved her children, family and friends.

Survivors include one daughter, Kayleigh Hornsby; one son Caleb Hornsby; her mother, Berry Marshall; one sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Charles Greenwood; and two brothers, Abb Marshall Jr. and Dale Marshall.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, at Murray Hill Baptist Church, 4300 Post Street, Jacksonville, Fla., with the Rev. Doug Axtell and the Rev. Jay Stuckey officiating. Interment will follow in Jacksonville Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in her memory to: Benevolence Baptist Church in Valdosta. — Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, Jacksonville, Fla.



JENNINGS, FLA.

Antonio Java Whetstone

Antonio Java Whetstone passed away Dec. 11, 2005. He was a member of St. Paul House of Prayer Church in Jennings, Fla.

Survivors include his children, Verdarious Whetstone, Javarius Daniels Whetstone; mother, Sandra Gandy; stepfather Esau Gandy Jr.; daddy, Andrew Whetstone; sister, Tomika Pierce; three brothers, Mandrell Whetstone, Quenton Gandy; stepsister, Angie Whetstone; granddaddy, Pastor Clarence Luck; uncle, Mike Bivins; and great-uncles, Joe N. Lee, Andre Butler, Clarence Jackson and Joe Luck.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, at North Hamilton Elementary School in Jennings, Fla. Antonio J. Whetstone will rest in Bethlehem Baptist Church from 2-6 p.m. this evening and Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, he will lay in the North Hamilton Elementary Schoolhouse from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. Burial will follow in Sasser Landing Cemetery in Jennings, Fla. — Harrington Funeral Home.



MACON

Elizabeth Oliver Jeffords

Elizabeth Oliver Jeffords, 51, of Macon, died on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005. Ms. Jeffords, born and raised in Valdosta, graduated with honors from the University of Georgia. She was a county extension agent in Camilla before moving to Macon, where she owned the Just One More catering business and was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Survivors are her father, James Oliver of Valdosta; brother and sister-in-law, Hollis and Donna Oliver of Valdosta; sister, Jean Oliver of Macon; children, David Jeffords and Sara Jeffords both of Macon; and grandson, William Jeffords of Tifton. She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Lee Oliver.

Memorial services in Macon will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2005, at 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. Camille Hegg officiating. A memorial service will be held in Valdosta at Christ Episcopal Church with the Rev. Peter Ingeman officiating on Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, at 11 a.m. with visitation after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 753 College Street, Macon, Ga., 31201; the American Cancer Society, 804 Cherry Street, Macon, Ga., 31201. Carson McLane Funeral Home is serving the family in Valdosta. Condolences may be conveyed online at obituaries at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.— Carson McLane Funeral Home.



QUITMAN

Dorothy Burrell Thompson

Dorothy Burrell Thompson, 77, of Quitman, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005 at her residence after a lengthy illness.

Mrs. Thompson was born in Henry County. She was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Raymond Thompson of Quitman; four children; Michael (Pam) Thompson of Norcross, Darlene (Bill) Brooks of Suwannee, Donna (Keith) Anderson of Hahira, Andrew (Jennifer) Thompson of Morven; grandchildren, Melissa, Austin, Alysen, Emily, Alex, Daniel, Adam, Ashley, Jennifer, Katie, Abby, and Bayly; three great-grandchildren; two sisters and three brothers.

At her request Mrs. Thompson was cremated. The family will receive friends at the Brooks County Cultural Center from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005. In lieu of floral tributes those desiring may make contributions to the American Cancer Society or to Southwest Georgia Hospice. — Maxwell-Miller Funeral Home, Quitman.



VALDOSTA

Bette Johnson Brass

Bette Johnson Brass, 81, of Valdosta, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005 at the home of her daughter in Adel.

She was born on Aug. 1, 1924 in Hapeville to the late Norman D. Johnson Sr. and Alma Smith Johnson. Mrs. Brass was a retired administrative assistant with the Valdosta City School System, South Georgia Vocational-Technical School and Valdosta State College. She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she sang in the sanctuary choir, was a Sunday school teacher, W. M. U. Sunbeam Leader, Baptist Training Union Leader, Choir Mother, Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, served in Vacation Bible School.

In P.T.A., she served as grademother and was chairman of publicity, publications, nursery and membership committees. In scouting Mrs. Brass was den mother for Cub Scouts and served on the Girl Scout Troop Committee. With the Valdosta Boys Club Little League Auxiliary she was a charter member, President, Vice President and Concessions Chairman. Mrs. Brass participated in the United Fund, Heart Fund, Cancer Fund and Mother’s March on Polio, was a charter member of Amaryllis Garden Club, Valdosta Telephone Auxiliary where she served as treasurer, historian and welfare chairman. She was President of South Georgia Medical Center Pink Ladies Auxiliary, editor of the Pink-a-dilly, member of the Withlacoochee Quilters Guild and the Doll Club.

