for Feb. 21, 2003



Rida W. Van Derwerken

LAKE PARK — Rida W. Van Derwerken, 94, of Lake Park died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, at the Baptist Village in Waycross after a brief illness. She was born on April 15, 1908, in Johnstown, N.Y. to the late Irvin E. and Alice F. Kinaman Wessell and had lived in this area since 1991. She graduated from Johnstown High School in 1926. Mrs. Van Derwerken, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother had a strong interest in education and children. She served on the administrative board of the Girl Scouts for many years and was a member of the Johnstown School District Board of Education for 15 years. She worked closely with the Red Cross during World War II. Mrs. Myers was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ft. Myers, Fla. and had attended the Lake Park United Methodist Church during her years in Lake Park. On Sept. 5, 1931, she married John Henry Van Derwerken at the First Reformed Church in Johnstown and he preceded her in death in 1987.

Survivors include two daughters, Joan Allaire V. Kumpitsch of Johnstown, N.Y. and Alice V. Baker of Lake Park; grandchildren, Louise Campbell Mongoven, Scott Patterson, Jonna Lee Patterson, Robert John Kumpitsch, Richard Carl Kumpitsch; five great-grandchildren, Kelly, Jacob and Joshua Mongoven, Alec and Catarina Kumpitsch.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at the McLane Lakewood Funeral Home Chapel in Lake Park with the Rev. Michael P. Lyons officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. this evening at the funeral home. Burial will be held on Wednesday at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fonda, N.Y. — McLane Lakewood Funeral Home of Lake Park.





Elihue Donaldson Sr.

Elihue Donaldson Sr., 80, resided at 1221 E. Washington St. in Nashville, Ga. He passed this life on Feb. 18, 2003, at St. Marys Memorial Hospital in West Palm Beach, Fla.

He was born in Lowndes County to the late Mr. Mitchell Donaldson and the late Mrs. Gracie Epps Donaldson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ludell Baker Donaldson, and one son, Vincent Donaldson.

He is survived by two sons, Harris Donaldson and Elihue Donaldson Jr., both of Nashville; eight daughters, Ellis D. Hall of Tampa, Fla., Geraldine N. Manning (Henry) of Alexandria, Va., Liza M. Hundley (Willie) and Sylvia A. Ratliff (Tony), both of Nashville, Yvonne Donaldson of Lake Park, Fla., Betty L. Hyndman of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Carla E. Donaldson of Alexandria, Va.; one daughter-in-law, Marilyn Donaldson; one brother, Ulysses Donaldson of Valdosta; one sister, Velma Donaldson of Cherry Hill, N.J.; 46 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 Saturday at the House of God Church in Nashville. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at the All Nations Deliverance Center, where Elder Willie Flowers is pastor. Elder Charles Spikes will officiate. Burial will follow in the Joe Howell Cemetery. Final rites are entrusted to Harrington Funeral Home Inc.





Sis. Georgia Lee Adams Hargrett

We were blessed with the presence of Georgia Lee Adams Hargrett 95 years ago on July 1, 1907. She was the only child of the late Rev. James Adams and the late Addie Humphrey Adams. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, God reclaimed Sis. Hargrett as His Own and released her from the pain and suffering of this world.

Sis. Hargrett accepted Christ at a young age. She first joined Second Oak Grove Baptist Church and later First Oak Grove Baptist Church in Clyattville, Ga. Sis Hargrett was an active member of the Usher Board and later on the Mother Board at First Oak Grove.

Sis. Hargrett was also preceded in death by her husband, James Hargrett Sr., and her son, James Hargrett Jr. (Hawk).

