Elouise Wingate Gordon
Jesup—Elouise Wingate Gordon, 89, died Aug. 5, 2023, under the care of her family and Hospice of South Georgia.
She was born and raised in Ludowici and lived in Wayne County most of her life. She was a graduate of Brewton-Parker College and taught third grade in Wayne County for 35 years. Spending time with her family was her favorite way of spending her days, along with shopping, traveling and time at the coast. However, cooking for her family brought her the greatest joy.
She was a Baptist and attended First Baptist Church of Ludowici.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Gordon; parents, Tom and Lila Wingate; and siblings, Tommy (June) Wingate, Mary Lena (A.D.) Wasdin, Billy (Joy) Wingate and Bobby Wingate.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Katie Gordon of Jesup; grandchildren, Toni Lynn (Trent) Herring, Amber Gordon (Tereso Rojas) and Ashley (Lauren) Cheney; great-grandchildren, Isabela, Gabriela, Zoey, Katalyna, Liliana, Leonardo, Tucker, Tanna Rae, Tatum, Tessa and Avery; a sister-in-law, Wilene Wingate of Jesup; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Aug. 9 at Ludowici First Baptist Church with the Rev. Brad Boynton officiating.
Burial followed in Baggs Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Zane Wasdin, Mike Wingate, Bill Wingate, Kerry Wingate Sr., Tommy Wingate III and Danny Wingate Sr.
Remembrances are suggested to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com.
Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici was in charge of arrangements.
Gregory Lewis Smith
Jesup—Gregory Lewis Smith, 54, died Aug. 2, 2023.
He was born in Wayne County on Dec. 1, 1969.
While his family grieves his loss, they celebrate his legacy. He never failed to envelop his family with unconditional love with every step they took, the family said. He fiercely loved his wife, his boys and his granddaughters. He maintained strong bonds with his extended family, many of whom sought counsel from him.
His contribution to the world of recovery cannot be overstated, his family said.
With his being a 28-year recovering alcoholic, his firsthand experiences allowed him to counsel and encourage others to enjoy the freedom that a sober life allows. He faithfully attended AA meetings not only for his own continued sobriety but to encourage those who were just beginning their walk.
“Mere words cannot express all that his life encompassed—dry wit, wise advice, direct chastisement when needed, all while being human himself and recognizing his own flaws,” his family said.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Stanton Smith and Jackie Miller Smith Harrison; his brother, Stan Smith; and his stepfather, David “Bud” Harrison.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Angel Archer Smith, and five sons, Austin (Margaret) Akin and their daughter, Riley; Kyle Smith; Eric (Kimberly) Akin and their daughter, Emersyn; John Lewis (Anna) Smith; and Trent Smith. He is also survived by his special nephew who was like a son, Stanton Smith. In addition, he is survived by sisters, Lynn Smith, Dana Graham and Lanette (Jasper) Beaver, as well as nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and a host of cousins, including Mark Walker and Aneka McReady.
A celebration-of-life service will be held on Aug. 12 at 3 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Homes and Cemeteries in Gainesville.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Doris Hutcheson
Jesup—Doris Hutcheson, 74, of Jesup died Aug. 5, 2023.
The Wayne County native was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She was a homemaker who loved to cook and take care of her husband and children. Her father was a minister of the Gospel and would include her and her sisters in his ministry.
Her son, James Allen Hutcheson, preceded her in death, along with her parents, the Rev. George and Lizzie McCall.
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, James Winston Hutcheson of Jesup; a daughter, Tina Hutcheson of Jesup; two sisters, Hazel Highsmith of Jesup and Ileene (Jerald) Eunice of Bristol; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Aug. 7 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Fred Anderson officiating. Interment followed in Jesup City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were family and friends.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.