• Howard & Jones
James Noah Lee
Jesup—James Noah Lee, 84, affectionately known as “Jim” or “Flea” by his coworkers at Rayonier died peacefully on Nov. 7, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
A resident of Jesup since 1974, he was born on Dec. 21, 1939, in Folkston to the late Noah Franklin Lee and Ovie Harris Lee. He spent his early years in Folkston and graduated from the Charlton County High School. After graduation, he worked several years for the King Edward Cigar Factory in Jacksonville, Florida, before joining the United States Air Force, where he served four years.
After returning home to the States, he began working at the factory again for a short time before taking a job in the maintenance department at Rayonier in Jesup, where he worked until retirement.
He loved woodworking, fishing and spending time with his family. He was a longtime member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Katie Drury Lee; two brothers, Vernon Franklin Lee and John Riley Lee; three sisters, Catherine Lee Lloyd, Lila Lee McKay and Nellie Armstead Shakingbush; a half-brother, Benjamin Hubert Lee; and a stepson, Richard Franklin Crews.
Survivors include his two daughters, Angela Marie Lee and companion Jason Day of Jesup and Lisa Marie Harris of Jesup; three stepchildren, Lamar (Pam) Crews, Amanda (Mike) Mason of Hahira and Mike (Brenda) Drury of Folkston; one sister, Rita Drury of Folkston; one brother, David Earl Lee of Folkston; special friends and caregivers, Shirley and Ted Thornton of Jesup; 16 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
Funeral services were held Nov. 9 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. Dennie Waters officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.
Interment was in Sardis Cemetery in Folkston with military honors rendered by the United States Air Force.
Active pallbearers were Austin Reeves, Lamar Crews, Jason Day, Mike McKay, Eric Crews and Bryson Smith. Honorary pallbearers staff members of Hospice of South Georgia.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA 31545.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Helen Jeanett Eason Evors
Screven—Helen Jeanett Eason Evors, 87, died on Nov. 8, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
She was born on Dec. 12, 1936, in K’ville, oldest child to the late John Baxter Eason and Mildred Louise Blocker Eason.
She spent her early years on the family farm, where she began to develop a strong work ethic and a servant’s heart at an early age, helping to care for her younger siblings. As a young girl, she was quiet and shy. She loved playing basketball and cheerleading.
While in high school, she met the love of her life, the man to whom she would marry and serve the Lord alongside for more than 69 years, Eugene T. Evors. The two were married in October of 1955. Several years later, the couple felt the call of the Lord into full-time ministry, and although she never dreamed of being a pastor’s wife, she never doubted God’s plan for their lives. She loved everyone and was dearly loved in return.
As a Sunday school teacher, she treasured the time she was able to invest in the lives of young children. She quietly smiled at the stories they shared and took time to pray with them, for their pets, parents and favorite cartoon characters.
The couple relocated numerous times throughout their ministry before moving back home to Wayne County in the early 1990s, and although they retired from ministry about 10 years later, the couple never stopped practicing the principles and teachings that Jesus Christ modeled for all mankind. She loved cooking and could bake the best biscuits ever, the family said.
She was a member of Screven Church of God, where she enjoyed participating in meals on wheels. She cherished the time she spent with her beloved family, and she truly loved spoiling her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert (Mona) Eason; a sister, Juanita Cox; and a brother-in-law, Charles Burch.
Survivors include her husband of 69 years, Bishop Eugene Talmadge Evors of Screven; one daughter, Dede Evors (Dewayne) Jordan of Rincon; two sons, Darrell (Amy) Evors and Don (Anja) Evors all of Blackshear; a brother, Darvin (Nancy) Eason of Lenox; a sister, Louise Burch of St. Marys; a brother-in-law, Sammy Cox; grandchildren, Tyler (Laura Jane) Evors, Jacob (Hannah) Evors, Luke Evors, D.J. (Brianne) Jordan, Erin Evors (Thomas) Jordan, Emma-Leigh Evors and Ethan (Sarah) Evors; great-grandchildren, Whittaker Evors, Oliver Evors, Lynleigh Evors, Andrew Jordan and Seth Jordan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Graveside funeral services with entombment in the mausoleum was held Nov. 11 in Screven City Cemetery with Bishops Matt Cason, Mike Cowart and Dwayne Evors officiating.
