Herman Sumner
Mr. Herman Sumner, 87, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Hazlehurst Court and Rehab. Mr. Sumner was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County, a retired truck driver, and a United States Navy Veteran. He was a member of Dunn Memorial Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for more than…
Read MoreJacquelyn Ballenger McKinnon
Mrs. Jacquelyn Ballenger McKinnon, 70, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at her residence under the care of Spanish Oaks Hospice. She was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County, a former farmer, caregiver, and worked with children in the community. Mrs. McKinnon is preceded in death by her parents, Jack Wilkes…
Read MoreTurbulent Times, Steadfast Values: The Summeralls Through Periods of Change
As we near the grand 70th celebration of the Summerall Family Gathering, this column reflects on a particularly profound aspect of their incredible journey: the family’s steadfast values in navigating and enduring through some of the most turbulent periods in American history. From the immediate aftermath of the Civil War and the oppressive Jim Crow…
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Harper Valley PTA
Most of us have heard the song Harper Valley PTA. The PTA sent a note home telling Ms Johnson that she is not raising her daughter right and wearing her skirts too short. The PTA was having a meeting that afternoon so Ms Johnson walked into the meeting with her miniskirt on and started pointing…
Read MoreAlene Bowling Crosby
Mrs. Alene Bowling Crosby, 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Atlanta on July 13, 2025. She was born on October 29, 1935, in Chambers County, Alabama. Alene was the eldest of eight siblings, a role she carried with strength, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility. Throughout her life, she offered guidance, support,…
Read MoreFrances Louise Thompkins Miller
Mrs. Frances Louise Thompkins Miller, 92, arrived to her eternal home on Sunday, July 13, 2025, surrounded by her family under the care of Comfort Care Hospice, leaving a void her family cannot fill. Mrs. Louise was a devoted lifetime and charter member of Big Oaks Church of God, serving faithfully and well filling various…
Read MoreRomario Garcia
Romario Garcia, 30, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Romario was born December 4, 1994, in Ciudad Guzman, Mexico, and was a resident of Appling County for the past twenty-two years. Romario was a 2017 graduate of Appling County High School and a member of the…
Read MoreMatriarchal Strength: The Indomitable Spirit of Summerall Women
As the countdown to the 70th Summerall Family Gathering continues, our series illuminates another profound aspect of their enduring legacy: the extraordinary matriarchal strength that has woven through generations of Summerall women. From Mariah herself to her daughters, granddaughters, and beyond, these women have been the resilient anchors, the nurturing forces, and the quiet pioneers…
Read MoreThe four-legged family member
I’ve eaten a lot of words in my lifetime. One of the biggest tales I’ve told over the years is, “There will never be a dog or cat in my house.” A few years back, we got a Boykin Spaniel for Jacob. Boykins are known for their hunting ability, especially bird hunting. Jacob has become…
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