She is survived by a loving, devoted and caring daughter-in-law, Katrina S. Hargrett (the late James Jr.). She leaves nine grandchildren to celebrate her life and continue her legacy: Gwyn Hargrett-Wolfe (Calvin), East Orange, N.J., Mary Hargrett-Robert, Marietta, Ga., Freeman H





argrett, Valdosta, Ga., Georgia Hargrett-Capers (Johnny), Stone Mountain, Ga., A. Yvonne Hargrett, Lithonia, Ga., LaVerne Rome (Rev. Stanford), Valdosta, Ga., James Hargrett III, Austell, Ga., Curtis J. Hargrett (Veronica), St. Louis, Ill., and Tyrone D. Hargrett, Atlanta, Ga. Her life is further honored by 12 great-grandchildren: Nicole and Andrew Hargrett, Jenecia Loving, Nicholas Robert, Brittney and Brooke Capers, Jay, Kiersten, and Justin Rome, Nyia, Curtis II, Brodrick Lewis. Sis. Hargrett is also survived by a sister-in-law, Ada L. Hargrett, and a host of loving relatives and lifelong friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Morningstar Baptist Church and Pastor Williams C. Morgan is pastor and Pastor Reginald Benjamin will officiate and burial to follow in the Hargrett Memorial Garden Cemetery in Clyattville, Ga.

Final rites are entrusted to Harrington Funeral Home Inc.











Lydia “Lydt” McCormick Madison

VALDOSTA — Lydia “Lydt” McCormick Madison, 90, of Valdosta passed away suddenly in Houston, Texas on Feb. 13, 2003. She was born on Oct. 9, 1912, in Valdosta to the late Zabe and Rosa Lee McCormick. She was a lifelong member of Riverhill Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Betty Rose and John Jenkins, St. Petersburg, Fla., Lillie Bell and Jacob Brown, Detroit, Mich., Arletta and Henry McGee, Houston, Texas; son, Burton James “BJ” Madison of Atlanta; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at Riverhill Baptist Church with burial following in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. this evening at the funeral home. — Harrington Funeral Home





Mary Ludie Jordan McLeod

Mary Ludie Jordan McLeod, 84, Valdosta, died on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, at South Georgia Medical Center. She was born on Oct. 25, 1918, in Cedartown, Ga., to the late Thomas Lee and Emma White Jordan. Mrs. McLeod lived most of her life in Valdosta and was a member of the Forrest Park Church of Christ.

Her survivors are three sons and two daughters-in-law, Charles Fred McLeod, Valdosta, Kenneth Leslie and Sandra McLeod, Kingwood, Texas, Robert Daryl and Beth McLeod, Valdosta; seven grandchildren, Charles Michael McLeod, Kyle Stephen McLeod, both of Valdosta, Kenneth Brett McLeod, Katy, Texas, Keri Leigh McLeod Mayer, Tigard, Ore., Robert Blake McLeod, Christina Elizabeth McLeod, Robert Austin McLeod, all of Valdosta; three great-grandchildren, Ross, Rhett and Mary Catherine McLeod; one brother-in-law, Louie C. Flythe, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred S. McLeod.

Funeral services for Mrs. McLeod will be held at the Carson McLane Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, 11 a.m. with Mr. Jason Roberts, Mr. Ray Joyner and Mr. Glenn Cochran officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home.









Dortha E. Randall

CLYATTVILLE — Dortha E. Randall, 86, of Clyattville, died on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Randall was born in Forest, Ohio to the late Charles and Alice Willey, and had lived in this area for the past 23 years. She loved and was very active in her church, Clyattville United Methodist Church.

Survivors include three daughters and a son-in-law, Sara Byers of Roseville, Mich., Barbara Bowdren of Clyattville, and Diana and Dale Armstrong, of Evart, Mich. Also surviving are nine grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Austin Randall.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at the Clyattville United Methodist Church. The Rev. Molly Danner will officiate. Burial of the cremains will follow at a later date in Forest, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Day Care Ministry at First Christian Church or the Gideon Memorial Bible Program, 3642 Hickory Grove Road, Valdosta, GA 31601. —

