Obituaries for Friday, March 3, 2006

ALBANY, N.Y.

Laterrica Melton Meadows

Laterrica Melton Meadows, 30, of Albany, N.Y., died on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006, at Albany Medical Center after a long illness.

She was born in Valdosta and had been an Albany, N.Y., resident for the past 13 years. Terrica was a graduate of Albany High School and had attended Maria College. She was a devoted and giving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.. She will be remembered for her witty and funny personality.

Laterrica leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Jeffrey Meadows; her children, Savion Melton, Jaheem Saunders, Najaqueen Meadows and Jeffrey Meadows III; her mother, Dorothy Pierce, and her father, Freeman Melton. She is the sister of Terrance Melton, Horace Roberts and Angela Melton. She is also survived by three aunts, Barbara Moore and Mary Brown, both of Valdosta, and Ruthie Mae Lane of Perry, Fla.; two uncles, Robert Lewis Williams of Valdosta and Fred Williams of Orlando, Fla.; and a host of other family and friends.

Laterrica’s family would like to thank all those who have been so kind and supportive during their time of need. Special thanks to Pauline Parker for unique care and concern.

Funeral services today at 5 p.m. at Wilborn Temple, 121 Jay Street, Albany, N.Y. Visitation will be today, prior to the service, from 4-5 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Obititurary and guest registry may be conveyed online at www.timesunion.com — Newcomer Cannon Family Funeral Home, Albany, N.Y.



BERRIEN COUNTY

Mildred Hutson Abney

Mildred Hutson Abney, 89, of Berrien County, died Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at Beverly Health Care.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2006, at Enigma United Methodist Church with the Rev. Walter Powell and the Rev. Pete Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Enigma Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. this evening, March 3, 2006 at Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors-Tiftarea Chapel.

Leroy Little, Larry Crumbley, Larry Railey, Cecil Giddens, Clifford Lee, James Giddens, and Bill Bowen will serve as pallbearers.

Mrs. Abney was born on Dec. 25, 1916, in Berrien County to Owen Lee Hutson and Carrie Sutton Hutson, both deceased. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Dewey H. Abney, who died in 1962; a son, Jim Abney, who died in 1994; and a grandson, Patrick Abney, who died in 2000.

Mrs. Abney had lived most of her life in Berrien County and was a member of Enigma United Methodist Church. She graduated from Apopka, Fla., High School in 1934 and had worked as an interpreter at the Georgia Agrirama for 20 years.

Mrs. Abney is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law, Tom and Jeanie Abney of Augusta, and Bill and Jan Abney of Tifton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Joyann and Ted Lindsey of Valdosta, and Evelyn and Wallace NeSmith of Enigma; five grandchildren, Shannon Butler, Tony L. Lindsey, Sandy NeSmith, Michael Abney, and Nicholas Abney; and four great-grandchildren. — Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors- Tiftarea Chapel, Tifton



LAKE PARK

Clay A. Smith

Clay A. Smith, 70, of Lake Park died Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at South Georgia Medical Center.

He was born on Jan. 28, 1936 in Ten Mile, Tenn. to the late Charlie Mack and Rennie Bell Lynns Smith and had lived in Lowndes County since 1966. Mr. Smith was known as the “Tile Man” and owned and operated Clay Smith Tile Company for many years. He was a member of the Hahira Church of God and enjoyed golfing and NASCAR racing.

Survivors include his wife, Martha Smith of Lake Park; five sons and three daughters-in-law, Tony Smith of Adel, Randy Smith of Coolidge, Keith and Stacy Smith of Atlanta, David and Nancy Smith of Boston, Darryl and Patti Smith of Valdosta; two daughters, Tracy Taylor of Hahira and Vivian Smith of Thomasville; 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; three brothers, Gene Smith of Stuart, Fla., Charles Smith of N.C. and Ray Smith of St. Marks, Fla.; one sister, Carolyn Woody of S.C.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 4, 2006 in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with the Rev. Franklin McDaniel and the Rev. Leonard C. Harnage officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends today form 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences to the family maybe conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.— Carson McLane Funeral Home.



RAY CITY

Robert Shepard Cherry

Robert Shepard Cherry, 79, of Ray City died Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at the Crestwood Nursing Home.

He was born on Aug. 18, 1926 in Plainview, Texas and had lived in Riverdale before moving to this area in 1989. Mr. Cherry was retired from the United States Army and was affiliated with the VFW in Riverdale. He was a Catholic, loved gardening and working puzzles.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Cherry of Ray City; one daughter, Elizabeth Dowd of Ray City; three step sons, Robert McKinnon of McDonough, Roy McKinnon of Columbus and Patrick McKinnon of Lee, Ala.,; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Bullion of Corpus Christi, Texas and Lillian Cherry of Texas.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 2006, in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with Father Marvin LeFrois officiating. Memorials may be made to United Hospice, 101 Northside Dr., Valdosta, GA 31602. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.— Carson McLane Funeral Home.