Active pallbearers were grandsons.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com
• Rinehart & Sons
Dorothy Kay “Dee” Aspinwall Baxter
Screven—Dorothy Kay “Dee” Aspinwall Baxter, 79, of Screven died Nov. 9, 2024, surrounded lovingly by her family and friends and under the care of Hospice of South Georgia in Jesup.
The Wayne County native grew up in Screven, attending school and working in her parents’ grocery store, Hub’s. She was a 1963 graduate of Screven High School, where she played basketball and made lifelong friends. It was on a basketball court that she met the love of her life, and immediately after high school graduation, married Carlton Baxter Jr.
She studied anthropology and archeology at the University of Georgia, history at Appalachian State University and nursing at Western Piedmont Community College in North Carolina. It was during these years a passion was birthed for Bible study and teaching Jewish roots of the Christian faith. She later became the co-founder of Baxter Bible Ministries while living in LaFayette, Georgia.
For more than 40 years she traveled extensively, speaking at conferences and conducting seminars all over the southern United States. Together, the Baxters taught marriage retreats and led multiple tours to Israel teaching at historical sites.
She wrote her autobiography book You Want Me to do What? about her deep Southern roots and the journey of fulfilling God’s call on her life and ministry.
After returning to Screven in 2021, she and Carlton attended The Church of Eleven22, Jesup campus.
She was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Margery Aspinwall, and son-in-law, Ronnie Harper.
Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Carlton Baxter Jr.; children, Stephanie Harper of Jesup, Cindy Baxter of Nashville, Tennessee, and Hampton (Ada) Baxter III of LaFayette; grandchildren, Peri (Bruce) Deverger, Becca Rusack, Hannah Rusack, Elie Baxter, C.H. Baxter IV; great-grandchild Deverger to come 2025; a sister, Pat (Gary) Shepherd; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Nov. 12 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel officiated by Stephen Lewis and music provided by Andrew Kurtz. Interment followed in the Odum City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Bruce Deverger, Gary Baxter, Cary Baxter, Cecil Stafford, Thomas Wright and Dalton Cowap. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Thursday night 1122 Screven Men’s Disciple Group.
A celebration of life service will be be held Dec. 21 at Forrest Pond Lodge in Ludowici. Time to be determined later.
In lieu of flowers, family request donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA 31545 or online www.hospicesoga.org
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Janice Lane Thornton
Jesup—Janice Lane Thornton, 90, of Jesup died Nov. 10, 2024.
The Wayne County native was a 1952 graduate of Jesup High School and a 74-year member of Jesup Church of God. She was the secretary for her beloved church for 43 faithful years and was known as a servant for her Lord and church.
In her leisure time, she enjoyed spending time with her husband fishing, shopping, and camping. She also enjoyed being “Granny” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Paul Baker.
Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Dorman Thornton of Jesup; a daughter, Vickie Baker of Jesup; a son, Deryl (Tammy) Thornton of Jesup; a sister, Madelyn (Willie) Williams of Jesup; a brother, Roger (Carolyn) Lane of Gainesville; two grandchildren, Meah (Barret) Browning and Josh (Taylor) Thornton, all of Jesup; and four great-grandchildren, Boone and Tate Browning, Brynleigh and Rhett Thornton.
Celebration-of-life services were held Nov. 13 from Jesup Church of God with Pastor Scott Hatten and nephew the Rev. Melvin Lane officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Charles Howard Dubie Jr.
Jesup—Charles “Chuck” Howard Dubie Jr., 61, of Jesup died Nov. 11, 2024.
The Michigan native had lived in Wayne County the past several years and was an employee with Great Southern Wood Preserve Company. He was of the Baptist faith and loved to fish and watch football.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Vonnie Forbush; and his brother, Jeffery Dubie.
Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Lori Brown Dubie of Jesup; a son, Joseph Charles (Jacqulyne) Collins of Odum; five grandchildren, Wesley, Harmony, Raylan, Emmett and Magnolia; his father, Chuck (Kathy) Dubie Sr. of Michigan; two brothers, Chris Dubie of Savannah and Eric Dubie of Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Nov. 13 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gabe Gill officiating. Interment was private.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Out of town
Marcus Everett Waters
Warner Robins—Marcus Everett Waters, 76, died Nov. 5, 2024.
