Obituaries
Reverend Buford “Beau” Taylor
The Reverend Buford “Beau” Taylor, age 73, entered into heaven’s rest on Friday, February 23, 2018, following an extended hospitalization at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
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Aaron Branch, Jr.
Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory announces the services of Aaron Branch, Jr., age 76, who passed away Friday, February 16, 2018 at Appling Healthcare under the care of Comfort Care Hospice. He was a lifelong farmer and resident of Appling County. Mr. Branch was an owner of Branch Farm Supply, Branch and Branch Farms and a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church. Preceding him in death was his parents, Aaron and Lura Lynn Branch, Sr. and two sisters, Wylena Lynch and Betty Quinn.
Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Jackie Williams Branch of Baxley; three sons, Ricky W. Branch, Randy and wife, Angie Taylor Branch and Roger and wife, Dawn Carter Branch, all of Baxley; two grandchildren, Shane and Megan Branch and Brandon and Jodie Branch, both of Baxley; one great-granddaughter, Taylor Branch and a great-granddaughter to be born Tuesday, Lanie Jo Branch; two sisters, Carolyn and husband, Ralph Waters and Hilda and husband, Bobby Morris, both of Baxley. Visitation was held Sunday, February 18, 2018 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Hopewell United Methodist Church. Funeral services were held Monday, February 19, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. from the Hopewell United Methodist Church with the Reverends Denny Waters, Darrell Quinn and Bobby Gale officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers were, Dale Lynch, Ace Morris, Carrol Waters, Raymond Crosby, Curt Griffin and Richie Williams. Honorary pallbearers were the employees of Branch Farm Supply and Branch and Branch Farms. Condolences may be expressed at noblesfh.com. Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to have served the family of Aaron Branch, Jr.
Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Jackie Williams Branch of Baxley; three sons, Ricky W. Branch, Randy and wife, Angie Taylor Branch and Roger and wife, Dawn Carter Branch, all of Baxley; two grandchildren, Shane and Megan Branch and Brandon and Jodie Branch, both of Baxley; one great-granddaughter, Taylor Branch and a great-granddaughter to be born Tuesday, Lanie Jo Branch; two sisters, Carolyn and husband, Ralph Waters and Hilda and husband, Bobby Morris, both of Baxley. Visitation was held Sunday, February 18, 2018 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Hopewell United Methodist Church. Funeral services were held Monday, February 19, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. from the Hopewell United Methodist Church with the Reverends Denny Waters, Darrell Quinn and Bobby Gale officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers were, Dale Lynch, Ace Morris, Carrol Waters, Raymond Crosby, Curt Griffin and Richie Williams. Honorary pallbearers were the employees of Branch Farm Supply and Branch and Branch Farms. Condolences may be expressed at noblesfh.com. Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to have served the family of Aaron Branch, Jr.
Marijo Draffin Kerr
Marijo Draffin Kerr, age 94, of Albany, died Tuesday, February 13, 2018. Mrs. Kerr was born July 25, 1923 in Cairo to the late Lucius Leonidas Draffin and the late Bertha Corinne Sellers Draffin. Before leaving Baxley, Mrs. Kerr worked for Doyle Electric and Baxley Creosoting Company. She later retired from the State of Georgia WIC Program and was a member of Byne Memorial Baptist Church in Albany. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Hoover Kerr and sons, Steve Kerr and Joe Kerr. Survivors include her daughters, Corinne Kerr Crockett of Baxley and Catherine Kerr Erickson of Albany; son, Tommy Kerr of Thomson. Ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren also survive. Graveside services were held Friday, February 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in Omega Cemetery with the Rev. Robby Kerr officiating. Remembrances may be made to Phoebe Hospice 320 Foundation Lane, Albany, Ga. 31707 or The Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Vera M. Moses
