Thomas Andrew Barnier
Jesup—Thomas Andrew Barnier, 85, died peacefully at home on the evening of April 13, 2023.
He was born on May 31, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Andrew Barnier and Yvonne Ouellette Barnier. He lived in South Georgia for the past 10 years.
At age 17, he joined the Air Force, sparking a lifelong love of flying and airplanes. He also passionately loved sailing and playing the tenor saxophone. He played by ear and over the years performed with numerous bands and an orchestra.
He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1963 and embarked on his proudest achievement–sharing the truths he had learned from the Bible with anyone who would listen.
He married Janie Winkelman on April 11, 1981, and together they sailed the Bahamas from 1986 to 1993, traveling to nine different islands and teaching the Bible to the locals. The couple just celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary.
Survivors include his loving wife, Janie Winkelman Barnier; daughter, Holly (Santos) Barnier-Gutierrez; adopted daughter, Krystal (Sammy) Jacobson; granddaughters, Darrien Mexicano, Jessie Trevino, Sabrina and Savannah Gutierrez, and Lacey Jacobson; and great-granddaughters, Iyanah and Araceli Mexicano.
A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Saturday, April 22, at 2 p.m.
Howard-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mitchell Ivy Snow
Jesup—Mitchell Ivy Snow, 78, died peacefully on April 18, 2023, at Harborview Health Systems, Jesup, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, he was born on Jan. 21, 1945 to the late Ivy Otto and Wilma Morris Snow. He loved the outdoors and being in nature whether he was fishing, riding in the woods or just taking a leisurely walk.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for many years and also believed strongly in passing the things he had learned to younger generations. He acted as a mentor to many young men over the years, pouring the knowledge he had gained into their lives. He also loved raising animals including chickens, goats and guineas, and most of all, he enjoyed playing bingo any time he had the chance.
Later in life, when he moved to Harborview Health Systems in Pierce County, he was a very active resident. He was past president of the Resident’s Council and past Valentine’s King and had also served as the resident activities director.
In addition to his parents, his brother, Roy Snow, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his sister-in-love, Cathy Snow (Rich) Miller of Jesup; her daughters, Nicole (Andrew) Jones and Megan (Michael) Price, and their children, Jonathan, Mallory and Emma Jones, Landon Dotson and Eva Olmedo; cousins, including his favorite, Mary Jane Smith, Wayne Townsend, Marolyn Cowart, Carolyn Carter, Tanya Poppell, Walter Jones, Al Jones, Don Kicklighter, Donna Bullman, David Jones and Tommy Smith; a longtime caring friend, Joe Anthony; and a host of extended-family members.
Visitation will be held today (Thursday) from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup. Graveside funeral services will follow immediately at 11 a.m. in George Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Don Kicklighter, David Jones, Walter Jones, Al Jones, Wayne Townsend and Rich Miller.
The family would like to thank the staff of Harborview, Pierce and Jesup for the skilled and loving care they provided to him over the years. “Each of you have gone above and beyond the ‘call of duty’ and helped to make his life so special and fun,” the family said.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd. Jesup, and GA 31545.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Ruth Atkinson
Odum—Ruth Atkinson, 94, of Odum died peacefully on April 15, 2023.
She was born Miriam Ruth Campbell on May 3, 1928, in Tattnall County and later moved to Odum, where she grew up. Through the years, while raising five children, she held many jobs as a civil servant. Her career, which extended well into her 70s, included positions with local and county government, as well as the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Division.
Many Wayne County families remember “Ms. Ruth” from her receptionist position at the Wayne County Parks and Recreation Department, a community service position she held through the Green Thumb Senior Organization.
She worked hard, loved strong, and felt deeply for her community and the world around her, her family said. She was known for speaking out and speaking up. Her well-pinned letters frequently appeared in The Press-Sentinel and other local publications. She was also very outspoken about her faith. She loved to talk about the Bible, its truth, and the faithfulness of her Lord. She was a lifelong member of Odum Baptist Church.
Known as Ruth, Ms. Ruth, Mama, Grandma, G’ma or Aunt Ruth, she loved her family well and gladly embellished their daily lives to all who would listen.
A widow since 1983 and the youngest girl of seven children, she was preceded in death many times. She is currently rejoicing with her husband, Dane Atkinson; her parents, Estill and Ila Campbell; her son, Derryll Morris; and her siblings, her family said.
Survivors include four children, Shad, Dana, Sonia and Tammy; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held April 17 at Odum Baptist Church with Pastor Kipp Manning officiating. Interment followed in Odum City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her grandsons. The family would also like to recognize the devoted staff of Lakeview Retirement Center in Baxley, as well as those from South Georgia Hospice in Jesup as honorary pallbearers, as these wonderful caretakers have carried her and her family with diligence, care and love through this difficult and tender transition, her family said.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Charlotte Hires Collins
Jesup—Charlotte Hires Collins, 81, of Jesup died April 15, 2023.
The Wayne County native was a member of Jesup First United Methodist Church and Joy Sunday School class and was a 1959 graduate of Screven High School.
She was a retired employee with Service Gas Company and was a homemaker. She pursued her love of tennis and helping friends to learn the game. After retiring, she was a 25-year volunteer with Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Olen and Lossie Hires Sr.; a brother and sister-in-law, Olen (Marian) Hires Jr.; a brother, Tommy Hires; and a sister, Polly Withrow.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Larry P. Collins Sr. of Jesup; sons, Larry P. Collins Jr. of Jesup and Rusty Collins of Screven; grandchildren, Cody, Larry P. III and Hanna Collins, all of Jesup.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 22, at 11 a.m. at Jesup First United Methodist Church with Pastor Rebecca Duke-Barton officiating.
Family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. prior to services at the church.
Memorials may be made to Jesup First United Methodist Church, 205 E. Cherry Street, Jesup, GA 31546.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Jean Driggers
Jesup—Jean Driggers, 86, of Jesup died April 18, 2023.
The Tennessee native had lived in Jesup most of her adult life and was a member of Northside Bible Baptist Church. She was the co-owner and operator of Maryland Fried Chicken and later in her life she enjoyed staying at home, quilting and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph “D.J.” Driggers; her sister, Mildred Lowe; and five brothers, Lee, Sonny, Ken, Ted and Junior Austin.
Survivors include two daughters, Valerie (Terry) O’Neal of Brunswick and Christie (Jason) Harris of Jesup; a granddaughter, Dena Dent, and her fiancé, Drew Garbutt; a great-grandchild, Riley Karson Holland; brothers, E. Ray (Gail) Austin and Billy (Arlene) Austin, all of Huntsville, Tennessee; a half-brother, Larry (Janet) Austin of Norma, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Anthony Hipps officiating.
Visitation will be 30 minutes prior to services at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northside Bible Baptist Church, 155 Sycamore Street, Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.