Obituaries for Friday, Sept. 7, 2007

DULUTH

Elizabeth Leona Dollar Clower

Elizabeth Leona Dollar Clower, 67, of Duluth, died Aug. 29, 2007, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Mrs. Clower was born in Valdosta July 13, 1940. She graduated from Valdosta High, attended business college and held jobs as bookkeeper, office manager, insurance clerk and secretary, but what she loved most was being a mother and homemaker. Mrs. Clower was a member of Bosom Buddies (Breast Cancer Support Group) and a member of the UMW Circle at Embry Hills United Methodist Church. Elizabeth and Max have been members of Embry Hills UMC since 1967. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 42 years, Max G. Clower Sr. of Duluth; children, Gene (Ela) Clower of Decatur, Sherry (Tom) Garnett of Greer, S.C., Brenda (Kress) Meredith of Monroe, Ga.; nine grandchildren, Jordan, Daniel, Sara, Aaron, Luke, Elise, Samuel, Helen and Dylan; sisters, Peggy (Lawrence) Sutherland and Linda (Ed) Clark of Belton, S.C.; brother, Ricky (Martha) Dollar of Valdosta; seven nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Embry Hills United Methodist Church, 3304 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta, Ga., 30341. The family will receive friends following the service at a reception in the Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be sent to either Embry Hills UMC or the American Cancer Society, 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Suite 260, Duluth, GA 30097, 1-800-227-2345, www.cancer.org. Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. — Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, Norcross, Ga. (770) 448-5757.



JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

Lonnie J. Lashley

Mr. Lonnie J. Lashley, 48, died Monday, Sept. 3, 2007, in a Jacksonville, Fla., hospital following a lengthy illness from injuries received in pedestrian/train accident in 1999.

He had lived in Jacksonville since 1960, was a Baptist and loved NASCAR, football, music and especially rock n’ roll. Lonnie loved being with his family and their frequent visits to the dog track. He was preceded in death by his parents: John W. Lashley Sr. and Lottie Simpson Lashley and his brother, John W. “Junior” Lashley, Jr.

Survivors include three sisters, Lucy Willis, Helen Lashley and Janie Ruth Schultz; two brothers, Danny (Rickie) Lashley and Edward Lashley; one sister-in-law, Janie Lashley; two aunts, Mary Lancaster and Verna Mae Warren; one uncle, Hilsman “Hick” Lashley, and many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at Peeples Family Funeral Homes, North Jacksonville Chapel, 2220 Soutel Drive near Lem Turner Road, Jacksonville, Fla. His family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m.this evening at the funeral home. Additional services and burial will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at Camp Ground Cemetery near Valdosta, Ga. — Peeples Family Funeral Homes, Jacksonville, Fla.



LAKELAND

Eloise Fender Holmes

Eloise Fender Holmes, 70, of Lakeland, passed away Thursday morning at Louis Smith Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born Dec. 19, 1936, to the late Dave Fender and Nancy Gilliard. She was a homemaker for most of her life. She is preceded in death by her husband Jack Holmes Jr., two brothers Johnny Fender and James Riley Fender, and two sisters Myrtic Hall and Gertrude Wren.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Sabrina and Donnie Paschal, Lakeland, Ga.; son, Steven Lee Holmes, Lakeland, Ga.; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jessie and Ronald Skinner, Ray City, Mary Sue and Randy Merritt, Panama City, Fla.; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Benny Fender, Ray City, Roy and Latrelle Fender, Homerville; five grandchildren, Sonya, Jordan, Dalton, Coby Paschal, Amber Holmes; a number of nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at Unity Methodist Cemetery in Lakeland, Ga. Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfunealservices.com. — Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.



LAKELAND

Lillie Margaret Johnson Sirmans

Mrs. Lillie Margaret Johnson Sirmans, 86, passed this life Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, at her residence in Lakeland, Ga.