Vera M. Moses, age 77, of Jesup, died Friday, February 16, 2018 at her residence. Mrs. Moses was born August 31, 1940 in Douglas to the late Samuel Turner and the late Vivian Moore. She raised six daughters and was the best mother and grandmother ever. Mrs. Moses was a member of Cornerstone Renewal Church and was preceded in death by a daughter, Rhonda Surrency, grandson, Jacob Forehand, great grandson, J. J. Madison, son in law, Jimmy Merritt and a sister, Carol Harper. Survivors include her husband, Rex A. Moses of Jesup; daughters Karen Purvis and husband, Paul of Jesup, Pam Merritt of Nicholls, Lori Waldroup and husband, Rodney of Douglas, Bambie Marcum and husband, Casey of Hayden, AL and Rebecca Forehand and husband, Tony of Baxley; sisters, Joanne Moore and Linda Schwindle, both of Douglas; brothers, Lee Moore, Donald Ray Moore, Eddie Moore and Ricky Moore, all of Douglas. Nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Pastor Tony Forehand and Pastor Steve Statum officiating. Interment followed in Meeks Cemetery in Coffee County. Active pallbearers were Jody Arnold, Brandon Purvis, Lee Fowler, Caleb Fowler, Chris Moore and Allie Purvis. Honorary pallbearers were the Women of Zion Church of God and the Women of Cornerstone Renewal Church. Musical selections were rendered by Lauren Turner, Jamie Gardner and Cole Gardner. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Benjamin Franklin Davis
Benjamin Franklin Davis, age 76, died on February 5, 2018. He was born on May 3, 1941 to the late Vincie Lee and Oscar Davis in Baxley. He was affectionately known as Daddy, Uncle Ben, Uncle Tommy, Pop-Pop, and Pops. Benjamin graduated from Appling County Consolidated High School in 1960. He married his high school sweetheart in 1963 and soon relocated to Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1964, he began his long career as a chemical specialist at Onyx Chemricals. After many years, he moved to the New Jersey Turnpike and served as a highway manager until retiring in 2002. He was a devoted husband, loving father and faithful church member. He loved spending time on his boat, serving as a church deacon, and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was also a sponsor of the American Cancer Society. Preceding him in death, parents, Vincie Lee and Oscar Davis; wife, Annie Dorothy Davis; son, William Reggie Davis; sisters, Johnnie Mae Haynes, Tiny Lee Williams, Willie Lee Allen, and Lutricia Davis; brothers, Booker T. Davis (Forshia), Leonard Davis, Oscar Davis, Anthony Davis, and Philnorris Davis; sister-in-laws, Merle Reaves and Sally Jean Riddick. Survivors include daughters, Terri Herk (Bernard), Tawanna Davis, Tonya Jones (Keith), Dawn Davis (Anthony), Tyeshia Davis (Bernard), Tamara Evans (Kevin); sisters, Jenethal Burks (Harold), Clara Mae Russell (Leroy); in-laws, Shirley Robinson (Henry), Jackie Burkett (Ronald), William “Pete” Smith, Jr. (Vanessa), Verna Walker (Rickie), Ruby Ryals, Vernon Riddick, Sr. (Sally Jean); brothers-in-love, Clark Cross, Deacon Ira Spencer, and Dallas Barney. Sixteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, God-children Persian Gourdine and Terrell Martin, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. Special acknowledgment to his honorary daughter Shirley Robinson for her special love, attention, and care given throughout the years. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with Elder Gregory Russell presiding and Superintendent James Futch serving as the eulogist at First African Baptist Church in Baxley. Active pallbearers were Keith Jones, Kevin Evans, Bernard Cutless, Anthony Gibson, Bernard Herk, and Vernon Riddick, Jr. Honorary pallbearers were Deacons of St. John’s C.O.G.I.C. Friends and family may offer condolences by visiting www.cmbrownfh.com. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
Epsidell Creel Davidson
Epsidell Creel Davidson, 85 of Surrency died Wednesday, February 7, 2018 under the care of Affinis Hospice. The South Carolina native had lived in Surrency the past 60 years and was a member of Emmanuel Holiness Church in Jesup. Epsidell was a helpmate for her husband and his ministry for many years and a former employee at Appling HealthCare in Baxley. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, the Rev. Frank Davidson; parents, Lonnie and Rosa Creel of Cottageville, South Carolina; three sisters, Vernell Creel, Gladyes Tracy, Daisy Bell Scott; two brothers, Boyd Creel, Lonnie Creel; a son-in-law, Tom Westberry. Survivors are four daughters, Bernell (Eugene) Davidson of Ridgeville, South Carolina, Brenda Westberry of Surrency, Diane Russell of Four Holes Reservation, Bernett (Kenny) Driggers of Jesup; a son, Toby (Lynn) Davidson of Surrency; 22 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; two brothers, Nal (Linda) Creel of Folkston, Horace Creel of Jesup; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2018 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Rob Kesler and Bernett Driggers officiating. Interment was in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Bernell Davidson, Brenda Westberry, Bernett Driggers, Lynn Davidson, Lacey Davidson, and Ashley Westberry. Honorary pallbearers were Debra Walker, Jackie Gustave, Tanya Locke, and Louis Lloyd. Visitation was held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to services at the funeral home. Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup were in charge of arrangements.