SHELBYVILLE, MICH.

Ralph Wayne Jenkins

Ralph Wayne Jenkins, 56, of Shelbyville, Mich., died Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006 at the home of his son in Muscadine, Ala.

He was born on Dec. 10, 1949 in Benton Harbor, Mich. and had lived in Valdosta from 1974-1982 before returning to Michigan. Mr. Jenkins was a screen print artist and a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy David and Dena Jenkins of Muscadine, Ala.; his mother and step father, Gia and Maxwell Blanton of Valdosta, one brother and sister-in-law, Jerry David and Nancy Jenkins of Live Oak, Fla.; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Susan and Gerald Bott of Jacksonville, Fla. and Martha and Richard Eason of Shelbyville, Mich.; and several nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Oral M. Jenkins.

Graveside services and military honors will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 2006, in the Sunset Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Bob Willis officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Ala Care Hospice and Home Health, 4752 Highway 280E, Birmingham, Ala., 35242. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home.



TALLAHASSEE, FLA

Leonard Arthur LeFiles Junior

Leonard Arthur LeFiles Junior, 81 died Wednesday, March 1, 2006, in Tallahassee after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mr. LeFiles was born in Valdosta on Nov. 25, 1924, to Valli M. and Leonard A. LeFiles, Sr. He graduated from Baylor Prep School in Chattanooga, Tenn., and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He returned from the Navy to work in a family-owned business, LeFiles Automotive in Valdosta. This experience launched a 45-year career in the retail automobile business until his retirement in 1996. Mr. and Mrs. LeFiles celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on Feb. 1, 2006.

Mr. LeFiles was a loving husband and father, who was highly respected for his honesty, ethical standards, and quiet dignity. He was active in the North Florida Retriever Club where he participated in field trials with his Labrador retrievers and often served as a judge for the events.

He is survived by his loving wife Gloria Love LeFiles of the home and four sons: Leonard A. LeFiles, III and wife Diane of Tarboro, N.C.; Daniel T. LeFiles and wife Marsha of Marietta; Michael D. LeFiles and Jackie Walker of Isla Mujeres, Mexico; and Richard A. LeFiles and wife Lynn of Yankeetown, Fla. Additional survivors include his brother William LeFiles of Houston Texas; five grandsons and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Julian LeFiles, and his sister, Beth L. Haley.

A graveside service will be held in the Sunset Hill Cemetery, 1100 N. Oak Street in Valdosta on Saturday, March 4, 2006, at 11 a.m. The family may be contacted at the family home in Tallahassee. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested friends consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Project of Tallahassee, 301 E. Tharpe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32303. — Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, Fla.



VALDOSTA

Verdie Alma Powell Harnage

Verdie Alma Powell Harnage, 82, of Valdosta, died on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at Louis Smith Memorial Hospital in Lakeland after a lengthy illness.

Born on Dec. 13, 1923 in Nashville, she was the daughter of the late Bart and Carey Kirkland Powell and the widow of Marion Harnage. She was a member of Naylor Holiness Church.

Survivors are daughters and sons-in-law, Thelma and Jackie Edmondson of Valdosta, Glenda and Drew Petty of Naylor, Louise and Steve Whaley of Valdosta, Elizabeth Partin of Hazelhurst, Teresa and J. W. Hall of Lakeland, Gloria and Claude Bennett of Salt Springs, Fla.; son and daughters-in-law, David and Ruth Harnage, Anne Harnage all of Valdosta; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; sister, Fannie Bell Flake of Hilliard, Fla., and half-sister, Agnes Mills of Nashville. She was also preceded in death by a son, Vernon Harnage, grandsons, Randy Prescott, Greg Partin, granddaughter, Julie Louise Whaley, son-in-law, Cecil Partin, brothers, Shelly Powell, Jaboe Powell, Charlie Powell, Frank Powell, Irvin Powell, Dick Powell and sisters, Vera Harnage, Ruby Bohanan and Mary Lou Harnage.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 3, 2006, in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with the Rev. Archie Anderson and the Rev. Dennis Rowland officiating. Burial will follow in Good Hope Cemetery in Naylor. The family received friends on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Hope Cemetery Fund, c/o Bob Roberts, 6758 Good Hope Circle, Naylor, GA 31641. Condolences to the family may be conveyed on the Obituary page at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home.



VALDOSTA

Andrew ‘Andy’ Johnson Sr.

Andrew “Andy” Johnson Sr. was the second of three children born to the union of Roosevelt and Ruby Beatrice Johnson in Lowndes County on June 25, 1930. On this day, a genuine gem was born into the family.

