Daniel Edward Bisdorf
Folkston—Sgt. First Class Daniel Edward Bisdorf, 76, died peacefully on Nov. 15, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.
A resident of Folkston for the past 10 years, he was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Aug. 22, 1947, to the late Leo George and Virginia Powell Bisdorf. He spent his formative years in Pensacola, Florida, and later joined the United States Army, where he proudly served his country for more than 20 years in numerous different appointments, including service in the Vietnam Conflict. He received many awards and medals for his distinguished service, including the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
After retirement, he lived in Hinesville and Jesup before relocating to Folkston in 2013. In his spare time, he loved hunting, fishing and traveling, and he especially loved riding motorcycles with his friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Bisdorf; infant brother, Robert Davis; brothers, Barry Bisdorf and David Davis; and grandson, Ezekiel Hurley.
Survivors include his wife of 12 years, Annie Bisdorf of Folkston; three stepchildren, Jessica Hurley of Jesup, David Corbitt of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Melissa Hickman of Blackshear; grandchildren, April, Wesley, J.J., Wayne, Marie, Willow, Beau and Freyja; one step-grandchild, Nevah; sisters, Lisa DeLuca and Carla Black; a brother, William Bisdorf; his best friends, Rodger DeWitt, Rosie and J.C. Payne; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Graveside services were held at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Joe Robert Howard
Joe Robert Howard, 57, died peacefully on Nov. 25, 2023, at Hospice of South Georgia after an extended illness.
A resident of Camden County for most of his life, he was born on Nov. 7, 1966, in Jesup. He worked construction most of his life and enjoyed fishing and spending time with his friends and family when he wasn’t working.
He was preceded in death by his father, Elbert Lee Howard, and his sister, Myrtice Brown.
Survivors include his mother, Mae Howard Starling of Jesup; siblings, Elbert Davis of Camden County, Sarah Mathis of Nahunta, Tommy (Teresa) Howard of Augusta and Deanna Miller of Jesup; a daughter, Kristy Howard Roland of Camden County; one aunt, Linda Gail (Shorty) Dixon of Jesup; one uncle, Roy Wilson of Jesup; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Memorial services will be private.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Lorene O. Kelly
Jesup—Lorene O. Kelly, 82, of Jesup died Nov. 21, 2023.
The Pierce County native was a dedicated Christian who loved to read her Bible. She worked at the hat factory in her younger life but then had to quit for health reasons. Some favorite hobbies included sewing, working crossword puzzles and playing cards.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Carroll Kelly, Thomas L. Robinson and Don McClellan; two sons, James Robinson and Donald McClellan; and a brother, Velder O’Berry.
Survivors include three daughters, Loretta Wasdin, Kathy Robinson and Christine Louise Robinson; three sons, Joey (fiancée, Wendy McGaha) Robinson, Michael Caraway and Timmy McClellan; several grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Brown of Jesup; a brother, C.W. (Susan Holmes) O’Berry of Darien; and three special friends, Claudia Norris, Jerri and Lois.
Graveside funeral services were held Nov. 24 in Ritch Cemetery.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Collis Robert Todd
Jesup—Collis Robert Todd, 67, of Jesup and formerly of Screven, died Nov. 20, 2023.
The Wayne County native was a charter member of Fellowship Baptist Church and founder of Willene Todd Memorial Rodeo. He received two degrees from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC). He wore many cowboy hats, including trading cattle, horses and land. He had a smile as big as his generous heart and could tell a story as no one else could, his family said. He was a decorated all-around champion in the rodeo arena and gave thanks to God and praise to Jesus for everything good in his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Collie and Willene Todd; and a grandson, Trey Theus.
Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Mary Todd of Jesup; three sons, Alfred Robert “Art” (Dana) Todd of Screven, Charlie Ren (Caitlin) Theus of Jesup and Michael Evans of Jesup; grandchildren, Daegan, Charlee and Rae Theus, Andi Kozma, Levi and Peyton Mixon; two sisters, Ann Crews of Rome and Emma Lou (Harry) Thompson of Screven; and several other relatives.
Funeral services were held Nov. 24 at Fellowship Baptist Church with the Rev. Mickey Tomberlin officiating. Interment followed in Screven City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Donnie and Ronnie Mullis, Carmine and Bucky Nastri, Tom Becker, Jack Lee, Ronnie and Wayne Hayes, Joe B. Harris and Jacob Nolan. Honorary pallbearers were any cowboys who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Willene Todd Memorial Scholarship Fund, 361 Hortense Road, Screven, GA 31560.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
John Wayne Floyd
Uvalda—John Wayne “Floodlight” Floyd, 72, died Nov. 10, 2023, after a brief illness, under the care of Community Hospice of Vidalia.
Born in Dublin, he lived most of his life in Wayne County, graduating from Wayne County High School in 1970. He was a pipefitter by trade and started his career at Rayonier.
His passion for traveling led to many adventures and careers throughout his life. He proudly served his country in the National Guard for many years. He was an avid golfer, tennis player and card player. His love for tennis led him to being a tennis instructor for many years.
While he enjoyed watching all sports, he reserved his Saturdays for cheering on his University of Georgia Bulldogs. His charisma and love of joke-telling could light up any room he was in. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin Floyd Sr. and Wilhelmena Greenway Floyd, and his brother, James Franklin Floyd Jr.