Debra Ann Gibbs
Debra Ann Gibbs, age 57, of Baxley died Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Community Hospice in Vidalia. Ms. Gibbs was born February 29, 1960 in Bibb County and was preceded in death by her father, Delmus Gibson and her step-father, David Waters. Survivors include her son, Calvin Gibson; daughter, Chrystal Gibson; mother, Hilda Waters of Baxley; and sister, Theresa Ellis. Six grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Rev. David Harrell and the Rev. Tommy Daniels officiating. Interment followed in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Wheeler County. Active pallbearers were Ronnie Roach, Joey Roach, Richard Roberson, J. C. Youngblood, Larry Rowland and Eddie Crowe. Visitation was held one hour prior to the funeral service. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Herbert Joseph Heichelbech
Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory announces the services for Herbert Joseph Heichelbech, Jr., age 73, who passed away February 7, 2018 at Pigeon Forge Care and Rehabilitation Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. He was a native of Louisville, Ky. and retired in 2005 from Brown and Williamson Tobacco Co. Mr. Heichelbech was a member of Parkway Church of God in Sevierville, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert J. and Media Frances Stucker Heichelbech, Sr.; a son, Herbert J. “Joey” Heichelbech, III; a brother, David Heichelbech and a sister, Joanna Heichelbech Weber. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Ahl Heichelbech; one son, Michael Heichelbech; two daughters, Tina Heichelbech Jacobs and Stacey Heichelbech; two step children, Chris Kitchens and wife, Tammy and Melinda Howell and husband, Bill; eleven grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. Graveside funeral services were held Friday, February 9, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Carter Cemetery. The funeral precession left at 10:30 a.m. from the funeral home. Interment followed. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Parkway Church of God Building Fund at 1103 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862. 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 Herbert Joseph Heichelbech, Jr.
Tiffany Aycock Lott
Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory announces the services for Tiffany Aycock Lott, age 78, who passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at the Bacon County Hospital. She was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County, a homemaker and a member of Red Oak Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roosevelt and Pauline Morris Aycock and a sister, Bronnie Aycock Kennedy. Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Waldo Lott of Baxley; one son, Kim Waldo Lott of Baxley; three daughters, Karen Griffin and husband, Cecil, Donna Johnson and husband, Lonnie, Jr. and Sara Carter and husband, Aaron, Sr., all of Baxley; ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; three brothers, Bill Aycock and wife, Martha of Bacon County, Donald Aycock and wife, Jane and Alvin Aycock and wife, Latrelle, both of Baxley and one sister, Peggy Lynch and husband, Brady of Jacksonville, FL. Funeral services were held Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Nobles Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Denny Waters and the Reverend Robbie Gill officiating. Interment followed in the Midway Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation was held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service on Sunday. Active Pallbearers were Timmy Lott, Derrick Johnson, Bryan Griffin, A.J. Carter, Steven Johnson and Justin Carter. Honorary pallbearers were the members of Red Oak Baptist Church. 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 Tiffany Aycock Lott.