Mrs. Brass was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin L. Brass Sr. and is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Darvin Eason of Lenox, Fay and Mike Waller of Adel; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Alvin L. Brass, Jr. of Mableton, Robert and Linda Brass of Newnan; nine grandchildren, Lori Humphrey, Debra Brass, Wendy Ray, Robbie Eason, Rob Brass, Matt Brass, Elizabeth Brass Almon, Chris Waller, Lisa Waller Tucker; 10 great-grandchildren; two nephews, Danny Johnson of Morven and John E. Johnson of Valdosta.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, at 4 p. m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with the Rev. Mac Weaver officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p. m. Saturday at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be expressed online at mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home.



VALDOSTA

Willie Lee ‘Cut’ Edwards Jr.

Mr. Willie Lee “Cut” Edwards Jr., was born Jan. 3, 1927 in Lowndes County to Willie Lee “Papa Will” Edwards and Lillie B. Edwards. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Leroy Edwards and Claude Edwards.

“Cut,” as he was known by his family and friends, served 23 years of military service in the U.S. Marine Corps. After retirement from the military in 1971, Coach “Cut” Edwards returned home to Valdosta to assist in developing youth programs for young people. One of the first organizations he established was the Southside Recreation Center. He also organized the first teen club. Later Coach Edwards created the Pinevale Youth Center while employed with the Valdosta City Parks and Recreation Department as youth director. He also established the Snoopy Club at Pinevale. Coach Edwards was instrumental in touching the lives of many youths in Lowndes County. It was in this capacity that he retired after over 20 years of service.

In his early life, “Cut” Edwards played baseball with the local black baseball team, The Trojans. In the 1970s, he coached and managed a team with the same name. “Cut” also was the first black coach of the Valdosta Boys and Girls Club. In honor of his dedication to the youth of Valdosta, the city named the athletic field located at Pinevale, the Willie Lee “Cut” Edwards Field. “Cut” was also a devoted Wildcat and Atlanta Braves fan.

Surviving family include his loving and devoted wife of 27 years, Pearline Holloway Edwards; seven children, Jeanette Davis of Valdosta, Annette Scott (Milford), Phoenix City, Ala., Joan Jackson (Stan) of Orlando Fla., Joyce Edwards of Valdosta, Marilyn Johnson (Kirk) of Valdosta, Bruce Edwards of Valdosta, Douglas Edwards (La Meeka) of Clarkston; one sister, Laura NeSmith of Valdosta; 18 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters In-law, Delois Bivins, Earnestine McCaskill; one brother-in-law, Jack McCaskill (Minnie) of Valdosta; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, at 1 p.m. at the Mathis City Auditorium. Burial will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Valdosta Boys and Girls Club. — Godfrey Funeral Home LLC.



VALDOSTA

Susan Anna Gilyard

Susan Anna Gilyard was born on Aug. 11, 1932, in Sumter, S.C., to the late James and Ida Porter Gilyard. After the death of her mother, she was reared in the loving care of her aunt/mother, Mrs. Marie McBride and uncle, Mr. Isaac McBride.

She attended and graduated from Sumter County public schools and went on to higher her education at Morris College, Sumter, S.C. She graduated with a degree in education. Susan moved from South Carolina to South Georgia to continue her career in education.

Susan married Owen Jeffery (O.J.) Hatcher, Sr. on June 5, 1962, and was a loyal and devoted wife. To this union, two children were born, Candance and Jeffery Jr.

Susan G. Hatcher was a strong Christian. She remained a dedicated member of St. Peter AME Church for over 40 years until her untimely passing. There she served in many capacities, to name a few: President and a founding member of the Flora Farmer Women Missionary, Class Leader for Class No. 2, Annual Conference Delegate for the past five years, a member of the Laymen’s Board, a member of the Steward Board for over 15 years, Church Announcer for St. Peter AME for more than 15 years, member of the area Women Missionary Society and Sponsor of the YPD, a member of the Senior Choir, a Sunday School teacher and served in several other church capacities.

She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, an Avon Representative for more than 31 years, a member of the Valdosta/Lowndes County Community Prayer Group, a member of the Bible Study Fellowship Group, a member of the Golden Girls, a Board Member of the Community Development Block Grant for the City of Valdosta and other community programs and organizations.

She was a caring and dedicated person of the community. She assisted the elderly by providing hot meals, transportation, guidance, a listening ear to neighbors, friends, parents or anyone finding themselves in need of just having someone to talk to.

Regardless of the problem or circumstances, Susan had encouraging words on her lips. She would let you know that there was no problem too big for God.. Her conversation exemplified her love and care for the human race and Christ.

Susan’s love for people and her professional career led her to be a member of the school system in several counties during her teaching career. She was employed by the Valdosta City School System as a teacher and retired following 30 years of dedicated service. She worked in the school systems of Echols, Clinch, Warren, Troop and Lowndes counties.

Susan’s family knew her as a loving and faithful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend and servant of God. Her family was a priority and she enjoyed reaching out to help others.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. James Gilyard and Mrs. Ida Porter Gilyard; rearing parents. Mr. Isaac and Marie McBride and her loving husband, Mr. Owen Jeffery Hatcher Sr.

