Obituaries

Johnnie Boyd Blanton, 90, of Hilliard, passed away on January 6, 2013, to be with her husband and love of her life. She is a native of Odum, but lived most of her life in Hilliard, Florida. She retired from Kingsley Lake Campground. She continued to enjoy visiting the lake her entire life. Her greatest passion was her family and friends. She never met a stranger and welcomed all into her home. On Sundays you could expect her famous “Southern Style” home cooked meals. Afterwards be prepared to play her favorite card game “Aggravation Rummy” where she definitely was the queen of hearts. Heaven has indeed gained a beautiful angel. “Maw”, well known to many, will be forever cherished by her loving family and friends. [Full Story »] 

Cecil Hugh Bowden, 90, of Olar, South Carolina, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013 at Barnwell County Hospital. Bowden was a Mason and an U.S. Navy veteran. He was a loving father and grandfather. He will be missed by many. Bowden was born in Jasper County to the late John Parks and Mildred Elizabeth Aiken Bowden. He was married to the late Tommie Lee Bowden. [Full Story »] 

April 27, 1944 to Dec. 30, 2012

Annie “Dorothy” Davis, the first child of the late William H. Smith, Sr. and Nettie Mae Smith was born April 27, 1944 in Baxley. She was and always will be known as Dorothy and Mother Davis. She died Dec. 30, 2012. [Full Story »] 

Alma Andrews Hill, 92, of Jesup, died Sunday, January 6, 2013 in Golden Living Center after an extended illness. The Appling County native had lived most of her life in Surrency and was a member of Surrency Methodist Church. She was also a homemaker and predeceased by her husband, Harry Ray Hill, Sr. and a daughter, Harriett Hill. [Full Story »] 

Mary Lanier of Watkinsville died on January 3, 2013, at Athens Regional Medical Center. [Full Story »] 

Martha Peavy Howell, 93, of Lyons, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2012 in the Community Hospice House in Vidalia. A native of Toombs County, she was born Aug. 12, 1919, to the late Robert Andrew Peavy and the late Daisy Holland Peavy. [Full Story »] 

SFC James Leroy “John” Seward, 81, of Graham, passed away on December 25, at his home. “John”, as he was known, was born on December 14, 1931 to Mrs. Anna Bell Seward and the late, Leroy Roosevelt Seward. He joined Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church at an early age and was educated in the Jeff Davis County and graduated from Baxley Training School in Baxley. After completing high school, John served his country proudly for 23 years in the United States Army.  After retiring from the Army he worked for the City of Lawton, Oklahoma, where he retired after 12 years of service. [Full Story »] 

Elizabeth “Liz” Scott Holmes, age 73, of Hazlehurst, died Tuesday, December 18, at Community Hospice in Vidalia. [Full Story »] 

Leila Altman Powell, 107, died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012. A native of Appling County, she was born April 19, 1905 to the late Lemuel and Lou Parker Altman. Mrs. Powell was a member of Midway Baptist Church, the Telephone Pioneers-Dublin Council and Eastern Star - Baxley Chapter 363. She was preceded in death by sisters, Lennie McDaniel and Lorene Skrobacki and brothers, Lotis J. Altman and Ledley Altman. [Full Story »] 

Doris Courson Carter, 88, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012 at Baptist Village in Waycross. A native of Appling County, Doris was born May 20, 1924, and was the last surviving child of the late Riley and Leola Smith Courson. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, the Rev. Elzie G. Carter, a sister, Cleo Carter and brothers, James Everett, Brady, Gene and Tracey Courson. Mrs. Carter was a member of Dunn Memorial Baptist Church and the Ladies Adult Sunday School Class. She was a devoted wife and co-worker with her late husband in the gospel ministry for 50+ years. Doris was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and family member. An accomplished seamstress, she especially enjoyed working in her yard and garden. She was an immaculate homemaker and will be remembered by family and friends for her gentle spirit and tidy appearance. [Full Story »]