Carson McLane Funeral Home





Cleveland J. Shear

VALDOSTA — Cleveland J. Shear, 86, of Valdosta passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, at his residence after a lengthy illness. He was born in Evergreen, Ala. and lived most of his life in Lowndes County. Mr. Shear was a member of The Church of God Prophecy located at the corner of Clay and Howell Road. His greatest joy next to Church was spending time with is family and fishing in a nearby pond or river. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Timmy Shear.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Margaret Shear of Valdosta; three sons and daughters-in-law, Henry J. and April L. Shear, Gainesville, Fla., Martin E. and Tammy Shear, Valdosta, Kelly W. Shear, Lakeland; six grandchildren, Vickie, Pam, Joey, Odessa, Jennifer and Kellie Ann; five step grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m, Feb. 22, 2003, in the Valdosta Chapel of Music Funeral Services with burial following in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. — Music Funeral Services of Valdosta



Henry Smith

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Mr. Henry Smith, 59, formerly of Alapaha, Ga., departed this life Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at Shands Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla., after an extended illness. He was born July 16, 1943, in Berrien County to the late Clabe and Flossie Smith.

In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas Smith, and one sister, Wilma Jones.

Mr. Smith leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Ida Mae Smith of Jacksonville, Fla. Five children: Regina Cole of Miami, Fla., Cheryl (Corey) Simmons, Larry (Candice) Smith, Henry Smith and Lisa Smith, all of Jacksonville, Fla. One goddaughter, Shameka Pryor of Jacksonville, Fla. Twenty grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Fourteen brothers and sisters, Herman (Eloise) Smith, Danny (Linda) Smith, Earl Smith, Gail Durham and Gaynell Smith, all of Tifton, Ga. Gerald (Stephaine) Smith of Fitzgerald, Ga., Anthony (Tomeka) Smith of Albany, Ga., Eric (Shonda) Smith of Columbus, Ga., Claretha (Eric) Hester of Cleveland, Tenn., Mattie (Elder Johnny) Davis, Harold Smith, and Dolly Smith, all of Alapaha, Ga., Charlie Faye Hines of Cleveland, Ohio, and Eileen Fleming of Vienna, Ga. One uncle, Willie Smith of Tampa, Fla. One aunt, Carmenelia Green of Orange Park, Fla. Mother-in-law Dorothy Simmons of Jacksonville, Fla. Five brothers-in-law, David, Curtis Jr., Tony, Tally, and Darrien, all of Jacksonville, Fla. Two sisters-in-law, Lanita and Constance, both of Jacksonville, Fla. Also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be today after 4 p.m.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at noon at the Alapaha School Gymnasium in Alapaha, Ga., Rev. Martin Smith Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in West Fletcher Cemetery in Alapaha, Ga. Black and Son Funeral Home, Nashville, Ga.



Ruby Spradley

ADEL — Mrs. Ruby Spradley, 94, of Adel died on Feb. 19, 2003, at Memorial Convalescent Center of Adel after a long illness.

She was born on Oct. 9, 1908, in Ben Hill County to the late Luther and Laura Lindsey Hopson. She lived most of her life in Cook County. She was a homemaker and member of Lenox Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Duren Spradley.

Mrs. Spradley is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Harold and Reba Spradley of Adel; two daughters and son-in-law, Linda and Tony Gibbs of Adel, Mona Summerlin of Valdosta; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by three sons, J.W., Royce, J.D. Spradley; three daughters, Iona Faye Edwards Emily Maye Shadlon, and Louise Clements; three grandchildren, Clint Spradley, Johnny Summerlin and Billy Rex Spradley; four brothers, and three sisters.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Assembly of God Church with the Rev. James Kennedy and the Rev. Bill Vaughn officiating. Burial will be held in Oaky Grove Church Cemetery in Berrien County. The family will receive

friends from 7-9 p.m. this evening at Boone-Lipsey Funeral Home, Hwy. 41 South,

Adel. –Boone-Lipsey Funeral Home, Hwy. 41 South, Adel





Robert “Bob” Wright

NAYLOR — Robert “Bob” Wright, 56, of Naylor died on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, at the Heritage House of Valdosta.