Andrew attended the public schools of Hamilton County, Fla., and received an Adult Academic Education Diploma from Lomax-Pinevale School in Valdosta. He was a member of the armed forces and served a tour of duty in Korea during the Korean war. He was employed by the Marbut Company for over 30 years and then started his own plumbing business. He was married to the former Ruther May Mitchell and to this union four lovely children were born, two of which preceded him in death. His parents, Ruby and Roosevelt Johnson, a sister Lela Ann Johnson and a niece, Vernice Harris, also preceded him in death.

Reared under the strong influence of a Christian family, he confessed his faith in Christ at the age of 16 when he joined Payton African Methodist Episcopal Church where he remained loyal and devoted. Andrew manifested his strong faith in God through his many Christian works. He was one of the original members of the Senior Choir now called Choir No. 1 and served as president; help to organize the Male Chorus; serves as Steward Pro-Tem for more than 25 years; was a Sunday School and Bible class teacher; president of the Local Lay Organization and second vice president of the Albany-Valdosta District Lay Organization.

He is survived by a very caring and devoted daughter, Patricia Johnson, Valdosta; a devout son, Andrew Johnson, Jr. (Gwen), Lithonia; four grandchildren which was his pride and joy, Corey Robinson (Tamara), Columbia, Md.; Shemeaka Butler (Chris), Korea; Saundra Robinson, Valdosta and Andre Ross Johnson, Lithonia; one great-grandchild, Carissa Robinson, Columbia, Md.; one loving sister, Mary Jenkins (James), Valdosta; a very special friend, Rose Jackson, Lakeland; three nieces, Jessie Slaughter, Denver, Colo.; Ruby Mobley (John), Valdosta, Linda Payton (Anthony), Valdosta; one nephew, John Phillips of Valdosta; five great-nieces; five great- nephews; one aunt, Willie Nois Johnson, Valdosta; several special first cousins,; other relatives and a loving Church family.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2006, at Payton AME Church in Clyattville. Pastor Keenan Hale will officiate. Burial will follow in Payton AME Church Cemetery. — Godfrey Funeral Home.



NOTICES

Fredrick Bradley

Mr. Fredrick Bradley died on Feb. 26, 2006, at his home. Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2006 at River Hill Missionary Baptist church. Bro. Bobby Culbreth, pastor will officiate. Burial, will follow in Pallbearer Cemetery. — Scott And Roberts Mortuary.



Claudia Wilkinson Clements

Claudia Wilkinson Clements, 91, of Valdosta, died on Thursday, March 2, 2006, at South Georgia Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with burial in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday at the funeral home from 5-7 p.m. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home.



Mrs. Tiny Edwards

Mrs. Tiny Edwards, 82, passed this life Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006 at South Georgia Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. March 5, 2006, at Southside Church of Christ. Bro. John Iverson Sr. is the minister and will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Godfrey funeral Home.



Shirley Jean Moore

Shirley Jean Moore of Valdosta passed this life March 1, 2006. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Harrington Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Norman Edwards will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery. — Harrington Funeral Home



Gladys Price

Gladys Price, 76, of Valdosta, died on Thursday, March 2, 2006, at South Georgia Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by McLane Funeral Services.



Earline Proctor

Mrs. Earline Proctor, 73, of Sparks died Thursday, March 2, 2006 at South Georgia Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced at a later date by Boone-Lipsey Funeral Home.



Aisha Kierra Thomas

Ms. Aisha Kierra Thomas, 17, of 908 Adair St., passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at South Georgia Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2006, at New Greater Union Ministries. The pastor, Bishop Wade McRae, Bishop John Tooley, officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Stevens Funeral Home of Valdosta.



Barbara Tucker

Barbara Tucker of Gahanna, Ohio passed this life Feb. 23, 2006. Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced later by Harrington Funeral Home.



John West

Graveside services for Mr. John West, 50, of Valdosta, formerly of Quitman, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2006, in the North End Cemetery with Elder Frank Goins officiating. — Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home of Quitman.



Rudell Wyche

Mrs. Rudell Wyche, 56, of Pavo passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at John D. Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced later by Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home of Quitman.



David L. Tucker

David L. Tucker, 59, of Nashville, died Thursday, March 2, 2006, at his residence. Graveside funeral services will be held Saturday, March 4, 2006, at 11 a.m. in the Springhill Cemetery in Cook County. Visitation will be held at the graveside prior to services. — Lovein Funeral Home, Nashville.



Kayessie Zackery

Funeral services for Mrs. Kayessie Zackery, 78, of Adel, will be Saturday, March 4, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Holy Community Church, 505 W. 7th St., Adel. Visitation will be this evening. Interment will be in Adel Cemetery. — Lane Memorial Chapel Inc. of Adel.



Johnny Lee Brown Sr.

Mr. Johnny Lee Brown Sr., 61, of Adel, died at his residence Wednesday nigyht. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Lane Memorial Chapel Inc. of Adel.