She was born on June 21, 1921, in Clyattville, Ga., to the late Ben and Delia Blake Johnson. Her childhood was spent in Lanier County, where she acquired her formative education.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Frank Sirmans and to this union 10 children were born, four of whom preceded her in death. She raised five grandchildren and one preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her love and memories six children, John Sirmans (Ida), Valdosta, Lodinetta Sirmans, Lillie L. Sirmans, both of Lakeland, Phoebie Rose, Jacksonville, Fla., Vivian Sirmans, Linden, N.J., Bernadette M. Scott (Stanley), Hepzibah, Ga., Harold Sirmans (Barbara), East Orange, N.J., Dedra West, Ray City, Ga., Lystra Lamb (Jerome), Chelsea Thomas (Dallas), Lakeland; 21 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Dorothy Johnson, Raleigh, N.C., Juanita Crawford, Atlanta, Ruth Thomas, Rivera Beach , Fla.; two brothers-in-law, Henry Sirmans, St. Petersburg, Fla., Richard Sirmans, Rivera Beach, Fla.; three special young men entered her life at a young age, Jasper (Jabo) Alexander, Darriel (Blue) McCrae and Kenneth Foster; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at New Bryant Baptist Church in Lakeland, Ga. Bro. Roosevelt Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow in Love Joy Cemetery. Remains will lie in state at the church from 5-8 p.m. this evening. — Godfrey Funeral Home.



MURRAYVILLE

Mattie Odessa Bishop

Mattie Odessa Bishop, 75, of Murrayville, formerly of Adel, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007, at her residence.

She was born on Feb. 18, 1932, in Berrien County to the late Lonnie and Lora Belle Horton Gray. She was a homemaker and retired interior designer. She was the widow of Hugh Dorsey Bishop.

She is survived by one daughter, Mary (Nick) Tyler of Murrayville; one son, John Bishop, Gainesville; five grandchildren, April (Donnie) Guthrie, Adel, Crystal (Cory) Scruggs, Gainesville, John Bishop Jr., Palatka, Fla., Chad (Jennie) Bishop, Hahira, Todd Bishop, Palatka, Fla.; eight great-grandchildren, Samantha Guthrie, Abby Guthrie, Tyler Guthrie, all of Adel, Hunter Scruggs, Kyle Scruggs, Justin Scruggs, all of Gainesville, Ashley Bishop, Hahira, Natalie Bishop, Palatka, Fla.; and two sisters, Betty Pearson, Nashville and Mary Hawkins of Ray City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Sept. 7, 2007, in the chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the Rev. Lawton Watson officiating. Interment will be in Westview Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chad Bishop, Tommy Pearson, Randall Pearson, Donnie Pearson, Rob Hawkins, Donnie Guthrie and Cory Scruggs. Visitation will be held this morning prior to the service. — Lovein Funeral Home, Nashville



QUITMAN

Sergeant Roosevelt Staten

Sergeant Roosevelt Staten was born on Feb. 6, 1963, to Mattie Lou Thomas of Barney, Ga., and Ozell Staten.

In 1993, he joined the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Horace L. Tucker, where he served faithfully on the Usher Board. He was currently under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Dwayne Gavin. He was so elated to know that Rev. Dr. Gavin thought of him as being His Hero and that he was cheering him on all the way through his most trying times. He was indeed a True Soldier.

Sgt. Staten married the love of his life, Janice Golden Staten, on Sept. 15, 1992.

On a glorious day, Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007, God told his Angels to go and bring Sgt. Staten Home to suffer no more because his journey here on Earth was complete.

He leaves to cherish his fondest memories a loving, dedicated, and caring wife of 14 1/2 years, Janice Staten of Quitman, Ga.; Two loving children: Kendrick “K.G.” Golden, Ebony Golden (Jim McGhee Jr.) all of Quitman, Ga.; Three precious grandchildren who called him “Granddaddy Roo-Roo”: Chastity Golden, Dixie, Ga.; Quatavius Golden, Boston, GA, Kendrell Golden, Quitman, Ga.: His parents: Ozell and Dorothy Staten, Quitman, Ga.: eight siblings: Willie Joe Thomas, Sterling, Va., Steven Allen, Quitman, Ga., Doris Ann Thomas, Adel, Ga., Sharen Maxwell, St. Petersburg, Fla., Lisa Staten, Valdosta, Ga., Tina Staten, Quitman, Ga., Brenda Staten-Wright, Valdosta, Ga., Deborah Brooks-Andrews, Valdosta, Ga.; Mother and father-in-law: Ralph and Alfra Lee Golden, Quitman, Ga.; brothers and sisters-in-law: Roderick Golden, Jerris Golden, Jeffrey all of Quitman, Ga.: Jackie Hunter, Valdosta, Ga., Ralph Golden, Jr., Radcliff, Ky., Charlene Golden-Ashley, Quitman, Ga., Lindsey Johnson, Lexington, Ky.; two Goddaughters: Brandy Fulton and NyKayshia “Nyla” Gray both of Quitman, Ga.; a special friend, Donna C. Thomas, Sterling, Va.; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many sorrowing friends. A special thank you to United Hospice of Valdosta.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at 3 p.m. at the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Quitman, with Rev. Dr. Dwayne Gavin Pastor officiating. Burial will follow in the Pineview Cemetery in Morven, Ga. — Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home of Quitman.