He was born on Nov. 18, 1946, in Lanier County, Ga. He received his education at Lakeland High School and was employed by the Lanier County Board of Education.

He was preceded in death by his father Theodore Wright; mother, Gladys Wright; one sister, Gladys Mae Wright and one brother, Emory Lee Wright.

He leaves to cherish his memories, two daughters, Sharon Wright of Valdosta and Monique Early of Albany, Ga.; three grandchildren, Darryl, Allen and Jasmine Wright; six sisters, Willerea Jones (Raymond), Willdean Gilliard, Loretha Woods (Edward) and Beverly Copeland, all of Valdosta, Maxine Brice (Stuart) of Accokeek, Md. and Linda Preston (Gary) of Stafford, Va.; three brothers, John Cecil Wright (Catherine) of Valdosta, Willie Wright (Brenda) of Lakeland, Ga. and Jimmy Wright (Rita) of Alapaha; one step brother, Billy J. Sirmons of Cleveland, Ohio; one loving sister-in-law, Earnestine Wright of Valdosta; a special friend, Mable Arnold of St. Petersburg, Fla.; three aunts, Lillie Sirmans of Lakeland, Ga. Dorothy Johnson of Newark, N.Y. and Elatha Hall of Detroit, Mich.; also a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Friends service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at New Bryant Baptist Church in Lakeland, Ga. The Rev. Burnette Fulton, pastor and the Rev. Don Carter will officiate. Burial will follow in the Charles Knight Cemetery. — Scott and Roberts Mortuary



Mr. Harry Franklin Jr., age 61, who resided at 2454 Hwy. 84 West, passed away at his residence on Feb. 13, 2003. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, 11 a.m. at St. Timothy A.M.E. Church. Rev. U.S. Barber, pastor, will officiate. Interment will be at Jones Settlement Cemetery on Riverside Drive. — Stevens Funeral Home Inc.



Mr. John L. Holmes 61, of Valdosta passed away on Feb. 13, 2003, at South Georgia Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church in Stockton. The Rev. Solomon Wade Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in the Foreman Cemetery in Stockton. — Scott And Roberts Mortuary



Everette Jackson, 53, of Valdosta passed this life on Feb. 12, 2003, at the South Georgia Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Southside Church of Christ. Bro. John W. Iverson will officiate and burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Final rites are entrusted to Harrington Funeral Home



Ms. Mary Ann Johnson, age 54, passed away on Feb. 15, 2003, in Gainesville, Fla. Funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, 3 p.m. at Hosanna Baptist Church in Lake Park, Ga. Rev. Felicia Williams will officiate. Interment will be at Lake Park Cemetery. — Stevens Funeral Home Inc.



Mr. William R. Milton, 65, of Lake Park passed away on Feb. 18, 2003, at South Georgia Medical Center. Funeral Services will held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003, at Antioch Christian Church in Lake Park. The Rev. Carl Dasher will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. — Scott And Roberts Mortuary



Mrs. Emma Mae Wilson Williams, age 80, of Valdosta, Ga., passed away on Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at the Lakeland Villa Convalescent Home on Lakeland, Ga. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at 2 p.m. at the West Hill Street Church of Christ in Valdosta, Ga., with Bro. Zebedee Moore, minister officiating. Burial will follow in the Morning Star Cemetery off of Highway 84 west of Valdosta in Brooks County. Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home of Quitman, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements.



Maggie Sims Williams, 96, formerly of Quitman, Ga., died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, in Jacksonville, Fla. Funeral services are to be held Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Mount Hope Baptist Church in Quitman, with Rev. Jimmie L. Bryant officiating. Burial

will follow in North End Cemetery in Quitman. The family will receive friends Friday, from 6-7 p.m. at the Funeral Home. — Washington Funeral Home, Quitman