for September 6, 2002



Erika Mae Andrews

VALDOSTA — Erika Mae Andrews, infant daughter of Gordon and Heather Andrews of Valdosta passed away Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2002, at South Georgia Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Brady Earl Howell. Survivors include her sister, Melissa Dale Andrews of Valdosta; maternal grandmother, Pamela Howell, Valdosta; paternal grandparents, David and Pang Watkins of Valdosta; and a number of aunts and uncles. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002, in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Music Funeral Services of Valdosta



Mary Laura Bailey

NASHVILLE — Mary Laura Bailey, 89, of Nashville died on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2002, at Memorial Convalescent Center of Adel. She was born on Oct. 30, 1912, in Montgomery County to Ira Wellington and Addie Jeans Scarborough. She was a homemaker and member of Flat Creek Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband Stanley Bailey who died in 1988. She is survived by five sons, Everett Bailey, Wesley Bailey, Earl Bailey, Alton Bailey, all of Nashville and Lamar Bailey of Ocilla; 21 grandchildren; several great- grandchildren; one sister, Christine Jones of Nashville. Funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002, at Flat Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Gary James officiating. Burial will be held in Flat Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. this evening at the funeral home. The family requests memorials be made to Flat Creek Baptist Church. — Lovein Funeral Home, Nashville



Mrs. Jimmie Fulton Black

VALDOSTA — Mrs. Jimmie Fulton Black, 92, of Valdosta, died on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2002. Born on Jan. 29, 1910, in Saginaw, Ala., she was the daughter of the late George Thomas and Margaret Eugenia Alexander Fulton. She was a member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church. Preceded in death by her husbands, William E. England in 1951 and Goodwin A. Black in 1989, she is survived by a daughter, Emily England Stamos of Evanston, Ill.; a son, Bill England of Valdosta; granddaughters, Elizabeth Frazier Rosen of St. Louis, Mo., Carolyn Elaine Frazier of Chicago, Leigh Ashli Camon of Valdosta; and four great- grandchildren Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2002, in Westview Cemetery, Atlanta. The Rev. Horace Couch will officiate. There will be a visitation from 4-6 p.m. Sunday at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contribution be made to the American Cancer Society for research purposes. — Carson McLane Funeral Home



Brenda Elaine Brown

VALDOSTA — Brenda Elaine Brown, 40 of Valdosta died Sept. 1, 2002, at South Georgia Medical Center. She was born on May 24, 1962, in Valdosta to Bealgie and Carrie Smith Foster. She graduated from Valdosta High School in 1980. She married William M. Brown on Dec. 1, 1981, and were blessed with three children. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, William M. Brown; three children, Latoya N. Brown, Felicia R. Booker (Rodric), and Willima M. Brown, Jr., all of Valdosta; her mother, Carrie Foster; father, Bealgie Foster, both of Valdosta; three grandchildren; three sisters, Betty J. Wilcox of Rochester, N.Y., Retha Terrell of Stone Mountain, Ga., Loraine Bryant (Larry) of Valdosta; one brother, Willie James Thomas (Aria) of Valdosta; two aunts, Inell Speed of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Audrey Crawford of Miami, Fla.; her mother-in-law, Bernice Brown, and father-in-law, Robert Brown, both of Valdosta; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Brown and Stephane Miley (James), all of Valdosta; four brothers-in-law, John Brown, Billy Brown, Bobby Brown and Larry Callaway; and a host of nieces, nephews, loving cousins and friends. Home going services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Forrest Church of Christ, Bro. Leroy Butler is the Minister and will officiate. Burial will be held in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Harrington Funeral Home



Benjamin Franklin Edwards

VALDOSTA — On Feb. 26, 1921, a son, Benjamin Franklin Edwards, was born to the late George W. Edwards and Susie McK





elly Edwards in Brooks County, where he grew up in a loving family. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by two brothers an two sisters. In 1942, he met Miss Leola Sherman and on July 5, 1943, they joined in Holy Matrimony, God blessed this union with four children. In 1958, he received the call of God to preach the Gospel, and there he abided in his calling. During his lifetime he pastored the Greenwood HOGSIC; Emanuel HOGSIC and he was the assistant Pastor of Mt. Carmel HOGSIC. His health failed him in 1996, and he was placed in the Crestwood Nursing Home until God said servant well done, you have been faithful over a few things come up higher, come up higher. He leaves to lament his home going two sons and two daughters, Doris E. Ford (Bishop Gus C.) of Atlanta, Elder Eddie C. Edwards (Wynis) a very devoted daughter-in-law, of Valdosta, Min. Ben Edwards (Evangelist Betty) and Judy F. Ingram (Deacon Bruce); 11 grandchildren; 16 great- grandchildren; one brother, Henry Edwards of Morven; five sisters-in-law, Alice Simmons, Clara Braswell, Julia Brandon, Ernestine Winn and Bertha Uneless; five brothers-in-law, Jimmy L. Sherman, Min. Robert Sherman, Eddie C. Sherman, the Rev. Eugene Brandon and Woodrow Winn; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. Home going services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Carmel House of God Saints In Christ Church. Bishop Alton Litman is the Pastor and will officiate. Burial will be held in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Harrington Funeral Home