VALDOSTA

Adell Berryhill Thomas (MaDear)

Mrs. Adell Berryhill Thomas (MaDear) was born on Jan. 11, 1940, in Leslie, Ga. to the late Marie Baisden and the late Henry Berryhill. She resided at 600 East Gordon St. She departed this life on Aug. 30, 2007, at South Georgia Medical Center. She was preceded in death by one sister, Marie Taylor,and a special loving aunt, Ms. Azzie L. Baisden.

She leaves to mourn her passing one daughter, Mrs. Charlene (Harry) Brown of Valdosta; her husband, Mr. Troy Thomas of Valdosta; two sons, Mr. Tony (Laura) Treadwell and Mr. Johnny (Barbara) Treadwell, both of Valdosta; three brothers, Mr. Eddie (Sonja) Baisden of Americus, Mr. Eugene (Michelle) Baisden of Valdosta, and Mr. Jimmy Baisden of Wis.; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Henrietta (Charlie) King and Ms. Mattie B. Thomas, both of Valdosta; one brother-in-law, Mr. James Washington of Valdosta; unconditional love, 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one goddaughter, Ms. Sharon Johnson of Valdosta; a special devoted friend and caregiver, Mrs. Queen Rowe; also a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at Universal Deliverance Church. Apostle Naomi McCowan, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Stevens Funeral Home of Valdosta.



VALDOSTA

Willie Williams Jr.

Mr. Willie Williams Jr. was born on Dec. 10, 1947. Willie Williams joined the Army and served his country for 22 years. He retired from the Army as a sergeant first class and moved to Valdosta, Ga. in 1989. He was a member of River Street Church of Christ. He departed this life on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007, in Lake City, Fla., at age 59.

Mr. Willie Williams Jr. is survived by two children and one granddaughter.

The funeral services will be held at River Street Church of Christ located at 619 River Street on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at 11 a.m. Bro. Eric Cureton will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Godfrey Funeral Home.



NOTICES

Leotis Anderson

Leotis Anderson of Valdosta passed this life Sept. 5, 2007. Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced later by Harrington Funeral Home.



Russell Eugene Dickey

Russell Eugene Dickey of Barney, Ga. passed this life Aug.. 30, 2007. Memorial services will be held at noon Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at Barney Baptist Church. — Harrington Funeral Home.



Willie Mae Gordon

Willie Mae Gordon of Valdosta passed this life Sept. 2, 2007. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at the Newsome Street Church of Christ and Bro. Gene Godfrey will officiate. Burial to follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Harrington Funeral Home.



Essie Mae Howell

Essie Mae Howell of Valdosta passed this life Sept. 1, 2007. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at the Ministry of Salvation Church and Pastor A.E. Stewart will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Harrington Funeral Home.



Mary McKinnon

Mary McKinnon of Valdosta passed this life Aug. 28, 2007. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at Grace Victory Church. Pastor Robert Daniels is pastor and the Rev. James McKinnon will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Harrington Funeral Home.



Mrs. Lee Birdie Pritchard

Mrs. Lee Birdie Pritchard, 76, of 4389 William Rd., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007 at the Langdale Hospice House. Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced later. —Stevens Funeral Home of Valdosta.



Jessie Andrews Smith

Jessie Andrews Smith passed this life Aug. 30, 2007, at the Langdale Hospice House. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at the House of God Pentecostal Church of the Living God Gates of Heaven at 830 SW 4th Street in Homestead, Fla. Bishop Charlie Williams and Pastor Earlene Marshall officiating. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery in Miami, Fla. Final arrangements are entrusted to Jay Funeral Home of Miami, Fla. — Godfrey Funeral Home is serving the family locally.



Dallis Thomas Sr.

Funeral services for Rev. Dallis Thomas Sr., 78 of Adel will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007 at Salem Baptist Church, Moultrie, Hwy. 333. Visitation will be held this evening from 5-6 p.m. at Lane Memorial Chapel. The remains will lie in state at the church Saturday from 11 a.m. -2 p.m. Interment will be held in Church Cemetery. — Lane Memorial Chapel of Adel.