Juanita R. Morris
Juanita R. Morris, age 82, of Bristol, died Thursday, February 8, 2018 in the Bacon County Hospital. Mrs. Morris was born August 28, 1935 in Bacon County to the late Troy Blasingame and the late Addie Lee Blasingame. She was a member of Zion Church of God and was a homemaker. Mrs. Morris was preceded in death by a son, Edward Monroe “Eddie” Morris and a sister, Joyce Blasingame Rimes. Survivors include her husband, Thomas Edgar Morris of Bristol; daughter, Karen Morris of Central, SC; four sons and daughters in law, David Edgar and Melanie Morris of Alma, Johnny Laverne and Cindy Morris of Mershon, Darrell Wayne and Kimberly Morris of Baxley and Carl Franklin and Molly Morris of Bristol. Ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with the Rev. R.M. Warren and the Rev. Steve Statum officiating. Interment followed in Milikin Cemetery. Active Pallbearers were Davy Morris, Brandon Morris, Kartley Morris, Justin Morris, Chandler Morris and Charlie Morris. Musical selections were rendered by Freda Jones. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Joyce Lewis Riddle
Joyce Lewis Riddle, age 66, of Baxley, died Friday, February 2, 2018 at her residence. Mrs. Riddle was born April 24, 1951 in Bacon County and was a member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Riddle was a retired school teacher for the Appling County Board of Education. Survivors are her husband, Richard Riddle of Baxley; a son, Adam Riddle of Baxley; parents, Brady and Eula Lewis of Alma; brother and sister in law, Roy and Gwen Lewis of Alma. Funeral services were held Monday, February 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Rick Brown and the Rev. Justin McLellan officiating. Poems were shared by Adam Riddle and April Sellers. Interment followed in Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jason Carter, Jake Carter, Trevor Johnson, Ethan Lewis, Ricky Carter and Jeffrey Davis. Honorary pallbearers were the Young At Heart Sunday School Class and the Ladies Sunday School Class of Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Musical selections were rendered by Susan Lamb, Tami Murphy, the Rev. Rick and Julie Brown and Misty Barber. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
Zebulon Maurice Walton
Zebulon Maurice Walton, age 46, died on January 31, 2018. He was born to Zachrus and Mary Walton on July 19, 1971. He was a graduate of the Appling County High School class of 1990. Upon completion of high school, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served eight years. After retiring from the Army he moved to Puerto Rico and began working at Gold’s Gym. He also worked as a car salesman at a North Park Dodge dealership. Zebulon was an avid athlete and sportsman. He played semi-professional football with the Texas Mavericks, Hawks and the All Star team with the Alamo City Cowboys. He retired from his football career with the Texas Timberwolves. He worked at lifetime fitness as a personal trainer. Zebulon had a passion for coaching. He coached little league, Boerne Middle and Boerne High School in Texas. During his coaching time with the Mosquito All Stars he earned the nickname “Mo Strong.” Zebulon was not only a coach, but also a caring mentor who wanted to see his students succeed. He never stopped pursuing his dreams. He became a light weight bodybuilder, winning third place in competitions in 2017. Preceding him in death, his maternal grandparents, Leavy and Hattie Carter; his paternal grandparents, Nathaniel and Elizabeth Stripling, and Dewey Wells. His family, students he has coached and elite fitness clients will truly miss him. Survivors include his beloved parents, Zachrus and Mary Walton; daughters, Mai Walton and Rachel Torres (Juan) of San Antonio, Texas; siblings, Lorenzo Walton of San Antonio, Texas, Marjorie Hyche (Dion) of Hinesville, Dexter Walton (Catwaba) and Myron Walton (Macy) both of Baxley; godbrothers, Corey Hall of Charlotte, North Carolina and Daryl Cray (Keshia) of Hazlehurst; godsister, Erica McKenzie of Baxley; special friends: Cutis Wolfe (Bess), Lynda Perez, Reham Elsherif and Chance McGhee, all of San Antonio, Texas. A host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends also survive. Funeral services and visitation were held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Jamie T. Paulk officiating and Pastor Christopher Wilson presiding at Thankful New Jersey Baptist Church. Internment followed in the Old Field Memorial Gardens in Baxley. Repast was held at the Thankful New Jersey Missionary Baptist Church Annex. Active pallbearers were Derrick Hall, Bernard Green, Patrick Nelson, James Rucker, Alton Stripling, Marcus Carter, Travis Carter, Wesley Carter and Antwan Carter. Honerary pallbearers were Ronald Stripling, Terrance Carter, Chandler Byrd, Lorenzo Cash and Demetrius Cray. Musical selections were rendered by, Combined Choir, Tammy Richburg and Corey Hall. Friends and family may offer condolences by visiting www.cmbrownfh.com. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
Bobbie Bowen Whittington
