Obituaries for Friday, Dec. 29, 2006

Published 8:50 pm Thursday, December 28, 2006

Valdosta

Skylyn W. Hagins

The Rev. Skylyn W. Hagins, 60, of Valdosta, the eldest child of 11 siblings, was born in Tampa, Fla., to Frank and Annie Mary Hicks. He was baptized at the age of 12 at the First Baptist Church in Tampa, Fla. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Webb Sr., and sister, Linda Muse.

Pastor Hagins matriculated through the public schools of Tampa, graduated from Howard W. Blake School in 1964. He continued his education at St. Luke Bible Institute in Daytona Beach, Fla., thereby obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Pastor Hagins was called to the ministry in 1973 and preached his trial sermon at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Moultrie, Ga., on Nov. 13, 1973. His pastoral appointments are as follows: New Bryant Missionary Baptist Church of Lakeland, Ga.; Macedonia First Baptist Church of Valdosta, Ga.; Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Alma, Ga., and founder of Sinners Friend of Daytona Beach, Fla.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Ora Mae Hagins; sons, Frank (Angela) Webb and Skylyn Hagins Jr., both of Tampa, Fla.; daughters, Elizabeth (Terence) Jones of Tampa, Fla., Audrey Saddler of Norfolk, Va., Shawanda (Eddie) Edison of Newton, Ga., Twanda Hagins of New Jersey and Tina Bennett (Chris Allen) of Quitman, Ga.; two stepchildren, Orjanette (Ron) Bryant of Palm Coast, Fla., and Andrew Stewart III of Daytona Beach, Fla.; 20 grandchildren; mother, Annie Marie Hicks of Tampa, Fla.; mother-in-law, Carrie Stalling of Daytona Beach, Fla.; grandmother, Claty Bigham; sisters, Gwen Muse, Brenda (Jeffery) Wade, Adrian Hicks, Audre (Philip) Donplin, Sherria Reynolds and Claty (Willie), all of Tampa, Fla.; sister-in-law, Sarah (Major) Highman of St. Augustine, Fla.; brothers, Tommy (Ruth) Webb, Earl (Marion) Webb and Alphonso (Rose) Webb, all of Tampa, Fla.; brothers-in-law, Calvin (Ida) Simmons and Lawrence (Montrose) Stalling, both of Daytona Beach, Fla.; also a host of nieces, nephews and other sorrowing relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Macedonia First Baptist. Rev. Major Highman of St. Augustine, Fla., will officiate. Burial will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will have a wake on Friday evening at New Bryant Baptist Church from 5-7 p.m. in Lakeland, Ga. — Scott and Roberts Mortuary.



Nashville

Ricky L. Kent

Ricky L. Kent, 47, of Nashville died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006, in an auto accident in Berrien County.

Born June 29, 1959, in Berrien County, he was the son of Jack Wesley Kent, who preceded him in death, and Evelyn Mathis Kent. He was a laboratory technician with Archer-Daniels-Midland in Valdosta and a member of New Fellowship Church.

Survivors are his wife, Sandra Lynn Redding Kent of Nashville; two daughters, Breanna Kent of Nashville, Ann Kent, Nashville; and his mother, Evelyn Kent, Nashville.

Services are at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home, with the Rev. Clarence Luke officiating. Interment is at Westview Cemetery. Visitation is Friday after 4 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 7-9 p.m. — Lovein Funeral Home.



Lakeland

Raleigh B. Rolls Jr.

Raleigh B. Rolls Jr., 81, of Lakeland, Ga. passed away early Wednesday afternoon Dec. 27, 2006, in the Lakeland Villa Convalescent Center in Lakeland after a lengthy illness. He was born to Raleigh B. Rolls Sr. and Thelma Noble Rolls in Kissimmee, Fla. He also lived in New Orleans, La., before moving to Lakeland in 1989. He was an electrical engineer with Fischbach and Moore in New Orleans, La. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. While serving in Great Lakes, Ill., he sang in the Naval Choir. A master craftsman allowed him to remodel and build many homes. His love of the outdoors allowed him after retirement to become a cattle farmer. He was a Baptist by faith.

Survivors: wife, Barbara Ann Walker Rolls, Lakeland, Ga.; two sons, Randy Rolls, Rockladge, Fla., Rev. Mel Rolls, Marietta, Ga.; two daughters, Jeanette Marchiafava, Cumming, Ga., Renee Rolls Deane, Lakeland, Ga.; stepson, Danny Green, Valdosta, Ga.; sister, Ann Humble, Kissimmee, Fla.; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec., 29, 2006, in the Lakeland Chapel of Music Funeral Services. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5-7 p.m. Friday. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Kissimmee, Fla. In lieu of flowers please make donation to Alzheimer’s Disease Research Mayo Clinic 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, Fla. 32224. Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com. — Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.



Milledgeville

Fluker G. Stewart

Fluker G Stewart, Director Emeritus of College Relations at Valdosta State University, died Dec. 27, 2006, at the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, Ga. He was 85 years of age.