Survivors included his beloved wife, Tracy Brooks Floyd of Uvalda; a daughter, Jennifer (Scott) Hardenbrook of Jesup; two sons, Jimmy Floyd of Jesup, and Joseph (Michelle) Floyd of Gainesville, Florida; two stepdaughters, Kelly Carraway of Mt. Vernon and Lacy (Resse) Jackson of Galveston, Texas; five grandchildren, Ciara Eads, Chase and Joseph Floyd Jr., Madilyn (Christian) Lambert, and MacKenzeigh Hardenbrook; four step-grandchildren, Gracelyn Carraway and Kyle, Hannah and Brooke Jackson; a sister-in-law, Deanna Dowdy Floyd; several nieces and nephews; and a special, chosen family, Virginia, Lillie and Alexia Slone.
The family gives a special thanks to Community Hospice in Vidalia for their compassion and love for throughout these past few months.
A celebration-of-life service will be held on Saturday, (Dec. 2) at 11 a.m. at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home with Pastor Jonathan Shepard officiating.
Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for charitable contributions to be given to Community Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Barbara Jean Magee
Jesup—Barbara Jean Magee, 89, died Nov. 23, 2023.
The Wayne County native was a Baptist and was co-owner and secretary of Karate Plumbing. She enjoyed crocheting blankets for many people, going to movies, and visiting St. Simons Island.
She was preceded in death by a son, Leonard Calvin Ussery; and a daughter, Cheryl Jean Smith.
Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Elmer “Karate” Lawrence Magee III of Jesup; sons, Charles Felton Ussery of Waycross and James Chester (Grace) Ussery of Jesup; daughters, Charlotte Ann (Tom) Jones of Jesup and Cherrie Lee (Eric) Thompson of Bruns-wick; a daughter-in- law, Rene’ Ussery of Jesup; son-in-law, Joe Smith of Valdosta; 16 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Nov. 26 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Randy Pruitt officiating. Interment was in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Marianne Moik Madray
Odum—Marianne Moik Madray, 88, of Odum died Nov. 20, 2023, under Hospice of South Georgia.
The German born native had lived in Wayne County most of her adult life and was known as a loving wife, mother and “Mema” to her family.
Her husband of 59 years, Robert “Dean” Madray, preceded her in death, along with her German family.
Survivors include her three daughters, Yvonne (Craig) Rigdon of Statesboro, Annette Metts and Dee Ann Stephens, both of Jesup; five grandchildren, Olivia (Jeremy) Disten of Baltimore, Maryland, Aleta (Justin) Hodges of Sugar Hill, Dedra Stephens, Denise Stephens and Dillon Metts, all of Odum; six great-grandchildren, Dayla Godbee, Alex Disten, David Disten, Elliott Hodges, Adalyn Hodges and Lainey Stephens; and several other extended relatives.
Funeral services were held Nov. 22 at Rinehart Chapel with the Rev. Vann Dempsey officiating. Active pallbearers were her family and friends. Interment was in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Zeda Tyre
Odum—Zeda Tyre, 94, of Odum died Nov. 26, 2023, under Hospice of South Georgia care.
The Wayne County native was the eldest member of Red Hill Baptist Church. She was known for her 43 years as a bookkeeper with Walker Chevrolet Company. Her enjoyment was spending time in the Shellman Bluff area with family and friends.
She was a charter member with the Ruby Riggins Camelia Garden Club and was thankful for her many years spent on the “Tyre Farm,” where she grew up.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Penny Sapp Tyre; a sister, Udeen Bearden; and a brother, James Tyre.
Survivors include a sister, Ernestine Reddish, of Hardeeville, South Carolina, and a host of nieces and neighbors and friends, including Phyllis (Terry) Williams, Eddy (Sandra) Surrency and Danny (Libby) Surrency.
Funeral services were held Nov. 29 at Red Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Allen Morgan officiating. Interment followed in Red Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers were family and friends. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Ruby Riggins Camelia Garden Club.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mary Ann Thomasson Jordan
Jesup—Mary Ann Thomasson Jordan, 90, of Jesup died Nov. 25, 2023.
The York County, South Carolina, native graduated from York High School magna cum laude in 1951. She was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Ladies’ Sunday School Class, the choir and the Episcopal Churchwomen. She was the church secretary for five years. She served as clerk to the vestry of St. Paul’s for six years and was elected for an additional three years.
After graduation from high school, she entered nursing school at the Medical University of South Carolina and graduated valedictorian of her nursing class. While working at the VA Hospital in North Carolina, she took a course in art, which initiated her interest in painting, and that turned out to be a lifelong passion. A number of her paintings are hung in homes of people in Jesup and as far away as California and New York. The rest of her career was at Wayne Memorial Hospital for nearly 40 years, mainly in the surgical recovery room and her most loved intensive care unit.
She continued her art work and was involved in playing tennis and bridge and was an active member of the Altamaha Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Jordan; brothers, Joseph, Ray, Daniel, Donald, Nelson and David Thomasson; and sisters, Margaret Thomasson and Jean Thomasson Ginter.
Survivors are her daughter, Angela Jordan O’Connor, and her longtime companion, Thomas Wright, of Crestview, Florida; a sister, Rachel Thomasson Yamada of Calfornia; a niece, Lydia (Dade) Brantley of Brunswick; a nephew, Ben (Carolyn) Jordan of Martinez; and numerous other nieces and nephews and extended family throughout the country.
A celebration-of-life service will be held Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with Father Nathan Wilson and the Rev. Steve Larson officiating. Interment will follow in the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 745 S. Palm St., Jesup, GA 31546.
The family will receive friends after services in the church social hall.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.