On the afternoon of Dec. 11, 2005, God dispatched an angel of mercy to whisper the good news to Mrs. Susan Anna Gilyard Hatcher: it was time to lay her burdens down.

She leaves to cherish her legacy, two children; a devoted daughter and son-in-law, Candance and Kenneth Gordon, Valdosta; a devoted son and daughter-in-law, Owen Jeffery, Jr. and Cynthia Hatcher, Orlando, Fla.; four grandchildren, Marlon, Jarod, John Jr., and Jazmine; three great-grandchildren, Jarod, Jr., Jared and Marlon Jr.; one brother, Lafayette Gilyard Porter (Rachel), Hyattsville, Md.; one aunt, Elizabeth Robinson, Sumter, S.C.; three nieces, Janice, Jennifer and Tracy, Md.; two godsons, Talmadge Core (Freight) and Johnny McKinnon; one goddaughter, Pamela Williams; and a host of loving cousins and sorrowing friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, at New Greater Union Ministries Church. Bishop Wade S. McCrae, Pastor, the Rev. D.D. Davenport, officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Viewing will be held today from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. at St. Peter AME Church, 500 E. Gordon St. — Stevens Funeral Home.



VALDOSTA

Michelle Perry Williams

Mrs. Michelle Perry Williams, 35, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005, at South Georgia Medical Center. She was born on July 3, 1970, in Orange, Texas being the only child to the late Mildred Bellamy Perry and James C. Perry, Jr. She lived at 4597 Whitewater Road in the Clyattville community.

Michelle graduated from Lowndes High School in 1988 and attended Southern Training Institute of Valdosta. Michelle was married to Mr. Willis Williams.

Michelle was a member of Francis Lake AME church since her youth where she served as secretary of the Church School for several years. Our loving Michelle’s “out-season” death followed a brief illness and hospitalization. She was preceded in death by her mother and shopping buddy, Mildred, her grandparents, Lee and Annie Bell Bellamy, J.C. “Buster” and Oma Perry.

She leaves to cherish her memories her four children: Jarod, Quinton, Tamesha and Tori Williams , all of Valdosta; her father, James C. Perry, Jr. of Valdosta; mother-in-law, Margarine “Jamie” Williams; aunts, Evelyn A. Berrian (Harry), LaVerne Shiver-Carter (Sully), all of Valdosta, Mary Nell Bryant (LaBarfield), Jasper, Fla., Linda Denton (Lonnie), Velma Miles (John), and Rosa Perry (Roman, deceased), all of Valdosta; uncles, William Bellamy (Helen), Lee Bellamy, Jr., Savannah, Taylor Lee Bellamy, Atlanta, McKevery Anderson, Robert L. Perry, Leonard Perry, and Bernard Perry (Sheena), all of Valdosta, and Donald Perry (Marilyn), Lithonia; also a host of first cousins who replaced the brothers and sisters she never had. She leaves a large extended family and a community of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, at Francis Lake AME Church. The Rev. Linda Matchett, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Francis Lake AME Church Cemetery. The viewing will be held from 2-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. — Stevens Funeral Home



NOTICES

Mrs. Essie L. Bivens

Mrs. Essie L. Bivens, 72, of Adel will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, at Holy Community Church, 505 W. 7th St., Adel. Visitation will be held from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Burial will be held in Adel Cemetery. — Lane Memorial Chapel, Adel.



Johnnie B. Carson

Johnnie B. Carson of Valdosta passed this life Dec. 11, 2005. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. today, Dec. 16, 2005 at the Harrington Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Timothy Riser will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Final rites are entrusted to Harrington Funeral Home.



John C. Daniels

John C. Daniels of Valdosta passed this life Dec. 9, 2005. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Dec. 16, 2005 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness at North Forrest Street. Bro. S.M. Washington will officiate. Burial will follow in Register Memorial Cemetery. — Final rites are entrusted to Harrington Funeral Home.



Mr. Troy L. Gaynor

Mr. Tony L. Gaynor, 47, passed this life Friday, Dec. 9, 2005 at South Georgia Medical Center. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005 at 1 p.m. at the New Jerusalem Church of God in Brooksville Fla. Elder I. Wells is Pastor and will officiate. Burial will follow in Brooksville Cemetery.— Godfrey Funeral Home LLC.



Mr. Murline howard

Funeral services for Ms. Murline Howard, 65, of Quitman will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005 at the House of God in Quitman. Burial will follow in North End Cemetery. — Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home of Quitman.



Mrs. Gussie D. Jennings

Mrs. Gussie D. Jennings, 80, of Lenox expired Dec. 14, 2005. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Lane Memorial Chapel. — Lane Memorial Chapel, Adel.



Mrs. Ella Mae Saxon

Mrs. Ella Mae Saxon, 90, of 712 S. Troup St., passed away on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2005, at the Heritage House Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2005 at St. James Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. T.J. Haynes, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Stevens Funeral Home.