A native of Atlanta, Ga., he was a graduate of Boys’ High School where he was feature editor of the Tatler, the school newspaper, a member of the Debate Team, DeMolay and the Glee Club. He was also President of the Junior American Red Cross in Atlanta and a National speaker for that organization. In his senior year, representatives of the Atlanta high schools elected him youth Mayor of the the city of Atlanta, as part of a program sponsored by the Atlanta Lions Club. The position was to last one week, but due to the close lasting friendship he developed with then Mayor William B Hartsfield, he was referred to as the “Boy Mayor” for several years afterwards and was called upon to stand in for Mayor Hartsfield on numerous occasions. He attended the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and the Master of Education in Counseling and Guidance. He served as official host for President Harman Caldwell for six years in the President’s Football Box and was editor of The Red and Black campus newspaper, and the Pandora, UGA yearbook.

He was a member and officer of a number of campus organizations including Sigma Delta Chi, Blue Key, Omicron Delta Kappa, Gridiron, Campus Post American Legion Demosthian Literacy Society. Mr. Stewart also received coveted membership in Sphinx, the highest honor the University bestows on male students.

Mr. Stewart left Athens to enlist in the U.S. Army Infantry in World War II, eventually returning to the University to complete his graduate studies. Upon graduation, he became the first editor of the Atlanta Ford News for the then new Ford Motor Company plant in Hapeville, Ga. He left Ford when Caldwell asked him to set up an evening school call the Off Campus Center in Gainesville, Ga. Three years later he established another Off Campus Center in Columbus, Ga. These two centers became institutions of the University System, known today as Gainesville and Columbus Colleges.

Mr. Stewart joined GENESCO, then the world’s largest manufacturer-distributor of all things people wear, in Nashville, Tenn. He was editor of the Corporation’s 28 monthly employee publications. During this time he also served as president of the Bluegrass Golf and Yacht Club and as a deacon in the Presbyterian Church. He and his family remained in Tennessee 14 years before he became Director of Public Relations at Stetson University in Deland, Fla., and advisor for the chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Three years later, Mr. Stewart moved to Valdosta, Ga. With the then incoming new president of Valdosta State College, S. Walter Martin. He served as Director of College Relations, the position he held until retirement in 1985.

During his tenure at VSC he hosted a weekly television show, Panorama, on an ABC-TV affiliate, was a member of the Gator Bowl Board and for more than 30 years, was active with Miss Georgia Pageants, preliminaries to the Miss America Pageants, and other such events through 45 years.

Mr. Stewart was active in Lowndes County activities and organizations, including the Boys’ Club, the United Way, Valdosta, Rotary Club and was frequently a guest motivational speaker throughout the South. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Valdosta.

Mr. Stewart is survived by a son, Jefferson M. Stewart and his wife Becky; two granddaughters Macy Stewart and Melissa Stewart all of Valdosta, and a brother Alfred W. Stewart and sister-in-law Sandy Stewart, of Buford, Ga.; a sister-in-law Joan K. Stewart of Ellijay, Ga.; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lucy M. Stewart and brother, James R. Stewart.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, 2006, at the funeral home. As per Mr. Stewart’s wishes he will cremated following the visitation. Memorial Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, in the First Presbyterian Church of Valdosta. In lieu of flowers, the Stewart family is asking that donations be made to the Lucy Martin Stewart Voice Scholarship at Valdosta State University in care of VSU Foundation, Valdosta, Ga. 31698. Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com. — Music Funeral Home Service of Valdosta.



Columbia, Md.

Jessie Bell Sutton Thomas

Mrs. Jessie Bell Sutton Thomas was born Sept. 2, 1913, in Americus, Ga., and resided in Valdosta most of her adult life before moving to Atlanta. She passed away at Lorien Nursing Center in Columbia, Md.

Known to many in Valdosta as “Miss Jessie,” Mrs. Thomas’ sweet, soft-spoken and kind nature made her an endearing figure among Valdostans who knew her. She had an energetic, contagious spirit and was always quick to offer and provide help to those in need. Most would be challenged to keep up with her pace by her brisk, deliberate walk. Even the younger ones would be hard-pressed to outwalk Mrs. Thomas.

Her mother, Mrs. Annie Sutton-Perkins, and father, Albert Sutton Sr., preceded her in death as well as four brothers, Mr. Warren George Sutton, Albert Sutton Jr., Richard Dowdell and Cecil Dowdell.

Mrs. Thomas was a longtime member of Southside Church of Christ in Valdosta, Simpson Street Church of Christ in Atlanta, Glen Burnie Church of Christ in Glen Burnie, Md.

Mrs. Thomas was a faithful Christian, a strong devoted mother, grandmother and caring friend to many. She was faithful until her illness and subsequent death.

