Eddie R. Williams
Jesup—Eddie R. Williams, 72, died peacefully on April 16, 2024, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah after a brief illness.
A resident of Jesup for the past 55 years, he was born on Aug. 21, 1951, in Williston, Florida, to the late Rufus and Wilma Surrency Williams. He graduated from Wayne County High School in the class of 1970, and worked for the city of Jesup for more than 51 years, until his retirement in 2023, having served as public works director for many years.
He was an invaluable resource to anyone working in the city of Jesup, as he was a wealth of knowledge about the infrastructure of the city. He was a good friend and was humble and honest, his family said.
He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Jesup, where he enjoyed giving back to his community by practicing the ideals that came so naturally to him—serving others above oneself. In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Brenda Bennett Williams, and half-sister, Faye Grzywna,.
Survivors include his two daughters, Alisha (Mark) Hall of Ludowici and Alison (Cory) Watkins of Jesup; one son, Jerod (Amy Patacini) Williams of Jesup; a twin sister, Edwina Williams of Jesup; one half-sister, Eula Rickenbaugh of Jesup; two grandchildren, Peyton Williams and Keely Williams of Jesup; Eddie’s companion, Heddy Hires, of Jesup; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Funeral services were held April 20 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. David Bohannon officiating. Interment was private.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Rotary Club of Jesup, P.O. Box 1691, Jesup, GA 31598.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Wilma “Coot” Boatright
Jesup—Wilma “Coot” Boatright, 96, of Jesup died April 18, 2024.
The Bacon County native was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and an accomplished housekeeper and worked diligently in maintaining one of the most beautiful yards and gardens, including her favorite amaryllis.
She was a devoted wife of 74 years to her predeceased husband, Frank Smith Boatright; a son, Charles Danny Boatright; a great-great grandson, Jaxon Frank Taylor; a sister, Katie Hilton; three brothers, Leon, Ernest and Jack Boatright; and a son-in-law, J.D. “Preacher” Hayes.
Survivors include daughters, Patsy Hayes, Sue (L.H. “Buddy”) Blocker and Ellen (Bill) Taylor, all of Jesup; five granddaughters, Dana Simbra, Kristi Hayes, Jan Taylor, and Jennifer and Stephanie Boatright; four grandsons, Chris and Colby Blocker, Billy Taylor and Charlie Boatright; seven great-grandchildren, Courtney Crabb, Kaitlyn Hightower, Isabella Simbra, Hannah Taylor, Ella Grace Taylor, Patrick and Jessie Taylor; three great-great grandchildren, Davis Hightower, Blythe Crabb and Charlotte Rae Taylor; a daughter-in-law, Pat Boatright; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held April 21 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Dennie Waters officiating. Interment followed in Martha Memorial Cemetery in Bristol. Active pallbearers were members of her family.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Marsha J. Certain
Brunswick—It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Marsha J. Certain, 69, announces her passing on April 18, 2024.
She was born on Nov. 18, 1954, in Augusta to the late Mary Virginia and Hurley D. Jones. In 1964 she and her family relocated to Brunswick, where her father began his cardiology career—a move that would prove pivotal in inspiring her future aspirations and passionate career.
She graduated as the valedictorian of her class from Brunswick High School in 1973. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia. While attending the University of Georgia, she was an active member and president of Tri Delta Sorority.
Following her doctoral training at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, she completed her residency in internal medicine and cardiology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, as well as a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at Emory University.
In 1987 she relocated to her hometown of Brunswick to join her father as an interventional cardiologist and partner with Strickland, Certain & Jones. As a female physician, she was a pioneer in her field at a time when male physicians comprised roughly 90 percent of practicing physicians. She compassion-
ately cared for thousands of patients over the course of her more than 35 years in private practice with Strickland, Certain & Jones and Southeast Georgia Physicians Associates—Cardiology.
During her 37-year tenure at Southeast Georgia Health System, she held numerous positions on the Brunswick Campus Medical Staff. She served as a member of the Glynn-Brunswick Memorial Hospital Authority from 2001 to 2004, chief of medical staff from 1996 to 1998, and a member of the Health System’s Foundation Board from 1994 to 1998.
Living in coastal Georgia, she had an avid love for the outdoors with countless pursuits in hiking, paddling and exploration across the country and beyond. In this time, her ongoing interest in conservation compelled her to become actively involved in The Nature Conservancy. Her steadfast involvement and dedication led to her appointment to the Board of Trustees of The Nature Conservancy of Georgia in June of 2016, and she continued to hold that role until the time of her passing.
In addition to her passionate commitment in The Nature Conservancy, she was an active participant in the Lower Altamaha Historical Society, Georgia Wilderness Society, St. Simons Land Trust and Coastal Georgia Historical Society. She was a longstanding member of the Episcopal Church at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Darien.
Although she had many accomplishments, her proudest and most important were her children and family. She deeply enjoyed gathering with her family in the spaces she loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Hurley and Mary Virginia Jones.
Survivors include two proud and loving children, Matthew (Adriene) Certain of St. Simons Island and Helen Certain (Jeff) Rentz of St. Simons Island; siblings, Sherry (Richard) Barrett of Greenville, South Carolina, Elizabeth Sudduth of St. Simons Island and Mitchell (Sherri) Jones of St. Simons Island; and her five grandchildren, Libby Certain, Margaret Certain, Sarah Certain, Turner Rentz and Miles Rentz.
The family wishes to express its deepest appreciation for the tremendous outpouring of love and support from friends and colleagues. Shared memories from those that knew and loved her have served to strengthen the family during this time of loss.
Her life will be honored and celebrated at a private family memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in her name to The Nature Conservancy of Georgia, 1270 Caroline Street, Suite D-120, PMB #357, Atlanta, GA 30307.