Eloise Foster

VALDOSTA — Miss Eloise Foster, 62, of Valdosta died on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2002, at South Georgia Medical Center. She was born on May 21, 1940, in Greenville, N.C. to Marie Jones Thomas and the late Lee Thomas. She was a graduate from Dasher High School and was a member of the River Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Lee Thomas; one daughter, Pamela Foster; one granddaughter, Victoria Renee Monroe and one daughter-in-law, Rethea Foster. She leaves to cherish her memories her mother, Marie Thomas; eight children, Linda (David) Hart, Yvette Foster, Chris Foster, Willie (Ann) Baker, Martini (Patricia) Foster, Latonya Foster, all of Valdosta, Leroy Foster, Jr. of Palatka, Fla., and Yolanda (Michael) Moore of Montgomery, Ala.; 20 grandchildren; and one great- grandchild; extended family, Lloyd Miller and Josie Mae Stewart; a special cousin, Mildred Andrews and also a host of relatives and sorrowing friends. Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002, at Riverhill Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Edgar Roberts will officiate. Burial will follow in Riverhill Cemetery. — Scott And Roberts Mortuary



Helen V. McMiller

VALDOSTA — Ms. Helen V. McMiller, 72, of Valdosta departed this life on Sept. 3, 2002, at her residence. Ms. McMiller was born on Nov. 27, 1929, to the late Warren and Matilda McMiller. She was a native of of Turner County and resided in Valdosta for over 60 years. She was a veteran of the United States Army, a member of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church and Order of the Eastern Stars (OES). Helen McMiller lived well, laughed often, loved many, and was loved by many. She left this world better than she found it, never lacking an appreciation of the earth’s beauty or failed to express it; always looking for the best in others; always giving the best she had. Her life was an inspiration and her memory, a benediction. She is survived by her sister, Tillie M. Johnson; and a host of relatives and friends. The family will receive friends at the residence of Mrs. Tillie M. Johnson, 417 Old Statenville Road. The body will lie in state from 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Sept. 7, 2002, at the St. James Baptist Church, 104 1/2 Wisenbaker Lane. Home going services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the St. James Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. T.J. Haynes is the Pastor and will officiate, burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. — Harrington Funeral Home



Christina M. Powell

VALDOSTA — Christina M. Powell, 93, of Valdosta and formerly

of Melbourne, Fla. died Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2002, at South Georgia Medical Center. She was born on June 24, 1909, in Greenoch, Scotland to the late Alexander and Margaret Whyte McAlister and had lived in Melbourne, Fla. for many years before moving to Valdosta one and a half months ago. She was a retired buyer for retail department stores. Mrs. Powell was a member of the Palmdale Presbyterian Church and under the watchcare of First Baptist Church of Melbourne. She was a co-founder of Brevard County Scots American Society, a member of the Eastern Star, served as a Pink Lady and a volunteer with the Senoirs Lunch Program. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Charles A. III and Mary W. Powell of Valdosta; three grandchildren, Jennifer P. and Chris Johnson of Valdosta, Charles A. Powell, IV, of Tallahassee, Fla. and Harrison A. Powell of Valdosta; four great- grandchildren, Christopher, Bradley, Alex and Allison. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles A. Powell, Jr. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, 2002, at the Palmdale Presbyterian Church in Melbourne with Dr. Larry Bazer, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Melbourne officiating. Mrs. Powell’s cremains will be buried in the Memory Garden at Palmdale Presbyterian Church. The family requests no flowers and memorials be made to WCIF Christian Radio, P.O. Box 366, Melbourne, FL 32902-0366 or to Hospice of South Georgia, P.O. Box 1727, Valdosta, GA 31603-1727. — Carson McLane Funeral Home



Bertha Cecelia Pruitt

NEWARK, Del. — Bertha Cecelia Pruitt of Newark, Del., born on July 29, 1929, passed away in Christiana Hospital on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2002, at age 73. She was the daughter of Bertha and Charles Slaughter Sr., and was preceded in death by her husband Carl Joseph Pruitt, and two sons, Charles Bowen and Gerry Bowen. She is survived by her children, Phyllis (Benjamin) Reichenbach of Valdosta, Elizabeth (John) Johnson of Townsend, Del., Randolph (Wendi) Bowen of Bear, Del., Joseph Bowen of Md., Carla (Don) Syler of N.C., Linda Andrews of Newark, Del., and Carlett Sweeney, of Dover, Del.; and many grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Friends are invited to her funeral service at Chandler Funeral Home, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, Del. on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. You are also welcome to call on her family in the funeral home beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to American Heart Association, 1096 Old Churchman’s Road, Newark, DE 19713. — Chandler Funeral Home, Hockessin Del.



