Obituaries for Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005 issue
Published 4:21 am Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Robert B. Dittemer
VALDOSTA — Robert B. Dittemer, 77, of Valdosta, died on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005, at his residence after a short illness. Born on Feb. 15, 1927, in Elizabeth, N.J., he was the son of the late Hubert Dittemer and Ruth Norton Dittemer. He was a retired pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Valdosta South Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He will be greatly missed by his family and his brothers and sisters in the Valdosta South Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Survivors include his daughters and son-in-law, Deborah and Joseph Bonser of Lake Park, Sandra E. Norman of Valdosta; a sister, Shirley Cram of North Shore, N.J.; granddaughters and grandson-in-law, Jenifer Rose and Brandon Moore of Lake Park, Jenna Lea Mulvey of Valdosta; great-granddaughters, Aubrey Rose Moore and Emma Marie Moore; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, David Lee Dittemer.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3030 Hwy. 41 South, Valdosta. Condolences to the family may be expressed on the Obituary page online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home
Elneta Harper Hunter
VALDOSTA– Elneta Harper Hunter, 79, of Valdosta died Feb. 14, 2005, at her residence after a lengthy illness.
Born in Irwin County on April 18, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Loranzo William John Harper and Minnie Anderson Harper.
Mrs. Hunter was preceded in death by her husband, James B. Hunter, on Sept. 18, 2003; two infant daughters, Deborah Lynn and Diane Hunter; one brother, Felton Harper; and one grandson, Byron Kroscavage.
She sacrificed her life to many and blessed more with her presence. She was not only a loving and faithful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother but also a devout Christian of the Primitive Baptist faith, a teacher, role model, and a rock of strength but most of all, she was an angel on earth. Her words of wisdom touched our lives, her caring love blessed our hearts, and for those of us that were graced by her spirit will be changed and blessed for a lifetime.
Survivors are six daughters, Patricia (Andy) Kroscavage of Brunswick, Mary Findlay of Madison, Fla., Martha (Sam) Roberts of Brunswick, Anita (Joe) Stansel, Pamela Hall, both of Valdosta, Penny (Mark) Pitchford, Atlanta; one son, Larry (Pat) Hunter, Valdosta; two sisters, Velma Lott of Fitzgerald, Martha (Virgil ) Towson of Conyers; and two brothers, Elmer (Joy) Harper of Jekyll Island, and Hugh (Pat) Harper of Conyers.
Pallbearers include granddaughters, Heather Johnson, Donna Bachman, Debbie Hunter, Paige Durenberger, Beth Hall, and Cindy McDonald. Honorary Pallbearers include Candy Gonzalez, Leah Hunter, Raine Roberts and Amy Fletcher.
The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005, at Paulk Funeral Home in Ocilla.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005, at Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Ocilla. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery in Irwin County. — Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald
Pauline Lang
NASHVILLE — Pauline Lang, 84, of Nashville died Monday, Feb. 14, 2005, at Berrien County Hospital. She was born on May 4, 1920, in Coffee County to the late Homer D. and Lonnie McKinnon Gillis. She was a homemaker, retired secretary with the Department of Family and Children Services, a Navy veteran of World War II (Waves, serving from 1943-1946, and a member of Nashville First Baptist Church. She was the widow of Strozier Lang.
She is survived by two sons, Homer Lang of Nashville and Wade Lang of Bainbridge; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Louise Tritt of Huntsville, Ala.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005, in the chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the Rev. Billy Southerland, Jackson Moore and Thomas Clayton officiating. Burial will be held in Sweetwater Cemetery in Pearson. Visitation will be held after 4 p.m. Wednesday with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. — Lovein Funeral Home
James Simon (Slick) Nash
LAKE PARK — James Simon (Slick) Nash, 77, of Lake Park, died on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, at South Georgia Medical Center after a brief illness. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with burial in Carter Cemetery. The family will receive friends today from 6-8 p.m. at the McLane Lakewood Funeral Home in Lake Park.
