Obituaries

John Wesley Kersey, Sr., 62, of Callahan FL, passed away on July 19, 2017. He was born on December 8, 1954 in Baxley to Alvin and Geraldine Kersey. He was a loving, devoted family man who doted on his wife, and was known for his unwavering faith, patience, and strong work ethic. He loved animals, spending time with his family and being Poppy to his grands. John never met a stranger, had a compassion for others and always wanted to help. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years; Gloria Kersey, son; John (Jenny) Kersey, grandchildren; Bridgett Bethune, Wesley Tanner, Bobby Bethune and Hope Bethune- Dempsey, great-grandson; Cameron Hungerford, mother; Geraldine (Hazel) Kersey, five sisters and three brothers. He was preceded in death by his father; Alvin Kersey, daughter: Angel Bethune and four siblings. A memorial service was held in the Nassau Funeral Home Chapel on Monday July 24, 2017 beginning at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Larry McGinley officiating. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in his memory be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest book at www.nassaufh.com. Arrangements were under the direction of Nassau Funeral Home.

John Alfred Lucas, Jr., age 87, of Baxley passed away Friday, July 21, 2017 at The Pavilion. Mr. Lucas was born March 21, 1930 in Joliet, Illinois to the late John Alfred Lucas, Sr. and the late Louise Theresa Cassineri Lucas. He was a Veteran of the United States Army and was preceded in death by his brother in law, Richard D. Hilderbrand. Survivors include his sisters, Christine E. Moore (R. L. Ingram) and Lorraine J. Hilderbrand, all of Baxley; nieces, Renee Curtis and Tammy (James) Westberry; great nieces, Tonya (Asa) Garner and Tracie (Caleb) McLean; great great nephews and nieces, Luke Lightsey, Ames Garner, Joshua McLean, Kirsten McLean and Torah McLean. The family would like to especially thank Joan, Chris and C-Hall nurses and staff at The Pavilion for the care they have provided for Mr. Lucas. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Annie Jewel Gould, 94, died Monday, July 3, 2017, at her home in Baxley. She was a native of Savannah and the widow of Randolph Earl Gould, Jr. She has lived in Baxley for the past fifteen years. She was a homemaker and everybody’s “Nanny”. She loved planting and growing everything, sewing, canning and quilting. All her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have their own special quilt, handmade by their Nanny. Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Gloria Jean Gould, Earline Gould Deason (Bernie), and Renee Gould Newsome (Shawn); grandsons, Jimmy Deason, Scott Deason, and Patrick Brunson; and five great-grandchildren; as well as many other relatives. The family would like to express their gratitude to Spanish Oaks Hospice and all their caregivers, as well as her personal sitter, for their loving care for their mom. Visitation was Friday, July 7, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. Burial was held in private. The family request that any remembrances be sent to Spanish Oaks Hospice. Please sign the on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com

James Hughey Halligan, 89, of Athens, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2017. A native of Baxley, Mr. Halligan was a son of the late Sanders Halligan and Myrtice Carter Halligan. He served in the United States Navy, retired from Chevron Oil in Athens and was a member of First Baptist Church of Athens. In addition to his parents, Mr. Halligan was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Loyce Jordan Halligan; his daughter, Coni Solomon and a grandson, Andrew Solomon. After the death of his beloved wife, Loyce, Mr. Halligan lived happily at Talmage Terrace for five years where he made many dear and close friends. During his final months, Mr. Halligan was surrounded by his loving family, friends and the caring staff at Talmage Terrace. Survivors include son, Jimmy S. Halligan and wife, Dale, of Atlanta; grandchildren, James Halligan, Rachel Halligan Dossche, Leah Halligan Ogard and Staci Moon; great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Noah and Sarah Moon and Elie and Gracie Solomon and two great-great grandchildren. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 24, at the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home with Dr. Paul Baxley officiating. Entombment followed at Evergreen Memorial Park. Online condolences may be offered at www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com. Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Athens, had charge of arrangements.

Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory
announces the funeral services for Roy Herrington, age 81, who passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at his residence. He was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County serving in the United States Air Force from 1954-1959 and a graduate of Marsh Business School. He was a member and Deacon at the Baxley First Baptist Church and a member of the Fisherman’s Sunday School Class. Mr. Herrington was a member of the Baxley Kiwanis Club; member of the Board of Director’s for Community Bank of Georgia; served five years on the Georgia Department of Transportation Board; a past Director with the Appling County Chamber of Commerce winning the Chamber Award of Excellence in Agriculture and the 1981 Citizen of the year. He was currently serving on the Heart of Georgia/Altamaha TIA Citizens Review panel. He started working at Thompson Farm Supply in 1959 and became owner in 1994. Mr. Herrington was a loving husband, father, papa and a faithful servant of the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt and Marnella McKinzie Herrington and four brothers, David Talmadge Herrington, James Herrington, Colon Herrington and Carroll Herrington. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Georgia Mims Herrington of Baxley; three children, Tami Murphy and husband, Zand, Jeff Herrington and wife, Suzanne and Julie Scarborough and husband, Danny, all of Baxley; six grandchildren, Jared Murphy, Brent Murphy, Jena Lovett, Jami Scarborough, Morgan Herrington and Kyler Herrington; eight great grandchildren; three brothers, Russell Herrington, Johnny Herrington and wife, Virginia and Bobby Herrington and wife, Jackie, all of Baxley; one sister, Eula Mae Butler and husband, Bill of Savannah, several nieces, nephews and other family also survive. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. from the Baxley First Baptist Church with the Reverends Joe Ferguson, Robert Wigley and Rick Brown officiating. Mr. Herrington lay in state one hour prior to services at the church. Interment followed in the Zoar Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation was held Friday evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Baxley First Baptist Church Social Hall. Active pallbearers were Jared Murphy, Brent Murphy, Kyler Herrington, Reid Lovett, Lloyd Gunter and Danny Scarborough. Honorary pallbearers were all friends and family in attendance. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund at 15 N. Main Street, Baxley, GA 31513 or your charity of choice. Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to have served the family of Roy Herrington.

Billy Warren Sellers, age 90, of Baxley passed away Saturday, July 8, 2017. Mr. Sellers was born July 14, 1926 in Appling County to the late Colquitt Sellers and the late Carrie Lee Hunter Sellers.   He was a school bus driver for 37 years, a farmer and a lifetime Young Farmer Member.  He was a Mason for more than 50 years. Mr. Sellers was a member of Midway Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for over 50 years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Virginia Webb Sellers. Survivors include his son and daughter in law, Billy Wayne and Linda Sellers of Baxley; brother and sister in law, Hal and Betty Ann Sellers of Baxley; grandchildren, Misty and David Barber, Valerie and Dan Brannon and Courtney and Jeffrey Langlois, all of Baxley; seven great grandsons, two great granddaughters and one great great granddaughter; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 11, at 3:00 p.m. at Midway Baptist Church. The Reverends David Barber, Wayne Williamson and Robert Wigley officiated. Interment followed in Midway Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jason Sellers, Casey Kersey, Josh Barber, Justin Barber, Drake Brannon, Dalton Brannon, Daydan Brannon, Luke Langlois and Jeffrey Langlois. Musical selections were rendered by Jeanie Spell and Glenn and Sherry Beach. Remembrances may be made to the Midway Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Tammy Lott, 6605 Nails Ferry Road, Baxley, GA 31513. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Stacy Varnadore Atkins, age 44, of Dublin, formerly of Baxley, died Saturday, July 1, 2017. Stacy was born July 6, 1972 in Appling County. She attended Christ Community Church and was a nurse. Stacy was preceded in death by her father, James Willie Varnadore and three brothers, Jimmy Varnadore, Donnie Varnadore and Michael Varnadore. Survivors include her two sons, Alan Michael Atkins and Jacob Atkins, both of Baxley; mother, Ann Surrency Varnadore of Baxley; four sisters and brothers in law, Judy (Dr. Emmett, Jr.) Black of Dublin, Linda (Peter) Thornton of New York, Dianne Arthur of Hazlehurst and Cathy (Chuck) Kight of Sylvania; a brother, Jerry Varnadore of Hazlehurst; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held Monday, July 3, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church with Pastor Calvin Morris officiating and eulogies by Ezra Varnadore and Debbie Stinchombe. Active Pallbearers were Alan Michael Atkins, Jacob Atkins, Jayman Varnadore, Ed Deen, Ricky Varnadore, Roger Varnadore, Chuck Kight, and Josh Varnadore. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery. Musical selections were rendered by Christ Community Praise Team. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Integrity Hospice, 1101-B Hillcrest Parkway, Dublin, Ga. 31021. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory announces the services for Algerie “Pee Wee” Johnson, Sr., age 79, who passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at his residence under the care of Spanish Oaks Hospice. He was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County; retired owner of South Georgia Septic Tank Service, a farmer and a member of Friendship Congregational Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lennie Mae Nail Johnson; one son, Hugh Johnson; three sisters and three brothers. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Hart Johnson of Baxley; four children, Algerie Johnson, Jr. and wife, Rhonda of Baxley, Cheryl Johnson of Baxley, Mike Johnson of Baxley and Mary Smith and husband, Kevin of Hazlehurst; nine grandchildren, Lily Anna Johnson, Hugh Johnson, Kathleen Johnson, Lacey Smith, Orrin Johnson, Lake Johnson, Lyndsey Smith, Caelan Johnson and Landon Smith; two sisters, Christine Beecher of Baxley and Clementeen Morgan of Callahan, FL; several nieces, nephews and other family. Funeral services were held Friday, July 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Congregational Christian Church with the Reverend Wayne Williamson, the Reverend Rick Brown and the Reverend Barry Teutsch officiating. Mr. Johnson lay in state one hour prior to funeral services. Interment followed in the Friendship Congregational Christian Church Cemetery. Visitation was held Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Friendship Congregational Christian Church. Active Pallbearers were Jerry Beecher, Roger Hollis, Johnny Reynolds, Ted Johnson, Jackie Green, James Morgan and Edwin Hart. Honorary pallbearers were the members of Friendship Congregational Christian Church, Huddle House friends and staff and Spanish Oaks Hospice staff. Friends and family may sign the online guest book at noblesfh.com. Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to have served the family of Algerie “Pee Wee’ Johnson

