Claude Norman Poucher
Jesup—Claude Norman Poucher, 86, died Aug. 6, 2021, at home under the care of GHC Hospice.
A resident of Jesup for the past 24 years, he was born on April 29, 1935, in Greenport, New York, to the late Claude and Bertha Schneider Poucher.
He graduated in the class of 1952 from Hudson High School in Hudson, New York, before enlisting in the United States Army, where he served his country in South Africa during the time of the Korean Conflict.
He was blessed with a wonderful personality and was a fantastic salesman, his family said. He sold propane for many years, eventually taking management positions with several companies in several districts in New York.
He was always active in his community and loved volunteering his time to help others. He was a long time member of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge in Livingston, New York, and after relocating to Jesup, he volunteered countless hours at the Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He always held a special place in his heart for dogs.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Carrie and Jean.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Priscilla Newman Poucher; two daughters, Claudia Poucher Kleine and Robbin Poucher Walker; two granddaughters, Kansas and Kylie Kleine; a stepson, Bruce Valentine; a stepdaughter, Olivia Valentine; three step-granddaughters; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Private interment services will be held in Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to K9s for warriors, 114 Camp K9 Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081 or online at K9sforwarriors.org.
Howard-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Donald “Don” A. Lavelle Jr.
Jesup—Donald “Don” A. Lavelle Jr., 54, of Jesup died suddenly on Aug. 9, 2021.
The Pennsylvania native had lived in Wayne County most of his adult life and was a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Gulf War. He was an electrical superintendent with 5 Points Electrical in Norcross.
Collecting baseball memorabilia, especially baseball cards and autographs, was a fun hobby, along with watching the University of Notre Dame football and attending ’80s rock concerts. He was a jokester and would do anything for a laugh, even dressing up in full costume at Halloween.
His father, Donald A. Lavelle Sr., preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Cassandra Mansfield Lavelle of Jesup; a daughter, Sarah Lavelle of Jesup; a son, Jonathan Lavelle of Savannah; his mother, Marilyn (Jerry) Hayes of Jesup; a sister, Kimberly Lavelle (fiancé Bill Beach) of Glennville; a brother, Todd (Marila) Lavelle of Wellington, Florida; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A celebration-of-life service will be held Aug. 14 (Saturday) at 11 a.m. at Rinehart Chapel with his uncle, Brother Jerry Lavelle, officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Jerry Kevin Edwards
Jesup—Jerry Kevin Edwards, 50, died Aug. 9, 2021, at Wayne Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
Born in Jesup, he lived in Long County for half of his life and moved to Wayne County for the other half. He worked as a carpenter for many years and mainly built doors. He was a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing and writing music.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jerry and Elaine Edwards.
Survivors include his daughters and son-in-law, Brittany Edwards (Henry Richardson) of Jesup, Tiffany and Andrew Groover of Ludowici and Steffany Edwards of Jesup; sons, Jared Edwards of Jesup, and Kason Pack of Claxton; sisters and brother-in-law, Tina Blue, and Mary and Chad Carter of Ludowici; brothers, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, David and Anissa Edwards, Timmy Edwards of Ludowici, Michael and David Crosby of Quitman, Joey and Becky Edwards of Ludowici and Christian Fowler of Charleston, South Carolina; grandchildren, Brooklynn, Olivia, and Skylar; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. at Baggs Cemetery with Brother Freddie Coley officiating.
Pallbearers will be Zachary Edwards, Dylan Edwards, Kapel Carter, Kaleb Carter, Lane Edwards, Daniel Edwards, Tyler Edwards and Josh Blue.
The family strongly suggests that everyone wear face masks during the visitation and graveside service.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com.
Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici is in charge of arrangements.
Leon Wright
Atlanta—Leon Wright died Aug. 10, 2021, in Atlanta. He was a former teacher and boys basketball coach at Wayne County Training School.
Arrangements were not finalized by press time, according to a friend who reported his death.