Hurmon Lee ‘Gig’ Williams

Mr. Hurmon Lee “Gig” Williams, 65, 4738 Whitewater Road, Valdosta, died Aug. 30, 2002, at South Georgia Medical Center. Born Nov. 7, 1963, in Lowndes County, he was the son of Mr. Charles Williams Sr. and Mrs. Bessie Blake Williams. He was married to Mrs. Margarine Carter Williams and was a member of Francis Lake AME Church. He graduated from Woods Chapel High School and was self-employed as a farmer and carpenter. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by one son, Gregory Williams; two brothers, Rufus Williams Sr. and Charlie Williams Jr.; and one sister, Christine Williams Davis. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 42 years, Margarine Williams; three daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Johnnie Williams of Killeen, Texas; Faye and Herman Roberts of Tampa, Fla., and Beverly and Gregory Kirk of Birmingham, Ala.; six sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffery Williams of Valdosta, Dexter and Dorothy Williams of Atlanta, Ga., Hurmon Jr. and Wanda Williams of Valdosta, Willis and Michelle Williams of Valdosta, Adrian and Kim Williams of Valdosta, and Omar Williams, Valdosta; two stepsons, George Rountree of Valdosta, and Roger and Vensoline of Macon; one sister, Margaret Williams of Valdosta; 20 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Madell Williams, Annette Williams and Diana Young, all of Valdosta; two brothers-in-law, Earl Carter and William Brinkley, both of Valdosta, Ga., and Mat Wilson of Hartford, Conn.; two special frie

nds, Joe Slater and Anthony “Blue” Lockett, both of Valdosta; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowful friends. The funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002, at 3 p.m. at Francis Lake AME Church, Rev. Lawrence Terry, pastor, presiding, Rev. Thomas Haynes officiating. Interment will be at Francis Lake AME Church Cemetery. — Stevens Funeral Home of Valdosta.



Evangelist Vernie Jean Woodard

VALDOSTA — God came on Sept. 3, 2002, and visited Evangelist Woodard, 59, of Valdosta at her home and gently closed her eyes and said peace be thine now follow me and take your rest. Evangelist Woodard started preaching the gospel at an early age. She was born on Sept. 28, 1942, in Lanier County to the late Mr. John Woodard and Mrs. Minnie Foster Woodard who both preceded her in death. She was a member of the Universal Deliverance Church under the leadership of Bishop Naomi McCowan a woman of God, who she admired. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Lula Thomas and Lizzie Moe Woodard; one niece Antoinette Butler; two great- nephews, Marcussims and Keshawn Woodard. She leaves to lament her home going, two loving sons and a special daughter-in-law, Jonas Woodard (Cynthia) and Timothy Woodard, both of Valdosta; a loving and caring daughter, Gloria Jean McGee (Roosvelt) of Valdosta; four loving and special grandchildren, who she admired, Tanika Woodard of Valdosta, Jonett Woodard of Fort Campbell, Ky., Jackie Williams III, of Tampa, Fla. and Sharda Howell of Valdosta; two special, caring, loving and devoted nieces, Doris Sims and Evangelist Minnie Coley, both of Valdosta; three loving sisters, Dorothy Pallus of Brunswick, Ruthie Marsh (Edward) of Valdosta, and Willie Ester Davis (Alfred) of Jacksonville, Fla.; one special God daughter, Stella Woodard (Auntre); one special God sister, Fonell Belly of Clearwater, Fla.; one special cousin, Bill Foster of Detroit, Mich. and other sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, 2002, at the Universal Deliverance Church. Bishop Naomi McCowan, Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in the Charles Knight Cemetery in Lakeland, Ga. The only viewing will be held from 8 a.m.- 9 p.m. Saturday and from 8 a.m.- until time of service on Sunday at Scott And Roberts Mortuary. — Scott And Roberts Mortuary



Mrs. Nancy Mae Davis, 62, of Boston, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2002, at Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002 at The Church of God In Unity in Quitman, Elder Warnell Parker, Minister; Elder Bill Joshua, officiating. Burial will follow in Boston Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. this evening at the funeral home. — Washington Funeral Home, Quitman is in charge of arrangements.



Ella “Peach” Jackson, 80, of Camilla, died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2002, at the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002, at the St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, 6829 St. Mary Rd., Baconton, Ga. with the Rev. Ananias Hopkins, III, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. — Robert Jester Mortuary of Camilla is in charge of arrangements.



Funeral service for Mr. Harvey Sirmons, Jr. 62, of Valdosta will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 7, 2002, at the Forrest Street Church of Christ. Bro. Jason Roberts will officiate. Burial will follow in the Charles Knight Cemetery, in Lakeland. — Scott And Roberts Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.