Joyce Copeland Mathis, age 84, of College Park passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at her residence. Mrs. Mathis was born August 26, 1932 in Tattnall County to the late Lawrence Copeland and the late Fannie Marie Hendricks Copeland.   She was retired from the State of Georgia Department of Administrative Services and was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Clarence Mathis. Survivors include her two sons, Gary Mathis of College Park and Larry Mathis of Ellenwood; two brothers, Johnnie Copeland and Jerry Copeland, both of Baxley; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Rev. Justin McLellan and the Rev. Robert Black officiating. Interment followed in Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Brandon Mathis, Justin Mathis, Tyler Davis, Chad Carver, Ryan Boxdorfer, and Allen Copeland. Musical selections were rendered by Glynda Reeves. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory announces the services for Steven W. Roland who passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at his residence under the care of Comfort Care Hospice. He was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County; a member of Oak Grove Church of God where he played the bass guitar in the Praise and Worship Band and worked as a male tech at the Senior Care Unit and General Housing Manager. He was preceded in death by his parents, Warnell Roland and Bobbie Jean Long and brother, Danny Ray Kinnley. Survivors include one daughter, April Machelle Roland; two grandchildren, Kameron Sargeant and Haidyn Cotney; three brothers, Terry Helms and wife, Belinda, Larry Roland and Robert Roland and wife, Venessa; one sister, Tammy Roland Jackson and husband, Maurice; several nieces, nephews and other family. Funeral services were held Sunday, July 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Nobles Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Dennis Bryant and Belinda Helms officiating. Interment followed in the Midway Church Cemetery. Visitation was held Saturday, July 8, 2017 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Active Pallbearers were Mackie Perry, Allan Burnell, Jamie Nelson, Chance Crosby, David Gay and William Roland.
Honorary pallbearers were the staff of Comfort Care Hospice, Dr. Evelyn Johnson and staff. Friends and family may sign the online guest book at noblesfh.com.
Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to have served the family of Steven W. Roland.

Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory announces the services for Fonnie Mae Davis Rowell, age 84, who passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at her residence. She was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County; a retired bundler for Ship and Shore and a member of Friendship Congregational Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Rowell; parents, Joe and Irene Griffin Davis; one brother and three sisters. Survivors include two daughters, Sue Rowell and Earl Griffis of Baxley and Cheryl and Kenneth Henry of Baxley; five siblings, Charlene Lynch of Baxley, Ruth Carter of Baxley, Earl Davis of Baxley, Carolyn Weaver of Baxley and Rita and Frank Norris of Starke, FL; a host of nieces, nephews and other family. Funeral services were held Friday, July 7, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Nobles Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Wayne Williamson and the Reverend Rick Brown officiating. Interment followed in Omega Cemetery. Visitation was held Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Active pallbearers were Joe Davis, Will Griffis, Shannon Davis, Aaron Weaver, Jeff Lott and Harold Lynch. Honorary pallbearers were the Altamaha Health Care staff, Joe Henry, Kenny Henry, Alene Beasley and the Nightingales members Brenda Calhoun and Aggie Sweat. Friends and family may sign the online guest book at noblesfh. com. Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to have served the family of Fonnie Mae Davis Rowell