A lifelong resident of Lowndes County, Mr. Nash was born in Valdosta to Eddie Clements and Debbie Grimes Nash on Oct. 10, 1927. He was an electrician and member of the IBEW Union Local 511. A U.S. Marine, he had served during the Korean Conflict and was of the Church of God faith.
Survivors are his wife, Kathleen of Lake Park; daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth and Ivan Sirmans of Sylvester, Gwen and Jimmy Sheffield of Madison, Fla., Jackie and Keith Thornton of Echols County; sons and daughters-in-law, Greg and Jenny Nash, Vance and Kim Nash, Gary Nash, all of Lake Park; brother, Julian Nash of Valdosta; sisters, LouNelle Lightsey of Valdosta, Ollie Clark of Nashville, Rachael Terry of Adel; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and close friends.
Condolences may be conveyed at www.mclanefuneralservices.com on the obituary page. — Carson McLane Funeral Home and McLane Lakewood Funeral Home
Timothy Edward Parsley
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Timothy Edward Parsley, 40, of San Antonio, Texas died Jan. 31, 2005, in San Antonio after a short illness.
He was born on May 3, 1964, in Gainesville, Fla., to Muriel Fountain. He was employed by Alamo Pet Clinic in San Antonio. He was of the Methodist faith. He was preceded in death by a sister, Teresa Parsley.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Muriel and Fred Fountain, Valdosta; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Tommy Parsley, Todd and Kim Parsley, all of Valdosta; sisters and brothers-in-law, Tammy and Jaime Elizondo, Houston, Texas, Tracie Parsley, Pompano Beach, Fla., Tina and Mark Shroder, Jacksonville, Fla.; two very special ex sisters-in-law, Patricia Parsley and Carrie Sparks, both of Valdosta; nieces, Tammy Parsley, Amber Parsley, Brittany Parsley, all of Valdosta, Jeana Elizondo, Jamie Elizondo, both of Houston, Texas and baby girl Shroder, Jacksonville, Fla.; nephews, Dakota Parsley, Valdosta, Christopher Parsley, Pompano Beach, Fla. — Puente and Sons Funeral Chapel, San Antonio, Texas
Joisey Bell Robinson
NAYLOR — Joisey Bell Robinson, 77, passed this life Feb. 12, 2005, at the South Georgia Medical Center. She was born on Jan. 6, 1928, in Lowndes County to the late Jim Henry Carter and the late Mattie Carter. She was the eldest of 10 children. She was united in holy matrimony to Mike Lee Robinson Jr. In 1953, seven children was born to this union. She received her educational background in the Lowndes County School System. She was a member of the St. Mark Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Carroll Irving; two sisters, Alberta Wright and Emma Jean Carter; two brothers, Willie C. Carter and Frank L. Carter.
She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Mike Lee Robinson Jr.; six children, Janet Robinson, Reginald Robinson (Sherise), Charlene Jordan (Keith), Joyce Robinson, Andre Robinson (Eursula) and Stanley Robinson (Mellanie); eight grandsons, Sterling Robinson, Jonathan Robinson, Brian Jordan, Kevin Jordan, Deandre Robinson, Jailen Robinson, Myles Robinson and Ivan McCollen; two granddaughters, Eryka Robinson and Carissa Jackson; five brothers, Don Carter (Arletha), Ernest Carter (Elizabeth), William Carter (Mary Alice), Morris Lane (Altamese) and Jay Foster; six sisters-in-law, Vernell Carter, Ernestine Carter, Ann Callaway, Dora Robinson, Juanita McCafee and Lula Mae Lamb; three brothers-in-law, D.D. Wright, Martin Robinson and Charles Robinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and loving friends.
A special thanks to Mamie and Charles Breeden for their kindness and care during our mother’s illness. We are grateful to you forever. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at St. Mark Baptist Church with the Rev. John Manning officiating. Burial will follow in Harrington Rest Cemetery. — Harrington Funeral Home
Martha Kennedy Stephenson
VALDOSTA — Martha Kennedy Stephenson, 84, of Valdosta, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005, at South Georgia Medical Center.