Mrs. Jessie B. Sutton Thomas leaves to mourn six children: Mr. Isaac Thomas of Plano, Texas, Mrs. Anie Thomas Kelly of Solomons Island, Md., Mrs. Glenell Thomas Word of Dallas, Ga., C/Msgt. Brantley Thomas Jr. (retired) of Warner Robins, Ga., Mr. Richard L. Thomas of Queens Village, N.Y., and Ms. Drewnell (Betty) Thomas of Atlanta, Ga.; two daughters-in-law, Mrs. Barbara Thomas of Plano, Texas, Mrs. Pauline F. Thomas of Ocoee, Fla.; one remaining sister-in-law, Mrs. Rosa Lee Thomas of Valdosta, Ga.; 15 adoring grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at 3 p.m. at the Southsie Church of Christ. Brother John W. Iverson Sr. is the minister. Burial will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends Friday evening 7-8 p.m. at the Godfrey Funeral Home Chapel. — Godfrey Funeral Home LLC.





Valdosta

Micah James ‘Pee Wee’ Thomas

Little Micah James “Pee Wee” Thomas, age 9, Valdosta, passed this life Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, at his residence. He was born in Lowndes County, Ga., to Curtis and Dorothy Thomas on Jan. 20, 1997. He attended the Valdosta City School System.

He leaves to mourn his passing a caring father, Curtis Thomas, and a loving mother, Dorothy Thomas, both of Valdosta; one brother, Elijah Thomas; six sisters, Sheila Thomas, Tallahassee, Fla., Etasha, April, Autumn, Kenya, Tiffany Thomas, all of Valdosta; aunts, Maggie Thomas, Helen Robinson, Miami, Fla.; uncles, Willie Williams, Earl Thomas (Bonnie), Atlanta, Ga., Rev. Joseph Brown (Rosseta), Miami, Fla.; best friends, James McCloud, John John, Jo Baby Tant, and his favorite teachers, Mrs. Grant and Ms. Tucker, and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at noon at the Universal Deliverance Church, Apostal Naomi McCowan is the pastor and she will officiate. Burial will follow in the Concord Baptist Church Cemetery. — Godfrey Funeral Home, LLC.



Valdosta

Kevin Michael Thompson

Kevin Michael Thompson, 22, of Valdosta died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006, at Emory University Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was born on Feb. 14, 1984, in Valdosta and had lived in Quitman and Valdosta all of his life. Kevin was a student at Valdosta State University where he was active with the Baptist Student Union. He was a member of the Northside Baptist Church.

Survivors include his parents, Mike and Nan Thompson of Valdosta; two brothers, Kris Thompson, Blake Thompson and his fiance, Mallory Hartley, all of Valdosta; a nephew, Aiden Thompson of Valdosta; grandparents, Mary Giles of Moultrie, Kenneth and Elizabeth Thompson of Quitman; uncles and aunts, Don Giles of Louisville, Ky., Rodney and Dagmar Giles of White Lake, Mi., Donald and Carol Thompson of Quitman, Diane and Paul Sarro of Rinneyville, Ky., Denise Giles of Killeen, Texas, and Monica Giles of Perry, Ga.; numerous cousins; and his dog, Bailey.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, James Cecil Giles, and an uncle, James “Ranny” Giles.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at Northside Baptist Church with Rev. Earl Justice and Rev. Bob Willis officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home.



NOTICES

John Thomas Hutchinson

Mr. John Thomas Hutchinson, age 54, passed this life Thursday, Dec. 27, 2006, at South Georgia Medical Center. Funeral services are incomplete but will be announced later by Godfrey Funeral Home LLC.



Glen Terry Kier

Mr. Glen Terry Kier, 53, of 5959 Nankin Road, passed away on Friday, Dec. 22, 2006 at South Georgia Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the Mount Vienna A.M.E. Church. Rev. Johnny L. Cook, pastor, Rev. Keenan D. Hale, officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Vienna Church Cemetery. The viewing will be held on today from 1-9 p.m. at the funeral home. — Stevens Funeral Home of Valdosta.



Louise Drury Tominsson

Louise Drury Tomlinson, age 98, of Dowling Park, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at Evergreen Cemetery, Jasper, Fla. The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 p.m. on Saturday at Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, Fla. — Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, Fla.



Jeanette Washington

Mrs. Jeanette Washington, 81, of Valdosta, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2006 in Newark, N.J. Funeral services will be held on today at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 4244 N. Forrest St. Brother Willie Davis, pastor, Brother Robert White, officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Stevens Funeral Home of Valdosta.



Carolyn Williams

Carolyn Williams of Lakeland, Ga., passed this life Dec. 23, 2006. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Camon Temple Church, and Pastor Madine Camon will officiate. Burial will follow in the Charles Knight Cemetery. — Harrington Funeral Home.



Jennie B. Williams

Jennie B. Williams of Valdosta, Ga., passed this life Dec. 28, 2006. Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced later by Harrington Funeral Home Inc.



Sister Lillie Kate Williams

Funeral services for Sister Lillie Kate Williams, 97, of Quitman will be held on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Graham Chapel CME Church in Quitman with Rev. Gus Oglesby officiating. Burial will follow in the North End Cemetery. — Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home.



Clara Puckett Winston

Clara Puckett Winston of Valdosta died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006, in St. Joseph, Mo. Plans will be announced by the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.



Willie C. Zanders

Mr. Willie C. Zanders, 63, of Valdosta, who passed away on Wednesday evening, Dec. 27, 2006, at South Georgia Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Scott and Roberts Mortuary.