He was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach and friend. He was born on Nov. 29, 1947, in Jesup to the late Everett and Julia Ann Waters. A proud graduate of Jesup High School, he was a standout football player, setting the stage for an impressive athletic career. He continued his football journey at East Tennessee State University, where he played for the undefeated 1969 National Championship team—a remarkable achievement that earned him induction into the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame.
He carried his love for the game into his professional life as an educator and football coach, impacting countless young lives during his 30-year tenure in Houston County. His career spanned multiple roles, including athletic director at Tabor Junior High and Warner Robins Junior High, offensive coordinator at Houston County High School, and golf coach. His dedication to teaching and mentoring shaped not only athletes but also the character of his students, leaving a lasting legacy in the community.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed many pursuits, from fishing and hunting to spending peaceful moments at his cabin. As an instrument-rated private pilot and member of EAA Chapter 38, he had a deep appreciation for adventure and exploration. He found great joy in supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events, always cheering them on with the same enthusiasm and love that defined his own athletic career.
His contributions extended beyond his family and career. He served as president of the Tifton Fishing Club and was an active member of Southern Landings Golf Club, where he enjoyed many rounds of golf with friends.
A man of integrity and generosity, he was known for his warmth, his sense of humor, and his unwavering loyalty to those he cared about. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all who were fortunate enough to know him, his family said.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Allen Waters; and grandson, Chandler Ray Waters.
Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Linda Waters; children, Jon (Cristy) Waters, Steve (Tracy) Waters, Andy Waters and Amelia (Kent) Burnham; grandchildren, Chase Waters, Ty Waters and Zadie Waters; brothers, Dwayne (Lisa) Waters and Edison (Pat) Waters; and numerous nieces, nephews and many other loving family members and friends.
Funeral service were held Nov. 9 in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Marcus Waters to Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 300 S Davis Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088.
Family and friends may sign the online registry at www.mcculloughfh.com.
McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.
Candice Elise Taylor Eastman—Candice Elise Taylor, 41, of Eastman died Nov. 10, 2024, at Springhill Medical Center in Mobile, Alabama.
She was born in Dublin on June 25, 1983. In her early years, she lived in Eastman, where she was a member of Ocmulgee Baptist Church, until her family moved to Jesup in 1988. As a child and through her school years, she found a love for dancing and competition dancing. She participated in many baton twirling and competitive dancing competitions. During her middle school years, she played softball, and she later graduated from Wayne County High School in 2001 and excelled as a majorette with the Wayne County Marching Band Yellow Jackets.
She attended Coastal Georgia Community College, where she studied business. After college, she worked at Zachary as a payroll manager. She later worked for Wanzek Construction Inc. as a payroll specialist and in human resources before working for Kiewit Corporation as a human resources specialist. She was later promoted to senior human resources field operations specialist.
She was a very sociable person and “never met a stranger”. She was beloved by her family, friends and coworkers. She enjoyed playing with her nephews, spending time with her family, and coming home to Eastman to see her Mama and Daddy. She loved her work, going shopping, and taking trips to the beach.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, James A. Register and Dorothy Jean Register; paternal grandparents, George Edward Taylor and Lillian Rogers Taylor; aunts, Linda Register and Donna Hornaday; and cousins, Laura Taylor, James Register and Brucie Register. She was also preceded in death by her beloved canine companion, Gypsy.
Survivors include her parents, Lori Beth Register Taylor and Clarence Taylor, both of Eastman; sisters, Calla (Zack) Saenz of Tivoli, Texas, and Caitlin (David) Hubble of The Dalles, Oregon; nephews, Ethan Saenz and Ezekiel Hubble; aunts and uncles, Lee (Gerry) Taylor of Chauncey, Mitzi (Jay) Studstill of Dublin, Denise Register of Dublin, Fay (Tim) Reich of Hawkinsville, Rod (D’Ann) Register of Eastman, Diane Register of Kokomo, Indiana and Roger Hornaday of LaFontaine, Indiana; several great-aunts and great-uncles; and numerous cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. at Southerland Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Poole officiating. Interment will be in Ocmulgee Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, before services. In addition to flowers, contributions can be made to Faithful Hearts Animal Shelter, 77 Industrial Boulevard, Eastman, GA 31023.
Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home of Eastman is in charge of arrangements.