Bobbie Bowen Whittington, age 94, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2018 surrounded by her family. Bobbie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a gracious southern lady and loved her family and friends. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, and many other activities. She was an excellent role model and teacher who will be deeply missed. Bobbie grew up on a farm in South Georgia and was the eldest of nine children. She taught third grade in South Georgia, then moved to Atlanta to work and attend Atlanta Business College. She moved to Chicago and worked for the Upjohn Company before marrying Kenneth J. Whittington. They lived in the Coldwater/Marble Lake, Michigan area before moving to Mendon, Michigan. While living in Mendon, Bobbie worked as a secretary in the Mendon School Superintendent’s office for many years, then worked for the bank in Mendon until Kenneth passed away. Throughout their marriage, Bobbie was instrumental in Christian music ministry with her husband. Upon her return to Georgia, she successfully obtained her Real Estate License, but soon decided to work for her family in Atlanta when the opportunity presented. She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth J. Whittington, her parents Leroy and Ollie May Bowen, her stepmother, Elizabeth Bowen, three siblings that passed away before the age of five, brother Wade Bowen and sister JoAnn Bowen Mincey. Bobbie is survived by her children, K. Dean Whittington (Jan) and Pam Whittington Rye (Stan); grandchildren Jennifer Whittington, Kristin Whittington Walker (Cameron), Bryan D. Whittington (Kara), Chelsea Rye Brueder (Michael), Jessica Rye Weston (Chris); great-grandchildren, Erin and Connor Smith, Ella Walker, Ava Whittington, Anna, Logan, and Bennett Weston; brothers and sisters, Bruce Bowen, Colleen Bowen Davis, Kathleen Bowen (Edsel) Bullard, Vena Faye Bowen Gray, Truman Bowen (Evone), Rita Bowen Taylor and families. Bobbie was preceded in death and survived by many extended family members and friends. She could be quoted, “I love them all and want the best for each one”. She spent her life doing for others, whether it was cooking their favorite meal or baking their favorite dessert using garden fresh ingredients. She taught us the importance of “taking good care of things so they’ll last”. She blessed her family with many stories and laughs with fun experiences through the years to remember. Funeral services were held Friday, February 9, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eickhoff Funeral Home, Mendon, Michigan with the Pastor David Szymczak officiating. The family received friends for one hour prior to services at the funeral home. The interment followed at Mendon Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to Billy Graham/Samaritans Purse at www.billygraham.org and www.samaritanspurse.org
William Kent Conner
William Kent Conner, age 66, of Brunswick passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. William was born January 13, 1952 in Baxley to Grace Flanders and Gerald Edward Conner. William had been a resident of Brunswick for many years. He was employed with Securitus Security Agency. William’s favorite outing was singing and playing the fiddle at the Woodbine Opera on Friday nights. William is survived by: cousin, Deroma Lynn (Alvin) of Midway; sister, Kimberly Ann DeLoach of Bloomingdale; Mary Delores Gould of Maple Valley, Wa; Vera Ervine Zick of Wewahitchka, Fla; Charles Latham of Brunswick; Tracy Garren of Tifton; and other cousins in Appling County. William was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Edward Conner, and mother, Grace Flanders. A memorial service for William Kent Conner was held Thursday, February 1, 2018 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Arco United Methodist Church in Brunswick. For those that could not make it, a second Memorial Service for William was held Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Methodist Church in Surrency. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.edomillerandsons.com for the Conner family. Arrangements were under the direction of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home and Oglethorpe Crematorium.
Fern Riddle
Fern Riddle, age 82, of Baxley died Tuesday, January 30, 2018 in Vidalia. She was born May 9, 1935 in Pierce County to the late Ralph Howard Morris and the late Nora Lee Morris. She was a member of Riverside Baptist Church and was a retired Nurse. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Edwin H. Riddle of Baxley; daughters, Shirley L. Clark of Baxley and Bonnie Armstrong of Virginia; son, Russell Riddle of Reidsville; sister, Norene Dukes of Augusta; brother, Ellis Morris of Blackshear; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Friday, February 2, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Riverside Baptist Church with the Rev. Justin McLellan and the Rev. Earnest Dyal officiating. Interment followed in the Church Cemetery. Active Pallbearers were Jason Carter, Richard Riddle, Charles Stone, Jimmy Davis, Robert E. Clark and Laney Gay. Musical selections were rendered by Glynda Reeves and the Rev. Justin McLellan. Arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
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