Born on Jan. 21, 1921, in Colquitt County, the daughter of Archibald and Adelyn Kennedy, Mrs. Stephenson and her late husband Frank L Stephenson Jr. were Valdosta residents and loyal members of the First United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Mrs. Stephenson was active in her church, business, and her garden club. For many decades, Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson were the owners of Martha’s Feminine Fashions located in downtown Valdosta.
She was preceded in death by her husband Frank; by her twin infant daughters, Susan and Serena; and her older brother, Randolph Kennedy. She is survived by her son, Frank L Stephenson III of Valdosta; her sister, Barbara K. Passmore of Valdosta; and her brother and sister-in-law, William and Lillian Kennedy of Coolidge.
The family will receive friends at Carson McLane Funeral Home in Valdosta from 6-8 p.m., today, Feb. 15, 2005. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005, in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with Dr. Charles Adams officiating. The graveside service will follow in Murphy Community Cemetery in Murphy at 3 p.m. Condolences to the family may be expressed on the Obituary page online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home
Christine Young Strickland
LAKELAND — Christine Young Strickland, 80, of Lakeland passed away early Monday morning, Feb. 14, 2005, at her residence after declining health for several months. She was born in Turner County, Rebecca, and had lived in Lanier County most of her life. She was a graduate of Georgia Women’s College in 1944, with a degree in education. Mrs. Strickland was an educator in the Lanier County School System for 30 years, where she retired in 1984. She was a member of the local education organizations and later a member of the Lanier County Retired Teachers Association. Many students have been greatly influenced and well-educated by her caring and affirming instruction throughout her many years of dedicated service. Mrs. Strickland served on the Georgia Regional Library Board. She was an active member of the Unity United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and enjoyed fellowship with the Frosted Flakes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde S. and Mae Young of Rebecca; a son, Joe C. Strickland; and her beloved husband, Frank Strickland.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Kaye and Bob Joyce, Lakeland; son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Tina Strickland, Lakeland; grandchildren, Kelly and Brent Strickland, Julia Hendrix; brother and sister-in-law, Hill and Mary Young, Rebecca; a number of nieces and nephews; fishing buddy, Jimmy Benefield and his wife Sue along with many other special friends. Caregivers during her illness were Debbie Inman, Lisa Bailey, Geraldine Foster and Mary Camon.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005, at the Unity United Methodist Church near Lakeland with burial in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6-8 p.m. Flowers will be accepted or contributions can be made to Unity United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Rt. 2 Box 375, Lakeland, GA 31635, or Hospice of South Georgia, P.O. Box 1727, Valdosta, GA 31603. Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com. — Music Funeral Services of Lakeland
Rosa Lee Watley
LAKE PARK — Rosa Lee Watley, 96, of Lake Park, died on Monday, Feb. 14, 2005, in Valdosta. Born on Dec. 27, 1908, in Cobb County, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Lizzie Towns Hembree. She had worked at the Hahira Five and Dime and Joe Lazarus Store in Valdosta.
Survivors include three sons, Joyce M. and Faye Watley of Nashville, Billy Shiver of Hahira, James H. and Sandra Watley of Valdosta; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother, Roland J. Hembree of Defuniak Springs, Fla. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Gloria Shiver Plymel of Valdosta; a grandson, Angelo Watley; and 10 brothers and sisters.
Graveside services will be held at Campground Cemetery in Brooks County at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005, with David Nelson officiating. The family will receive friends on today from 6-8 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be expressed on the Obituary page online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home
Mack Cross Jr.
Funeral services for Mack “Slim” Cross Jr., 73, will be Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005, at 2 p.m. at Holy Community Church in Adel. Interment will be in Adel Cemetery. — Lane Memorial Chapel of Adel
Margaret Booth Scaff
Margaret Booth Scaff, 79, of Jasper, Fla., passed away Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005, at her home following a brief illness. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Feb. 15, 2005, at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, P.O. Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064 or New Hope Baptist Church, 6592 NW 48th St., Jennings, FL 32053. — Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, Fla.